San Leandro is in turmoil
East Bay Insiders
A Bryan Azevedo–packed episode. From the rise to the downfall — we unpack how the Duong family built influence in San Leandro politics and trace Azevedo’s wild ride: from the infamous “community freezer locker" idea, an inability to speak a human language, to the federal charges that brought everything crashing down. What does this scandal mean for San Leandro’s future? Who might fill his vacant council seat? Plus, we dive into the aftermath of Prop. 50, ask whether there’s a Zohran Mamdani emerging in the East Bay, and track the buzz around Eric Swalwell’s rumored run for...
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From Protégé to Pariah
East Bay Insiders
State and local political strategist Jason Overman joins us to unpack his time working alongside Sheng Thao and Andre Jones in Oakland politics — and why their recent corruption indictments left him feeling “deeply betrayed.” Later, we break down gubernatiorial candidate Katie Porter’s rough week on the campaign trail, Oakland’s search for a new police chief, Ken Houston’s clash with homeless advocates, and the upcoming No Kings rallies in the East Bay.
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Hopelessness, homelessness, greediness
East Bay Insiders
The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken the nation—and this week, we’re unpacking what it means closer to home. Guest co-hosts Trishala Vinnakota and Justin Berton join us to trace East Bay history of politically motivated killings and the rising hostility faced by local officials. Then, we dive into Oakland’s new push to toughen its encampment policy and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors’ audacious plan to raise campaign donor limits to levels unmatched anywhere in our local politics.
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State of politics and journalism with legendary reporter Carla Marinucci
East Bay Insiders
Legendary Politico and San Francisco Chronicle political reporter Carla Marinucci joins Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota for a candid conversation on the state of journalism and unforgettable moments from her career. Hear Carla’s stories about being summoned by Gov. Schwarzenegger about a negative story, being banned by the Obama White House, and more. Plus, we dish on Newsom vs. Trump, coverage of Barbara Lee’s first 100 days as Oakland mayor, a break down a recent article on Alameda County Administrator Susan Muranishi’s eye-popping salary and benefits, and Trishala really wants...
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Fear factor
East Bay Insiders
Anxieties are rising in the East Bay as communities brace for the possibility of federal immigration crackdowns under President Trump. With guest co-host Trishala Vinnakota, we unpack California’s upcoming effort to redraw its congressional maps, Alameda County’s scramble to expand immigrant services, Trump’s threat to deploy the National Guard in Oakland, and mounting concerns that the former federal women’s prison in Dublin could be converted into an ICE detention center.
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You chill, we grill 'em
East Bay Insiders
Former San Leandro Councilmember Lee Thomas of GrilleeQ joins the show this week—not to grill meat—but to help Steve Tavares and Dan Mendoza grill politicians. On the agenda: The potential costs of the lawsuit filed by San Leandro’s former city manager; a local angle to the suddenly wide-open gubernatorial race; plus much more.
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There's a new girl in town
East Bay Insiders
Guest co-host Trishala Vinnakota, the campaign consultant for both of Loren Taylor’s runs for Oakland mayor provides some behind-the-scenes insights and stories from last spring’s special mayoral election in Oakland, including a few “Oh, sh-t!” moments when it appeared that Taylor could actually upset Barbara Lee. Plus, takes on Lee’s first two months in office, everyman Oakland Councilmember Ken Houston, and former Emeryville Mayor John Bauters’ turn as reality TV star.
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Trump, chumps, and ambulance lumps
East Bay Insiders
Dan the Man is back just in time to moderate the most divisive East Bay Insiders podcast ever! From Trump and the threat to Alameda County to the proposed Coliseum deal to concerns about the county's 9-1-1 ambulance contract, there was no middle ground to be found other than the new Grilleeq ad is as sweet as Lee Thomas's blueberry corn muffins.
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Curious incident of a target letter in a poor city striving to be average but where city employees work in the office
East Bay Insiders
With Dan Mendoza away in D.C., Steve Tavares and Shawn Wilson went old school with insights on the U.S. Attorney's target letter to San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo, San Leandro's mayor calling the city poor and striving to be average, the Trump administration's assault on local funding and sanctuary cities, and the surprising removal of Hayward's city manager.
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Viva East Bay Insiders
East Bay Insiders
The East Bay Insiders couples retreat in Mexico was a success. They let us back into America. We play some catch-up with San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo's excruciatingly bad TV interview; Oakland's budget situtation, Alameda County Dems bid to censure Eric Swalwell and Raj Rajwan, Pamela Price's new club, plus East Bay MUD's parking space-gate, and much more.
info_outlineWe wrap up 2024 with the 2nd Annual Insidey Awards, recognizing the best and worst in Alameda County politics. Plus, we remember Rickey Henderson. Thank you for listening. See you next year!
INSIDEY NOMINEES
-Best Recall Campaign
Pamela Price
Sheng Thao
Ryan Jergensen/Linda Hurley
-Best performance by an elected official
Janani Ramachandran, Oakland
George Syrop, Hayward
Jack Balch, Pleasanton
Nate Miley, Alameda County
-Best political appointment
Melissa Hernandez, BART
Kathy Kimberlin, Fremont
Ana Apodaca, Newark
Michael McCorriston, Dublin
-Worst performance by an elected official
Pamela Price, Alameda County DA
Sheng Thao, Oakland mayor
Trish Spencer, Alameda councilwoman
-Best performance by a speaker in a public meeting
Brian Donahue, Emeryville
David McGuigan, Livermore
Gene Hazard, Oakland
Kelly Abreu, Fremont/Alamaeda County
-Most likely to succeed
Adena Ishii, Berkeley
Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton, San Leandro
Dylan Boldt, San Leandro
Raj Salwan, Fremont
-Best political campaign
Recall of DA Pamela Price
Jack Balch for Pleasanton mayor
Adena Ishii for Berkeley mayor
Nikki Fortunato Bas for ALCO supe
-Best Hair
David Haubert, Alameda County supe
Igor Tregub, Berkeley councilman
Yang Shao, Fremont councilman
John Bauters, Emeryville councilman
-Best Fight
Seneca Scott vs. Ray Bobbitt
Brian Donahue vs. John Bauters supporter
Bryan Azevedo vs. Lee Thomas
Seneca Scott vs. Sheng Thao supporters