Under the recently enacted Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act, written by Assemblymember Reginald Jones-Sawyer (D-South Los Angeles), artists, particularly rap music artists, will not have their work used against them in a courtroom in California as a sole way of connecting them with a crime. In this episode of the Look West podcast Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer sits down with Harvey Mason jr, CEO of the Recording Academy, GRAMMY – Award winning Hip-Hop icon and Founder and CEO of Rock the Bells LL COOL J, and Professor of Criminology, Law & Society Charis Kubrin. In a very animated conversation they talk about why this new law is so important, what it means for creative expression and avoiding implicit bias in the treatment of artists, particularly young men of color.

Gun Violence continues to be rampant in California and the United States.  2023 began with two tragic mass shootings in the cities of Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. Before January was over, 40+ mass shooting incidents had occurred in the United States. Assembly Democrats have continued to lead the nation on how to combat gun violence.  In this episode, we speak with those who have experienced the gun violence and the lawmakers who are working to stop it.

The newly elected class of Assemblymembers has made history: 26 out of the 62 Democratic Assemblymembers are women. Assemblymember Dr.Jasmeet Bains is the first Sikh woman ever elected to the Assembly. There are also a total of 12 Latina Democratic Assemblymembers in office. Look West visits the Women Inspire exhibit at the California Museum with Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes and hear what’s good, and not good, about being a women today from several Members of the CA Assembly Democratic Caucus.

Assembly Democrats have been working to improve the lives of all Californians with laws that took effect earlier this year and new proposals that keep fighting the good fight going forward. Successes include increased protection for reproductive rights, policies allowing more affordable housing, bereavement leave, eliminating the "Pink Tax" and ending citations for safe jaywalking. In 2023, Assembly Democrats are working to assist the unhoused, deal with climate change, protect workers, and much more… For the Benefit of All.

Several records fell when the incoming class of Assemblymembers were sworn into office this month. Women outnumbered men in the 2023/24 class. The total percentage of women in the Legislature reached a new high. LGBTQ+ representation also set a new high mark. Sixteen of the new Members have joined the Assembly Democratic Caucus. They come from all over California with incredibly diverse backgrounds. In this two part episode of Look West you’ll get to meet them all.  In Part 1 you’ll meet Juan Carrillo, Blanca Pacheco, Josh Lowenthal, Diane Papan, Gregg Hart, Avelino Valencia, Esmeralda Soria and Stephanie Nguyen. In Part 2 you’ll meet Dr. Jasmeet Bains, Rick Chavez Zbur, Pilar Schiavo, Dawn Addis, Dr. Corey Jackson, Gail Pellerin, Liz Ortega and Damon Connolly.

Several records fell when the incoming class of Assemblymembers were sworn into office this month. Women outnumbered men in the 2023/24 class. The total percentage of women in the Legislature reached a new high. LGBTQ+ representation also set a new high mark. Sixteen of the new Members have joined the Assembly Democratic Caucus. They come from all over California with incredibly diverse backgrounds. In this two part episode of Look West you’ll get to meet them all. In Part 1 you’ll meet Juan Carrillo, Blanca Pacheco, Josh Lowenthal, Diane Papan, Gregg Hart, Avelino Valencia, Esmeralda Soria and Stephanie Nguyen. In Part 2 you’ll meet Dr. Jasmeet Bains, Rick Chavez Zbur, Pilar Schiavo, Dawn Addis, Dr. Corey Jackson, Gail Pellerin, Liz Ortega and Damon Connolly.

Studies clearly show climate change will require California to reinvent the state’s transportation systems and infrastructure. And, that means how you get from one place to another will change dramatically in the not-so-distant future. In this episode of Look West we’ll take a trip into California’s transportation future with two of the driving forces in the State Legislature, Transportation Committee Chair Laura Friedman and Electric Vehicle legislation author Assemblymember Phil Ting.

Getting single use plastics out of the pollution pipeline has been one of the most contentious issues in the State Capitol for decades. Now, thanks to efforts by Assemblymember Luz Rivas, State Senator Ben Allen, the Natural Resources Committee and a host of others, groundbreaking legislation has put California on path to pull plastics from the trash bin. In this episode of Look West Assemblymember Rivas, Elizabeth MacMillan and Matthew Montgomery take us in the room where the negotiations took place to craft this new law that California needs.

For the first time in California’s history there is a Native American Legislative Caucus in the California State Legislature. Led by Assemblymember James Ramos, the first California Native American to be elected to the State Legislature, the Caucus will focus on educating all of California about the state’s First People and advocating for the advancement of California’s native tribes.

MICRA, the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act, was put in place in 1975. Since then, stakeholders have been battling over its cap on noneconomic damages for medical malpractice. Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes brought the stakeholders together with AB 35, ending the decades long fight. Reyes sat down with Lisa Maas, Executive Director of Californians Allied for Patient Protection, and Craig Peters, President of the Consumer Attorneys of California to talk about the significant compromise that ended the MICRA war.

On October 12th, 2001 a new law was signed and, over the next 21 years, the lives of hundreds of thousands of people were changed for the better. AB 540 was the official title and it became shorthand for allowing undocumented students to pay in state tuition. The signing of AB 540, by then Governor Gray Davis, eliminated a huge financial roadblock. This is the story of AB 540 and why it’s just as important today as it was 21 years ago.

Assembly Democrats have been working with state and local health experts since the very beginning of the coronavirus pandemic to keep Californians informed and safe. The pandemic has NOT ended but COVID is not the same as it was when it first appeared more than two years ago. In this episode of Look West we get the latest information from Assembly Health Committee Chair Jim Wood, UCSF Doctor Robert Wachter and UCLA School of Public Health Dr. Shira Shafir.

While voters rights are being battered in some states California continues to work to expand and improve the voting experience. From increasing outreach, especially to young voters, to mail-in ballots and recall reforms, Assembly Democrats are insuring your votes are easy to cast and accurately counted. Assembly Elections Committee Chairman Isaac Bryan sits down with Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber and Assemblymember Marc Berman to discuss the state of democracy in California.

Pets are people too. At least, that’s how many families feel about them. And while most pet pawrents love their furry friends as if they were human, not all know how to properly care for them. Assemblymember Miguel Santiago wants to change that. His bill, The Dog and Cat Bill of Rights, would inform dog and cat owners on the rights, needs and wants of their pet. We visited the Assemblymember’s Pet Wellness Fair in Los Angeles to talk to him, volunteering organizations about their pets and proper animal care and pet pawrents about their love for their furry family members. 

The California State Assembly Democratic Caucus has welcomed two new Members. David Alvarez and Tina McKinnor took the oath of office just recently in front of a large crowd of family and friends in the State Capitol. Assemblymember Alvarez now represents San Diego’s 80th District and Tina McKinnor is now the Assemblymember for the 62nd District in Los Angeles.

In this episode, Assemblymember Anthony Rendon talks with Look West about the legislative efforts to mitigate the drought and about what Californians can do in their everyday lives to help conserve water. This is an episode in our ongoing California Water series, in which we explore some of the many complexities of this vital resource. From water accessibility, to climate change and urban and rural perspectives, we continue to highlight the many layers beneath the surface.

Gun violence is rampant in many places in the United States, even in California. Recent mass shootings have sent an emotional wave of sorrow and pain throughout the country. In the wake of the recent gun violence, Assembly Democrats are continuing to fight back against the gun violence with eight pieces of legislation – just this year alone. Assemblymembers Mike Gipson, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Phil Ting, Kevin McCarty, Buffy Wicks, Steve Bennett, Brian Maienschein and Jesse Gabriel authored the legislation. In this episode will hear from them and others as the Assembly held an emotional discussion on the day after the Texas School shooting.

Roe v. Wade guaranteed every woman the right to an abortion. On May 3, 2022, a leak of the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade shattered the nation. Protests erupted to fight for reproductive rights while states moved to either protect or destroy abortion access once the official decision is released. California, long an abortion sanctuary, is stepping up to provide low-income, vulnerable and out of state communities with abortion access. Today, we are joined by California Legislative Women’s Caucus Chair, Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and Planned Parenthood of California President Jodi Hicks to discuss California’s legislation and resources for this fight.

May is AAPI Heritage month and this year its also the first anniversary of the AAPI Equity Fund – which was created to assist Community Based Organizations fight back against a rising tide of anti-AAPI hate crimes. Assemblymember Phil Ting – who led the effort to create the AAPI Equity Fund – explains why the State Legislature approved the funds, how the money is being spent and what more needs to be done. Plus - Manjusha P. Kulkarni, Executive Director of the AAPI Equity Alliance, tells us about the CBOs working to stop AAPI hate.

The CA Assembly Democratic Caucus continues to grow and change. Three new Members have joined the Caucus recently. Today we’ll get a chance to meet new Assemblymember Lori Wilson, who was the first black female to serve as a Mayor in Solano County. Assemblymember Matt Haney, a former county supervisor from SF and mental health advocate. And Assemblymember Mike Fong from the San Gabriel Valley, who spent most of the last decade working for community college students as a Trustee in the L.A. Community College District.

More than two years ago California designated itself a sanctuary for reproductive rights with the passage of a resolution written by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks. She and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and Planned Parenthood’s Stacy Cross met to discuss the reason such a designation was needed. Their conversation about the possibility Roe V Wade would be overturned appears to have been right on point. Virtually everything they said two years ago seems to be coming true. Let’s listen in again.

California is home to the largest concentration of Ukrainians in the United States. Many, like Ukrainian-American House founder Vlad Skots, still have family in Ukraine. In this episode of Look West Skots tells us what its like to have bombs falling on your homeland. And, Assemblymember Steve Bennett says the courage of the Ukrainian people is an inspiration to everyone who loves democracy. He explains what actions the State Assembly has taken to support the Ukrainian people.

This episode features a poignant conversation between Assemblymember Alex Lee and Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton because trans rights are under new attacks across much of the country. It started with keeping kids out of sports and bathrooms. Now, states are classifying parents who seek healthcare for their trans and gender non-conforming youth as child abusers. California’s State Legislature has set out to create a safe haven for LGTBQ youth, including those who identify as trans and gender non-conforming.

Assemblymember Laura Friedman talks with her guests about her bill AB 452, which would require schools to inform students' parents or guardians each year about California’s safe storage laws. Look West also catches up with Sarah Kirby-Gonzalez, a teacher and school board trustee, whose district has already implemented a plan to notify parents of safe storage requirements.

Assembly Democrats Mike Gipson and medical Dr. Akilah Weber know the real reasons behind poor health outcomes in Black communities. In this Black History Month episode of Look West the Assemblymembers talk openly about health problems in African-American communities, what causes those problems and what needs to be done to build healthier communities.

California has often led the way on human rights. From the 1959 Unruh Civil Rights Act paving the way for the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 to same-sex marriage to farmworker overtime, California sets the tone that the nation eventually follows. But California isn’t perfect. Look West caught up with Majority Leader Eloise Gómez-Reyes to discuss how California can protect human rights. .

California has new laws going into effect in 2022. Look West took to the streets in Sacramento to see what folks think.

The California State Assembly Democratic Caucus continues to grow and change. Over the past months three new Californians have joined the Assembly. One from Los Angeles, one from San Diego and one from the East Bay. On this special bonus episode of Look West Assemblymembers Isaac Bryan, Dr. Akilah Weber and Mia Bonta introduce themselves. You’ll find out where they grew up, what their top priorities are as an Assemblymember and why they went into politics.

In this episode, we focus on the history of missing and murdered Native American people and how the allocation of new funds will help Native American communities. Murder is the 3rd leading cause of death for Native American women. In 2019, over 5,500 Native American women were reported missing. Assemblymember James Ramos introduced AB 3099 to create a program to develop law enforcement training on policing and investigations on tribal lands. It will also determine how to increase state criminal justice protective and investigative resources for reporting and identifying missing Native Americans in California, particularly women and girls. This bill allocates $5-million over a 5 year period to develop this program in hopes of addressing this huge issue.

1.8 million veterans live in California. Our state is home to the largest number of veterans in the nation. Regretfully areas like Southern California, is also the where 1 out of every 10 homeless veterans live. We speak to Assembly Veterans Committee Chair Jacqui Irwin, CalVet Deputy Director Keith Boylan with Governor Newsom’s administration and Steve Peck, President of US Vets, the largest veterans organization in the country about what is being done and what is needed. On an added note, is the customary “thanks for your service” well received by veterans? The answer may surprise you.

The state is on fire. Over 7,000 fires and 2.5 million acres have burned in 2021 alone, and the year is not even over yet. In this episode of Look West, Assemblymembers Wood and Bloom discuss the unique ways the fires have impacted their communities, as well as their thoughts on long-term fire prevention. Cal Fire Chief Thom Porter then weighs in with his expertise in how to be personally prepared for fires, some of the most common ways fire start in California, and what his short-term and long-term goals are for reducing California's risk for fire.

Around the world, parents-to-be who aren’t able to make a baby the traditional way wonder whether their rights will be protected if, some day, a donor or surrogate makes parental claims. On the flip side, some potential donors or surrogates hesitate to provide services out of fear of being held financially or legally responsible for potential offspring. On this episode we dive into the subject with Assemblymember David Chiu (who will be leaving the State Assembly to become the San Francisco City Attorney on November 1st) and Mary Hernandez, a mother of two, who opens up about her journey to parenthood.

The episode begins by talking to kids as they get their vaccine. Julia and her parent discusses vaccines and what she is looking forward to on her way to get vaccinated. Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris and her kids talk about how the pandemic affected their family and how things are changing now that they are vaccinated. The episode concludes with an interview with pediatrician Dr. Shannon Udovic-Constant who discusses her experience with kids during the pandemic, unvaccinated kids going to school, and encouraging parents to get their kids vaccinated when it is their turn.

In March 2020 Look West visited with Assemblymembers to find out what life under lockdown was like for them and the State Assembly. In this episode of Look West we catch up with some of those same Assemblymembers to find out what As Life After Covid Begins will be like for them and the Assembly Democrats. Plus, we find out what’s on their list of things to do as the Covid restrictions are lifted. Featured in this episode are: Assemblymembers Cottie Petrie-Norris, Mike Gipson, Tasha Boerner-Horvath, Cristina Garcia and Jose Medina.

California approved a new law to address the needs of landlords and tenants while avoiding evictions. We spoke to Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Reyes, Assemblymember David Chiu, and advocates of both sides of the rental crisis about how this law was accomplished and what comes next.

We started this episode doing research on the number of people from the same family that have served in the State Legislature. Our first interview was with Gene and Kevin Mullin. A Father and son that have represented the same area in the State Assembly. With the passing of Gene Mullin, we offer their views on having been Assemblymembers in the same communities in different decades.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted something many already knew before it struck last year – California needs to expand and improve high speed internet, or broadband, to everyone. Availability, Affordability, Devices and Digital Skills are just a few of the challenges facing Assembly Democrats as they work to close the digital divide and provide high speed internet to everyone. On the this episode of Look West Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon talks about broadband in California.

Learn about Earth Day and legislation authored by Assembly Democrats that can protect our environment.

As California works tirelessly to make sure everyone has access to vaccines, it is left to each individual county to determine how they are distributed. Listen in as Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula speaks with two local health experts Tania Pacheco-Werner, PhD, and Joe Prado about COVID-19 vaccine distribution efficiency and equity.

Marked annually on March 8, International Women's Day is a global day of celebrating the social, cultural and political achievements of women. California continues to lead in the inclusion of women and their leadership. Meet some of the amazing leaders in the CA State Assembly: Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes, Chief Clerk Sue Parker and Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore Rebecca Bauer-Kahan.

Water is an issue addressed by the California State Legislature every session. We had the opportunity to speak with Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath, grassroots organizers Susana De Anda, Executive Director of Community Water Center and Michael Claiborne, Directing Attorney of Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability. Our guests discuss the complexity of water issue and how every aspect of it is related to affordability, accessibility, pollution, COVID-19, and climate change.

The novel vaccines are on the cutting edge of science. While the technology has been studied for years, this is the first in-human use of this technology, so some are slow to say Yes to being vaccinated. On this episode Dr. Shirley Weber describes her experience receiving her vaccine. Plus - a conversation about the cutting-edge nature of the vaccine with Assemblymember Dr. Jim Wood and Nurse Practitioner Christy Sillman. Sillman has written about how she owes her life to "living at the cutting edge of science," and sees the vaccine as an extension of that.

Get to know Speaker Anthony Rendon like never before. Join us as he shares how a son of Mexican immigrants came to be the Speaker of the CA State Assembly.

Hope is finally here. Listen to Look West as Dr. Elaine Batchlor and Dr. Jorge Reyno, experts from MLK Hospital in LA talk vaccines with Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, a former first responder. We also chat up two front line health workers who talk about their experiences with the vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

With 2020 in the rearview mirror, new laws are coming your way on January 1st. In this episode of Look West you’ll hear from the authors of legislation that will affect millions of Californians in 2021. Listen as Assemblymembers Eloise Gómez Reyes, Mike Gipson, Dr. Shirley Weber, Jacqui Irwin and Sydney Kamlager, and State Senator Richard Pan tell you about their laws regarding COVID-19, community immunity, protecting domestic violence and sexual assault victims, implicit bias, first responders and a task force on reparations.

The Assembly Democratic Caucus will continue to be the most diverse majority in the history of the California State Assembly. Joining more than four dozen returning Democratic Assembly Members are five newly elected legislators: Steve Bennett (AD 37 – Ventura), Alex Lee (AD 25 – San Jose), Christopher Ward (AD 78 – San Diego), Lisa Calderon (AD 57 – Whittier) and Carlos Villapudua (AD 13 – Stockton). In this episode of Look West you’ll learn about their backgrounds, why they decided to accept public scrutiny of their lives and run for public office and what their top priorities will be as they begin their terms as Assemblymembers.

2020 is set to be the most violently deadly year on record for transgender and gender-conforming individuals. We recognize Transgender Awareness Week by delving into the hardships, successes and progression of the Transgender community with Human Rights Activist, Ebony Ava Harper and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. In this episode, we raise our voices for those who deserve visibility.

In Part 3, How We Fight, we discuss legislation, community organizing, police abolishment, Black economic investment, and the 2nd Amendment as just a few in the long list of tools needed to dismantle structural racism and white supremacy. Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager, Bryon F. Wilson, Headmaster of the Wilson Academy in Conyers, GA and leader of #HowWeFight, and Dr. Melina Abdullah, Co-founder Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, shed light on these issues.

The impact of the coronavirus on California schools reverberates throughout the rest of our communities. From missing proms and graduations to parents learning to home school their children, to the creation of a distance learning system, the closure and eventual reopening of schools directly impacts the students, teachers and administrators. But it also impacts the parents, our neighborhoods and the business community.  Look West talks with Assemblymembers Patrick O'Donnell (Chair of the Education Committee), Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Cristina Garcia and local school officials about the day the schools were shut down, how to reopen the schools safely and addressing the inequities in the school systems that have been magnified by the coronavirus crisis.

Continuing our discussion on race with Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber and guest, Rosalyn O'Neale, a Diversity & Inclusion Specialist, to talk about affirmative action, considering reparations for the descendants of former slaves, and how to foster communities and workplaces that not only include, but also celebrate diverse voices. In a time when nationwide protests hit home across California, Assemblymembers are listening to the experts and their communities to bring forth reformative policies to promote inclusion and diversity in the democratic process.   

While week-long peaceful demonstrations across California continue on, our podcast team spoke with Assemblymember Gipson, a member of the Legislative Black Caucus, and his guest Eva Tak, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and former police lieutenant, on racial inequality and the role police can play moving forward.

The World Health Organization and the United Nations have issued warnings of a pending global mental health crisis due to the wide, long-lasting implications of the coronavirus outbreak. Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Sharon Quirk-Silva, James Ramos, and Phil Ting address the growing needs for mental health during this pandemic and what communities are affected the most. They emphasize these issues and specific ways to take care of our mental health.

In Part 1 of Look West’s coronavirus mental health response, California’s Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, shares her expertise about how increased stress negatively impacts physical health and how to manage it. Next week, in Part 2, Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Sharon Quirk-Silva, James Ramos and Phil Ting share their insights on mental health and what they’re doing to address the mental health concerns of the people in their districts and all of California.  

On this episode of Look West you’ll hear about maintaining public health by staying together even though we’re apart. How widespread testing and tracing will be needed to maintain public health when the state begins to reopen. What it’s like for one nurse who works at the intersection of public health and the health care system – a covid-19 intensive care unit. And, from former ER physician now State Assemblymember, Dr. Joaquin Arambula.

Being a first responder has always been a very difficult job. The Covid-19 crisis has made that job even more stressful and dangerous. Two former first responders, who now serve in the State Assembly, talk about the challenges facing first responders today and how the State Legislature is working to make it safer for all the front line personnel.

#WorkFromHome is the hashtag of the moment. Millions of Californians are staying at home to flatten the curve of the coronavirus. On this episode of Look West California Assembly Democrats report in from their homes about the impacts of the COVID-19 quarantine in their districts and in their homes.

The Census count happens every ten years. Each Census response is a piece of a puzzle that, when completed, creates a picture of who we are as Americans and Californians. And how best our resources can be shared. The Census determines how the federal government funds and responds to the needs of families, neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, roads, and community centers. In this episode, Assemblymember Marc Berman, Chair of the California Assembly Select Committee on the Census and Secretary of State Alex Padilla discuss the importance of filling out the 2020 Census form.

Assemblymembers Evan Low & Cecilia Aguiar-Curry discuss legislative efforts to increase civic engagement in our youth and Latinx populations to ensure a more diverse and inclusive electorate. Special guests in this episode include Dr. Mindy Romero, Director & Founder of the California Civic Engagement Project (CCEP), Jesse Salinas, Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Chief Elections Official from the Yolo County Registrar, and four student delegates including the Youth Governor and his Chief of Staff, Youth Chief Justice, and Youth Chaplain from the 72nd CA YMCA Youth & Government Model Legislature & Court.

Go in-depth with Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and her husband, Giffords Executive Director Peter Ambler, as they discuss their efforts to prevent gun violence in California and nationwide, and how this work brought them together.

January 22nd, 2020 celebrates the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. In those 47 years, the decision has been challenged tightening restrictions towards abortions and healthcare providers. In contrast, CA legislators and activists have worked tirelessly to establish the state as a safe-haven for women and anyone seeking help towards their reproductive health. Listen to our conversation with women's rights champions Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks, Bauer-Kahan, and Planned Parenthood's President and CEO of Mar Monte Stacy Cross as we discuss the state of women's health and reproductive rights and why CA is needed to continue to lead the nation.

Consumers can always learn more about how to protect the information companies know about them. In Part 2 on this issue, we sit down with Elizabeth Gettleman Galicia, Vice President of Common Sense Media. She shares her knowledge of the CCPA, what the new law does for privacy rights, and tips for navigating data privacy in the digital age. After listening, check out commonsense.org/privacy-rights for resources.

Living in the digital age should not mean that we have to live without privacy. California’s new law, the CCPA, is giving consumers the rights and resources they need to start taking back control of their own data and personal information. In Part 1, we talked with to the bill’s author, Assemblymember Chau, and privacy activist and founder of Californians for Consumer Privacy, Alastair Mactaggart, on how we’re taking back control, and where the nation is heading on this issue.

Youth tackle football is as controversial as it is prevalent in California. Thousands of California kids suit up and play just like their heroes in the NFL—but are their heads protected? Can the game be made safer? The program features a discussion with retired San Francisco 49er George Visger, who talks about both his life in football and afterward living with the brain injuries brought on by his time on the field. His story provides the context for why Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty and Jim Cooper wanted to tackle these tough questions by introducing their specific bills that ultimately became law.

How is California breaking the stigma on mental health? Are mental health services accessible for every community? Assemblymember Phil Ting, Mark Salazar the Executive Director of Mental Health Association of San Francisco, and Sherrel Cross Assistant Manager for the California Peer Run Warm Line discuss the disparities in access and stigma of mental health. Further, we explore efforts of Assemblymember Phil Ting, Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Scott Wiener who helped set a budget of $10.8 million over 3 years that supported the launch of California’s first statewide mental health line. This will improve access for all and break the stigma around mental health conversations.

California is taking steps to heal the relationship with the Native American community just as the first California Native American Assemblymember, James C. Ramos, was elected into the state legislature last year. This year, Governor Newsom apologized to Native Americans for the state’s history of violence against them. Since Assemblymember James C. Ramos swearing, he has passed legislation that not only reflects the current state of Native Americans but also with a deep commitment to the preservation of California Native American Culture. Join him to celebrate Native American Heritage Month!

November 1, 2019 marks 100 years since California ratified the 19th Amendment – however women had been voting in California since 1911!  The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote but voter suppression discouraged and prevented specific groups from exercising their newfound right. With more women elected to office than ever before, the role of women in politics and society is ever-changing. Assemblymember Dr. Shirley N. Weber and Dr. Huma Ahmed-Ghosh dive into the last hundred years and the future of civic engagement.

For years Loan sharks have been praying on California consumers through loans with interest as high as 200% or even 300%. Irresponsible lenders have particularly targeted low income African American and Latinos. In this new episode of Look West, Assemblymember Monique Limón, the author of the new law that caps interest rates for loans between $2,500 to $10,000 to 36%,  talks about the problem and what is next with nationally recognized Social and Economic Justice advocate Reverend Shane B. Scott.

He’s the most interesting man in CA. He is highly respected and looked up to. He is the reason why the CA legislature has run as smoothly as it has for the last 27 years. His next adventure? A well-deserved retirement. Join Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin Mullin as he speaks with Chief Clerk E. Dotson Wilson and his tenure guiding the legislature.

Take a behind the scenes look at the end of the 2019 legislative year with Assembly Democrats and their staff as they describe to us the crazy and exciting last week of session in the Capitol. We spoke to Assemblymembers, Chiefs of Staff, Legislative Directors, Legislative Aids, and Assembly Fellows about the long hours and the snacks that got them through the week and heard their thoughts on the protests that rocked the Capitol during the last week of session.

This episode of LookWest features some of the best and brightest segments that have been covered since the inception of the show. Topics include civil rights, aging and Alzheimer’s, Millennial leadership, restorative justice and more.

On this episode of Look West, Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner Horvath and Carlsbad City Councilmember and 3x Women’s World Longboard Surfing Champion, Cori Schumacher, discuss equal pay for equal play, and why gender pay inequity is still an issue in the world of sports. Earlier this year, Assemblywoman Boerner Horvath introduced Assembly Bill 467, which ensures equal compensation prizes for the male and female categories in competitions that take place on state lands. You can find the bill text for AB 467 on the California Legislative Information website.

The CA State Assembly annually celebrates Pride by honoring those who are making a difference in the LGBTQ community and beyond. On this episode of Look West, Assemblymember Todd Gloria meets with Pride Award recipient and former NBA player, Jason Collins. Jason shares his experience on coming out as a professional athlete, what it’s like to meet Oprah, and the work he’s doing to advocate for LGBTQ individuals and families who are struggling to survive the migrant crisis on the southern border.

Each year the California State Assembly holds a special ceremony to highlight the achievements of people in the Asian Pacific Islander communities. In this episode of Look West, Assemblymember David Chiu talks with a Michelin star chef from Oakland (James Syhabout), the screenwriter of Crazy Rich Asians (Adele Lim) and the first Asian American to host a cable network news program (Richard Lui). #APICaucus #AsianPacificIslander #jamessyhabout #adelelim #richardlui #commis #crazyrichasians #msnbc #assemblydems #diversity

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 4 is a measure to allow 17 year olds to vote in the primary if they are 18 by the general election. It is an effort to increase civic participation among young people and to encourage interest in the electoral process for a lifetime. The idea has been around for more than 30 years and was first introduced by former Assemblmember Gene Mullin. At that time, although, it received a majority of votes, he could not receive the 54 needed for passage. Today, with youth even more involved and an atmosphere more conducive to the idea, Assemblymember Kevin Mullin (Gene’s son) has reintroduced the idea as ACA 4. Listen to the story of the idea from the two Mullins and hear what today’s students think of the idea as well.

On this episode of Look West, Assemblymember Robert Rivas sits down with civil and labor rights leader Dolores Huerta. Together, they discuss how California’s Housing Crisis is negatively impacting farmworkers and their families. Rivas’ legislation, the ‘Farmworker Housing Act of 2019’ hopes to address the issue.

On this episode of Look West, Assemblymembers Adrin Nazarian and Laura Friedman, Holocaust survivor Ruth Wildorff, and descendants of genocide survivors Vanndearlyn Vong, Nora Hovsepian, Esq., and Mihran Toumajan discuss why genocide education is so important.

On this episode of Look West, Assemblymember Monique Limón sits down with EDC’s Linda Krop and CAUSE’s Lucas Zucker at the site of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill - the largest spill in California’s history. They discuss the different roles of the coastal environment and why it continues to be so important to fight for environmental justice, especially here in California.

On this episode of Look West, Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon sits down with the creators and cast of the film, “El Chicano” to discuss the challenges Latino productions face in the film industry and how the California Film Commission’s Tax Credit Program empowers filmmakers to prioritize diversity.

On this episode of Look West, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer links up with the folks of Ear Hustle Podcast and hears from the inmates at San Quentin State Prison on the subject of trauma-informed care, a revolutionary concept in youth justice, and how it could play a role in preventing at-risk youth from offending again.

On this episode of Look West, Governor Gavin Newsom outlines his plans for California, and some Assemblymembers offer insight on issues like education, water high speed rail and more.

On this episode of Look West, kid reporter Elena hits the streets of Sacramento to find out what people know about the New Laws coming in 2019.  Elena shares some of the changes surrounding Homemade Food Sales, the Straw Ban, Election Transparency and more.

On this episode of Look West, Assemblymembers Sharon Quirk-Silva, Patrick O’Donnell, Jose Medina and Blanca Rubio remember their times as teachers, and what it was like to go Back To School!  They share stories about what led them to teaching, the mentors that inspired them and talk about some of the challenges they faced from the classroom to the Capitol.

As wildfires continue to rage across California, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) looks back on the devastation that ravaged Napa and Sonoma counties last October.  A winemaker, the Mayor of Calistoga and a local Battalion Chief all share their stories of loss and resilience, and discuss how wildfires are creating a “new normal” in the Golden State.

On this episode of Look West, Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) meets with world-renowned author and Facebook C.O.O. Sheryl Sandberg.  They talk about the power of social media, diversity in technology, and how STEM is changing the way young women enter the workforce.

On this episode of the Look West, Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) celebrates Pride Month at the CA State Capitol with LGBT Award winner, Sarah McBride.  Sarah is an internationally-recognized transgender advocate, a successful author and currently serves as the National Press Secretary at the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C..  Together, they talk about LGBTQ rights, nerding out on CSPAN, the struggle comes to terms with their authentic selves, and what California is doing to inspire equality all around the world.

On this special episode of Look West, the State Capitol celebrates Father’s Day 2018!   Five father’s; Assemblymembers Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Jim Cooper (D-Sacramento), Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo) and Majority Leader Ian Calderon (D-Whittier) share some unique, personal experiences about their journey into Fatherhood.  They each talk about when they first found out they’re going to be a Dad, who were some of their influences growing up, family-oriented legislation, and even some funny stories about their kids.  Listen now!

On this episode of Look West, Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon (D-Whittier), Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) and Assemblymember Marc Berman (Silicon Valley) get together to talk about Millennial Leadership.  They get candid about some of the victories and the challenges they face as some of the youngest legislators at the State Capitol, parenting, advocating for the LGBT community and debate whether avocado toast is really all that it’s cracked up to be!  Listen now, and be sure to subscribe wherever you find your favorite podcasts! Assemblymember Ian Calderon:  Facebook/Twitter/Website Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes:  Facebook/Twitter/Website Assemblymember Marc Berman: Facebook/Twitter/Website

On this episode of Look West, Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) sits down with award-winning media personality and 2018 Latino Spirit Award recipient Liz Hernández for a meaningful discussion on the challenges and lessons learned through their experiences with Alzheimer’s.  Learn how Liz’s connection to hip-hop, 9/11 and heartbreak prepared her to be an activist for change. To learn more about the fight against Alzheimer’s, be sure to visit www.alz.org.

On this episode of the “Look West”,  Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) meets with actor Cheech Marin and political cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, two recipients of the Latino Spirit Awards.  They talk about the impact of Chicano art, their recent collaboration with Pixar, and how to challenge some of the stereotypes the Latino community continues to face.

On this episode of “Look West,” Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher (D-San Diego) sits down with tattoo artist, makeup mogul and 2018 Latino Spirit Award winner Kat Von D.  They talk about their shared struggles with cultural identity, the importance of taking risks and even share tips on what and where to get your next tattoo!

On this episode of “Look West,” Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) and Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) share their experiences working in the medical field, and what led them to become influential California lawmakers.  They talk about the differences and commonalities of their districts, and why they believe Healthcare reform should be a major priority in the Capitol.  There’s also a fun discussion about fatherhood and a healthy debate about the power of a full-grown beard!  Listen now!

In this episode of Look West Assemblymember Rob Bonta, a soccer player and lifelong fan of the game, introduces a conversation with DACA recipient Miguel Aguilar. At the age of nine, Aguilar was brought to the United States by his mother to escape the violence in their hometown in Mexico. He studied hard, graduated from the University of San Francisco and was drafted to play professional soccer. Videographer Christian Anguiano sat down with Aguilar after a recent L.A. Galaxy practice to hear about his journey from an undocumented child in America to mid-fielder for the L.A. Galaxy.

In this episode of Look West California Assemblymember Evan Low talks about his experiences with traffic growing up in the Bay Area and has a conversation with Lyft co-founder John Zimmer about how millennials view car ownership differently than previous generations and how that could result in redesigned cities of the future.

In this episode of Look West Assemblymembers Blanca Rubio and Wendy Carrillo share the story of their journeys from undocumented immigrant to the State Assembly.

In this episode of Look West Assemblymember Laura Friedman talks about changing the culture surrounding sexual harassment in and around the State Capitol, her unexpected leading role in creating new sexual harassment policies and how her former job in Hollywood is similar to her job as a state lawmaker.

In this episode of Look West Speaker Anthony Rendon talks with Assemblymember Shirley Weber about growing up during the early days of the civil rights movement, including her family's move from Arkansas to California and watching the Watts revolt from her front porch. Plus, Assemblymember Weber tells you what she thinks of Bob Dylan and why she votes the way she does.