KQED Capital Notes

Leon Panetta

John Myers — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:00:00 +0000

Our holiday edition of the Capital Notes Podcast features a conversation with Leon Panetta about the issue of the year: budget gridlock.

Happy Deficit to All

John Myers — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

We look back at a very busy week on the state budget front. From competing proposals to defeated bills, controversial solutions, and by the governor to veto the Democratic plan...and lay off state workers.

Arnold Comes Out Swinging

John Myers — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

On this edition of the Capital Notes Podcast, we examine the impact of the joint legislative session on the fiscal crisis, the governor's deficit clock, and more. Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I also examine the budget tie-in to this week's big environmental news on California's landmark global warming law.

Welcome, Here's Your Deficit

John Myers — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

The new California Legislature is on the job, and yet as we examine on this week's Capital Notes Podcast, the job is much the same: fix the state's multi-billion dollar budget gap. Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I examine the chances for a bipartisan compromise, the relationship (or lack thereof) between rank and file legislators and Governor Schwarzenegger, and the chances of cash from either the annual fee on vehicles... or from Washington, D.C.

Capitol Turkeys

John Myers — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000

On this week's Capital Notes Podcast, we examine the total collapse of this week's efforts to stem the flood of the budget red ink. From partisan warfare to a budget process that seems to have completely failed, Tuesday's activities closed another chapter in the annals of Capitol gridlock. Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I discuss what happened, and what's next. We also check in on the handful of political races where votes are still being counted.

Red Ink

John Myers — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Since we began the Capital Notes Podcast last year, one topic is far and away the most talked about: California's screwed up finances. So why should this week be any different? Fresh off the diversion of campaign coverage, we're back on the money beat. And as Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I surmise, it looks like it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better.

Election Overload

John Myers — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000

On this week's Capital Notes Podcast, a look back at the good, the bad, the... you know... of Election 2008. From ballot measures to legislative races and the Obama Effect, Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I recap some of what happened, what it might mean, and what's next.

Vote!

John Myers — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

This is the last weekend of a very long campaign season across California, and so this edition of the Capital Notes Podcast dwells on the big races to watch come Tuesday. From a few ballot measures with new polling data (just released Friday morning) to our overview of the big legislative races, Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I hash out who's up, who's down... and who we think might come out on top when the smoke clears come Wednesday morning.

Pensions, Politicking, Polls

John Myers — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

On this week's Capital Notes Podcast (okay, the second one this week), we examine everything from California's fiscal problems and the economic impact on the state's big pension fund to politicking in Ohio, new poll numbers, and beyond.

Must Be The Money

John Myers — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Missing the end-of-week wrapup due to scheduling conflicts, we've reconvened for a Monday edition of the chat. Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I talk about the latest on state government's finances, and we examine some of the competitive races this fall in the Assembly and Senate.

Can Ya Spare A Dime?

John Myers — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

The week's big news focused both on fears about Wall Street's ability to lend the state a few billion bucks as a bridge loan, and the brand new (or just heretofore invisible) state budget deficit. Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I also take a quick glance at some of the cash piling up... or not... for ballot measures to be decided by voters on November 4.

Bill Me

John Myers — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

The end of the year at the state Capitol is our focus this week on the Capital Notes Podcast, as we examine the bills signed or vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. We examine the ubiquitous "blanket veto" message that made its way onto 136 bills, and the angry comments from supporters of several health care bills that the governor nixxed, as well as the environmental legislation he signed into law.

That's a Wrap, Budget Fans

John Myers — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

On this week's edition of the Capital Notes Podcast, a look at this long and chaotic... and final... week of the 2008 state budget impasse. The Legislature gives its final seal of approval later today, and we examine the deal... how it scores on the gimmick scale... and what happens next.

Schwarzenegger Speaks

John Myers — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

This week, an early edition of the Capital Notes Podcast, featuring Wednesday's full interview with the governor inside the suite of his offices at the state Capitol. Our conversation focuses entirely on the state budget, with a brief mention of the recall petition to remove him from office, filed this week by the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.

GOP-alooza

John Myers — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

ST. PAUL -- On this week's edition of the Capital Notes Podcast, a closer look at two California Republicans who were getting attention this week not for what they do now... but for what they might want to do in the future. Steve Poizner, the state insurance commissioner, and Meg Whitman, former eBay CEO and a top advisor to presidential nominee John McCain, are both being watched for possible forays into the 2010 race for governor.

Still Jammed Budget Logjam

John Myers — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000

BUDGET DAY PLUS 52 -- On this week's edition (a second edition!) of the Capital Notes Podcast, we focus on this week's budget talk... from Governor Schwarzenegger's new budget offering to the consensus that this impasse/logjam is alive and well. We also examine Capitol Weekly's new rankings of the most conservative and liberal members of the Legislature. Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I also chat about the chance that these embattled legislators may miss their political conventions because of the budget saga. Perish the thought.

Budget Drama

John Myers — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000

This week's Capital Notes Podcast is a few days late, delayed until after Sunday's big vote on a state budget in the Assembly. Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I examine the dust that's settled since the budget failed to gain passage -- both what it means for the impasse itself, and today's chatter about ramifications for one legislator in particular.

No Budget? Really?

John Myers — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000

This week on the Capital Notes Podcast, we look back at the week's rumblings on the state budget impasse... from the governor's moves on state worker pay and a possible tax increase, to why legislators are still stuck. Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I also sneak in some chatting about a big week of speculation about a certain prominent pol and the 2010 race for governor.

Politics of Pay

John Myers — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000

In this edition, lengthy excerpts from the governor, the controller, and more about this week's big news as the budget negotiations continue.

Not Dead Yet

John Myers — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0000

It's back. And again, a posting with a reference to a classic Monty Python bit. No, we're not dead. After a long hiatus, the weekly Capital Notes Podcast returns... just in time for another budget impasse. Anthony York of Capitol Weekly and I dissect the current status of the state budget negotiations, where the seeds of compromise may lie, and how much longer the chess game may go on.

Recissions, Rumblings, Revenues

John Myers — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 +0000

On this week's Capital Notes Podcast, we wax poetically about some of the latest poltical and policy news... including an insurance industry crackdown, grumbling among some legislative Democrats when it comes to party politics, and the latest news on the state's growing budget deficit. Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I trek through the week's news with our usual repartee. Consider yourself warned.

From Delegates to Grudge Matches

John Myers — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:00:00 +0000

This week's edition of the Capital Notes Podcast has us looking at several tidbits from the world of California politics... including the election of delegates to the Democratic National Convention and several nasty (or soon to be so) grudge matches headed to a ballot near you. Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I do our best to dish on the Democrats headed to Denver, the recall campaign heating up in the Central Valley, a zinger of a campaign ad on a computer near you, initiatives headed to the November ballot, and some tough talk inside organized labor in California. And a clarification since we recorded the p'cast earlier this morning: it was the year 2000 when Democrat Simon Salinas defeated Republican Jeff Denham for a seat in the Assembly... not, as we postulated, the other way around. Not enough coffee for us, it seems.

Britney for Congress

John Myers — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:00:00 +0000

This week, breaking news about a pop star's quest for elected office ... and other more, ahem, real news in California politics and public policy. Capitol Weekly's Anthony York and I take a look back at the local and national political dramas from last week's California Democratic convention, the latest on health care battles at the state Capitol, the chances for changing the budget process, and the birth of a new bipartisan reform group.

Unpaused

John Myers — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I are back to our musings about the latest in political news. The podcast was sidelined for the same reason that this newsblog was put on ice back in January: the birth of my now 10-week-old daughter. Now that I've acclamated to life without sleep, it seemed a good time to reengage. The big change for the immediate future is that we'll be doing the podcast at the start of every week with an eye looking forward. This week, we talk about the status of the messy state budget. And we look at some of the more interesting legislative matchups that will appear on the June primary ballot.

Denouement

John Myers — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:00:00 +0000

In our final edition of the Capital Notes Podcast for 2007 we examine this week's big developments in Sacramento on health care reform. And we check in on the battle brewing over the term limits initiative, Proposition 93. Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York and I also examine another battle brewing for 2008: the serious state budget deficit lawmakers will face in the new year.

Star Trek?

John Myers — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:00:00 +0000

I know, that title makes no sense. But on this week's Capital Notes Podcast, we struggle for analogies that help explain the week's political news on health care reform and the state budget deficit. And one that always gets stuck in my mind is the game of three dimensional chess that was fancied by Spock on Star Trek. Multi-layered strategies playing out on different levels all at the same time... it seems to fit, especially with competing discussions this week of health care reform and the now estimated $14 billion budget deficit.

Reunion

John Myers — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:00:00 +0000

This week's Capital Notes Podcast takes you inside an event from a few days ago that was perfect for California political junkies: a gathering of four former state leaders and one incumbent who gathered to talk about the need for government reform. Tuesday's gathering sponsored by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California featured former Governor Pete Wilson; former Assembly Speaker and SF Mayor Willie Brown; former Senate pro Tem John Burton; former Assembly and Senate GOP leader Jim Brulte; and incumbent Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez. There was much, much more than could fit in a podcast. But we've culled through to bring you some of the highlights... which seemed important, especially after this week's CN tech nightmare where this site refused to accept any new postings, including the one on this event.

Pervasive Malaise

John Myers — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0000

As the state Capitol continues to sit smack in the middle of the political news doldrums, the Capital Notes Podcast develops a "pervasive malaise." Okay, not our malaise... (and that's Anthony's description) but perhaps one for lawmakers and political insiders, with talk of a new major state budget problem, elusive agreements on health care and water, and an election season right around the corner. Anthony York of Capitol Weekly and I hash out the goings-on... slim as they were... from the week in politics.

The Return Of 37

John Myers — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0000

This week, the Capital Notes Podcast gives you a quick sample of remarks made by former Governor Gray Davis, who spoke this week to the Sacramento Press Club. The former guv (California's 37th, hence the headline) was candid, thoughtful, and... dare I say... funny.

The Dance

John Myers — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:30:00 +0000

On this week's Capital Notes Podcast, we look at the political dance this week on health care reform and the campaign to modify legislative term limits. Health care negotiations seemed to intensify this week, after Democratic leaders unveiled their modified proposal and huddled with Governor Schwarzenegger. Meantime, the political battle is heating up over Proposition 93, the effort to change California's 17-year-old term limits law for legislators... as state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner threw his support -- and his wallet-- behind the effort to defeat the initiative. Joining me this week is Anthony York of Capitol Weekly and Jordan Rau of the Los Angeles Times.

Deadlines

John Myers — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:30:00 +0000

This week's Capital Notes Podcast takes a look at two political stories from the week where deadlines are a big part of the story: the effort to reform health care, and the effort to place an initiative on the statewide ballot to change how California's electoral votes are counted in the race for the White House. Two very different stories, but two that are both making their way to some sort of big crossroads. And this week, developments worth nothing on both.

A Private California Lottery?

John Myers — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:30:00 +0000

This week's Capital Notes Podcast is slightly different... a peek into Wednesday's legislative hearing that examined the pros and cons of leasing out the California Lottery. It was a four and a half hour hearing, but in this overview of the discussion you get a real sense of the big issues, from why the lottery has struggled in the past... to how much private investors are willing to pay... to whether a powerful political player in California politics will formally oppose the idea.

The Speaker Speaks

John Myers — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 09:30:00 +0000

This week, a different Capital Notes Podcast: a one-on-one conversation with Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, where he speaks candidly for the first time about recent criticism over his campaign fundraising. As you know, it's been an unusual week for the Democrat from Los Angeles. Last Friday, the Los Angeles Times published a detailed look at thousands of dollars in campaign cash spent by Nunez on everything from hotels to meals and gifts. In the week since, the Speaker has largely avoided responding to the story... prompting strong criticism from both newspaper columnists and from his politcal adversaries. On Thursday afternoon, Nunez sat down with me in our studio across the street from the state Capitol and talked candidly about where the money went... and why he thinks it's better than spending taxpayer dollars on trade and study missions overseas. We also talk a little about the prospects for health care reform, after Governor Schwarzenegger's call this week to pay for health care partly with proceeds from leasing out the California Lottery. A portion of this interview was broadcast this morning on The California Report.

Oh So Special

John Myers — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 10:55:00 +0000

The Capital Notes Podcast is back this week, with a look at what has (or hasn't) happened so far in the special legislative session, the odd couple alliance formed to overturn Indian gaming compacts, and the fizzling out of an initiative to change the way California elects a president. My two week escape to Europe means the folks with the real insight this week comes from my co-conspirators, Anthony York of Capitol Weekly and Laura Kurtzman of the Associated Press.

To The Ballot!

John Myers — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 10:19:00 +0000

Ballot measure, anyone? That could be the theme for some of this week's big political stories. On this edition of the Capital Notes Podcast, we examine the chatter that health care reform will head to the ballot... the term limits initiative which is already there... and the still nascent but politically explosive proposal to change the way California casts its votes for President. I'm joined by Anthony York, editor of Capitol Weekly and Laura Kurtzman, political writer for the Associated Press.

Issues In Doubt

John Myers — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:59:00 +0000

This week's podcast features three political issues in doubt: health care reform, an initiative to modify California's term limits law, and a ballot measure asking voters to weigh in on the Iraq war. Each made news this week. Health care negotiations dominated the week, but the rising chatter about what will... or won't... be on the February 5 statewide ballot may have dominated the chatter among political junkies. Anthony York of Capitol Weekly and I are joined this week by Laura Kurtzman, political writer for the Associated Press.

Happy Hour Postmortem

John Myers — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:35:00 +0000

A California budget postmortem is the focus of an early edition of this week's Capital Notes Podcast. Actually, we're calling it a happy hour postmortem. No, we didn't record it in a bar... or on the patio of Chops. It just means we sat down to hash out the "budget season that was" after work on Wednesday, as opposed to early Friday morning. Anthony York of Capitol Weekly and I take a look at the good, bad, and the ugly. By next week, we're eager to move on to any other political news but the budget!

Budget Target, Prez Polls

John Myers — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:48:00 +0000

A more bite-size edition of the Capital Notes Podcast this week. We discuss the potential for a budget deal next week (and some reportedly heavy lobbying of one GOP lawmaker to cast an aye vote) and the race for the White House in California, from polls to possible ballot initiatives. As always, Anthony York of Capitol Weekly and I dish the week's political news. This week, he joins in from our Malibu... umm... "bureau."

Summer Of Discontent

John Myers — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 11:10:00 +0000

On this week's Capital Notes Podcast, what could be called the political "summer of discontent" -- a state budget impasse that seems to have gotten worse, not better; a battle over which voting machines can (and can't be used) in California come next year; and the growing confrontation over Indian gaming agreements that could be placed on the ballot for voters to either accept or reject. As always, the podcast features myself and Capitol Weekly editor Anthony York. And sitting in this week with us is Kevin Yamamura, staff writer for The Sacramento Bee.

The Gang Of 14

John Myers — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 13:00:00 +0000

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers." Maybe quoting Shakespeare in a state budget impasse is a bit much, but clearly the Senate Republican Gang of 14 feels as though they're hanging tough and making a point... even as Democrats and their own Republican governor seem to be criticizing them as obstructionists. Mind you, that's 14... not 15. More on that on this week's Capital Notes Podcast -- as well as the reaction from the Republican governor to the resistance from his party faithful, the prospects for what's next on the state budget impasse, and a preview of the possible contest for a new generation of legislative leaders. It's a bit of an unusual podcast, as I'm in Philadelphia (for the annual conference of the Association of Capitol Reporters & Editors). Joining in as always is Anthony York of Capitol Weekly. And rounding out the chat is my KQED colleague, Tamara Keith, who covered the fallout from the budget impasse at week's end as I traveled back east.

Logjam!

John Myers — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:00:00 +0000

The state budget stalemate continues, and is the main focus of this week's Capital Notes Podcast. Senate Republicans demand more budget savings, Democrats reject many of the ideas, and Governor Schwarzenegger urges action. With the regular crew: John Myers, Kate Folmar, and Anthony York.

Budget Impasse, Scorecard

John Myers — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:40:00 +0000

The state budget impasse is our focus on this special early week edition of the Capital Notes Podcast. We take a look back at the negotiations and standoffs from last week, and we also quickly examine a new look at the liberal/conservative spectrum of the California Legislature. I'm joined by Anthony York of Capitol Weekly, and guest podcaster Brian Joseph of the Orange County Register.

State Budget Impasse

John Myers — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:28:00 +0000

The state budget impasse is the subject of an unusual (our first!) Capital Notes Podcast alert. A mini podcast, if you will, because the state budget... while being approved by the Assembly early this morning... remains, for now, stuck in the Senate. I've included some comments to reporters from both Senate President pro Tem Don Perata and Senate GOP Leader Dick Ackerman. We hope to be back to a full podcast, with an analysis of the budget (deal, continued impasse, or who knows) on Monday. Until then... stay tuned.

Budget, Security, Pets

John Myers — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 12:48:00 +0000

This week: the budget stalemate, another week of big bills from the defeat of a homeland security proposal and pet fixing... and, finally, more about our pal Kate.

And oh yes, the radio guy -- yours truly -- fails Audio Tech 101, as you'll hear my microphone was clearly not on!

As always, with Kate Folmar and Anthony York.

Related Information:

Budget Stalls, by John Myers, The California Report

Homeland security, OES merger dies unexpectedly, by Anthony York, Capitol Weekly

Arnold & The ARB, Campaign Cash, Mayoral Romance

John Myers — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:48:00 +0000

The usual gang is back together to discuss accusations of political meddling into global warming regulations, new trends in campaign cash, and love LA style.

With Anthony York of Capitol Weekly and our new "senior political correspondent" Kate Folmar.

Related articles:

"Interests spend for politicians' favor," by John Howard, Capitol Weekly.

Casinos, Congress, Budget Politics

John Myers — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:00:00 +0000

On this week's Capital Notes Podcast, a look at the big week in Indian gaming agreements, a special election to Congress, and some early budget friction between Republicans and Governor Schwarzenegger.

Our fellow podcaster Kate Folmar is on assignment covering the fire near Lake Tahoe this week... so pitch hitting with myself and Anthony York of Capitol Weekly is Shane Goldmacher of the Sacramento Bee and the Bee's online political site, Capitol Alert.

Related information:

Gaming Compacts Approved, The California Report [listen here]

"Richardson's victory setback to tribes, boost for labor," by Anthony York.

"Senate Republicans kill foster care bill," by Judy Lin of the Sacramento Bee.

Hx Care, Guards, Salaries

John Myers — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 14:29:01 +0000

On this week's Capital Notes Podcast, the usual smorgasbord of Capitol topics: health care reform gets a unified boost... prison guards lose a round in the Senate... and elected officials get a pay raise.

Plus, we check to see if Anthony's prediction from last week came true. You'll have to judge for yourself.

As always, with Kate Folmar of the San Jose Mercury News and Anthony York of Capitol Weekly.

Related materials:

"CCPOA Poised to Sue State in Federal Court Over Stalled Contract Talks," by Anthony York.

"California Legislators Get Raises," by Kate Folmar.

Hx Care, Arnold Opines, Wanna-Bes

John Myers — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:46:37 +0000

On this edition of the Capital Notes Podcast, we look back at the following stories from this week: health care goes Hollywood, the governor opines on immigrant immersion and Central Valley water projects, and the latest on those who yearn to be the next governor.

With John Myers, Kate Folmar, and Anthony York.

Bills, Bills, Bills

John Myers — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 18:33:38 +0000

Bleary-eyed but alive, we’ve dragged ourselves in this morning for the weekly Capital Notes Podcast… and yep, it’s all about the bills. Hundreds of bills that sank or swam over the last few days, just in time for the constitutional deadline.

With John Myers, Kate Folmar, and Anthony York

Bills…Casinos… And Staffers!

John Myers — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:47:23 +0000

After a Memorial Day hiatus, we’re back for our weekly wrap-up of the week in California politics.

This week: Bill deadlines in the Legislature as moderate Dems seem to prevail… Barstow casino deals go to extra innings in the Capitol… and a look at Arnold’s well-paid army of aides.

As always, with John Myers, Kate Folmar, and Anthony York.

May 18: Budgetitis, Health Care, The Whales!

John Myers — Wed, 30 May 2007 21:35:24 +0000

This week, we chat about this week’s budget news, health care analysis, and… in our lighthearted end-o-the-week moment, the leader of the effort to save those whales.

With John Myers, Kate Folmar, and Anthony York.