Gerrymandering, Prop 50 & California's Political Map Wars
Guest:Prosecutor & Redistricting Expert Matt RexroadGuest Bio: Matt Rexroad is one of California’s leading experts on redistricting, gerrymandering, and political maps. A former Yolo County Supervisor and seasoned Republican strategist, he has advised on both local and statewide redistricting efforts. Rexroad’s voice has become central in unpacking Prop 50 — Governor Newsom’s controversial proposal to redraw congressional districts mid-decade, and its implications for representation, fairness, and democracy in the Golden State.Show SummaryIs California’s redistricting process being hijacked for political gain? In this episode Matt Rexroad breaks down what’s really behind Proposition 50 — and why it could change the future of elections in California. He and Jon Slavet dive into the partisan tactics at play, how rural voices are being erased, and why “elephant-shaped districts” are raising eyebrows across the state. Rexroad also reflects on the history of California’s redistricting reforms, what courts are likely to do next, and why 2028 is the year that explains it all.Chapters00:00 – Matt Rexroad on Prop 50 & Political Weaponization01:15 – The Problem with Mid-Decade Redistricting03:00 – Why the New Maps Look Like Animal Cartoons04:50 – How Gerrymandering Undermines Rural Voters06:40 – Racial vs. Partisan Gerrymandering Explained08:20 – Legal Challenges and What Comes Next10:15 – What to Expect After the November Vote11:30 – Advice for the “No on 50” Movement12:45 – How This Era Compares to Past California Politics14:00 – Rapid Fire: What Gives You Hope?Connect with MattTwitter: https://x.com/MattRexroadLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexroad/Website: https://rexroad.com/Website: https://strategyinsightshq.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 Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com
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Is Gavin Newsom Running a $250M Scam on California Voters?
GuestRob Stutzman - Fmr. Schwarzenegger Director of CommunicationsGuest Bio Rob Stutzman is a veteran California political strategist, communications expert, and founder of Stutzman Public Affairs. He served as Communications Director for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and has advised numerous political and corporate leaders across the state. Known for his sharp insight and nonpartisan approach, Rob brings a decades-long lens on what’s broken in California politics — and what needs to change.Show SummaryIs Gavin Newsom’s Prop 50 campaign about saving democracy — or simply positioning for a 2028 presidential run? In this candid episode, Rob Stutzman breaks down California’s growing political dysfunction and the high-stakes fight over redistricting. With a veteran insider’s view, he exposes what Prop 50 really means, why independent commissions matter, and how careerism is shaping everything from Newsom’s pivot to affordability politics.From broken climate policy to an affordability failure, Rob argues that California is wasting its promise — and only a bold realignment can restore balance. Whether you’re left, right, or independent, this episode challenges the political status quo.Chapters00:00 – The Prop 50 Power Grab Debate01:15 – Why Newsom’s Record Is Hard to Defend03:05 – Newsom’s Political Pivot: MAGA Podcasts to Democratic Savior04:45 – What’s Really at Stake with Redistricting06:10 – The Cost of Political Cynicism07:45 – Independent Commissions vs. Political Self-Interest09:15 – California’s Political Realignment11:10 – Affordability Crisis: Still the #1 Issue12:45 – Can Democrats Solve Affordability Before 2026?14:00 – King for a Day: What Needs to Change15:00 – Misconceptions About California Voters16:00 – The Pendulum Is Starting to Swing16:40 – California Is Wasting ItselfConnect with RobX: https://x.com/robstutzmanWebsite: https://stutzmanpa.com/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-stutzman-136bb85/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 Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com
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I Was Called RACIST For Wanting Kids Back in School - Former CA Democrat Tells All
Guest:Laura Powell — Civil Rights AttorneyGuest Bio: Laura Powell is a civil rights attorney and founder of the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation. A fearless advocate for parental rights, free speech, and equal treatment under the law, Powell has emerged as a bold voice challenging the political corruption of California’s public institutions. Through high-impact legal efforts and public advocacy, she’s fighting to restore balance, reason, and constitutional principles to the Golden State.Show SummaryIs California still a land of opportunity — or is it becoming a state of control? In this powerful episode, civil rights attorney Laura Powell joins Jon Slavet to discuss the growing wave of bureaucratic overreach in California and what it means for families, students, and everyday citizens. From school choice and gender policy to CEQA reform and free expression, Powell unpacks how legal systems once meant to protect rights are being weaponized for political agendas. She also shares how regular people can reclaim their voice and push back through the courts and the ballot.Chapters00:00 – California Is Turning on Its Own People01:25 – Meet Laura Powell: Civil Rights Attorney03:15 – Parental Rights in the Crosshairs05:30 – How Public Education Became a Battleground08:10 – CEQA and the Fight for Common Sense11:02 – The Political Capture of Institutions13:45 – Legal Tools to Reclaim Our Rights16:22 – Why Speech and Equity Are Being Twisted19:00 – Fighting Back Through Courts and Community21:15 – Final Thoughts on Hope, Justice, and ReformConnect with LauraTwitter: https://x.com/LauraPowellEsqEnjoyed 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 Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com
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26:09
California's Billion Dollar Water Mistake That's Been Hidden Since the 70s - Edward Ring
Guest:Edward Ring – Director of Water & Energy Policy, California Policy CenterGuest Bio: Edward Ring is the Director of Water and Energy Policy at the California Policy Center and a founding member of the think tank. He is also the author of The Abundance Choice: Our Fight for More Water in California. With decades of experience analyzing state infrastructure, environmental policy, and governance, Edward offers a data-backed and often controversial lens on what’s fueling California’s decline — and how to fix it.Show SummaryWhat if California’s biggest environmental crises — from water shortages to wildfires — were actually manmade policy failures? In this compelling episode, Edward Ring unpacks the unintended consequences of the state’s well-meaning but often disastrous legislation. From banning dredging that would increase water flow, to mismanaging forest land and outsourcing oil refining to countries with no environmental standards – he exposes how California’s current path is both ineffective and regressive. Whether you agree with his take or not, this episode will leave you thinking differently about California’s future.Chapters00:00 – California's Environmental Crises Are Manmade01:12 – Meet Edward Ring: Policy Expert and Author03:02 – How Dredging Could Solve the Water Shortage05:28 – Water Management Is Being Politicized07:41 – Wildfires: Mismanagement vs. Climate10:35 – The Myth of Net Zero and Global Emissions13:15 – Why California's Energy Policy is Failing15:42 – CEQA's Role in the Housing Crisis18:30 – The Downside of Green Energy Dogma21:00 – The Case for Common-Sense Infrastructure23:25 – Why Refinery Closures Are Hurting California26:00 – Can We Have Both Growth and Conservation?28:45 – How Policy Reform Could Restore Affordability31:20 – Final Thoughts on California’s Path ForwardConnect with EdwardTwitter: https://x.com/edringLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-ring/Website: https://californiapolicycenter.org/people/edward-ring/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 Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com
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Can California Be Saved? Real Talk with Former Speaker Curt Pringle
Guest:Curt Pringle - Former Speaker of the California Assembly and Mayor of AnaheimGuest Bio: Curt Pringle is a seasoned political leader and strategist with deep roots in California governance. He served as Speaker of the California State Assembly and later as Mayor of Anaheim, where he spearheaded major housing developments and infrastructure reforms. With decades of experience navigating California’s political evolution, Pringle brings a candid and seasoned voice to today's most urgent state issues.Show SummaryIs California stuck in a cycle of dysfunction? In this bold and wide-ranging conversation, Curt Pringle and Jon Slavet pull back the curtain on what’s really holding the state back—from education failure and housing policy gridlock to the corrosive effects of single-party rule. Drawing from years as Speaker of the Assembly and Mayor of Anaheim, Pringle offers an unfiltered perspective on leadership, affordability, and the path forward. Whether you’re frustrated, hopeful, or somewhere in between—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Chapters00:00 – The Rise of Curt Pringle01:10 – Lessons from Willie Brown03:45 – How Supermajorities Hurt Democracy07:15 – Is Newsom Moving to the Center?09:00 – What Changed in Sacramento10:45 – Why Housing Is a Disaster14:00 – CEQA, Costs & California Gridlock18:30 – Why Developers Are Leaving20:15 – Energy Prices, Gas, and Bad Policy22:40 – The Education Crisis in California26:00 – Teachers’ Unions vs. Students29:00 – Voter ID & Election Integrity32:00 – The Budget Deficit Trap35:30 – What Gives Pringle HopeConnect with CurtTwitter: https://x.com/curtpringleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtpringleandassociates/?hl=enLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-pringle-47889110/Website: https://www.curtpringle.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 Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com
Restoring the California Dream One Bold Idea at a TimeCalifornia 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
USA