Bill Monning joins SideBar podcast ahead of November midterms

Former California Senate Majority Leader Bill Monning appears on SideBar: Optimism in Action to urge voting in the November midterm election and warn listeners about ballot deadlines, gerrymandering, and mail-in voting changes. The episode is part of the KAZU and Monterey College of Law podcast’s wider focus on democracy and civic engagement.

Why it matters: - Bill Monning uses the episode to frame voting as a direct way to protect the fairness and honesty of the election system. - The discussion lands as the November midterm election nears, when turnout and ballot handling can shape local and national outcomes. - Monning flags mailed-ballot timing as especially important because of changes in how the U.S. Post Office postmarks ballots.

What happened: - SideBar: Optimism in Action released an episode featuring former California Senate Majority Leader Bill Monning. - The podcast is a collaboration between KAZU 90.3 and Monterey College of Law. - Monning and host Mitch Winick discuss the importance of voting in the November midterm election. - Monning says every election gives voters a chance to make sure their voices are heard and the system remains fair and honest.

The details: - The episode covers the impact of gerrymandering. - The discussion includes attempts to limit mail-in balloting. - The conversation also addresses voter eligibility. - Monning urges listeners to mail ballots at least one week before Election Day, Nov. 3, to improve the odds that ballots are counted. - SideBar says it has been focusing on democracy-related topics as the midterm elections approach. - Recent episodes include discussions with Dennie and Goldstone, Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels, David Walbert, and Dr. Mindy Romero. - Listeners can find the podcast at KAZU’s SideBar page and SideBarMedia podcasts.

Between the lines: - KAZU has added SideBar: Optimism in Action to its digital programming, extending the station’s on-air brand into podcast distribution. - The podcast is the first non-newscast, locally produced podcast featured on the KAZU website and mobile app. - The production partners are using the show to highlight nonprofit leaders, advocates and community members working on public policy, humanitarian and charitable issues. - The season’s editorial focus centers on positive change during a challenging political climate.

What's next: - New episodes publish on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. - The podcast will continue posting at KAZU’s SideBar page. - SideBarMedia says listeners can preview and hear more than 90 previous episodes at SideBarMedia. - The show will keep highlighting voices tied to civic engagement and community service as election season continues.

The bottom line: - The episode is both a voting reminder and a platform move, as SideBar expands its reach on KAZU while pushing a democracy-focused message before Election Day.