Political Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

Are YIMBYs Winning the Housing Debate? Sep 23, 2025

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California Democrats pushing to build more housing by removing barriers to development have had major victories this year. Now, Governor Newsom will decide whether to sign a controversial bill that would increase housing near bus stops and transit lines. Scott and Marisa discuss the housing debate in Sacramento with CalMatters reporter Ben Christopher.

Then, they're joined by one of the founders of California YIMBY to talk about what the latest changes in housing mean for the Yes In My Backyard movement.

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SF’s Sunset District Recalled Engardio. Now What? Sep 19, 2025

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Voters in San Francisco’s Sunset District overwhelmingly recalled Supervisor Joel Engardio this week over his support for closing the Great Highway and turning it into a new park. Scott, Marisa, Guy and KQED's Sydney Johnson talk about what the recall says about local politics, the city's rezoning battle and how it could make elected officials think twice before crossing their constituents.

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Trump Comes for the UC System Sep 18, 2025

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President Trump's administration has shifted its campaign against elite universities to the University of California system. They are demanding changes that would remake universities in a conservative image and insisted the UC hand over a list of students, faculty and staff as part of an investigation into alleged antisemitism.

While the standoff continues, labor unions, faculties and students are suing the administration to prevent the government from using financial threats that they say undermine academic freedom.

Marisa and Scott discuss all this with the Los Angeles Times education reporter Jaweed Kaleem. Then, they're joined by UC Berkeley law professor Christopher Kutz, who has been part of a faculty effort to insist the UC not negotiate with the Trump administration.

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Charlie Kirk and the Rise of Political Violence Sep 17, 2025

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The assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk is testing political leaders, as some meet the moment with calls for unity and others call for a fight. Scott talks with Brian Levin, the founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at CSU San Bernardino, about the rise of political violence and where we go from here.

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What’s in the Last Minute Climate and Energy Package Sep 12, 2025

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As the clock ticks down on this last day of the state legislative session, a significant deal on climate and energy programs comes together at the 11th hour.

The package includes an extension of the cap-and-trade program, which raises billions of dollars for environmentally friendly projects and eases the way for California to participate in a regional clean energy market.

Plus, Scott Marisa and Guy discuss the latest attempt at regulating artificial intelligence that's now on its way to the governor for approval.

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The Impact of RFK Jr. 'Going Wild' on Health Policy Sep 11, 2025

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Vaccines were a political issue long before COVID-19, but the pandemic intensified the debate, making them a flashpoint in American politics and trust in government. Marisa and Scott talk with physician and writer Rachael Bedard about what she thinks Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement gets right — and what it gets wrong.

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Democrats Celebrate the Life of Liberal Powerhouse John Burton Sep 09, 2025

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San Francisco political legend John Burton died over the weekend at age 92. During a decades-long career in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., Burton was known for his blunt, plain-spoken style — often laced with trademark obscenities — as he fought for labor unions and the working class. Scott and Marisa revisit conversations with Burton and with some of the people who knew him best, including former Gov. Jerry Brown, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

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West Coast States React to Federal Healthcare Upheaval Sep 05, 2025

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Upheaval at the Centers for Disease Control and the Food And Drug Administration have thrown the nation’s vaccination system into chaos. In response, California and other western states announced an alliance this week to make unified vaccine recommendations. Scott, Marisa and Guy analyze how both Democrats and Republicans grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a Senate hearing yesterday.

Plus, they discuss how President Trump's use of the National Guard in cities like Los Angeles and Washington D.C. continues to rumble across the political landscape.

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Voters Approved Tougher Penalties for Drug and Theft Crimes. Are They Working? Sep 05, 2025

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California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36 last year to increase criminal penalties for certain drug and theft offenses. But less than a year in, is the measure helping decrease crime? Marisa and Scott are joined by San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe to discuss the measure's promises and outcomes.

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Trump’s Historic Union Busting Sep 03, 2025

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Former acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su is calling President Donald Trump’s actions on federal employees a “war on workers.” Those actions include mass firings of the federal workforce and stripping many of the remaining staff of their union protections. Marisa and Scott talk with Su about the impact of Trump’s anti-labor policies and how organized labor is fighting back.

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