State of Gold

Guest:Elizabeth Barcohana - LA GOP Central Committee MemberGuest Bio: Elizabeth Barcohana is a GOP delegate, LA GOP Central Committee member, attorney, and political commentator. She’s actively leading voter education and registration efforts in LA County through initiatives like Vote Gold and Project 460K LA, aiming to correct misconceptions about California’s political landscape and defend voter representation.Show SummaryIs Prop 50 really about redistricting — or is it a Trojan horse for political control? Attorney and GOP leader Elizabeth Barcohana returns to break down the truth behind what she calls “Newsom’s gerrymander”. From explaining the attack on California’s Independent Redistricting Commission to revealing how this move could lock in Democratic power and disenfranchise voters, Barcahana doesn’t hold back.She also shares her voter registration campaign in LA County, the confusion voters are facing about Prop 50, and how it’s  laying the groundwork for a 2028 Newsom presidential run. If you want clarity on what’s at stake this November, this is the episode to watch.Chapters00:00 – Prop 50 = Newsom’s Gerrymander00:43 – Why It's Unconstitutional01:15 – How Redistricting Used to Work01:50 – What the Citizens’ Commission Did Right02:35 – Why Competitive Districts Matter03:45 – The Threat to Fair Maps04:28 – How Vote Gold and Project 460K LA Work05:15 – What the Courts Have Done So Far06:00 – The Voter Education Strategy07:10 – The Messaging Struggle: "What is Prop 50?"08:03 – How Newsom Is Using This for 202808:49 – Unions, Money, and Political Influence09:30 – Why Most Voters Don’t See the Bigger PictureConnect with Elizabeth BarcohanaX: https://x.com/e_barcohana?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethfromcalifornia/#Website: https://www.elizabethbarcohana.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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:Mitch Mitchell, Chief Legislative Officer - SDG&E & Southern California GasGuest Bio: Mitch Mitchell leads Legislative Affairs at Sempra, one of the largest energy companies in the U.S. With deep experience navigating California’s complex energy landscape, Mitch brings a rare insider’s perspective on how regulations, well-intended mandates, and outdated policies have distorted costs — hitting working families the hardest. He advocates for practical, consumer-first reforms that bring transparency, fairness, and affordability back to California energy bills.Show SummaryWhy are Californians paying some of the highest energy bills in the country — and what’s really driving the cost? Mitch Mitchell breaks down how overlapping policies, political posturing, and decades-old energy laws have made the system both inefficient and unaffordable.From the unintended consequences of rooftop solar subsidies to the myth of energy company profits, Mitch lays out how reforming California’s energy playbook could save families money and restore common sense. Whether you rent, own, or just care about your monthly bills — this episode is packed with eye-opening truths and bold ideas for fixing a broken system.Chapters00:00 – How Non-Solar Households Are Paying for Solar Grid Access00:30 – Meet Mitch Mitchell: Head of Legislative Affairs at Sempra01:12 – The Cost Layering Crisis in California’s Energy Policies02:17 – Why New Legislators Don’t Understand the Energy System04:09 – Which Outdated Energy Policies Need to Go05:28 – The Case Against Over-Electrification07:00 – Rooftop Solar and the Cost Shift Crisis09:00 – How Low-Income Renters Subsidize Solar Owners10:30 – Ruthless Prioritization: Clean Out the Energy Closet12:15 – Why Sunset Reviews Are the Key to Policy Reform13:30 – $35 Monthly Savings Proposal Ignored by Lawmakers15:05 – Gas Stoves and Government Overreach16:06 – Why Consumer Choice Matters in Energy18:07 – Rapid Fire: Top Fix for Energy Affordability18:57 – Misconceptions About Utility Profits20:30 – Energy Transparency: Know the Cost Before You Vote21:55 – Final ThoughtsConnect with Mitch MitchellLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-%E2%80%9Cmitch%E2%80%9D-mitchell-32a81614/X:https://x.com/socalgasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socalgasWebsite: https://www.youtube.com/socalgasEnjoyed 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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:Orange County GOP Chairman Will O’NeillGuest Bio: Will O’Neill is the Chairman of the Orange County Republican Party and the former Mayor of Newport Beach. A constitutional lawyer by trade and public servant by passion, he’s known for his pragmatic leadership on fiscal responsibility, pension reform, and infrastructure investment. During his time on the city council, he eliminated over $1B in toll road debt and spearheaded efforts to make Newport Beach one of the safest and most financially stable cities in California.Show SummaryDrawing from his experience as a mayor, lawyer, and infrastructure advocate, O’Neill dives into California’s public safety crisis and how his hometown of Newport Beach increased property values dramatically with a focus on public safety, while LA fell prey to the “defund the police” movement and lost disaffected residents.Chapters00:00 – Orange County’s Unique Role in California01:10 – What Newport Beach Gets Right02:20 – The Key to Effective Local Government03:35 – Balancing Tourism, Business & Residents05:00 – Local Innovation vs. State Overreach06:45 – On Working with the State Legislature08:00 – Fixing California’s Accountability Problem09:15 – The Hidden Impact of Prop 4710:35 – Thoughts on Homelessness & Public Safety12:05 – How Local Leaders Can Create Change13:30 – What Gives Him Hope for the FutureConnect with WillX:https://x.com/realwilloneill?lang=enInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/realwilloneillLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-o-neill-8573358/Website: https://ocgop.org/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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:LA GOP Chair Roxanne HogeGuest Bio: Roxanne Hoge is the Chair of the Los Angeles Republican Party, as well as an actress, activist, and proud mom. A first-generation immigrant and political firebrand, Roxanne has emerged as a bold voice in California politics — speaking out on corruption, public safety, and how Proposition 50 threatens fairness in redistricting.Show SummaryFrom the streets of Skid Row to her own suburban neighborhood, Roxanne paints a picture of LA in crisis… and what it’ll take to fix it. From immigrating with her family from Jamaica, to her own political awakening and path to becoming the Chair of the GOP in the nation’s largest county, Roxanne shares her very personal and compelling story.No matter your politics, this conversation is a wake-up call for anyone who cares about safe and clean streets in our great cities, and real reform in California.Chapters00:00 – Crime, Grime & Life in LA01:00 – The Safety Crisis & Public Trust02:30 – Prop 36, George Gascon & Pro-Criminal Policies03:45 – Skid Row, Trash & Street Conditions05:00 – LA vs. Tokyo: Broken Windows & Civic Pride06:10 – Roxanne’s Political Awakening08:40 – The Public School Moment That Changed Everything10:00 – Low Expectations, Real Harm10:50 – If She Were Queen for a DayConnect with RoxanneX:https://x.com/RoxanneHogeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxannebeckfordhogeLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-hoge-42323193/Website: https://www.lagop.org/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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:Former Mayor Kevin FaulconerGuest Bio: Kevin Faulconer is an American politician and businessman, best known for serving as the 36th Mayor of San Diego from 2014 to 2020. During his tenure, he was known for taking bold action on homelessness, public safety, and civic infrastructure. A Republican who won in a majority Democratic city, Faulconer brings a unique perspective on leadership, compromise, and what it really takes to fix California’s biggest challenges.Show SummaryCan California be saved from one-party rule, rising homelessness, and growing voter frustration? Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer thinks so — but only with action, not rhetoric. In this energizing episode, Faulconer shares how he successfully reduced homelessness in San Diego through shelter expansion, enforcement, and compassion. He also weighs in on the controversial Prop 50, warning of its dangerous attempt to reverse independent redistricting and hand power back to politicians.From Reagan’s leadership legacy to practical advice for big city mayors, this conversation offers a roadmap for restoring fairness, competition, and common sense in California politics.Chapters 00:00 – Why Prop 50 Is a Power Grab 01:10 – The Importance of Fair Redistricting 02:30 – What Happens Without Competitive Elections 04:35 – How Faulconer Tackled Homelessness 06:30 – The Need for Intervention & Shelter 08:05 – Why Other Cities Won’t Act 09:15 – How Public Safety Ties to Homelessness 11:15 – Advice for Republicans in Blue Cities 13:15 – Bias Toward Action vs. Rhetoric 15:00 – Collaborating with Federal Government 16:15 – 2026 Election Lessons from the Recall 17:40 – Pep Talk to Statewide Republican Candidates 19:10 – What Gives Him Hope for CaliforniaConnect with KevinX:https://x.com/Kevin_FaulconerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinfaulconer/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-faulconer/Website: https://www.sdlincolnclub.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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

In this explosive bonus episode of State of Gold, we break down Prop 50 — the controversial redistricting ballot measure that’s sending shockwaves through California. With exclusive interviews and testimony, The Big Rig exposes how Prop 50 dismantles California’s independent redistricting commission and gives politicians unchecked power to draw their own districts.With historical context and current commentary, this episode explains how a gerrymandered California could rig elections, suppress voices, and set a dangerous national precedent. This isn’t about party lines — it’s about drawing the line on corruption.Whether you're hearing about Prop 50 for the first time or have been following the controversy – this is the episode you need to understand what’s really at stake.Chapters00:00 – California’s Broken Systems & Rising Costs01:36 – What is Gerrymandering?02:15 – How Prop 50 Undermines Democracy03:51 – California’s Independent Commission Explained05:00 – Political Power Grabs & Community Impact06:45 – Why This Isn’t About Red vs. Blue08:13 – Why Prop 50 Is a Threat to Voter Power09:15 – What You Can Do to Take ActionEnjoyed 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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:California Congressman Vince FongGuest Bio: Congressman Vince Fong represents California’s 20th Congressional District, succeeding former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. A longtime advocate for energy independence and economic growth in the Central Valley, Fong brings a policy-driven perspective shaped by years of public service and deep regional ties to Kern, Tulare, Fresno, and Kings Counties.Show SummaryCan California avoid $10 gas — or are we already too late? Congressman Vince Fong and Jon Slavet break down the state’s self-inflicted energy crisis and the policy failures fueling it. From refinery shutdowns and insufficient energy infrastructure, to offshore drilling bans and misguided cap-and-trade policies – Fong outlines the dangerous domino effect of Sacramento’s incomplete energy strategy.He also shares how these decisions are creating national security risks, driving investment out of the state, and crushing working-class families with unaffordable costs. Beyond energy, the Congressman weighs in on Prop 50, rural representation, and why we must shift from scarcity thinking to a mindset of abundance — before it’s too late.Chapters00:00 – The Real Cost of California's Energy Crisis01:10 – Why Production Is Collapsing in the Central Valley03:00 – The Pipeline Shutdown No One's Talking About05:40 – Two Major Refineries Are Closing07:30 – Offshore Drilling: What’s at Stake09:10 – How This Creates National Security Risks11:05 – Cap & Trade = Hidden Tax?13:30 – $20B for High-Speed Rail vs. Real Infrastructure15:00 – California’s Scarcity Mindset Is the Problem16:15 – Rural vs. Urban: Who’s Really Being Represented?18:00 – Prop 50 and the Fight for Fairness20:15 – What Gives Congressman Fong HopeConnect with VinceTwitter: https://x.com/vfongLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentkfong/Website: https://vincefong.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fongressman/?hl=enEnjoyed 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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:Rob Lapsley, President – The California Business RoundtableGuest Bio: Rob Lapsley is the President of the California Business Roundtable, where he advocates for economic growth, job creation, and pro-business reforms across the state. A former U.S. State Department official and Chief of Staff to California’s Secretary of State, Lapsley has deep roots in both public policy and private enterprise. He’s one of the loudest voices warning about the damaging effects of Prop 50, regulatory overreach, and the state’s addiction to hidden taxes.Show SummaryAre voters being misled about what Prop 50 really means for California? In this wide-ranging conversation, Rob Lapsley breaks down the massive implications of California’s latest redistricting proposal and why it could permanently tilt power away from voters and toward politicians.He explains how the progressive agenda is crushing business confidence, why special funds are just hidden taxes, and how thousands of job losses are the result of runaway regulation. Lapsley doesn’t just point fingers — he offers a path forward rooted in economic sanity, balance, and restoring California’s promise.Chapters00:00 – Meet Rob Lapsley: Business Leader & Policy Advocate01:10 – What Prop 50 Really Does (And Why It’s Dangerous)03:45 – Why This Redistricting Plan Undermines Voters06:30 – Economic Uncertainty and the Progressive Agenda09:05 – California's Job Market: Fast Food, Logistics, & Government12:00 – What the Legislature Gets Wrong About Growth14:45 – Time to Pause the Insanity: Lapsley's Plan17:00 – Hidden Taxes: The $30B Nobody Talks About20:00 – How Unemployment Insurance Became a Shell Game22:00 – Why Rob Still Has Hope for CaliforniaConnect with RobTwitter: https://x.com/roblapsleyLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-lapsley-6152761/Website: https://www.cbrt.org/ 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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:Jon Fleischman - Founder, So Does It Matter?Guest Bio: Jon Fleischman is a longtime political strategist, founder of the influential conservative news sites FlashReport and So Does It Matter?, and former Executive Director and Vice Chair of the California Republican Party. A well-known commentator on California politics, Fleischman has deep insights into the inner workings of campaigns, ballot measures, and party dynamics — particularly from the conservative side of the aisle.Show SummaryIf Prop 50 passes, will it signal the end of fair representation in California? Jon Fleischman joins Jon Slavet for a candid conversation about what’s really at stake in the state’s redistricting fight. From backroom deals to public unions bankrolling legislation, Fleischman exposes the self-serving strategies behind the measure — and why it could silence voter choice.He explains how California became a one-party state, what needs to change, and why both political sides need to wake up before it's too late. Whether you agree with him or not, this episode offers an important view on how democracy can erode — not overnight, but through single party rule and bad policy.Chapters00:00 – What Prop 50 Means for California01:20 – The Fight Over Gerrymandering and Redistricting04:00 – Lawfare, the Courts, and the DOJ’s Role06:30 – Why the Ballot Campaign Is Just Beginning08:45 – The Political Strategy Behind Both Sides11:20 – The Dangers of Politicians Choosing Voters13:00 – Flashback: How Lines Were Drawn in the Past15:00 – How Public Unions Influence Redistricting16:30 – Why Collective Bargaining May Be the Root Issue18:20 – The $322 Billion Budget Question20:00 – Inside Sacramento's Power Structure22:00 – Why Political Competition Matters23:30 – Rapid Fire: What Would Fix California25:00 – What Still Gives Jon HopeMentioned in this Episode @ 18:30 (re California’s bloated budget)https://www.sodoesitmatter.com/p/californias-budget-blunder-chasing?r=295f8&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=trueConnect with Jon FleischmanTwitter: https://x.com/FlashReport Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-fleischmanWebsite: https://www.sodoesitmatter.com/Website: https://www.flashreport.org/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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com