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We Are Ranked #13! And ICYMI - 5 Stories And One Video From Last Week, And Other Stuff…
The “So, Does It Mater” Substack featured a lot of great, original content this past week. Below are the highlights! But first I treat you to this amazing home-made image. Exciting news!
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First and foremost, our momentum here continues to grow, thanks to YOU, our loyal readers and subscribers! You can see in the graphic above that we made a great top chart on Substack, which is bringing us even more readers! THANK YOU!!
Okay, There was a LOT going on this past week. Although it seems like we can say that about any week in California politics. This is the Sunday column where the main event is me bringing back the top five pieces I wrote during the week in case you missed them. And then one video I did. Plus, in case you read or watched all of that, a few other tidbits so you don’t feel like you opening this for nothing! But this is also a good time to ask you, on this lovely Sunday, to share this page with your friends.
TWO SUNDAY LINKS ON NEWSOM’S REDISTRICTING
POLITICO: 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATS’ REDISTRICTING PLAN.
California Democrats have unveiled a controversial redistricting plan aimed at flipping five GOP-held congressional seats by redrawing district lines to tilt them blue. Proposed as a counter to Republican-led redistricting in Texas, the map would deepen Democratic strongholds while putting swing areas at play. Final approval hinges on state legislative action and voter support in a special election next year.
This Politico piece has insights I think are worth checking out.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST WITH PAUL MITCHELL
Over at the Capitol Weekly podcast, they interview one of my nerdiest friends (self-appointed) Paul Mitchell. Paul is a great guy (we agree on almost nothing in terms of issues) but he is an expert on redistricting here in California. In this case he basically is THE expert as he was hired to draw all of these new House lines everyone is now looking at. The interview with Paul is interesting, if you don’t mind going down the geek wormhole. You can find it here - it runs about 45 mins though you can run it faster, so Paul sounds like Mickey Mouse!
Okay, the week that was on the “So, Does It Matter?” Substack!
Top Ten Winners & Losers In California Politics This Week
Each Friday, we present a sharp round-up of California’s most noteworthy political performances—spotlighting the week’s biggest winners and losers. This week’s inaugural edition highlights figures like embattled politicians and standout journalists, offering readers a brisk, insightful pulse-check on shifting political fortunes—for better or worse
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Breaking News: New Politico Survey Has Newsom’s Play For Mid-Decade Redistricting of House Lines In Big Trouble
A fresh Politico–Citrin Center poll reveals that nearly two-thirds of Californians oppose shifting redistricting power from the independent commission to the Legislature. Governor Newsom’s efforts to redraw congressional lines mid-decade now face mounting skepticism, with voter resistance potentially derailing his strategy as election-season momentum builds.
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California Patriot Profile: Gary Sinise’s Quiet Crusade for Veterans
Gary Sinise’s journey from beloved Hollywood actor to devoted veteran advocate spans over four decades. Inspired by his role as Lt. Dan, he launched the Gary Sinise Foundation, delivering smart homes, meals, concerts, and hope to wounded veterans. His commitment to service speaks louder than politics—proving that true leadership elevates others with humility and action
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Why California’s AB 495 Is a Risky Power Grab Pretending to Help Families
AB 495, pitched as protection for families amid immigration crackdowns, may allow unvetted non-relatives to assume guardianship through mere affidavits—bypassing courts entirely. Critics warn it invades parental authority and exposes children to exploitation. This column argues that this sweeping measure is more political posturing than pragmatic policy—posing serious risks to the family’s foundational role in California
Los Angeles Is Really Falling Apart, and Karen Bass Is Under Fire For Her Own Inability To Govern ( & Thurmond Flames Caruso)
As Los Angeles hurtles toward the 2028 Olympics, a tangled web of union fights, budget woes, and political infighting has paralyzed City Hall. Politico’s story warns leadership is nowhere in sight. Mayor Karen Bass’s capacity to govern is under intense scrutiny—and in the chaos, Tony Thurmond launched a sharp, satirical salvo at Rick Caruso, signaling yet another power-play.
IF YOU ARE OVERCOME WITH FOMO? - it may be because while we have highlighted five posts from last week — there were actually 12 different original items published on So, Does It Matter? Click to the main page below and scroll down to see anything you may have missed!
ONE VIDEO!
Interview Of The Week: Katy Grimes, Editor-In-Chief of the California Globe - We Talk Newsom, Capitol Corruption, Schiff & More!
For the first-ever interview feature on So, Does It Matter? it should come as no surprise to insiders in California politics that Jon would reach out to his dear friend and fellow chronicler of the Golden State, Katy. Once upon a time, before rising to her position as the Editor-In-Chief of the California Globe (which is the online “news source of record” for conservatives following the State Capitol and beyond), Katy used to be the State Capitol Correspondent for the FlashReport (Jon’s sister publication). Of course, there were a few gigs in between.
In this nearly 40-minute interview, Jon and Katy talk (a lot) about Gavin Newsom and the First Partner. They talk about Newsom’s Presidential campaign, his penchant for saying one thing and doing another, and, of course, his new (as of late June) anti-Trump posturing. Other topics include the growing troubles for Senator Adam Schiff, the most potent groups controlling policy in the Capitol, and Jon even forces Katy to discuss some Democratic legislators she dislikes, as well as a few Republicans on her radar.
Do you have someone you think I should interview? Just hit reply to this e-mail or message me via the button right here to make any suggestion!
SOMETHING GROSS
I almost feel bad for you that you get to this point and are subjected to my bizarre sense of human. This couple had a mayonnaise wedding, with a mayonnaise cake, and apparently a mayonnaise - character. Barf.
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Have a great Sunday - I’m off with the family to Chavez Ravine. Go Dodgers! #BeatThePadres
Jon
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