What if instead of paying taxes at the gas pump, California charged you for every mile you drive? That’s not law yet, but our state just took a major step closer to it. That step is called AB 1421, and today, we’re going to unpack what it is, what it isn’t, and why this conversation matters right now. Buckle up because when it comes to increasing taxes, I have a LOT to say!

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

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/is-california-introducing-a-mileage-tax

Timestamps:

00:00 – 03:37 What is AB 1421?

03:38 – 10:55 Gas vs. Mileage Tax Explained

10:56 – 30:47 Three Major Problems

30:48 – 34:12 Why This Matters Today

In just the last few weeks, higher courts have stepped in and delivered major blows to some of the most aggressive policies our state government has treated as untouchable. From gun rights, to parental rights, to immigration enforcement, we are watching federal judges remind California of something it has tried so hard to forget: the Constitution still applies here. I’m breaking it all down for you today and showing you how these rulings are proof that the tide CAN turn, even in the bluest state in the country.

**CORRECTION: In the show, it is stated that California is a "may issue state." That was true up until 2024, when the the 2022 Supreme Court Bruen decision went into effect. Based on that ruling, California transitioned from a "may-issue" to a "shall-issue" state for concealed carry licenses. Local law enforcement must issue permits to qualified applicants who meet the objective standards mentioned (background checks, training, and "good moral character"), but the standards removed the previous, more subjective "good cause" requirement. However, length of time and general ability to obtain a CCW still varies widely across the state depending on where you live and how "gun-friendly" your county/city is.

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=gQ8UHDyrvccwY7Ww

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

Previous episodes mentioned in today’s show:

AB 1955 – https://rss.com/podcasts/thecaliforniaconversation/1783723/

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:07 Introducing Recent Court Wins

01:08 – 08:51 Second Amendment Rights

08:52 – 16:20 Parental Rights

16:21 – 18:39 Federal Immigration Enforcement

18:40 – 25:00 Politics Matter!

California is breaking from federal health policy – from reengaging with the WHO to passing AB 144, we are truly acting like our own country. What does this power shift mean for medical freedom, informed consent, and who gets to decide health guidance in our state?

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=Edl0IPyRqyvvSOWl

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/californias-break-from-federal-health-policy

Timestamps:

00:00 – 08:51 Controversy Over the WHO

08:52 – 12:51 Further California Isolationism

12:52 – 16:53 Policy Shift – AB 144

16:54 – 28:46 States’ Rights vs. the Constitution?

28:47 – 33:23 Call to Action!

California is no stranger to protest, but not all protests mean the same thing. This week we reflect on two very different movements being protested in California, and asks what really defines courage, resistance, and moral clarity. When everything is treated as equal, we risk losing perspective on what’s truly at stake.

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=byVLtAAiLzD3FzRQ

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/why-comparing-ice-to-iran-is-morally-wrong

Timestamps:

00:00 – 06:49 Two Protests, Same State, Different Stakes

06:50 – 17:05 ICE vs. Iran

17:06 – 21:51 The Criteria for Protest

21:52 – 23:20 We Must Preserve Moral Clarity in Protest

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom sat down with right-wing political commentator Ben Shapiro for a one hour and forty-minute-long conversation about everything from their personal lives to politics – and it was as intense, fast-paced, and interesting as it sounds. But what might have surprised you is that our beloved Governor didn’t sound quite as radical as he is often painted to be – could it be that Gavin Newsom is actually a moderate? I'm breaking it all down for you in this BONUS episode of The California Conversation!

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=jUn09lKJnzWa8znp

Timestamps:

00:00 – 04:02 Gavin Newsom vs. Ben Shapiro !!

04:03 – 12:17 Newsom’s Interview Tactics

12:18 – 21:30 Newsom on Immigration

21:31 – 25:56 Newsom on Housing

25:57 – 33:17 Newsom on the Economy

33:18 – 37:59 Newsom on Transgenderism

38:00 – 39:35 Final Thoughts

Minnesota’s fraud scandal exposed billions in wasted taxpayer dollars – and now federal investigators are turning their attention to California. From healthcare and education to homelessness and the high-speed rail, this week I am breaking down why California’s largest programs are being flagged as high-risk for fraud, waste, and abuse!

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/how-minnesotas-fraud-scandal-exposes-california

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:17 Introduction

01:18 – 05:14 The “Minnesota Model”

05:15 – 11:12 Where to Look Next: Califraudia

11:13 – 21:16 Sources of Fraud in California

21:17 – 27:12 Uncovering Fraud Matters

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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

Brand Partners!

WE HEART NUTRITION: Get 20% off high-quality supplements and support mothers facing unplanned pregnancies! They are pro-baby, pro-mama, pro-life, and American owned! Use code TESSABRAHAM at checkout, or shop through my link here: https://www.weheartnutrition.com/tessabraham.

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

EVERY LIFE: Get 10% off premium diapers, wipes, and other baby products, as well as non-toxic women’s health products, while supporting a company that values every life by partnering with 900+ pro-life organizations. Use code TESSA10 or shop through my link here: https://everylife.com/discount/TESSA10

AMALLOW: Get 15% off clean skincare at Amallow Naturals through my link https://amallow.com/tessabraham or use the code 650Q2ZY3HL at checkout! *Discount code will automatically be applied at checkout through my link.

CURIE: Get 10% off nontoxic deodorant and other crunchy approved products at Curie with my code, CURIETESSABRAHAM, or shop my link: curiebod.com/CURIETESSABRAHAM

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