Political Breakdown

Marisa and Scott are joined by Guy Marzorati and San Francisco Chronicle senior political writer Joe Garofoli to recap the year in California politics and look ahead to 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg gains some California endorsements in his presidential bid (1:00), and polls still have Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren at the top of the pack in the Golden State (2:40). Then, former California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George discusses the state of the judicial branch (6:55) and what it was like issuing his landmark ruling in favor of same-sex marriage (19:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Politico national political reporter Christopher Cadelago joins Scott and Marisa to analyze Kamala Harris' exit from the presidential race and her political future (0:25). Then, Angela Glover Blackwell discusses her career in shaping public policy, and her new podcast examining 'radical' policy ideas (13:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa revisit two of their favorite interviews from the past year: conversations with Sacramento County district attorney Anne Marie Schubert (0:15) and Orange County congresswoman Katie Porter (14:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa and Scott recap a hectic week of impeachment hearings and the most recent Democratic debate, and analyze the State Supreme Court ruling against the law to force disclosure of presidential candidates' tax returns (0:30). Then, Republican activist Corrin Rankin joins to discuss her childhood experience with redlining, her family bail bonds business, leaving the Democratic party, and her efforts to recruit African-American Republicans to run for office (6:14). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chesa Boudin pulls off an upset victory and wins the San Francisco district attorney's race (0:28). Marisa and Scott discuss what the result means for San Francisco and the criminal justice reform movement, and talk with Boudin about the moment the race was decided, his parents' incarceration, his early struggles in school, traveling in South America, cash bail reform, and his plans for the office (5:17). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Francisco's closely watched District Attorney's race remains too close to call. Scott and Marisa discuss how the contest fits into the growing attention paid to local prosecutor elections and analyze the rest of the SF election results (0:39). Then, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund President Thomas Saenz joins to discuss the lead-up to the passage of Proposition 187 in 1994, the legal strategy that MALDEF used to defeat the measure in court, and the political and legal repercussions of the initiative, 25 years later (7:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Representative Katie Hill's promising House career comes to an end with her resignation from Congress, after the release of explicit photos and accusations of an improper relationship with an aide. Marisa and Scott discuss the political fallout and generational divide in the reaction to Hill's resignation (0:40) . Then, Stanford researcher Michael Wara joins to discuss the ongoing wildfire and utility crisis, including Gavin Newsom's response, PG&E's responsibility, 're-imagining' the CPUC, and how other states are dealing with similar problems (5:58). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Kincade Fire threatens homes in Sonoma County, Scott and Marisa discuss a new KQED/Change Research poll on PG&E's decision to shut off power in hopes of avoiding future blazes (0:20). Then, Napa State Senator Bill Dodd joins to talk about his childhood in Napa, switching to the Democratic party, and the future of California law governing utilities (5:53). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa check in with NPR's Scott Detrow for an update on the presidential campaigns of Californians Kamala Harris and Tom Steyer. Then, Orange County Rep. Katie Porter joins the show to talk about her first year in Congress, her Iowa roots, learning from then-professor Elizabeth Warren (her daughter's namesake), grilling witnesses in the House Financial Services Committee and learning to surf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Californians take center stage in the House Democrats' ongoing impeachment inquiry. Scott and Marisa head to Washington, D.C., to talk with House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, and fellow committee members Jackie Speier and Eric Swalwell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa discuss the "power politics" of PG&E's blackouts with state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley. Skinner also shares stories of her college activism, working on criminal justice reform with former Gov. Jerry Brown and whether she got snubbed during the signing of her bill to allow NCAA athletes in California to receive endorsements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa are joined by Airbnb policy and communications head Chris Lehane to discuss his days dealing with impeachment in the Clinton White House, the differences with the current impeachment inquiry, his early career in Maine politics, the 'dark arts' of opposition research, and Elizabeth Warren's rise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf joins Scott and Marisa to discuss Nancy Pelosi's decision on impeachment, Schaaf's own clashes with President Donald Trump, her childhood in Oakland, lessons from her predecessor Jean Quan, and her involvement on Governor Gavin Newsom's Council on Homelessness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new KQED poll finds Senator Kamala Harris slipping in California. Scott and Marisa talk about the survey results on California's presidential primary and the recently-signed AB 5, and discuss KQED's new partnership with Change Research. Then, California Republican Party chair Jessica Patterson talks about her family background and early involvement in the party, how she'll measure success in her job, and her party's solution to the state's housing crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some Trump administration officials take a trip to California's biggest city for "fact-finding" on homelessness. Scott and Marisa sit down with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti in his office to talk about the Trump team's visit (0:35), what he thinks the President could do to help LA's homeless crisis (2:20), his "Jew-tino" heritage (7:50), what it was like watching the O.J. Simpson trial while his dad was District Attorney (12:30), and LA's Green New Deal (24:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom's request to amend a vaccination bill causes confusion in the legislature. Scott and Marisa analyze Newsom's move, and how he has dealt with other controversial bills as the legislative year draws to a close (0:37). Then, Congressman Ted Lieu joins to talk about his families emigration from Taiwan, selling jewelry in his parent's store, serving in the Air Force, taking on President Trump on Twitter, and running against (and now supporting) Kamala Harris (6:12). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Negotiations over gig worker regulations heat up and lawmakers and the governor reach a deal on charter schools. Katie Orr joins Scott and Marisa for an update as the legislative year nears the finish line (0:40). Then, Republican Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham joins to discuss the charter school deal, his law enforcement pedigree, Central Coast politics, nuclear energy, and regulating vaping (7:51). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom signs landmark legislation changing California's police use-of-force law, and Scott and Marisa recap a big win for the Newsom administration on auto emissions. (0:45) Then, Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang joins the show to talk about his UC connections, academic lineage, support from tech workers, universal basic income, and the 'bizarre' Democratic primary debates (5:33). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and presidential candidate Marianne Williamson joins Marisa and Guy Marzorati to discuss her childhood travels, discovering A Course in Miracles, her charity work with AIDS patients in Los Angeles, her stance on changes to vaccine exemption law, her proposal on reparations for slavery, and the past and future of the religious left. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom warns of white nationalism's threat to California, and faces a legal challenge over his decision to sign a presidential tax return bill, plus Scott asks Marisa about her trip to prison with the governor (0:50). Then, political messaging expert Anat Shenker-Osorio joins to discuss the "messaging quadrant," the difference in how Republican and Democratic campaigns search for messages, and the Race Class Narrative (6:13) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new California law could keep President Trump off of the state's 2020 primary ballot, and Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss how Senator Kamala Harris performed in this week's Democratic debates (0:42). Then, Congressman Ro Khanna joins to discuss his grandfather's freedom fighting, early anti-war activism, the best advice he got from Nancy Pelosi, representing Silicon Valley while pushing for tech regulations, and why he keeps his kids off of social media (5:32). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa and Guy Marzorati preview next week's Democratic presidential debates, and discuss why criminal justice policy could take center stage on Wednesday night (0:36). Then, Amanda Renteria, interim president of Emerge, joins to talk about her childhood in the Central Valley, playing third base on the Stanford softball team, working for Senator Dianne Feinstein, running for congress and governor, and helping more women win office (5:42). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Democrats are united against President Trump's racist attack on four Congresswomen, but divided over how to respond. Marisa and Guy Marzorati also discuss the latest in California presidential fundraising and polling (0:55) Then, San Francisco State Senator Scott Wiener joins to discuss the anti-semitism he faced growing up, coming out to his fraternity brothers, fashion advice from Kamala Harris and his approach to legislating on controversial issues (6:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Swalwell is out and Tom Steyer is in. Scott Shafer and Katie Orr discuss changes in the presidential race, the wildfire bill on its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk and the winning U.S. women's soccer team. Then Assemblymember Chad Mayes, a Republican from the Inland Empire, discusses his Christian upbringing, working with Democrats and the future of the GOP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Gavin Newsom takes an extended victory lap after signing his first state budget, and Sen. Kamala Harris tries to make the most of her standout performance at the first Democratic presidential debate. Plus, we revisit our conversation with fellow presidential contender Sen. Cory Booker from New Jersey. He talks about race, his California roots, living in public housing in Newark and why he talks so much about love on the campaign trail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Diego Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez tells Marisa and Katie about making it as a single mom in politics for most of her career, giving up on love and finding it again, championing labor issues, and how she handles online harassment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Sacramento police officer was killed in the line of duty Wednesday night. Marisa and Scott discuss how that might affect the conversation on the death penalty. Then, former Bay Area Assemblywoman Catharine Baker discusses why that “R” next to hear name on the ballot doomed her re-election, battling cancer her senior year of college, and why bipartisanship was the only way to get stuff done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new poll finds Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren surging in California. Marisa and Scott discuss how the top candidates are fairing in the Golden State. Then, Los Angeles congressman Adam Schiff discusses how his kids view his newfound political celebrity, his mother's campaigning skills, his prosecution of an FBI agent, and his relationship with California Republican Devin Nunes on the House Intelligence Committee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California takes center stage in the Democratic primary, as fourteen candidates make their case to delegates at the party convention in San Francisco. Scott and Marisa recap the speeches and the election of a new party chair. Then, an interview from the convention with New Jersey Senator and presidential hopeful Cory Booker, who discusses his push for "civic grace," his California roots, why he still has a year of college football eligibility, the difficulty of dating in the projects of Newark, and his friendship with South Carolina Republican Tim Scott. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California Democrats are gearing up for their annual party convention in San Francisco this weekend, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is blasting Facebook after the tech giant didn't take down a doctored video of her. Then, presidential candidate Julián Castro joins the breakdown to discuss growing up in Texas, tying with his twin brother in a college student senate election, and why he's made immigration a central issue in his bid for the presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonya Mosley, host of KQED's new podcast Truth Be Told, joins Marisa and Scott to talk about identity politics and the struggle for candidates of color to be "enough." Then, Jenifer Ancona of Way to Win discusses the group's focus on voters of color, the importance of year-round organizing, why funding candidate campaigns isn't sustainable, and the "reverse coattails" effect they are hoping to spark on the local level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa discuss how Governor Gavin Newsom is spending his political capital, as the legislature stalls a clean water tax and legislation to increase housing density. Then, Kimberly Ellis joins to discuss her 2017 loss in the Democratic party chair race, her childhood in a military family, the death of her brother from cancer, and her current bid to lead the state party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gavin Newsom lays out a revised state budget, and Marisa and Scott discuss the governor's break with Attorney General Xavier Becerra over the release of police misconduct records. Then, pollster David Binder joins to talk about polling vs. focus groups, early indications of Trump's electoral success, the myth of voters in the 'middle,' and the 2020 Democratic primary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California Senator Kamala Harris grabs the spotlight in her questioning of Attorney General William Barr. Then, Washington Governor Jay Inslee joins Scott and Guy Marzorati to talk about his Jimi Hendrix connection, hooping with Obama, the vote that cost him his House seat in 1994, climate change politics, and his campaign for President. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Biden enters the 2020 fray, more Democratic nominees head west, and Scott and Marisa are joined by Guy Marzorati to talk about the latest in housing politics at the state Capitol (0:30). Then, San Francisco Assemblyman David Chiu joins to talk about renter protections, his relationship with Governor Gavin Newsom, growing up with a "tiger mom," San Francisco vs. state politics, and jamming out on the electric violin (8:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The race for California Democratic Party chair is heating up, and Scott and Marisa discuss what's at stake. Then, they're joined by Rusty Hicks, candidate for chair, who discusses his vision for the state party, meeting his father at age 11, his decision to join the Navy Reserves, and the political work of the LA County Federation of Labor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lukewarm poll and an ongoing utility crisis greet Governor Gavin Newsom upon his return from El Salvador. Then, Scott and Marisa are joined by Laphonza Butler, campaign advisor to Kamala Harris, who discusses her role on the campaign, her childhood in Mississippi and time at Jackson State, advocating for home care workers at SEIU and high-stakes negotiations with Governor Jerry Brown's office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The debate over a proposed navigation center in San Francisco exposes the challenge local electeds face in addressing homelessness in California. Then, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert joins Marisa and Scott to talk about opposing her brother at the ballot box, Governor Newsom's death penalty moratorium, leading a breakthrough in the use of forensic DNA, her public announcement in the Stephon Clark case, and leaving the Republican party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freshman Congressman TJ Cox tells Scott and Marisa about waiting three weeks before emerging victorious in his Central Valley House district, the moment he knew the Democratic Party was abandoning his race, his childhood and the early death of his father, the Green New Deal, high-speed rail, and his bi-coastal family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Minnesota Senator and 2020 presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar joins Scott and Marisa to talk about embracing leadership at an early age, prom night trauma, why it's important to have "the voice of a Midwesterner" on climate change, her treatment of Senate staff, and using Dr. Seuss to convince colleagues to allow babies on the Senate floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gavin Newsom places a moratorium on executions in California, and Scott and Marisa delve into the factors that weighed into the governor's decision. Then, Newsom's chief of staff Ann O'Leary joins to discuss life inside the governor's office, her childhood in Maine, clipping newspapers in the Clinton White House, running the Clinton-Kaine transition, and the days leading up to Newsom's death penalty decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra says the two Sacramento police officers who shot and killed Stephon Clark last year will not face criminal charges, and advocates are calling for a change to the state's use of force standards (0:45). Then, Marisa and Scott are joined by Aimee Allison, president of Democracy in Color, to discuss the controversy sparked by Rep. Omar's criticism of Israel, empowering women of color in politics and how she thinks identity politics will play into the 2020 presidential election (6:53). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom delivers his first state of the state, and struggles to keep his high-speed rail announcement on track (0:40). Then, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon joins Scott and Marisa to discuss his journey from school struggles to a Ph.D, what he learned from his first run for speaker, whether his leadership style is too deferential, the internal karma of the Capitol, and his relationship with Governor Gavin Newsom after their single-payer spat (5:24). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi becomes a meme again, and California's delegation tries to flex its muscle as the majority on House committees. Scott and Marisa also look ahead to Gavin Newsom's first State of the State and new legislation on policing and deadly force (0:46). Then, Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO Carl Guardino joins to discuss his organization's corporate philosophy, why he's stayed away from running for office, letting go of Olympic dreams in martial arts, meeting his wife at a city council meeting, and the tech industry's responsibility in addressing the region's housing crisis (7:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal joins Scott and Marisa to share the story of her move to America at 16, going from Wall Street to immigration advocacy, negotiating with Nancy Pelosi, how Democrats should approach the issue of single-payer healthcare, and what she wants to see in the 2020 primary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cal Fire finds that PG&E equipment did not start the deadly Tubbs Fire in the North Bay -- what does that mean for the utility's impending bankruptcy claim? Scott and Marisa also discuss Kamala Harris' entrance into the 2020 presidential field, and the debate over how "progressive" a prosecutor she was in California. Then, San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi joins to discuss Harris' time as district attorney, his work in the public defender's office, and further changes he'd like to see to California's bail system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The government shutdown turns into a Trump/Pelosi showdown, and Governor Gavin Newsom is greeted with a teachers strike in LA and the possible bankruptcy of PG&E (0:58). Then, Scott and Marisa are joined by East Bay Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, who talks about juggling parenting and politics, her childhood in the Sierra foothills, working for President Obama, and facing challenges from the left in her race for State Assembly (6:44). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gavin Newsom takes the oath of office to become California's 40th governor. Live coverage and analysis from KQED's politics team and Capital Public Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nancy Pelosi regains the gavel as the new Congress is sworn in, and California's new members fall in line behind the speaker (0:25). Then consultant Aaron McLear joins Marisa and Scott to talk about leaving the Republican Party, working for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, why working for Uber was like working on a campaign, and managing a gubernatorial transition (6:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices