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.
Kids and Football: Are Helmets Enough?
December 17, 2019
Youth tackle football is as controversial as it is prevalent in California. Thousands of California kids suit up and play just like their heroes in the NFL—but are their heads protected? Can the game be made safer?
The program features a discussion with retired San Francisco 49er George Visger, who talks about both his life in football and afterward living with the brain injuries brought on by his time on the field. His story provides the context for why Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty and Jim Cooper wanted to tackle these tough questions by introducing their specific bills that ultimately became law.
Mental Health: Breaking and Accessing
December 5, 2019
How is California breaking the stigma on mental health? Are mental health services accessible for every community? Assemblymember Phil Ting, Mark Salazar the Executive Director of Mental Health Association of San Francisco, and Sherrel Cross Assistant Manager for the California Peer Run Warm Line discuss the disparities in access and stigma of mental health. Further, we explore efforts of Assemblymember Phil Ting, Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Scott Wiener who helped set a budget of $10.8 million over 3 years that supported the launch of California’s first statewide mental health line. This will improve access for all and break the stigma around mental health conversations.
Honoring Native American Heritage
November 22, 2019
California is taking steps to heal the relationship with the Native American community just as the first California Native American Assemblymember, James C. Ramos, was elected into the state legislature last year. This year, Governor Newsom apologized to Native Americans for the state’s history of violence against them.
Since Assemblymember James C. Ramos swearing, he has passed legislation that not only reflects the current state of Native Americans but also with a deep commitment to the preservation of California Native American Culture. Join him to celebrate Native American Heritage Month!
Celebrating 100 Years of Women’s Right to Vote
November 1, 2019
November 1, 2019 marks 100 years since California ratified the 19th Amendment – however women had been voting in California since 1911! The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote but voter suppression discouraged and prevented specific groups from exercising their newfound right.
With more women elected to office than ever before, the role of women in politics and society is ever-changing. Assemblymember Dr. Shirley N. Weber and Dr. Huma Ahmed-Ghosh dive into the last hundred years and the future of civic engagement.
Protecting Consumers from Predatory Lenders
October 24, 2019
For years Loan sharks have been praying on California consumers through loans with interest as high as 200% or even 300%. Irresponsible lenders have particularly targeted low income African American and Latinos. In this new episode of Look West, Assemblymember Monique Limón, the author of the new law that caps interest rates for loans between $2,500 to $10,000 to 36%, talks about the problem and what is next with nationally recognized Social and Economic Justice advocate Reverend Shane B. Scott.
Honoring Chief Clerk E. Dotson Wilson
September 27, 2019
He’s the most interesting man in CA. He is highly respected and looked up to. He is the reason why the CA legislature has run as smoothly as it has for the last 27 years. His next adventure? A well-deserved retirement. Join Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin Mullin as he speaks with Chief Clerk E. Dotson Wilson and his tenure guiding the legislature.
The Last Week of the Legislative Year
September 20, 2019
Take a behind the scenes look at the end of the 2019 legislative year with Assembly Democrats and their staff as they describe to us the crazy and exciting last week of session in the Capitol. We spoke to Assemblymembers, Chiefs of Staff, Legislative Directors, Legislative Aids, and Assembly Fellows about the long hours and the snacks that got them through the week and heard their thoughts on the protests that rocked the Capitol during the last week of session.
Best of Look West
August 29, 2019
This episode of LookWest features some of the best and brightest segments that have been covered since the inception of the show. Topics include civil rights, aging and Alzheimer’s, Millennial leadership, restorative justice and more.
Equal Pay for Equal Play
July 23, 2019
On this episode of Look West, Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner Horvath and Carlsbad City Councilmember and 3x Women’s World Longboard Surfing Champion, Cori Schumacher, discuss equal pay for equal play, and why gender pay inequity is still an issue in the world of sports.
Earlier this year, Assemblywoman Boerner Horvath introduced Assembly Bill 467, which ensures equal compensation prizes for the male and female categories in competitions that take place on state lands. You can find the bill text for AB 467 on the California Legislative Information website.
2019 Pride Awards
June 27, 2019
The CA State Assembly annually celebrates Pride by honoring those who are making a difference in the LGBTQ community and beyond. On this episode of Look West, Assemblymember Todd Gloria meets with Pride Award recipient and former NBA player, Jason Collins. Jason shares his experience on coming out as a professional athlete, what it’s like to meet Oprah, and the work he’s doing to advocate for LGBTQ individuals and families who are struggling to survive the migrant crisis on the southern border.