As we head toward 2020, Steve Tavares and Shawn Wilson look back at the past decade, from changes in attitudes in Alameda County toward cannabis to the growing housing crisis. Plus, some predictions for the next year. Happy New Year!
Ding Dong nuts is the Christmas stocking stuffer that keeps giving. The holiday season is almost over and Steve Tavares and Shawn Wilson break down the annual end of the year weirdness that often happens in East Bay politics. Plus, what if Libby Schaaf faced off against Rob Bonta for congress? Who would win? **Note** A decade-ending special podcast is coming New Year's Eve.
The heavens opened up, resulting in podcast history's first rain delay. Shawn Wilson handles the hosting duties and we talk about Developer Phil Tagami and Oakland's cancel culture, and nightmare dates. Also, why in the world would somebody want to run for office in Alameda?
And we're back! Rep. Eric Swalwell's #fartgate (#shartgate) still lingers. We break it all down, along with a post-mortem on why Sen. Kamala Harris' presidential campaign faltered. Also, a first look on the candidate's performance in the big Alameda County Supervisors race, and a Thanksgiving update.
Steve Tavares is cooking the turkey this year and Shawn Wilson has no place to go for Thanksgiving. In the meantime, the East Bay Insiders take another look at the Alameda County Board of Supervisors race next year, and shopping at union grocery stores, among many other topics on this expanded Thanksgiving edition.
The first of its kind East Bay Fantasy City Council League Draft commences. Who is drafted as the first-overall pick? How will you know who wins the fantasy league? Who knows? Plus, reminiscing about the old Castro Valley Flea Market, and karaoke.
A transcript of Alameda's secret audio recording will be released to the public. How should the two Alameda councilmembers recorded in the conversation react to the fallout? Also a bonus appreciation for Alameda builder Ron Cowan and how Willie Brown once met with us and declared way before the 2014 Oakland mayoral election that Libby Schaaf would win.
Maybe they should call him John McPardon? East Bay Insiders Steve Tavares and Shawn Wilson chat about BART Board Director John McPartland's embarrassing gaffe. Why Hayward is always late to the party, and the future of its rising star, Hayward Councilmember Aisha Wahab. In the news: Cherryland is being eyed for annexation and a look at how the A's may not be in Oakland's future. Plus, much joking around about condos for squirrels, free Swedish manure helmets, and impromptu open forums in Oakland.
The District 1 Alameda County Supervisors campaign is the East Bay's top March 2020 primary race. But why are the candidate's keeping their campaigns a secret? Steve Tavares and Shawn Wilson provide an introduction of the candidates with the Tale of the Tape.
The pilot episode of the East Bay Insiders provides a tasting menu for what's to come. From the up-for-grabs Alameda County supervisor's race to one of the candidate's choice of tight jeans and the lack of a traditional guiding political figure in Alameda County. Why can't Fremont's Indo-American political infrastructure get itself together and actually win elections? And isn't Kohl's Cash a scam?
GOP consultant Jason Scalese joins the program (perhaps only for the craft beers) on this episode of the podcast. The killing by Hayward Police of a 29-year-old man with a history of mental illness last November, and the release last month of an Alameda County District Attorney report finding insufficient evidence to prosecute the case, has highlighted the fact that police officers are shielded by powerful state and federal laws.
Dublin typically stays out of the political limelight, but last week it's decision against flying the LGBT Pride flag brought the moderate to conservative Tri-Valley's ideology in full relief for all to see. What happens next? Castro Valley, meanwhile, is changing and some want to shed the oversight of Alameda County and become a city. Michael Kusiak of CV Matters talks about the long road toward incorporation. Plus, crying at an oath of citizenship ceremony.
Republican consultant and former California state director for Ted Cruz's 2016 presidential campaign talks about how progressives and conservatives can get along, Swalwell's unknown gambit for running for president, and the state of the California GOP.
Former San Leandro Councilmember Jim Prola reminisces about the political life of former San Leandro Mayor Tony Santos, who passed away on April 15. Santos served 18 years in San Leandro government and was known for his strong progressive credentials, admiration from labor, and his accomplishments in bringing forward a more diverse city.
Anybody know why East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell is running for president? Those who do, care to guess why the first three weeks of his campaign has been so bad? Over 10,000 people in Alameda voted against homeless seniors earlier this month in a special election, and brief tribute to former San Leandro Mayor Tony Santos, who passed away last week.
Alameda voters head to the polls April 9 for a two-ballot measure special election pitting NIMBYs versus advocates of a homeless wellness center on McKay Avenue near Crab Cove.
Alameda Vice Mayor John Knox White joins the program to discuss the controversial special election.
We also chat about the Alameda City Council's actions April 2, prescribing a large number of rent protections potentially coming in the next few months.
--Season Premiere of the Steve Tavares Is Angry Podcast--
After more than two years of asserting President Trump colluded with the Russians to swing the 2016 election, Rep. Eric Swalwell is facing a great deal of ridicule from the right now that the Mueller Report appears to have found insufficient evidence of collusion. What happens now for Swalwell's presidential aspirations?
April 1 is U.S. Census Day, Casey Farmer, the executive director of the Alameda County Complete Count Committee, explains the need for an accurate count, what it means for the county, and what you can do to help.