—EPISODE 122—Welcome to the East Bay Insiders Podcast’s 3rd Annual Insidey Awards highlighting the highs and lows in East Bay politics in 2025.
—Join Steve Tavares, Trishala Vinnakota, and the return of Dan Mendoza for this year’s rollicking awards episode.
—Look for Episode 123 on Christmas Day as we further analyze the year in East Bay politics.
INSIDEY NOMINEES
—Best performance by a public official
Ken Houston, Oakland
Kevin Jenkins, Oakland
Jack Balch, Pleasanton
Nikki Fortunato Bas, Alameda County
Igor Tregub, Alameda County Democratic Party chair
—Worst performance by a public official(s)
Bryan Azevedo, San Leandro councilmember
Hayward City Council
Fred Simon, San Leandro councilmember
Victor Aguilar, Jr., San Leandro councilmember
—Best quote
Ken Houston, Oakland: “We had our straps, but we weren’t shooting no guns.”
Julie Testa, Pleasanton councilmember: “You don’t have the right to control me, mayor.”
Mark Salinas, Hayward mayor: “I feel like I failed. I really do, as a mayor.”
Nate Miley, Alameda County supervisor: “I’m just letting you know. I’m letting you know. Respectfully, letting you know if you start jumping into the unincorporated area and not respecting the supervisor, or supervisors that represent the unincorporated area, there could be ramifications.”
Ken Houston: “There’s going to be some order in this court.”
—Best Hair
Rob Bonta, California attorney general
David Haubert, Alameda County supervisor
Pamela Price, former Alameda County DA
—Best performance by a public speaker
Al Mendall, Hayward
Gene Hazard, Oakland
Tod Hickman, Alameda
—Best Fight
East Bay MUD Board vs. Board Director April Chan
Oakland Councilmember Ken Houston vs. Oakland Public Works Director Josh Rowan
Pleasanton Mayor Jack Balch vs. Councilmember Julie Testa
