Do you feel exhausted by the constant news cycle? Like every headline is another blow, every update a reminder of how much work there is still to do? I get it. The issues we’re up against in California — from government overreach to broken policies — can feel overwhelming. It’s heavy. And when change feels slow, or like it’s never coming at all, it’s easy to wonder if staying informed and engaged is even worth it. If you’ve felt that weight lately — you’re not alone. I’m your host Tess Abraham, and I want to speak directly to that feeling… and offer you some hope, on this week’s episode of The California Conversation!

Brand Partnerships & Advertisers Mentioned in Today's Show:

AMALLOW: Get 15% off clean skincare at Amallow Naturals through my link https://amallow.com/tessabraham or use the code 650Q2ZY3HL at checkout! *Discount code will automatically be applied at checkout through my link!

Website & Sources: For more information about the podcast, please visit thecaliforniaconversation.com. For sources used in researching today's episode, check out my corresponding article at thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/why-i-dont-give-up-on-california.

Socials:

Check out more content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCaliforniaConversation

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itstessabraham

Follow me on X (Twitter): https://x.com/itstessabraham

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564213461410

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:02:38 New Summer Series! Wins Worth Fighting For

00:02:39 - 00:04:47 Is It Naive to Fight For California?

00:04:48 - 00:07:13 We Engage Because We Can

00:07:14 - 00:09:05 We Engage Because We're Hopeful

00:09:06 - 00:10:20 Brand Partner! Amallow

00:10:21 - 00:13:07 We Engage Because California Matters

00:13:08 - 00:17:24 We Engage Because People Matter

California residents are being warned to brace for massive spikes in gas prices over the next year due to the closure of two major refineries in the state. Why are these refineries shutting down operations, and how will it impact consumers? I’m your host Tess Abraham, and we are breaking down a full history of California’s legislative and regulatory environment around gasoline, the effects it will have on your life, and what our state SHOULD be doing instead, on this week’s episode of The California Conversation!

Brand Partnerships & Advertisers Mentioned in Today's Show:

SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE: Get 10% off high-quality, mission-oriented coffee products while supporting pregnancy resource centers throughout the country! Use my code TESSABRAHAM at checkout or shop through my link here: https://snwbl.io/seven-weeks-coffee/TESSABRAHAM

CONNECTED CARE: Whether you’re looking for therapy, or a therapist looking to serve your clients without the burden of administrative tasks, Connected Care is a great place to start—right from the comfort of your own home. Visit www.connectedcareinc.com to learn more and get started.

Website & Sources: For more information about the podcast, please visit thecaliforniaconversation.com. For sources used in researching today's episode, check out my corresponding article at thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/californias-rising-gas-prices.

Socials:

Check out more content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCaliforniaConversation

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itstessabraham

Follow me on X (Twitter): https://x.com/itstessabraham

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564213461410

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:01:57 $8/Gallon Gas?!!

00:01:58 - 00:04:26 What is Happening?

00:04:27 - 00:08:30 The Cleaner-Burning Gasoline Program (1992)

00:08:31 - 00:12:31 The Global Warming Solutions Act (2006)

00:12:31 - 00:14:02 Brand Partner! Seven Weeks Coffee

00:14:03 - 00:15:32 The Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (2011)

00:15:33 - 00:19:26. Assembly Bill X2-1 (2024)

00:19:27 - 00:25:50 What Should We Think About These Policies?

00:25:51 - 00:26:32 Advertiser - Connected Care

00:26:33 - 00:27:12 Show Conclusion

The California Department of Education is waging a full-scale war on local school districts—suing, pressuring, and punishing those that refuse to teach controversial topics like gender ideology. Across the state, school boards are facing legal threats and massive fines for changing their curriculum in these subject areas. So, what does this power struggle really reveal? What is the state’s role in mandating curriculum? I’m your host, Tess Abraham, and we are breaking down the latest in this escalating battle between state power and local control, and why it matters more than ever for families like yours, on this week’s episode of The California Conversation!

Brand Partnerships Mentioned in Today's Show:

AMALLOW: Get 15% off clean skincare at Amallow Naturals through my link https://amallow.com/tessabraham. *Discount code will automatically be applied at checkout through my link!

Website & Sources: For more information about the podcast, please visit thecaliforniaconversation.com. For sources used in researching today's episode, check out my corresponding article at thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/californias-war-on-school-districts.

Socials:

Check out more content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCaliforniaConversation

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itstessabraham

Follow me on X (Twitter): https://x.com/itstessabraham

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564213461410

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:05:34 California Sues Cajon Valley School District

00:05:35 - 00:09:32 Other Education Battles Across California

00:09:33 - 00:10:56 Brand Partner! Amallow

00:10:57 - 00:15:46 The State's Role in Education

00:15:47 - 00:21:23 Why Does This Matter for You?