State of Gold

Guest: Steve Westly - Founder, 21st Century Alliance & Former CA State ControllerGuest BioSteve Westly is a business leader, investor, and former California State Controller who has spent decades working to make state government more efficient and accountable. A longtime supporter of education and economic innovation, Steve brings both private-sector and public-sector experience to bear on some of California’s most stubborn challenges. His expertise spans budgets, accountability, public education, and housing policy, making him a leading voice for reform-minded solutions in the Golden State.Show SummaryCalifornia is the world’s 4th largest economy — so why does the state struggle with massive budget deficits? In this thoughtful conversation, Steve Westly joins Jon to break down what’s gone wrong with the state budget, why education keeps failing students, and how outdated policies have fueled California’s housing crisis.From the rise of unsustainable spending to the need for a more accountable state workforce, Steve lays out hard truths about what really holds California back. He also shares an optimistic vision for how voters, civic leaders, and the next generation of policymakers can turn things around. Whether you’re frustrated by fraud and waste or still hopeful about California’s potential, this episode offers a clear look at how we might rebuild the California Dream.Chapters00:00 – California’s Success: The Bigger Picture02:00 – Public Education’s Broken Promises04:30 – The Science of Reading and Reform06:30 – The Real Role of Teachers’ Unions08:30 – Budget Bloat and California’s Spending Problem11:00 – Where to Start Cutting Costs13:00 – Holding State Agencies Accountable15:00 – Fraud, Waste, and Missed Oversight17:00 – The Housing Affordability Nightmare19:30 – Fixing CEQA and Building Faster22:00 – Why He Still Believes in California23:30 – 2026 Elections: Can Real Change Happen?25:30 – Who Can Lead California Forward?27:00 – Rapid Fire: Best California Leaders29:00 – What Outsiders Get Wrong About California30:00 – What Gives Steve Hope for California’s FutureConnect with SteveX: https://x.com/SteveWestlyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevewestly/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevewestly/Website: https://westlygroup.com/steve-westly/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

Elizabeth Barcohana, an attorney and rising star in the California Republican Party, shares her journey into activism fueled by frustrations over school closures. She dives into the crucial role of voter registration in shaping political outcomes and reveals how independents may be harming their own influence. Barcohana discusses her innovative initiative, Project 460K, aimed at mobilizing unregistered Trump supporters in L.A. County. With data-driven strategies, she emphasizes the potential for change in California's political landscape.

Guest: Dan Schnur - Professor, Strategist, and Former California FPPC ChairGuest BioDan Schnur is a veteran political strategist, educator, and commentator who has worked on four presidential campaigns, three gubernatorial campaigns, and served as Director of Communications for Governor Pete Wilson. A former Republican turned No Party Preference candidate, he teaches politics at UC Berkeley, USC, and Pepperdine.Dan is widely respected as a “raging moderate” — someone who believes in conservative ideas on some issues, progressive solutions on others, and independent thought across the board. His insights on political reform, California's party system, and civic leadership have made him a leading voice for restoring balance to public life.Show SummaryWhy has California become so politically imbalanced — and is there any hope of restoring healthy political competition? In this thoughtful episode, political reformer and professor Dan Schnur joins host Jon Slavet to break down the state’s broken system, rising polarization, and the slow collapse of civic trust.From why Republicans have lost ground in the state to the strategic failure of independents, Dan shares lessons from the frontlines of politics and education. The conversation spans how special interests captured the system, and what we can learn from past leaders like Hiram Johnson, Ronald Reagan, and Pat Brown. If you’re tired of the same partisan noise, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at how we got here — and where the hope still lives.Chapters00:00 – Why Dan Schnur Calls Himself a “Raging Moderate”02:15 – The Collapse of Political Role Models04:48 – Why Gen Z Is Leaving Politics Behind06:03 – California’s One-Party Problem07:20 – How Republicans Lost California09:24 – Advice for a 2026 GOP Governor Candidate11:45 – Behind the Scenes of the GOP Convention12:22 – Who’s at Fault for California’s Biggest Problems?14:05 – Why Extremes on Both Sides Are to Blame15:47 – Rating California’s Corruption (1–10)17:22 – How Special Interests Shape the State19:28 – The Real Reason California’s Economy Is Struggling21:00 – What “Independent” Really Means in CA Politics23:15 – Why Our Ballots Confuse Voters25:03 – What Dan Learned Running for Office26:45 – Lessons from Pete Wilson’s Leadership28:59 – Do We Still Have Leaders Willing to Lose Their Job for What’s Right?30:00 – Why Most Politicians Can’t “Do Trump”32:42 – Best Advice for Politicians on Communication34:22 – What Outsiders Don’t Get About California35:05 – Most Admired California Leaders36:10 – What Gives Dan Hope About the State’s FutureConnect with DanX: https://x.com/danschnurLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-schnur-1625a4/Website: https://www.danschnurpolitics.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: David Crane - Founder, Govern for CaliforniaGuest BioDavid Crane is a businessman, educator, and former special advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is the founder of Govern For California, an organization focused on strengthening democracy and advocating for fiscal responsibility and education reform. Known for his direct, data-driven approach, Crane has been one of the state's most vocal critics of public pension mismanagement and government overspending.Show SummaryIs California headed for fiscal collapse? In this raw and unfiltered interview, David Crane—former budget advisor to Arnold Schwarzenegger—pulls back the curtain on the state’s financial dysfunction. From ballooning pension obligations to special interest power plays, Crane lays out the hard truths about where California’s money goes, why public services keep declining, and what it will actually take to fix it.Recorded at David’s home in San Francisco, this conversation dives into the real reasons behind the state’s education crisis, the corruption behind public sector union politics, and why the next Governor will inherit a financial disaster. If you’ve ever wondered how the state with so much wealth can feel so broken, this episode explains it all.Chapters00:00 – Intro: Is California Failing Its Citizens?01:10 – Meet David Crane & His Role with Governor Schwarzenegger03:30 – Why Public Services Are Collapsing Despite Record Budget07:00 – Political Cowardice & the Power of Special Interests10:45 – The True Cost of Pension Mismanagement13:25 – Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom & the Political Machine18:10 – What Kind of Leader California Actually Needs23:30 – Budget Corruption & Why Firefighters Can’t Get Funded28:45 – What Makes San Francisco a Surprising Beacon of Hope32:50 – David’s Vision for a Better-Run State36:00 – Final Thoughts: Why It’s Up to the People to Demand ChangeConnect with DavidX: https://x.com/davidgcrane Website: https://www.governforcalifornia.org/david-craneEnjoyed 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: Assemblyman David TangipaGuest BioDavid Tangipa is the youngest member of the California State Assembly, representing the Fresno area. A proud son of Tongan immigrants and a disabled U.S. veteran, David brings a powerful voice shaped by lived experience in underserved communities. His early career in local politics and public safety set the stage for his bold entry into state leadership.David is known for speaking hard truths on California’s fiscal irresponsibility, skyrocketing cost of living, and the dangerous policies impacting youth and public safety. Whether it’s exposing the flaws in California’s energy mandates or leading the charge to make child sex trafficking a serious felony, Tangipa is part of a new generation of leaders demanding accountability, common sense, and reform in California.Show SummaryIn this electrifying conversation, Assemblyman David Tangipa joins State of Gold to deliver a scathing critique of California’s budget crisis and misguided crime policies. As the youngest member of the State Assembly, Tangipa calls out the political cowardice and ideological extremism that’s bankrupting the state — and lays out a bold vision for change.From personal stories about growing up in one of the state’s toughest neighborhoods and losing a family member to sex trafficking, to hard-hitting facts about California’s massive budget deficit and energy mismanagement – this episode pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening in Sacramento. Tangipa reveals how just dozens of wealthy individuals are propping up the state budget — and why we’re one economic hiccup away from collapse.A must-listen for anyone concerned about California’s future, this episode proves why Tangipa is one of the most important up-and-coming voices in state politics today.Chapters00:00 – Why California’s Budget is a Moral Crisis01:30 – Meet David Tangipa: Youngest Assemblyman, Son of Immigrants03:20 – From Food Lines to the State House: A Personal Mission05:15 – Budget Breakdown: Why the Math No Longer Works07:00 – The $9.6B Surprise Cost Nobody Saw Coming08:45 – Who Really Pays California’s Bills? (Hint: A Few Dozen People)10:50 – Why the Legislature Won’t Make Hard Cuts13:15 – A Personal Story: Losing a Family Member to Sex Trafficking15:00 – The Fight for Felony Protections for Minors17:00 – How Ideology is Blinding Public Safety Policy19:00 – The “Compassionate Racism” No One Talks About21:00 – Fixing Energy Costs with Common Sense Reform23:00 – Why Government Expansion is Driving California’s Collapse24:30 – What Young Voters Really Want26:00 – Gen Z Is More Conservative Than You Think27:00 – Why $900K Homes are Pushing People Out28:30 – Tangipa’s Vision: A California that Works for Californians30:00 – Lightning Round: Favorite Leader, Biggest Misconception, What Gives Him HopeConnect with DavidX: https://x.com/DavidTangipaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjtangipa/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tong_ee_pa?_t=ZP-8xI2L7bsQFK&_r=1Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-tangipa-819877b2/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: Gloria Romero - Former California Senate Majority LeaderGuest BioGloria Romero is the former Majority Leader of the California State Senate and a long-time advocate for education reform. With a PhD in psychology and her fearless approach, she has challenged powerful special interests from inside and outside the Capitol. In 2023, she made headlines by switching from Democrat to Republican, publicly endorsing Trump, and speaking out about the dysfunction in both Sacramento and the national Democratic Party.Romero is also the architect of the Parent Trigger Law and the Romero Open Enrollment Act, empowering parents in failing districts to fight for better education options. Today, she continues to lead conversations around public accountability, school choice, and breaking the monopoly of the teachers’ unions on California’s education system.Show SummaryGloria Romero is no stranger to controversy — and in this episode, she brings the fire. From walking away from the Democratic Party to calling out the teachers’ union grip on California schools, Romero unpacks why she left, what she’s fighting for, and how parents can reclaim control of a broken system.She reflects on her political awakening, the moment she saw the party’s values slip away, and the blowback that followed her switch. Romero also breaks down why only 8% of Black fourth graders in California read at grade level — and why it's not about race but about a system built to serve adults over students. This is a must-watch for anyone who cares about education, political courage, and the future of California.Chapters00:00 – Leaving the Democratic Party: The Awakening02:15 – Gloria Romero's Background in Politics & Education04:30 – How Party Elites Rigged the Primary (Clooney, Pelosi, Schumer)06:40 – Why Other Legislators Don’t Speak Up08:20 – The Teachers’ Union’s Grip on California10:05 – Education in Crisis: Just 8% of Black Students Proficient in Reading12:14 – Why the System Is Built for Adults, Not Students14:02 – CEQA for Schools: Bureaucracy Over Kids15:55 – Rebuilding Accountability and Real Governance18:30 – The Parent Trigger Law: Why It’s Been Neutered20:15 – Homeschooling, Charter Schools & Parental Rights22:40 – Advice for Parents and Citizens: Take Action Now25:02 – Gloria’s Vision for a Better California27:30 – Rapid Fire: Dictator for a Day, Leaders She Respects, & What Gives Her HopeConnect with Sen. Gloria RomeroX: https://x.com/GloriaJRomeroWebsite: https://publicpolicy.pepperdine.edu/academics/faculty/gloria-romero/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: Joe Patterson - Member of the California State AssemblyGuest BioJoe Patterson is a California State Assemblyman representing District 5 and a leading advocate for government transparency, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. A former Rocklin City Councilmember and father of four, Patterson brings a fresh, no-nonsense approach to Sacramento, calling out waste, bureaucracy, and special interest influence.He has been one of the few voices in the Capitol speaking out about the fentanyl epidemic, the misuse of taxpayer funds, and the culture of secrecy enabled by non-disclosure agreements and political maneuvering. Known for challenging both parties when needed, Patterson is part of a new generation of leaders committed to restoring trust in California government.Show SummaryWhat happens when a California legislator pulls back the curtain on Sacramento's dysfunction?In this eye-opening episode, Assemblyman Joe Patterson joins Jon Slavet to expose the real issues behind government waste, legislative gridlock, and the California State Assembly’s failures on criminal justice policy. From billion-dollar vanity projects to the shocking refusal to make it a felony to purchase sex from a 16-year-old, Patterson shares why the state is falling short—and what must be done to fix it.You’ll learn why he believes NDAs are the “enemy of accountability”, how fentanyl policy is failing families, and what transparency actually looks like in practice. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand how California politics really works behind the headlines—and what it will take to change the game.Chapters 00:00 – Why Joe Patterson Chose to Serve 01:32 – The State Capitol’s NDA Problem 04:20 – Billion-Dollar Vanity Projects and Fake Transparency 07:48 – The Battle Over Fentanyl Legislation 10:01 – The Vote That Shocked Him: The 16-Year-Old Child Trafficking Loophole 12:34 – How Special Interests Quietly Kill Bills 15:03 – Patterson’s CEQA Reform Stance 17:40 – Why the Middle Class Is Being Decimated 20:19 – Inside the Budget: What They Don’t Want You to See 23:55 – What Real Transparency Requires 26:40 – Advice to Californians Who Want Change 28:30 – Patterson’s Hope for 2026 and BeyondConnect with Joe: X: https://x.com/Patterdude?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patterdude/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepatterson82/Website: https://ad05.asmrc.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: Jennifer Hernandez – Partner, Holland & KnightGuest BioJennifer Hernandez is a legendary land use and environmental attorney at Holland & Knight, with over 30 years of experience leading legal battles for housing, equity, and environmental justice across California. Known for her fearless critique of the state’s broken regulatory system, she has become a powerful voice in the fight to reform CEQA (the California Environmental Quality Act), and dismantle the bureaucratic gridlock strangling housing development in California.She’s represented some of the state’s largest infrastructure and redevelopment projects, while also advocating for affordable housing in working-class communities. Jennifer’s insights have been featured in The New York Times, CalMatters, and academic journals, and she’s considered one of California’s most influential experts on land use law and environmental policy.Show SummaryWhy does it cost four times more to build affordable housing in California than in places like Colorado or Texas? In this episode, attorney and housing advocate Jennifer Hernandez joins Jon Slavet to break down how the environmental movement, trial lawyers, and Sacramento’s bureaucratic bloat have created a man-made crisis that’s crushing the working-class and working poor of California.From exposing how CEQA has become a tool for extortion, to unpacking the rise of “procedural fetishism,” Jennifer shares how well-intended policies have been weaponized to block housing, bankrupt cities, and trap families in poverty — all while benefiting wealthy NIMBYs and entrenched special interests. This episode pulls no punches and offers real, actionable ideas for restoring affordability and restoring the California Dream.Chapters00:00 – California’s Housing Crisis Is Manmade01:27 – Meet Jennifer Hernandez: Land Use Attorney & Reformer03:15 – Rage, Betrayal, and the War on Working-Class Californians05:31 – How CEQA Became a Hydra Blocking Housing08:48 – Who’s Really Benefiting from Blocking Housing?10:43 – Bureaucratic Bloat and 58,000 New State Employees13:24 – CEQA as Extortion: The Lawsuits That Never End15:39 – Why There Are No Cranes in San Francisco17:44 – NIMBYism with an Environmental Halo20:31 – Why These Policies Are Anti-Union and Anti-Minority22:11 – The Masks of Climate Doom and “Equality of Outcome”24:24 – The Real Fix: Comply with the Law, Then Build26:31 – The Case for Ending Lawsuit Abuse in Housing28:49 – RAND Study: 4 Units in CO = 1 in CA31:03 – Why Fire-Prone Logic is Often Political Theater33:25 – NIMBY Environmentalism as Class Warfare34:31 – The One Executive Order That Could Change Everything36:15 – Jennifer’s Most Admired CA Leader (Hint: It’s Not Newsom)37:19 – California’s Climate Strategy: A Fraudulent Metric?38:28 – Final Thoughts on What’s Broken — and What’s NextConnect with JenniferTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jhernandezca?_t=ZP-8xI5UD0ECzv&_r=1Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hernandez-699b504/Website: https://www.hklaw.com/en/professionals/h/hernandez-jenEnjoyed 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

California 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.🎧 New episodes every Tuesday.#CaliforniaPolitics #StateOfGold #HousingCrisis #EducationReform 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