The Game

Mark Simon and Bob Marks are joined by Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the San Mateo County Central Labor Council, representing 105 unions and more than 95,000 workers and their families.Julie explains how labor endorsements are earned, how political resources are allocated, and what labor sees as the biggest challenges facing working families in 2026 — from wages and housing costs to public budgets. The conversation also tackles artificial intelligence and automation, and how emerging technologies may reshape the workforce.After the interview, Mark and Bob discuss the crowded California governor’s race and what it means for Democrats statewide, along with the evolving political landscape in San Mateo County.⏱ Episode Chapters00:00 – Opening00:31 – Labor’s role in county politics06:11 – Inside the endorsement process14:43 – Campaign support from labor22:48 – AI & automation impacts30:58 – Governor’s race dynamics38:15 – Post-game analysis45:12 – Wrap-up

Sheriff Ken Binder, appointed on November 12, 2025 as the 27th Sheriff of San Mateo County, joins The Game to talk about rebuilding leadership and culture inside the Sheriff’s Office after a turbulent year.Bender discusses morale and resilience among staff, the staffing picture today, recruitment standards, and the importance of professionalism and consistency across the department. He also explains how internal affairs cases are handled — including what can (and can’t) be done when timelines under California’s Peace Officer Bill of Rights have expired.The conversation expands into San Mateo County’s non-cooperation policy with ICE, how trust impacts public safety, and the Sheriff’s constitutional role in maintaining peace during demonstrations. The episode also highlights the county’s new focus on combating human trafficking, including coordination with the District Attorney’s office.In the bullpen segment, Mark and Bob discuss the California governor’s race, Democratic field dynamics, and local campaign developments as mail-in ballots near.Featuring: Mark Simon, Bob MarksGuest: Sheriff Ken BinderProduced by: Frank Bravo

The Game is back! After a brief hiatus, Mark Simon and Bob Marks return to break down what they missed — and what’s coming next in a fast-moving 2026 election year.They revisit the biggest local political story of 2025: the removal of Sheriff Christina Corpus and why new Sheriff Bender may be the stabilizing leader the department needs. They also dig into the dynamics on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors — including how trust, alliances, and personality conflicts may shape the next year.From there, Mark and Bob discuss Mark’s recent “most influential people in the county” columns and what they reveal about a leadership transition underway — plus why emerging communities and coalitions could play a bigger role in the future.They preview key 2026 races (including a surprisingly heated contest for County Assessor), debate whether certain offices are being politicized, and examine the charter review proposal to name the Board President the “mayor of San Mateo County.”The episode wraps with a broader look at the governor’s race and national politics heading into the midterms — including voter trends, immigration enforcement, and why “affordability” could become the defining issue.New shows every Friday at 10:00 AM. Learn more at thegamepeninsula.com.

Mark Simon and Bob Marks welcome Supervisor Lisa Gauthier to discuss the demanding political landscape of San Mateo County. Supervisor Gauthier served 12 years on the East Palo Alto City Council from 2012 to 2024, including serving as mayor during the pandemic. After being elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2024, she immediately became involved in the ongoing controversy regarding former Sheriff Christina Corpus.Supervisor Gauthier details the high-profile process to appoint a new sheriff, noting that the situation has been a "huge distraction" from necessary county work and has been "weighing heavy on everyone". She explains the Board’s decision to pursue an appointment rather than a special election, citing that an election would cost additional resources and money. Furthermore, Gauthier felt an immediate appointment was fairer, as a short-timeline election favors popular candidates who already possess resources.The Board recently held a four-hour hearing with the applicants. Gauthier believes that two candidates show "a lot of promise": Ken Binder (the former undersheriff in Santa Clara County) and David Lazar (the assistant chief of police in San Francisco). She is looking forward to the public hearing on Monday to see how applicants handle themselves with public comments.The qualities she seeks in the next sheriff include integrity, authenticity, accountability, and the ability to heal a fractured department. She also stresses the importance of finding a leader who understands how the jail is operating and will ensure that incarcerated individuals are protected.Gauthier addresses specific historical issues concerning law enforcement's relationship with her constituency in East Palo Alto and North Fair Oaks, mentioning the history of "over policing". East Palo Alto became a city in 1983 specifically to gain self-determination and avoid being policed by the sheriff’s department due to heavy policing. She emphasizes the need for new police leadership to focus on community policing—officers must get out of their cars, engage with residents, and avoid judging people based on the color of their skin.Once the sheriff issue is finalized, Supervisor Gauthier is eager to focus on top constituent priorities:• Childcare Costs: San Mateo County has the fifth highest child care cost. When costs reach $4,000 a month, it becomes a barrier to families working.• Immigration: District 4 has a large immigrant community, and many residents are "scared and nervous" and require assistance.• Displacement and Homelessness: These issues remain persistent due to the high cost of living.Additionally, Gauthier confirms she has 100% confidence in County Executive Mike Halig, noting that an investigation proved allegations made by former Sheriff Corpus against him were false. She also discusses the difficulty in setting a clear policy regarding zero cooperation with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).You can see the game on TheGamePeninsula.com, on YouTube and wherever you get podcasts.Produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com.

In this episode, recorded the day after the November 2025 election, Mark and Bob are joined by U.S. Congressman Kevin Mullin to analyze the results and national political landscape.Episode 16 dives deep into the overwhelming passage of Prop 50 in California, a single-item special election that saw an astounding 58.5% voter turnout. Congressman Mullin discusses the landslide win and the governor's vision that framed the measure as a critical defense against attacks on California by the authoritarian president. Prop 50's success, which involved mid-decade redistricting, is seen as a strong national message that Californians recognize the threats to democracy. Mullin also explains the nuance that the measure was temporary, intended to preserve the power of the non-partisan citizens commission for the next census.Key Topics Discussed:• National Democratic Wins: Analyzing whether the Democratic victories in Virginia, New Jersey, and other states constitute a "rebuke of Trump" or signal that "Democrats are back". Mullin argues that successful candidates, whether progressive or moderate, share a focus on affordability and kitchen table issues.• The Government Shutdown: Examining the real-world effects of the longest government shutdown in history, particularly the impending loss of Affordable Care Act tax credits and the immediate expiration of SNAP benefits for vulnerable residents. Mullin calls out the administration for its "chaos" and providing unreliable information.• The Redistricting Arms Race: Discussion of the "troubling trend" where 20 states are considering redistricting efforts, potentially leading to increased partisan advantage. Mullin outlines the goal for California Democrats to win all five newly redrawn seats.• Gavin Newsom’s 2028 Prospects: Following the Prop 50 victory, the conversation shifts to Governor Newsom's rising political profile and his status as a potential frontrunner for the 2028 presidential nomination. Mullin praises Newsom as a masterful communicator and savvy politician.• Local San Mateo Issues: The local vote by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to appoint a new sheriff after Sheriff Corpus was removed from office. Mullin expresses disappointment in the saga and the urgent need for a leader to stabilize the office.Mark and Bob conclude the show reflecting on the comprehensive nature of the issues facing Congressman Mullin's job.Find more episodes at TheGamePeninsula.com.Produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com

In this episode of The Game with Mark Simon and Bob Marks, we take a wide-ranging look at politics, culture, sports, and community issues shaping life on the Peninsula.We start with Measure 50 and what it could mean for local voters, before exploring the challenges of presidential decorum and today’s cultural divide. The discussion moves to Charlie Kirk, the First Amendment, and the state of political speech, followed by a pivot into sports with the San Francisco Giants’ dismissal of Bob Melvin.From there, we dive into the San Mateo County Sheriff’s race, the impact of district elections, and the growing struggles around housing for younger residents. Finally, we close with a candid conversation about what it really takes to run for office—discipline, likability, and relentless drive.✨ Key themes in this episode:Measure 50 and its implicationsPolitics, free speech, and the cultural divideGiants baseball and community reactionsLocal elections and district votingHousing affordability for young peopleWhat it takes to win in politicsLearn more at 🌐 TheGamePeninsula.comAvailable on all major podcast platforms, just search The Game with Mark Simon and Bob Marks.👤 Produced by Frank Bravo – BravoITC.com

Mark Simon and Bob Marks sit down with Redwood City Pulse Editor Michelle Iracheta (RWCPulse.com) and San Mateo Daily Journal Reporter Ana Mata (SMDailyJournal.com) to talk about the latest in the San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus story. Now that the 10-day public hearing in San Mateo County Superior Court in Redwood City for her potential removal from office has concluded, we thought it was a good time to get some prospective from the news organizations that have covered this story since the start.Produced by Frank Bravo (BravoITC.com)

In this episode of The Game, Mark Simon sits down with Congressman Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco) to talk about the California gerrymandering ballot measure, his time in Washington this year and what the Democrats need to do to regain control of the House and Senate. Bob Marks is 'on assignment'.Produced by Frank Bravo (BravoITC.com)

Mark Simon and Bob Marks were joined by Deputy Sheriff Eliot Storch and attorney Charles Stone to talk about the current state of the San Mateo County Sheriff's office. See more information about The Game at https://www.TheGamePeninsula.comProduced by Frank Bravo (https://www.BravoITC.com)

A special live version of The Game, talking about the results of the San Mateo County Special Election, Measure A. The measure, which was a referendum on the Sheriff, is well on its way to passing based on the early results. Mark Simon was joined by: Jon Mays, Editor in Chief, San Mateo Daily JournalCharles Stone, Partner, Goethals & Stone, PC and former Mayor of BelmontJerry Hill, Co-Chair, Committee to Recall Sheriff CorpusEliot Storch, Deputy Sheriff’s AssociationJohn Whitehurst, Principal, BMWL ConsultingJulie Lind, San Mateo County Central Labor CouncilSheriff Corpus and Dan Stegink from the No on Measure A campaign were both invited to participate, but did not return our invitations. We continue to want to have them on the show and would like to make that happen in the future. Visit TheGamePeninsula.com for more details about the show. Produced by Frank Bravo (BravoITC.com)

Two rank-and-file leaders of the campaign for Yes on Measure A, the San Mateo County ballot measure that would authorize the Board of Supervisors to fire Sheriff Christina Corpus, told The Game podcast that the ballot measure amounts to an “expedited recall.” Deputy Eliot Storch and Sgt. Sean Harper described a Sheriff’s Office in a crisis of leadership. “If this problem isn’t solved,” said Harper, “the problem is only going to get worse.”Produced by Frank Bravo (https://www.BravoITC.com)

On the latest edition of The Game with Mark Simon and Bob Marks, former Congresswoman Jackie Speier, newly returned to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, said the county needs to do “big things” and shift its focus beyond the highly localized policymaking that has emerged due to district elections. Produced by Frank Bravo (https://www.BravoITC.com)

Former Congresswoman Anna Eshoo joins Mark Simon and Bob Marks on this episode of The Game. Among her comments, she said the first weeks of the Trump administration have been a “horror show,” and laid out how she thinks Congressional Democrats should be responding to the disruption of the new presidency. “I miss not being in the fight, because I bring something to it,” she said. Eshoo covered a wide range of topics, including local district elections and the need to rebuild the middle class. Produced by Frank Bravo (https://www.BravoITC.com)

In the final 2024 edition of The Game, Mark and Bob interview three local news editors and get their lists of the biggest stories of the year in San Mateo County. Spoiler alert — a certain sheriff is on the list, but so are a number of other stories that reflect a year unlike any other in recent memory. Guests: Jon Mays, Editor in Chief, San Mateo Daily Journal, (SMDailyJournal.com) Angela Swartz, Editor, The Almanac, (AlmanacNews.com) Peter Tokofsky, Editor in Chief, Coastside News Group, (CoastsideNews.com) Produced by Frank Bravo (BravoITC.com)

On the podcast of The Game with Mark Simon and Bob Marks, Congressman Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco) said  he supports the pending county charter amendment that would allow the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to fire Sheriff Christina Corpus, and he said she inevitably will be forced to leave office. Mullin said California Attorney General Rob Bonta can and should take steps to oust the controversial sheriff. Mullin also weighed in on a range of national issues, including immigration and he predicted President-elect Donald Trump’s calls for mass deportations of illegal immigrants would fall short of his rhetoric. Produced by Frank Bravo (BravoITC.com)

In a special edition of The Game with Mark Simon and Bob Marks, San Mateo County Supervisors Ray Mueller and Noelia Corzo said they are confident the voters will recognize and reject the dysfunction, misuse of authority and corruption perpetrated by Sheriff Christina Corpus that has plunged the Sheriff’s Office into turmoil. Both said they are concerned for their own safety, as the controversy continues to unfold, Corzo saying it is “common sense to be concerned.” They also said it is too late for Corpus to redeem her tenure as sheriff and that the only option open to her is to resign, or face a vote of the public Mueller said would be a clear sign that the Board of Supervisors should remove her from office. “There’s too much damage that has been done,” Corzo said. Full interview here and on TheGamePeninsula.com. Produced by Frank Bravo, Bravo IT Consulting (BravoITC.com).

Listen to a replay of Mark and Bob's special LIVE Election Night version of The Game, featuring special guests and all things politics, from the local elections to the local take on the national races. Produced by Frank Bravo, Bravo IT Consulting (BravoITC.com).

Watch the replay of the Live Election Preview version of The Game with Mark Simon and Bob Marks. Guests included: Melissa Michelson, Political Science Professor at Menlo College Don Cecil, MC2 Bay Area Public Affairs Consulting Jim Hartnett, former CEO/General Manager, SamTrans and Caltrain Julie Lind, San Mateo County Central Labor Council Jon Mays, Editor, San Mateo Daily Journal Produced by Frank Bravo, Bravo IT Consulting (BravoITC.com)

Veteran sports broadcaster Ted Robinson predicts the end of college football — to be replaced by a professional developmental league that will feed the NFL — and he weighs in on the Giants, the A’s and the Olympics. All on the newest edition of The Game with Mark Simon and Bob Marks. Produced by Frank Bravo, Bravo IT Consulting (BravoITC.com).

In this episode, Mark Simon and Bob Marks talk local and national politics, in their most recent roundup edition of The Game. Produced by Frank Bravo, Bravo IT Consulting (BravoITC.com).