Voices: River City

Under other circumstances, a special interview would be patron-only content. But it's election season, and Measure A is so important that we need to unlock this one. In this special interview, we speak with climate justice advocate Ilonka Zlatar about why Sacramento County's Measure A is harmful to the environment and would put the region back decades in its push toward a climate-friendly future. WATCH this special interview at YouTube. Learn more about Measure A here: https://measureanotok.org/ To support our work at V:RC, become a patron today: patreon.com/voicesrivercity

Last year, Sacramento mayor Darrell Steinberg and his council members approved a comprehensive homeless shelter siting plan that included 20 sites to be located throughout the city. Today? Not a single one of those sites is in operation, and the region's unsheltered population is at unprecedented levels. One silver lining is that the city appears to be pivoting from its failed shelter plan to a renewed focus on building affordable housing with the help of state and federal funding. Just this week they approved some 820 affordable units to be built throughout the city in the next two years. Could it be that the city is actually listening to advocates? Likely not. On Monday, officials swept some 1,000 people from their campsites without offering shelter or services. And they've got plenty more punitive measures in the works. Thanks for listening, defund the police and, as always: Twitter: @youknowkempa, @ShanNDSTevens, @Flojaune, @guillotine4you Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voicesrivercity   S

Today we're joined by our friend Keyan Bliss to discuss the racism ingrained in the halls of the City of Sacramento, and the ridiculous games that take place to preserve it. Thanks for listening, defund the police and, as always: Twitter: @youknowkempa, @ShanNDSTevens, @Flojaune, @guillotine4you Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voicesrivercity   Sacramentans can hear us on 103.1 KUTZ Thursdays at 6 pm and again Fridays at 8 am. If you require a transcript of our episodes, please reach out to info@voicesrivercity.com and we’ll make it happen. And thank you to Be Brave Bold Robot for the tunes.

Hey listeners/viewers!   We're discussing California and local elections, using the Sac Sister Circle/BWOPA Voter Guide as our cornerstone.   We'll go from national to state to local. Enjoy:   "They Already Won" Speed Round (national and statewide) National - US Senate - Alex Padilla (Loser: Mark Meuser - GOP) - US Rep D6 - Ami Bera (Loser: Tamika Hamilton - GOP) - US Rep D7 - Doris Matsui (Loser: Max Semenenko - GOP) One national race worth discussing - US Reps D3 (D-33.28%, R-38.09%, NPP-19.57%) DEM - Kermit Jones (underdog) GOP - Kevin Kiley Statewide - Governor - Gavin Newsom (Loser: Brian Dahle - GOP) - Lt Governor - Eleni Kounalakis (Loser: Angela Underwood Jacobs - GOP) - Secy of State - Dr Shirley Weber (Loser: Rob Bernosky - GOP) - Treasurer - Fiona Ma (Loser: Jack Guerrero - GOP) - Insurance Commissioner - Ricardo Lara (Loser: Robert Howell - GOP) - State Superintendent of Schools - Tony Thurmond (Loser - Lance Ray Christensen) Maybe close, maybe not? (State) - Controller  DEM - Malia Cohen GOP -

Today we're joined by Sacramento City Council candidate for District 5, Caity Maple. Maple is perhaps best known as one of the cofounders of Sacramento SOUP, an organization that worked overtime during the pandemic to provide much needed services for unhoused people that the city, county and state weren't making available. We discuss Maple's relationship to homelessness why it's such a big driver in her efforts, and how she landed as a No on Sacramento's Measure O. Caity's got a big struggle ahead. Her opponent, Tamiko Heim, has taken tens of thousands of dollars from the real estate industry, landlords, corporate interests and police unions. These same groups spent some $200,000 against Maple in the primary election on independent expenditures. So, who will win the District 5 race? Thanks for listening, defund the police and, as always: Twitter: @youknowkempa, @ShanNDSTevens, @Flojaune, @guillotine4you Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voicesrivercity   Sacramentans can hear us on 103.1 KUTZ Thu

Though she will no longer be on the Sacramento City Council dais come January, District 1's Angelique Ashby (flanked by District 3's Jeff Harris and the people who led the failed recall against District 4's Katie Valenzuela) held a press conference in wealthy East Sacramento's McKinley Park to champion an ordinance banning homeless camps within 500 feet of schools. Will this have any effect on the homelessness crisis? Of course not. But Ashby--who is lagging badly in her California Senate race--will do whatever she can for a headline these days. Even if that means terrorizing our unhoused neighbors. We also discuss the recent string of shootings in Sacramento, and what is being done to curb gun violence in the city. Remember when America's Landlord Steve Maviglio went on a racist, xenophobic tirade against Councilmember Valenzuela after the Midtown shooting? Why was he so silent in the ensuing days, when gun violence rocked the districts of council members Sean Loloee, Jeff Harris and Jay Schenirer? Sacrament

We're back! (And we now publish on Thursdays.) This week we're discussing the farm workers bill facing Governor Gavin Newsom that could make or break a potential run for the presidency in 2024. After vetoing similar legislation in 2021, Newsom once more must decide on what to do with a bill that would allow California's farm workers to vote by mail in their unionization efforts. This time, the whole country is watching, thanks to organizing efforts by the historic United Farm Workers of America. Dozens of UFW members, alongside many allies, followed the footsteps of co-founder César Chávez and marched some 350 miles last month from Delano to Sacramento. All told, the trip took over three weeks with multiple days of triple-digit heat. Now they're camped outside the Capitol, and they're not leaving until Newsom signs their bill. The governor has shown signs that he wants to protect his Big Ag colleagues (his own winery just bought a $14.5 million vineyard in Napa) and veto the bill once more. But Democrats with

Hello. We’ve missed you! We start today with a fun little discussion on Sacramento City Councilmember Sean Loloee, who increasingly appears not to live in the district he represents. This guy could be in a whole lot of trouble quite soon. We then hop over to Sacramento’s Measure O, an anti-homeless ballot measure that is being forced on city residents by the ghouls at Region Business (Josh Wood), the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber (Amanda Blackwood) and Daniel Conway (Daniel Conway). For more information on this violent measure, please visit the No On O website. Finally, Dr. Flo schools us on Proposition 27, and why Californians who want to support their indigenous neighbors will want to vote no. Thanks for listening, defund the police and, as always: Twitter: @youknowkempa, @ShanNDSTevens, @Flojaune, @guillotine4you Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voicesrivercity   Sacramentans can hear us on 103.1 KUTZ Tuesdays at 5 pm and again Wednesdays at 8 am. If you require a transcript of our episodes

Today we discuss the absurd recall of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. We first touch on the hilarious piece in the Atlantic on Boudin's political fall from grace by San Francisco millionaire (and wife of Bari Weiss) Nellie Bowles. Bowles, of course, is a direct descendent of California billionaires who have harmed so, so many workers over the years. No matter what these folks say, there is a much more nuanced discussion to be had on this race. Meanwhile, there is no question that the police reform movement is alive and well, as illustrated in other electoral races throughout the country. Thanks for listening, defund the police and, as always: Twitter: @youknowkempa, @ShanNDSTevens, @Flojaune, @guillotine4you Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voicesrivercity   Sacramentans can hear us on 103.1 KUTZ Tuesdays at 5 pm and again Wednesdays at 8 am. If you require a transcript of our episodes, please reach out to info@voicesrivercity.com and we'll make it happen. And thank you to Be Brave

Sacramento City Councilmember Sean Loloee continued his personal war against affordable housing last week in spectacular fashion, claiming repeatedly that a proposed 124-unit apartment building for low-income residents in his district would "destroy a community," and then arguing with Mayor Darrell Steinberg. This simple item on the consent calendar--which was nothing more than a nod to the nonprofit developer to apply for $5.7 million in grants so that city residents wouldn't have to foot the bill--should have taken no more than a couple of minutes to pass. But Loloee harnessed the NIMBY rage of Woodlake homeowners to drag the item on for nearly two hours. The item passed, but just barely. Councilmembers Angelique Ashby, Jeff Harris and Mai Vang voted against the money, showing that the future of affordable housing in Sacramento rests on a razor's edge. Guest host/librarian Tibby also shares a bit about her new show, The At Home Librarian Podcast, which she hosts with her educator friend Alexis. We also disc

We're discussing state and local elections, and who the bastards really are. Enjoy. Thanks for listening, defund the police and, as always: Twitter: @youknowkempa, @ShanNDSTevens, @Flojaune, @guillotine4you Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voicesrivercity   Sacramentans can hear us on 103.1 KUTZ Tuesdays at 5 pm and again Wednesdays at 8 am. If you require a transcript of our episodes, please reach out to info@voicesrivercity.com and we'll make it happen. And thank you to Be Brave Bold Robot for the tune

The Biden administration on Monday eased American restrictions on Cuba, but Cuban officials were strong in their position that these were simply baby steps to a true relationship. We're joined today by Sacramento City Councilmember Katie Valenzuela to discuss her recent trip to Cuba--a country where healthcare is free and housing is a human right. Valenzuela was in the Caribbean to meet with workers from all over the globe to discuss how solidarity can be fostered throughout the world. We also dispel a lot of American talking points on Cuba. The American government talks about Cuban "terrorism." Let's not forget about Cubana Air flight 455 in 1976, a clear act of American terrorism against a commercial flight that killed 73 people. Finally, we have an initial discussion on this year's budget. After everything Sacramentans have gone through, and everything they've asked for, are we still going to add money to our police department? Thanks for listening, defund the police and, as always: Twitter: @youknowkempa,

Today we talk with Liz Blum, Campaign Coordinator (and co-founder) of Decarcerate Sacramento, a coalition dedicated to lowering the number of people incarcerated in the Sacramento region through public health tactics. Central to today's discussion is a push to increase public support for a new, successful Public Defender's Pretrial Support Program over the current  punitive Probation program, which has a markedly less successful recidivism rate (by a factor of six) below what public health advocates and experts are presently recommending to the council. We also discuss the two pushes over the last three years from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department to increase the corrections infrastructure. Twice, Decarcerate Sacramento has beaten them, but they are vigilant of a third effort.  Finally, we touch on a Wednesday morning demonstration by Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB) to encourage Governor Gavin Newsom to continue decarcerating the state of California.  Will he keep doing what is ri

We discuss a Washington Post piece by a reporter who parachuted into Sacramento to cover the homelessness crisis. Thanks for listening, defund the police and, as always: Twitter: @youknowkempa, @ShanNDSTevens, @Flojaune, @guillotine4you Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voicesrivercity   Sacramentans can hear us on 103.1 KUTZ Tuesdays at 5 pm and again Wednesdays at 8 am. If you require a transcript of our episodes, please reach out to info@voicesrivercity.com and we'll make it happen. And thank you to Be Brave Bold Robot for the tunes.

Today we discuss the story of Jordan McGowan, a beloved history teacher at Rio Tierra Junior High who is being targeted by his school district for telling the truth.   Mr McGowan was chair of the school's History and Social Science Department, the boys basketball coach, and the advisor of the Black student union. Everyone loved him.   So why is he in the process of being fired? We discuss.   We also cover the horrific push by the region's liberals to sweep our unhoused neighbors from the American River Parkway.    Thanks for listening, defund the police and, as always: Twitter: @youknowkempa, @ShanNDSTevens, @Flojaune, @guillotine4you Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voicesrivercity   Sacramentans can hear us on 103.1 KUTZ Tuesdays at 5 pm and again Wednesdays at 8 am. If you require a transcript of our episodes, please reach out to info@voicesrivercity.com and we'll make it happen. And thank you to Be Brave Bold Robot for the tunes.

President Joe Biden's approval ratings are plummeting with the nation's most progressive demographic -- young people. A Quinnipiac poll last week found that just 1 in 5 people under 30 approve of the president, who turns 80 in November, while 58 percent disapprove (-37% rating). The following day, a Gallup poll found that his approval rating with Millennials and Gen Z has tanked since the beginning of his term, dropping 20 points to just ~40% approval. The numbers are even worse for young folks who are also Black or Latino, and for those who are registered as independent voters.   While the geniuses at Vox are stumped by this phenomenon, progressives have a pretty clear idea why young folks don't like Biden.   We discuss why these issues are largely being ignored by Democrats, and what can be done with a party that is more gerontocratic than leadership in the late stages of the USSR.    Here in California, our senior senator, Dianne Feinstein, is increasingly under the microscope with questions on her mental

In a move confusing nearly every Sacramentan, City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood has announced that Sacramento City Council members are, in fact, still in charge of the districts they ran before redistricting last December, adding major implications to a recall push by reactionaries against District 4 Councilmember Katie Valenzuela. The new districts will not go into effect until their upcoming elections in 2022 and 2024.   So what does that mean for an area like East Sacramento, which will technically not have representation until 2024 after the next District 4 election? And who can now participate in the Valenzuela recall? If it makes the ballot this year, will Land Park residents be able to vote both in the District 7 election (where they will subsequently be represented) AND the recall? If so, why?   We spoke with some of the state's top redistricting experts to get the inside scoop.   We also discuss the new homelessness ballot measure that City Council was coerced into putting into play by local business

We discuss the local Sacramento shooting with our friend Ryan McClinton.  Thanks for listening, defund the police and, as always: Twitter: @youknowkempa, @ShanNDSTevens, @Flojaune, @guillotine4you Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voicesrivercity   Sacramentans can hear us on 103.1 KUTZ Tuesdays at 5 pm and again Wednesdays at 8 am. If you require a transcript of our episodes, please reach out to info@voicesrivercity.com and we'll make it happen. And thank you to Be Brave Bold Robot for the tunes.  

Hi everyone!  This week's episode will be publishing on Thursday, April 7.  As always, we're sure it will be a banger.

A federal judge has found that former President Donald Trump most likely committed felonies during his effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election, including "obstructing the work of Congress and conspiring to defraud the United States." In a ruling against Trump's attorney John Eastman (who now-famously wrote the Trump coup memo), Judge David O. Carter ordered him to hand over some 101 documents, striking down his claim of attorney-client privileges on the basis of the crime-fraud exception--meaning that both Eastman and Trump knowingly worked toward committing felonies in their correspondence.   This ruling could lead to the Jan. 6 Committee going forward on a criminal referral to the Justice Department for Trump, which would put further pressure on Attorney General Merrick Garland to pursue a criminal investigation against the former GOP president. (There's also evidence that the DOJ is already doing this.)   All of this takes place as the investigation into the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol comes