The WTF California Podcast Podcast

The WTF California Podcast

wtfcalifornia
Mike Burkholder and Kenny Turnage provide news commentary from around the San Francisco Bay Area to across the State of California in this daily program Monday through Friday. We raise awareness on issues from crime to politics where the State truly makes you go WTF California.
Rules for Thee Not for Me in Contra Costa, Big Cities Seek Cops and Elon Musk
On this episode of WTF California, Mary Knox campaign releases statement on why Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton has yet to take action on Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpes DUI as its now been more than 60-days. We recap a busy night in the City of Brentwood and City of Oakley. San Francisco and Los Angeles are now asking for more money for police. Some political corruption going on in Anaheim per FBI. San Diego seeks to cap vacation property rentals and Elon Musk goes Republican and now sexual misconduct accusations the next day.   Knox Campaign Blasts Contra Costa D.A. Diana Becton’s Failure to Act on Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s DUI Brentwood Police Say 4 Dogs Die, 15 Rescued in Fire at Derty Dog K9 Retreat Oakley Police Investigating Fatal Shooting Leader of anti-abortion group charged with stalking San Francisco doctor at home, work SFPD officers involved in shooting during aggravated assault call; 2 men are dead 2 arrested, 3rd suspect sought in El Cerrito home invasion OC Judge Halts Angel Stadium Sale Amidst FBI Corruption Probe of Anaheim Mayor Santana: What It Felt Like to Stand Against Anaheim’s Shady Angel Stadium Sale Before FBI Probe Anaheim Mayor Sidhu’s Council Majority Flips, Demands His Resignation Amidst FBI Corruption Probe Mayor London Breed vows to fight for more police officers in upcoming San Francisco budget talks LAPD budget proposes $87 million increase after recent rash of robberies Riverside school employee arrested for allegedly giving students fentanyl Bill To End Oil, Gas Drilling Off Coast of California Blocked in Senate Appropriations Cmte California teen back home after being kidnapped by man she met online, ending up in New York San Diego City Council Votes To Institute Cap on Number of Vacation Rental Properties  Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano takes fundraising 'Back to the Future' New rules about guns on movie sets fail in California Armed and Prohibited: Why a California program to get guns out of the hands of criminals is facing significant challenges Man who allegedly impersonated San Joaquin County Sheriff’s captain was married to employee Musk responds to report accusing him of sexual misconduct SBSun: San Bernardino County reports 6.6% increase in homeless population SDUT: Homelessness up 10% in San Diego County. ‘More miserable out there than I have seen in years’ Senators target Big Tech's digital advertising machine with new proposal
May 20, 2022
47 min
Knox vs. Becton, Freedom of the Press and Police Officers Mental Health
 On this episode of WTF California Podcast, we highlight the Contra Costa County District Attorney Race after a debate in Antioch last night between Diana Becton and Mary Knox -- video on our Facebook page. We get into a bizarre social media post by Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe threatening to take action against bloggers, podcasters and self proclaimed journalist. We remind the mayor there is something called Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press and court decisions.  We highlights how San Jose Police Chief proposes 7-pointr plan for department reform while California Legislative Analyst warns of budget shortfall as early as next year after Governor Gavin Newsom's Proposed Budget.  Plus more.   Articles From the Show: CHP: 3 found shot along Interstate 580 in East Oakland, 2 killed Legislative Analyst Warns CA May Face Budget Shortfall as Early as Next Year San Jose police chief proposes 7-point plan for department reform amid instances of misconduct Schools have dominated elections for the past year. So why is the state superintendent race such a snooze? SF Chamber of Commerce poll finds residents think city is going in wrong direction LAUSD predicts 30% enrollment drop over next decade Alameda to give 150 households monthly stipends of $1,000 for two years Oakland council passes resolution to make city pro-choice sanctuary Former CEO of Anaheim Chamber of Commerce facing criminal charges EXCLUSIVE: SFFD tries to keep firefighter's arrest, colleague's brutal beating under wraps Feds in California arrest entrepreneur with huge social media following on interstate pot trafficking, gun possession charges Woman serving life sentence led fraud ring that got $2M in California unemployment benefits: DOJ California manufacturers want a halt to tax on purchases of new equipment Canceling student debt would be 'very unfair' and favor those who make 'lots of money in their lifetime,' former Fed Chair Bernanke says 1st Case of Rare Monkeypox in US This Year Confirmed in Mass.
May 19, 2022
58 min
An Interview With Katherine Piccinini, Write in Candidate Against DeSaulnier
On this episode of WTF California Podcast, we interview Katherine Piccinini who announced that she has filed paperwork with the Contra Costa Elections Division and is certified as an official Write-In Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, 10th District race in the June 7th Primary Election. The 10th Congressional District was recently changed due to re-districting and now includes much of Contra Costa County, including Oakley, Brentwood, parts of Antioch and Central Contra Costa County as well. If she gets enough voters to write her name on the June ballot, it will appear on the November ballot. She is challenging US Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.
May 18, 2022
1 hr
Antioch Mayor Continues to Deflect, Be American and F Racism
On this episode of WTF California Podcast we call out Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe for who he truly is which is not bipartisan and is the great divider and problem profiteer. This comes after a press conference where he claims to be afraid of local media and fears they will cause another Danville or Buffalo situation. We urge people to get off the race card and all racial divisions and overtones. Homeless numbers are in and with all the funding and money thrown at the problem, homelessness is up. Another hit piece in the media on police K9’s while judge rules law requiring women on corporate boards unconstitutional. Articles From the Show: Antioch Mayor Says Council Will Take Up Policy to Target Sideshow Spectators Antioch mayor vows harsher crackdown on sideshows Antioch Mayor Cracks Down on Illegal Sideshows Oakley Police Say Reward in Alexis Gabe Case Increased to $60k Homelessness Up in Bay Area, Down Slightly in San Francisco Long-awaited Bay Area homelessness numbers show a worsening crisis Contra Costa Adding Resources to Combat Rise in Homelessness During Pandemic Santa Clara County sees increase in homelessness K-9s in question: Bay Area police dogs bite with little consequence By the numbers: How often Bay Area police agencies deploy K-9s to bite California church shooting: Alleged gunman 'politically motivated' by hatred for Taiwanese people Danville mayor condemns racist masked protest in Blackhawk What is white replacement theory? Belief fueling racist attacks ‘Times have changed’: Amid pandemic and crime, first-time gun buyers are often women, people of color Landmark California law requiring women on corporate boards ruled unconstitutional Cain Velasquez bail controversy outrages parents New website shows homeowners their fire danger risk Oakland rent raises on rent-controlled properties California manufacturers want a halt to tax on purchases of new equipment
May 17, 2022
1 hr
Criminals Take Over Antioch Streets, California Budget Gone Crazy and Other Stuff
On this episode of WTF California Podcast, we discuss how City of Antioch leadership has created an environment that is inviting to criminals and side show enthusiasts. While Antioch may claim zero tolerance, we have been down that path before and little has changed. Oakley Police announce cell phone cover of Alexis Gabe has been recovered. 1 dead and 5 injured in California Church Shooting. We talk Governor Gavin Newsom's budget plan which includes record surplus. We highlight his inflation budget relief package. Gas prices back above $6 in Contra Costa County. Did you know they are working to lower standards to become a District Attorney Investigator? Meanwhile, what Attorney General Candidates are saying about Smash and Grab crime and organized looting. Antioch Police Respond to Two Sideshows, Officers Vehicles Attacked Antioch: Two arrested, police vehicle damaged after weekend sideshows Antioch City Council Agrees to Create Police Oversight Commission East Bay city creates civilian police oversight commission Contra Costa County Sheriff’s volunteer under investigation for ‘ghost guns’ Alexis Gabe: Parents of missing Oakley woman believe she is still alive as new developments unfold California church shooting: 1 dead, 5 injured in Orange County 2 teens, 1 adult hospitalized in Citrus Heights stabbing. Police search for suspect Police arrest man accused of striking woman, dragging body in Fresno Man shot by burglars during Riverside home invasion Disturbing details emerge after San Jose police officer arrested for masturbating at family's home Former deputy avoids jail time, sex offender registration for sex crimes involving inmates Car catches fire on Hwy 4 near Pittsburg Average LA County gas prices tops $6 for first time since April 1 Governor Newsom Proposes $18.1 Billion Inflation Relief Package What’s in Newsom’s inflation relief proposal? $400 checks, help with rent, diesel tax pause CA’s minimum wage projected to rise to $15.50 faster than expected due to inflation Why the Push to Lower Standards For Becoming A District Attorney Investigator? What the Attorney General Candidates are Saying About Smash and Grab, Organized Looting, Shoplifting, and Personal Theft Crimes
May 16, 2022
53 min
A Conversation with Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Chad Mahalich
On this episode of WTF California Podcast, we are joined by Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Chad Mahalich. He joins us to speak about what is currently going on within the District Attorney’s Office under the leadership of District Attorney Diana Becton. He speaks about moral being down and the office has lost 50 attorneys since Becton was elected. We talk about how in this campaign, Mary Knox is the DA candidate who is for the victims, not the criminal. We talk about integrity, perjury, plagiarism and qualifications needed in the DA’s office. We get into a ton of stuff!
May 13, 2022
1 hr 17 min
Antioch Community Robbed in Recall Effort, Contra Costa County Tidbits and Gun Rights
On this episode of WTF California Podcast, we provide insights of the fraud that occurred at the end of the recall attempt for Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe and it appears they did have enough signatures to place the recall on the ballot. We get into some Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor actions and three cities could lose its Sheriffs contract under proposal by Supervisor John Gioia. San Francisco now looking at low level police stops. Gun rights advocates get win with court ruling under-21 gun sales ban is unconstitutional. More homeless spending--including City of Antioch. Committee Says Fraud Plays Role in Why Recall of Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe Will Not Go Forward Thorpe recall fails due to theft of funds, signatures not provided by contracted company Contra Costa County to expand health care for undocumented immigrants Contra Costa County supervisor considers severing sheriff contract with cities CHP Announces Arrest in Large Bay Area Retail Theft Operation Court: California's under-21 gun sales ban unconstitutional SFPD Commission to Discuss Proposal to Reduce Low-Level Traffic Stops 2 Hurt After Helicopter Goes Down at PG&E Facility in Livermore $12.3 million homeless motel program approved on 3-1-1 vote by Antioch City Council State Funds 3 Bay Area Projects to Create Housing for Homeless More than a dozen homes destroyed, damaged as wildfire spreads through Orange County US overdose deaths hit record 107,000 last year, CDC says Vacaville attorney accused of several sex crimes involving children What the Attorney General Candidates are Saying About Defending Laws They Disagree With Wilson Elementary renamed to honor indigenous group
May 12, 2022
54 min
Fire Bugs Caught in Contra Costa, Water Police Force Coming Soon and Han Solo
On this episode of WTF California Podcast, we give kudos to Contra Costa County Fire Protection District investigators for multiple arson arrests over the weekend. We talk Elon Musk and how Twitter could be leaving not only the Bay Area, but California. The water cops could soon be in place while EBMUD ads 8% surcharge for just turning on water.  Plus a bunch of other random stuff from across the state.  Articles From the Show: Antioch Arson Suspect Escapes, Fire Investigators Nab 4 Arson Suspects 4 Arrested in Connection to 30 Fires in 48 Hours in Contra Costa County Contra Costa County denies request for more funding to fight deportation cases Elon Musk says Twitter's HQ in San Francisco creates 'strong left bias' on platform Sheriff: 15 pounds of fentanyl, $139K in cash seized from car at high school in Oakland Santa Clara County may deploy 'water cops' to catch water waster Water use in drought-ravaged California went up dramatically in March EBMUD adds 8% water surcharge as state warns Californians aren't conserving enough LADWP announces 2-days a week watering restriction Power shutoffs possible for Californians this summer ‘It’s Humiliating’: Lincoln City Council Censures Member Caught On Video Seemingly Slapping Businessman Matthew Oliver San Jose Officials Unanimously Approve Ban on Ghost Guns Sacramento City Council committee considering cannabis café proposal How many people are homeless in San Francisco? Data reveals a worsening crisis Starbucks employees file 22 unionization petitions in California San Joaquin deputies try to link evidence to possible victims of the 'Speed Freak Killers' ‘Clean Up the Lake’ effort recovers 25K pounds of trash from Lake Tahoe San Diego single-family median price up to $1 million, report shows
May 11, 2022
46 min
Oakley Police Chief Dips Pen in Company Ink, Traffic Stops Matter and Soft on Crime Must Stop
On this episode of WTF California Podcast, we discuss how documents reveal why the City of Oakley parted ways with Chief Dean Capelletti who had allegations of sexual harassment and accused of lying to investigators. 7 year-old injured in freeway shooting, San Francisco continues to be soft on crime, San Jose seeks military equipment and we talk college being expensive. With drought and low water levels, we even bring up Jimmy Hoffa while Black Lives Matters Patrisse Cullors denies wrong doing in $6 million LA compound. Articles From the Show: City of Oakley Says Former Police Chief Fired Over Alleged Sexual Harassment Exclusive: Oakley police chief was fired for alleged sexual harassment, accused of lying to investigators CHP Valley Division: 200 pounds of meth found during traffic stop 7-Year-Old Boy Injured in Bay Area Freeway Shooting 3 hurt in Vallejo shootings Bay Area florist devastated after thieves steal $1,200 worth of Mother's Day flowers Serial burglar convicted of targeting SF businesses gets 'lenient plea deal,' court documents show San Jose PD to request new military-style vehicles LA Sheriff Villanueva releases timeline amid use-of-force case, speaks out against allegations New Poll Shows Majority of Californians Believe That State College is Too Expensive in California BLM’s Patrisse Cullors denies wrongdoing in purchase of $6M L.A. compound West Hills mom says she killed her 3 kids with help from 16-year-old: LAPD With fire risk rising, Sacramento County moves to crack down on illegal fireworks before July 4 With COVID back on the rise, some cities, agencies mulling a return of health mandates Human remains resurfacing at Lake Mead, along with interest in Jimmy Hoffa’s 1975 disappearance College-bound grads could exit with nearly $40K in student loan debt Searches for Vasectomies Soar After Supreme Court Draft Leak
May 10, 2022
54 min
Gas Tax Rebate Fumble, Antioch Mayor Under FFPC Investigation and John Gioia’s Online Nuisance
On this episode of WTF California, we highlight how the state is screwing over California drivers by delaying its gas rebate checks until October. Berkeley should unimagine its public safety and begin putting funds back into the police department. Antioch Herald reports FPPC investigating three complaints against City of Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe. Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia’s opponent is a little off with keyboard commando threats—public should support Gioia in this election. We agree its nice to see landlords suing Alameda County over its COVID eviction moratorium. Meanwhile, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is apparently ripping off campaign ideas from his opponent Lance Christensen. Plus more. Articles From the Show: Average US gasoline price jumps 15 cents to $4.38 per gallon. CA sits at $5.82 Gov. Newsom expects delay in California gas rebate checks, report says Newsom: Gas rebate would be delayed until October under Legislature plan Berkeley council votes to reimagine public safety by creating new department What the Candidates for California Attorney General Are Saying About Defund the Police, Restorative Justice FPPC following up on three campaign finance violation complaints against Thorpe John Gioia’s opponent brings threats, vitriol into Contra Costa County supervisor’s election race Editorial: Contra Costa Supervisor John Gioia has earned another term Bill allowing preteen vaccines without parental OK advances 5 Bay Area landlords sue Alameda Co. claiming COVID eviction moratorium is 'illegal' New immigration court poised for Concord as public defender likely denied more funds Church linked to San Jose kidnapping also tied to apparent exorcism death of 3-year-old girl Tracy basketball coach accused of sending sexual messages to teen boy Man Armed With Sword Surrenders After Police Standoff LA County health officials report slight drop in COVID hospitalizations CA Superintendent of Public Instruction ‘Ripping Off’ Challenger’s Campaign Issues
May 9, 2022
1 hr 1 min
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