The Podlight Podcast

The Podlight

San José Spotlight
The Podlight is produced by San José Spotlight, the city's award-winning nonprofit news organization dedicated to independent political and business reporting. Hosted by editor Nick Preciado and senior reporter Joseph Geha, our show features in-depth conversations with South Bay leaders, lawmakers and influencers about policy, politics and government, delving into critical issues such as housing, technology, business, homelessness, education and development.
Rep. Anna Eshoo reflects on retirement; race to replace her heats up
The end of an era: Silicon Valley Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is retiring after three decades in Congress. The veteran Democrat reflects on her decision and legacy. Plus: Political analyst Larry Gerston predicts some key issues that could shape the highly-competitive race to replace her.
Dec 4, 2023
24 min
Why San Jose office workers aren't coming back
San Jose is seeing a significantly low return of office workers to downtown and one of the highest office vacancy rates in its history. The lack of foot traffic is hurting downtown businesses. What's driving this trend and how can office workers be lured to come back? Co-host Nick Preciado chats with Alex Stettinski, CEO of the San Jose Downtown Association.
Oct 14, 2023
19 min
San Jose broke transparency laws. What's next?
A judge's recent ruling that the city of San Jose and its former Mayor Sam Liccardo violated state transparency laws -- in response to a lawsuit filed by San José Spotlight and First Amendment Coalition -- could have far-reaching implications for public agencies across the state. Co-host Joseph Geha talks to Karl Olson and David Loy, two attorneys at the center of the case.
Sep 16, 2023
28 min
San Jose looks to ban homeless camps near schools
San Jose is exploring a controversial policy to keep homeless residents away from schools and daycare centers. Co-host Nick Preciado speaks to East San Jose Councilmember Peter Ortiz, who supports the idea, and homeless advocate Todd Langton of Agape Silicon Valley.
Aug 30, 2023
27 min
The state of the county: Mental health
Co-host Nick Preciado sits down with the county's top political and administrative leaders -- Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg and CEO James Williams -- to discuss the state of the county's mental health crisis.
Aug 12, 2023
36 min
San Jose's gun safety debate
A federal judge this month dismissed legal challenges to San Jose's landmark gun safety measures that made national headlines. But will the policies prevent gun violence and mass shootings? Co-host Nick Preciado takes a closer look with Mothers Against Murder Executive Director Margaret Petros.
Jul 22, 2023
21 min
PolitiBeat 2023: A deep dive
San José Spotlight editor Nick Preciado speaks with managing editor Alexandria Bordas and senior reporter Joseph Geha about PolitiBeat -- the organization's inaugural political festival that featured eight panels with more than 30 speakers, including local, state and federal lawmakers.
Jun 17, 2023
29 min
San Jose's fight over affordable housing funds
A fight over San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan's plan to divert funding from affordable housing to create more shelters and short-term solutions is heating up. Co-host Nick Preciado speaks with two housing leaders, Sandy Perry and Delma Hernandez, to understand the plan's implications.
May 28, 2023
16 min
San Jose's Cinco de Mayo debacle
South Bay authorities closed 10 major highway ramps over Cinco de Mayo weekend, a year after San Jose leaders reversed a ban on lowriding. Some lawmakers called the move "racist" and demanded an investigation. Co-host Nick Preciado chats with Angela Carrillo of the women-led Dueñas Car Club about what happened.
May 14, 2023
11 min
How Silicon Valley is tackling homelessness
More than 10,000 people are homeless in Santa Clara County, a sobering reality despite millions of dollars funneling into the county to address the crisis. Co-host Nick Preciado speaks to Preston Prince, executive director of the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, about how that agency is working to end homelessness and other solutions.
Apr 22, 2023
25 min
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