POLITICO California Playbook | Checking in with NorCal Food Banks | ‘In a Nutshell’ Year-Ender

POLITICO California Playbook

The latest budget forecast from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office shows California facing an $18 billion shortfall in 2026-27, following a series of deficits that lawmakers have needed to close in recent years. The state has also seen a new candidate, billionaire Tom Steyer, join the 2026 governor’s race with others potentially eying a run, including Attorney General Rob Bonta. Dustin Gardiner, co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook joins Insight with the latest updates in state politics.

Checking in with NorCal Food Banks

It’s the time when home cooked meals are center stage. And demand for food banks reaches a peak. But this year’s need comes on the heels of unprecedented uncertainty, as food benefits were in limbo during the government shutdown. We’ll check in with food banks across Northern California and the Central Valley to get a better understanding of their unique challenges – and the best way to help. Kevin Buffalino is the Director of Communications at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Leonard Hansen is the President and CEO of the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin. Joe Ayer is the Executive Director of Connected Living, which is based in Redding and serves North State counties.

‘In a Nutshell’ Year-Ender

“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is the theme of this month’s In a Nutshell storytelling showcase at the Sofia in Sacramento. The series, which features four different storytellers each month, will host its final showcase of the year Nov. 28. Amy Bee, Aaron Carnes and Keith Lowell Jensen are the co-creators of In a Nutshell and they’re here today to reflect on their first year of storytelling shows.