Look West: How California is Leading the Nation

Latest Episodes:

The Future of CA Civic Engagement – The Latinx & Youth Vote Feb 28, 2020

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Assemblymembers Evan Low & Cecilia Aguiar-Curry discuss legislative efforts to increase civic engagement in our youth and Latinx populations to ensure a more diverse and inclusive electorate. Special guests in this episode include Dr. Mindy Romero, Director & Founder of the California Civic Engagement Project (CCEP), Jesse Salinas, Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Chief Elections Official from the Yolo County Registrar, and four student delegates including the Youth Governor and his Chief of Staff, Youth Chief Justice, and Youth Chaplain from the 72nd CA YMCA Youth & Government Model Legislature & Court.

Thoughts and Prayers Are Not Enough Feb 13, 2020

Show notes

Go in-depth with Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and her husband, Giffords Executive Director Peter Ambler, as they discuss their efforts to prevent gun violence in California and nationwide, and how this work brought them together.

Women's Health and Reproductive Rights Jan 23, 2020

Show notes

January 22nd, 2020 celebrates the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. In those 47 years, the decision has been challenged tightening restrictions towards abortions and healthcare providers. In contrast, CA legislators and activists have worked tirelessly to establish the state as a safe-haven for women and anyone seeking help towards their reproductive health. Listen to our conversation with women's rights champions Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks, Bauer-Kahan, and Planned Parenthood's President and CEO of Mar Monte Stacy Cross as we discuss the state of women's health and reproductive rights and why CA is needed to continue to lead the nation.

Navigating Data Privacy in the Digital Age – Part 2 Jan 14, 2020

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Consumers can always learn more about how to protect the information companies know about them.

In Part 2 on this issue, we sit down with Elizabeth Gettleman Galicia, Vice President of Common Sense Media. She shares her knowledge of the CCPA, what the new law does for privacy rights, and tips for navigating data privacy in the digital age. After listening, check out commonsense.org/privacy-rights for resources.

Navigating Data Privacy in the Digital Age – Part 1 Jan 03, 2020

Show notes

Living in the digital age should not mean that we have to live without privacy. California’s new law, the CCPA, is giving consumers the rights and resources they need to start taking back control of their own data and personal information.

In Part 1, we talked with to the bill’s author, Assemblymember Chau, and privacy activist and founder of Californians for Consumer Privacy, Alastair Mactaggart, on how we’re taking back control, and where the nation is heading on this issue.

Kids and Football: Are Helmets Enough? Dec 17, 2019

Show notes

Youth tackle football is as controversial as it is prevalent in California. Thousands of California kids suit up and play just like their heroes in the NFL—but are their heads protected? Can the game be made safer?

The program features a discussion with retired San Francisco 49er George Visger, who talks about both his life in football and afterward living with the brain injuries brought on by his time on the field. His story provides the context for why Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty and Jim Cooper wanted to tackle these tough questions by introducing their specific bills that ultimately became law.

Mental Health: Breaking and Accessing Dec 05, 2019

Show notes

How is California breaking the stigma on mental health? Are mental health services accessible for every community? Assemblymember Phil Ting, Mark Salazar the Executive Director of Mental Health Association of San Francisco, and Sherrel Cross Assistant Manager for the California Peer Run Warm Line discuss the disparities in access and stigma of mental health. Further, we explore efforts of Assemblymember Phil Ting, Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Scott Wiener who helped set a budget of $10.8 million over 3 years that supported the launch of California’s first statewide mental health line. This will improve access for all and break the stigma around mental health conversations.

Honoring Native American Heritage Nov 22, 2019

Show notes

California is taking steps to heal the relationship with the Native American community just as the first California Native American Assemblymember, James C. Ramos, was elected into the state legislature last year. This year, Governor Newsom apologized to Native Americans for the state’s history of violence against them.

Since Assemblymember James C. Ramos swearing, he has passed legislation that not only reflects the current state of Native Americans but also with a deep commitment to the preservation of California Native American Culture. Join him to celebrate Native American Heritage Month!

Celebrating 100 Years of Women’s Right to Vote Nov 01, 2019

Show notes

November 1, 2019 marks 100 years since California ratified the 19th Amendment – however women had been voting in California since 1911! The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote but voter suppression discouraged and prevented specific groups from exercising their newfound right.

With more women elected to office than ever before, the role of women in politics and society is ever-changing. Assemblymember Dr. Shirley N. Weber and Dr. Huma Ahmed-Ghosh dive into the last hundred years and the future of civic engagement.

Protecting Consumers from Predatory Lenders Oct 24, 2019

Show notes

For years Loan sharks have been praying on California consumers through loans with interest as high as 200% or even 300%. Irresponsible lenders have particularly targeted low income African American and Latinos. In this new episode of Look West, Assemblymember Monique Limón, the author of the new law that caps interest rates for loans between $2,500 to $10,000 to 36%, talks about the problem and what is next with nationally recognized Social and Economic Justice advocate Reverend Shane B. Scott.

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