The DonCast: East Bay political legend Don Perata

Few politicians have left a bigger mark on the East Bay than Don Perata. In a candid and often hilarious conversation, the former State Senate President Pro Tem, assemblymember, Alameda County supervisor, and almost-Oakland mayor reflects on a career that helped shape California politics for more than four decades. Perata discusses how Sacramento has changed—and why he believes the Legislature is worse off today than when he led the Senate. He shares his perspective on the FBI corruption investigation surrounding former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, explains being flummoxed about how to fix Oakland, and revisits the triumphs, feuds, and colorful characters that defined his long political career. Along the way, Perata offers stories only an insider could tell, mixing sharp political observations with the self-effacing humor and blunt honesty that made him one of the East Bay's most influential—and controversial—figures.