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East Bay Insiders

Steven Tavares

All politics is local. East Bay Insiders reporter Steve Tavares, co-host Trishala Vinnakota, and a rotating cast of Alameda County insiders break down the latest in local, state, and national politics—with plenty of scoops and a few hijinks along the way.

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#143
Sunday · 52 min
Oakland on Trial, Election Chaos & the Final Stretch
With Election Day just around the corner, political consultant Jason Overman joins Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota for a packed edition of East Bay Insiders. The Oakland corruption trial takes center stage as political operative Mario Juarez delivers explosive testimony alleging former Mayor Sheng Thao demanded $300,000. Secret recordings reveal growing frustration among the alleged conspirators, while testimony from former Oakland City Hall officials raises new questions about the prosecution's case. Then it's on to the final days of Election 2026. Rep. Aisha Wahab and Melissa Hernández face off again in the 14th Congressional District, with outside money, controversial campaign rhetoric and shifting political alliances reshaping their rematch. Plus, how did San Leandro manage to botch its City Council ballots? And Oakland voters weigh pivotal school board elections and Measure EE, a proposal to give the mayor more power—even as a former mayor stands trial on federal corruption charges.
#142
October 17 · 1 hr 13 min
Oakland Corruption Trial Hits Close to Home
Former Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor joins East Bay Insiders for an inside look at the federal corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the Duong family. Taylor discusses the alleged conspiracy that emerged from the 2022 mayoral election, its impact on his campaign, and what the explosive courtroom testimony reveals about Oakland politics. Co-host Trishala Vinnakota, who served as a consultant to Taylor's mayoral campaign, adds her firsthand perspective as we unpack the political intrigue, alleged backroom dealings, and fallout from one of Oakland's biggest scandals. Plus, the CA-14 congressional race takes an ugly turn after Melissa Hernández accuses Rep. Aisha Wahab of communicating with the Taliban during a debate. Was it a desperate political attack that backfired? We break down the remark, and what it means for their increasingly bitter November rematch.
#141
September 18 · 41 min
Rep. Lateefah Simon in D.C. and The Next Big Thing in East Bay Politics
A special edition of the East Bay Insiders Podcast goes from Capitol Hill to Fremont politics. East Bay Rep. Lateefah Simon joins us from her office in Washington, D.C., for a conversation about Congress, the East Bay and the political moment facing the region. Then, meet a name you may be hearing a lot more in East Bay politics: Aziz Akbari. The Fremont City Council candidate joins the podcast to talk about his campaign, the issues facing Fremont and why he's making the leap into electoral politics. Two conversations offering a look at where East Bay politics is today—and where it may be headed next.
#140
August 9 · 1 hr 4 min
Ain't No Party Like a DSA Party
What does democratic socialism look like when you're the one responsible for balancing the budget? Hayward Councilmember George Syrop, one of two elected members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in the East Bay, joins Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota for a wide-ranging conversation on governing, progressive politics, and the growing influence of billionaires in American democracy. "As an elected official, I feel like I am managing the crumbs of a collapsing and failing state," Syrop says, as he argues that decades of disinvestment have left local governments struggling to provide basic services. The discussion explores the future of Hayward's progressive movement, the city's unexpected $30 million budget deficit last year, strategies for strengthening economic development, long-awaited improvements to the much-maligned Hayward Loop, and Syrop's leadership in advancing the city's Israel divestment resolution. The conversation also turns to the high-stakes CA-4 special election, where Syrop argues frontrunner Aisha Wahab must define the race on her own terms as millions of dollars in outside spending, including massive AIPAC support for Melissa Hernandez down the stretch.
#139
August 1 · 54 min
'I'm Not Fking With You' If Tavares Writes a Story
Politics, pressure campaigns, and federal bombshells. Steve Tavares, Trishala Vinnakota, and special co-host Justin Berton break down explosive new court filings in the federal corruption case against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the Duong family. Prosecutors allege Thao threatened to abandon a lucrative modular housing deal if East Bay Insiders published a story about former San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo's conduct during a trip to Vietnam. They also allege the Duongs paid former East Bay Insiders co-host Shawn Wilson $10,000 to suppress the story. We also examine the latest in the CA14 special election including how Melissa Hernandez's divorce records raise new questions about a central theme of her campaign biography. Plus, Oakland Department of Transportation Director Josh Rowan's remarkable broadside against City Hall, and Steve's latest conspiracy about a monster escaping from a Port of Oakland shipping container. Of course, Justin denies the claim.
#138
July 18 · 49 min
Coliseum: Past, Present and Future
Is Oakland finally turning the page on one of the longest-running stadium sagas in American sports? Could this finally be the deal that rewrites Oakland's future—or just another chapter in a very long story? This week, Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota is joined by Dave Peters, West Oakland activist and historian, and for an in-depth conversation on the city's latest Coliseum redevelopment deal and whether it succeeds where decades of proposals failed. The trio breaks down the newly approved agreement involving Irving Azoff, Oak View Group, and Oakland Acquisition Company, while tracing the Coliseum's remarkable history—from the vision of the 1960s that brought the Raiders, A's, and Warriors together under one roof, to the costly Raiders return, and countless redevelopment plans that never crossed the finish line. The discussion also explores how the Coliseum shaped East Oakland, the evolution of West Oakland, and the political decisions that transformed the city over the past six decades.
#137
July 12 · 58 min
Remembering Scott Haggerty
Former Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison joins me for a special episode remembering the life and legacy of former Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, who died on July 5, 2026, at age 68. For 24 years, Haggerty represented the East County and Fremont on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, leaving an outsized mark on the region through his advocacy for transportation, economic development and local government. We also discuss Haggerty's colorful political style, and the legacy he leaves in Alameda County politics. Later in this episode: Fremont's push to become a charter city and what it could mean for residents and future governance, and a look ahead to the Aug. 18 special election in California's 14th Congressional District, where State Sen. Aisha Wahab and BART Director Melissa Hernandez face off for the third time in less than three months.
#136
June 29 · 1 hr 8 min
The Story They Didn't Want East Bay Insiders to Write
For the first time, East Bay Insiders founder Steve Tavares tells the behind-the-scenes story of how he was unexpectedly pulled into what would become the East Bay's sprawling public corruption scandal. Steve reveals the alleged efforts to influence his reporting surrounding an infamous 2023 Vietnam trip, including escalating offers of money that he later believes were intended to discourage negative coverage. He walks listeners through what happened, how he responded, and how the story ultimately became part of the FBI's ongoing public corruption investigation. The episode also explores newly surfaced allegations by an unincorporated Livermore resident involving a figure who also appears in the broader FBI story.
#135
June 19 · 1 hr 2 min
The DonCast: East Bay political legend Don Perata
Few politicians have left a bigger mark on the East Bay than Don Perata. In a candid and often hilarious conversation, the former State Senate President Pro Tem, assemblymember, Alameda County supervisor, and almost-Oakland mayor reflects on a career that helped shape California politics for more than four decades. Perata discusses how Sacramento has changed—and why he believes the Legislature is worse off today than when he led the Senate. He shares his perspective on the FBI corruption investigation surrounding former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, explains being flummoxed about how to fix Oakland, and revisits the triumphs, feuds, and colorful characters that defined his long political career. Along the way, Perata offers stories only an insider could tell, mixing sharp political observations with the self-effacing humor and blunt honesty that made him one of the East Bay's most influential—and controversial—figures.
#134
June 6 · 53 min
Oakland Voters Send a Message: What Measure E's Defeat Means Countywide
The votes are in, and the June Primary election results are already reshaping East Bay politics. This week, Steve Tavares, Trishala Vinnakota, and Justin Berton break down the surprising defeat of Oakland's Measure E parcel tax, the outcomes of revenue measures in Hayward and Castro Valley, and what the results could mean for future tax and bond proposals across Alameda County. In congressional politics, Aisha Wahab emerged as the clear frontrunner in the crowded 14th Congressional District race. We also analyzes Scott Sakakihara's strong performance in the 10th State Senate District contest, the latest developments in the Alameda County District Attorney race between Ursula Jones Dickson and Pamela Price, and what California voters signaled in the governor's race. Plus, what these results reveal about the political mood of East Bay voters heading into November—and an introduction to the newest member of the East Bay Insiders team.
#133
May 30 · 1 hr 3 min
Mailers, Millions & Measure E: The East Bay Primary Preview
The June primary is finally here, and we're breaking down every major race shaping the East Bay and California politics. Steve Tavares is joined by special guests Rocky Fernandez, California Democratic Party Region 5 director, and former San Leandro Councilmember Lee Thomas for a wide-ranging preview of Election Day. The panel analyzes the wide-open race for governor, the battle to replace Eric Swalwell in the 14th Congressional District, the closely watched Alameda County DA race, key Superior Court contests and Oakland's Measure E parcel tax, which could have major implications for city services and public safety.
#132
May 10 · 53 min
Seeing the Forest for the Trees
Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota welcome back Justin Berton to break down the week in East Bay politics and why our mothers are so great. Happy Mother's Day! We recap the first-ever East Bay Insiders SD10 debate, including standout performances from Anne Kepner and David Cohen, sharp insights on housing and AI, and why Scott Sakakihara largely escaped scrutiny over his Palantir ties. Why is the open CA14 congressional race so boring? The inside story behind a last-minute canceled debate, while the panel also digs into the governor's race, Xavier Becerra's momentum, Matt Mahan and Katie Porter's struggles. And finally, we debate whether Oakland's new City Council majority is trying to change the city's anything-goes reputation after approving a $915,000 fine for illegally cutting down 38 trees, and is it a turning point?
#131
April 27 · 37 min
Two Castro Valley Boys Sitting on the Boulevard
On this week's East Bay Insiders, we're giving listeners a preview of After Hours—our subscriber-only deep dive where the conversation gets a little looser and a lot more insidey. Steve Tavares and Jason Teramoto chop it up on Castro Valley's recurring push for incorporation, what it was like growing up there in the '80s and '90s, and—yes—the possible existence of Stranger Things-style creatures lurking in the hills. Plus, a must-hear segment with Lee Thomas and Mike Hutchinson, who walks through his surreal 2022 school board race, when the Alameda County registrar certified the wrong winner—forcing him to go to court to secure a victory he had already earned. And in the main episode, Steve Tavares, Trishala Vinnakota, and Justin Berton break down Rep. Ro Khanna's comments about a potential 2028 presidential run—and why his vision for a multiracial, economic-forward America may be more politically savvy than it sounds. Subscribe to unlock the full After Hours episode and get the complete conversation.
#130
April 19 · 55 min
Eric Swalwell's past is prologue
Eric Swalwell's political career has come to an abrupt and stunning end—but for some, the warning signs were there all along. In this episode, former Pete Stark staffer Jason Teramoto revisits the 2012 congressional campaign that launched Swalwell's rise, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and allegations that, he says, were known at the time but largely ignored. From documented concerns during the campaign to a bizarre MTV Spring Break prank, Teramoto argues the recent, shocking allegations didn't come out of nowhere. Instead, he points to a deeper, more troubling pattern: a political ecosystem where insiders "knew," but power, ambition, and expediency allowed Swalwell's ascent to continue unchecked.
#129
April 11 · 53 min
The precipitous and predictable fall of Eric Swalwell
A once ascending political career is on the brink of collapse. In this episode, we break down the mounting sexual misconduct claims facing Eric Swalwell. In addition to his gubernatorial campaign, does it force a resignation from Congress? We dig into the long-running whispers that dogged Swalwell for years. What does this moment reveal about power, privilege, and the protection men often receive in politics? Join host Steve Tavares, a longtime chronicler of Swalwell's rise and unraveling, alongside Trishala Vinnakota and Justin Berton, for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation on what comes next—and what it all says about the system that enabled it.
#128
April 5 · 1 hr 4 min
Mike Hutchinson Gives Everyone a Failing Grade
Oakland Unified is at a crossroads—and the stakes couldn't be higher. This week, Oakland school boardmember Mike Hutchinson joins the podcast for a blunt conversation about OUSD's deepening budget crisis, and whether the district is inching toward another era of receivership. Hutchinson doesn't hold back, delivering sharp criticism about fellow elected officials up and down the Oakland political ladder, while once again calling for the interim superintendent to resign. Plus, Lee Thomas joins as co-host to break down and weigh in on San Leandro's growing police department scandal, what's emerging, and why it matters beyond city limits.
#127
March 28 · 52 min
Teflon Eric Swalwell
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="c905b967-1973-4e15-92e2-41ec8ed43973" data-testid="conversation-turn-1" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:1537d643-2ffe-4eb4-afc1-35f16c0710ff-5" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> We break down the latest twists in California's governor's race—why Eric Swalwell continues to dodge sustained scrutiny, whether Matt Mahan's big-money campaign is failing to translate into real support. Plus, our early predictions for where the race is headed. We also dive into Oakland's growing debate over the strong mayor system, and Mayor Barbara Lee's new plan to tackle homelessness, plus a different take on the city celebrating Alysa Liu and Ryan Coogler. Finally, we cover James Aguilar's appointment to the San Leandro City Council following Bryan Azevedo's resignation amid an FBI probe—and what it means for local governance moving forward. For more from this week's episode, read the East Bay Insiders Newsletter for an extra segment of the podcast at EBI After Hours.
#126
February 21 · 1 hr 9 min
Power, Gender, and Retaliation
San Leandro City Councilmember Xouhoa Bowen joins the program for an unflinching and deeply personal conversation about the inequities—and consequences—women still face in local politics. Bowen recounts being assaulted by an elected official while attending a city-sponsored event in Florida, and the isolating aftermath that followed. She also speaks candidly about the blowback she faced after filing formal complaints alleging bullying, gender bias, and other misconduct by two colleagues on the San Leandro City Council—and how the cumulative trauma pushed her to the brink of resignation. We also examines the legacy and fallout surrounding former San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo, who recently resigned from office and pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges.
#125
February 8 · 1 hr 5 min
Courtrooms, Campaigns, and Accountability
Former Oakland City Councilmember Loren Taylor joins the show to break down a busy week in East Bay politics. We unpack new developments in the East Bay's federal corruption case, including insights from last week's court hearing and what to expect next with Bryan Azevedo's upcoming appearance. Loren also offers an insider's view of the first major gubernatorial debate, new candidates entering the race, and how the field may evolve through June. Plus, updates on the CA14 and SD10 races, a closer look at Union City candidate Scott Sakakihara's Palantir ties, and thoughts on Floyd Mitchell's move to Fremont, and Loren's insights on the clash over Oakland Ken Houston'sEncampment Abatement Policy at City Hall.
#124
January 25 · 1 hr 3 min
Alameda island vibes with Malia Vella
Former Alameda City Councilmember Malia Vella joins the show with Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of Alameda and what comes next for the city, and whether she has plans for a new chapter in her political service. Vella reflects on her time in office and offers a candid assessment of where Alameda stands today, from its two business districts to the ongoing evolution of Alameda Point. She weighs in on road-calming projects, the tensions they create, and how cities balance safety, commerce, and community buy-in.

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