California Underground: Your Sane Insight into California Politics

Epizode

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  Comrade Newsom? Is Newsom Really Aligning with the DSA? 22.07.2026 1h 2min

  Gavin Newsom says he'll campaign for any Democratic nominee heading into 2028 — but his team went quiet when asked if that includes candidates from a self-described "Marxist-Leninist-Maoist" caucus. This week: what Newsom actually said, what he wouldn't answer, and what it means for his national ambitions.Also on the show: Katie Porter was a frontrunner for governor a year ago. She just finished fifth with 4.4% of the vote — and says she's done with politics.California Underground airs every Tuesday at 8PM PST on YouTube.🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss next week's show.California Underground covers the California stories the rest of the media ignores— following the audits, the contracts, the budgets, and the officials responsiblefor outcomes that aren't matching the promises. No team. Just receipts.📬 Subscribe on Substack: https://caunderground.substack.com/📺 Subscribe on YouTube for new videos every week📸 Instagram: @californiaunderground🎵 TikTok: @californiaunderground🐦 X: @ca_underground📌 Sources:Washington Examiner — "Newsom defends backing socialist candidates, calling party divides 'healthy'": https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/4644566/gavin-newsom-backing-socialist-candidates-party-divides-healthy/Washington Examiner — "Katie Porter 'done' with politics and focusing on Instagram book content": https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/4653306/katie-porter-quits-politics-book-instagram/Yahoo News — "Katie Porter says she's done with politics after failed governor bid": https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/katie-porter-says-she-done-040528602.htmlFOX 11 Los Angeles — "LAHSA delays release of 2026 homeless count results": https://www.foxla.com/news/lahsa-delays-release-2026-homeless-count-results
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  Newsom's FBI Wiretap Scandal Deepens 15.07.2026 1h 9min

  This week, Phil is joined by guest co-host Randy Wang of KABC Radio for three stories out of Sacramento and LA that all come down to the same question: who's actually accountable when the numbers don't add up?First, the documented timeline behind the FBI's investigation into Gavin Newsom's former chief of staff, Dana Williamson — including new reporting that an informant was recording conversations inside Newsom's political circle a full year before Trump returned to office, and how the case reaches back to a dormant campaign account belonging to Xavier Becerra, the Democratic nominee for governor.Then, California Attorney General Rob Bonta's lawsuit to block the $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger — filed a month after the U.S. Department of Justice cleared the same deal. Phil and Randy dig into the split between LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath's push to protect entertainment jobs from the merger and new reporting that Paramount's own advisers are now discussing whether to move the company out of California entirely.Finally, LA County's decision to strip $300 million in homeless services funding from LAHSA after an independent audit found the agency couldn't verify how $2.3 billion was actually spent — and whether handing the same money to a brand-new department solves the problem or just renames it.Three stories, one hour, no political team — just the documents.California Underground airs live every Tuesday at 8PM PST on YouTube, with the full episode available here on your podcast app afterward.Read The Gilded State, Phil's book on California's political dysfunction: www.thegildedstate.comMore from California Underground:Substack: caunderground.substack.comInstagram & TikTok: @californiaundergroundX: @ca_underground
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  The Real Math Behind California's Proposed Billionaire's Tax 08.07.2026 58min

  California's proposed billionaire tax says it will raise $100 billion for healthcare, food assistance, and education. New research from Stanford's Hoover Institution puts the real number closer to $40 billion — and argues the measure could leave the state worse off once billionaire departures are factored in. This week, Phil talks with Hoover Institution research fellow Benjamin Robert Jaros, co-author of that research, about the mechanics of Proposition 40, the migration numbers driving the disagreement, and what it means for California voters this November.Follow California Underground on Substack: caunderground.substack.comGet early access to The Gilded State, Phil's upcoming book on California politics: www.thegildedstate.com
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  Spencer Pratt Declares War on LA and Newsom Flip Flops on Billionaire's Tax 01.07.2026 1h 10min

  Spencer Pratt is calling Karen Bass "Karen Basura" over the Boyle Heights warehouse fire — and while his delivery is pure reality TV, the documented $17.6 million fire department budget cut he's pointing to is real. We dig into the permit history, the budget records, and why the firefighters' union is now bypassing City Hall to ask voters directly for funding.Then: Gavin Newsom wants a national billionaire tax as part of his "economic reset for America" — in the same week he's voting no on the billionaire tax already on California's own November ballot. We break down the contradiction, what his own state's nonpartisan analyst says about billionaires leaving, and why members of his own party are calling his federal plan watered down.No team. Just receipts.Phil's book, The Gilded State, digs deeper into how California's political class operates — find it at www.thegildedstate.com.Follow California Underground and leave a review — it helps more than you'd think.Substack: https://caunderground.substack.com/The Gilded State: https://www.thegildedstate.com
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  AD45 Candidate Greg Abdouch Joins Us 24.06.2026 51min

  Democrats have held this San Bernardino County Assembly seat since 2022. This week, theRepublican trying to flip it joins us to make his case.Greg Abdouch advanced to the November general election in California's AssemblyDistrict 45, and he's betting he can do what no Republican challenger has managed inthis district in years. We sit down with him to find out how — pushing past thecampaign talking points to get specifics on public safety, housing, and what itactually looks like for one freshman Republican to move anything in a Democraticsupermajority Legislature.No team. Just receipts.📖 Phil's book, The Gilded State, is now open for early signup: www.thegildedstate.com📬 Read California Underground on Substack: https://caunderground.substack.com/📸 Instagram: @californiaunderground🎵 TikTok: @californiaunderground🐦 X: @ca_undergroundNew episodes every Tuesday. If this show is worth your time, a follow and a five-starrating helps more Californians find it.
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  The Newsom DOJ Investigation 17.06.2026 1h 7min

  Federal agents are knocking on the doors of Governor Gavin Newsom's family friends and former employees. Newsom says Trump ordered the investigation to derail his 2028 presidential run. The LA Times says the probe started under Biden — launched by whistleblowers in Sacramento, not directed from Washington. Tonight Phil and Camille separate what's confirmed from what's spin, and get into the documented financial questions about Jennifer Siebel Newsom's nonprofits that predate this administration.California Underground airs live every Tuesday at 8PM PST on YouTube.Sources: CBS News, Time Magazine, LA Times, CalMatters, KQED, Axios San Diego, NBC NewsPhil is writing a book about California's political dysfunction — early access at www.thegildedstate.com
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  California Elections: What's Actually Happening 10.06.2026 1h 17min

  California held its primary election a week ago and we still don't have a governor or a Los Angeles mayor. Here's why — and why none of it is as simple as either side is telling you.This week Phil and Camille break down everything happening with California's election system in real time. How does counting actually work in the largest voting state in the country, and why does it take so long? What are "ballot dumps" — and are they actually suspicious? What does documented voter fraud in California really look like? And what could genuinely fix a system that produced 23% turnout after mailing a ballot to every single registered voter?They also cover the two races still being decided as this episode airs: the governor's race, where Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton have now been projected to advance — and the story of how Becerra went from 3% polling in March to first place; and the LA Mayor's race, where Spencer Pratt held a 40,000-vote lead on election night and watched it disappear over six days as Nithya Raman overtook him to face Karen Bass in November.Plus: the viral claim that Pratt received zero votes in a 24,000-ballot dump — debunked by Trump's own Justice Department. The Voter ID proposition headed to your November ballot. And the live Supreme Court case that could change how California counts votes before November even arrives.No spin. No team. Just the numbers.New episodes every Tuesday at 8PM PST, live on YouTube.Subscribe to the newsletter at caunderground.substack.comPhil is also writing The Gilded State — a book about how California became the most expensive, least accountable state in America. Early access and updates at www.thegildedstate.com
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  Becerra vs. Hilton: California's 2026 Governor Race, LA Mayor Primary & CA-48 Results 04.06.2026 1h 12min

  California just voted — and the governor's race is shaping up as a matchup nobody fully predicted: Steve Hilton, former Fox News host and Trump-endorsed candidate, leading with roughly 28% in early returns, and Xavier Becerra, Biden's HHS secretary, holding second at around 25%. With ballots still being counted through June 9, the second-place slot isn't fully locked — but the likely November choice for California's next governor is coming into focus.This week Phil and Camille break down three stories from Tuesday's primary. On the governor's race: how a field of 60 candidates produced these two as the probable finalists, what Hilton and Becerra each actually stand for, and what a Republican governor in California — something the state hasn't seen since 2006 — would actually mean. On Los Angeles: Karen Bass advanced to the November runoff, but she got 35% of the vote in a city she currently runs, with Spencer Pratt five points behind her. Whatever happens when the second-place count finalizes, a majority of LA voters wanted someone else. And in San Diego: CA-48 was one of five congressional seats Gavin Newsom redrew under Prop 50 specifically for Democrats to win. The Republican candidate just dominated the primary in a district that now has a 10-point Democratic registration advantage. The Prop 50 promise is getting its first real test — and the early returns aren't encouraging.No spin. No teams. Just what the numbers actually show.New episodes every Tuesday at 8PM PST, live on YouTube.Subscribe to the Substack at caunderground.substack.com for written analysis between episodes.Phil is also writing The Gilded State — a book on California's broken political machine. Early signups at www.thegildedstate.com.
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  California Primary Roundtable: Who Makes It to November? 27.05.2026 1h 13min

  One week before the June 2nd California primary, we brought in five guests across the political spectrum to break down every race that matters.The governor's race is in chaos. Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress in April — his name is still on the ballot — and Democrats are splitting their vote five ways while Republicans have largely consolidated behind two candidates. There's a real scenario where no Democrat makes it to November. We get into the lockout math, where every candidate stands with seven days to go, and what a Republican on the November ballot would mean for California.Then we go down-ballot to the races most Californians are sleeping on — starting with the insurance commissioner, a wide-open seat that could affect your home insurance rates more than any governor ever will. With Ricardo Lara term-limited and the wildfire insurance crisis still unresolved, this race has real stakes. We also cover the attorney general contest and the congressional seats that could determine the House majority.And we close with the bigger question: what does it say about California that the party holding unified control of state government for over a decade couldn't produce a frontrunner — and is now genuinely nervous about being locked out of its own governor's race?Joining Phil and Camille tonight: Kyle Campbell from Politically Basic, Susan Collins, and Tess Abraham from California Conversation.California Underground covers California politics straight — no tribal framing, no spin. Just the story, the numbers, and why it matters to the people actually living here.New episodes every Tuesday at 8PM PST on YouTube.📬 Subscribe on Substack: https://caunderground.substack.com/🌐 The Gilded State: www.thegildedstate.com
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  Becerra's Fraud Scandal and the Election Rules Democrats Want to Kill 20.05.2026 1h 10min

  Newsom's former chief of staff just pleaded guilty to federal fraud — FBI wiretaps, a $225,000 scheme run through the frontrunner for governor's own campaign account — and Xavier Becerra still won't answer whether he knew. This week Phil and Camille break down everything Sacramento hoped you'd miss before the June 2nd primary.In the first story, they walk through the guilty plea of Dana Williamson — Newsom's chief of staff from 2022 to 2024 — who conspired with Becerra's own chief of staff Sean McCluskie to drain $225,000 from Becerra's dormant campaign account. The investigation involved FBI wiretaps. Federal prosecutors originally came to Williamson seeking information about Newsom. And at the final governor's debate, Becerra still couldn't guarantee she couldn't connect him to the case.Then: California Democrats built the jungle primary system. They benefited from it for years — two Democrats on the same Senate ballot in 2016, two Democrats again in 2018. Now that the system might lock them out of the November governor's race, they've filed an initiative to tear it down — and found Republican allies to help. Phil and Camille get into what ranked choice voting and other alternatives actually look like, and whether any electoral reform rushed through two weeks before a primary deserves to be taken seriously.No team. No tribe. Just the receipts.🎙️ California Underground drops every week. Subscribe so you don't miss an episode.📖 Phil is also writing a book — The Gilded State. Early signup at www.thegildedstate.com📬 Substack: https://caunderground.substack.com/📸 Instagram: @californiaunderground🎵 TikTok: @californiaunderground🐦 X: @ca_underground
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  Spencer Pratt, $6 Gas, and a Mayor Who Won't Show Up 13.05.2026 1h 20min

  Karen Bass just pulled out of tonight's Los Angeles mayoral forum. The primary is in three weeks. The last debate she showed up to, 88% of viewers said Spencer Pratt won.Tonight on California Underground, Phil is asking the question the incumbent doesn't want asked — and the one Sacramento doesn't have a good answer for either.On the Los Angeles mayor's race: Pratt lost his home in the Palisades Fire and turned it into a campaign. He's polling second in a city that hasn't elected a Republican mayor since 2001, with 40% of voters still undecided and a primary on June 2nd. We break down the debate, the numbers, and what Bass skipping tonight's forum actually signals.On California's gas crisis: the state confirmed four to six weeks of gasoline supply on hand. Three major refineries have closed in under a year — Phillips 66 Wilmington, Valero Benicia, PBF Martinez — removing 18% of total refining capacity. California has no pipeline connections to other states and imports 20% of its gasoline from overseas. Average price at the pump: $6.13 a gallon. The Iran war closed the Strait of Hormuz and exposed a supply chain California spent years making fragile.Both stories. One show. Every week.California Underground is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to the California Underground newsletter: https://caunderground.substack.com/Follow the show: @californiaunderground on Instagram and TikTok | @ca_underground on XPhil is writing a book about California — sign up for early updates at www.thegildedstate.com
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  Michael Gates on Crime, Fraud, and Running for California AG 06.05.2026 1h

  California's Attorney General race is four weeks from a primary — and most voters don't know what the office actually does. In this episode, we sit down with Republican candidate Michael Gates, the former Huntington Beach City Attorney who spent a decade battling Sacramento in court and is now running to replace Rob Bonta as California's top law enforcement officer.Gates made his name as an elected city attorney — not appointed, elected — who launched a criminal prosecution program that drove downtown crime down 11.5%, claimed a 60% reduction in homelessness on his watch, and won a $38 million court verdict against the State of California. He then joined the Trump DOJ as Deputy Assistant Attorney General before returning to run statewide.We ask the questions every frustrated Californian should be asking: What has the AG's office actually been doing on fraud, fentanyl, and government accountability? Where has enforcement been missing? California Underground airs every Tuesday at 8PM PST on YouTube.🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss next week's show.📌 Sources:CalMatters — 2026 AG Race Voter Guide: https://calmatters.org/california-voter-guide-2026/attorney-general/Ballotpedia — Michael Gates: https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_Gates_(California)Gates Campaign Site: https://www.gates4ag.com/AgNet West Interview (April 28, 2026): https://agnetwest.com/michael-gates-california-attorney-general-fraud-reform/LAist — DOJ Departure Story: https://laist.com/news/huntington-beachs-michael-gates-produces-letter-he-says-confirms-he-resigned-from-dojAre you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.Original air date  5.5.26*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.liveJoin the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your orderFollow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground X: https://twitter.com/CAUndergoundTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiaunderground?_t=8o6HWHcJ1CM&_r=1YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA Read about our Privacy Policy: https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/ 
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  The Torrance Shooter and the Governor's Race 30.04.2026 1h 7min

  A California man is charged with attempting to assassinate the President of the United States — and his own family had already raised concerns with local police before he boarded a train to Washington DC.Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, rushed a Secret Service checkpoint at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. He was charged Monday with attempted assassination of the President. He passed every California background check. He bought his guns legally. His family tried to sound the alarm.California has red flag laws specifically designed for situations like this. Tonight we ask whether the system worked — and what Californians deserve to know.Then: six candidates debated for Governor of California last week. We pull the clips worth watching — who gave Newsom an A on homelessness, who said "you hear rumors" when asked about a colleague accused of assault, and where the race actually stands six weeks before the June 2 primary.Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.Original air date  4.28.26*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.liveJoin the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your orderFollow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground X: https://twitter.com/CAUndergoundTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiaunderground?_t=8o6HWHcJ1CM&_r=1YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA Read about our Privacy Policy: https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/ 
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  Newsom Bought His Own Bestseller 23.04.2026 1h 17min

  Two new polls on the California governor's race are telling completely different stories. Betty Yee just dropped out and said "conflict sells" on her way out the door. LA County cut homeless outreach in half while spending $843 million. And Gavin Newsom's PAC spent $1.56 million buying two-thirds of his own memoir — then his team called the sales "organic."Story 1 — The Governor's RaceBetty Yee out. Becerra surging from 4% to as high as 23% depending on the poll. Two Republicans still leading in the party's own internal numbers. Debate is tomorrow night. Six weeks to the primary.Story 2 — LA County Homelessness$843M budget. Street outreach cut from $54M to $26M. California has spent $24 billion on homelessness since 2019. The population grew by 30,000. A State Auditor report found $9.4 billion couldn't even be evaluated — no outcomes tracked.Story 3 — Newsom's "Bestseller"FEC filings show his PAC bought 67,000 of 97,400 total print copies. Strip those out: 30,400 organic sales. The New York Times put a dagger on the listing. His team called it "organic." The filing says otherwise.SourcesBetty Yee exit: https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/04/california-governor-race-yee/CA Dem Party poll: https://www.abc10.com/article/news/politics/california-governor-race-poll-hilton-bianco-lead-becerra-gains-support/103-1bf606df-6054-4be9-b9c2-68eafada61dcIVP poll: https://ivn.us/posts/breaking-xavier-becerra-bolts-into-first-place-in-ivn-california-governor-poll-2026-04-20LA homelessness budget: https://www.fox11la.com/news/la-county-homelessness-budget-outreach-cut-2026CA State Auditor: https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/homelessnessNewsom PAC book — NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/17/us/politics/newsom-pac-book-sales.htmlFEC filing summary: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/newsom-pac-bought-thousands-memoir-copiesCalifornia Underground airs every Tuesday at 8PM PST on YouTube.
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  Eric Swalwell's Career Is Over 15.04.2026 1h 18min

  Hold onto your seats, Californians — this week’s political rollercoaster could change the future of the Golden State forever. From a scandal that toppled a Congressman's career in just four days to the California GOP's confusing endorsement process, Phil and Camille break down the shocking details that every Californian must know. Plus, what does the chaos mean for the upcoming primary and the entire political landscape? Tune in for all the jaw-dropping revelations.In this episode:The rapid downfall of Eric Swalwell in just four days — the full timeline and shocking allegationsThe importance of social media and press conferences in shaping political scandalsWhat the California GOP's decision not to endorse any candidate means for the raceThe impact of Swalwell’s scandals on the 2024 gubernatorial raceHow California’s voting laws and low information voters influence the outcomeThe behind-the-scenes process of party endorsements and delegate voting explainedThe potential for a Republican red wave in California amid chaos on the Democratic sideThe bizarre history of California GOP primaries and endorsements, including Travis Allen and John CoxThe implications for California’s political future if two Republicans make it to the general electionThe desperate Democrat plans and possible shifts to a Kamala Harris write-in strategyHow scandals and internal chaos could finally push California into a new political eraResources & LinksEric Swalwell Allegations San Francisco ChronicleCalifornia GOP Convention ProcessCalifornia Primary Election DatesThe House of Cards Netflix SeriesKatie Porter ControversiesCalifornia Proposition 50 — Voter ID LawConnect with the HostsPhil - TwitterCamille - TwitterTimestamps:00:00 - The shocking four-day career collapse of Eric Swalwell02:08 - Social media’s role in outrage and breaking news04:43 - Allegations: Swalwell’s sexual misconduct and investigative details07:43 - Corroborated evidence and legal responses11:16 - Public reactions and victim advocacy—timing and victimories14:03 - The press conference with a disturbing eyewitness account17:58 - The disturbing allegations paint a picture of political rot21:18 - The possible influence on the California governor race25:44 - GOP delegate process and what it means for endorsements30:26 - Inside California GOP convention voting practices36:55 - The chaos causing Democrats to consider radical options like Harris write-ins41:08 - How voter support could fracture and change the California political landscape44:50 - The desperate Democrat strategy and fear of a Republican sweep50:17 - Past primary campaigns and what history teaches us58:25 - The potential for California to become more red—what’s at stake66:26 - The influence of party endorsements and low-information voters70:39 - How political chaos might finally shake up California’s one-party rule75:59 - The outrageous end: Swalwell’s farewell and the real story behind the scandalsThis week’s scandal and political upheaval could signal a turning point—a chance for Californians to push back against long-standing one-party dominance. Whether this chaos ushers in reform or chaos remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: California is no longer boring politics—it’s explosive, urgent, and truthfully shocking. Stay tuned, share this episode, and keep your eyes open—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
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  California Governor's Race Roundtable Update ft. Kyle Campbell and Susan Collins 09.04.2026 1h 24min

  With California's primaries just around the corner, a seismic shift is happening — and many Californians are either clueless or in denial. The recent endorsement of Steve Hilton by Donald Trump has turned the political rumor mill into a full-blown circus, threatening to upend the state's already fragile political landscape. If the Trump endorsement was meant to sway the race, it might just be fueling a chaos that could curse or empower Californians' future.In this episode:The impact of Trump endorsing Steve Hilton and how it could reshape the Republican primary race.Why California's usual politics are being challenged by fresh, outsider candidates like Hilton and Bianco.The possibility of a Democrat boycott or continued stagnation as the party struggles with internal divisions.Predictions on whether California is heading toward a political upheaval or a return to “business as usual.”Critical issues like ballot harvesting, homelessness, and voter trust—none of which are being adequately tackled by the candidates.How elites and billionaire tech moguls are pushing for socialist policies and what that could mean for a state long used to political dynasties.Connect:California UndergroundKyle Campbell - Politically Basic TwitterSusan Collins - InstagramKyle Campbell: TwitterSusan Collins: InstagramTimestamps:00:00 - California Primary Chaos: What's Really at Stake?02:15 - Trump's Endorsement: Blessing or Curse for California Politics?05:00 - The Fall of Gavin Newsom’s Political Dynasty07:30 - Are the Democrats Running Out of Options?09:50 - How the Republican Field Could Be Swayed by Trump’s Backing12:10 - Voter Attitudes: The Real Issues They Care About15:45 - The Threat of Socialism and Tech Billionaire Influence18:00 - Who Should California Be Putting Forward?21:30 - The Growing Power of Independent Voters and Third Parties24:45 - Future Scenarios: What If Swallow or Porter Win?28:00 - The Power of Local Elections and Why They Matter31:20 - Will California Break Its Political Mold?34:00 - The Deeper Problems: Public Safety, Homelessness, and Education37:00 - The Future of Republican and Democrat Parties in the Golden State40:30 - Wrap-up: What Can Californians Do Now?This episode reveals the shocking realities behind California's politically shaky ground, highlighting mismanagement, voter disenfranchisement, and the looming threat of radical policies. If you think your vote doesn't matter or that California's politics are just a game, think again. The chaos we discuss could shape the state's future — perhaps even its survival.
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  California Is Broken. A Libertarian Wants to Fix It. | Tom Woodard for Governor 2026 02.04.2026 55min

  California has spent $24 billion on homelessness. It got worse. Gas prices are the highest in the country. And in 2026, nobody knows who's going to be the next Governor. Tonight we sit down with Libertarian candidate Tom Woodard — and ask the questions Sacramento won't.---This week on California Underground, Phil and Camille sit down with Tom Woodard — Libertarian candidate for California Governor 2026. Tom is an entrepreneur, conservationist, and business executive with 40+ years of experience building organizations, creating jobs, and solving complex problems across the U.S. and Mexico. He's also a father who lost a son to addiction and homelessness — and he's running on the belief that California's two-party system has had its chance and blown it.In this episode:🔹 The cost of living crisis — Why California gas prices and electricity rates are among the highest in the nation, what state mandates are driving the cost, and what a governor can actually do about it on Day 1.🔹 Homelessness — $24 billion spent. The problem got worse. Tom shares his personal story, challenges the "Housing First" model, and lays out what a different approach looks like in practice.🔹 The 2026 race — Newsom is term-limited, the Democratic field is fragmented, and for the first time in decades California's governor's race is genuinely uncertain. We ask Tom the hard questions: Is he running to win or running to move the conversation? And what's his pitch to voters who've never considered a third-party candidate?---📌 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED• Tom Woodard campaign site: https://www.woodardforgovernor2026.com/• Tom on X: https://x.com/woodard2026• Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodardforgovernor2026/• Ballotpedia — 2026 California Governor's Race: https://ballotpedia.org/Tom_Woodard• California State Auditor — Homelessness Spending Report: https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2021-112/index.html• CalMatters Homelessness Tracker: https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/• California Air Resources Board — Cap and Trade Program: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/cap-and-trade-program• 2026 California Gubernatorial Election Overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_California_gubernatorial_election---📺 California Underground airs LIVE every Tuesday at 8PM PST on YouTube.🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — we read them.---#CaliforniaUnderground #California #CaliforniaPolitics #Governor2026 #TomWoodard #Libertarian #CaliforniaHomelessness #CostOfLiving
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  Hollywood is Collapsing - And California Killed It ft. Guest Jim Agnew 25.03.2026 57min

  Hollywood’s Golden Era is not just fading — it’s decaying in front of our eyes. Once the shining jewel of California’s economy and culture, the film industry is now a ghost town, abandoned by studios that chase greener pastures elsewhere. Production hubs have shifted out of state, and the iconic Hollywood lots sit eerily silent — relics of a once-thriving empire that now resembles a ghost town. But what caused this collapse? And why is California so aggressively handing its Hollywood crown to other states and countries?In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with veteran screenwriter and producer Jim Agnew — a behind-the-scenes insider who's seen Hollywood's decline firsthand. Jim shares shocking stories about how California’s outdated policies, suffocating union costs, and ridiculous bureaucratic hurdles are bleeding the industry dry. He reveals how neighboring states like Georgia and Kentucky are swooping in with 30% cash rebates, making it cheaper to shoot blockbuster films out of state, even when you’re based in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, California’s own incentives are a patchwork system that discourages production, strangled by bureaucracy and bad policy.You'll discover:The real reasons Hollywood’s glamor is disappearing — and how political correctness and cultural shifts accelerated the decline.Why even major stars and studios are fleeing California for business-friendly states with better tax breaks.How outdated incentives and union costs push production companies abroad, costing thousands of local jobs.The impact of streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ on California’s once-booming industry — and how their shift to global locations leaves California in the dust.Why California’s tax incentives are a joke compared to other states’ models, and how that’s actively killing the industry here.The hidden consequences of Hollywood’s decline — from local economies suffering to California losing its cultural influence.Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.Original air date  3.24.26*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.liveJoin the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your orderFollow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground X: https://twitter.com/CAUndergoundTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiaunderground?_t=8o6HWHcJ1CM&_r=1YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA 
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  LA Hospice Fraud Reaches MSM 18.03.2026 1h 7min

  In this episode of California Underground, we reveal shocking truths about billions lost in hospice care fraud, rising gas prices driven by political power plays, and California's ongoing budget crisis impacting education and public services. Californians deserve to know how mismanagement, corruption, and politicized decisions are shaping their daily lives.In this episode:Billions of dollars are being siphoned through hospice care fraud, with California leading the nation in billions lost to scam providers.Trump’s recent order to reopen the offshore Sable pipeline amid legal battles and environmental concerns.The real reasons behind California's skyrocketing gas prices, including refinery closures and political blame game.Thousands of teachers and school employees face layoffs due to declining enrollment and misallocated COVID relief funds.The state’s chronic budget mismanagement, inflated claims of job creation, and the push for a complete government overhaul.Resources:Billions in hospice fraud uncovered by CBS NewsTrump reopens Santa Barbara offshore oil pipeline - ForbesCalifornia gas prices surge - LA TimesGavin Newsom’s COVID relief funding and budget mismanagement — California Budget ReportCalifornia underground news channelThis show advocates for informed, independent thinking—no political endorsements here.If you’re interested in local governance and policy, join our Telegram community to discuss these issues more deeply: Telegram LinkTimestamps:00:00 - California hospice fraud scandal: billions lost to fake providers01:15 - The offshore pipeline reopening: Trump’s push vs California regulators02:44 - Rising gas prices: How policies and geopolitics collide in California04:20 - The truth about refinery shutdowns and environmental concerns05:54 - California’s education crisis: Thousands of jobs on the line amid budget cuts07:32 - The deep-rooted government mismanagement and taxpayer betrayal09:00 - Why California’s “progressive” policies are failing its people10:36 - The call for a government reset: Burn it down and rebuild12:00 - Local government’s role and the importance of community-level reforms13:45 - Public resistance to taxes and government waste: The frustration boils over15:20 - Gavin Newsom’s political ambitions and the strange dynamics within California politics17:00 - The importance of local elections: city councils, school boards, and more18:50 - California's potential for greatness: What’s holding us back?20:00 - The danger of overcentralizing power: Why executive decisions can go wrong21:45 - The real impact of federal relief funds and California’s financial deception23:30 - The urgency of informed voting and primary elections25:00 - The need to start from scratch: Rebuilding California, one step at a timeAre you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.Original air date  3.17.26*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.liveJoin the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your orderFollow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground X: https://twitter.com/CAUndergoundTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiaunderground?_t=8o6HWHcJ1CM&_r=1
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  Don't Vote for Me, Vote for Us - Elaine Culotti Gubernatorial Candidate 13.03.2026 1h 10min

  In this episode of the California Underground podcast, Elaine Culotti shares her unconventional journey and bold vision for California, emphasizing the need to rethink the state's political and economic systems. She advocates for no-party preference candidacy, fiscal responsibility, and grassroots campaigns to bring real change.Key Topics:The rise of no-party preference candidates and what it means for California politicsWhy California’s political establishment is broken and how to fix itReorganization of cities and counties through Chapter 9 bankruptcy to cut costs and improve accountabilityThe influence of billionaires, NGOs, and special interests on California’s governanceCountering unfunded mandates like sanctuary city policies and high-density housing regulationsThe importance of economic development and creating 2 million jobs to revitalize the stateHow to leverage small, clean campaigns with grassroots donations instead of big-money influenceThe concept of building a "Great American Credit Union" and alternative funding modelsAddressing California’s housing crisis by reducing red tape and enabling entrepreneursRestoring water infrastructure and resource management for sustainable growthThe call for a political revolution and genuine leadershipResources:Elaine Kalati's Campaign WebsiteInstagram: Colotti for GovernorInstagramWebsiteAre you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.Original air date  3.10.26*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.liveJoin the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your orderFollow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground X: https://twitter.com/CAUndergoundTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiaunderground?_t=8o6HWHcJ1CM&_r=1YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA Read about our Privacy Policy: https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/