Every election cycle I notice the discrepancy between how individual campaigns perform in public and the amount of money they pay political consultants. In the East Bay, the going rate appears to be around $8,000 a month. That's a ripoff. On the Steve Tavares Is Angry podcast I break down the political consultant scam. Spoiler: You don't need them.

In the hot seat is 81-year-old San Leandro renter John Busch. You may have seen his story in the media. He and others at the Estudillo Trailer Park were evicted by new out-of-town owners. The city wants to help, but Busch wants to stay in his home. In fact, you will might find his stance is almost Christ-like.

After a brief vacation, I'm back with an extended edition of Steve Tavares Is Angry. With the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee set to bestow its backing for a large number of East Bay candidates on Sept. 15, I take a look at some of the possible storylines that may arise from over the weekend. 

Later I take you on voyage back to 2012 to remind you of the worst person in East Bay politics--AC Transit at-large board member Joel Young.

In the hot seat, I welcome Oakland mayoral candidate Pamela Price to the podcast. You will find her take on how the central committee does its business quite fascinating.

In The Breakdown, I take another look at the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council. What exactly is going on over there? All seven members are hand-picked by Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley. All seven are contributors to his political campaigns. The end result appears not to be a true citizens advisory council, but one dedicated to benefit special interests. In the Hot Seat, I chat with Hayward Councilmember Sara Lamnin, who is running for re-election in what will likely be a tough campaign among three strong candidates for two at-large seats on the council.