East Bay Insiders

Aisha Knowles and The Apology

Alameda County Board of Education Trustee Aisha Knowles joins the show to chat about "The Apology," the acclaimed documentary about the forced relocation of Russell City; the push for reparative justice for its former residents and descendents; and her future political plans.

Back to basics

We debut our new recording equipment, even though we didn't test it beforehand. With the primary election in the books, we're going back to basics. Oakland finally has a new police chief. We weigh-in on the rollout, along with the Russell City documentary "The Apology," the intra-county rivalries stoked by the proposed regional housing bond measure, and questions being raised by members of the Alameda County Election Commission. Plus, did you know Mt. Eden High in Hayward once had a secret b...

Primary Answers

The March Primary in the East Bay provided a few surprises. We break down the biggest races. East Bay Insiders Podfather Matt Santos sits in as guest and recording engineer, and recalls Steve Tavares' first foray into politics, among other embarrassing tidbits, and we reminisce about our first-ever live recording.

Loren Taylor: Live in front of a studio audience

The first-ever East Bay Insiders LIVE was a smashing success! We sat down in front a live studo audience with Alameda County Democratic Central Committee candidate and former Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor at Awaken Cafe in Oakland. Loren laid out his vision for Oakland, the Alameda County Democratic Party, his views on ranked choice voting, the recalls, and a few jabs at current Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao's job performance.

He's just Ken

The March Primary is around the corner. Don't forget to vote! Alameda County District 5 supervisorial candidate Ken Berrick joins the program to talk about his plans for the county--fixing Santa Rita Jail, caring for children, and helping Oakland. Later, we break down the big March Primary races in Alameda County, along with predictions.

Newsom's coup

Gov. Gavin Newsom is tired of the mayhem on the streets of Oakland and the East Bay, essentially sending in the troops and taking over the district attorney's office. We break down the unprecedented moves with Alameda County District 5 supervisorial candidate Chris Moore. Later, the boys dish on "Super Dan," Vegas' mayor telling the A's to go home, campaign commercials, and the anonymous article slamming Supervisor Nate Miley.

Has the entire county gone nuts?

Alameda County Democrats went berserk earlier this month, now their brethren across the aisle are trying to match their lunacy. Is there something in the water? A Hayward school boardmember made an incendiary comment toward a staffer, Rep. Eric Swalwell's opponent releases attack ad, BDS movement joins Gaza conversation in the East Bay, plus much more!

What's up with that, Dems?

It was a wild first two weeks of 2024. Alameda County Democrats held a meeting that evoked a skit on Saturday Night Live, a judicial candidate undermined his own impartiality, and Vicki-Sparkle-Titz joined our political lexicon. We kickoff the new year with analysis on the demise of the Democratic Central Committee, legislation banning tackle football for kids, Libby Schaaf's return, and the Board of Supervisors primary races, and more.

Insidey Awards

The first annual Insidey Awards, already the least prestigious honor in Alameda County politics, makes it debut. Tune in for the best and worst performance by an elected official, best hair, and mayor of the year, among other categories, including the ultimate honor, Quote/Rant of the Year. We also chat up the Oakland Police situation and Gaza resolutions. Happy New Year!

Shawn is back!

The long wait is over. Shawn Wilson makes his triumphant return to the podcast. He has a new title and lays out his first directive as the podcast's president of code compliance, censorship, and content filtering. With the filing deadline for the March Primary past us, we preview the big races for the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and State Senate. Merry Christmas and thank you for spending time with us this year.

Seneca Scott vs. Oakland Progressives

Oakland has a population of more than 400,000 and most of them will be listening to find out if Oakland raconteur Seneca Scott said anything about him. Scott joins the podcast for a second time and had plenty of barbs ready for Oakland progressives. He also recounted recently saving a woman from being robbed while shopping in Oakland. Plus, our big announcement.

East Bay poster child for how the GOP has lost suburban voters

In part two of our discussion with former East Bay Assemblymember Catharine Baker: President Trump was not the reason why she lost re-election in 2018. "Candidates are responsible for either winning or losing their campaigns," Baker said, but "Trump was the single most dominant issue in my race." Her 16th Assembly District, she added, is the poster child for why Republicans across the country are losing support in suburban districts. Plus, more.

Last of the East Bay Republicans

Former East Bay Assemblymember Catharine Baker joins the podcast for a lengthy discussion on the lack of civility in local and national politics, and how we can fix the problem. Baker served from 2014 to 2018. She is the last Republican elected from the East Bay to serve in the state Legislature. Baker, now a member of the state Fair Political Practices Commission, also gives a lesson in government transparency. Look for Part 2 of the discussion on Monday!

State of Alameda County's safety net hospitals

East Bay labor leader Doug Jones of SEIU-UHW dishes on the Alameda County labor movement, including insights in the big 7th State Senate primary race, and helps us understand the dire state of safety net hospitals in Hayward, Alameda, and San Leandro, and what may come next.

Sheng Show

From unceded Ohlone land, Steve Tavares and Dan Mendoza welcomed Justin Berton, former director of communications for Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, to breakdown current Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao's first state of the city address, and other issues facing the city. Later, the latest developments in the recall of Alameda County DA Pamela Price.

March Primary Reset

A U.S. Senate appointment could shake up the East Bay's primary election in several ways. Castro Valley school boardmember Mike Kusiak makes a cameo appearance while bearing empanadas, and Lee Thomas returns a co-host. We discuss Sen. Dianne Feinstein's passing, the epic rant by Hayward Mayor Mark Salinas, and how DA Pamela Price should handle the recall threatening her first-year administration.

More Oakland woes: 'You're starting to see all kinds of cracks in this administration'

You're not going to sleep tonight after listening to the platinum episode of the East Bay Insiders Podcast. Steve Tavares, Dan Mendoza, and guest co-host Lee Thomas visit Joe's Pho in San Leandro. Lee gives his take on San Leandro Police Chief Abdul Pridgen being placed on administative leave. We tackle the astonishing news in Oakland that city officials dropped the ball on millions in state money to combat retail theft; an update on the DA Pamela Price recall, Barbara Lee seeking endorsemen...

Labor Strife

Happy Labor Day Weekend! There's labor strife within the East Bay Insiders. Don't let the happy talk fool you. This week we delve into Oakland's 9-1-1 response-times; the real power behind the Oakland A's stadium lease issue; more on the DA Pamela Price's recall; Fremont's mayoral race; and the benefits state Sen. Aisha Wahab will receive for carrying Gov. Gavin Newsom's constitutional convention resolution.

Assemblykid gets timeout

Assemblymember Alex Lee got caught playing with the bad kids in the neighborhood, and the recall effort against Alameda County DA Pamela Price is almost in full-swing. From downtown Pleasanton, the East Bay Insiders chat about 16- and 17-years old voting in school board elections, a glimpse inside the Alameda County Republican Central Committee, and much more!

You don't have to lie to kick it with East Bay Insiders

We clear the air with insights on Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao's pay raise controversy, an analysis of possible recall campaign strategies for and against Pamela Price, Jennifer Esteen's chances against Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley; Holy shirts, rent control, and more!

Dan the Man is the Man for Dublin, Man and lsland Boy

It's post 4th of July, but the East Bay Insiders still have some fireworks to be lit. Shawn Wilson joins the show while on vacation in Hawaii. Some local cities are beefing with Alameda County. We look Hayward's lawsuit against county social services and how staffing shortages may be fueling rising discontent and dangerously poor service levels, and much more!

Send your impact fee checks to Oakland City Hall

A's, crime pays, and Oakland's problems were created by you, Alameda County cities - the Oakland mayor's impact fee idea. Our correspondent reports back from the U.S. Conference of Mayor, Madame DA Pamela Price's latest moves, and the debut of the 30-second speed round (We didn't grasp the 30-second part). 

This title was created by A.I.

ChatGPT and A.I. is on the verge of changing how elections are run in the East Bay. We look at the early pitfalls of the new technology and its potential, Barbara Lee's new senate poll, oversight of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, and other tangents and rabbit holes, along with a Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez sighting on the streets of Pleasanton.

Dinner rolls, pizza, and steak

Fill yourself up on some dinner rolls, pizza, steak, and early March Primary outlooks for Alameda County supervisor and San Leandro. Adds a side dish of Oakland sideshows and Madame DA Pamela Price's plan to spend $128,000 to remodel her office.

It's all about Pam

Alameda County DA Pamela Price is the breakout star of 2023. She's everywhere, except in front of reporters and taking questions. Is a recall looming? Dan Mendoza takes his seat at the News Desk. What makes for a good elected official? Elisa Marquez joins the Board of Supervisor, along with other hijinks.

Eve of Destruction

The future of Alameda County politics is on the line as the Board of Supervisors begin the interview and deliberation process for choosing an appointment to its ranks. A shift to center could take hold or a move back to the left is at stake. We take you through the process and the storylines in this special edition. Also, Shawn Wilson talks about his trip to Mexico.

March Madness in Alameda County

The road to who will be selected as the next Alameda County supervisor in District 2 starts here, bro. We look at the applicants and the obstacles they face in getting the appointment to one of the plum jobs in local politics, bro. Along the way we make a few pitstops, bro, with the A's and Howard Terminal, bro, and the county's recount, bro, and much more, bro!

Authority Song

Law and order is the topic of the week. Alameda County DA Pamela Price is definitely shaking up jurisprudence in the East Bay. Friendly-looking police uniforms in San Leandro? We also breakdown the end of the county's eviction moratorium, defeated rent ordinances, and more on the upcoming Board of Supervisors appointment.

Jockeying for position

Rep. Barbara Lee is aiming for the open U.S. Senate seat in 2024. That's means her seat in the East Bay 12th Congressional District could be up-for-grabs. Some of the same potential candidates may also have their eyes on Nancy Skinner's termed out seat in the 7th State Senate District. If that's not enough, who might be angling to replace the late Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle in South County's District 2? We answer those question and more on this episode of the East Bay Insiders P...

2022 Wrap-up: Post-gender era in East Bay politics and the Modern American man

The end of the year is near. We take a look back at some of year's highlights in East Bay politics and lowlights. Bryan Azevedo's comedy, election upsets, troubles at the Registrar of Voters office and Fremont, and much more. We hand out our first annual Insidey awards and look forward to 2023. A recession perhaps on the horizon? 

The election that went up in smoke

Happy Thanksgiving! Steve Tavares, Shawn Wilson, and Dan Mendoza wrap up the 2022 election in the East Bay. While smoking cigars and sipping Bourbon at the Ohlone Cigar Lounge in Fremont, Steve and Shawn nearly fought about the county registrar, but not before breaking down this fall's election results and what they mean.

East Bay Election Preview Show

It's time to put up or shut up in big races all over Alameda County. Steve Tavares and Shawn break down how these races for district attorney, county supervisor, Oakland mayor, and two legislative races, and more, will shake down. Predictions included! Also, included, special guest, former Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison.

Loren Taylor: Oakland mayoral multitasker

With a week until Election Day, Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor joins the podcast in East Oakland to discuss his campaign, ideas for combating homelessness, the A's and Howard Terminal, his relationship with labor, ranked-choice voting, all the while earning from passerby at least four votes.

It's the Power of IEs

Spending by Independent Expenditures Committees has skyrocketed not only in East Bay legislatives races, but down to the local level as we head into the stretch run to the November Election. Dublin's First Man Dan Mendoza (he came bearing gifts) sits in with Steve Tavares and Shawn Wilson to discuss the deluge of IE money, along with looks at other big races in the East Bay this fall.

Oakland according to Seneca Scott

We're back in Jack London Square, this time with Oakland mayoral candidate Seneca Scott, who minces no words about the state of his city and why labor is backing an opponent, among other insights. 

The Worst

Season 5 Premiere Episode! We're back and well-rested after a grueling June primary season and ready for the November election. Shawn Wilson vacationed in Mexico, Steve Tavares became a fan of ASMR. Recorded in Oakland's Jack London Square, we talk about the city's chronic problems, the Foot Massage Special Tax, in addition, to an in-depth look at gaffe-prone San Leandro mayoral candidate Bryan Azevedo. 

June Primary Autopsy

Upsets were aplenty, money was spent unwisely, progressives and labor candidates prospered, and a number of races will head to November rematches. We break down how Yesenia Sanchez defeated Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern, and other races in a thrilling June primary election season.

East Bay Insiders Live - Ballot Cheat Sheet

We took the East Bay Insiders to Twitter Space so our listeners could ask us questions about the June primary ballot, then we couldn't figure out how to allow people to talk. No problem, we laid out the latest narratives in all the Alameda County races this June, and more. Don't forget to vote!

East Bay June Primary Preview, Part 2

We move to the local races in the state Legislature that feature potentially expensive November rematches in the 20th Assembly District and 10th State Senate District. Shawn and I also look at Fremont's 24th Assembly District races, and Alameda County Board of Education and superintendent of schools contests, along with a report on the Alameda County Dems in disarray.

East Bay June Primary Preview, Part 1

With vote-by-mail ballots in your possession, this is why you listen to the East Bay Insiders podcast. In Part 1 of our East Bay June Primary Preview, Shawn and I break down the big Alameda County District Attorney race, Alameda County Sheriff contest, and the campaign to replace Wilma Chan on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in District 3. We also take a look at some of best and worst mailers of the primary season. Listen to Part 2 on Thursday (AD20, SD10, AD24, Education races)

Livermore Whine Tasting

Just minding our own business in downtown Livermore when Alameda County Board of Education candidate Eric Dillie and possible Livermore mayoral candidate Mony Nop dropped by to talk about Livermore's parcel tax measure, Eric's campaign, the Alameda County DA "sh*tshow," as Shawn Wilson calls it, and much more!

Libby Schaaf and special guest Casey Pratt

Masks off, pay your rent

The mask mandate in Alameda County is gone and more changes toward a return to normalcy are being seen in local government, including pandemic-era housing moratoriums. San Leandro's councilmember-in-chief called the White House and held a rally for Ukraine, and we further breakdown the latest developments in the big Alameda County DA's race, and much more.

Sore Loser

Former San Leandro Councilmember Ed Hernandez on the state of the city's politics and being called a "sore loser," plus a cameo appearance from 20th Assembly District candidate Shawn Kumagai, and we break down the newest candidates in the Alameda County Board of Supervisors race. 

1-877-KARS-4KOPS. Donate to Ahern Today.

The Season 4 premiere features a breakdown of the money situation in several big East Bay political races, including ALCO Sheriff Greg Ahern's big haul from car dealers; Shawn Wilson's shiner; Ro Khanna's new book; ALCO Supervisor Dave Brown's film aspirations; Valentine's Day plans, and more from the Bryan Azevedo Comedy Show. 

Bryan vs. the Tsunami

The Season 3 finale is chocked full of news, analysis, and comedy. The latter compliments of a San Leandro councilmember who told his constituents that he would defend them from a tsunami. This episode includes discussion on the Alameda County DA and sheriff's race, assembly and state senate contests, and much more.

Company Christmas Party

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.

Redistricting Border Wars

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.

Remembering Wilma Chan and what comes next

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.

Vet appointment with Fremont Councilmember Raj Salwan

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.