One year ago, leaders stood in front of cameras and promised that the Palisades would be rebuilt quickly, safely, and stronger than before. They promised urgency. They promised support. But one year later, we have to ask: did they deliver on these promises? Where are the people who lost their homes today? And should we feel sure that this won’t happen again? We’re diving into all of it today.

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

California’s Insurance Crisis: https://rss.com/podcasts/thecaliforniaconversation/1856837

The Catastrophic Policies that Led to California’s Wildfires: https://rss.com/podcasts/thecaliforniaconversation/1845846

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=sth4tWwMbFvQcBhb

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/one-year-after-the-palisades-fire

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Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:55 Remembering Palisades

01:56 – 09:58 Promise 1: “Cut Red Tape”

09:59 – 18:32 Promise 2: “Resident Support”

18:33 – 23:48 Promise 3: “The Turning Point”

23:49 – 27:42 This Matters in an Election Year!

Another year, another gun law in California! This week we look at AB 1127, the reasoning behind it, and whether restricting legal access actually addresses criminal behavior. Whether or not you’re a gun owner, you don’t want to miss this discussion about governance, enforcement, and unintended consequences!

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=9D0sfLul_8p9bpO1

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/another-year-another-california-gun-ban

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:52 Introduction

01:53 – 03:45 Glock Basics

03:46 – 09:06 Glocks Banned in 2026?

09:07 – 13:17 Efficacy of AB 1127

13:18 – 17:33 AB 1127 is NOT Neutral

17:34 – 22:11 This Matters for YOU

A new year always brings change – and in California, it also brings a long list of new laws. In 2025, Governor Newsom signed 794 bills into law, touching nearly every aspect of daily life. Today, we’re going to break down a handful of the worst bills set to go into effect in 2026 — some so ridiculous they’re almost funny, and others that should genuinely worry you. But whether we laugh at them or not, these laws are now shaping life in California, making it more important than ever that we understand them!

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=AE4zjgqpkLE03WwH

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/californias-most-ridiculous-laws-for-2026

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:51 Welcome to 2026!

01:52 – 06:35 Goodbye Plastic Bags!

06:36 – 09:45 Yay for Higher Rent Costs!

09:46 – 13:59 Reparations or Racism?

14:00 – 18:26 ICE Suffers, Once Again

18:27 – 24:03 New Tortilla Requirements??

24:04 – 25:26 Come 2026!

Merry Christmas! On this BONUS episode of the show, I'm sharing my grown-up Christmas list for California in 2025 — including honesty, accountability, and the reminder that change doesn’t come from Santa… it comes from us.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 01:11 Merry Christmas!

01:12 - 02:08 Wish #1 - Conservative Governor

02:09 - 04:59 Wish #2 - Public Safety

05:00 - 06:33 Wish #3 - Fiscal Responsibility

06:34 - 08:37 Wish #4 - Parental Rights

08:38 - 09:59 Wish #5 - Better Economic Policy

10:00 - 12:14 My Greatest Wish for 2026!

Just this week, the FBI announced a planned terrorist attack in California that it intercepted and thwarted. The suspects are in custody and facing federal charges, but the details of the plot are shocking and unsettling. This planned attack goes far deeper than a random act of violence or extremism. It shows us that ideas, beliefs, and ideologies matter.

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=jtr0TQoP53NBqUiv

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/the-terrorist-attack-california-nearly-faced

Timestamps:

00:00 – 03:14 What Happened?

03:15 – 09:37 What Caused This?

09:38 – 17:38 Ideology & Policy Matter

17:39 – 18:24 Merry Christmas! No Show Next Week

In 21 days, the California Agricultural Land Equity Task Force will release a report of recommendations for the Governor on how to increase “land equity” across our state. But, while the task force claims it is working to help right historical injustices and support socially disadvantaged farmers, their recommendations are nothing short of racial discrimination and further regulatory burden. We are peeling back all the layers today and exposing the very dangerous and radical agenda being proposed to our Legislature, and instead calling on our lawmakers to support current farmers, regardless of their identity or race.

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=l9NqoAtMrcDBjGHs

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/identity-politics-destroy-california-farming

Timestamps:

00:00 – 04:18 What is Land Equity?

04:19 – 17:02 Preliminary Report Recommendations

17:03 – 25:22 How to Think About Land-Back Policies

25:23 – 28:36 Hidden Race-Based Discrimination

28:37 – 33:28 Current Challenges Facing California Farmers

One month ago, New York City was completely shaken up by the election of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani to the Mayor’s Office. This sparks a major shift in one of the country’s most prominent cities, and leaves people with a lot of questions about how the financial capital of the world will continue to run under a socialist. But, New York City might not be the only major city succumbing to this shift – a new candidate for Los Angeles Mayor might just bring that trend here to California as well. We are getting into all of it today.

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=nUhhP4OEly84415U

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/socialist-shift-in-california

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:29 Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas!

01:30 – 06:16 Who is Rae Chen Huang?

06:17 – 11:22 Growing Sentiment for Socialism

11:23 – 17:00 What’s Wrong with Socialism?

17:01 – 20:59 What Does the Bible say about Socialism?

21:00 – 24:52 The Ultimate Answer: Capitalism

For years, California has pushed faith-based families out of the foster care system. But a major legal shift and a new executive order may open the door for change. Here’s why there’s new hope for foster care in California - and why your voice matters now more than ever!

To take action on SB 407 and California's discriminatory policies on foster care, please write to your Senator today! Download my letter template here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/s/Template-for-ReviewRepeal-of-SB-407.docx Check out my Resources Article for how to find & contact your representatives! https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/resources

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=lZza27AOR5mq4nPw

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/the-foster-care-battle-california-is-losing

Brand Partners Mentioned in Today's Show:

SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE: Get 10% off high-quality, mission-oriented coffee products while supporting pregnancy resource centers throughout the country! Use my code TESSABRAHAM at checkout or shop through my link here: https://snwbl.io/seven-weeks-coffee/TESSABRAHAM

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:46 President Trump’s Foster Care EO

01:47 – 11:00 Foster Care in California

11:01 – 16:23 Changing Legal Precedent

16:24 – 18:31 Brand Partner! Seven Weeks Coffee

18:32 – 24:52 Why This Matters

24:53 – 26:43 The Main Point

26:44 – 28:52 Final Encouragement