State of Gold – Details, episodes & analysis

Guest:

Graham Knaus CEO, California State Association of Counties

Guest Bio: 

Graham Knaus is CEO of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) – whose mission is to serve, support, and advocate for the state's 58 counties to ensure they can effectively serve their communities. With deep experience in public finance and governance, Knaus has been a fierce advocate for empowering counties to address core issues like homelessness, affordability, housing, and disaster response. He believes in a commonsense formula: Let the state set the goals, and let local governments decide how to get the job done.

Show Summary

What if California’s most expensive problems—homelessness, housing, affordability—aren’t being solved simply because no one knows who’s responsible? In this episode, Graham Knaus delivers a powerful breakdown of why top-down state mandates keep failing and what it will take to rebuild from the bottom up.From misaligned funding and broken incentives to the absence of clear accountability regarding homelessness, Knaus calls for a simple but radical shift: give local governments the authority, tools, and flexibility to meet their communities’ needs. He also shares candid insights into California’s affordability crisis, overregulation, CEQA’s unintended consequences, and what it would really take to let our counties thrive. If you're ready to understand California’s dysfunction—and how to fix it—this episode is a must.

Chapters

00:00 – The Role of Counties vs. the State

01:30 – Why Homelessness Efforts Keep Failing

04:25 – Who Should Be Accountable?

06:00 – Where the $30B Homeless Funds Went

07:25 – A Broken Housing System

09:30 – Planning for Water, Disasters & the Future

11:55 – Affordability Crisis and Overregulation

13:30 – California’s Hidden Strengths

14:08 – Rapid Fire: Governor for a Day, Jerry Brown, and What Outsiders Get Wrong

Connect with  Graham Knaus

• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-knaus-4102596b/

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest Bio: 

Harmeet Dhillon is the U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, a nationally recognized constitutional attorney, and a former Republican National Committeewoman for California. Known for her legal battles on behalf of free speech and equal protection, Dhillon has taken on cases involving Big Tech censorship, UC Berkeley, and controversial DEI policies. A former candidate for RNC Chair, she now leads the federal government’s Civil Rights Division under the Trump administration, steering it in a bold new direction focused on protecting the rights of all Americans.

Show Summary

In this no-holds-barred conversation, Harmeet Dhillon joins Jon Slavet to talk about her powerful new role reshaping the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ. She discusses her ongoing investigation into UC Berkeley’s response to violent protests, explains why DEI policies may be on their way out, and shares how she's pushing back against the old status quo.

Dhillon also offers a candid diagnosis of California’s legal system, why she calls it the "utopian petri dish of bad ideas," and what she would do—if King for a day—to fix the state. Her views are bold, controversial, and grounded in decades of legal experience. Whether you agree or disagree, you’ll walk away thinking differently about the future of civil rights and California politics.

Chapters
00:00 – Why Civil Rights Should Protect All Americans

00:49 – Free Speech & Violence at UC Berkeley

02:29 – State of Free Speech on College Campuses

03:09 – Competing Trends: Conservative vs. Anti-Speech Culture

05:50 – Race in Admissions: What’s Really Changing

08:23 – Rewriting the Mission of the Civil Rights Division

11:30 – Comparing Civil Rights Priorities Under Past Administrations

13:09 – How Lawsuits & DEI Are Hurting California

15:45 – Corruption & One-Party Rule in Sacramento

17:16 – Why Californians Still Vote Blue

18:02 – If King for a Day: Dhillon’s Top Fix

18:14 – What Gives Her Hope About the State

19:31 – Admired Political Leaders & California’s Future

Connect with Harmeet Dhillon

• X: https://x.com/HarmeetKDhillon
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pnjaban/
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/harmeet-k-dhillon-543773/

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Elizabeth Funk - CEO of DignityMoves

Guest Bio: 

Elizabeth Funk is the Founder and CEO of DignityMoves, a nonprofit redefining how we get unhoused people off the street through interim housing deployed with speed, dignity, and cost-efficiency. With a background in impact investing and urban innovation, Elizabeth brings real-world solutions to a policy conversation often stuck in ideology. Her mission is simple: To ensure no one is forced to sleep outside in a state as wealthy and resourceful as California.

Show Summary

California has spent more than $24 billion on homelessness during the Newsom administration — so why does the crisis only seem to be getting worse?

In this episode, Elizabeth Funk breaks down what’s really behind the persistent homelessness crisis and offers a bold, clear-eyed solution. As the founder of DignityMoves, she argues that the real issue is getting unhoused people off the street asap and providing them with the community and support necessary to turn their lives around.

She shares why interim housing needs to come before permanent housing, how interim housing can be built faster and cheaper, and why even well-meaning politicians and nonprofits are incentivized to keep our currently broken system.

You’ll also hear how DignityMoves is creating communities with privacy, safety, and dignity — and what it would actually take to scale this model across the state.

Chapters

00:00 – Why Is Homelessness Worse After $24 Billion?

01:10 – California’s Policy Choice: Shelter vs. Housing

03:45 – The True Cost of Living on the Street

04:29 – From Job Loss to Meth: A Personal Story

05:46 – How the Homeless System Is Set Up to Fail

07:00 – Why Shelter Isn’t Enough (and What’s Better)

09:14 – Inside a DignityMoves Site: How It Works

11:52 – Privacy, Pets & Partners: Dignity with DignityMoves

14:24 – Stabilization Before Solutions: A New Model

16:24 – Scaling the Model: 1% to 100%

17:09 – Why Everyone Should Support Interim Housing

18:57 – Who Has a Financial Incentive to Keep This Broken?

20:39 – Misconceptions from Politicians & Citizens

22:20 – How to Get Involved with DignityMoves

24:01 – Rapid Fire: Fixing It, Fast

24:59 – California: A State With All the Tools — And One Big Flaw

Connect with Elizabeth Funk

X: https://x.com/elizabethfunkca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/efunksanfran/?hl=en

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-funk/

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Kevin Dalton - Actor turned Conservative Activist 

Guest Bio: 

Kevin Dalton is a former actor turned political activist, commentator, and one of California’s most passionate critics and fans — even after moving his family to Idaho. He gained notoriety for his viral takes on homelessness, rising energy costs, and policy mismanagement, and even ran for L.A. County Supervisor in 2020. Kevin’s journey from Hollywood to the heart of America has only deepened his love for California — and his desire to help fix it.

Show Summary

What does it say about California when someone who left still cares more than most who stayed?

In this powerful and often funny episode, Jon Slavet talks with Kevin Dalton to unpack recent California news — from Katie Porter’s viral meltdown to sky-high energy bills and the true cost of homelessness. Dalton calls out California’s failed leadership, debunks elite narratives, and shares his own transformation story: A moment of connection with a homeless man on Hollywood Blvd that changed everything.

Whether you agree or disagree, Kevin’s voice is a refreshing mix of realism, heart, and hope. From Prop 50 to Pyromaniacs, no topic is off limits in this candid conversation about what’s really going wrong in California — and what could actually make it right.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Dalton’s New Life in Idaho
00:20 – Katie Porter's Viral Interview Fallout
 01:15 – Why Her Meltdown Changed the Race
 02:42 – What the Gaffe Revealed About Democrats
 03:47 – A Big Opening for New Candidates
 04:04 – Momentum Shift in California Voter Rolls
 05:16 – Prop 50 and What’s at Stake in November
 06:10 – Elitism in California Politics
 07:27 – Why Are Energy Bills So High?
 08:40 – California’s Cost-of-Living Crisis
 09:00 – Backwards Climate Policy Explained
 10:13 – Palisades Fire and Gavin Newsom’s Blame Game
 12:42 – Land Mismanagement and the Real Culprits
 13:27 – Is There a Hidden Agenda?
 14:41 – Policy Solutions that Empower Homeowners
 15:44 – Kevin’s Awakening: From Actor to Advocate
 17:00 – Running for Office vs. Speaking Out
 19:59 – Why He Still Cares Deeply About California
 21:23 – King for a Day: Make Crime Crime Again
 21:32 – What Gives Him Hope for the State
 22:01 – Leader He Admires: Ronald Reagan
 22:45 – Finish the Sentence: "California is… Savable"

Connect with Kevin Dalton

X:https://x.com/TheKevinDalton

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekevindalton

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Elizabeth Barcohana - LA GOP Central Committee Member

Guest Bio: 

Elizabeth Barcohana is a GOP delegate, LA GOP Central Committee member, attorney, and political commentator. She’s actively leading voter education and registration efforts in LA County through initiatives like Vote Gold and Project 460K LA, aiming to correct misconceptions about California’s political landscape and defend voter representation.

Show Summary

Is Prop 50 really about redistricting — or is it a Trojan horse for political control? Attorney and GOP leader Elizabeth Barcohana returns to break down the truth behind what she calls “Newsom’s gerrymander”. From explaining the attack on California’s Independent Redistricting Commission to revealing how this move could lock in Democratic power and disenfranchise voters, Barcahana doesn’t hold back.

She also shares her voter registration campaign in LA County, the confusion voters are facing about Prop 50, and how it’s  laying the groundwork for a 2028 Newsom presidential run. If you want clarity on what’s at stake this November, this is the episode to watch.

Chapters

00:00 – Prop 50 = Newsom’s Gerrymander

00:43 – Why It's Unconstitutional

01:15 – How Redistricting Used to Work

01:50 – What the Citizens’ Commission Did Right

02:35 – Why Competitive Districts Matter

03:45 – The Threat to Fair Maps

04:28 – How Vote Gold and Project 460K LA Work

05:15 – What the Courts Have Done So Far

06:00 – The Voter Education Strategy

07:10 – The Messaging Struggle: "What is Prop 50?"

08:03 – How Newsom Is Using This for 2028

08:49 – Unions, Money, and Political Influence

09:30 – Why Most Voters Don’t See the Bigger Picture

Connect with Elizabeth Barcohana

• X: https://x.com/e_barcohana?lang=en
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethfromcalifornia/#
• Website: https://www.elizabethbarcohana.com/

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Mitch Mitchell, Chief Legislative Officer - SDG&E & Southern California Gas

Guest Bio: 

Mitch Mitchell leads Legislative Affairs at Sempra, one of the largest energy companies in the U.S. With deep experience navigating California’s complex energy landscape, Mitch brings a rare insider’s perspective on how regulations, well-intended mandates, and outdated policies have distorted costs — hitting working families the hardest. He advocates for practical, consumer-first reforms that bring transparency, fairness, and affordability back to California energy bills.

Show Summary

Why are Californians paying some of the highest energy bills in the country — and what’s really driving the cost? Mitch Mitchell breaks down how overlapping policies, political posturing, and decades-old energy laws have made the system both inefficient and unaffordable.

From the unintended consequences of rooftop solar subsidies to the myth of energy company profits, Mitch lays out how reforming California’s energy playbook could save families money and restore common sense. Whether you rent, own, or just care about your monthly bills — this episode is packed with eye-opening truths and bold ideas for fixing a broken system.

Chapters

00:00 – How Non-Solar Households Are Paying for Solar Grid Access

00:30 – Meet Mitch Mitchell: Head of Legislative Affairs at Sempra

01:12 – The Cost Layering Crisis in California’s Energy Policies

02:17 – Why New Legislators Don’t Understand the Energy System

04:09 – Which Outdated Energy Policies Need to Go

05:28 – The Case Against Over-Electrification

07:00 – Rooftop Solar and the Cost Shift Crisis

09:00 – How Low-Income Renters Subsidize Solar Owners

10:30 – Ruthless Prioritization: Clean Out the Energy Closet

12:15 – Why Sunset Reviews Are the Key to Policy Reform

13:30 – $35 Monthly Savings Proposal Ignored by Lawmakers

15:05 – Gas Stoves and Government Overreach

16:06 – Why Consumer Choice Matters in Energy

18:07 – Rapid Fire: Top Fix for Energy Affordability

18:57 – Misconceptions About Utility Profits

20:30 – Energy Transparency: Know the Cost Before You Vote

21:55 – Final Thoughts

Connect with Mitch Mitchell

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-%E2%80%9Cmitch%E2%80%9D-mitchell-32a81614/
• X:https://x.com/socalgas
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socalgas
• Website: https://www.youtube.com/socalgas

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Orange County GOP Chairman Will O’Neill

Guest Bio: 

Will O’Neill is the Chairman of the Orange County Republican Party and the former Mayor of Newport Beach. A constitutional lawyer by trade and public servant by passion, he’s known for his pragmatic leadership on fiscal responsibility, pension reform, and infrastructure investment. During his time on the city council, he eliminated over $1B in toll road debt and spearheaded efforts to make Newport Beach one of the safest and most financially stable cities in California.

Show Summary

Drawing from his experience as a mayor, lawyer, and infrastructure advocate, O’Neill dives into California’s public safety crisis and how his hometown of Newport Beach increased property values dramatically with a focus on public safety, while LA fell prey to the “defund the police” movement and lost disaffected residents.

Chapters

00:00 – Orange County’s Unique Role in California

01:10 – What Newport Beach Gets Right

02:20 – The Key to Effective Local Government

03:35 – Balancing Tourism, Business & Residents

05:00 – Local Innovation vs. State Overreach

06:45 – On Working with the State Legislature

08:00 – Fixing California’s Accountability Problem

09:15 – The Hidden Impact of Prop 47

10:35 – Thoughts on Homelessness & Public Safety

12:05 – How Local Leaders Can Create Change

13:30 – What Gives Him Hope for the Future

Connect with Will

X:https://x.com/realwilloneill?lang=en

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/realwilloneill

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-o-neill-8573358/

Website: https://ocgop.org/

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

LA GOP Chair Roxanne Hoge

Guest Bio: 

Roxanne Hoge is the Chair of the Los Angeles Republican Party, as well as an actress, activist, and proud mom. A first-generation immigrant and political firebrand, Roxanne has emerged as a bold voice in California politics — speaking out on corruption, public safety, and how Proposition 50 threatens fairness in redistricting.

Show Summary

From the streets of Skid Row to her own suburban neighborhood, Roxanne paints a picture of LA in crisis… and what it’ll take to fix it. From immigrating with her family from Jamaica, to her own political awakening and path to becoming the Chair of the GOP in the nation’s largest county, Roxanne shares her very personal and compelling story.

No matter your politics, this conversation is a wake-up call for anyone who cares about safe and clean streets in our great cities, and real reform in California.

Chapters

00:00 – Crime, Grime & Life in LA

01:00 – The Safety Crisis & Public Trust

02:30 – Prop 36, George Gascon & Pro-Criminal Policies

03:45 – Skid Row, Trash & Street Conditions

05:00 – LA vs. Tokyo: Broken Windows & Civic Pride

06:10 – Roxanne’s Political Awakening

08:40 – The Public School Moment That Changed Everything

10:00 – Low Expectations, Real Harm

10:50 – If She Were Queen for a Day

Connect with Roxanne

X:https://x.com/RoxanneHoge

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxannebeckfordhoge

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-hoge-42323193/

Website: https://www.lagop.org/

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Former Mayor Kevin Faulconer

Guest Bio: 

Kevin Faulconer is an American politician and businessman, best known for serving as the 36th Mayor of San Diego from 2014 to 2020. During his tenure, he was known for taking bold action on homelessness, public safety, and civic infrastructure. A Republican who won in a majority Democratic city, Faulconer brings a unique perspective on leadership, compromise, and what it really takes to fix California’s biggest challenges.

Show Summary

Can California be saved from one-party rule, rising homelessness, and growing voter frustration? Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer thinks so — but only with action, not rhetoric. In this energizing episode, Faulconer shares how he successfully reduced homelessness in San Diego through shelter expansion, enforcement, and compassion. He also weighs in on the controversial Prop 50, warning of its dangerous attempt to reverse independent redistricting and hand power back to politicians.

From Reagan’s leadership legacy to practical advice for big city mayors, this conversation offers a roadmap for restoring fairness, competition, and common sense in California politics.

Chapters

 00:00 – Why Prop 50 Is a Power Grab
 01:10 – The Importance of Fair Redistricting
 02:30 – What Happens Without Competitive Elections
 04:35 – How Faulconer Tackled Homelessness
 06:30 – The Need for Intervention & Shelter
 08:05 – Why Other Cities Won’t Act
 09:15 – How Public Safety Ties to Homelessness
 11:15 – Advice for Republicans in Blue Cities
 13:15 – Bias Toward Action vs. Rhetoric
 15:00 – Collaborating with Federal Government
 16:15 – 2026 Election Lessons from the Recall
 17:40 – Pep Talk to Statewide Republican Candidates
 19:10 – What Gives Him Hope for California

Connect with Kevin

X:https://x.com/Kevin_Faulconer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinfaulconer/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-faulconer/

Website: https://www.sdlincolnclub.com/

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

In this explosive bonus episode of State of Gold, we break down Prop 50 — the controversial redistricting ballot measure that’s sending shockwaves through California. With exclusive interviews and testimony, The Big Rig exposes how Prop 50 dismantles California’s independent redistricting commission and gives politicians unchecked power to draw their own districts.

With historical context and current commentary, this episode explains how a gerrymandered California could rig elections, suppress voices, and set a dangerous national precedent. This isn’t about party lines — it’s about drawing the line on corruption.

Whether you're hearing about Prop 50 for the first time or have been following the controversy – this is the episode you need to understand what’s really at stake.

Chapters

00:00 – California’s Broken Systems & Rising Costs

01:36 – What is Gerrymandering?

02:15 – How Prop 50 Undermines Democracy

03:51 – California’s Independent Commission Explained

05:00 – Political Power Grabs & Community Impact

06:45 – Why This Isn’t About Red vs. Blue

08:13 – Why Prop 50 Is a Threat to Voter Power

09:15 – What You Can Do to Take Action

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com