East Bay Insiders

All politics is local. East Bay Insiders reporter Steve Tavares, co-host Trishala Vinnakota, and a rotating cast of Alameda County insiders break down the latest in local, state, and national politics—with plenty of scoops and a few hijinks along the way.

Seeing the Forest for the Trees 05/10/2026

Seeing the Forest for the Trees Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota welcome back Justin Berton to break down the week in East Bay politics and why our mothers are so great. Happy Mother's Day! We recap the first-ever East Bay Insiders SD10 debate, including standout performances from Anne Kepner and David Cohen, sharp insights on housing and AI, and why Scott Sakakihara largely escaped scrutiny over his Palantir ties. Why is the open CA14 congressional race so boring? The inside story behind a last-minute canceled debate, while the panel also digs into the governor’s race, Xavier Becerra’s momentum, Matt Mahan and Katie Porter’s struggles. And finally, we debate whether Oakland’s new City Council majority is trying to change the city’s anything-goes reputation after approving a $915,000 fine for illegally cutting down 38 trees, and is it a turning point? /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/41236065

Two Castro Valley Boys Sitting on the Boulevard 04/27/2026

Two Castro Valley Boys Sitting on the Boulevard On this week’s East Bay Insiders, we’re giving listeners a preview of After Hours—our subscriber-only deep dive where the conversation gets a little looser and a lot more insidey. Steve Tavares and Jason Teramoto chop it up on Castro Valley’s recurring push for incorporation, what it was like growing up there in the ’80s and ’90s, and—yes—the possible existence of Stranger Things-style creatures lurking in the hills. Plus, a must-hear segment with Lee Thomas and Mike Hutchinson, who walks through his surreal 2022 school board race, when the Alameda County registrar certified the wrong winner—forcing him to go to court to secure a victory he had already earned. And in the main episode, Steve Tavares, Trishala Vinnakota, and Justin Berton break down Rep. Ro Khanna’s comments about a potential 2028 presidential run—and why his vision for a multiracial, economic-forward America may be more politically savvy than it sounds. Subscribe to unlock the full After Hours episode and get the complete conversation. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/41026350

Eric Swalwell's past is prologue 04/19/2026

Eric Swalwell's past is prologue Eric Swalwell’s political career has come to an abrupt and stunning end—but for some, the warning signs were there all along. In this episode, former Pete Stark staffer Jason Teramoto revisits the 2012 congressional campaign that launched Swalwell’s rise, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and allegations that, he says, were known at the time but largely ignored. From documented concerns during the campaign to a bizarre MTV Spring Break prank, Teramoto argues the recent, shocking allegations didn’t come out of nowhere. Instead, he points to a deeper, more troubling pattern: a political ecosystem where insiders “knew,” but power, ambition, and expediency allowed Swalwell’s ascent to continue unchecked. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/40923825

The precipitous and predictable fall of Eric Swalwell 04/11/2026

The precipitous and predictable fall of Eric Swalwell A once ascending political career is on the brink of collapse. In this episode, we break down the mounting sexual misconduct claims facing Eric Swalwell. In addition to his gubernatorial campaign, does it force a resignation from Congress? We dig into the long-running whispers that dogged Swalwell for years. What does this moment reveal about power, privilege, and the protection men often receive in politics? Join host Steve Tavares, a longtime chronicler of Swalwell’s rise and unraveling, alongside Trishala Vinnakota and Justin Berton, for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation on what comes next—and what it all says about the system that enabled it. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/40813655

Mike Hutchinson Gives Everyone a Failing Grade 04/05/2026

Mike Hutchinson Gives Everyone a Failing Grade Oakland Unified is at a crossroads—and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This week, Oakland school boardmember Mike Hutchinson joins the podcast for a blunt conversation about OUSD’s deepening budget crisis, and whether the district is inching toward another era of receivership. Hutchinson doesn’t hold back, delivering sharp criticism about fellow elected officials up and down the Oakland political ladder, while once again calling for the interim superintendent to resign. Plus, Lee Thomas joins as co-host to break down and weigh in on San Leandro’s growing police department scandal, what’s emerging, and why it matters beyond city limits. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/40738835

Teflon Eric Swalwell 03/28/2026

Teflon Eric Swalwell We break down the latest twists in California’s governor’s race—why Eric Swalwell continues to dodge sustained scrutiny, whether Matt Mahan’s big-money campaign is failing to translate into real support. Plus, our early predictions for where the race is headed. We also dive into Oakland’s growing debate over the strong mayor system, and Mayor Barbara Lee’s new plan to tackle homelessness, plus a different take on the city celebrating Alysa Liu and Ryan Coogler. Finally, we cover James Aguilar’s appointment to the San Leandro City Council following Bryan Azevedo’s resignation amid an FBI probe—and what it means for local governance moving forward. For more from this week's episode, read the East Bay Insiders Newsletter for an extra segment of the podcast at EBI After Hours. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/40653310

Power, Gender, and Retaliation 02/21/2026

Power, Gender, and Retaliation San Leandro City Councilmember Xouhoa Bowen joins the program for an unflinching and deeply personal conversation about the inequities—and consequences—women still face in local politics. Bowen recounts being assaulted by an elected official while attending a city-sponsored event in Florida, and the isolating aftermath that followed. She also speaks candidly about the blowback she faced after filing formal complaints alleging bullying, gender bias, and other misconduct by two colleagues on the San Leandro City Council—and how the cumulative trauma pushed her to the brink of resignation. We also examines the legacy and fallout surrounding former San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo, who recently resigned from office and pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/40183395

Courtrooms, Campaigns, and Accountability 02/08/2026

Courtrooms, Campaigns, and Accountability Former Oakland City Councilmember Loren Taylor joins the show to break down a busy week in East Bay politics. We unpack new developments in the East Bay’s federal corruption case, including insights from last week’s court hearing and what to expect next with Bryan Azevedo’s upcoming appearance. Loren also offers an insider’s view of the first major gubernatorial debate, new candidates entering the race, and how the field may evolve through June. Plus, updates on the CA14 and SD10 races, a closer look at Union City candidate Scott Sakakihara’s Palantir ties, and thoughts on Floyd Mitchell’s move to Fremont, and Loren’s insights on the clash over Oakland Ken Houston’sEncampment Abatement Policy at City Hall. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/40032725

Alameda island vibes with Malia Vella 01/25/2026

Alameda island vibes with Malia Vella Former Alameda City Councilmember Malia Vella joins the show with Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of Alameda and what comes next for the city, and whether she has plans for a new chapter in her political service. Vella reflects on her time in office and offers a candid assessment of where Alameda stands today, from its two business districts to the ongoing evolution of Alameda Point. She weighs in on road-calming projects, the tensions they create, and how cities balance safety, commerce, and community buy-in. /episode/index/show/eastbaycitizenshow/id/39872865

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

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