Fremont Councilmember Raj Salwan is a veterinarian by day and likable elected official by night. We jam him up about what goes on behind the doors at your pet's vet appointment, in addition, to a discussion about the growing, but stalling, Indian American political power in the Tri-Cities, and what might be really going down with Fremont's city manager scandal. 

East Bay Insiders

Vet appointment with Fremont Councilmember Raj Salwan

Under a new state law, former San Leandro Councilmember Lee Thomas's home BBQ business GrilleeQ is the first permitted micro-business in Alameda County. He talks San Leandro politics, including the infamous controversy over his fence, and offers new insights into the furor back in 2018. Lee also brought a selection of grilled sausages and beer with him for good measure,

Chilling and Grilling with Lee Thomas

Alameda County Assessor Phong La is the elected offices who determines the value of your property. A valuable property is good until your property tax bill arrives. But despite the sleepy bureaucratic office he holds, La is viewed as one of Alameda County's rising political stars. He chats about Chinatown's rise in crime, assessing Howard Terminal, along with some of the local upcoming races, among other issues.

Assessing the situation with Alameda County Assessor Phong La

The second half of our interview with former Oakland Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente includes his stated interest in running for Oakland mayor in 2022. "Why not give it one last shot? I have nothing to lose, nothing to gain, so I will have the freedom to f--cking blow this sh-t up and rebuild." he says. In addition, he details his advocacy for A's great Ricky Henderson to run for the same seat, and IDLF's further insights on Oakland city politics.

Ignacio De La Fuente, Part 2: 'F--king blow this sh-t up'

 Oakland City Council legend Ignacio De La Fuente has much to say about the proposed Howard Terminal ballpark term sheet and even more about the current City Council in Part 1 of this special edition episode. "The council and the mayor, they are nice individuals, but they have no f-----g clue," he said. --Coming Wednesday, De La Fuente weighs in on the state of Oakland, while again mulling a run for mayor next year. 

Ignacio De La Fuente on Oakland city leaders: 'They have no f-----g clue'; Bottom of the 9th for the A's, Part 1

After a disappointing result in the recent 18th Assembly District special election primary, Alameda Vice Mayor Malia Vella offers her inside view of her own campaign and her opponents, and handicaps the Aug. 31 special election runoff. Will she offer an endorsement in the race?

'I came here to end my political career'

Season 3 of the East Bay Insiders brings back Steve Tavares, Shawn Wilson, along with special guest host, former Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison. We preview this week's 18th Assembly District special election; the fate of the A's and the Howard Terminal ballpark project; and next year's big Alameda County sheriff and district attorney races.

Post-Covid Reunion; AD18 preview; Howard Terminal; Ahern; O'Malley

It's already a tumultuous 2021. Steve is hanging up his notebook and tape recorder and Shawn is under fire for calling a white guy a "Cracker McCracker" in Episode 29. Down to business, we look at the undercurrent of opposition in Alameda County to Rob Bonta's bid for state attorney general, and analyze the early 2022 campaigns for Alameda County DA and sheriff.

Retirement and the Legend of Cracker McCracker

Annus Horribilis is behind us. Coronavirus, masks, hand sanitizer, defund the police, recession, George Floyd dominated a memorable, yet forgettable year. We also look ahead to 2021 and the changes that may happen in the new year. Happy New Year!

2020 wrap-up, 2021 crystal ball

Rep. Eric Swalwell and Fang Fang, the Chinese spy who shagged him, is riveting the 15th Congressional District. What might be Swalwell's future? An Alameda County elected official won two races last month and one jurisdiction wants him and the other, not so much. Plus, the rise of the councilmember/public works employee.

Swalwell and the Fang Gang Christmas special

The covid-19 election in the East Bay is in the books. There were some upsets and voters were clearly apprehensive about too much change during a year of uncertainty. But the election also revealed fissures within the local Alameda County Democratic Party as one of the own, although tacitly supported, took one on the cheek on Election Night.

Election recap: Trash talk and infighting begins

It's Election Day! How will the night shakedown in Alameda County and the East Bay? We take a look at some of the races and offer insights and some bold predictions. Plus, a look ahead to 2022.

Election Night Extravaganza

Shortly after this episode was recorded, Eden Health District board director Charlie Gilcrest passed away. At the beginning and end of this episode, Steve Tavares and Shawn Wilson remember the man who gave so much to San Leandro. Also, the fall election season is here. We take quick looks at races in Alameda and Fremont, and Oakland races destined to be dominated by the movement to defund police.

Remembering Charlie

Hamilton, baseball and politics, and another round of sneak peaks for the fall election season in the East Bay. In particular, two races that are big in both consequence and size-Oakland's up-for-grabs District 7 council seat and the four seats on the Hayward City Council, plus much more.

Raise your glass to freedom

A new election. A new season of the East Bay Insiders. Steve Tavares and Shawn Wilson travel from the future to fix a wrong that will occur on Sept. 20, 2020.

Season 2 - Time travelers

East Bay political discourse will never be the same! Political reporter Steve Tavares and Alameda County insider Shawn Wilson provide insights, dish the scoop, while also detailing the lighter side of Alameda County, state, and national political scene.

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East Bay Insiders

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