East Bay Insiders

Author: Steven Tavares

East Bay political discourse will never be the same! Political reporter Steve Tavares, and Alameda County insiders Shawn Wilson and Dan Mendoza, dish the scoop on Alameda County, state, and national political scenes, with a few hijinks along the way.
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Language: en

Genres: Government, News, Politics

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Bonta vs Swalwell
Episode 121
Saturday, 13 December, 2025

East Bay Insiders welcomes Carla Marinucci back to the pod. We dive into reports that Attorney General Rob Bonta is eyeing a run for governor. What does it mean for Rep. Eric Swalwell's own ambitions? Did Swalwell miss a window to run for AG, and could a Bonta–Swalwell rivalry be shaping up? We break down the early race to replace Swalwell in Congress, featuring State Sen. Aisha Wahab and BART Director Melissa Hernandez, and revisit how shifting district lines once helped Swalwell rise. On the local front, we talk Costco coming to Oakland, led by Councilmember "Kirkland" Carroll Fife, why landing a Costco can be a fiscal game-changer for cities—and how Oakland might mess it up. We also cover Pamela Price's comeback bid for Alameda County district attorney and what the dismissal of charges against former San Leandro officer Jason Fletcher means for the 2026 primary. Plus, a remembrance of San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy, reflecting on his leadership and lasting impact on the East Bay. Don't miss Episode 122, featuring the 3rd Annual Insidey Awards.