They discuss the upcoming California Republican Party convention and the high-stakes endorsement battle between Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, including how the endorsement process works and what’s at stake for the party.

The conversation then turns to the governor’s race, with a breakdown of the leading Democratic candidates — including Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, and Tom Steyer — and why some campaigns are gaining traction while others are not.

Jon and Park also take a closer look at Governor Gavin Newsom, examining his record in California, his national ambitions, and the real-world impact of policies on affordability, jobs, and public safety.

Throughout the discussion, Park provides insight into how campaigns actually operate — especially at the local level — and why engagement still matters, even in a state dominated by one party.

The episode closes with a lightning round covering leadership, history, and policy priorities.

Get all of your news and commentary on California politics at So, Does It Matter?

Useful Links

John Park CAGOP Vice Chairman on X

John Park Vice Chairman Website

Senesis (Campaign Consulting)

California Republican Party Website

Jon Fleischman on X

In this episode of the So, Does It Matter? One-On-One Podcast, Jon Fleischman sits down with Rick Travis, Legislative Director for the California Rifle and Pistol Association, for a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at how gun legislation actually moves through Sacramento.

This conversation goes beyond headlines. Travis explains how bills are written, negotiated, amended, and passed — and why California has become a national testing ground for aggressive gun control policies.

Drawing on years of experience inside the Capitol, he outlines how incremental policy changes over decades have shaped today’s legal landscape — and why many of those changes faced little organized resistance at the time.

Jon and Rick also break down key issues in the current legislative session, including new proposals that could impact firearm ownership, compliance requirements, and access — as well as efforts to push back through targeted legislation.

The discussion also covers:

• How staff and unelected players shape legislative outcomes

• Why emotional testimony often outweighs factual arguments

• The strategic debate between opposing bad bills vs. negotiating improvements

• Whether meaningful policy change is possible in a one-party-controlled legislature

If you want a clear, insider understanding of how California gun policy is actually made — and where it may be headed — this is a conversation worth hearing.

Get all the news you can use at www.SoDoesItMatter.com!

We cover the underwhelming governor’s race, the growing influence of public employee unions, and the financial and operational challenges facing major institutions across the state.

This is a wide-ranging, no-nonsense breakdown of the key issues shaping California right now.

Topics include:

• The California governor’s race and why voters remain disengaged
• The possibility of two Republicans advancing in the top-two primary
• The upcoming California Republican Party convention and endorsement dynamics
• BART’s financial crisis and the push for a taxpayer bailout
• LAUSD’s budget problems, union pressure, and declining enrollment
• The broader impact of public employee unions on policy and spending
• A U.S. Supreme Court case that could affect how ballots are counted
• Housing policy and the consequences of one-party control

This episode runs approximately 45 minutes and covers the most important political developments in California today.

You can get all kinds of great information at www.SoDoesItMatter.com.

CHAPTERS 

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Governor’s Race Overview

10:45 Could Two Republicans Advance?

13:45 Factors That Could Shift the Race

17:45 CA GOP Convention Breakdown

22:45 BART Financial Crisis

29:30 LAUSD Problems & Union Demands

34:45 Supreme Court Ballot Case

38:00 California Housing Policy

42:00 Wrap-Up

I reference two “sources” in my commentary, which are linked here:

Dan Walters’ latest column in CalMatters…
California governor’s race gets weirder with debate cancellation, new poll

And a new survey on the California Governor’s Race was released by the California Democratic Party (as promised, there will be more)…
Survey Results

Drawing on decades of experience as a prosecutor, senior state official, and judge, Gilliard explains how she approached the bench as an “umpire,” applying the law as written — and how policy changes over time made that role increasingly difficult.

The discussion covers parole reform, sentencing changes, mental health diversion, and broader shifts in criminal justice policy coming out of Sacramento — along with what those changes mean in real-world terms for communities across California.

Whether you agree or disagree, this is a firsthand perspective from someone who spent a career inside the system.

You can get all of our content at www.SoDoesItMatter.com.

In this episode of “Worst Week in California Politics,” we break down three major stories that show exactly why voters are frustrated, disengaged, and losing trust in institutions:

• A Madera County candidate tied to January 6 raises serious questions about judgment and fitness for office

• A new Berkeley IGS poll shows Kamala Harris at just 9% among California Democrats — in her own home state

• And the biggest failure of all — a high-profile gubernatorial debate hosted by USC, ABC7, and Univision that completely fell apart and was ultimately cancelled

The result? No debate, no accountability, and a gubernatorial race that still lacks energy just weeks before ballots go out.

This is what happens when institutions can’t even execute the basics.

If you care about California politics — and where things are headed — this is one you need to watch.

Subscribe for daily California political analysis at SoDoesItMatter.com.

The latest Berkeley IGS poll has the San Jose mayor at just 3.5% — a brutal showing for a candidate who entered the race with money, media attention, and a narrative as a “moderate Democrat” who could shake up the field.

So what’s going wrong?

In this episode, Jon Fleischman breaks down why Mahan’s campaign appears stalled, the structural problem of running as a moderate in today’s Democratic primary, and why neither Republicans nor key Democratic constituencies are lining up behind him.

With ballots set to go out in just over six weeks, time is running out to turn things around.

In this episode of the So, Does It Matter? One-On-One Podcast, DeMaio explains why he believes California’s political system is dominated by insiders and special interests, and why conservatives must build a stronger grassroots movement if they want to change the direction of the state.

The discussion covers DeMaio’s first term in the California State Assembly, Reform California's work, and the importance of recruiting candidates willing to challenge the status quo in Sacramento.

Jon and Carl also discuss two major ballot initiatives that Reform California helped qualify: voter ID and a measure designed to strengthen protections under Proposition 13.

Whether you agree with him or not, DeMaio offers a blunt assessment of how California politics really works—and what it may take to reform it.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• Carl DeMaio’s background in government reform

• The mission and strategy behind Reform California

• What DeMaio discovered after arriving in Sacramento

• Why he believes Republicans must communicate more effectively

• The effort to recruit new conservative candidates statewide

• Breaking the Democratic supermajority in the Legislature

• Voter ID and election integrity reforms

• The Save Prop 13 ballot initiative

• The future of California politics

CANDIDATES MENTIONED

Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez

Assemblymember Leticia Castillo

Victoria Moreno

Raffaella Romero

Carrie Villanueva Espinoza

Christy Bruce Lane

FOLLOW / LEARN MORE

Reform California

https://reformcalifornia.org

Jon Fleischman

https://sodoesitmatter.com

Debate organizers limited the stage to six candidates using a formula based on polling and fundraising. But the outcome immediately triggered accusations of bias after several candidates of color were excluded from the debate lineup.

In this episode, Jon Fleischman breaks down the numbers behind the decision — including the latest Public Policy Institute of California poll and the fundraising criteria used to determine who qualified.

Jon also examines the criticism from candidates like Xavier Becerra and Antonio Villaraigosa, who argue the process unfairly excluded them, and looks at whether those claims hold up when you examine the data.

Finally, Jon recalls a similar moment from the 2016 presidential primary, when a crowded Republican field forced debate organizers to split candidates into two separate debates.

Is this a real controversy — or just campaign politics in a crowded governor’s race?

All California politics. All the time.

As of the time this video was recorded, AAA reports that the average price of regular gasoline in California is $5.41 per gallon, compared to a national average of $3.63. That’s nearly $1.80 more per gallon — meaning a typical fill-up costs Californians about $25 to $30 more than drivers in most of the country.

Global events like the conflict involving Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz can affect oil prices worldwide. But those global forces don’t explain why California drivers consistently face the highest prices at the pump.

In this episode, Jon Fleischman breaks down the policy choices that energy analysts say create the “California premium” on gasoline — including California’s special gasoline blend requirements, regulations imposed by the California Air Resources Board, shrinking refinery capacity, the state’s cap-and-invest carbon program, and some of the highest gasoline taxes in America.

Stack those policies together, and the result is predictable: Californians pay more.

Get a lot more at www.SoDoesItMatter.com!

Today, Jon takes a closer look at the latest public opinion polling shaping the California governor’s race — including two newly released surveys from UC Berkeley’s Citrin Center (in partnership with Politico) and Emerson College.

Jon breaks down what the numbers show, what changed from Emerson’s previous poll, and why the growing number of undecided voters suggests the race is still wide open. He also discusses several important caveats about the polling — including questions about methodology, the use of AI in survey research, and the fact that neither poll appears to include ballot designations for candidates.

Finally, Jon looks at new national numbers from the latest NBC News survey showing both Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris underwater with the national electorate.

A quick look at what the polls say — and what they don’t.

Source Materials

Politico: Poll: Hilton’s rise could spare Dems from disaster in California gov’s race - LINK

Emerson College Polling: California 2026 Poll: Swalwell Takes Lead in Governor Primary, 25% undecided; Election for LA Mayor Wide Open - LINK

And from Decision Desk: LINK

In this episode of the So, Does It Matter? Podcast, Jon Fleischman sits down with AI entrepreneur Tim Estes for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of artificial intelligence, the race among technology companies to build the most powerful systems, and why some experts believe guardrails may be needed.

Tim has spent more than two decades working in artificial intelligence, including developing technology used by the intelligence community after 9/11 to analyze massive amounts of information. He also discusses work that helped law enforcement identify children being trafficked online — demonstrating how AI can be used to solve real-world problems.

The conversation also explores the incentives shaping today’s technology industry. As Silicon Valley shifted from building productivity tools to building platforms designed to capture attention, the goals of many tech companies changed. Now, as AI systems grow more powerful, society may need to think carefully about how these technologies are developed and deployed.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How artificial intelligence evolved over the past two decades

• The rise of generative AI and why it surprised policymakers

• AI’s role in national security and law enforcement

• The race among major tech companies to dominate AI

• Silicon Valley’s shift to the “attention economy”

• AI systems designed to build emotional relationships with users

• Whether society is prepared for the speed of AI development

If you want a thoughtful and candid discussion about where artificial intelligence may be headed — and why policymakers and citizens should pay attention — this conversation is worth hearing.

HOST

Jon Fleischman

Publisher, So, Does It Matter?

GUEST

Tim Estes

AI entrepreneur and technology executive

WEBSITE

https://www.sodoesitmatter.com

George walks through fresh polling data on California’s political environment and explains what the numbers really mean beneath the headlines. Using a series of detailed charts, he breaks down voter attitudes about the direction of the state, Governor Gavin Newsom’s standing with voters, economic pessimism, tax preferences, immigration attitudes, and shifting voter registration trends.

The conversation goes beyond the topline numbers to explore what the data suggests about California’s political trajectory heading into the 2026 election cycle.

This episode marks the first So, Does It Matter? Live! conversation featuring a guest analyst, offering a deeper look at how professional pollsters interpret the electorate and what campaigns should be paying attention to right now.

Episode Highlights

• Why most Californians say the state is on the wrong track

• What the numbers actually say about Newsom’s approval

• Economic pessimism and the affordability crisis

• The tax vs. services debate among California voters

• Immigration opinion trends inside the state

• Central Valley voter registration shifts and long-term implications

• What polling data means for the 2026 political environment

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and welcome

02:10 George Nassar joins the conversation

04:30 California “right direction vs wrong track” trends

09:15 Newsom approval numbers and independent voters

14:20 Economic outlook and affordability concerns

19:40 Taxes, services, and voter priorities

25:10 Immigration opinion movement

31:30 Voter registration shifts in the Central Valley

36:45 What the data means for the 2026 political environment

41:00 Closing thoughts

Find so much more here!

They break down how power actually operates inside LA’s weak-mayor system, the influence of public-sector unions, and the growing role of Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates in city council races. The conversation also explores Mayor Karen Bass’s political positioning following the Palisades fire, the emerging mayoral field, and what to watch in key June elections.

In addition, they examine several tax measures headed to voters, including a proposed fire department sales tax, a hotel tax increase, a cannabis enforcement tax, and a countywide sales tax proposal.

If you want a practitioner’s view of where Los Angeles is headed — and how local governance affects broader California politics — this episode delivers substance over spin.

Get all of our content at www.SoDoesItMatter.com -- and find our sister podcasting channel by searching out So, Does It Matter? SPOKEN -- where our written Substack content is spoken, so you can get it on the go!

Useful Links…

Matt Klink’s official X account.
Klink Campaigns website.
Matt on Substack (sign up!).
Jon Fleischman on X.

Jon also calls out strategic missteps by California Republicans who voted for Obamacare subsidy resolutions and joined Democrats on symbolic condemnations of President Trump — arguing that even when criticism is warranted, political self-sabotage is not.

The episode closes with a look at DOJ search warrants involving LAUSD leadership, the consequences of one-party governance, and growing concerns about AI chatbots interacting with children. If you want the deeper story behind California politics — not just the headlines — this episode delivers it.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Opening & Substack Live Format

02:00 – PPIC Poll: Housing Bond & Tax Preferences

08:45 – Governor’s Race Polling Breakdown

11:00 – Union Spending & Top Two Strategy

17:00 – Why Steve Hilton Could Be Elevated

18:30 – Tom Steyer: Don’t Underestimate Self-Funding

20:30 – Republican Votes on Obamacare Subsidies

26:30 – Resolutions Condemning President Trump

31:30 – California Post Launch & Media Landscape

35:00 – LAUSD DOJ Search Warrants

38:00 – AI, Kids & The Regulation Debate

42:30 – Closing Thoughts & Viewer Engagement

Get all of our content at www.SoDoesItMatter.com.

Jon argues that public service on a city council, school board, or special district is meant to be part-time — and that part-time roles should not come with full-time perks. While he supports reasonable stipends for time spent serving, he questions the fairness of elected officials receiving the same health benefits negotiated for full-time public employees.

He also raises concerns about conflicts of interest, incentives to hold office for the benefits, and the growing cost of health care — including what it costs his own family in the private sector.

This episode is a direct, candid commentary on public service, compensation, and accountability — and a reminder that just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s right.

This is a commentary that accompanies a written commentary So, Does It Matter? A website focused on California politics.

TAKEAWAYS

• California is the most expensive place to live due to Democratic policies.
• Democrats have controlled California for a generation, leading to high taxes and fees.
• Affordability is a key issue, yet Democrats lack credibility on this front.
• The extreme climate agenda is contributing to higher living costs.
• Wildfires have emitted more carbon than all carbon savings programs combined.
• The governor's race features many lackluster candidates.
• Gavin Newsom is focused on national ambitions rather than state issues.
• Voter engagement is crucial for the upcoming election.
• The SEIU 1000 and the California Teachers Association have significant influence in the race.
• Change is necessary for California's future.

We covered several major topics shaping the political conversation right now, starting with the controversy surrounding Sheriff Chad Bianco’s comments on immigration and the potential implications for the Republican gubernatorial primary. I walked through why the issue is politically significant and how opponents could strategically use it in a crowded race.

Next, I discussed the emerging situation involving Congressman Kevin Kiley and Congressman Tom McClintock in California’s 5th Congressional District, including redistricting realities, endorsements, fundraising dynamics, and what a potential intra-party clash could mean for Republicans.

I also broke down the constant flood of polling in the California governor’s race — what these polls actually tell us, what they do not, and why early polling is often more useful for fundraising narratives than for predicting outcomes.

Another key segment focused on the upcoming California Republican Party convention and the increasingly insular endorsement process, along with a broader strategic question: are candidates spending too much time targeting internal delegates instead of communicating with the broader electorate?

Finally, I began setting the table for a deeper analysis of San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and the narrative that he is positioning himself as a “practical” Democrat, and whether that reflects genuine policy moderation or simply a different tone in advancing mainstream Democratic governance.

This episode also includes live audience interaction and Q&A, which added a dynamic and candid element that differs from my written Substack columns.

Based on strong real-time subscriber turnout and engagement, I plan to make this going live a regular weekly feature. A permanent day and time will be announced soon.

Run of Show:
• First-ever Substack Live format and real-time audience interaction

• Chad Bianco immigration comments and primary implications

• CA-5: Kevin Kiley vs. Tom McClintock strategic dynamics

• California governor’s race polling analysis

• California Republican Party convention and endorsement process

• Early framing of Matt Mahan as a “practical” Democrat

• Live Q&A with subscribers

Get all of our great content at the So, Does It Matter? website!

Together, they lay out how a coordinated team in statewide office would approach California’s biggest problems — from the cost of living and public safety to education accountability and state spending.

While I don’t endorse candidates in these interviews, my goal is to give you direct access to the leading voices offering a different direction for California. This podcast lets you hear their ideas in their own words so you can make up your own mind.

In this conversation, we cover:

– What each office can actually do to fix California’s biggest challenges

– Executive actions a new governor could take on day one

– Enforcing crime laws and restoring public safety statewide

– Title IX, campus issues, and accountability in education

– How the Controller’s office can expose waste, fraud, and abuse

– Budget tricks in Sacramento and the fight over taxes and spending

If you care about where California is headed and want to hear directly from candidates offering a different path, this conversation is worth your time.

Get all your fix on California politics at www.SoDoesItMatter.com!

Episode Links:

Steve Hilton For Governor Website
Steve Hilton on X

Gloria Romero for Lt. Governor Website
Gloria Romero on X

Herb Morgan for Controller Website
Herb Wesson on X

Michael Gates for Attorney General Website
Michael Gates on X

Jon Fleischman on X

CHAPTER MARKERS (Optional but recommended)

00:00 Introduction and “Golden Ticket” format

02:00 Biggest problem each office can fix

08:00 Cost of living and executive actions

16:00 Crime, law enforcement, and Prop 36

27:45 Education and university accountability

33:20 Title IX and school policy enforcement

37:00 Budget games, deficits, and state finances

41:00 Tax reform and spending priorities

* - I have endorsed Michael

In this episode of So, Does It Matter?, Jon Fleischman talks with investigative reporter Ryan Sabalow of CalMatters about a powerful new transparency tool called Digital Democracy. The platform uses AI to transcribe legislative hearings, track votes in real time, and connect campaign contributions to lawmaker behavior.

For the first time, Californians can search what their legislators said in hearings, follow a bill through the full process, and see how often lawmakers align with major interest groups.

We cover:

• How AI is turning the Legislature into a searchable database

• Why committee hearings matter more than most people realize

• How to track how your own legislator votes

• The free “My Legislator” email tool that sends weekly updates

• How journalists are using AI to uncover hidden political stories

• What this means for transparency and accountability in Sacramento

If you want to better understand how decisions are really made in California — and how to keep your elected officials accountable — this is a must-listen episode.

CalMatters Website
CalMatters Digital Democracy Page
Sign up for Digital Democracy Monday E-mails on YOUR legislators.
CalMatters on X.

Jon Fleischman on X.

In this episode of the So, Does It Matter? Podcast, Jon Fleischman sits down with the Huntington Beach Councilmember and California State Assembly candidate for a candid, deeply personal conversation about her journey from poverty and homelessness to public office.

Gracey shares what it was like growing up in a low-income Los Angeles community, becoming a young mother, relying on public assistance, and experiencing homelessness — and how those experiences shaped her determination to create better opportunities for her children.

That fight led her into educational activism, local politics, and, eventually, to the Huntington Beach City Council majority that helped reshape the city's direction. Now, she is taking that experience to the next level by running for the California State Assembly.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Her personal journey through hardship and resilience

• What motivated her to get involved in local politics

• Her work addressing homelessness and public safety in Huntington Beach

• The challenges of pushing back against Sacramento mandates

• Why she believes lived experience matters in state leadership

The episode wraps with a lightning round where listeners get to know Gracey beyond politics, rounding out a conversation that is both deeply personal and sharply focused on California’s future.

🔗 Learn more about Gracey’s campaign:

https://gracieforassembly.com

While California faces a massive budget deficit, the highest homelessness numbers in the nation, and a cost-of-living crisis driving families out of the state, Governor Gavin Newsom chose to fly to Switzerland to audition for higher office at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

It did not go well.

In this episode, Jon Fleischman breaks down what Davos really is, why politicians crave it, and how Newsom’s attempt to posture as a global “anti-Trump” figure backfired spectacularly. From a canceled speaking appearance at the official U.S. pavilion to public criticism from the U.S. Treasury Secretary over California’s record on homelessness, out-migration, budget deficits, and wildfire failures, the trip became a case study in elite optics colliding with real-world consequences.

The episode also examines Newsom’s tone-deaf $100 “kneepads” merch stunt, his photo with Alex Soros, and why those visuals reinforce the growing perception that Sacramento’s leadership is far more comfortable courting global elites than fixing problems at home.

This is a blunt, no-nonsense audio rant about priorities, accountability, and why Gavin Newsom earned the title of Biggest Loser of the Week in California politics.

Get all of our content, updated every day of the week, at www.SoDoesItMatter.com!

Ali shares her personal background — growing up on a farm, working in agricultural compliance, and attending law school while managing a business — and explains what led her to run for the State Assembly. The conversation then turns to her first year in Sacramento and what it is really like to serve as a Republican in a Legislature dominated by one-party rule.

Topics include committee politics, high-speed rail, redistricting, regulatory overreach, the influence of special interests, and the role of unelected bureaucracies in shaping California policy. Ali also reflects on the consequences of pushing back inside the Capitol and why persistence and transparency still matter.

The episode concludes with a lightning-round segment that gives listeners a more personal look at Ali beyond the Legislature.

🧾 SHOW NOTES (Optional / Recommended)

Guest:

Assemblywoman Alexandra “Ali” Macedo

California State Assembly — Central Valley

Topics Covered:

• Ali Macedo’s background and path to public service

• Agriculture, regulation, and law school

• First year in the California Legislature

• Life in the Republican super-minority

• Committee politics and internal retaliation

• High-speed rail and redistricting battles

• Special interests and Sacramento power dynamics

• Lightning round and personal insights

🌐 More analysis on California politics at SoDoesItMatter.com 

This interview is on So, Does It Matter? There you will find all the links to the references in the interview.

⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction

01:10 – Ali Macedo’s background and roots

05:00 – Agriculture, regulation, and law school

08:40 – Why she ran for the State Assembly

11:00 – First year in Sacramento

14:45 – High-speed rail and consequences

18:30 – Committee politics and super-minority life

22:00 – Redistricting and special interests

27:00 – How power really works in Sacramento

30:00 – Lightning round

34:30 – Closing thoughts

Gallagher reflects on LaMalfa’s life, faith, and legacy, including his first job in politics working for him and the values that shaped their shared approach to public service. The conversation then turns to the extraordinary circumstances that led Gallagher, at the request of LaMalfa’s widow, to step forward and run in the special election to complete the remainder of LaMalfa’s congressional term.

This is not a typical campaign interview. It is a candid discussion about loss, duty, representation, and stewardship — and what it means to carry forward the work of a man who believed deeply in standing with the people against the government.

Hosted by Jon Fleischman.

Produced by So, Does It Matter?

James Gallagher

• On X
• Campaign website

Jon Fleischman on the passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa

• Initial take (video & column, incl. Trump remarks):
• Longer-form column at California Globe:

Jon Fleischman on X

In this episode of the So, Does It Matter? podcast, Jon Fleischman is joined by Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, for a wide-ranging discussion about taxes, ballot measures, and the future of taxpayer protections in California.

The conversation begins with a deep dive into the Save Proposition 13 ballot measure — why it is needed now, how courts and the Legislature have weakened Prop 13 over time, and what this initiative would do to restore the two-thirds vote for local tax increases and to rein in abusive real estate transfer taxes.

The discussion then turns to a proposed 5 percent wealth tax on billionaires, backed by public-employee unions. Coupal explains why this is not an income tax but a tax on wealth itself, the constitutional and economic problems it raises, and how its consequences could extend far beyond the small group it claims to target.

The episode closes on a more personal note, as Jon Coupal and Jon Fleischman remember Joel Fox, the former president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and a lifelong champion for California taxpayers, who passed away after a long battle with cancer.

This is a candid, substantive conversation about policy, politics, and legacy — and a reminder that California voters still have tools to push back.

00:00 – Welcome and episode overview

02:00 – Why taxpayers need to go on offense

05:20 – What Proposition 13 was designed to do

07:40 – How Prop 13 has been weakened over time

10:45 – Real estate transfer taxes and the ULA loophole

14:00 – Why the “mansion tax” hurts more than mansions

17:25 – What the Save Prop 13 measure actually does

21:30 – How listeners can help qualify the initiative

25:10 – Introducing the billionaire wealth tax proposal

27:45 – Why a 5% wealth tax is dangerous and unworkable

31:40 – Capital flight, jobs, and unintended consequences

33:30 – Remembering Joel Fox and his legacy

38:00 – Final thoughts and call to action

Useful Links…

See all of our content on California Politics at www.SoDoesItMatter.com.

Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association website
Save Prop 13 Ballot Measure Website

HJTA on X
HJTA President Jon Coupal on X
Jon Fleischman on X.

Learn more about Jon Coupal. Last year, we published a full profile of this significant California influencer here.

For our first podcast interview of the year, Jon Fleischman is joined by Katy Grimes, Editor-in-Chief of the California Globe, for a timely and substantive discussion of California politics at a moment of real upheaval.

The conversation opens with an extended discussion of the sudden passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, reflecting on his life, legacy, and the shock his death sent through California and Washington. Jon and Katy discuss LaMalfa’s role representing the rural North State, his focus on water and agriculture, and what his absence means for an already razor-thin Republican majority in the U.S. House.

From there, the episode examines the immediate political consequences of LaMalfa’s death, including the mechanics of a special election, the impact of California’s newly approved redistricting maps, and how a once solidly Republican district is being transformed under the new lines.

The conversation then broadens to other major developments shaping California politics, including large-scale government fraud across multiple state agencies, increasing federal scrutiny, and a lack of accountability within Sacramento’s political leadership. Jon and Katy also look ahead to the 2026 election cycle, assessing Governor Gavin Newsom’s vulnerabilities, the emerging gubernatorial field, and why California’s political environment may be entering a far more volatile phase.

This episode blends breaking news, political analysis, and forward-looking insight at the start of a consequential year.

Guest

Katy Grimes

Editor-in-Chief, California Globe

Host

Jon Fleischman

Publisher, SoDoesItMatter.com

Website

https://www.sodoesitmatter.com

Full Description:

Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than our laws, faster than our institutions, and faster than our ability to fully understand what it is becoming. This is not an argument against innovation — it’s an argument for accountability.

In this video, Jon Fleischman of So, Does It Matter? explains why modern AI systems are fundamentally different from past technologies. AI is no longer just retrieving information or distributing content — it is interacting with users, building trust, mirroring emotion, and influencing decisions.

The danger is not recommendations or automation. The danger is persuasion without duty of care — systems designed to earn trust while having no obligation to act in the user’s best interest.

This conversation explores:

• Why persuasion is now the product of AI
• How trust is being engineered without accountability
• The mental-health risks, especially for children and teens
• Why California’s attempt at AI guardrails failed
• How China is used as a rhetorical shield to block scrutiny
• Whether AI influence could extend to policymakers themselves

When developed carefully, AI can strengthen American values such as faith, family, and civic responsibility. Developed recklessly, it risks eroding trust, weakening institutions, and concentrating power in dangerous ways.

Guardrails are not anti-innovation. They are pro-civilization.

👉 For more analysis on politics, policy, and technology, visit https://www.sodoesitmatter.com

👍 If you found this valuable, please like, subscribe, and share.

As Gavin Newsom enters his eighth year as governor, California has become the most unaffordable state in the lower 48—and it didn’t happen by accident.

In this episode of So, Does It Matter?, Jon Fleischman walks through nine specific policy decisions made or expanded under Newsom that have driven up the cost of living for Californians. From gasoline and electricity to climate mandates and regulatory costs, these policies translate directly into higher monthly bills for families and businesses.

This conversation matters beyond California. Newsom is already traveling the country, positioning himself as a national alternative. If voters want to know how he governs, they don’t need campaign speeches—they can look at the results in California.

Jon Fleischman is an independent voice in California politics—conservative, but not owned by anyone. Calling balls and strikes without fear or favor.

In this episode:

• Why California is now the least affordable state in the country
• How climate and energy policies raise gas and electricity prices
• Why many of these costs are locked in for decades
• How Sacramento policy decisions are passed directly to consumers
• Why California is the real-world test case for national leadership

For more California analysis and commentary, visit SoDoesItMatter.com.

In this rant, I break down a striking Axios piece based on conversations with more than 20 Democratic operatives — including people working for potential 2028 candidates who are not Newsom. Their conclusion is blunt: while Newsom may be the frontrunner, he’s also carrying the most exploitable baggage in the Democratic field.

This isn’t conservative spin. It’s Axios language.

We’ll talk about why Newsom’s recent momentum may be little more than a “sugar high,” why Democrats are worried about his record, and what this early internal jockeying says about California politics and national ambitions heading into 2028.

If you care about California politics, media narratives, and how power really works behind the scenes, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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In this full-length interview on the So, Does It Matter? Podcast, publisher Jon Fleischman sits down with Jon Slavet, a Republican candidate for governor whose background is rooted in private-sector leadership, entrepreneurship, and large-scale business operations — not career politics.

Slavet discusses why he believes California’s economic, regulatory, and leadership failures stem from a government culture that has lost touch with how real businesses operate. He explains what finally pushed him to enter the race, how his experience managing organizations shapes his governing philosophy, and what he believes must change to restore accountability, affordability, and competence in Sacramento.

We also touch on Slavet’s recently launched State of Gold podcast — a side project that gave him a front-row seat to California’s political and cultural debates, but which ultimately reinforced his decision to move from commentary into direct leadership.

This is a wide-ranging, substantive conversation about leadership, economic policy, public trust, and whether California is finally ready for an outsider with real management experience in the governor’s office.

⸻

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✅ CHAPTER MARKERS

00:00 – Introduction

01:45 – Why Jon Slavet entered the race for governor

06:20 – Business leadership vs. career politics

12:05 – California’s regulatory crisis

18:30 – Economic growth and affordability

25:10 – Why Sacramento resists reform

31:40 – The State of Gold podcast and political commentary

36:50 – Public trust and government competence

43:00 – Final message to California voters

On this episode of So, Does It Matter?, Jon Fleischman sits down with Jennifer Van Laar, Managing Editor of RedState and one of California’s most unflinching political journalists.

Before entering political media, Van Laar spent nearly two decades as a court reporter, covering criminal and civil trials and witnessing firsthand how power, law, and politics collide. Today, she brings that same courtroom-honed precision to her reporting, holding California’s political class accountable.

In this candid one-on-one conversation, Jon and Jennifer dig into the “burning of Rome” moment California finds itself in, the stories you’re not hearing elsewhere, and why so many voters feel voiceless in a one-party state.

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Welcome back to So, Does It Matter? — the podcast where Jon Fleischman sits down one-on-one with the leaders who want to change California’s direction.

In this episode, Jon talks with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, now a candidate for governor. One of the most outspoken law-and-order voices in the state, Bianco has built a reputation for blunt honesty, a no-nonsense approach to public safety, and a willingness to challenge Sacramento’s soft-on-crime agenda.

Bianco discusses why he’s running, how California “lost its backbone,” and what it will take to restore accountability, rebuild public safety, and bring common sense back to state government. It’s a candid, straightforward conversation that gives voters a clear sense of who he is — and what his governorship would look like.

📺 To watch or listen to this on Substack, or to get up to speed on everything happening in California politics, visit 👉

https://sodoesitmatter.com

Welcome back to So, Does It Matter? The Podcast — where we sit down each week with the people who shape, fight for, and sometimes frustrate the future of California politics. I’m Jon Fleischman, publisher of So Does It Matter, and this week we’re taking on one of the most critical issues in the state: our Second Amendment rights.

My guest is Chuck Michel, President of the California Rifle & Pistol Association and one of the most experienced and influential Second Amendment attorneys in America. For decades, Chuck has been on the front lines in courtrooms and the Capitol, pushing back against Sacramento’s increasingly aggressive attempts to restrict lawful gun ownership. If there’s a major firearms case in California — past, present, or upcoming — chances are Chuck has been right in the middle of it.

In our conversation, we discuss the lawsuits now reshaping California’s gun laws, the battles still ahead, and what citizens need to understand as legislators and bureaucrats continue pushing the limits of constitutional authority. It’s a meaningful, eye-opening conversation — and as you’ll hear, it also comes with a couple of real-world calls to action for anyone who cares about protecting their rights.

Check out so much more on CA politics:
http://www.sodoesitmatter.com

Welcome back to So, Does It Matter? The Podcast — where Jon Fleischman sits down one-on-one with the people shaping California’s political future.

In this episode, Jon talks with Steve Hilton, candidate for governor of California. Born in the U.K. and known to many as the former host of Fox News’ The Next Revolution, Hilton shares his vision for reforming California government and restoring accountability to the people.

They discuss his reasons for running, lessons from his years in politics, and what it will take to revive freedom and opportunity in the Golden State. It’s an energetic, ideas-driven conversation that sets the tone for 2026.

📺 To watch or listen to this on Substack, or just to get up to speed on everything going on in California politics, visit 👉
 
https://sodoesitmatter.com

There is a whole lot more content at www.SoDoesItMatter.com.

You can find a lot more on California politics at www.SoDoesItMatter.com!

Visit our Substack for lots of great California political content: www.SoDoesItMatter.com.

We recorded this conversation on Joel’s very first day in that role, and it shows — his excitement and vision for what’s ahead in California media are unmistakable. We discuss what the California Post aims to contribute to the state’s political debate, how independent voices can flourish in a polarized media landscape, and what it will take to engage readers who’ve tuned out of traditional journalism.

Joel also reflects on lessons from his years covering politics, his friendship with the late Andrew Breitbart, and what California’s next political chapter might look like. It’s a brilliant, candid, and forward-looking conversation you won’t want to miss.

Joel also discussed his personal experiences with the fires last year, having been a homeowner in the Pacific Palisades.

Reporting from the Dodger Stadium parking lot before Game 5 of the World Series (which, as it turns out, did not go so well), Jon Fleischman takes a short break from California politics to talk about what’s unfolding in Washington. The federal budget mess may seem distant, but it has enormous consequences here at home—especially with 54 California politicians helping shape federal policy. In this week’s video commentary, I explain how Congress keeps government running with “Christmas-
tree” spending bills and endless “continuing resolutions” that pile ornaments of new spending onto a sagging tree. And what is it that Democrats are trying to get done, apparently, and why are they holding up passing a funding bill for the government? Get a lot more information and a free subscription on our substack on California politics: www.SoDoesItMatter.com

Jon, of course, is a partisan — as a constitutional conservative and Republican. He’s a former regional Vice Chairman and former Executive Director of the California Republican Party. But Jon is known for his candor, especially when engaging in political analysis, and in this “must listen” podcast, Jon walks through why the campaign is not going so great for opponents to Prop. 50 right now, and also takes a deep dive into why that is the case. He closes with a discussion about what happens if Proposition 50 passes — because the fight at the ballot box is not the last fight to defeat the cynical measure.

What happens when a teachers’ union stops caring about teaching?

This week, I sit down with Will Swaim, President of the California Policy Center, for a no-holds-barred conversation about what may be the most powerful—and destructive—political force in California: the California Teachers Association.

You can actually watch this podcast in video form, and get more information here.