In this episode of Flor Unmuted, Flor Olvera sits down with former State Controller and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Betty Yee for a policy-focused conversation about California’s future.

The discussion explores the scope of a governor’s authority in relation to federal immigration enforcement, the limits of sanctuary state policy, and what state leadership can realistically do when federal decisions impact local communities.

They also discuss water sustainability and agricultural policy in the Central Valley, air quality and public health, oil and energy transition planning, artificial intelligence and workforce disruption, data center infrastructure, healthcare access in rural regions, and affordability challenges facing working families across the state.

Yee outlines her year-one priorities, her approach to economic resilience, and how she views long-term environmental and workforce transitions in California.

This episode is part of Flor Unmuted’s ongoing candidate conversation series ahead of the 2026 election cycle, focused on substance, policy, and accountability.

In this solo episode, Flor reflects on how power and proximity shape the justice system, even when procedures are followed.

This is not a dismissal of mental health care or an accusation of wrongdoing. It is a thoughtful examination of how access, media framing, and institutional caution can shift focus away from the people most affected, including children and family safety.

A conversation about accountability, compassion, and who the system centers first when influence is involved.

In this episode of Flor Unmuted, immigration attorney Raj Singh breaks down what immigration enforcement actually looks like under the Trump administration in 2025 — from ICE street pickups in Bakersfield to people being quietly transferred to detention centers in Texas and Louisiana.

We talk about disappearing due process, fired immigration judges, blocked bond hearings, and why attorneys are suddenly limited in how they can represent their clients. Raj explains how people detained in California end up in the Fifth Circuit, where the laws are harsher and the chances of winning a case drop dramatically.

We also bring the conversation home to the Central Valley: 17,000 commercial trucking licenses revoked, immigrant drivers sidelined, and local trucking companies — many in communities that voted for Trump — now facing financial collapse. Raj unpacks how these federal rules collide with California’s agriculture-driven economy and what this means for farmworkers, truckers, and food supply chains.

This episode covers ICE raids, immigration courts, denaturalization attempts, constitutional erosion, and the economic fallout hitting Kern County right now.

If you care about immigration, democracy, the Central Valley, or simply understanding what’s happening behind the headlines, this conversation is essential.

Summary

In this conversation, Flor Olvera discusses the political landscape in rural California, particularly in Kern County, and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party. She emphasizes the importance of unity, voter engagement, and building trust with constituents. The discussion also touches on the impact of Prop 50, gerrymandering, and the role of unions in supporting Democratic candidates. Olvera advocates for grassroots efforts, canvassing, and connecting with voters on a personal level to ensure that their needs are met and voices heard.

Takeaways

The political landscape in rural California is often overlooked.

Unity within the Democratic Party is crucial for success.

Voter engagement should focus on personal connections rather than partisan divides.

Building trust with voters is essential for electoral success.

Experience in political campaigns can significantly impact outcomes.

Democrats must adapt their messaging to resonate with local constituents.

Gerrymandering poses a significant challenge to fair elections.

Unions play a vital role in supporting Democratic candidates and policies.

Grassroots efforts and canvassing are effective strategies for mobilizing voters.

Prop 50 represents a critical opportunity for Democrats in Kern County.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Political Landscape

02:31 Challenges of Leadership in a Pandemic

05:28 Election Dynamics and Candidate Endorsements

08:10 Connecting with Voters on Core Issues

10:54 Building Trust with Constituents

13:46 The Role of Experience in Politics

16:19 The Impact of Trump on Local Politics

19:26 Winning Strategies for Democrats in Kern County

22:00 Voter Engagement and Prop 50

24:38 Media Representation and Political Messaging

31:47 The Impact of Gerrymandering on Democracy

36:52 The Role of Canvassing in Political Engagement

45:00 Revitalizing the Democratic Party in Kern County

52:29 Addressing Food Insecurity and Community Support

In this episode of Flor Unmuted, Bakersfield City Councilmember and State Assembly candidate Andrae Gonzales opens up about the journey that shaped him—from growing up on the Bakersfield College campus where his father dedicated his life to helping first-generation students, to navigating the emotional toll and responsibility of public service.

We talk about faith, burnout, criticism, and the importance of keeping humanity at the center of leadership. Andrae also shares why he still believes in community, collaboration, and hope—despite the noise of politics.

“God will ask, what did you do with the tools you were given?” This episode reminds us that purpose and service are sacred work.

Available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of Flor Unmuted, I sit down with Randy Villegas, educator, school board trustee, and congressional candidate for California’s 22nd District, to discuss what real representation looks like for working-class and immigrant communities in the Central Valley.

We dive into his personal journey from growing up in a family that relied on public assistance like Medicaid, to becoming the first-generation PhD, to running for Congress to challenge cuts to essential services. We also unpack how districts like CA-22 are shaped by funding, voter suppression, and how local people can reclaim power.

Whether you’re in Kern, Tulare, care about flipping the House of Representatives or anywhere in CD-22, this episode gives you a clearer view of who’s running, what’s at stake, and how you can push beyond the usual politics to demand more. You can learn more about Randy's campaign at: https://www.villegasforcongress.com/

In this powerful follow-up episode, Flor Olvera continues the deep dive into California’s Prop 50 this time featuring longtime voting rights advocate Carter Beardsley and a heartfelt conversation with community mentor Cathee Romley. Together, they unpack what’s really at stake: not just a proposition, but the future of Congress and democratic representation itself.

We tackle GOP misinformation, political fatigue, and why Prop 50 is a direct response to voter suppression and radical redistricting efforts across the country. Whether you're confused, skeptical, or just tired of politics, this episode breaks down what you need to know before you vote and why your vote still matters.

Key Topics:

• What Prop 50 really does
• Redistricting power grabs in Texas and Florida
• Why California is fighting back
• Voter suppression, political fatigue, and misinformation
• The myth of “neutral” redistricting
• Why your vote (and voice) still matters
• The dangerous rise of political apathy and how to push back

Call to Action: Vote YES on Prop 50. Then tell 5 friends why it matters. Democracy doesn’t protect itself we do.

In this first part of our Flor Unmuted Prop 50 mini series, we break down the facts, the fear tactics, and the future of democracy in California.

Ballots are landing this week and Prop 50 has become the center of a high stakes battle over gerrymandering, congressional maps, and representation. We cut through the noise and bring you voices from the ground

Guest: Rebecca Sayed Grassroots organizer with national experience mobilizing voters on redistricting, voting rights, and election defense

Guest: Paul Reed Retired Teamster, local delegate, and political activist from Kern County

In this episode What Prop 50 really does and does not do How Texas and Florida's gerrymandering triggered this response Why mailers are lying to voters in California What is at stake for rural Latino and working class communities The truth behind independent redistricting versus power hoarding How to fight back through local action

Ballots are being mailed starting October 7 Election Day is November 4 2025 Visit kernvote dot com to check your registration or drop box location

Do not miss Part 2 of this series dropping tomorrow

Flor Unmuted is a Central Valley based podcast covering politics culture and power from the front lines. Subscribe on Spotify Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen