How Kevin Faulconer Made San Diego America's Safest Big City episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 30, 2025 · 18 MIN

How Kevin Faulconer Made San Diego America's Safest Big City

from State of Gold · host Jon Slavet | California Politics

Guest:Former Mayor Kevin FaulconerGuest Bio: Kevin Faulconer is an American politician and businessman, best known for serving as the 36th Mayor of San Diego from 2014 to 2020. During his tenure, he was known for taking bold action on homelessness, public safety, and civic infrastructure. A Republican who won in a majority Democratic city, Faulconer brings a unique perspective on leadership, compromise, and what it really takes to fix California’s biggest challenges.Show SummaryCan California be saved from one-party rule, rising homelessness, and growing voter frustration? Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer thinks so — but only with action, not rhetoric. In this energizing episode, Faulconer shares how he successfully reduced homelessness in San Diego through shelter expansion, enforcement, and compassion. He also weighs in on the controversial Prop 50, warning of its dangerous attempt to reverse independent redistricting and hand power back to politicians.From Reagan’s leadership legacy to practical advice for big city mayors, this conversation offers a roadmap for restoring fairness, competition, and common sense in California politics.Chapters 00:00 – Why Prop 50 Is a Power Grab 01:10 – The Importance of Fair Redistricting 02:30 – What Happens Without Competitive Elections 04:35 – How Faulconer Tackled Homelessness 06:30 – The Need for Intervention & Shelter 08:05 – Why Other Cities Won’t Act 09:15 – How Public Safety Ties to Homelessness 11:15 – Advice for Republicans in Blue Cities 13:15 – Bias Toward Action vs. Rhetoric 15:00 – Collaborating with Federal Government 16:15 – 2026 Election Lessons from the Recall 17:40 – Pep Talk to Statewide Republican Candidates 19:10 – What Gives Him Hope for CaliforniaConnect with KevinX:https://x.com/Kevin_FaulconerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinfaulconer/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-faulconer/Website: https://www.sdlincolnclub.com/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

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Guest: Former Mayor Kevin Faulconer Guest Bio: Kevin Faulconer is an American politician and businessman, best known for serving as the 36th Mayor of San Diego from 2014 to 2020. During his tenure, he was known for taking bold action on homelessness, public safety, and civic infrastructure. A Republican who won in a majority Democratic city, Faulconer brings a unique perspective on leadership, compromise, and what it really takes to fix California’s biggest challenges. Show Summary Can ...

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How Kevin Faulconer Made San Diego America's Safest Big City

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