Game Changers Silicon Valley
Our mission is to provide you with the stories about innovation taking place today that may be the Game Changers of tomorrow. We invite entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and scientists who will share their successes and failures.
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The Oppressor Class
04/09/2024
The Oppressor Class
Eli Steele's documentary, "Killing America," emerges from a profound silence into a loud, defining statement about the currents sweeping through American education. Born deaf, Steele transcends the boundaries of sound to explore the ideological framework shaping the narratives within schools across the nation. Through his lens, Steele investigates the dilution of meritocracy, the ascent of indoctrination, and the looming shadow of censorship, crafting a narrative that questions whether we are on the verge of educational decay or the brink of an academic renaissance. "Killing America" is not merely a film; it's an exploration into the origins of a divisive educational shift that categorizes students not by their achievements but by their racial identities. This shift from a focus on academic excellence to a binary of oppressors and oppressed has its roots in complex historical and social dynamics.
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Breaking the cycle, Crime, Drug Addiction, Recidivism
02/18/2024
Breaking the cycle, Crime, Drug Addiction, Recidivism
We share a highly visible, universal concern: the persistent cycle of crime, drug addiction, and recidivism. My interview with former San Jose Mayor and current Congressional candidate Sam Liccardo, provides a deeper insight into the pernicious nature of this cycle. Sam underscores the deep-seated connection between these elements, painting a picture of a cycle that perpetuates itself but believes it can be dismantled with strategic intervention. His insights, drawn from years in public service, propose a pivot from punitive to rehabilitative justice. At the core of Liccardo’s argument is the significant overlap between the nonviolent prison population and substance addiction. He points out that over half of these inmates struggle with addiction, a factor often leading back to crime upon release. By reintroducing supervised release and frequent testing—a method proven successful in programs like Honolulu's Operation Hope—Liccardo believes we can break this cycle. Liccardo's philosophy extends beyond the prison walls to address homelessness, often intertwined with addiction. He advocates for focused mental health treatment, aiming to address both homelessness and its frequent companion, drug addiction. In essence, Liccardo’s approach to crime, drug addiction, and recidivism offers a symbiotic solution. By treating the root causes rather than just the symptoms, he envisions a transformative change that could redefine public safety, social welfare, and fiscal policy within our communities.
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Guns, Border, and Immigration Reform
02/16/2024
Guns, Border, and Immigration Reform
Everyone agrees: We are witnessing unprecedented political polarization and deep divides tearing our country's fabric. Since the current leadership in Congress cannot come to terms, the voters have little option but to send a message by electing new representatives and senators to Congress. I had an opportunity to interview a newcomer in the upcoming primary elections in California. Peter Dixon has impressive international accomplishments, entrepreneurial experience, served as a marine in combat, and a common sense approach to addressing big issues. He believes in finding creative solutions to critical priorities and has persevered through some remarkably adverse experiences. We will discuss the big issues: Guns, border, immigration, and the national debt. Peter understands that solutions must go beyond party lines and believes it's a fundamental responsibility that unites us all. Peter might be the right person at the right time. I sensed a principle-based independent thinker during our interview. Join me in this interview and see if you find his approach refreshingly honest.
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The Crisis in Public Safety
02/12/2024
The Crisis in Public Safety
In the run-up to the 2024 elections, Anna Cheng Kramer, a candidate for California's 15th Congressional District, captures the quintessential American narrative of the underdog. The story of Anna Chang Kramer, who is vying for a congressional seat in California's 15th District, offers a unique insight into the immigrant experience. Kramer's narrative, which began in Taiwan, weaves through a background of finance, integrity, and a growing sense of public duty to the community. Kramer’s campaign, anchored in enhancing public safety, speaks directly to the growing concerns among voters about crime and support for law enforcement. In a landscape where safety and justice are in the balance, her perspectives offer a clear vision for policies that strive to protect and serve the community equitably. These challenges, as Kramer outlines, demand not only strong leadership but also a thoughtful re-evaluation of current legislation. Kramer’s viewpoints on fiscal responsibility, immigration reform, and the quest for economic prosperity emerge as pivotal discussions. Her approach to these concerns reflects a deep understanding of the community’s heartbeat and the need for leadership that can navigate the complexities of modern governance.
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The Stigma of Mental Illness
02/05/2024
The Stigma of Mental Illness
No one wants to admit they are being treated for depression, bi-polar disorder or having thoughts about suicide. The fact is, today's stressful lifestyles will overwhelm the coping mechanisms of many people. My guest believes it's time to remove the stigma and treat mental illness "just like any other disease." Homeless encampments in commercial districts remain a visible and complex challenge. My guest, Dr. Peter Fund, provides insights about the extent of mental illness among the homeless. Government officials appear unable to formulate a plan to address what appears to be a broader health crisis that extends beyond the scope of traditional medical care. Voters have voiced their dissatisfaction with these encampments, which reflects both a deep-seated concern for the welfare of the homeless population, safety concerns, and the health of the community at large. The responsibility for addressing this issue has often been shuffled between state and local governments, yet the onus lies heavily on county governments such as the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Dr. Fung is seeking to be elected to this Board, serving the community by implementing effective healthcare policies. He has a stated focus on tackling the mental health crisis and his intent is to replicate the stroke emergency system for mental health emergencies. Dr. Fung provides a qualified perspective on how the County could catalyze a more proactive approach to mental health.
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Law & Order Silicon Valley
01/29/2024
Law & Order Silicon Valley
In today's blog, we delve into the critical role judges play in our justice system. We had the privilege of speaking with Johnene Stebbins, a seasoned deputy district attorney running for Judge in Santa Clara County. Join us as we explore the responsibilities and challenges judges face in maintaining fairness, integrity, and public safety. We discuss the correlation between the decriminalization of drugs and the rise in homelessness. Drawing insights from our conversation with Joanne Stebbins, we explore the challenges faced by local governments in addressing this complex problem.
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Quantifying Startup Risk
01/16/2024
Quantifying Startup Risk
In 2023, approximately 3,200 venture-backed firms in the U.S. went out of business, according to data from PitchBook. These startups had collectively raised about $27.2 billion. Since the failure of Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023, this situation has been described as the most difficult year for startups in at least a decade, with many companies quietly shutting down. So the question is: What is taking place in the early-stage investor community to navigate this re-defined landscape? Is it business as usual or is there a new investor emphasis on quantitative tools to make better decisions on sustainable business models
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Unlocking the Startup Asset Class
01/08/2024
Unlocking the Startup Asset Class
Three Key Steps in Constructing the Startup Asset Class One fundamental building block to startup investing is defining the sectors and technologies that will fit your organization's definition of a startup asset class. A second critical step involves creating an education program to explain the purpose, risks, diversification, time horizon, and expected returns in a portfolio of early-stage technology companies. But what can catalyze the growth of your startup investing and the ecosystem is tapping into state funding to support innovation and economic development. But as many angel investor groups have discovered, it's not as straightforward as it seems. Among the challenges, you will need to identify the appropriate channels, define clear strategies, and maintain effective oversight. We're not just talking about funding here; we're discussing the art of kindling an entrepreneurial spirit that can sustain and grow an ecosystem. In this podcast, we review how the Queen City Angels partnered with the Ohio Third Frontier Program to support the growth of a vibrant startup community. Local universities, such as the University of Cincinnati, and public corporations, such as Kroger, Proctor & Gamble, and Fifth Third Bank, made major commitments to the support and vitality of the startup community.
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Restructuring the University
12/30/2023
Restructuring the University
Universities face many challenges in their goal of educating students for engagement in the 21st century economy. In this podcast, we delve into this transformative shift in academia, where the traditional model of university education is being reimagined and revitalized. The University of Cincinnati is at the forefront of this educational revolution, fostering an environment where academic knowledge meets practical application and where failure is viewed not as a setback but as a critical component of learning and innovation. My guest is Kate Harmon, the Executive Director at the Center of Entrepreneurship. Kate discusses the strategies the University of Cincinnati employs to transform traditional academic education into an experiential journey that prepares students for the realities of the innovation-driven world.
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The Prop 19 Fix for a Taxation Nightmare
11/27/2023
The Prop 19 Fix for a Taxation Nightmare
A Crusade for Justice Imagine inheriting your family home, only to find a tax bill that forces you to sell. It's not fiction; it's the startling reality under California's Proposition 19. In this episode, we uncover how this law is upending lives and what's being done to challenge it. Meet Gina C. Louis, our advocate guest driving the charge against this controversial law. Her analysis and expertise shed light on a situation that's more than just numbers – it's about preserving the inheritance structure and legacy of the family home.
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The Destructive Power of Party Politics
11/19/2023
The Destructive Power of Party Politics
In a candid conversation with our host, Jim Connor, Lydia Kou shares her journey from a reluctant council member drawn into politics by community demand to a passionate advocate for change in Sacramento. With a focus on common sense and fiscal responsibility, Lydia Kou aims to shake up the status quo, where party interests often overshadow the needs of the people. Her unwavering dedication to public safety and her comprehensive approach to homelessness and housing issues highlight her commitment to serving the people of California.
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What Happened to California Gov't
11/02/2023
What Happened to California Gov't
My guest is Gus Mattammal, a congressional candidate representing the northern part of Silicon Valley in the upcoming 2024 election. Gus's story is a testament to the American dream, having risen from a tough neighborhood in St. Louis to become a successful entrepreneur and community leader. His deep love for California and concern about its recent challenges, including population decline and loss of congressional representation, have driven him to step up and take action. In the second part, we delve deeper into Gus Mattammal's motivations and the pressing issues he aims to address as a candidate. With a focus on housing policy, homelessness, and education, Gus shares his insights and innovative solutions for the challenges facing our state. His thoughtful approach to the housing crisis and commitment to bridging the education gap highlight his dedication to making a meaningful impact.
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Who Do You Trust in Government?
10/19/2023
Who Do You Trust in Government?
In an era marked by political polarization and growing disillusionment, the erosion of trust in government has emerged as a pressing concern. Pew Research has documented a decline in public trust, which has plummeted from 75% in 1960 to a mere 20% today, as a trend that transcends political administrations and warrants urgent attention. This decline is not confined to any specific political party or era; rather, it represents a broader crisis of faith in our democratic institutions. As we delved deeper, it became evident that this erosion of trust is intrinsically linked to the deeply entrenched partisan politics that often take precedence over the interests of the American people. Both parties, it seemed, were playing to the gallery while the real concerns of citizens were left unaddressed. Against this backdrop, I had an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Rishi Kumar, a 2024 candidate for California's 16th District in Silicon Valley's House of Representatives.
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Gridlock in Congress
09/28/2023
Gridlock in Congress
We have observed and, perhaps, suffered from the gridlock in Congress. In today's discussion, we unravel a growing concern within Congress—the increasing percentage of members over 70, many boasting 15 to 30 years of service. This demographic tends to align with their respective political parties, often sidelining the needs and voices of their constituents. Moreover, we explore the troubling interplay between prolonged incumbency, financial backing from special interests, and potential ethical transgressions. Recent events, like the indictment of Senator Bob Menendez, serve as stark reminders of the precarious balance between political allegiance and ethical responsibility, emphasizing the need for a transformative shift in how we envision democratic representation. Our featured guest in this episode is Rishi Kumar, a candidate with a compelling vision to represent part of California's Silicon Valley in the House of Representatives. Rishi brings a unique blend of tech-savvy perspectives and a commitment to transparency, aiming to disrupt the status quo. Join us as we engage with Rishi in a thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the importance of representation, accountability, and ethical conduct within the heart of American governance.
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AI Challenges Education
06/26/2023
AI Challenges Education
AI-powered tools have revolutionized education, opening up a world of possibilities for students. With access to vast amounts of information and intelligent tutoring systems, students can delve deeper into complex topics, conduct comprehensive research, and gain valuable insights. Chat GPT, with its natural language processing capabilities, provides students with in-depth analysis and personalized guidance, transforming how they approach learning. However, amidst these advantages, concerns have surfaced regarding the potential drawbacks. Some worry that students may become overly reliant on AI tools, hindering the development of critical thinking skills. In a world where AI can offer seemingly flawless analysis, how do we ensure students continue to think critically, question assumptions, and evaluate information independently? Join us as we explore both sides of the AI coin. We'll examine the remarkable benefits that AI and Chat GPT bring to high schools and universities, enabling students to navigate complex subjects and expand their knowledge. But we'll also dive into the concerns surrounding the potential erosion of critical thinking skills and explore strategies to balance leveraging AI's power and nurturing independent thought.
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The Dollar Crisis
05/25/2023
The Dollar Crisis
Since the end of World War II, the U.S. dollar has reigned supreme as the world's reserve currency, facilitating international trade and acting as a safe haven for global financial transactions. However, the landscape is shifting, and various factors are challenging the dollar's dominance. We see several threats faced by the U.S. dollar as a reserve currency that could potentially lead to its replacement with other currencies. Join us as Rishi Kumar, a congressional candidate to represent Silicon Valley, District 16, in the 2024 election as he addresses the financial and economic risks as a result of our growing debt, the deficit, and the rise in crime.
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Connecting the Dots
04/26/2023
Connecting the Dots
Connecting the dots: This conversation is about a unique type of dots, specifically Braille dots. Braille was invented over 200 years ago to provide a method for visually impaired people to read using combinations of six dots to represent letters and words. Books translated into Braille are available for the visually impaired. According to the National Federation of the Blind, fewer than 10 percent of the 1.3 million people who are legally blind in the United States are Braille readers. Further, a mere 10 percent of blind children are learning to read Braille. In addition, over 70 percent of blind adults are unemployed, and as many as 50 percent of blind high school students drop out of high school. Enter the Cadence device by Tactile Engineering The information tsunami brought on by the Internet left the blind and visually impaired with a significant problem. How can these individuals, including K-12 students, access education, be gainfully employed, and participate in the digital world? Join us as Dave Schleppenbach of Tactile-Engineering.com discusses the journey to develop a digital Braille technology to provide the visually impaired access to the digital world, including digital content, games, graphics, and animation.
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Automotive AI
03/28/2023
Automotive AI
Fascination and fear of missing out (FOMO) appear to be the most prevalent responses to the emergence of AI engines for the general public. While Chat-GPT has gained the lion’s share of publicity, new AI engines are being announced weekly. Public AI engines such as Chat-GPT, Google’s Bard, and Copy.ai will address a broad range of requests, from writing a blog, writing code, writing a screenplay, and most likely creating legal documents, all subject to human review. But the real value for entrepreneurs may be in the vertical markets, where companies have troves of data, statistics, and specifications that can be valuable to specific participants in a sector. This podcast is the story of one company that embedded an AI component into their application specific to the automobile sector. The outcome was an unexpected boost in user and customer engagement, igniting a remarkable growth rate and providing the rationale to expand into more areas of personal transportation. Join us as Michael Quigley discusses the decision to embed an AI engine in their vertical application serving the needs of automobile dealerships and his transition to be a managing partner at StartFast Ventures.
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Seed Stage Venture Capital - How to Find It?
02/01/2023
Seed Stage Venture Capital - How to Find It?
Silicon Valley mythology would have you believe entrepreneurs live in a world where every day is an exciting and intellectually stimulating experience. However, before enjoying any of those positive outcomes, entrepreneurs go through several rites of passage. The first entrepreneur rite of passage is finding that seed funding round. It's often one of the first major stumbling blocks, engaging with the venture community where you have no track record and where traction is a matter of survival. No one really wants to talk about this experience. Many entrepreneurs have lived through that sense of dejection, depression, and the embarrassment accompanying the failure to raise that seed round. But we found an early seed venture capital fund who was willing to be completely transparent about the qualification, key factors to engage, and the process to close a seed round. My guest is Amit Garg, Co-founder of Tau Ventures, who has a defined focus on early-stage startup companies that provide AI solutions for healthcare and the enterprise sectors. Amit has been in the venture capital industry for over twenty including experience at two venture capital firms. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience investing in seed rounds, and his insights are invaluable for entrepreneurs looking to navigate this challenging stage.
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Dating a Control Freak
01/10/2023
Dating a Control Freak
You might recognize this personality in your social and dating relationships, the guy who wants to impress you, dominate the conversation, and make the decisions. You might be concerned about a long-term relationship or an intimate relationship. The CDC published a study about homicide being the leading cause of death for women under the age of 44. The study included a grim statistic. Fifty-five percent of all women homicides were attributed to intimate partner violence, meaning the perpetrator was the married or unmarried intimate partner. So the question is: are there behavior patterns in the early phase of a relationship that are indicators of coercive control and abuse? And if so, what are the methods a woman can employ to verify those behavior patterns and determine the appropriate response before committing to a long-term relationship?
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The Decline of Political Party Affiliation
01/03/2023
The Decline of Political Party Affiliation
The United States has two major political parties: Democratic and Republican. Ask an American voter which one she or he sides with, and the most likely answer is: “neither.” Recent polls say at least 4 in 10 Americans identify as politically independent, even if they tend to “lean” Republican or Democratic on the issues. Only 3 in 10 identify as Democrats and the other 3 in 10 identify as Republicans. The Gallup polling organization calls this a “near historical low” for both major parties. In 2016, Tom Campbell, a five-term former Republican congressman, made the difficult decision to leave the party and become an Independent. The move was bold and inspiring, and it sparked a growing interest among voters in California who are dissatisfied with partisan politics. His willingness to leave partisan politics behind shows how people can make a difference even when they no longer hold public office, their experiences, and expertise to inform public policy decisions. Tom joined in a call to discuss his experiences and the five key issues affecting the Country today. Fairness in the media The Twitter Files The war between Ukraine and Russia The southern border of the United States The growing dissatisfaction with the two-party system Tom Campbell teaches Law at Chapman University and is the Chair of Common Sense California (CACommonSense.org), an organization focused on creating an independent party in California. See:
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Escape from Covert Abuse and Coercive Control
12/21/2022
Escape from Covert Abuse and Coercive Control
One much-overlooked area in intimate personal relationships is the destructive nature of narcissistic and controlling personalities. We see narcissistic, controlling behavior in politics, business, the media, and entertainment. According to articles in Medical News Today, a controlling personality is a red flag in any relationship, especially in family relationships. Spouses or intimate partners are often subjected to this behavior in private, in the form of covert abuse and coercion. Covert abuse covers all types of cruelty, manipulation, and harm inflicted on another person, whether or not that harm leaves physical scars. So the question is: Why are we, as a society, not talking about this, not educating women about the behavior patterns that are predictors of violence in a relationship? <Quote> My guest is Ruth Darlene, Founder and CEO of Women of Silicon Valley, a non-profit company dedicated to helping women break out of a relationship dominated by abuse and coercive control.
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Law Enforcement 2.0 Reset
12/06/2022
Law Enforcement 2.0 Reset
California is leading the movement to reclassify felony crimes as misdemeanors. Proposition 47 reclassified a wide range of theft and drug possession crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Proposition 47 did not spell out specific details on extenuating circumstances for prosecuting these crimes as misdemeanors. The legal system began to create definitions and sentencing guidelines for these reclassified misdemeanors. But many district attorneys simply made the decision not prosecute these misdemeanors. Law enforcement was also criticized in responding to violent and non violent criminal behavior. Local and state politicians supported movements to “defund the police”. Retirement and resignations among law enforcement dramatically increased. But the rise in property crime, violent theft, fraud and drug activity has been dramatic and has taken a serious toll on our sense of public safety. So the question is, are we collectively ready to address the level of crime taking place in our communities today, and if so, what are the priorities and rebuilding our relationship with law enforcement. My guest is Angela Averiett, who is a new chief of police in los Altos, California in the heart of Silicon Valley. Angela. Chief Averiett speaks about the key issues in addressing crime and the relationship of law enforcement with the community.
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Drought Cycles and the Future of Water
11/29/2022
Drought Cycles and the Future of Water
As of July 2022, drought conditions were most severe in the States of California, Texas, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico. In California. In California, 30% of the State’s annual water supply comes from the snowpack in the Sierra Mountains. As of April 2022, the California Department of Water Resources measured the snowpack at only 38% of the long-term average. Gary Kremen and Newsha Ajami provide a thoughtful and insightful perspective on the depth of the problem. We discuss the threats to the economy, the options from conservation, recycling, and desalinization, along with the potential to use technology to provide a reliable supply of water.
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The Laws of Unintended Consequences
11/01/2022
The Laws of Unintended Consequences
Bad laws did not start out as "bad." These laws started with reasonable assumptions, purpose, and intent. However, some laws end up creating severe and harmful adverse outcomes upon implementation. Our conversation with Ted Stroll focuses on the harm being created when the legislature does not respond to the unintended consequences.
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Fentanyl, Drug Cartels, & Black Ops
10/25/2022
Fentanyl, Drug Cartels, & Black Ops
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics has reported an estimated 107,622 deaths from drug overdoses in the United States during 2021. In addition, several states have recorded unusually high drug overdoses among young people, such as West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. As a country, we have not been able to slow the smuggling or address the growing use of Fentanyl. This interview with W. C. Ballinger, author of Descending Eagle, discusses his book about the Mexican drug cartels, fentanyl, and the CIA’s plan to bring down the cartels. W. C. Provided insights on the Nacro drug trade based on his 20 years of experience in law enforcement tracking down and arresting violent fugitives.
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Squandering a Super Majority
10/04/2022
Squandering a Super Majority
There is evidence of discontent among the voters in CA. It comes from the growing disappointment with specific laws, regulations and policies passed by the California State legislature in recent years. The problem can be described as the Law of Unintended Consequences. Several Laws passed by the California legislature, created conditions that were not part of the sponsors’ original intent. Most reasonable people can accept that logic. Every government administration has had this experience. But in California, we have a unique predicament. The super majority legislature who passed these laws, appears unwilling or unable to take action to correct the laws causing the unintended consequences. The rise in crime is just one specific, undeniable area. Join me the conversation with Liz Lawler, an CA Assembly District 28 candidate who has a common sense approach to addressing these consequences.
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Can AI Save the Forests?
06/09/2022
Can AI Save the Forests?
We are in the midst of a perfect wildfire storm. Warm temperatures, an ongoing drought, reduced snowpack, and reduced rainfall are contributing to a tinderbox potential for wildfires for this summer of 2022. In 2021, California recorded 8,835 wildfires burning 2.5 million acres. The last seven years have seen a geometric increase in the frequency and destruction caused by wildfires. On November 8, 2018, the most deadly wildfire in California’s recorded history started in the area of Paradise, California. The town had a population of 27,000 and was virtually wiped off the face of the earth in 8 hours. Recent developments using AI to detect early wildfires along with a coordinated State and local government fire prevention agency is starting to turn the tide.
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Top Five Issues for the U.S. Senate (CA)
06/02/2022
Top Five Issues for the U.S. Senate (CA)
First-generation candidate Jon Elist for the U.S. Senate sits down in a Zoom call to discuss the top five issues in his bid to be the new Congressional Senator representing California. Topics include inflation, immigration, homelessness, national security, and why he is willing to move from being the CEO of a healthcare company to a six-year term as a U.S. Senator.
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A Silicon Valley Congressional Challenge
05/24/2022
A Silicon Valley Congressional Challenge
California will hold its primary election on June 7, 2022. Effective January 1, 2011, California changed the way primary elections operate, with a law titled, The Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act. Most of the offices that were previously known as "partisan" are now known as "voter-nominated" offices. All candidates for voter-nominated offices are listed on one ballot and only the top two vote-getters in the primary election – regardless of party preference - move on to the general election. But this election has a unique twist. Based on the loss of population in California from the 2020 census, California has one less congressional representative. The redistricting process also redrew most of the boundaries of the Congressional Districts and in some situations, entirely new districts were created, We sat down with a candidate for the Congressional Seat. Peter Ohtaki is a bay area native who is running to represent the 16th Congressional District in California, an area that includes a large part of Silicon Valley. Peter identified the top six priorities for this district and provided specific policies on how to address and resolve the issues plaguing California as well as many states. The six priorities addressed in this interview are: Crime Inflation National Security State-wide Zoning Laws, specifically AB9 Infrastructure Responsible Fiscal Management ( see the tab "Interest on National Debt")
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