Holiday cheer abounds as Steve Tavares and Shawn Wilson talk about Christmas shopping, the repeated tragedies involving pedestrian violence, the newly-redrawn county lines and the East Bay 20th Assembly District and 10th State Senate District maps, Assemblymember Bill Quirk's retirement, along with some Christmas carolling.
The state and federal redistricting maps are nearly finalized. Steve Tavares and Shawn Wilson break down the proposed boundaries for the East Bay Assembly and state Senate seats and what they mean for elections over the next decade, and more.
We dedicate this episode to Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan, who was tragically killed on Nov. 3. We look back at her long legacy of fighting for the most vulnerable among us. And what comes next? We also look at the possible candidates for appointment and the ramifications for the Board of Supervisors and her district's residents.
Fremont Councilmember Raj Salwan is a veterinarian by day and likable elected official by night. We jam him up about what goes on behind the doors at your pet's vet appointment, in addition, to a discussion about the growing, but stalling, Indian American political power in the Tri-Cities, and what might be really going down with Fremont's city manager scandal.
Under a new state law, former San Leandro Councilmember Lee Thomas's home BBQ business GrilleeQ is the first permitted micro-business in Alameda County. He talks San Leandro politics, including the infamous controversy over his fence, and offers new insights into the furor back in 2018. Lee also brought a selection of grilled sausages and beer with him for good measure,
Alameda County Assessor Phong La is the elected offices who determines the value of your property. A valuable property is good until your property tax bill arrives. But despite the sleepy bureaucratic office he holds, La is viewed as one of Alameda County's rising political stars. He chats about Chinatown's rise in crime, assessing Howard Terminal, along with some of the local upcoming races, among other issues.
The second half of our interview with former Oakland Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente includes his stated interest in running for Oakland mayor in 2022. "Why not give it one last shot? I have nothing to lose, nothing to gain, so I will have the freedom to f--cking blow this sh-t up and rebuild." he says. In addition, he details his advocacy for A's great Ricky Henderson to run for the same seat, and IDLF's further insights on Oakland city politics.
Oakland City Council legend Ignacio De La Fuente has much to say about the proposed Howard Terminal ballpark term sheet and even more about the current City Council in Part 1 of this special edition episode. "The council and the mayor, they are nice individuals, but they have no f-----g clue," he said. --Coming Wednesday, De La Fuente weighs in on the state of Oakland, while again mulling a run for mayor next year.
After a disappointing result in the recent 18th Assembly District special election primary, Alameda Vice Mayor Malia Vella offers her inside view of her own campaign and her opponents, and handicaps the Aug. 31 special election runoff. Will she offer an endorsement in the race?
Season 3 of the East Bay Insiders brings back Steve Tavares, Shawn Wilson, along with special guest host, former Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison. We preview this week's 18th Assembly District special election; the fate of the A's and the Howard Terminal ballpark project; and next year's big Alameda County sheriff and district attorney races.
It's already a tumultuous 2021. Steve is hanging up his notebook and tape recorder and Shawn is under fire for calling a white guy a "Cracker McCracker" in Episode 29. Down to business, we look at the undercurrent of opposition in Alameda County to Rob Bonta's bid for state attorney general, and analyze the early 2022 campaigns for Alameda County DA and sheriff.
Annus Horribilis is behind us. Coronavirus, masks, hand sanitizer, defund the police, recession, George Floyd dominated a memorable, yet forgettable year. We also look ahead to 2021 and the changes that may happen in the new year. Happy New Year!