East Bay Insiders

East Bay political discourse will never be the same! Political reporter Steve Tavares, and Alameda County insiders Shawn Wilson and Dan Mendoza, dish the scoop on Alameda County, state, and national political scenes, with a few hijinks along the way.

Barbara Lee is Oakland's mayor-elect. Now what? 04/19/2025

Barbara Lee is Oakland's mayor-elect. Now what? Progressive icon Barbara Lee is Oakland's next mayor. How did Lee hold off Loren Taylor's upstart campaign, and how will she tackle the city's pressing issues? Like Oakland, Pleasanton is facing a significant budget shortfall. So why were Pleasanton officials so fixated on orange signage at a gas station? Horse racing is a thing of the past at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, and why was Shawn Wilson so persistent about wrapping up this episode? /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/36232080

Don't call it a comeback 03/29/2025

Don't call it a comeback Oakland's special mayoral election is suddenly a close race. We break down what Barbara Lee and Loren Taylor need to do to win on April 15. Later, the behavior of elected officials at taxpayer-paid conferences and the incidient involving a San Leandro councilmember. Plus, a segment on Oakland Councilmember Kenny Houston; and Shawn's late 80s rap knowledge. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/35915700

Ask Kevin Jenkins anything 03/13/2025

Ask Kevin Jenkins anything While Oaklanders are figuring out who will be their next mayor, Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins sat down with us for coffee in a wide-ranging interview. Jenkins, who also serves East Oakland's District 6 council seat, chatted about juggling two big jobs at once, the upcoming budget process, his optimism about the Coliseum deal, a casino by the airport, his background as a county staffer, and telling his son a tall tale about dropping 60 points in a basketball game. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/35667295

Live from Buffalo Bill's Brewery with State Sen. Aisha Wahab 03/03/2025

Live from Buffalo Bill's Brewery with State Sen. Aisha Wahab Shawn Wilson was overjoyed to be back in his hometown of Hayward. At our live recording at historic Buffalo Bill's Brewery, Shawn came loaded with Hayward trivia and some friends. Cat Man, Mayor Mark Salinas and Councilmember Julie Roche stopped by before we chatted with State Sen. Aisha Wahab. The first-term state senator discussed her plans for Bay Area transit consolidation, Fremont's camping ban, and housing, her signature issue. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/35518220

East Bay Insiders Unfiltered 02/20/2025

East Bay Insiders Unfiltered Recalled Alameda County DA Pamela Price is starting a podcast. Meanwhile, the newly appointed DA takes the reins. What does she need to do to stabilize the DAs office? Barbara Lee keeps making unforced errors. We take a look at recent polling that shows her support is dropping. Fremont wants to focus only on local issues. We talk about cats. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/35361525

Judgment Day 01/28/2025

Judgment Day The big three applicants for the Alameda County DA appointment hit the stretch run to Tuesday's decision. We handicap the race. FBI raids come to San Leandro, and public doesn't seem to care. Plus, sanctuary cities, and Shawn makes his early Super Bowl picks. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/35041380

Live from Castro Valley 01/17/2025

Live from Castro Valley The East Bay Insiders Podcast hits the road with a live recording in Castro Valley. Thank you to the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce and the Moose Lodge for having us. There's a lot to talk about: The FBI raid in San Leandro, impending indictments, seven D.A. applicants move ahead to the interview stage of the appointment process, the Oakland special mayoral election, and the pending sale of the Oakland Coliseum. We also take a look at the issue of incorporation in Castro Valley. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/34891535

2nd Annual Insidey Awards 12/31/2024

2nd Annual Insidey Awards We 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 /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/34665070

The Aftermath 12/14/2024

The Aftermath We wrap up the November General Election with analysis of Alameda County's two recall campaigns. What comes next? Who will be Oakland's next mayor? Who wants to be Alameda County's next DA? Plus, the surprsing result in the Board of Supervisors race, and more. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/34441235

East Bay Insiders Centenary with Loren Taylor and Supervisor Nate Miley 11/18/2024

East Bay Insiders Centenary with Loren Taylor and Supervisor Nate Miley Recorded live at Humble Sea Brewing Co. in Alameda, Steve, Shawn and Dan reminisce about the podcast, its beginnings, highlights, hijinks, and lowlights. Oakland special mayoral election candidate Loren Taylor made his pitch to voters, Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley talked about the Coliseum deal and the state of Oakland, and Shawn was roasted by his kids, and much more! /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/33985172

How 'bout them recalls?!! 11/08/2024

How 'bout them recalls?!! Alameda County and Oakland voters just recalled two recently elected officials. We break down how and why, in addtion to analysis of early election results from some of the biggest East Bay races. Plus, we leave a voicemail with the likely Pleasanton mayor-elect to apologize for doubting his success during the last podcast. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/33855232

Election 2024 Preview Show 10/25/2024

Election 2024 Preview Show Election Day in the East Bay is just days away. Steve, Shawn, and Dan give their bold predictions for Alameda County's biggest fall races. Plus, results, analysis of the Oakland Chamber poll, the recalls, and Alameda Councilmember Trish Spencer's long night in Long Beach. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/33621537

Scam Alert 10/09/2024

Scam Alert Oakland is again plunged into chaos over the emergence of a "new" Coliseum land deal and questions about its legitimacy. Shawn recevies a call from his creditors, and we chat about the recalls, Campaign Finance 101, and much more toward the stretch run to Election Day. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/33397457

Welcome to the Shawn Wilson podcast 09/20/2024

Welcome to the Shawn Wilson podcast A now-former Fremont councilmember slams Shawn for making inappropriate comments on "his podcast." For the first time, Steve gives his blow-by-blow account of the "Throwdown in the 'Dro Town." Plus, analysis of the Pleasanton mayoral race and supervisorial candidate Nikki Bas' attack website against opponent John Bauters. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/33134492

Call me incompetent all day long 09/07/2024

Call me incompetent all day long Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said this week, "call me incompetent all day long." Is it too late for Thao to save her job? Alameda County Democrats created yet another embarrassing scene. We take a look at the recalls, and Fremont's unusual moves to replace its departing councilmember. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/32951447

Carson asks Bauters to the couch 08/27/2024

Carson asks Bauters to the couch Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson's big endorsement could be a gamechanger in a tight District 5 race this fall. We take a look a what the endorsement means and how the race between John Bauters and Nikki Fortunato Bas may evolve. Fremont needs a new councilmember, and an Oakland candidate is searching for way back onto the ballot. Plus, Steve gets a pep talk and East Bay Regional Parks District Board Director Olivia Sanwong podcast-bombs the show. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/32767637

Pamela Price's worst nightmare 08/16/2024

Pamela Price's worst nightmare Brenda Grisham, co-leader of the DA Pamela Price recall campaign, provides personal insights about the begining of the recall and her interactions with Price in this special edition of the East Bay Insiders Podcast. Later, we remember Ellen Corbett, one the East Bay's political greats. Shawn Wilson, who worked for Corbett during her first stint in the assembly, has a funny story about his old boss. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/32600912

Breaking Bad Polling 08/05/2024

Breaking Bad Polling Election 2024 takes center stage with the release of devastating polling for Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and DA Pamela Price. John Bauters released his own poll in the Alameda County District 5 supervisorial race. We breakdown the numbers, in addition to a look at a peculiar campaign strategy in Fremont's competivie mayoral race. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/32437877

High-stakes hot takes 07/18/2024

High-stakes hot takes We take a local angle at the attempted assassination of President Trump, update the developing scandal in the East Bay, and break down Alameda County supervisorial candidate Nikki Bas' peculiar survey to voters. Along the way, Steve provides a view from the future on Oakland's city budget, the fates of the A's, Roots, and Ballers. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/32205197

Life of Thao 06/28/2024

Life of Thao The FBI raids on Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and others on June 20 have set the East Bay afire with rumors, speculation, and expectations of the worst. We breakdown down what appears destined to be one of the biggest stories in East Bay political history. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/31936647

Handicapping the recalls 06/08/2024

Handicapping the recalls It's becoming increasingly likely two high-profile recalls will be on the ballot in Alameda County this November. We handicap the potential recall of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the recall against DA Pamela Price. Plus, we take a look at the changing of the guard in Dublin, and Shawn reminisces about call-waiting. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/31658777

Really?!! 05/20/2024

Really?!! Co-host Dan Mendoza is out on assignment. Really?!! Tavares! Really?!! Capt. Wilson. How does Alameda County DA Pamela Price avoid a recall this fall? We break down how the recall campaign may go down. Homelessness is down a bit in Alameda County. Which cities are doing better than others? Hayward is begrudingly moving to district-based elections, plus who will be the next BART Board member? Really?!! /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/31377662

Our comms expert Justin Berton is back! 04/29/2024

Our comms expert Justin Berton is back! The communications director for former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf offers some tips for Oakland's incoming police chief, and the "greater crime against communication" that was the San Leandro mayor's cringeworthy state of the city. We also remember East Bay legend Delaine Eastin, along with much more! *Birthday boy Shawn Wilson is on vacation this week. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/31025838

Aisha Knowles and The Apology 04/08/2024

Aisha Knowles and The Apology Alameda County Board of Education Trustee Aisha Knowles joins the show to chat about "The Apology," the acclaimed documentary about the forced relocation of Russell City; the push for reparative justice for its former residents and descendents; and her future political plans. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/30725563

Back to basics 03/23/2024

Back to basics We debut our new recording equipment, even though we didn't test it beforehand. With the primary election in the books, we're going back to basics. Oakland finally has a new police chief. We weigh-in on the rollout, along with the Russell City documentary "The Apology," the intra-county rivalries stoked by the proposed regional housing bond measure, and questions being raised by members of the Alameda County Election Commission. Plus, did you know Mt. Eden High in Hayward once had a secret bar for students? /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/30512793

Primary Answers 03/11/2024

Primary Answers The March Primary in the East Bay provided a few surprises. We break down the biggest races. East Bay Insiders Podfather Matt Santos sits in as guest and recording engineer, and recalls Steve Tavares' first foray into politics, among other embarrassing tidbits, and we reminisce about our first-ever live recording. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/30316653

Loren Taylor: Live in front of a studio audience 02/28/2024

Loren Taylor: Live in front of a studio audience The first-ever East Bay Insiders LIVE was a smashing success! We sat down in front a live studo audience with Alameda County Democratic Central Committee candidate and former Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor at Awaken Cafe in Oakland. Loren laid out his vision for Oakland, the Alameda County Democratic Party, his views on ranked choice voting, the recalls, and a few jabs at current Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao's job performance. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/30158658

He's just Ken 02/24/2024

He's just Ken The March Primary is around the corner. Don't forget to vote! Alameda County District 5 supervisorial candidate Ken Berrick joins the program to talk about his plans for the county--fixing Santa Rita Jail, caring for children, and helping Oakland. Later, we break down the big March Primary races in Alameda County, along with predictions. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/30087763

Newsom's coup 02/12/2024

Newsom's coup Gov. Gavin Newsom is tired of the mayhem on the streets of Oakland and the East Bay, essentially sending in the troops and taking over the district attorney's office. We break down the unprecedented moves with Alameda County District 5 supervisorial candidate Chris Moore. Later, the boys dish on "Super Dan," Vegas' mayor telling the A's to go home, campaign commercials, and the anonymous article slamming Supervisor Nate Miley. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/29894993

Has the entire county gone nuts? 01/28/2024

Has the entire county gone nuts? Alameda County Democrats went berserk earlier this month, now their brethren across the aisle are trying to match their lunacy. Is there something in the water? A Hayward school boardmember made an incendiary comment toward a staffer, Rep. Eric Swalwell's opponent releases attack ad, BDS movement joins Gaza conversation in the East Bay, plus much more! /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/29682583

East Bay Insiders

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