Our Guest This Week:
Interview with Laura Friedman
Today’s guest is Assemblymember Laura Friedman who represents the 43rd Assembly District covering Glendale and the eastern part of the San Fernando Valley. She is a returning guest so we just touch on her past and how she moved from the film industry into politics, first at the city level in Glendale and then to the assembly. Then we discuss her new committee chairpersonship of the Transportation Committee, why she took the job and what are her goals for this year, including her transportation safety bill and desire to move the committee in a progressive direction. Finally, we discuss covid, how it affected her family and community, and what it will take from the state and all of us to be safe as the vaccine is rolled out in California.
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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.
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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
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Senator Holly Mitchell
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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.