The Drain

Today we're discussing the billionaires trying to ruin California politics with their Building a Better California "nonprofit," as well as the cynical neoliberal argument against the one viable gubernatorial candidate who supports the billionaire's tax and Medicare for All. We also get deep into the weeds on Google cofounder Sergey Brin's gut-health MAGA girlfriend, Gerelyn Gilbert-Soto. You may have heard that Brin cornered Governor Gavin Newsom (free link) at a lavish party late last year to lean on him to fight against the billionaire's tax (which Newsom did a month later--ruining any chance he had for a 2028 presidential run). Like a true coward, Brin ran away to Nevada months before the initiative reached its signatures to get on the ballot. Brin has a weird girlfriend who Donald Trump loves, which likely explains a large part of his rightward shift in recent years. As a result, he's picking up the mantle in the fight to stop another billionaire, Tom Steyer, from becoming the next governor of California. Steyer, you might remember, is the one viable candidate in support of the tax, as well as a slew of other progressive policies, including Medicare for All. We take a look at Brin's cynically named "nonprofit" advocacy group, Building a Better California--into which he's personally thrown $57 million. We also look at some of the bad writing by political operatives trying to put a stop to the state's surging economic populism. Paging Mahyk Muhdrid (free link). Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa

**This is a preview of our premium show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** This is a thrilling six-year saga of a California municipal elected official riddled with drama and controversy (free link), resulting last week in his pleading guilty to federal charges (free link) of abuse of undocumented employees in his Viva supermarkets, and to fraudulently receiving COVID-era stimulus funding. It's also a tale of a Sacramento city council member who claimed he did not live with his wife and children in their Placer County home, but instead with his employee in a small house in his district known for raucous parties, police calls, and guns. Ah, Sean Loloee. Kempa has waited a long, long time for the end of this saga. We go over Loloee's full story, including Kempa's initial public claims that he did not live in his district, the Sacramento Bee's Theresa Clift's dogged, unflinching reporting on the disgraced politician, and his eventual political demise at the hands of federal prosecutors. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa

Today we're taking a look at the new polls surrounding the California gubernatorial race, now that establishment darling Eric Swalwell's chances have, thankfully, fizzled out. Obviously, the conversation includes Tom Steyer, Chad Bianco, Katie Porter, Steve Hilton, and--for some reason--San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. But Kempa and Palma go over some new polls showing a surge for current Governor Gavin Newsom's new favorite, Xavier Becerra. We also take a moment for a potential id-pol favorite for liberals in dark-horse candidate Rafael Hernandez. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa

Today we're covering the meteoric fall of U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, and what it means for the California gubernatorial race, now that its frontrunner is out of the picture. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa

**This is a preview of our premium show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Hey folks! We've both been working a lot this spring, so episodes have been hard to come by, but we're ramping up once again for you all -- expect your usual two per week. Today we're discussing a couple of major things. To begin: Kempa's sweet baby pit bull (and The Drain's official mascot), Olive, needs a home. That's right, Kempa's baby needs a forever space. She's a quirky 60-lb, 9-year-old baby, with a couple of special needs that I can give details on if you reach out. Olive's currently in a wonderful foster home just a mile away from me, but I'm desperate to find a place that's just perfect for her. So if you might have that (and you preferably live in northern California), please reach out to the show at [email protected]. Beyond that, we're discussing how the Sacramento Bee absolutely bodied Congresswoman Doris Matsui with a promise of no endorsement since she ran away from a discourse between herself and Mai Vang for her seat in Congress. We also discuss Matsui's missteps on Iran. Speaking of which, we take a look at the Democratic Majority for Israel PAC, and how they're trying to sour the race between Ammar Campa-Najjar and Marni von Wilpert in the Dem-on-Dem race for CA-48. Finally, we take a look at one of our faves fucking things up in the race for Nancy Pelosi's open Congress seat in San Francisco. Why is Track AIPAC giving all this airtime to Saikat Chakrabarti and not a true progressive in Connie Chan? We have the info. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa

Hasan Piker has somehow dominated liberal and rightwing discourse in recent weeks, to the point that leftists are just making fun of the mainstream for their obsession with the leftist streamer. Today we're discussing Democrats' and conservatives' manic rantings against Piker, and looking at two of California's presidential hopefuls--progressive U.S. Representative Ro Khanna and eely Governor Gavin Newsom--who would be happy to go on his show (eat your heart out, CIA asset/U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin). Governor Newsom, you might remember, recently stepped back on his statement that Israel is an apartheid state--presumably because he is vying for zionist groups' funding in his 2028 presidential run. We talk about that, through the lens of Sacramento Bee columnist Robin Epley's phenomenal takedown of the governor (free link). We also take a look at some of the debacles in the California governor's race. Note: this was recorded before the Swalwell news broke, but rest assured we'll be covering that in the coming week. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa

**This is a preview of our premium show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** For this week's episode, Palma and Kempa are exploring the what and why of one of San Francisco's foremost venture capital projects: Y Combinator. Venture capital has become the scourge of San Francisco culture. And Y Combinator stands at the forefront of that cancer. We take a look at some of the dumbest shit that ghouls like Garry Tan and his ilk have been willing to invest in. We're sure you'll enjoy. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa

Today we're joined by Caledon Myers, founder and Executive Director of the ProRep Coalition, which is fighting to bring proportional representational democracy to California and beyond. You might have read his case for a new form of governance in Cal Matters or the San Jose Mercury News (free link). That's because he's been working with experts for years to analyze just why the United States' first-past-the-post electoral system (as well as California's top-two "jungle" primary system). We discuss just what's broken here at home, and what steps we can take to make our democracy actually reflect the diversity of its constituents. Want to join the fight? Sign up at the ProRep Coalition's website to stay tuned for their next steps. A lot is on the horizon... Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** It finally happened. On The Drain's one-year anniversary, we visited the Lake Berryessa Glory Hole. That's right: Kempa and Sweet Palma wrangled up their two favorite guest hosts, Kat and El Güero, to take a trip out to the Monticello Dam's Morning Glory Spillway last weekend. We originally planned to record an episode off one of the hiking trails below the dam. And, in fact, we did trek our supplies out a good mile looking for a nice, shaded spot--but that just wasn't in the cards for the crew. That said, it was a lovely, odd little hike, with a phenomenal snake greeting us on the walk back. We were also joined by Joe Biden! Here's our patron-only episode on all the fun we had. If you're not a patron yet, sign up for as little as $5 per month! It'd be a lovely anniversary gift for the crew. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Hello friends, Kempa here. I'm publishing a somewhat overdue episode while preparing for the crew's Hole Hajj to the Lake Berryessa Glory Hole (patron-only recording on that forthcoming). It's a good one. For our one-year anniversary, Palma and I are discussing some of our faves, including: President Donald Trump's obsession with California in his marathon-length State of the Union California Democratic Party head Rusty Hicks's plea to loser Democrats in the state gubernatorial race to take a step back after polls show two Republicans leading the pack alongside three Dems. Why leftists should not put their time or money into the state gubernatorial race The major topics that ought to be nonstarters with Democratic candidates (including Medicare for All, Israel, and the billionaire tax) Thank you so much for your love in our first year of existing. We've got so much more coming for you in 2026, including some phenomenal guests <3 Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Today we're discussing a few bizarre California stories, including: Britney Spears's incredible wherewithal in responding to a suspected drinking and driving incident in southern California. A registered sex offender posting up at a church across from a school (free link) while he holds a press conference for his mayoral run in Fresno. A good deal of MMA discourse, related to Lou Holtz and a couple of our Sacramento faves (which is what makes this town so oddly special). Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Hello, Drain-iacs! Max and Kempa are back this week with a real corker of an episode, with someone who we've been a fan of for quite some time – San Francisco's very own Connie Chan! As supervisor for SF's District 1, Connie is one of the progressive voices in the foreground of the local fight against the Tech Right, the Doom-Loopers, the Hacker News set and the Faux-gressives swarming City Hall – not to mention the SF Dems' propensity for supporting DINO politicians like Daniel Lurie and London Breed, at the expense of more progressive, even more popular, candidates. Now that Nancy Pelosi is (finally [lol]) retiring, Chan is running for her seat in Congress to truly represent a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, immigrant-plurality district like CA-11. We talk to Connie about her background as an immigrant, and how growing up in San Francisco's Chinatown has given her a unique perspective among elected officials when it comes to pretty much all the hot-button issues that have been cropping up this cycle – Immigration, of course, but also cost of living, housing, labor and worker's rights, and healthcare. In short, she champions a politics of dignity and love, a politics that is sorely needed in Congress. Though her stances on the genocide of Gaza and campaign finance set her apart from her challengers (Scott Weiner and Saikat Chakrabarti, respectively), it is this respect for human life and desire for dignity for all that truly places her a cut above the rest. In the 2026 congressional primaries, it's more important than ever for progressives in California to fight back against Silicon Valley's capture of local and state Dem parties by supporting local candidates with proven track records like Connie Chan. You can find out more (or even get involved directly) at her congressional campaign website: https://www.conniechansf.com/ Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/c/thedrain.  Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

This was some of the most fun we've had recording in The Drain's 50-week existence. So if you're not a patron yet, subscribe today to listen to the full episode. We begin with a couple of excerpts from Kempa's favorite modern poet: California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell. Does he yearn for another night with star-crossed Fang Fang? Move us to tears with vivid verse on uncontrolled farts? You'll have to listen to find out. Swalwell is, sadly, considered the frontrunner in the race for governor, edging out billionaire suck-up Tom Steyer and horrible boss Katie Porter. But there's a lot of runway before the June 2 primary. We take a look at the state of things, and also discuss Steyer's campaign manager--a former Elizabeth Warren presidential campaign staffer and former intern for America's Landlord/windshield wiper thief, Steve Maviglio. California's state Democratic convention was last weekend, which brought lots of drama between corporate Democrats and the rising progressive/leftist influence in the party--such as the race for Congress between Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains and local lefty darling Randy Villegas. Eons ago, Kempa wrote a cover story in the Sacramento News and Review on the 2017 California Democratic Convention. Things were the same back then as they are today, with party establishment types like former state chair John Burton (dead) telling nurses who were fighting for Medicare for All to "shut the fuck up." Thankfully, there are some bright spots for lefties, such as Representative Ro Khanna increasingly veering left as he prepares for a 2028 run for the White House. We also discuss Bernie Sanders's visit to the Golden State to kick off the campaign to tax the state's billionaires into oblivion. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

We're joined this week by a friend of the show, who we're going to call "Tommy", to discuss the continuing crisis in California's school funding. Tommy is a member of the California Teachers Association, working in our local unified school district, and has firsthand (and quite deep) insight into how Labor is dealing with the effects of the state's chronic school under-funding, while also expecting so much more from its staff. As school districts face a crisis in truancy, the state apportions its funding to school districts based on attendance, even if they're on the hook for services regardless. Faced with a shrinking pool of state assistance, and more competitive grant environments, school districts throughout California have chosen to bolster their administrations at the expense of other staff, fostering top-heavy, expensive, inflexible management styles that siphon general fund dollars away from students and educators. The ultimate result is bearing fruit all over the state, as labor actions erupt out of San Francisco, Natomas, and look to escape the bargaining room in LA and San Diego. Threats of state receivership in Contra Costa, and Sacramento can also be traced back to the same problems we're examining here with "Tommy" -- it's time for the State to finally put its money where its mouth is, and fully fund its education system, support the valuable labor educators provide, and ultimately reverse the unfortunate decline in education outcomes that come with underfunding. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/c/thedrain.  Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

It's official: The Supreme Court is letting Proposition 50 stand (free link), allowing California Democrats (led by political GURU Paul Mitchell) to slice up the state's congressional districts in a manner that will obliterate Republican representation in D.C. This is another embarrassing loss for Assistant Attorney General/longtime state GOP attorney Harmeet Dhillon, who made headlines weeks ago by arresting former CNN anchor Don Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort for covering an anti-ICE protest in a Minneapolis church. But perhaps the biggest loser of the day is District 3 Representative Kevin Kiley (free link), whose current constituency has been torn into six pieces by the court ruling. In all likelihood, Kiley must now hoist the ol' bindle over his shoulder and find a new district if he wants to stay in office. We take a look at his current options, which are so dire that his best bet might be to take a step back from Washington and return to the state legislature. We take a deep dive into Kiley's options, before taking a larger look at the partisan gerrymander battles taking place throughout the country. No matter the outcome, special elections are already hinting at a very bad election cycle for the GOP, and a very good one for progressives and Leftists. We also take a moment to check in on labor leaders like the California Labor Federation's Lorena Gonzalez, who is warning Governor Gavin Newsom that he needs to start taking workers' job safety in the face of the rising AI tide seriously if he wants to be the next president. Oh, and of course we have to touch on a Congress member going wild (free link), posting feet on main. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/c/thedrain.  Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

We begin today with a look at Californians' responses to ICE agents murdering Alex Pretti in the streets of Minneapolis. By and large, the Golden State is horrified by what it's seeing--even members of some of the Golden State's most right-leaning, rural Second Amendment rights groups. But not all of the state's mayors are living up to the population's standards. Down in California City, for example, Mayor Marquette Hawkins and his council are facing strong backlash for their lack of response to the atrocities taking place in the city's massive immigrant detention facility, which is run by for-profit agency CoreCivic (free link). Up here in Sacramento, where city council appears ready to take great strides to make life harder for ICE and DHS agents (free link), Mayor Kevin McCarty decided to skip the latest meeting--opting to join a national mayors conference rather than face over 800 of his constituents who commented both online and in-person to support council's decision. Speaking of bad mayors, San Jose's very own Matt Mahan thinks that--with the help of rich Bay Area pricks like Garry Tan--he can become California's next conservaDem governor. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/c/thedrain.  Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Today we're joined by El Güero to discuss the Costa-Gavras classic, État de Siège. Based on the 1970 killing of an American official by the Tupamaro guerrillas in Uruguay, this film examines how police states backed by the United States in Latin America forced the hands of rebels. We all know how this ended up for Uruguay: The following year, leftists formed the Broad Front coalition, which eventually got former Tupamaro/political prisoner José Mujica elected president. But many countries suffered much deeper blowback from US intervention. Stay tuned for further film discussions in this series (next up, our dear friend Hesse is planning to join us for an Argentine classic). Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Hey folks, We recorded this episode before ICE murdered VA nurse Alex Pretti in the streets of Minneapolis last weekend, but Max hopped on to lead us in with a note on that horrible escalation by state-sanctioned terrorists. We will certainly be covering this story in the weeks to come, particularly as it affects our undocumented neighbors here in California. Today, however, we're covering a potpourri of California storylines, including: The mysterious, cheeky billboard outside of Vacaville wishing Congressman John Garamendi a happy 81st birthday (and ways you can support young progressives like Mai Vang, who is challenging octogenarian Doris Matsui for her seat in Congress) Governor Gavin Newsom (yes--we, too, are tired of discussing him) trolling President Donald Trump in Davos A rightwing Zionist mewling that a UC Davis professor kept her job after opposing Israel's genocide in Palestine (free link) State senator Scott Wiener stepping down from his post as co-chair of the legislature's Jewish Caucus after publicly acknowledging that Israel has committed genocide (free link) Democratic congresswoman Lateefah Simon voting to hold Bill Clinton in contempt over his refusal to respond to a subpoena to testify over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal (free link) Sacramento's push to ban ICE from city property (free link) Solidarity with the Kaiser nurses' strike (free link) Sacramento making waves in this year's Oscars (free link) Speaking of film, keep an eye out for a premium episode this week in which we're discussing a classic film examining the US's meddling in Uruguayan politics. And stay tuned for another premium episode with one of our more famous film buff friends--coming soon! Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/c/thedrain.  Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA17) may have more billionaires in his affluent San Jose district than any other member of the House of Representatives, but he's showing that he's not afraid to go against the grain. He staunchly supports California healthcare workers' signature initiative for a state billionaire tax. He visits ICE detention centers, using his stature to elevate just how dangerously inhumane their living conditions are. And he rightly opposes Israel's genocide in Gaza. Not surprisingly, billionaires are plotting to oust the popular progressive Democrat from his seat in Congress (free link). Meanwhile, Democratic leadership appears set to showcase another Californian in the 2028 race for the White House: Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom, who has promised in the past to veto any state legislation geared toward taxing billionaires, is making himself both the face and the loudest voice against this year's billionaire tax initiative. Not only has he not visited an ICE detention facility in the state, he instead brings rightwing ghouls--such as the late Charlie Kirk and the unfortunately living Ben Shapiro--onto his podcast to brag about how much he cooperates with ICE. And he refuses to call Israel's genocide in Gaza exactly what it is. Newsom currently leads in polling for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, despite holding just a +12 approval rating in a state where Democratic voters outnumber Republicans by a factor of nearly 2:1 . But who, really, can Californians count on to defend them against violent ICE officers? Who, besides direct action groups like NorCal Resist and the Border Angels, will stand up for undocumented residents? And who won't blink when the Golden State's billionaires threaten in bad faith to flee the state? Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/c/thedrain.  Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Today we're looking at California Governor Gavin Newsom just after his final State of the State address, posturing himself for a 2028 presidential run. Can our favorite AI-era Patrick Bateman find his way into the White House? We touch in his latest profile in The Atlantic (free link), which would not have been written had he not assured the editors at America's foremost neoliberal mag that he's running for president. It has some juicy bits, such as the fact that he holds no personal political views to speak of (source: Willie Brown), and that his ex-wife Kimberly Guilfoyle despises him--even if she did once publicly mention that he's a veritable tripod. Newsom's rise to power in San Francisco--and, ultimately, California--cannot be discussed without his close ties with billionaires such as the oil-baron Getty family. We take a hard look at his history, as well as his dire prospects for the presidency as America's working class shifts toward a more economically populist posture. Can Democrats count on Newsom and his billionaire lackeys to land the presidency? Likely not. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Today we're having a talk about the illegal kidnapping of Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro. How did Sacramento respond? (free link) And how did the rest of California respond? (free link) John Fetterman discussed the state of "Venezwenians," for whatever that's worth. We then dive into the California oil industry's ties to Venezuela--a la Chevron--(free link), and what that means for us in the freest state in the union. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

We start our first episode of the year on a somber note after ICE terrorists murdered Renee Good in Minneapolis. Here in California, the people are pushing back hard against the jackboots. Hundreds showed up to the capital's ICE headquarters to show their disdain, after which agents descended from the building to deface Good's memorial. (If anyone has information on the name of the agent, please reach out to us.) Beyond that, we encourage everyone to tap into their local rapid response organizers against ICE, and to donate to Renee's family (please remember that her child lost its father just three years ago). We then discuss the surprising passing of California House Republican Doug LaMalfa (free link), a man known for farming rice, going to the most banal of events in his district, and fighting against trans rights and for international war crimes in Venezuela. How will Doug's death affect the GOP's tenuous grasp on the House? Only time will tell. Finally, we take a look at the California legislature as it dives into a new session. What new laws are coming into effect? (Free link.) What's on the agenda for 2026? (Free link.) Subscribe your fine self to our show to learn more as the Capitol starts bubbling with new legislation. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

We've hit a pretty big milestone in listeners as 2025 comes to and end, so we're coming to you with a Long Boy. Palma and Kempa are joined by a mysterious, handsome, young guest-host to discuss what's in and what isn't in the year to come. Is this the year of the billionaire's tax in California? Will Antichrist Peter Thiel finally reveal himself after a particularly violent hangover? Will NIMBYs and YIMBYs go the way of the dodo and yo-yo? And what of the Balkans (we're bullish on North Macedonia)? Join your best friend Max, your closest confidant Kempa, and your surly uncle Güero, as we squint and mutter at the tea leaves of 2026. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Welcome to your holiday episode of The Drone--er, Drain. We've got plenty for you to enjoy as you hide from your family this holiday, starting with drone wars in San Francisco! The Bay Area's strongest lefty on the SF Board of Supervisors, Jackie Fielder, is coming out strong for workers in her city. And the billionaires can't stand it. Fielder has ruffled the feathers of the DoorDash folks with a new city policy demanding that they get a permit to operate delivery drones outside their test facilities. The new law passed the board unanimously, with labor standing strong behind Fielder. But that doesn't mean the tech oligarchs are going to take it sitting down--they're already trying to turn the people of San Francisco against their strongest advocate on the dais. We also touch on California Republicans' efforts to stop Prop 50--a law that would offset President Trump's gerrymandering throughout the country. Finally, we discuss crypto billionaire Chris Larsen hedging his bet for Katie Porter's governor run with a maximum contribution to a Republican in the race, Steve Hilton, and take a look at Elon Musk's latest dopey remarks on a "universal high income." Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium weekend show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Merry Christmas, to all who celebrate. For this week's Plug we're looking at a couple of issues facing AI behemoths as the year comes to a close: First, we touch on a potential new iteration of The Big Short, wherein Wall Street is starting to short AI, leaving many wondering if this is the bubble the industry has been anticipating. We then take a look at a case involving a former Yahoo executive who died of suicide after "savagely" murdering his 83-year-old mother. Chat logs between the man and ChatGPT show a chilling discourse, wherein the model appears to affirm his paranoia and delusions. (Read the full lawsuit here.) Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Hello. Today we're discussing a phenomenal piece in Politico written by Jeremy White, exploring the "Massacred" California Republican Party (free link) as they wrestle with the fallout of Proposition 50, which has hatcheted their representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. GOP members of Congress are now forced to run against one another, and they are truly showing their capitalist scarcity mindset colors. Remember just two years ago when they thought they were making a comeback? Well, special congressional races throughout the country are showing a 12-plus point swing toward the Democrats. We discuss the implications in California, as well as what that entails in the fight for the soul of the state's Democratic Party. We also take a moment to discuss a bill that could totally knee-cap our queen, Anh Phoong. (Don't forget to check out her incredible profile from last year in the Sacramento Bee, written by ace reporter Jena Hatch [free link].) Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium Saturday show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** What happens when California politicians place their careers ahead of fighting the homelessness crisis? They leave millions on the table that could have served their unhoused constituents. Today we're discussing Sacramento Bee columnist Robin Epley's jarring piece showing that Sacramento County shut itself out of some $21 million that could have helped ameliorate the region's homelessness crisis (free link). All so the region's local officials could pat themselves on one another's backs for a year. The 2024 homelessness count showed a stunning--and spurious--drop in homelessness numbers, which went against everything residents in the county experienced that year. Now, new numbers show that the count was likely a devastating undercount that cut the region out of much needed homeless service funding. We also touch on Sac Bee reporter Theresa Clift's newest three-part series outlining just how badly Sacramento politicians have been handling the region's homeless crisis (free link). Do you have a similar story in your corner of the state? Let us know at [email protected]. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Hold onto your laptops, California, because the New York Post is opening a tabloid in Los Angeles. And we couldn't be more excited. Yes, next year the Murdoch family is launching its coup attempt against the Golden State's liberal hegemony with a new print publication, the California Post. It looks like the state's freshest rightwing rag will be on a short leash, with News Corp leadership from NYC and Australia running the show. Expect plenty of searing commentary from miserable oafs like Joel Pollak, anti-homeless missives from hacks poached from the San Francisco Standard, and cheerleading from billionaire Bay Area ghouls like Garry Tan. We're curious to see how conservative blogs like Katy Grimes's languishing California Globe will fare with the Murdochs in town. But more interesting to us is if a newspaper consumed largely by men born in the tail-end of America's lead-paint era holds any future here in our home state. We also take a moment to look at Capitol Weekly's poll last summer (conducted by political guru Paul Mitchell), which surveyed the state's 120 lawmakers and found Assemblymember Carl DeMaio to be the least palatable legislator in Sacramento. Seems like he could use some help from the Post in sessions to come. Finally, we say goodbye to Claude, the albino alligator close to the hearts of countless northern California children for the last three decades. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa And we're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Hello! Kempa here. Max and I are taking this week off, so we wanted to share one of our favorite early premium episodes that you might have missed. If you enjoy this one, there's plenty more where it came from--subscribe at patreon.com/thedrain. Here we go: Today Kempa is sharing the story of the misguided vendetta by former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Assemblymember Maggy Krell against the publishers of the alt-weekly empire New Times Media, how they shuttered papers all over the country and endangered sex workers, and why they have blood on their hands over one man's suicide. After listening to this episode, be sure to check out Hold Fast, a phenomenal series on the rise and fall of New Times Media. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa And we're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium Saturday show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Hey folks! We've got some spicy updates on a few stories we've been following the last few weeks: Remember that weirdo multimillionaire, Stephen Cloobeck, running to be California's next Democratic governor? Well, he's dropped out of the race, and is putting his timeshare grifter money behind US Rep. Eric Swalwell. You'll never guess who has started a legal defense fundraiser for Governor Gavin Newsom's former Chief of Staff Dana Williamson as she fights some serious federal charges for alleged misuse of both campaign and PPP funds. It's our baby boy, Steve Maviglio! We run a little background on the conservative Democratic operative's history, and discuss the folks throwing money in Williamson's direction. It's official: Progressive Connie Chan is running to replace Nancy Pelosi in Congress! Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Today we're joined by our friend Peter Lucas, a Brooklyn-based journalist, avid Sacramento enthusiast, and former staffer for Zohran Mamdani's successful 2020 run for the New York state assembly--long before NYC's mayor-elect became a household name. We discuss Mamdani's surreal visit to the White House--where he positively charmed the pants off President Donald Trump--reflect on Zohran as a person, and explore what his win means for the greater Left movement in the United States. We also rank the best Subway Takes episode among Peter, Zohran, and former Vice President Kamala Harris's appearances (spoiler: Peter wins). If you don't know much about the Sacramento Kings, Old Soul at the Weatherstone or Greta Gerwig's timeless film classic Lady Bird, well, you're gonna learn today. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium Saturday show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Hello, Plug brothers and Drain maybes. Today we're discussing Turning Point USA's final stop on their American Comeback Tour, and the Berkeley students who made it clear that TPUSA is not welcome on California campuses. The late Charlie Kirk's trolling tour had an inauspicious beginning this semester, and it didn't end much better on its last stop. We touch on how Berkeley locals expressed their disapproval of the visit, and how the US Department of Justice is wasting time and tax dollars to try and dox the protesters. Not surprisingly, the libs joined the anti-protester chorus alongside Trump supporters in condemning the demonstrators expressing their First Amendment right to assemble and protest. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Today we're starting with a quick hit on U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell's (D-CA) inexorable run for the California governor's office, and how he'll work to flank Katie Porter from the right. What else do you need to know about Swalwell? Well, he farts on national TV. He also made a name for himself alongside #Resist libs like now-senator Adam Schiff during President Trump's first term in office. We then take a dive into San Francisco's billionaire mayor Daniel Lurie's absolutely bush-league appointment of a 29-year-old pet shop owner to the ever-complex Sunset District's board of supervisor's seat--which saw her last just one week in office. Apparently, when she handed the shop over earlier this year, the new owner found countless dead mice throughout the building, as well as some 40 dead reptiles and small mammals in the freezer. That doesn't even bring into play the concerns over her business's troublesome tax practices. This may be the first of many bungles for the hapless rich boy running The City. Finally, we discuss the serious federal charges facing the former chiefs of staff for both Governor Gavin Newsom and 2026 gubernatorial hopeful Xavier Becerra (Archive link), with a cameo quote from our favorite little ghoul, Democratic consultant Steve Maviglio. Sean McCluskie, who served Becerra during his tenure as US Health Secretary under President Joe Biden, appears to have struck a deal with the feds. Meanwhile, Newsom's former bulldog CoS Dana Williamson is fighting her charges, which include both fraud allegations involving a dormant campaign account of Becerra's, as well as allegations of misuse of funds from COVID-era PPP money she received for her business, which included:s Luxury handbags and jewelry ($15,353 Chanel purse and a $5,818 Fendi wallet) Private jet travel ($21,000) Vacation spending in Mexico ($150,000 + $11,000 yacht trip) installation of a home HVAC system Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Today we're talking with two of our favorite San Francisco journalists in Tim Redmond and Marke B., founders of 48 Hills. Tim is a longtime political and investigative reporter of San Francisco politics, covering the scene for over three decades. He was also the longtime Executive Editor of the SF Bay Guardian. Marke B., our sweet baby boy, has been on the show before. He's the publisher and arts & culture editor for 48 Hills, as well as the co-owner of The Stud, an iconic San Francisco gay bar. Today we're covering the political musical chairs taking place in the Bay due to Nancy Pelosi's recent announcement that she will not be running for reelection in the US House: Pelosi's Legacy: Rep. Nancy Pelosi's real legacy - 48 hills Hand-picked by the Burton CA Dem machine to run for Congress Helped Dem Party control the House in critical years; Ryan Act during the AIDS crisis; ACA (though never gave credence to single-payer); tore up Trump speech on national TV “She showed only disdain for the left wing of the party, ignoring and belittling AOC and The Squad, dismissing the Green New Deal as “the Green Dream, or whatever they call it,” and helping ensure that Sen. Bernie Sanders didn’t become the party’s nominee for president.” Fought taxing the rich (which included multimillionaire husband). D8 supe race will create fascinating political battle - 48 hills  “Pelosi is strongly supporting her aide, Gary McCoy. McCoy, who will have a kickoff in the Castro this weekend, will also have access to Pelosi’s formidable fundraising machine.” “The incumbent supe, Rafael Mandleman, former D8 Sup Bevan Dufty, and possibly the mayor … are backing Manny Yekutiel, who owns Manny’s the Mission District cafe that is a gathering spot for political events (and has created its own controversy).” Nancy's Replacement? These are the top contenders to replace Nancy Pelosi in Congress - SF Chronicle (free link) Scott Weiner Served in the state senate since 2016 representing SF, previously member of the board of supes + city attorney's office Launched his bid for the seat last month, got tired after waiting a year for Pelosi to announce retirement Legislative focus: Known for tackling housing density, transgender rights, and transit funding (CEQA repeal) Political standing: Strong support from some groups (YIMBYs) and strong opposition from others (conservatives, progressives) Saikat Chakrabarti Centimillionaire, former Stripe engineer Served as a top campaign aide to AOC and as director of organizing technology on Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign Advocates for “new ideas” and a more aggressive approach to confronting the far-right movement in politics. Is he “SF’s Zohran”? (No.) Connie Chan Represents Richmond District on Board of Supervisors since 2021 Progressive, aligned with labor, led SF Board budget committee. Anti-Weiner: pro-housing, affordability absolutist, hated by YIMBYs Chan has not publicly stated her intention to run for Pelosi’s seat, but former Sup. Aaron Peskin believes she would give a congressional campaign serious consideration if Pelosi retired Where is Christine Pelosi??? London Breed? Christine Pelosi running for state Senate Christine Pelosi is running for office, but not for her mom's congressional seat “Four days after the Speaker Emerita said she would retire in 2026 after more than 38 years in Congress, the daughter put to rest speculation she would run for her mother's 11th Congressional District seat.” Instead, she is setting her sights on state Sen. Scott Wiener's seat, after he entered the 2026 race to fill the former House speaker's seat. We're also covering: Queer activists 'Scare the State' at ICE protest on Halloween - 48 hills Gay Shame and Queers Undermining Israeli Terrorism (QUIT) “Fags and Dykes, we all hate ICE,” one chant went. “Bottoms, tops: We all hate cops!”  Drag queen snatched by ICE released with asylum: 'It was terrible' - 48 hills   “Rivers was taken first to the San Francisco ICE Field Office and then transferred to the Golden State Annex detention center in McFarland, California, where she spent nearly three months. She described being held in freezing, overcrowded cells.” “‘We had to stand for hours because there was no space to sit, no air, and we were freezing,’ she said.” “Despite informing staff that she was part of the LGBTQ community, Rivers said there was no protection from harassment or sexual violence.” And in national news... 'Let's bring some of those vittles back to the table:' What the Nov. 4 election means - 48 hills  Zohran Mamdani brings a new energy and direction to the Democratic Party. Why couldn’t someone like him come from someplace like California, which is full of Democrats? We seem to be stuck with wingless wonders like Pelosi, Newsom, Harris &c.  “Why has New York, which is generally considered a less progressive city, moved in the direction of economic democracy, while the supposedly liberal San Francisco is under the control of billionaires?” “Daniel Lurie can operate with the support of a very big-money political operation, and can depend on Gov. Gavin Newson, who mostly shares his agenda. Mamdani will be fighting the New York big money from Day One, and can’t raise taxes on the rich without the permission of the governor, who so far is siding with the big money and won’t go along.” Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

It's a new day. California is now gerrymandered for the Democratic Party, and New York City is a socialist caliphate. All is right in the world. We're discussing how movie star/former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger created California's nonpartisan redistricting commission, how his legacy is going up in flames, and why he appears to be choosing Pope-hangs and beers in Berlin as opposed to protecting one of the few things he held dear from his time in Sacramento. We also discuss how current governor Gavin Newsom is going to pivot from his Prop 50 win to use the 100,000+ email list he assembled during the campaign to try and land in the White House in 2028. Can he do it? Unfortunately, it's looking good for the Golden State's Patrick Bateman. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Hey all, we've been enjoying a boom in listeners, and so we'd like to remind you to like, subscribe, rate, comment, and tell your friends about the Drain. Many, many fun things to come! We're hitting you a couple days late, due to Kempa moving on up to a nicer part of town. He's also gonna be out east, but we'll be recording through ALL of that, so do not fret. Today, however, we've got some interesting stuff for you: California Potpourri: Cal Fresh is set to stop November 1 – Paris Barraza Palm Springs Desert Sun (look at lawsuit, and call to action) National context: What's in the House GOP's budget resolution? Here's what to know about the plan. - CBS News $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over a 10-year period  $230 b. will come from SNAP program alone OBBBA already neuters SNAP somewhat by lowering the amount the FDA pays states for implementing the program, while raising the amount of money it requires states to match. The shutdown did not impact funding for October benefits. But on Oct. 10, the USDA said in a letter that “if the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the Nation.” Democratic officials throughout the country “believe the USDA has up to $6 billion in contingency funds and “possibly more” to fund SNAP.” But a highly-partisan announcement — and likely grim news to the millions of Americans nationwide who rely on food assistance — published on the USDA’s website blamed Senate Democrats over SNAP funding amid the shutdown, and that benefits wouldn't be issued next month. Perhaps this is why “California has joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture over the loss of SNAP benefits expected in November amid the federal government shutdown.” Gov. Gavin Newsom had warned Californians were likely to have their CalFresh benefits delayed in November due to the shutdown. CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides scores of lower-income Californians with food assistance and is federally funded. $11 insulin announced in California (though Newsom promised in 2024) Story from by Kristen Hwang and Ana B. Ibarra “Long-acting insulin pens will be available at pharmacies for $11 per pen — or $55 for a five-pack — beginning Jan. 1. The pens are interchangeable with glargine, the generic alternative for Lantus, a once-a-day injection that regulates blood sugar. An equivalent amount of Lantus sells to pharmacies for more than $92, according to data compiled by the governor’s office, but consumers may pay a different price based on their insurance” “California Gurl” Katy Perry and former Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are dating (squeeeeee) Apparently she and Orlando Bloom broke up last month? CA GOP retreats on Prop 50 (Will McCarthy in Politico) “The biggest funder of the campaign to defeat Proposition 50, Charles Munger Jr., has not contributed any significant cash to the cause in weeks, and his Protect Voters First committee cut its weekly spending from more than $4 million to less than $300. The other opposition committee, Stop Sacramento’s Power Grab, spent $155,000 on advertising last week, compared to $3.8 million from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Yes on 50 campaign.” “It’s as full-throated a campaign for Democrats in California as if we were in the middle of a presidential election,” said Jon Fleischman, a former executive director of the California Republican Party. “But you can go to the house next door, occupied by Republicans, and it’s crickets — other than receiving their ballot in the mail.” “Prop 50 opponents have been greatly outmatched in resources and are now bracing for an embarrassing loss. A CBS News poll released last week showed 62 percent of likely voters support the initiative. “We still believe that there is a pathway here,” Jessica Millan Patterson, a former California Republican Party chair leading McCarthy’s committee, insisted at an American Association of Political Consultants panel in Long Beach last week. “Despite being outspent two to one.” Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio said that he believed the opposition campaign “defrauded” donors with a poor campaign strategy and “inauthentic” videos. “I knew they were going to waste money,” he told POLITICO at a No on 50 rally in the Sacramento suburb of Roseville. “The same people who gave us a superminority are the ones running these committees and profiting off the failure.” Speaking of DeMaio… he’s starting a voter ID initiative, and they’re touting reaching 250,000 of the 875,000 votes they need (deadline is Jan. 22, 2026) National story: DOJ removes 5 top ICE officials, replaces them with senior border patrol agents (Anna Giaritelli Twitter thread) (Examiner story) ICE's top officials in Denver; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Phoenix; and San Diego were quietly relieved of their duties last Friday  DHS's Kristi Noem & Corey Lewandowski had pushed for them to be fired. Not only has the Trump admin kicked ICE field office directors in five major cities out of their jobs, this is all part of a plan within DHS to bring BORDER PATROL officials into ICE leadership, an unprecedented move, sources say.  The Trump administration wants to remake ICE with Border Patrol's more in-your-face, aggressive style Both are federal law enforcement agencies that deal with immigration but in very different ways. Border Patrol is on the border, ICE is in the interior mostly Anna Giaritelli cites Greg Bovino’s Operation Midway Blitz as model for future ICE operations. More on Greg Bovino: Who’s Gregory Bovino, and why is he appearing in a Chicago courtroom Tuesday? He’s worked for the Border Patrol since 1996 and was the chief patrol agent of the El Centro sector headquartered near the Mexico border in California. Bovino’s tactics consist of stopping people based on race, language and other factors. Bovino has sincetold a WBEZ reporter that agents in Chicago were stopping people based partly on “how they look.” Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa We're also on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium Saturday show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Hey folks, we recorded this one about halfway through all of the unsavory stories coming out against Maine senatorial candidate Graham Platner--and, boy, we were already pretty unimpressed with the guy. We discuss revelations of his nazi tattoo, his racist Reddit question regarding Black folks and tipping, and his victim-blaming comments regarding women being sexually assaulted out at the bars. A WHOLE lot more came out in the days after these stories that we think would strike the average voter as disqualifying. With such limited resources, the Left will likely be diverting their resources elsewhere, nationally. Sources: Graham Platner tries to turn the page on his online comments - POLITICO Platner addresses ‘hidden Nazi tattoo’ claims - The Hill “Platner is part of a crowded Democratic field for the Maine Senate seat; Gov. Janet Mills (D) became the highest-profile candidate when she entered the race last week. All are looking to unseat Sen. Susan Collins (R), who aims to secure a sixth term.” The Maine Monitor: Video shows Graham Platner with 'troubling' tattoo that appears to be a Nazi symbol Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

The new congressional lines for California's Proposition 50 are going to have a wonderful effect on coastal Southern California's richest MAGA city council, Huntington Beach: They're going to be represented by a gay, Peruvian immigrant Democrat who arrived in the country undocumented. Yes, the town known for its "MAGA-nificent 7" council, which not only fought Sacramento Democrats on COVID-19 protections, housing, library books, gender policies in schools, and voter ID laws, but also BANNED pride flags, will likely soon be represented in Washington, D.C., by Robert Garcia of Long Beach, who has catapulted himself into party leadership over his scathing rebukes of President Donald Trump and billionaire man-baby Elon Musk. Sometimes, life is sweet. We also discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's harmful, anti-homeless CARE Courts--which homeless advocates and progressive groups fought against three years ago--a system that seems to have wildly failed in its promises of getting tens of thousands of unhoused folks onto the path toward housing using draconian court measures. Some statistics from the CalMatters story: "While Newsom’s administration estimated between 7,000 and 12,000 Californians would qualify for CARE Court, just 2,421 petitions have been filed through July, according to the Judicial Council of California. Only 528 of those have resulted in treatment agreements or plans. San Diego County anticipated receiving 1,000 petitions in the first year and establishing court-ordered treatment plans for 250 people. But in nearly two years, the county instead has received just 384 petitions and established 134 voluntary agreements. Los Angeles County saw 511 petitions filed – the most in the state. Of those, 112 resulted in care agreements or plans. In 2023, officials predicted to news organizations the county could enroll 4,500 people in the first year. Courts across California are dismissing a significant percentage of CARE Court petitions – about 45% statewide, although that number includes the handful of cases in which someone has successfully “graduated” from the program. The rate is even higher in some counties, such as San Francisco, where nearly two-thirds of petitions are thrown out.  The allure of CARE Court for many supporters was the promise of court-ordered treatment plans that would encourage sick people to accept the help they’d been resisting. But the courts have ordered just 14 treatment plans so far, according to the Judicial Council. Instead, most counties are solely offering voluntary treatment “agreements,” which sick people are free to ignore. Very few people have successfully completed CARE Court. Despite the fact that it has the most petitions, Los Angeles County has had no graduations. Nine counties have been operating CARE Court long enough to have graduations (the program takes at least a year to complete)." This appears to be an embarrassing failure for the man that Democrats increasingly want to represent them in the 2028 presidential election. Please don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. We're still hanging about on Twitter: @sweetxpalma and @youknowkempa Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium Friday show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Hey folks, Today we're discussing President Trump's push to make USC (and a number of other universities) take on a wildly anti-trans, and anti-antifa, tack against their students. You can read it here at the LA Times. Please don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

It's no secret that former Orange County congresswoman Katie Porter is leading the race to become California's next governor. But it's also no secret that she can be kind of a dick. You know, like Amy Klobuchar mean. So, inexorably, the Democratic establishment was going to trot out old clips of Porter yelling at her aides. What we didn't foresee was that she was also going to just go on TV and have similar outbursts with TV reporters. (shout out to CBS Sacramento's Katie Watts for handling that so well). All of this to-do has Californians wondering if Porter has opened the door for other challengers to take the lead in the race, such as Senator Alex Padilla. Others are whispering that Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis may re-enter the race. We discuss Porter's flub, then run an update on the big players in the governor's race. Finally, we are happy to report that Rep. Kevin Kiley is facing a well known (albeit boring as f*ck) challenger in former state senator (and 2024 Sacramento mayoral candidate) Dr. Richard Pan. Does Pan live in the district today? Will he live in it after Prop. 50 passes? We don't know. But with CA-3 set to shift from a +4 Republican district to +10 Democrat, we're fairly certain that Kiley is toast. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium Friday show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Today we're discussing the fascinating story of the southern California son of a billionaire real estate magnate who is facing a lawsuit from investors in his idea for the Ultimate Rich Guy's Man Cave, called "The Bunker," which has not come to fruition despite millions in investments. David Bren, son of well known real estate developer Donald Bren, is being taken to court over allegations that he has misused some $2 million in investments to his endeavor to create an opulent Los Angeles man cave at a Los Angeles hotel for dudes who love cigars, nice cars, and good wine/liquor. We discuss the details of the story, and take a look at his YouTube pitch video for "The Bunker," which holds some prescient clues for the trouble he is now facing today. Culture for the Driven, indeed. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Today we're discussing Governor Gavin Newsom's hardest-hitting interview from the Left in ages, which was conducted by a Twitch streamer named ConnorEatsPants on Fortnite Friday. Listen to our discussion on their talk, but you'll definitely want to hop over to his YouTube channel and watch it as well. It includes a phenomenal discussion on a one-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, lots of hilarious Boomer moments from the governor as he tries to navigate the video game, and an incredible moment discussing Newsom's ex-wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle. Newsom was on the show to discuss Proposition 50, which every Californian should be supporting (the ballots are in your mailboxes, folks!). We have some updates there on this important fight against the Trump administration's gerrymandering push in red states. We then get into a story in the San Francisco Chronicle discussing an incredibly important issue--California's massive problem with "conversion therapy" groups. In this story, Kempa's former SN&R colleague, Raheem Hosseini, explores the state's problem with these damaging programs, and hints at how we can end them. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium Friday show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Today we're taking a look at Governor Gavin Newsom's podcast episode discussing economic nihilism, online communities, and gamer culture, with Brandon Ewing (a.k.a. @atrioc). If you don't know who that is, don't worry--Kempa didn't either. But we're gonna learn today. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

It's no secret that Democratic voters are incredibly unhappy with their electeds. Throughout the country, they've been described as a "spineless" party that just "roll(s) right over" for the Trump administration. In total, about one-third of Democrats described their party negatively in an open-ended question on a recent national survey, with 15% using terms like “weak,” and “apathetic,” with another 10% saying they are “ineffective” or “disorganized.” In total, just 2 in 10 Democrats described the party positively. So maybe it should not come as a surprise that half of Nancy Pelosi's district believe it's “time for a change." This comes as Pelosi, 85, has filed to run for reelection in 2026, but has not officially said whether she’ll be vying for her seat again. Are people ready for new blood? Here in Sacramento, another octogenarian is facing a challenge from a city council member embraced by the Left. District 8 representative Mai Vang is challenging Doris Matsui, who has held the office for nearly two decades. However, her constituents are increasingly frustrated with her lack of availability. As always, you can like, rate, and subscribe to The Drain on all of your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. And subscribe to our Patreon for premium weekend episodes of The Plug :) Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium Friday show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Today, Max regales us with a chilling story about a California public utility--the Sacramento Municipal Utility District--sharing its power usage data with cops to help them find "illegal" marijuana grow operations in the region. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Today, we discuss the loss of a California staple, our old punk/anti-fascist friend Ground Chuck. We also Discuss the passing of another Chuck , whom you may or may not have heard of: Chuck (Charlie) Kirk. Then we talk about some California bills coming to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk: “Anti-semitism” bill – AS UC BERKELEY SHARES 160 names with Trump administration:  Energy bill tied to wildfires, utilities and oil (six bills, includes increase in oil drilling, re-authorized cap and trade through 2045 – lots of concessions all around) “I don’t know how any of this saves money,” said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog. “But this is the new state of Sacramento. I think it happened because of Trump, honestly, I think this is all about abundance and Trump, and Democrats trying to make a name for themselves by dumping regulation.” CEQA crushed for urban development “In practice, that means most new apartment buildings will no longer face the open threat of environmental litigation. It also means most urban developers will no longer have to study, predict and mitigate the ways that new housing might affect local traffic, air pollution, flora and fauna, noise levels, groundwater quality and objects of historic or archeological significance. And it means that when housing advocates argue that the state isn’t doing enough to build more homes amid crippling rents and stratospheric prices, they won’t — with a few exceptions — have CEQA to blame anymore.” Bill against local, out-of-state and federal agents wearing masks  UBER and Lyft can now unionize (AB 1340) – comes with strings Regulate companion bots: SB 243 would put tighter regulations on online chatbots powered by artificial intelligence to limit their risks on young users. Higher car dealer fees: SB 791 would raise the cap car dealers can charge to process documents from $85 to $260. Wage boost for incarcerated firefighters: AB 247 would increase the minimum wage for incarcerated firefighters fighting active wildfires to $7.25 an hour. Abortion pill protections: AB 260 would help protect California pharmacists, doctors and hospitals from penalties for dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone to out-of-state patients, and remove the names of patients and providers from abortion medication prescriptios. Kill mute swans: AB 764 would make it easier for hunters and landowners to kill the invasive species. Ban plastic glitter: AB 823 would enforce a first-in-the-nation ban on the sale of personal care products that contain plastic glitter or plastic microbeads. Save the bees: AB 1042 would create a health program for managed honey bees that would provide grants to beekeepers, farmers and others for projects and research supporting the struggling population. Redistricting (Prop 50) – obviously a major time-suck that affected other possible legislation “Leaders also rushed through several Newsom administration budget measures that shield construction for the Los Angeles Olympics from environmental review, prop up struggling child care centers, bolster the state’s ability to recommend immunizations and allocate $70 million in new state general fund spending.  The result? Other measures ran out of time. And, many Democrats were left grumbling about how business gets done on consequential measures — but they still overwhelmingly approved them.” What failed? Lena Gonzalez’s fight to pull back on LA’s “mansion tax” on high value real estate deals  lawmakers punted multiple tech measures to next year, including a proposal to require tests of automated decision systems before they can be used in important personnel decisions. This is at least the second time such efforts have stalled, amid strong opposition from business associations and health care providers.  They also shelved a measure that would have restricted workplace surveillance by public and private employers, a victory for the California Chamber of Commerce.  A controversial criminal justice bill that drew strong opposition from moderate Democrats failed to advance. The measure would have made low-level felony offenders eligible for diversion programs, allowing them to avoid jail time.  Some Democrats including Stephanie Nguyen of Elk Grove, Maggy Krell of Sacramento and Anamarie Avila ns in opposing the bill. As always, you can like, rate, and subscribe to The Drain on all of your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. And subscribe to our Patreon for premium Friday episodes of The Plug :) Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

Hello, Plug brethren and Drain cisterns. Kempa had to take a few weeks out east for some family business, but we are BACK and ready to discuss the federal redistricting battles. You may have heard that California is responding to Texas Republicans' redistricting push to ensure fascism in the US in 2026, with a little redistricting of their own. What does that mean? Well, Democrats in the Golden State are looking to gain about five seats, despite two-thirds of the state's proposed congressional districts shifting red on the new map. Four formerly Republican-leaning swing districts would soon tilt Democratic, and two others would move heavily left. Essentially, Democrats in California could end up with as many as 48 of the state’s 52 congressional districts. According to the Los Angeles Times, polls for this move by Governor Gavin Newsom and state Democrats are looking good: “When voters were asked whether they agree with California’s redistricting maneuver, 46% said it was a good idea, while 36% said it was a bad idea. Slightly more, 48%, said they would vote in favor of the temporary gerrymandering efforts if it appeared on the statewide special election ballot in November. Nearly a third said they would vote no, while 20% said they were undecided.” And according to a survey by Democratic pollster (and Newsom ally) David Binder, "57% of California voters backed the redistricting measure, while 35% opposed and 8% were undecided.” ALREADY, millions of dollars are rolling into this fight. Jeremy White at Politico thinks this will be the most expensive ballot fight in CA history. Some stats: $10 million are coming from Charles Munger against the measure (he's a GOP donor who bankrolled the 2010 independent redistricting law) $1 million are in from SEIU in support, as well as $300,000 from businessman Andrew Hauptman The YES campaignalready reported some $5.8 million on July 30 This looks like a winner, yes? Possibly. It even looks good for Governor Newsom's 2028 presidential hopes: New poll: 75 percent of registered Democratic voters said they are “excited” about the prospect of Newsom running for president, compared with 67 percent who are enthusiastic about former Vice President Kamala Harris. Between the two high-profile Californians, the governor leads Harris 25 percent to 19 percent among the state’s registered Democratic voters and Democratic-leaning independents, according to the latest POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab survey found. (Mayor Pete has 13; AOC, 10) As always, you can like, rate, and subscribe to The Drain on all of your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. And subscribe to our Patreon for premium Friday episodes of The Plug :) Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social We're back, baby :)

It's all old hat at this point, but it bears repeating that Zohran Mamdani's historic nomination as Democratic candidate for New York City mayor is largely thanks to his groundbreaking policies for city welfare, as well as his commitment to social justice. Less examined, however, is the role of ranked choice voting in the success of his campaign. Today we sit down with Josh Rosa of Better Ballot Sacramento for a chat about what is ranked choice voting, and how it can change the electoral landscapes here in California. Though ranked choice voting has been popular in Europe for quite some time quite recently, some municipalities across California have adopted it like San Francisco, Berkeley, Eureka, and Oakland... these places have seen better voter turnout, less money in politics (thanks to RCV's shorter campaign seasons), and a friendlier, more collegial election process. Throughout the rest of California, however, most local elections are decided in the primary, with extremely low voter turnout — locking democracy behind party membership. When local races do go to a runoff, they required to essentially restart their entire electoral campaign. This effort easily doubles the amount of money that they need to raise and spend to follow through on the general election campaign. Josh also takes us through the current state of ranked choice voting implementation throughout California, highlighting the work that Better Ballot Sacramento, Cal RCV, and Fair Vote are all doing to help implement ranked choice voting in the state of California. In Sacramento's case a large part of the city council members agree that ranked choice voting would be a huge improvement on the current state of affairs. Note: this episode was recorded at New Helvetia, a worker owned brewery in Sacramento. Some background noise may be apparent.

Today we're talking with our friend Coyote Marin, Executive Director of the Independent California Institute, about the new poll they've put out with YouGov on California sentiment towards autonomous rule. The highlights? 50% of Californians say they trust Sacramento more than Washington, D.C.—only 23% say the reverse. 71% say California would be better off with special autonomous status within the U.S. 44% would vote for a ballot measure for peaceful, legal secession—but 54% would vote against it. 72% of Californians want California police to arrest federal immigration officers who exceed their authority or act maliciously. 80% of Californians want to control borders with other states “like a country." Coyote walks us through the polls, including some very interesting small steps that Californians could take toward stronger autonomy that state legislators could get behind, given voter sentiments. We also touch on mainstream media responses to the poll, as well as the fact that the, uh, interesting folks trying to punch through a ballot measure declaring the Golden State's autonomy fell a good deal short on their latest efforts. It's a good one. Especially if you're trying to learn how to best help California gain further freedom without, you know, turning our state into more of a war zone than it has already become. Want to help ICI with their research? Support them at: ic.institute/donate Find them on Bluesky: @ic.institute And follow their work at: https://independentcalifornian.substack.com/ As always, you can like, rate, and subscribe to The Drain on all of your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. And subscribe to our Patreon for premium Friday episodes of The Plug :) Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social

**This is a preview of our premium Friday show, The Plug. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/thedrain.** Welcome, to our lovely paid listeners, to an exploration of the rogue benches showing up all over San Francisco. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social