2020 Candidates Make Their Case in California

If you are having trouble reading this email, [read the online version](. [KQED Logo]( April 30, 2019 Happy Tuesday! I’m Marisa Lagos, KQED politics correspondent and co-host of Political Breakdown. You may have heard that the 2020 presidential race is starting to heat up here in California … the candidates are flooding our fair state, and it’s not just to collect campaign cash. Also, we’ve seen some movement on the housing debate in Sacramento — but there’s still lots to be decided, as lawmakers weigh controversial bills aimed at spurring development and helping renters, and outside groups eye the 2020 ballot. Finally — we normally don’t like to send our loyal listeners to ANOTHER podcast, but you gotta check out The Bay… they recently hosted a live show in San Francisco, complete with a member of the politics team. Thanks for reading! Beto Comes to Cali Beto Former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke, whose closer-than-expected but losing race for the U.S. Senate in Texas last year fueled hopes for a nationwide White House run, [brought his brand of energetic retail politics]( to a community center in San Francisco Sunday. Avoiding the kind of inflammatory rhetoric favored by some Democrats running for president, O'Rourke struck a more unifying tone. "Let's call forth the genius of our fellow Americans, not as Democrats or Republicans or folks from big cities or small towns," O'Rourke said. "I don’t care who you pray to or how many generations you’ve been here or whether you just got there today. We’re all Americans." Joe Biden Enters 2020 Race Beto wasn’t the only candidate making news last week -- former Vice President Joe Biden [FINALLY made it official.]( As President Barack Obama's loyal vice president for eight years, Biden brings high name recognition and generally positive approval ratings into a Democratic nomination contest that is the most diverse and crowded field ever. The question he'll have to answer is whether his time has passed, as voters consider a field that includes three men half Biden's age, five women and several candidates of color. Polls show Biden leading in California -- but it’s a looooong time ‘til Super Tuesday next March. Housing, Housing … and More Housing with Assemblyman David Chiu You may have heard we have a housing shortage here in California -- and a lot of strong opinions about how to tackle the growing crisis. One of the lawmakers who’s been out front on this issue for years is San Francisco Assemblyman David Chiu. He [sat down with me and Scott]( in Sacramento last week to talk about his bills, and the larger debate. # Rent Control Scuttled, But Rent Gouging Bill Moves Forward Speaking of Chiu, he had a big win last week, when lawmakers voted to [advance his bill to end rent gouging in California](. But at the same time, a companion measure -- that would have allowed cities to expand rent control -- stalled out in Sacramento. Is it really dead though? Voters may have another chance to weigh in in 2020 … and Governor Gavin Newsom seems at least open to the idea. Stay tuned. L.A. AIDS Group Takes Center Stage in Housing Debate You wouldn’t expect a nonprofit that gives care to HIV and AIDS patients to be at the center of California’s white hot housing debate … but then, maybe you haven’t been paying attention. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a Los Angeles based nonprofit, spent $23 million last year on a failed ballot measure to expand rent control in California -- and once again this year, [they’re back front and center.]( Two reasons: One, the group recently shelled out nearly $90,000 for a series of ads attacking state Senator Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco. Why? Wiener wrote SB50, a bill that would increase housing density in California. In a racially charged mailers, and TV ads, the group compared the bill to the “urban renewal” of the 1960’s and 70’s that pushed African-American residents out of San Francisco. The ad was met with anger by Weiner and many prominent black Californians. The other reason we’re paying attention to AHF? Last week, the foundation announced it is pursuing another ballot measure to allow cities and counties to expand rent control. This one would be aimed at the 2020 ballot. The Bay Goes Live — With Marzorati! High rent. Long commutes. Expensive food. Childcare. Sea level rise. Gentrification. These are just some of the challenges of living in the Bay Area. Many are asking, should I stay or should I go? Or more pointedly, can I stay? Our sister podcast, The Bay, hosted a live show in SF -- complete with the indefatigable Guy Marzorati! [Listen to their hour-long conversation here.]( This Week: Jay Inslee [ Jay Inslee] Our guest on the Breakdown this week is Washington Governor Jay Inslee. In recent years, Inslee partnered with Jerry Brown on some of the nation's most ambitious environmental initiatives. Now, he's making the fight against climate change the signature issue in his run for the White House. [TUNE IN: Thursday, 6:30pm on KQED Public Radio.]( Take part in World Press Freedom Day Show your support in honor of World Press Freedom Day this Friday, May 3rd. This year attention is being brought to "Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation" by addressing the current challenges faced by media during elections—and acknowledging the media's potential in supporting peace and reconciliation processes. In honor of this day, and for the journalists who provide fair and unbiased news to our community, KQED has committed to raising $50,000. We ask that you join us by making a donation to KQED by this Friday. When you do, Newman's Own Foundation and the Jaswant Singh Gill and Family Trust will match your donation, dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000! Let's celebrate open dialogue, knowledge, and the free flow of ideas. [Make your gift today and double your impact](. [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( [Donate]( [Manage Subscription]( | [Privacy Policy]( KQED 2601 Mariposa St. San Francisco, CA 94110 Copyright © April 30, 2019 [KQED](. All Rights Reserved.