Podcast
State of Gold
Hosted by Jon Slavet | California Politics · EN
Restoring the California Dream One Bold Idea at a Time
California was once a beacon of prosperity, hope and innovation – symbolized by the Gold Rush, Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Today it’s the least affordable state in the nation and plagued by poverty, homelessness, and sky-high taxes. How did we get here, and how do we turn California around?
State of Gold is a media platform and citizens’ movement dedicated to restoring the California dream. Host and longtime real estate and tech executive Jon Slavet combines practical wisdom and insurgent energy, as he sits down with voices from across the spectrum.
The show will examine and promote the best ideas from any corner to solve the state’s most pressing issues. State of Gold cuts through the noise to explore what’s gone wrong in the Golden State – and what it’ll take to make things right.
www.stateofgold.com
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Who the System Actually Serves | Gus Mattammal
4d ago00:25:53Tap to summarizeGuest:Gus Mattammal, Candidate for CA Superintendent of Public InstructionGuest BioGus Mattammal is a lifelong educator and the director of a leading private tutoring group in Silicon Valley. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked with more than 1,000 students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Mattammal is the author of A is for Average, a book exploring the systemic failures and potential solutions for the California public school system. In addition to his work in education, he is an elected member of the Midcoast Community Council and serves on several countywide boards focused on transportation and tax oversight. He holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a bachelor's degree from Pomona College.Show SummaryCalifornia currently ranks 38th in reading and 44th in math—results that Gus Mattammal argues are a direct consequence of a system that prioritizes being a "jobs program" vs. an educational provider for our kids. In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet sits down with Mattammal to discuss the bold, grassroots insurgency needed to reclaim the future for California's nearly 6 million students.Mattammal critiques the current leadership and the powerful influence of the California Teachers Association (CTA), proposing a radical shift in how the state handles its record $150 billion education budget. He details his plan to redo the state’s funding formula to repurpose future budget growth—beyond the rate of inflation—into hiring more teachers and lowering class sizes in struggling districts, all without raising taxes.The conversation dives into the "science of reading" and why states like Mississippi are now outperforming California with half the per-pupil spending. From the "social justice" mission creep in math standards to the administrative bloat caused by Sacramento's mandates, Mattammal offers a provocative blueprint for an education system that values merit, competition, and parental choice.Chapters00:00 – Education System or Jobs Program?00:49 – The Reality of Rankings: 38th in Reading, 44th in Math02:27 – Breaking the Cycle: Breaking the CTA and Bureaucratic Bloat03:02 – Restructuring the Funding Formula: A Plan for Growth Without New Taxes06:15 – The Three Dimensions of a Superintendent: Facilitator, Advocate, and Manager08:53 – Why Mississippi is Crushing California: The Science of Reading11:42 – Public Shaming and Competition: Incentivizing Excellence12:23 – Math Standards and "Social Justice": Why Singapore Still Leads15:23 – The Collective Surrender: Why Ideology Replaces Results18:35 – Declining Enrollment and the Financial Crisis in Urban Districts19:27 – Compliance Costs: How Mandates Drive Administrative Bloat23:25 – Rapid Fire: King for a Day and the "Gus Bus"Connect with Gus MattammalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOneTrueGus/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gus-mattammal/Twitter: https://x.com/TheOneTrueGusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonetruegus/Website: https://www.votegus.org/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com
Transcribe →California's “Billionaire Tax” Isn't What You Think
1w ago00:05:31Tap to summarize"If this gets on the ballot, it is an existential event for California". In the second installment of our Wipeout series, we peel back the layers of the proposed 5% Billionaire Tax to reveal what is buried in the fine print: A measure that allows Sacramento politicians to expand the tax to citizens regardless of their net worth.The panel explores the "fallout" of a policy that could force Californians to declare all assets under penalty of perjury and pay cash taxes on home equity or retirement accounts like 401ks and IRAs. We discuss the aggressive enforcement mechanisms, including subpoenas for financial records and 40% penalties for valuation disagreements.With 45% of California's income tax already supported by the top 1% of earners, the episode examines the reality of an "exodus" to states like Florida and Texas. We look at how the departure of these high-net-worth individuals doesn't just mean "taking their bags," but taking billions in funding for teachers, firefighters, and clean water—effectively passing the bill down to the middle class. Featuring insights on why Governor Newsom and a bipartisan majority of gubernatorial candidates oppose the measure, this episode is a deep dive into why this "gateway drug" to higher taxes could hurt California's long-run fiscal picture.Chapters 00:00 – An Existential Event: The Looming Ballot Measure00:37 – Buried in the Fine Print: Expanding the Tax Regardless of Net Worth01:10 – The Asset Declaration: Penalty of Perjury and Cash Requirements01:25 – Enforcement Tactics: Subpoenas and 40% Valuation Penalties01:48 – Beyond Billionaires: Targeting 401ks, IRAs, and Home Values02:18 – The Franchise Tax Board: Subpoenaing Personal Financial Records02:37 – Uncle Harry’s Bill: Why the Top 1% Fund 45% of the State03:08 – The Charity Collapse: What Happens When Billionaires Leave Communities03:36 – Passing the Bill Down: Losing Billions for Schools and Firefighters04:11 – The Gateway Drug: Reaction to California’s New "Fringe" Reputation04:47 – Bipartisan Opposition: Newsom and the Gubernatorial Candidates05:14 – Truth Seekers: Closing the Long-Run Fiscal PictureEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com
Transcribe →Why the People Who'd Fix California Are the Ones Leaving | Pete Peterson
2w ago00:19:27Tap to summarizeGuest:Pete Peterson - Dean of the Pepperdine School of Public PolicyGuest Bio: Pete Peterson is a leading national voice on civic engagement and state governance, currently serving as the Dean of the Pepperdine School of Public Policy. A former candidate for California Secretary of State, Peterson has dedicated his career to improving how citizens interact with their government. He is a senior fellow at the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and has been at the forefront of the "Leading Smart Communities" initiative, which trains public officials to use technology and data transparency to run more efficient municipalities. Known for his analytical approach to California’s unique political landscape, Peterson is a frequent contributor to national and state-level discussions on election reform and the future of the California dream.Show Summary"California is America on steroids," says Pete Peterson—but according to the Pepperdine Dean, being a "one-party state" for too long has left the Golden State in decay. In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet sits down with Peterson to break down the high-stakes 2026 Governor’s race and why a "political earthquake" could be on the horizon.Peterson explores the "less than 25% chance" of two Republicans emerging from the jungle primary and explains why a Republican Governor might be the only "check" left to rein in a progressive legislature. The conversation pulls no punches on the state’s fiscal reality, noting that while the budget has doubled in less than a decade, public services from education to infrastructure are in a tailspin—even underperforming states like Mississippi and Alabama.From the "Trojan Horse" of the Billionaire Tax and the "moral hazard" of public sector unions to the potential for a "California DOGE" (Department of Government Efficiency), Peterson offers a masterclass in why people are "voting with their feet". This is a deep dive into whether California is at its "darkest before the dawn" and what it will take to restore the luster to the world's fifth-largest economy.Chapters00:00 – California: America on Steroids00:36 – The Jungle Primary: Could Two Republicans Emerge?01:53 – Reforming the System: Top Two vs. Top Five Primaries02:53 – Chaos as a Check: A Republican Governor vs. a Supermajority04:16 – Advice to the GOP: Creating a Vision Beyond "Reagan 2.0"06:01 – Grading the Democrats: Name Recognition vs. Policy Substance07:39 – The Moderate Lane: Can Matt Mahan or Antonio Villaraigosa Break Through?08:57 – National Politics: Trump, Midterms, and the Divided Congress11:24 – The "Gold Rush in Reverse": Why the Billionaire Tax is a Bad Idea12:49 – The Blue State Model: High Taxes and Declining Services14:52 – The Public Sector Union Problem: Breaking the Cycle17:18 – California DOGE: Applying Tech and Transparency to Sacramento20:45 – The Path Forward: Removing Collective Bargaining from Public Unions23:18 – Optimism for the Golden State: A History of Solving Human-Made ProblemsConnect with Pete PetersonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeteSOS/Twitter: Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com
Transcribe →Will Waste, Fraud and Over-Spending Drown California?
2w ago00:03:41Tap to summarizeIn just a few years, California went from a $100 billion budget surplus to a $30 billion structural deficit. How does the world’s fourth-largest economy wipe out that much cash so quickly? In this mini-episode State of Gold takes a hard look at CA’s out of control "spending spree" as well as the rampant waste and fraud plaguing Sacramento.Noted experts break down the "regressive" nature of California’s current path, where middle-class residents are squeezed by electricity and gas prices while state government spending doubles over the past decade. Wipeout reveals the "perverse financial incentives" that allow social problems to grow, and fail, despite record spending.Chapters 00:00 – The $100 Billion Wipeout: From Surplus to Deficit00:08 – The Real Math: 60% Revenue Growth vs. 72% Spending Growth00:16 – Fraud Exported: $30 Billion Sent to Scammers00:34 – The 2022 Surplus vs. Today’s Structural Deficit00:52 – Boiling the Frog: Expanding Government Beyond Inflation01:11 – Twice the Spending, Half the Quality: The 10-Year Decline01:19 – Misaligned Priorities: School Renaming & Zoom Classrooms01:31 – Education Failure: Bottom Quintile Results Despite Billions Spent01:51 – Fraud Everywhere: From Special Districts to Wildfires02:00 – The Audit Gap: Why Lawmakers Ignore Solutions02:30 – Siphoning Funds: Interest Groups and Spending Decisions02:47 – Breaking the Basics: Failing to Deliver on Record Budgets02:58 – The Tax Loop: Solvency vs. Accountability03:15 – Next Week: The Existential Threat of the Billionaire TaxEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com
Transcribe →California Has All the Answers and All the Problems | Senator Blakespear
3w ago00:24:52Tap to summarizeGuest:Senator Catherine BlakespearGuest Bio: Catherine Blakespear represents the 38th District, covering northern San Diego County and southern Orange County. A lawyer and former journalist for the Los Angeles Times and Associated Press, she transitioned into public service as the Traffic Commissioner for Encinitas before serving eight years in local government, including six years as Mayor. Now in the State Senate, Blakespear chairs the Environmental Quality Committee and the Transportation Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency. Her legislative focus includes increasing housing affordability, preventing gun violence, and finding structural solutions to California’s homelessness humanitarian crisis.Show SummaryIt costs an average of $700,000 and takes seven years to build a single unit of housing in California—a reality Senator Catherine Blakespear calls "anathema to my sense of humanity". In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet and Senator Blakespear tackle the "multi-billion dollar question" of why California’s housing and homelessness crises continue to spiral despite hundreds of new laws.Blakespear shares her unique perspective as a former Mayor who once fought against high-density mandates, explaining why she now believes the state must balance local control with the urgent need for a million new homes. The conversation takes a sharp turn into the "shocking" reality of the state's homelessness response. Blakespear reveals her firsthand findings after touring Care Court, describing it as a "resource-intensive group therapy" that fails to scale because it remains entirely voluntary.In a rare moment of candor from the Democratic side, Blakespear argues it is time to move the "pendulum" back toward involuntary commitment for the gravely disabled, stating that leaving people to die in the elements is a violation of human rights. From the complexities of the insurance market and the Cap-and-Invest program to a debate over Gavin Newsom’s leadership, this episode is an essential look at the policies required to reclaim the "Golden State."Chapters00:00 – The Waiting Room: California’s Housing Math Problem01:12 – From Mayor to Senator: The Battle Over High-Density Housing02:43 – Public vs. Private: Solving the Million-Home Shortage03:41 – Local Control: Why Some Cities Fight State Mandates06:19 – Developers, Density, and the Insurance Crisis08:28 – The "Stab in the Heart": Addressing the Humanity of Homelessness09:06 – Functional Zero: Why "Permanent Housing Only" is Failing11:24 – The Case for Involuntary Commitment: Moving the Pendulum13:53 – Exposing Care Court: Why Voluntary Care Isn't Scaling16:48 – Cap and Invest: Climate Goals vs. Affordability19:43 – The Billionaire Tax and the Innovation Economy21:49 – Assessing Gavin Newsom: Practicality vs. PolicyConnect with Catherine BlakespearFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/senatorblakespear/about/Twitter: https://x.com/CblakespearInstagram: httpsEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com
Transcribe →Top Republican Minds Break Down CA Governor’s Race
3w ago00:14:58Tap to summarizeCalifornia is at a tipping point. With over two-thirds of residents believing the state is on the "wrong track," the race for the Governor’s mansion has turned into a high-stakes battle for the future of the Golden State. In this special episode, recorded live from the April 2026 CA GOP Convention, Jon Slavet sits down with the state’s brightest Republican political minds to break down the chaos of the primary season and the path to a Republican victory.The conversation centers on the "insanity" of current leadership and the rise of optimistic conservative voices like Steve Hilton. The panel dives into the sudden "implosion" of Democratic frontrunner Eric Swalwell and the reshuffling of the voter pool that follows. They also pull back the curtain on the "math problem" facing Republicans: Can they successfully navigate a top-two primary to shut out the Democrats, or will a splintered field leave the GOP on the sidelines?From "kitchen table issues" like the affordability crisis and public safety to the influence of national endorsements, this episode provides a strategic roadmap for how a Republican can win over independents and center-right Democrats in a state where they are outnumbered 2-to-1. It is a candid look at the policies, personalities, and "political earthquakes" that will define California’s next chapter.Chapters00:00 – Live from the GOP Convention: Is it Darkest Before the Dawn?01:33 – The "Wrong Track" Majority and the Search for a Plan02:44 – The Hilton Strategy: Positioning Beyond the MAGA Tag03:18 – Nationalizing the Race: How Democrats Avoid Owning Their Record04:42 – Crossing the Chasm: Appealing to Independents Post-June 2nd06:57 – The Swalwell Implosion: Allegations of Mortgage and Election Fraud09:33 – Kitchen Table Wins: Prioritizing People Over Partisanship12:01 – Hilton vs. Bianco: The Power of the Ballot Designation13:19 – The Primary Math Problem: Avoiding a Democratic Shutout15:20 – Tom Steyer and the $500 Million "Ego Trip"Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com
Transcribe →The Real Reason California Gas Costs More Than Anywhere | Jodie Muller
4w ago00:24:01Tap to summarizeGuestJodie Muller, CEO - Western States Petroleum AssociationGuest BioJodie Muller serves as the President and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), representing the companies that explore, produce, refine, and transport petroleum products in the West. Muller took the helm as CEO during one of the most volatile periods for energy in California’s history. Under her leadership, WSPA has focused on educating policymakers and the public on the "all-of-the-above" energy strategy, advocating for the preservation of high-paying local jobs, and addressing the regulatory "layers" that contribute to California's nation-leading gas prices. Muller is a prominent voice for balancing environmental goals with economic reality, emphasizing the importance of domestic production to maintain strict environmental and labor standards.Show SummaryWhy does California consistently have the highest gas prices in the nation? According to WSPA CEO Jodie Muller, it isn’t one person or one event—it’s the result of decades of policies layered on top of one another.In this episode, Jon Slavet talks with Muller about the complex reality of California’s energy market. From the impact of the Iran war and global spot markets to the "Truman Show" bubble of California’s environmental regulations, Muller explains how the state has hamstrung its own supply chain. She shares startling data on why California now imports over 75% of its crude and what the idling of major refineries means for the families who rely on those six-figure jobs.The conversation also tackles the controversial Cap-and-Invest program, the "baby steps" of recent permitting in Kern County, and why the smartest energy innovations of the future will likely come from within the oil and gas industry. Muller offers a candid look at the upcoming Governor’s race and her "Queen for a Day" wish.Chapters00:00 – Who is Responsible for $6 Gas?01:18 – Decades of Layered Policies: Connecting the Dots02:45 – The Education Gap in Sacramento03:16 – Iran and the Global Energy Market: Why Prices Stay High07:12 – The Environmental Irony of Importing 75% of Our Oil09:34 – From 25 Refineries to 6: The Impact on Consumers11:11 – Six-Figure Jobs and the Economic Knock-on Effects12:59 – Cap and Invest: The Multi-Billion Dollar Business Calculus15:53 – Newsom, Kern County, and the Future of Permitting17:59 – Advancing Renewables: An All-of-the-Above Strategy20:06 – Evaluating the Governor’s Race and Tom Steyer22:27 – Rapid Fire: Pausing Regulations and Keeping Kids in CaliforniaConnect with Jodie MullerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiemuller/Twitter: https://x.com/WSPAPrez/with_repliesEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com
Transcribe →Non-Profits Are Getting Rich Off Homelessness! | Alex Villanueva
Apr 2100:14:31Tap to summarizeGuest:Alex Villanueva, Former Sheriff of Los Angeles CountyGuest Bio: Alex Villanueva served as the 33rd Sheriff of Los Angeles County from 2018 to 2022, making history as the first challenger to unseat an incumbent sheriff in over a century. A veteran of the United States Air Force and the California Air National Guard, Villanueva spent over three decades within the LASD before reaching its highest office. During his tenure, he was known for his fiercely independent and often combative relationship with the LA County Board of Supervisors, frequently clashing over department funding, deputy oversight, and homelessness protocols. A former lifelong Democrat who recently broke with the party to register as a Republican, Villanueva continues to be a prominent voice in California politics, advocating for stricter public safety measures, voter ID laws, and a rejection of what he terms "radical" progressive ideologies.Show SummaryIs California facing the "beginning of the end"? In this episode, Jon Slavet sits down with former LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva for an unfiltered look at the systemic failures plaguing the Golden State.Villanueva pulls no punches as he describes what he calls a "multi-year war against law enforcement" and the emergence of a "homeless industrial complex" that he claims has a perverse financial incentive to grow the crisis rather than solve it. He shares first-hand accounts of cleaning up notorious encampments in Venice and Brentwood and explains why he believes the current political apparatus is more interested in "virtue signaling" than public safety.The conversation dives deep into Villanueva’s personal political evolution—from a JFK Democrat to a Republican—and his critiques of career politicians who he says prioritize their own advancement over the public interest. From the complexities of ICE cooperation and sanctuary status to a rapid-fire session on the future of California leadership, this episode offers a candid perspective from a man who has spent his career on the front lines of California's most contentious battles.Chapters00:00 – The "Beginning of the End" for the Golden State00:40 – The Multi-Year War Against Law Enforcement01:38 – Cleaning Up Venice: A Proven Five-Step Process02:57 – Exposing the Homeless Industrial Complex04:02 – Career Politicians vs. The "Part-Time" Solution05:14 – Lessons Learned: Betrayal and Bureaucratic Interests06:16 – Why the Democratic Party Left Me07:45 – Public Safety Transcends Party Lines09:34 – The Truth About ICE and Sanctuary State Policies13:07 – Local Coordination and Board Politics13:40 – Rapid Fire: Voter ID and Reclaiming the PromiseConnect with Alex VillanuevaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheriffvillanueva33/Twitter/X: https://x.com/AlexVilanueva33Website: https://alexvillanueva2026.com/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com
Transcribe →BART Financial Expert: The Financial Malfeasance is Hiding in Plain Sight! | Debora Allen
Apr 1400:19:41Tap to summarizeGuestDebora Allen, Former Member of the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) BoardGuest BioDebora Allen served as a member of the BART Board of Directors from 2016 to 2024. A CPA with over 30 years of experience in the private sector, she positioned herself as a fiscal hawk on the board, frequently advocating for increased transparency, "station hardening" to prevent fare evasion, and prioritized spending on rider safety and police presence. Allen was a vocal proponent of creating the Office of the BART Inspector General and served as the inaugural chair of the Standing BART Audit Committee. Known for her independent and often dissenting voice against the board's more progressive majority, she chose not to seek re-election in 2024, concluding eight years of service focused on stabilizing the agency’s "fiscal cliff" and improving the commuting experience for suburban taxpayers.Show SummaryBART is facing a fiscal cliff — and according to former board member Debora Allen, it didn’t happen by accident.In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet sits down with Allen to pull back the curtain on what she saw during her eight years on the BART Board. From declining ridership and fare evasion to rising costs and budget shortfalls, Allen explains how a lack of accountability and misaligned priorities have put one of California’s most important transit systems at risk.She shares why she pushed for stronger financial oversight, the creation of an Inspector General, and increased focus on rider safety — including police presence and station hardening. The conversation also explores how political dynamics inside the board shaped decision-making, why dissenting voices were often sidelined, and what she believes needs to change to restore both financial stability and public trust.This is a candid look at how governance, spending, and leadership decisions impact everyday commuters — and what it will take to fix a system that millions rely on.Chapters00:00 – The Reality Inside BART01:10 – Debora Allen’s Background and Time on the Board03:25 – BART’s Fiscal Cliff Explained06:40 – Declining Ridership and Revenue Challenges09:15 – Fare Evasion and Station Safety12:10 – Why “Station Hardening” Matters14:45 – Creating the Inspector General17:20 – Internal Board Dynamics and Decision-Making20:05 – What Needs to Change22:00 – Rapid Fire: Fixing BART and CaliforniaConnect with Debora AllenTwitter: https://x.com/debora_allen1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debora-allen-bart-directorEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com
Transcribe →The $114M Wildlife Bridge That Sums Up Sacramento’s Insanity | Jessica Patterson
Apr 700:20:40Tap to summarizeGuest:Jessica Patterson, Former California GOP ChairGuest Bio: Jessica Patterson is the former Chair of the California Republican Party and a longtime political strategist focused on voter registration, grassroots organizing, and rebuilding Republican strength across the state. During her six years as chair, California Republicans added more than a million new registered voters and expanded outreach into communities long ignored by the party.Show SummaryWhat would it actually take for Republicans to win again in California? In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet sits down with former California GOP Chair Jessica Patterson to talk about how the party can reposition itself, why showing up in neglected communities matters, and what it will take to connect with voters beyond the traditional Republican base.Patterson reflects on the registration gains made during her time leading the party, the importance of strong local messengers, and why issues like gas prices, housing, and education continue to give Republicans an opening in California. She also explains why she believes the GOP already has the right ideas, but must continue doing a better job of meeting voters where they are.The conversation also dives into some of the state’s most pressing policy failures, from high gas prices and energy dependence to CEQA, housing affordability, school choice, and Sacramento’s spending priorities. They close with a look at the billionaire tax, why it could hurt everyday Californians, and what Patterson would do first to help turn the state around.Chapters00:00 – Jessica Patterson Joins State of Gold00:03 – How Republicans Can Start Winning Again in California03:19 – Can Republicans Win in the Trump Era?05:40 – California Energy, Gas Prices & What Newsom Should Do09:39 – The 2026 Governor’s Race and the Top Two Dynamic13:57 – The $114 Million Wildlife Bridge16:29 – The Billionaire Tax and How It Hurts Average Californians18:16 – Rapid Fire: How to Fix California19:04 – School Choice and the Future of Education19:36 – What Gives Jessica Patterson Hope20:01 – California Is Worth SavingConnect with Jessica PattersonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cagopchairwoman/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAGOPchairwoman/Twitter: https://x.com/millanpattersonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millanpattersonEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com
Transcribe →