California Underground Podcast: Discussing California Politics Through a Lens of Sanity

California Underground

California is a mess right now and people are looking for a solution or a way out. Join us weekly as we dive deep into the issues plaguing our beautiful state. We feature interviews and round table discussions with political candidates and Californians making a difference. Let's meet in the middle and find common sense solutions. read less
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Episodes

Ep. 252 - Tackling Rising Crime Rates in California
Apr 12 2024
Ep. 252 - Tackling Rising Crime Rates in California
Summary In this episode, Phil and his guest Jeffrey Clayton discuss rising crime rates in blue states, specifically focusing on California. They explore the role of bail in the criminal justice system and its impact on crime rates. They also discuss the effects of Proposition 47, which downgraded certain nonviolent property crimes and drug possession offenses to misdemeanors. The conversation highlights the importance of deterrence and the need to send a strong message that low-level offenses will not be tolerated. In this conversation, Jeff Clayton discusses the issues surrounding bail reform and its impact on crime rates. He highlights the need for discretion in the criminal justice system and the importance of enforcing the law. The conversation also touches on the role of district attorneys in prosecuting crimes and the significance of local elections. Jeff emphasizes the need for voters to pay attention to who their district attorney is and how their policies can affect crime rates. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the American Bail Coalition and their work in advocating for fair and effective bail policies. Check out our full site at www.californiaunderground.live Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:52 The Connection Between Bail and Rising Crime Rates 11:47 The Effects of Abandoning Lower-Level Offenses 24:08 Pressure on Legislatures 30:23 Cities with Democratic Control in Red States 37:14 Attitudes Towards Theft and Corporate Entities --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message
Ep. 250 - Do We Need Another Recall?
Mar 29 2024
Ep. 250 - Do We Need Another Recall?
Summary In this episode, Phil and Camille discuss the second effort to recall Governor Gavin Newsom and whether he deserves to be recalled again. They review Newsom's State of the State address in 2022, focusing on his promises regarding gas prices and the economy. They also examine the process and timeline of a recall election and the challenges of electric vehicle adoption. The conversation highlights the high gas prices in California and the state's struggling economy, leading to the conclusion that Newsom's promises have not been fulfilled. In this conversation, Camille and Phil discuss the failures of California Governor Gavin Newsom in various areas, including the state's unemployment rate, job growth, homelessness, crime rates, and more. They highlight the misleading jobs numbers, the ineffectiveness of mask mandates, and the slow progress in addressing the homelessness crisis. They also emphasize the importance of focusing on local elections and flipping seats in the state legislature to bring about positive change in California. While a second recall of Newsom is discussed, they suggest that redirecting energy towards local elections may be a more effective strategy. Make sure to check out our full website at www.californiaunderground.live Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:49 The Second Effort to Recall Governor Gavin Newsom 03:00 State of the State Address in 2022 04:31 Gas Tax Increase and Rising Gas Prices 05:50 Understanding the Recall Process 07:43 Recall Election Results 08:02 Potential Duration of a New Recall 09:25 Cost and Timing of Signature Collection 11:13 Recall Election Candidates 11:25 Cost of Recall Elections 12:29 State of the State Address in 2022 13:16 No Pause in Gas Tax Increase 15:23 Blaming Oil Companies for Gas Prices 19:24 Gas Prices and Taxes in California 20:23 Challenges of Electric Vehicle Adoption 25:47 Electric Vehicle Sales and Infrastructure 28:14 California's Leadership in Clean Technology 29:59 EV Sales and Market Growth 35:11 EV Sales and Market Slowdown 37:35 California's Economy and Job Growth 38:56 California's Unemployment Rate 39:03 California's Unemployment Rate and Job Growth 40:15 Misleading Jobs Numbers 41:41 Postponed State of the State Address 42:55 California's Economy and Budget Deficit 43:37 Impact of Acupuncturists and Dieticians on Jobs Numbers 44:04 Inaccurate Jobs Data 44:45 Public Perception of California's Economy 45:16 Lockdowns and Saving Lives 46:08 Effectiveness of Mask Mandates 47:12 Exaggerated Evidence for Masks to Fight COVID 49:24 Homelessness Crisis and Care Court 50:01 Failure to Implement Comprehensive Homelessness Strategy 58:11 Crime Rates and Failed Policies 01:00:56 Need for a Second Recall --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message
Episode 248 - Convo with Jim Desmond
Mar 1 2024
Episode 248 - Convo with Jim Desmond
Are you a Californian who feels like your views on politics in California are not popular? Do you feel like no one will agree with you? Feels like when you meet someone who does agree you are part of a secret underground club of people who think like you? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear others who share your views and solutions to save our beautiful state.  Check out our full site at www.californiaunderground.live Episode Summary In this episode, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond discusses the impact of the open border on San Diego County. He highlights the situation at the border, including the presence of a hole in the fence and the influx of migrants from various countries. The conversation covers various themes related to the challenges faced by California, including the issue with Prop 1 and homelessness, the affordability problem in the state, the lack of transitional housing for the homeless, the impact of immigration and homelessness on blue cities, the consequences of increasing minimum wage, and charging utilities based on household income. Takeaways The border situation in San Diego County is a significant concern, with an open border allowing migrants from various countries to enter unimpeded.Street drop-offs of migrants in San Diego County have led to confusion and strain on local resources, including the use of the airport as a makeshift migrant center.The diversion of funds from homelessness and mental health programs to address the migrant issue has hindered efforts to address local issues.The broken immigration system allows people to cut ahead of the line and enter the country illegally, undermining the legal immigration process. Throwing money at the homelessness problem without addressing the underlying issues and policies is not an effective solution.The affordability crisis in California, including housing costs and taxes, is a major concern that needs to be addressed.There is a need for more transitional housing and support for homeless individuals who have gone through detox and need a clean and sober environment.The connection between immigration and homelessness is becoming more apparent, and there is a growing dissatisfaction among constituents with the current approach.Increasing the minimum wage can have unintended consequences, such as job losses and automation.Charging utilities based on household income is a form of socialism and sets a dangerous precedent. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Border Situation 03:43 Impact on San Diego Airport 08:10 Financial Burden on San Diego County 13:40 Broken Immigration System 16:11 Consequences of Immigration Policies 22:06 Impact on County Funding and Resources 23:10 Prop 1 and Homelessness Funding 27:16 The Issue with Prop 1 and Homelessness 29:48 The Affordability Issue in California 34:10 The Lack of Transitional Housing for the Homeless 38:34 The Impact of Immigration and Homelessness on Blue Cities 45:32 The Consequences of Increasing Minimum Wage 50:20 Charging Utilities Based on Household Income --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message
Episode 247 - Unimpressive Senate Candidates
Feb 23 2024
Episode 247 - Unimpressive Senate Candidates
Are you a Californian who feels like your views on politics in California are not popular? Do you feel like no one will agree with you? Feels like when you meet someone who does agree you are part of a secret underground club of people who think like you? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear others who share your views and solutions to save our beautiful state.  Summary In this episode of the California Underground Podcast, the hosts discuss the recent senatorial debate and share their impressions of the candidates. They highlight the lack of impressive candidates and the unimpressive nature of the debate itself. The conversation covers topics such as inflation, minimum wage, and the deficit. The hosts critique the candidates' proposed solutions and highlight the need for fiscal responsibility and limited government intervention. www.californiaunderground.live Takeaways Undocumented labor and immigration reform were key topics discussed in the debate.The trust of Latino voters was questioned, and the diverse political views within the Latino community were highlighted.The Democratic Party's failure on immigration reform was criticized.The candidates had differing views on nuclear energy and its role in addressing climate change. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Upcoming Events 05:26 Impressions of the Senate Candidates 15:30 Inflation and Minimum Wage 43:00 Undocumented Labor and Immigration Reform 43:28 Trust of Latino Voters 44:26 Comprehensive Immigration Reform 45:22 Responsibility of Congress Members 46:21 Latino Vote and Immigration 47:51 Diverse Political Views within Latino Community 52:10 Democratic Party's Failure on Immigration Reform 56:00 Nuclear Energy and Climate Change 01:00:35 Nuclear Energy and Climate Change (Continued) 01:03:21 Decommissioning Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant 01:11:35 Closing Statements --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message
Episode 246 - Is Prop 1 a Trojan Horse?
Feb 16 2024
Episode 246 - Is Prop 1 a Trojan Horse?
Are you a Californian who feels like your views on politics in California are not popular? Do you feel like no one will agree with you? Feels like when you meet someone who does agree you are part of a secret underground club of people who think like you? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear others who share your views and solutions to save our beautiful state.  On this episode, we dive into Prop 1, a proposition that says it will help with homelessness and mental health issues. We discuss who's in favor, who will likely benefit from it, and whether it will fix the problem. This episode was recorded on 2.16.23 www.californiaunderground.live Links Mentioned in the Show https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_1,_Behavioral_Health_Services_Program_and_Bond_Measure_(March_2024) https://calmatters.org/california-voter-guide-2024/prop-1-mental-health https://www.hoover.org/research/newsom-wants-add-64-billion-californias-16-trillion-debt-proposition-1 https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2024/02/fema-roomkey-october-letter/#:~:text=Gov.%20Gavin%20Newsom%20launched%20the,declare%20a%20state%20of%20emergency  https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/susan-shelley-proposition-1-is-an-expensive-scam-that-must-be-rejected-on-march-5/ar-BB1i54xE https://apnews.com/article/california-homelessness-initiative-mental-health-3e6765a30343f7cc0147efd40f5a2f2f *The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.* Support California Underground on Patreon at www.patreon.com/CaliforniaUnderground Follow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA Substack: https://substack.com/profile/72986149-ca_underground Shop California Underground Merchandise: https://california-underground.creator-spring.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message
Episode 243 - Why Is California Broke?
Jan 25 2024
Episode 243 - Why Is California Broke?
Are you a Californian who feels like your views on politics in California are not popular? Do you feel like no one will agree with you? Feels like when you meet someone who does agree you are part of a secret underground club of people who think like you? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear others who share your views and solutions to save our beautiful state.  On this episode, we discuss the recent news that California has a $68 billion budget deficit, how it got this bad, and whether or not it will get better in the future. This episode was recorded on 1.23.24 *The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.* Support California Underground on Patreon at www.patreon.com/CaliforniaUnderground Follow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA Substack: https://substack.com/profile/72986149-ca_underground Shop California Underground Merchandise: https://california-underground.creator-spring.com Takeaways California's budget deficit is a significant concern for voters, with 57% considering it an extremely serious problem.A majority of voters support cutting government services and using the rainy day fund to address the deficit, while raising taxes is the least popular option.The state's reliance on volatile revenue streams, such as income taxes and taxes from tech companies, contributes to the budget fluctuation.Prop 13, which limits property taxes, prevents a more stable revenue stream for the state.The $1.6 trillion debt, including underfunded pensions, is a long-term challenge that needs to be addressed.Climate change is not the primary cause of California's budget deficit, despite claims made in some articles.Prominent politicians should address the state's debt and develop plans to pay it down. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weather Impact 03:09 Nikki Haley's Loss 06:50 Impact on California GOP08:13California's Budget Deficit 17:34 Reasons for Budget Fluctuation 25:23 Volatility and Prop 1333:38 Solving the Budget Deficit 46:55 Climate Change as a Cause 49:37 Public Opinion on the Budget Deficit 54:50 Proposed Wealth Tax Act 55:28 Final Thoughts 56:27 Budget Negotiations 57:15 Wasted Money on Presidential Candidates 57:53 Importance of Local Races 58:26 Lack of Interest in Local Races 58:46 Final Thoughts and Call to Action --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message
Episode 241 - New California Laws in 2024
Jan 10 2024
Episode 241 - New California Laws in 2024
Are you a Californian who feels like your views on politics in California are not popular? Do you feel like no one will agree with you? Feels like when you meet someone who does agree you are part of a secret underground club of people who think like you? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear others who share your views and solutions to save our beautiful state.  On this episode, we discuss the new laws that are going into effect in California in 2024 (including some laws that were vetoed) and what you should know about them. Takeaways California is facing a busy year ahead, with various bills and elections on the horizon.Housing bills, including those related to affordable housing, are a major topic of discussion.The expansion of the legal definition of gravely disabled raises concerns about civil rights and privacy.The California ID system and the jury stipend are also important issues to consider.The expansion of Medi-Cal and the move towards universal healthcare are significant developments in the state. Local elections have a significant impact on daily life and should not be overlooked.Government is not always the most effective steward of helping the poor.Banning books in schools raises concerns about censorship and the importance of parental involvement.New laws in California include a ban on gas-powered lawn equipment and the designation of a state mushroom. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and New Year's Resolutions 03:00 Discussion on the Busy Year Ahead 10:05 Discussion on Housing Bills 18:25 Expansion of the Legal Definition of Gravely Disabled 29:26 Discussion on California ID and Jury Stipend 36:11 Expansion of Medi-Cal and Universal Healthcare 38:31 Health Insurance and Deficit 39:00 Affordability and Priorities 39:44 Implications for Gavin Newsom 40:23 Increasing Costs for Healthcare and Mortgages 40:53 Government's Role in Helping the Poor 41:54 Christianity and Universal Healthcare 42:21 Limiting Hand Count Votes in Elections 43:18 Sacramento's Involvement in Local Politics 43:58 Importance of Local Elections 44:53 Decentralizing Sacramento 47:16 Veto of Unemployment Benefits for Striking Workers 49:20 Fast Food Workers' Raise and Layoffs 49:49 Tax on Guns and Ammo 51:09 Carry and Conceal Weapons Law 56:23 Banning Books in Schools 59:31 Banning Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment 01:00:06 State Mushroom and Other Weird Laws --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message
Episode 240 - Convo with the Christian Caucus of the Libertarian Party
Dec 20 2023
Episode 240 - Convo with the Christian Caucus of the Libertarian Party
Are you a Californian who feels like your views on politics in California are not popular? Do you feel like no one will agree with you? Feels like when you meet someone who does agree you are part of a secret underground club of people who think like you? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear others who share your views and solutions to save our beautiful state.  In this episode, Phil and Camille interview Jacob and Kara, founders of the Christian Caucus of the Libertarian Party. They discuss the formation of the caucus and its purpose in bringing together Christians and libertarians. Takeaways The Christian Caucus of the Libertarian Party aims to provide a home for Christians in the party and promote the intersection of Christianity and libertarianism.Christianity and libertarianism are compatible as both philosophies emphasize individual freedom, non-aggression, and limited government.Misconceptions about libertarianism and Christianity can be addressed by understanding the principles and values that underpin both ideologies.The state should not be relied upon to solve societal problems, as it often leads to unintended consequences and the violation of individual rights.Limited government and free markets offer more effective and efficient solutions to societal issues, while allowing individuals to exercise personal responsibility. Government officials should be held to the same moral standards as individuals.Addressing both spending and revenue is necessary to solve budgetary problems.Supporting and voting for nonprofits can be an effective way to address societal issues.The lack of accountability in government and the profit motive behind certain problems need to be recognized.Christians should find their political home and advocate for change through issue coalitions, overcoming evil with good. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:16 Formation of the Christian Caucus 03:23 Purpose and Goals of the Christian Caucus 06:16 Christianity and Libertarianism: Chicken or Egg? 08:12 The Compatibility of Christianity and Libertarianism 10:57 Misconceptions about Libertarianism and Christianity 23:43 The Role of the State and Individual Responsibility 28:21 The Libertarian Perspective on Political Parties 37:07 The Flaws of Big Government Solutions 43:16 The Need for Limited Government and Free Markets 47:47 Christian Morality and Libertarianism 49:25 Fixing Budgetary Problems 49:58 Nonprofits as Solutions 51:20 Government Inefficiency 53:24 Lack of Accountability 53:46 Profiting from Homelessness 55:38 Government Funding and Accountability 56:50 Finding a Political Home 57:08 Joining the Christian Caucus 58:06 Advocating for Change 01:02:13 Leaving the Duopoly 01:06:33 Issue Coalitions 01:07:08 Overcoming Evil with Good This episode was recorded on 12.19.23 *The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.* Support California Underground on Patreon at www.patreon.com/CaliforniaUnderground Follow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA Substack: https://substack.com/profile/72986149-ca_underground Shop California Underground Merchandise: https://california-underground.creator-spring.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message
Episode 239 - Convo with Sonja Shaw President of Chino Valley Unified
Dec 13 2023
Episode 239 - Convo with Sonja Shaw President of Chino Valley Unified
Are you a Californian who feels like your views on politics in California are not popular? Do you feel like no one will agree with you? Feels like when you meet someone who does agree you are part of a secret underground club of people who think like you? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear others who share your views and solutions to save our beautiful state.  In this episode, Sonia Shaw, the president of the Chino Valley Unified School Board, discusses the fight for parental rights in California. She shares her experience with the LA Times profile and the challenges she has faced as a school board member. Sonia explains the importance of maintaining order in school board meetings and the need for parental notification policies. Sonja encourages everyone to support the fight and stand up for our children. Takeaways The fight for parental rights in California is gaining momentum, with parents from different backgrounds uniting to protect their children's education.Maintaining order in school board meetings is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring fair representation.Parental notification policies are essential for keeping parents informed about their children's education and protecting their rights.The state's obsession with public education is driven by a desire for control and influence over the youth.Local politics play a significant role in effecting change and protecting parental rights. It is important for parents to get involved, vote, and support candidates who prioritize parental rights. Banding together and empowering everyday people is crucial in the fight to protect children and families.Supporting initiatives such as parental notification, protecting girls' sports, and preventing surgeries and medications for children without parental consent is essential.Addressing sexually explicit material in schools and enacting policies to protect children is necessary.It is important to stay informed, get involved, and support individuals like Sonja Shaw who are fighting for the well-being of our children. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 01:14Discussion on LA Times Profile 02:40Story about the LA Times Article 05:34Maintaining Order in School Board Meetings 06:50California Superintendent of Public Education Attending a Meeting 10:46Introduction of Parental Notification Policy14:22Reasons for Enforcing the Policy 16:33The Fight for Parental Rights 17:40Reaching Beyond Political Affiliations 20:30Parental Rights as a Political Issue 21:42The Fear of Parental Rights Advocates 25:03The State's Obsession with Public Education 26:38The State's Control and Opposition to Local Government 32:00The Impact of Local Politics 36:14The Importance of Voting in Local Elections 40:20Unity and Support in the Fight for Parental Rights 41:26The Start of the Fight 43:21Attacks on Children and Families 44:42Supporting Initiatives to Protect Kids 48:55Addressing Sexually Explicit Material in Schools 56:26Where to Find and Support Sonja Shaw *The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.* Support California Underground on Patreon at www.patreon.com/CaliforniaUnderground Follow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA Substack: https://substack.com/profile/72986149-ca_underground Shop California Underground Merchandise: https://california-underground.creator-spring.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message
Episode 238 - The Dangers of CBDC with Guest Joe Vezzani
Dec 6 2023
Episode 238 - The Dangers of CBDC with Guest Joe Vezzani
Are you a Californian who feels like your views on politics in California are not popular? Do you feel like no one will agree with you? Feels like when you meet someone who does agree you are part of a secret underground club of people who think like you? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear others who share your views and solutions to save our beautiful state.  On this episode, we are joined by Joe Vezzani the CEO and Co-Founder of LunarCrush to discuss the dangers of Central Bank Digital Currency as well as how Bitcoin can help combat the impact of CBDC. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 03:03Understanding Bitcoin 07:48Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) 14:53Concerns about CBDC 21:16Potential Impact of CBDC 26:49Controversial Aspects of CBDC 34:43Bitcoin as a Response to CBDC 42:40Confusion between Bitcoin and CBDCs 43:22Concerns about government control 43:49Finite supply of Bitcoin 44:43Long-term perspective on Bitcoin 45:12Bitcoin's thoughtful design 46:29Politicians and CBDCs 47:39Security risks of CBDCs 49:35Alternatives for those who don't want to participate in CBDCs 51:40Final thoughts on CBDCs This episode was recorded on 12.5.23 *The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.* Support California Underground on Patreon at www.patreon.com/CaliforniaUnderground Follow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA Substack: https://substack.com/profile/72986149-ca_underground Shop California Underground Merchandise: https://california-underground.creator-spring.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message