Senator John Laird / Perspectives on the New Legislative Session
As the 2025-2026 legislative session convenes, State Senator John Laird also begins his latest - and final - term in elected office! Senator...
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Then There's California
‘Then There’s California' is a dynamic, new podcast featuring members of the California State Senate Democratic Caucus discussing legislative priorities, policy and other related issues that...
Episodes
20 of 100 episodes
"It's clear they want to hook the next generation of smokers" / Senator Susan Rubio & SB 1230
State Senator Susan Rubio & advocates share details about SB 1230, the STOP and Seize Illegal Tobacco Products Act, which will strengthen en...
"I've learned a lot more by LISTENING to people" / Senator Bill Dodd Looks Back on His Legislative Career
After 25 years as a local and state lawmaker and an astonishing 115 (and counting!) bills signed into law in his legislative career, State S...
Senator Steven Bradford & Assembly Speaker Emeritus Willie L. Brown, Jr. - Reminiscences & Perspectives
On the occasion of the recent 'Willie L. Brown, Jr. Day' at the State Capitol, the legendary Assembly Speaker & San Francisco Mayor Emeritus...
Senator Anthony Portantino - "The wonderful opportunity to work on issues I care about"
As Senator Anthony Portantino prepares to leave the legislature this fall, he speaks about how communication with constituents, family viewp...
"Sourdough & Kindness" - Senator Susan Eggman Looks Back on Her Legislative Career
When her distinguished legislative career comes to a close this fall, Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman wants to continue to be invested in im...
SB 1106 & Elder Abuse in Conservatorships - Senator Susan Rubio
State Senator Susan Rubio is joined by the children and advocates of 3 actors & media personalities - Casey Kasem, Mickey Rooney & Nichelle...
Senator Steve Padilla & Pride Month-2024 - "Diversity around us is something to celebrate..."
For Pride Month, we meet Senator Steve Padilla, who shares his candid personal & professional story of coming out publicly as a gay man & la...
Senator Nancy Skinner Looks Back on Her Legislative Legacy: "I'm a bold legislator, but I've also been a fortunate one..."
With her time in the legislature ending this fall, State Senator Nancy Skinner is ready to talk legacy - the record of progressive public po...
A Conversation with the New Senate Majority Leader, Lena Gonzalez: "We, as women, we just press on..."
Women's History Month has passed, but the discussions continue, and the State Senate's new Majority Leader, Senator Lena Gonzalez, shares he...
A Second-Year Conversation with Senator Caroline Menjivar: "How I'm looking at it this year is, how to be more strategic..."
In this wide-ranging podcast conversation, Senator Caroline Menjivar explains how she is starting her second year in office feeling 'way mor...
SB 307 - The College for Foster Youth Act / Senator Angelique Ashby & Former Foster Youth Cody Van Felden
"If you're a former foster youth, there should be no barrier to your success in college..." Senator Angelique Ashby & Cody Van Felden, a for...
Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas on the Memory & Legacy of Rosa Parks: "We have to be like Rosa, we have to stand up on these issues..."
In honor of Black History Month 2024, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas celebrates the memory of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, and explains how...
Senator Ben Allen & LA Times Reporter Rosanna Xia ~ California's Coastline & the Rising Sea
State Senator Ben Allen & Los Angeles Times Environmental Reporter Rosanna Xia - author of the book "California Against the Sea - Visions fo...
Senator Aisha Wahab Looks Back on 2023: "The first year was a learning lesson in so many ways..."
"I always want it to be a positive journey," says Senator Aisha Wahab, and in this podcast conversation, the freshman lawmaker from CA's Eas...
Senator Bill Dodd, on Artificial Intelligence: "It's not just the future, it's the present..."
State Senator Bill Dodd shares his perspective on California's leading role in encouraging A.I. innovation and creativity...while also prior...
Senator Josh Becker on CA's Climate Change Solutions / "The New Enviromental Future"
Despite continued grim climate change forecasts, California continues to be a global leader on climate solutions, and State Senator Josh Bec...
"The debt that is owed" - A Conversation on Reparations / Sen. Steven Bradford & Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
The California Reparations Task Force has released its report on how our state can begin to repair the damage of slavery and racism. Senator...
Senator Catherine Blakespear / "I feel that tremendous sense of honor to have been chosen to do this work..."
She's a former 3-term city mayor, a journalist, and is passionate about transportation issues, the environment, addressing homelessness, and...
Senator Anthony Portantino, on Gun Violence / "The more guns in more hands, the more violence we have in our society. It's that simple."
When it comes to gun safety, California is a safer state than others, and our gun laws work in concert with each other. Senator Anthony Port...