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.

2025: Year in Review 12/25/2025

2025: Year in Review Dan Mendoza is back, along with Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota, and the timing couldn’t be better. —We analyze the year in East Bay politics: President Trump’s impact on the county and its cities; a look back at Oakland’s special election; and the FBI investigations involving the Bryan Azevedo and Sheng Thao cases—and what to expect in 2026. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/39526930

3rd Annual Insidey Awards 12/24/2025

3rd Annual Insidey Awards East Bay Insiders Podcast 3rd Annual Insidey Awards honoring the highs and lows in East Bay politics in 2025. Follow along with the list of this year's nominees: —Best performance by a public official Ken Houston, Oakland Kevin Jenkins, Oakland Jack Balch, Pleasanton Nikki Fortunato Bas, Alameda County Igor Tregub, Alameda County Democratic Party chair —Worst performance by a public official(s) Bryan Azevedo, San Leandro councilmember Hayward City Council Fred Simon, San Leandro councilmember Victor Aguilar, Jr., San Leandro councilmember —Best quote Ken Houston, Oakland: “We had our straps, but we weren’t shooting no guns.” Julie Testa, Pleasanton councilmember: “You don’t have the right to control me, mayor.” Mark Salinas, Hayward mayor: “I feel like I failed. I really do, as a mayor.” Nate Miley, Alameda County supervisor: “I’m just letting you know. I’m letting you know. Respectfully, letting you know if you start jumping into the unincorporated area and not respecting the supervisor, or supervisors that represent the unincorporated area, there could be ramifications.” Ken Houston: “There’s going to be some order in this court.” —Best Hair Rob Bonta, California attorney general David Haubert, Alameda County supervisor Pamela Price, former Alameda County DA —Best performance by a public speaker Al Mendall, Hayward Gene Hazard, Oakland Tod Hickman, Alameda —Best Fight East Bay MUD Board vs. Board Director April Chan Oakland Councilmember Ken Houston vs. Oakland Public Works Director Josh Rowan Pleasanton Mayor Jack Balch vs. Councilmember Julie Testa /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/39526795

Bonta vs Swalwell 12/13/2025

Bonta vs Swalwell East Bay Insiders welcomes Carla Marinucci back to the pod. We dive into reports that Attorney General Rob Bonta is eyeing a run for governor. What does it mean for Rep. Eric Swalwell’s own ambitions? Did Swalwell miss a window to run for AG, and could a Bonta–Swalwell rivalry be shaping up? We break down the early race to replace Swalwell in Congress, featuring State Sen. Aisha Wahab and BART Director Melissa Hernandez, and revisit how shifting district lines once helped Swalwell rise. On the local front, we talk Costco coming to Oakland, led by Councilmember “Kirkland” Carroll Fife, why landing a Costco can be a fiscal game-changer for cities—and how Oakland might mess it up. We also cover Pamela Price’s comeback bid for Alameda County district attorney and what the dismissal of charges against former San Leandro officer Jason Fletcher means for the 2026 primary. Plus, a remembrance of San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy, reflecting on his leadership and lasting impact on the East Bay. Don’t miss Episode 122, featuring the 3rd Annual Insidey Awards. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/39396785

The Letter 11/26/2025

The Letter Happy Thanksgiving! Following the bombsell East Bay Insiders report of a letter alleging the existence of a video showing California Attorney General Rob Bonta in a "compromising situation," Steve Tavares provides additonal insights into the story and the potential Easter eggs in the letter. Will Bonta still run for governor? Along with Trishala Vinnakota and Justin Berton, we also breakdown Eric Swalwell's own nascent campaign for governor - his chances and what to expect? Plus, we look at Hayward's mounting budget crisis and two former elected officials' surprising public criticisms of the current city council. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/39176165

San Leandro is in turmoil 11/10/2025

San Leandro is in turmoil 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 governor. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/38986850

From Protégé to Pariah 10/17/2025

From Protégé to Pariah 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. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/38614925

Hopelessness, homelessness, greediness 09/13/2025

Hopelessness, homelessness, greediness 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. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/38209895

State of politics and journalism with legendary reporter Carla Marinucci 08/30/2025

State of politics and journalism with legendary reporter Carla Marinucci 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 Rep. Ro Khanna to run for governor. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/38032260

Fear factor 08/16/2025

Fear factor 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. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/37844605

You chill, we grill 'em 08/11/2025

You chill, we grill 'em 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. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/37740875

There's a new girl in town 08/04/2025

There's a new girl in town 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. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/37658640

Trump, chumps, and ambulance lumps 06/20/2025

Trump, chumps, and ambulance lumps 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. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/37094335

Curious incident of a target letter in a poor city striving to be average but where city employees work in the office 06/07/2025

Curious incident of a target letter in a poor city striving to be average but where city employees work in the office 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. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/36899740

Viva East Bay Insiders 05/17/2025

Viva 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. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/36600120

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

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