East Bay Insiders
by Steven Tavares
All politics is local. East Bay Insiders reporter Steve Tavares, co-host Trishala Vinnakota, and a rotating cast of Alameda County insiders break down the latest in local, state, and national politics—with plenty of scoops and a few hijinks along the way.
Episodes
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Oakland on Trial, Election Chaos & the Final Stretch
With Election Day just around the corner, political consultant Jason Overman joins Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota for a packed edition of East Bay Insiders. The Oakland corruption trial takes center stage as political operative Mario Juarez delivers explosive testimony alleging former Mayor...
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Oakland Corruption Trial Hits Close to Home
Former Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor joins East Bay Insiders for an inside look at the federal corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the Duong family. Taylor discusses the alleged conspiracy that emerged from the 2022 mayoral election, its impact on his campaign, and…
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Rep. Lateefah Simon in D.C. and The Next Big Thing in East Bay Politics
A special edition of the East Bay Insiders Podcast goes from Capitol Hill to Fremont politics. East Bay Rep. Lateefah Simon joins us from her office in Washington, D.C., for a conversation about Congress, the East Bay and the political moment facing the region. Then, meet a name you may be…
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Ain't No Party Like a DSA Party
What does democratic socialism look like when you're the one responsible for balancing the budget? Hayward Councilmember George Syrop, one of two elected members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in the East Bay, joins Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota for a wide-ranging…
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'I'm Not Fking With You' If Tavares Writes a Story
Politics, pressure campaigns, and federal bombshells. Steve Tavares, Trishala Vinnakota, and special co-host Justin Berton break down explosive new court filings in the federal corruption case against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the Duong family. Prosecutors allege Thao threatened to...
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Coliseum: Past, Present and Future
Is Oakland finally turning the page on one of the longest-running stadium sagas in American sports? Could this finally be the deal that rewrites Oakland's future—or just another chapter in a very long story? This week, Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota is joined by Dave Peters, West Oakland...
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Remembering Scott Haggerty
Former Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison joins me for a special episode remembering the life and legacy of former Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, who died on July 5, 2026, at age 68. For 24 years, Haggerty represented the East County and Fremont on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors,...
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The Story They Didn't Want East Bay Insiders to Write
For the first time, East Bay Insiders founder Steve Tavares tells the behind-the-scenes story of how he was unexpectedly pulled into what would become the East Bay's sprawling public corruption scandal. Steve reveals the alleged efforts to influence his reporting surrounding an infamous 2023...
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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...
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Oakland Voters Send a Message: What Measure E's Defeat Means Countywide
The votes are in, and the June Primary election results are already reshaping East Bay politics. This week, Steve Tavares, Trishala Vinnakota, and Justin Berton break down the surprising defeat of Oakland's Measure E parcel tax, the outcomes of revenue measures in Hayward and Castro Valley, and...
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Mailers, Millions & Measure E: The East Bay Primary Preview
The June primary is finally here, and we're breaking down every major race shaping the East Bay and California politics. Steve Tavares is joined by special guests Rocky Fernandez, California Democratic Party Region 5 director, and former San Leandro Councilmember Lee Thomas for a wide-ranging...
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Seeing the Forest for the Trees
Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota welcome back Justin Berton to break down the week in East Bay politics and why our mothers are so great. Happy Mother's Day! We recap the first-ever East Bay Insiders SD10 debate, including standout performances from Anne Kepner and David Cohen, sharp insights...
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Two Castro Valley Boys Sitting on the Boulevard
On this week's East Bay Insiders, we're giving listeners a preview of After Hours—our subscriber-only deep dive where the conversation gets a little looser and a lot more insidey. Steve Tavares and Jason Teramoto chop it up on Castro Valley's recurring push for incorporation, what it was like...
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Eric Swalwell's past is prologue
Eric Swalwell's political career has come to an abrupt and stunning end—but for some, the warning signs were there all along. In this episode, former Pete Stark staffer Jason Teramoto revisits the 2012 congressional campaign that launched Swalwell's rise, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and...
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The precipitous and predictable fall of Eric Swalwell
A once ascending political career is on the brink of collapse. In this episode, we break down the mounting sexual misconduct claims facing Eric Swalwell. In addition to his gubernatorial campaign, does it force a resignation from Congress? We dig into the long-running whispers that dogged…
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Mike Hutchinson Gives Everyone a Failing Grade
Oakland Unified is at a crossroads—and the stakes couldn't be higher. This week, Oakland school boardmember Mike Hutchinson joins the podcast for a blunt conversation about OUSD's deepening budget crisis, and whether the district is inching toward another era of receivership. Hutchinson doesn't...
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Teflon Eric Swalwell
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Power, Gender, and Retaliation
San Leandro City Councilmember Xouhoa Bowen joins the program for an unflinching and deeply personal conversation about the inequities—and consequences—women still face in local politics. Bowen recounts being assaulted by an elected official while attending a city-sponsored event in Florida, and...
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Courtrooms, Campaigns, and Accountability
Former Oakland City Councilmember Loren Taylor joins the show to break down a busy week in East Bay politics. We unpack new developments in the East Bay's federal corruption case, including insights from last week's court hearing and what to expect next with Bryan Azevedo's upcoming appearance....
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Alameda island vibes with Malia Vella
Former Alameda City Councilmember Malia Vella joins the show with Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of Alameda and what comes next for the city, and whether she has plans for a new chapter in her political service. Vella reflects on her time in...
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2025: Year in Review
Dan Mendoza is back, along with Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota, and the timing couldn't be better. —We analyze the year in East Bay politics: President Trump's impact on the county and its cities; a look back at Oakland's special election; and the FBI investigations involving the Bryan...
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3rd Annual Insidey Awards
East Bay Insiders Podcast 3rd Annual Insidey Awards honoring the highs and lows in East Bay politics in 2025. Follow along with the list of this year's nominees: —Best performance by a public official Ken Houston, Oakland Kevin Jenkins, Oakland Jack Balch, Pleasanton Nikki Fortunato Bas, Alameda...
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Bonta vs Swalwell
East Bay Insiders welcomes Carla Marinucci back to the pod. We dive into reports that Attorney General Rob Bonta is eyeing a run for governor. What does it mean for Rep. Eric Swalwell's own ambitions? Did Swalwell miss a window to run for AG, and could a Bonta–Swalwell rivalry be shaping up? We...
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The Letter
Happy Thanksgiving! Following the bombsell East Bay Insiders report of a letter alleging the existence of a video showing California Attorney General Rob Bonta in a "compromising situation," Steve Tavares provides additonal insights into the story and the potential Easter eggs in the letter. Will...
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San Leandro is in turmoil
A Bryan Azevedo–packed episode. From the rise to the downfall — we unpack how the Duong family built influence in San Leandro politics and trace Azevedo's wild ride: from the infamous "community freezer locker" idea, an inability to speak a human language, to the federal charges that brought...
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From Protégé to Pariah
State and local political strategist Jason Overman joins us to unpack his time working alongside Sheng Thao and Andre Jones in Oakland politics — and why their recent corruption indictments left him feeling "deeply betrayed." Later, we break down gubernatiorial candidate Katie Porter's rough week...
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Hopelessness, homelessness, greediness
The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken the nation—and this week, we're unpacking what it means closer to home. Guest co-hosts Trishala Vinnakota and Justin Berton join us to trace East Bay history of politically motivated killings and the rising hostility faced by local officials....
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State of politics and journalism with legendary reporter Carla Marinucci
Legendary Politico and San Francisco Chronicle political reporter Carla Marinucci joins Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota for a candid conversation on the state of journalism and unforgettable moments from her career. Hear Carla's stories about being summoned by Gov. Schwarzenegger about a...
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Fear factor
Anxieties are rising in the East Bay as communities brace for the possibility of federal immigration crackdowns under President Trump. With guest co-host Trishala Vinnakota, we unpack California's upcoming effort to redraw its congressional maps, Alameda County's scramble to expand immigrant...
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You chill, we grill 'em
Former San Leandro Councilmember Lee Thomas of GrilleeQ joins the show this week—not to grill meat—but to help Steve Tavares and Dan Mendoza grill politicians. On the agenda: The potential costs of the lawsuit filed by San Leandro's former city manager; a local angle to the suddenly wide-open...
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There's a new girl in town
Guest co-host Trishala Vinnakota, the campaign consultant for both of Loren Taylor's runs for Oakland mayor provides some behind-the-scenes insights and stories from last spring's special mayoral election in Oakland, including a few "Oh, sh-t!" moments when it appeared that Taylor could actually...
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Trump, chumps, and ambulance lumps
Dan the Man is back just in time to moderate the most divisive East Bay Insiders podcast ever! From Trump and the threat to Alameda County to the proposed Coliseum deal to concerns about the county's 9-1-1 ambulance contract, there was no middle ground to be found other than the new Grilleeq ad…
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Curious incident of a target letter in a poor city striving to be average but where city employees work in the office
With Dan Mendoza away in D.C., Steve Tavares and Shawn Wilson went old school with insights on the U.S. Attorney's target letter to San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo, San Leandro's mayor calling the city poor and striving to be average, the Trump administration's assault on local funding…
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Viva East Bay Insiders
The East Bay Insiders couples retreat in Mexico was a success. They let us back into America. We play some catch-up with San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo's excruciatingly bad TV interview; Oakland's budget situtation, Alameda County Dems bid to censure Eric Swalwell and Raj Rajwan, Pamela...
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Barbara Lee is Oakland's mayor-elect. Now what?
Progressive icon Barbara Lee is Oakland's next mayor. How did Lee hold off Loren Taylor's upstart campaign, and how will she tackle the city's pressing issues? Like Oakland, Pleasanton is facing a significant budget shortfall. So why were Pleasanton officials so fixated on orange signage at a gas...
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Don't call it a comeback
Oakland's special mayoral election is suddenly a close race. We break down what Barbara Lee and Loren Taylor need to do to win on April 15. Later, the behavior of elected officials at taxpayer-paid conferences and the incidient involving a San Leandro councilmember. Plus, a segment on Oakland...
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Ask Kevin Jenkins anything
While Oaklanders are figuring out who will be their next mayor, Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins sat down with us for coffee in a wide-ranging interview. Jenkins, who also serves East Oakland's District 6 council seat, chatted about juggling two big jobs at once, the upcoming budget process…
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Live from Buffalo Bill's Brewery with State Sen. Aisha Wahab
Shawn Wilson was overjoyed to be back in his hometown of Hayward. At our live recording at historic Buffalo Bill's Brewery, Shawn came loaded with Hayward trivia and some friends. Cat Man, Mayor Mark Salinas and Councilmember Julie Roche stopped by before we chatted with State Sen. Aisha Wahab.…
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East Bay Insiders Unfiltered
Recalled Alameda County DA Pamela Price is starting a podcast. Meanwhile, the newly appointed DA takes the reins. What does she need to do to stabilize the DAs office? Barbara Lee keeps making unforced errors. We take a look at recent polling that shows her support is dropping. Fremont wants to...
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Judgment Day
The big three applicants for the Alameda County DA appointment hit the stretch run to Tuesday's decision. We handicap the race. FBI raids come to San Leandro, and public doesn't seem to care. Plus, sanctuary cities, and Shawn makes his early Super Bowl picks.
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Live from Castro Valley
The East Bay Insiders Podcast hits the road with a live recording in Castro Valley. Thank you to the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce and the Moose Lodge for having us. There's a lot to talk about: The FBI raid in San Leandro, impending indictments, seven D.A. applicants move ahead to...
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2nd Annual Insidey Awards
We wrap up 2024 with the 2nd Annual Insidey Awards, recognizing the best and worst in Alameda County politics. Plus, we remember Rickey Henderson. Thank you for listening. See you next year! INSIDEY NOMINEES -Best Recall Campaign Pamela Price Sheng Thao Ryan Jergensen/Linda Hurley -Best…
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The Aftermath
We wrap up the November General Election with analysis of Alameda County's two recall campaigns. What comes next? Who will be Oakland's next mayor? Who wants to be Alameda County's next DA? Plus, the surprsing result in the Board of Supervisors race, and more.
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East Bay Insiders Centenary with Loren Taylor and Supervisor Nate Miley
Recorded live at Humble Sea Brewing Co. in Alameda, Steve, Shawn and Dan reminisce about the podcast, its beginnings, highlights, hijinks, and lowlights. Oakland special mayoral election candidate Loren Taylor made his pitch to voters, Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley talked about the…
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How 'bout them recalls?!!
Alameda County and Oakland voters just recalled two recently elected officials. We break down how and why, in addtion to analysis of early election results from some of the biggest East Bay races. Plus, we leave a voicemail with the likely Pleasanton mayor-elect to apologize for doubting his...
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Election 2024 Preview Show
Election Day in the East Bay is just days away. Steve, Shawn, and Dan give their bold predictions for Alameda County's biggest fall races. Plus, results, analysis of the Oakland Chamber poll, the recalls, and Alameda Councilmember Trish Spencer's long night in Long Beach.
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Scam Alert
Oakland is again plunged into chaos over the emergence of a "new" Coliseum land deal and questions about its legitimacy. Shawn recevies a call from his creditors, and we chat about the recalls, Campaign Finance 101, and much more toward the stretch run to Election Day.
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Welcome to the Shawn Wilson podcast
A now-former Fremont councilmember slams Shawn for making inappropriate comments on "his podcast." For the first time, Steve gives his blow-by-blow account of the "Throwdown in the 'Dro Town." Plus, analysis of the Pleasanton mayoral race and supervisorial candidate Nikki Bas' attack website...
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Call me incompetent all day long
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said this week, "call me incompetent all day long." Is it too late for Thao to save her job? Alameda County Democrats created yet another embarrassing scene. We take a look at the recalls, and Fremont's unusual moves to replace its departing councilmember.
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Carson asks Bauters to the couch
Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson's big endorsement could be a gamechanger in a tight District 5 race this fall. We take a look a what the endorsement means and how the race between John Bauters and Nikki Fortunato Bas may evolve. Fremont needs a new councilmember, and an Oakland candidate…
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About this show
All politics is local. East Bay Insiders reporter Steve Tavares, co-host Trishala Vinnakota, and a rotating cast of Alameda County insiders break down the latest in local, state, and national politics—with plenty of scoops and a few hijinks along the way.
Hosted by
Steven Tavares
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