Look West: How California is Leading the Nation
Look West provides a personal view of the California leaders representing you in the State Assembly. Tune in while these elected officials, influential leaders, and the general public provide a unique perspective on different issues affecting California, and learn more about the actions we’re taking to help lead the nation into a brighter future. This podcast is brought to you by the Assembly Democratic Caucus team. Inquiries or questions, contact Deputy Director of Communications, Maria Neider
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DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on Look West are solely those of the guests and do not necessarily represent the views of the Democratic Office of Communication and Outreach or the Assembly Democratic Caucus.
California and Human Rights
December 29, 2021
California has often led the way on human rights. From the 1959 Unruh Civil Rights Act paving the way for the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 to same-sex marriage to farmworker overtime, California sets the tone that the nation eventually follows. But California isn’t perfect. Look West caught up with Majority Leader Eloise Gómez-Reyes to discuss how California can protect human rights. .
New Year, New Laws
December 28, 2021
California has new laws going into effect in 2022. Look West took to the streets in Sacramento to see what folks think.
Meet the Newest Members of the Assembly Democratic Caucus
December 7, 2021
The California State Assembly Democratic Caucus continues to grow and change. Over the past months three new Californians have joined the Assembly. One from Los Angeles, one from San Diego and one from the East Bay. On this special bonus episode of Look West Assemblymembers Isaac Bryan, Dr. Akilah Weber and Mia Bonta introduce themselves. You’ll find out where they grew up, what their top priorities are as an Assemblymember and why they went into politics.
California Action on Missing and Murdered Native Americans
November 25, 2021
In this episode, we focus on the history of missing and murdered Native American people and how the allocation of new funds will help Native American communities. Murder is the 3rd leading cause of death for Native American women. In 2019, over 5,500 Native American women were reported missing. Assemblymember James Ramos introduced AB 3099 to create a program to develop law enforcement training on policing and investigations on tribal lands. It will also determine how to increase state criminal justice protective and investigative resources for reporting and identifying missing Native Americans in California, particularly women and girls. This bill allocates $5-million over a 5 year period to develop this program in hopes of addressing this huge issue.
Acting on it: Getting Veterans the help they need NOW!
November 11, 2021
1.8 million veterans live in California. Our state is home to the largest number of veterans in the nation. Regretfully areas like Southern California, is also the where 1 out of every 10 homeless veterans live. We speak to Assembly Veterans Committee Chair Jacqui Irwin, CalVet Deputy Director Keith Boylan with Governor Newsom’s administration and Steve Peck, President of US Vets, the largest veterans organization in the country about what is being done and what is needed. On an added note, is the customary “thanks for your service” well received by veterans? The answer may surprise you.
California is on Fire: How to be Prepared and What to do About It
October 14, 2021
The state is on fire. Over 7,000 fires and 2.5 million acres have burned in 2021 alone, and the year is not even over yet. In this episode of Look West, Assemblymembers Wood and Bloom discuss the unique ways the fires have impacted their communities, as well as their thoughts on long-term fire prevention. Cal Fire Chief Thom Porter then weighs in with his expertise in how to be personally prepared for fires, some of the most common ways fire start in California, and what his short-term and long-term goals are for reducing California's risk for fire.
MAKING A BABY: Parental Rights and Alternative Methods
September 30, 2021
Around the world, parents-to-be who aren’t able to make a baby the traditional way wonder whether their rights will be protected if, some day, a donor or surrogate makes parental claims. On the flip side, some potential donors or surrogates hesitate to provide services out of fear of being held financially or legally responsible for potential offspring. On this episode we dive into the subject with Assemblymember David Chiu (who will be leaving the State Assembly to become the San Francisco City Attorney on November 1st) and Mary Hernandez, a mother of two, who opens up about her journey to parenthood.
COVID-19 and Kids
September 3, 2021
The episode begins by talking to kids as they get their vaccine. Julia and her parent discusses vaccines and what she is looking forward to on her way to get vaccinated. Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris and her kids talk about how the pandemic affected their family and how things are changing now that they are vaccinated. The episode concludes with an interview with pediatrician Dr. Shannon Udovic-Constant who discusses her experience with kids during the pandemic, unvaccinated kids going to school, and encouraging parents to get their kids vaccinated when it is their turn.
Keeping a Roof Over their Heads…What California is doing to help Tenants and Landlords
May 20, 2021
California approved a new law to address the needs of landlords and tenants while avoiding evictions. We spoke to Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Reyes, Assemblymember David Chiu, and advocates of both sides of the rental crisis about how this law was accomplished and what comes next.
Legislative Families: The Story of Gene and Kevin Mullin
May 12, 2021
We started this episode doing research on the number of people from the same family that have served in the State Legislature. Our first interview was with Gene and Kevin Mullin. A Father and son that have represented the same area in the State Assembly. With the passing of Gene Mullin, we offer their views on having been Assemblymembers in the same communities in different decades.