Can California Be Saved? Real Talk with Former Speaker Curt Pringle
Can California Be Saved? Real Talk with Former Speaker Curt Pringle  
Podcast: State of Gold
Published On: Tue Aug 19 2025
Description: Guest:Curt Pringle - Former Speaker of the California Assembly and Mayor of AnaheimGuest Bio: Curt Pringle is a seasoned political leader and strategist with deep roots in California governance. He served as Speaker of the California State Assembly and later as Mayor of Anaheim, where he spearheaded major housing developments and infrastructure reforms. With decades of experience navigating California’s political evolution, Pringle brings a candid and seasoned voice to today's most urgent state issues.Show SummaryIs California stuck in a cycle of dysfunction? In this bold and wide-ranging conversation, Curt Pringle and Jon Slavet pull back the curtain on what’s really holding the state back—from education failure and housing policy gridlock to the corrosive effects of single-party rule. Drawing from years as Speaker of the Assembly and Mayor of Anaheim, Pringle offers an unfiltered perspective on leadership, affordability, and the path forward. Whether you’re frustrated, hopeful, or somewhere in between—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Chapters00:00 – The Rise of Curt Pringle01:10 – Lessons from Willie Brown03:45 – How Supermajorities Hurt Democracy07:15 – Is Newsom Moving to the Center?09:00 – What Changed in Sacramento10:45 – Why Housing Is a Disaster14:00 – CEQA, Costs & California Gridlock18:30 – Why Developers Are Leaving20:15 – Energy Prices, Gas, and Bad Policy22:40 – The Education Crisis in California26:00 – Teachers’ Unions vs. Students29:00 – Voter ID & Election Integrity32:00 – The Budget Deficit Trap35:30 – What Gives Pringle HopeConnect with CurtTwitter: https://x.com/curtpringleInstagram:​​ https://www.instagram.com/curtpringleandassociates/?hl=enLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-pringle-47889110/Website: https://www.curtpringle.com/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com