Our Guest This Week:
Nicole Parra
Today we welcome Congressional Candidate Nicole Parra. Nicole is a former California Assemblymember running in the 21st Congressional District, which covers 4 counties in the Central Valley. We discuss her time in the Assembly, her bipartisan approach to politics, why she started her campaign so early, and why she thinks she’s the right person to fight for the Central Valley.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
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Featured Episodes
Assemblymember Todd Gloria
&
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin
Today on SacTown Talks we have two guests: Assemblymembers Todd Gloria and Jacqui Irwin.
Assemblymember Todd Gloria joins us to discuss constituent service and campaigning during a pandemic, and the changing nature of San Diego politics.
Then we were happy to welcome Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. She and Jarhett discuss her work to keep constituents informed during the pandemic, leading the charge antibody testing, that testing is the only way to reopen safely.
Assemblymember Shirley Weber
Today we welcome Assemblymember Shirley Weber to the program. We waste no time and start directly on her bill package, which was paired down to 3 major issues all of which focus on social justice in California. The first was ACA 5, which will be on the November ballot as Proposition 16 and would repeal Proposition 209. Dr. Weber discusses the details of political maneuvering both inside and outside Sacramento that allowed the bill to pass. The conversation then turns to AB 3121, which would establish a commission to study the effects and legacy of slavery in Calfornia and report on what California can do going forward to repair the damage. Then she discusses AB 1460, the history of ethnic studies in California, the political navigation of passing legislation around ethnic studies and why the study of ethnic history is important for all Calfornians. Finally they discuss the challenges COVID-19 has presented to California, especially to communities of color, and what she might tackle next year.
Senator Holly Mitchell
&
Assemblymember Robert Rivas
Senator Holly Mitchell rejoins the program for a wide ranging discussion including COVID legislation, the California budget, Black Lives Matter, protesting and police reform and how her legislation is part of a broader effort to bring racial equity and justice to California.
We then have Assemblymember Robert Rivas of the 30th District on the show. He discusses growing up in a farm working household and community, the effects of COVID on his district and the challenges of reaching constituents in rural areas. Then he explains his priorities for this year’s budget, especially protections for farmworkers and how Project Roomkey can help the housing crisis.
Jarhett Blonien
Host
Jarhett Blonien is a seasoned California attorney with years of experience working in various levels of state government. The breadth and depth of his experience – both in the capitol and in the courtroom – give him a unique perspective to the inner-workings of California government.
Blonien has spent his career mastering the legislative process, forming relationships with key players and learning how to creatively implement successful strategies amidst a constantly evolving political landscape.