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, Alex Sigua

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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.
Look West episode

CA for Black Lives part 1: Criminal Justice Reform

June 10, 2020

While week-long peaceful demonstrations across California continue on, our podcast team spoke with Assemblymember Gipson, a member of the Legislative Black Caucus, and his guest Eva Tak, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and former police lieutenant, on racial inequality and the role police can play moving forward.

Look West episode

Mental Health During the Coronavirus Crisis (Part 2)

May 21, 2020

The World Health Organization and the United Nations have issued warnings of a pending global mental health crisis due to the wide, long-lasting implications of the coronavirus outbreak. Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Sharon Quirk-Silva, James Ramos, and Phil Ting address the growing needs for mental health during this pandemic and what communities are affected the most. They emphasize these issues and specific ways to take care of our mental health.

Look West episode

Mental Health During the Coronavirus Crisis (Part 1)

May 14, 2020

In Part 1 of Look West’s coronavirus mental health response, California’s Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, shares her expertise about how increased stress negatively impacts physical health and how to manage it. Next week, in Part 2, Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Sharon Quirk-Silva, James Ramos and Phil Ting share their insights on mental health and what they’re doing to address the mental health concerns of the people in their districts and all of California.

 

Look West episode

Public Health During the Coronavirus Crisis

May 5, 2020

On this episode of Look West you’ll hear about maintaining public health by staying together even though we’re apart. How widespread testing and tracing will be needed to maintain public health when the state begins to reopen. What it’s like for one nurse who works at the intersection of public health and the health care system – a covid-19 intensive care unit. And, from former ER physician now State Assemblymember, Dr. Joaquin Arambula.

Look West episode

First Responders in a Covid-19 World

April 23, 2020

Being a first responder has always been a very difficult job. The Covid-19 crisis has made that job even more stressful and dangerous. Two former first responders, who now serve in the State Assembly, talk about the challenges facing first responders today and how the State Legislature is working to make it safer for all the front line personnel.

Look West episode

Quarantine Life in California

March 30, 2020

#WorkFromHome is the hashtag of the moment. Millions of Californians are staying at home to flatten the curve of the coronavirus. On this episode of Look West California Assembly Democrats report in from their homes about the impacts of the COVID-19 quarantine in their districts and in their homes.

Look West episode

The Importance of the Census

March 12, 2020

The Census count happens every ten years. Each Census response is a piece of a puzzle that, when completed, creates a picture of who we are as Americans and Californians. And how best our resources can be shared. The Census determines how the federal government funds and responds to the needs of families, neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, roads, and community centers. In this episode, Assemblymember Marc Berman, Chair of the California Assembly Select Committee on the Census and Secretary of State Alex Padilla discuss the importance of filling out the 2020 Census form.

Look West episode

The Future of CA Civic Engagement – The Latinx & Youth Vote

February 28, 2020

Assemblymembers Evan Low & Cecilia Aguiar-Curry discuss legislative efforts to increase civic engagement in our youth and Latinx populations to ensure a more diverse and inclusive electorate. Special guests in this episode include Dr. Mindy Romero, Director & Founder of the California Civic Engagement Project (CCEP), Jesse Salinas, Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Chief Elections Official from the Yolo County Registrar, and four student delegates including the Youth Governor and his Chief of Staff, Youth Chief Justice, and Youth Chaplain from the 72nd CA YMCA Youth & Government Model Legislature & Court.

Look West episode

Thoughts and Prayers Are Not Enough

February 13, 2020

Go in-depth with Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and her husband, Giffords Executive Director Peter Ambler, as they discuss their efforts to prevent gun violence in California and nationwide, and how this work brought them together.

Look West episode

Women's Health and Reproductive Rights

January 23, 2020

January 22nd, 2020 celebrates the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. In those 47 years, the decision has been challenged tightening restrictions towards abortions and healthcare providers. In contrast, CA legislators and activists have worked tirelessly to establish the state as a safe-haven for women and anyone seeking help towards their reproductive health. Listen to our conversation with women's rights champions Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks, Bauer-Kahan, and Planned Parenthood's President and CEO of Mar Monte Stacy Cross as we discuss the state of women's health and reproductive rights and why CA is needed to continue to lead the nation.