Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast California Insider

Retail theft laws in California have changed—but is it enough to make a difference? With felony charges now on the table for repeat offenders, some business owners say they’re already seeing fewer incidents. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, one of the authors of the sentence-increasing statute Prop 36, joins us to explain how the law is being applied, what’s happening behind the numbers, and how the system handles cases involving mental illness or addiction.

Marine veteran Kate Monroe’s journey began with injury and disappointment during her military service, and deepened as she faced the complexity of the Veterans Affairs system after leaving the Marine Corps. Out of that experience, she built VetComm, a company that today generates tens of millions in revenue by helping veterans access benefits that often go unclaimed. In this episode, she reflects on the mindset that turned hardship into purpose, how broken exit systems affect veterans long after discharge, and the discipline behind building lasting success.

For veterans seeking support, more information is available at www.vetcomm.us or by texting “claim review” to 858-360-2227.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Thousands of families, farms, and businesses across three Northern California counties—Sonoma, Mendocino, and Marin—could lose a vital water supply as two key dams face removal. Chris Coulombe joins us to explain how this could raise living costs, strain firefighting efforts, and pressure local economies—and why some say better solutions to avoid long-term damage are being overlooked.

For more background on this issue, we recommend Keely Covello’s reporting: https://www.americaunwon.com/p/breaking-california-to-spend-500

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Could California’s old oil fields become part of the state’s clean energy future? In this episode, we meet Mike Umbro, a California native testing a new approach to long-duration energy storage. With support from federal labs and the Department of Energy, his team is working to store solar heat deep underground—potentially generating zero-emission electricity for up to 42 days. While the science behind it is established, the project still faces long permitting delays. We take a closer look at how this unconventional idea might help California meet its energy goals—and what stands in the way.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

In California’s nonprofit world, consistency is hard to find, but one of the state’s oldest foundations still focuses on long-term support and trust. In this episode, Bill Ahmanson, president of The Ahmanson Foundation, explains how that works—and why it matters.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

A shift in California law is changing how courts handle criminal cases tied to behavioral conditions. Judges must now presume a connection between a diagnosis and the offense, narrowing their discretion to deny diversion. Deputy District Attorney Matt Greco discusses the impact on victims, public safety, and the courts—and a proposed bill that could restore judicial authority.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Building a home in California can take months—or even years—before anyone moves in. Max Gerbut, founder of Haus.me, believes that timeline is outdated. In this episode, he explains how his off-grid, factory-built homes are designed to be installed in under an hour, require no hookups, and meet code across jurisdictions—offering a new path forward for housing in the state.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

A behind-the-scenes agreement between federal officials, environmental groups, and The Nature Conservancy changed the course of ranching in Point Reyes.

Now, many longtime families are leaving.

West Marin attorney Andrew Giacomini joins us to explain how it unfolded, how it affected the public, and what’s at stake for agriculture, housing, and community in Marin County.

–

Enjoyed this podcast? Follow California Insider where we dissect policy & culture of the Golden State.

Tony Hall spent decades working inside San Francisco’s government—across seven departments and three branches. In this conversation, he shares how civic culture once centered on service, and what happens when ambition, politics, and patronage take over. You’ll hear what kept him going, where he drew the line, and why some of the biggest changes started with small shifts few noticed at the time.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California has long been a symbol of possibility—but for many residents, that promise feels increasingly out of reach. Author and policy expert Steve Hilton joins us to examine the data and decisions behind the state’s growing dysfunction.

We take a closer look at why California leads in innovation yet falls behind in affordability, housing, and public safety. Backed by research and real-world experience, Hilton breaks down how policies, political structures, and ideological shifts have shaped today’s challenges—and what a better path forward could look like.

This episode is for Californians who’ve built their lives here, seen the changes firsthand, and want more than headlines or talking points.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

If you’re a homeowner in California, you’ve probably noticed it’s getting harder—and more expensive—to keep your property insured. Even in low-risk areas, people are being dropped or pushed into the FAIR Plan, which was never meant to be a first option.

In this episode, insurance expert Stacy Korsgaden who’s spent decades in the industry, walks us through how we got here. From Proposition 103 to wildfire risk and delays in government action, she explains how a system meant to protect consumers has slowly made it harder for insurers—and homeowners—to stay in the market.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Read the story 👉 https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/a-smoldering-problem-deep-underground-at-chiquita-canyon-landfill-5759324?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ocyoutube

An underground fire at a Los Angeles County landfill has been quietly burning since 2022, releasing toxic gases into nearby neighborhoods. Residents near the Chiquita Canyon Landfill report chronic symptoms—including nosebleeds, skin rashes, and a rise in cancer diagnoses—while officials continue to monitor the site.

In this episode, Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo joins us to discuss the health concerns, the state’s response, and what this may reveal about California’s broader approach to waste management and public health.

“People are getting cancer. They can’t sell their homes. Their kids can’t go outside. And we still haven’t declared a state of emergency,” said Assemblymember Schiavo, who has called for relocation support and stronger intervention.

Dr. Bill Releford has spent more than three decades working to prevent diabetic amputations—a complication that affects thousands across California and hits some communities harder than others. In this episode, he joins Siyamak Khorrami to explain how he brought health screenings into Black-owned barbershops, creating a model that helped save thousands of lives.

He also discusses how food access, medical mistrust, and chronic disease are reshaping public health in California—and how his LA County farm now supplies fresh produce to patients as part of their treatment. His journey connects medicine, community, and solutions that meet people where they are.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s podcast is raising eyebrows—especially as the 2026 election looms. In this episode, KABC radio host John Phillips joins us to discuss what Newsom’s move might signal, how media dynamics are shifting in the state, and what it could mean for key voter groups, including Latino and Asian communities. We also dive into California’s political power centers—from San Francisco to Los Angeles—and whether recent cracks in party dominance could open new paths in 2026.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Sewage from Tijuana has shut down one of San Diego’s most popular beaches for over 1,000 days. The contamination is now threatening Navy SEAL training areas, local businesses, and California’s coastal environment. But despite years of warnings, there’s still no long-term fix in sight.

In this episode of California Insider, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond explains the real cause behind the pollution, why expanding wastewater treatment plants may not solve it, and what’s holding up cross-border solutions. We also examine the potential Superfund designation and what it would mean for federal cleanup efforts.

Plus, we turn to another risk along the coast: spent nuclear fuel stored at San Onofre, just steps from the ocean. With no national storage plan, California may be stuck with long-term nuclear waste—raising new concerns about safety, infrastructure, and federal responsibility.

California’s refinery network is shrinking. Phillips 66 is shutting down its LA refinery, and more closures may follow. But what happens when we lose domestic refining capacity with no clear plan to replace it?

Skip York, Chief Energy Strategist at Turner Mason & Company and Nonresident Fellow for Energy and Global Oil at Rice University’s Baker Institute, joins California Insider to explain how this shift could leave the state more dependent on foreign imports. We explore what California’s fuel future could look like, why state-run refineries may not be the solution, and whether a quiet policy alternative—state-backed fuel importing—offers a more practical path.

A new federal investigation is raising questions about a California law that limits when schools can notify parents about a child’s gender identity. Erin Friday, a Bay Area attorney and parent, joins California Insider to explain what AB 1955 means in practice, how it intersects with federal law, and why some school policies may be putting state funding at risk. As new executive orders emerge at the federal level, this episode explores what’s at stake for parents, students, and California’s public education system.

California, long a hub for Big Tech, is now at the center of a growing push to protect kids online. In this episode, Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal joins California Insider to explain why he's calling for stronger safeguards. Drawing on his background in tech and his role as a parent, he discusses how social media is changing childhood—and what role lawmakers should play.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California’s commercial real estate market is cracking—quietly but deeply. Office towers are half-empty, warehouses are overbuilt, and lab space demand has vanished. In this episode, real estate expert David Marino reveals what’s really happening behind the data and why California could be the signal for the rest of the country.

In San Francisco, small business owners are increasingly left to face crime on their own. Hrag Kalebjian runs Henry’s House of Coffee, a third-generation shop in the Sunset District. Despite filing a restraining order and calling police multiple times, he’s been left to deal with the thefts on his own.

His experience isn’t unique. Many San Francisco business owners are seeing the same shift: rising lawlessness, limited enforcement, and growing frustration. In this episode, Hrag shares what it’s like to protect a family legacy under these conditions, how he transitioned from corporate finance to carry on his father’s work, and why—despite everything—he still hasn’t given up on the city… at least not yet.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Farming in California isn’t easy with rising costs, drought, and market pressures. But one farming family is rethinking rice farming with a centuries-old Japanese technique that uses ducks instead of chemicals. This approach cuts water use, improves soil health, and brings high-quality rice directly to schools and farmers' markets.

In this episode, they share how they transitioned from traditional farming to a direct-to-consumer model, navigating drought, supply chain struggles, and the challenges of organic agriculture. Could this be a model for sustainable farming in California?

Los Angeles has poured billions into homelessness programs, but a new audit reveals deep financial mismanagement and a lack of oversight. Are these funds truly reaching those in need, or is bureaucracy getting in the way? Paul Webster of the LA Alliance for Human Rights discusses what this report uncovers and what it means for the city’s response to the crisis.

Los Angeles restaurants were already facing rising costs and declining reservations—then the fires hit. Industry leaders say the impact feels like a second pandemic, with small businesses, event venues, and entire supply chains struggling to recover. Restaurateur Giancarlo Pagani, partner in Mother Wolf Group and Avila’s MXO, shares firsthand insight into the challenges and the uncertain road ahead. Roozbeh Farahanipour, president of the West LA Chamber of Commerce, weighs in on the broader economic pressures affecting local businesses. As concerns over crime, bureaucracy, and slow recovery efforts mount, will LA’s restaurant scene rebound, or are more closures inevitable?

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) has set the state’s emissions standards, often going beyond federal requirements. But with Trump back in office, could California lose its ability to set independent climate policies? Susan Shelley, member of the editorial board of the Southern California News Group, joins us to examine how a potential rollback of California’s regulatory authority could affect industries, energy prices, and the state’s climate goals.

With ongoing debates over emissions regulations, federal waivers, and cost-of-living concerns, what changes might be ahead for California? We explore the legal and economic stakes as federal and state policies collide.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California’s homelessness crisis persists, with encampments growing and solutions slow to materialize. State Senator Catherine Blakespear explains why efforts haven’t curbed the problem, the challenges in funding and policy, and what needs to change to move people off the streets for good.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Water storage in California is tangled in regulations. While the capacity exists, legal barriers prevent water from being available when it’s needed most. What’s stopping the state from securing its supply? We sit down with Thomas Holyoke, a political science professor, to explore the legal, political, and environmental obstacles standing in the way of real water solutions.

What if foreign powers had access to critical U.S. infrastructure? Former Congresswoman Michelle Steele reveals how China is quietly expanding its control over California’s ports, universities, and technology—raising major national security risks. From hidden chips in cranes to influence in academia, we uncover what’s really happening and why it matters.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Los Angeles is spending billions on homelessness, yet the crisis keeps growing. Katina Holliday, a registered nurse, took matters into her own hands—housing over 500 homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals through her nonprofit, Holiday's Helping Hands.

More than just providing shelter, she’s building community and restoring dignity for those in need. With medical care, job training, and long-term support, her approach is helping people reclaim their lives.

Medical decisions should be made by doctors and patients, but increasingly, insurance approvals shape access to care. Spine surgeon Dr. Hooman Melamed shares his firsthand experience with the growing barriers to treatment, from delays in urgent procedures to financial pressures influencing medical choices.

Why are some surgeries harder to approve? How do industry trends impact patient care? And what can be done to fix the system? Dr. Melamed offers insights into the challenges—and potential solutions—facing modern healthcare.

Siyamak sits down with Shawn Sahbari founder and CEO of Komodo Fire Systems, to examine why California’s wildfire response has not kept pace with growing risks. As wildfires intensify, concerns rise over toxic contamination in air, soil, and water. Sahbari discusses policy gaps, the limits of traditional firefighting methods, and how emerging fire prevention technology could offer more effective solutions

A landslide in Rancho Palos Verdes was accelerating, moving up to 50 feet per year—far beyond its historical rate—tearing through homes and infrastructure. Former Mayor John Cruikshank explains how they managed to slow it down, the tough decisions involved, and what this means for California’s disaster response.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

For years, San Francisco’s open-air drug markets have drawn people from across the country—some seeking help, others sinking deeper into despair. Recovery expert Cedric Akbar has lived it, fought to change it, and now watches the city struggle to turn the tide.

With new leadership and growing public pressure, will these changes finally turn things around?

California’s zero-emission truck mandate hit a major roadblock. High costs, infrastructure gaps, and legal challenges led the state to withdraw it. What does this mean for trucking, supply chains, and consumers? We sit down with Eric Sauer, CEO of the California Trucking Association, to examine the impact and what’s next.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California’s insurance market is at a critical juncture as an exodus of insurers from high-risk areas leaves homeowners with fewer options. Rex Frazier, CEO of the Personal Insurance Federation of California, explains the factors behind the crisis and the changes needed to keep coverage accessible.

"The insurance industry still believes that California wildfire is insurable," Frazier says. "We don't need special government programs to make that happen, even in the face of a hotter, drier climate."

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Mark Johnson built a multimillion-dollar business from scratch, but instead of just enjoying the rewards, he chose to give back—through philanthropy, leadership, and education. His journey from overcoming hardship to shaping future leaders is one you won’t want to miss.

*Views expressed in this podcast are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Insider.

California’s population is growing again—but what does that mean for the economy? Innovation professor Marshall Toplansky analyzes the latest data, noting that while the numbers show an increase, the types of jobs being created raise important questions.

“The bigger problem in my mind are not the big macro numbers, it’s the quality,” says Marshall Toplansky, “When you peel those numbers apart and you look at the quality of, say, job creation, we’re not creating the kind of jobs that people can afford to live on here.”

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California has invested billions in rail projects, promising convenient access to public transportation for millions. In this episode, we sit down with Marc Joffe, a visiting fellow at the California Policy Center to discuss the real numbers and challenges behind transit projects across the state, from Bay Area expansions to L.A.’s Metro and high-speed rail. With costs rising and ridership declining, what does the future of public transportation look like?

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

MacArthur Park, once a historic landmark in Los Angeles, is now overrun by gangs, open-air drug markets, and fires threatening businesses daily. John Alle, a longtime property owner in the area, reveals what’s fueling the chaos and whether there’s a way to take back the streets.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

As Los Angeles prepares to host the Olympics, billions in investment are set to reshape the city. But will these events bring lasting benefits or deepen displacement? We sit down with State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas to examine the impact on housing, transit, and wildfire recovery.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

The cost of an average home in California is about $870,000. To afford a mortgage that includes taxes and insurance on such a home, a household would need an income exceeding $250,000 per year. However, the average household income in California is only $136,000. Some say prices or interest rates must drop, but others argue low supply will keep prices high. Our guest, Curt Pringle—former mayor of Anaheim and California Assembly Speaker—has spent decades observing issues with the state’s construction code.

“What the state has really done in these last couple of years is pass a lot of pieces of legislation that try to force housing, but then they tie things onto the legislation that almost make it impossible to use those laws to develop housing,” says Pringle.

Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Entire schools have been reduced to ashes, leaving families and educators scrambling for solutions. Ian McFeat, Superintendent of Aveson Schools, and Shawn Brown, Founder of Pasadena Rosebud Academy, share firsthand accounts of the devastating Altadena fires. From the chaos of evacuation to the urgent need for temporary classrooms, they reveal the challenges of rebuilding and the support pouring in from the community. What will it take to restore these schools and prevent future disasters?

Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Karl Susman, an insurance expert, explains the realities of wildfire insurance in California, from payout delays to rising costs. With entire communities affected, homeowners face tough decisions—rebuild, relocate, or cut losses. Susman reveals what’s really happening with claims, policies, and the future of insurance in high-risk areas.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California remains one of the world’s largest agricultural producers, yet its farmers confront intensifying water restrictions. In this comprehensive analysis, Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig investigates California’s escalating water crisis and its impact on Central Valley agriculture. He examines how environmental regulations, drought management policies, and water rights affect farming communities across the state. What strategies could help California achieve sustainable water management while preserving its $50 billion agricultural economy? Magsig provides an insider’s perspective on breaking through political gridlock, implementing practical solutions, and securing reliable water access for both urban and agricultural needs.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

In the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, many Californians have started the road to recovery. But what’s really happening on the ground? Families are searching for housing, insurance claims are piling up, and entire communities face an uncertain future. We sit down with State Sen. Ben Allen, State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, and Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin to discuss what’s being done to help fire victims, the obstacles slowing recovery, and how state and federal efforts are shaping the response. Lawmakers break down the successes, challenges, and necessary steps for rebuilding.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

“How do you break the poverty cycle? You know what child in this country is going to cure a strain of cancer?” asked Jamie Green, superintendent of Trinity Alps School District. “We are America, we are the most powerful nation in the world, we should have strong education for each and every child.”

In this episode, Green reveals how disappearing rural funding threatens to close schools and deteriorate roads in small-town California. Discover how families and teachers are fighting to save their communities and what this crisis means for the future of rural America.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California’s insurance crisis is deepening. Former Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones discusses the impact of LA fires, rising premiums, and potential FAIR Plan assessments. Learn about the financial burden, policy gaps, and the urgent need for reforms to reward mitigation efforts.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Amid the ongoing Los Angeles fires, regional water management issues and infrastructure gaps are revealed. Water expert Brett Barbre delves into current systems, policy impacts, and strategies for enhancing water security across California.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

In this episode, Carl DeMaio discusses Reform California’s approach to key state policy issues, including tax rates, public safety, and government transparency. He explores the power of collaboration and emphasizes the need for accountability, while examining specific reform proposals and their potential impact on California’s governance.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Siyamak sits down with real estate expert Matt McCormick. Together, they dive into the driving factors behind the continuous rise in housing costs in California and explore how this trend is contributing to the growing homelessness crisis.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Siyamak sits down with Assemblyman Juan Alanis to talk about the impact and implementation of Proposition 36 in California, which was recently passed by voters in all counties across California to crack down on retail theft.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Insider.