Top Ten Winners & Losers In California Politics This Week - Newsom, Essayli, The Navy, Zavala, Bass, Bonta & More…
Each week we pick ten people or groups that had a particularly good or bad week, and label them winners or losers! This is for the week ending Halloween 10/31/25
Below is our Top Ten List of Winners and Losers for the Week. This feature available to all of our subscribers, free and paid.
⏱️ 4 minute read
This is where we look over state and local politics (or national with a California angle), and highlight people (or groups) that have had some solid wins, or who have just had a really rough week.
Each week I do a short video highlighting one of our awardees… You will find that below.
Oh yes, thank you to our thousands of subscribers, and if you know something you think would like this, forward it along!
Top Ten Winners & Losers This Week in California Politics
⬇️ LOSER: UNITED STATES NAVY
The U.S. Navy discovered alarming new levels of plutonium contamination at San Francisco’s Hunters Point Shipyard — but then waited nearly a year before bothering to inform local officials. The delay is indefensible. Local leaders were assured the site was safe, yet the Navy’s silence shows a disturbing disregard for transparency and accountability.
⬆️ WINNER: GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM
Newsom gets the “video winner or loser of the week” honor. Here’s a short video (2 min) where I explain why the Governor is a winner this week. Basically, he’s used Prop. 50 to build up his fundraising in advance of pursuing the Democratic nomination for President in 2028.
⬆️ WINNER: BILL ESSAYLI — NO TITLE, U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE IN L.A.
Despite efforts to have him pulled from his role running the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, a federal judge leaves Bill Essayli remains firmly in place, delivering results and refusing to back down under partisan pressure. His determination highlights conservative endurance in one of the nation’s most challenging jurisdictions — and sends a clear signal that Washington can’t just push him aside.
⬇️ LOSER: MAYOR KAREN BASS AND L.A. POLITICAL LEADERS
When firefighters are ordered to leave a smoldering burn site in a residential neighborhood, leadership failure is undeniable. New revelations about events around the Palisades fire fiasco exposes an absence of accountability and competence from L.A.’s top officials. Voters deserved better oversight and faster response — instead, they got excuses from City Hall.
⬆️ WINNER: ASHLEY ZAVALA, POLITICAL DIRECTOR, KCRA TV
Ashley Zavala continues to expose the Capitol Annex boondoggle for what it is — a taxpayer-funded embarrassment. Her tough reporting on hidden costs and Newsom’s role in the project shines a light on Sacramento’s culture of secrecy. Few journalists in California hold the political class to account like she does, and taxpayers are better for it.
⬇️ LOSERS: CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC SENATORS AND MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
Still pretending 2024 never happened, California’s Democratic delegation is trying to force its failed spending agenda onto the new Republican majority — even if it means shutting down the federal government. Their reckless partisanship is halting vital operations and exposing how out of touch they are with fiscal reality. California voters see through the delusion.
⬇️ LOSER: JUDGE JOHN FLYNN — SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
By allowing protesters who blocked an entire freeway to walk away with virtually no consequences, Judge John Flynn turned his courtroom into a showcase of lax justice. Blocking a major thoroughfare isn’t harmless activism — it’s a public-safety issue. His decision undermines the rule of law at a time Californians crave accountability.
⬇️ LOSER: ATTORNEY GENERAL ROB BONTA
Acting like a petulant child, Rob Bonta mocked federal oversight of California’s election process by promising to “watch the watchers.” Instead of showing maturity, Bonta doubled down on political theater — proving again that he’s more interested in partisan posturing than ensuring voter confidence or fair elections.
⬇️ LOSERS: THE LA CITY COUNCIL — ESPECIALLY CURREN PRICE
The Los Angeles City Council embarrassed itself by honoring a scumbag with a long criminal record — a migrant now in ICE custody after multiple arrests. Instead of condemning the decision, Councilman Curren Price rushed to his defense, proving how far the city’s leadership has drifted from common sense and accountability. Perhaps Price should just stay focused on defending himself against the criminal charges he’s facing. You literally cannot make this stuff up.
⬇️ LOSER: ZOE ROSENBERG — SLO COUNTY ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST
Only in California could someone face up to five years in prison for stealing — and naming — four chickens. The self-proclaimed animal rescuer turned thief proves that left-wing activism can slide from noble to ludicrous in record time. Passion for animals is one thing; treating grand larceny like a moral crusade is another entirely.
Now that you see what this column is all about, keep your eyes peeled. If you have someone to suggest to be considered for featuring in this column next week, drop me a note. I will keep confidential the names of those who make the suggestions! Four of the awardees above came from suggestions from subscribers!
🎃 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL — FINAL HOURS! 👻
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your So, Does It Matter? membership, now’s the moment. This Halloween, unlock full access to all columns, exclusive insider analysis, podcast extras, and our Members-Only “One More Thing” features — all at our lowest price ever. 💥
Independent journalism that stands up to California’s political madness deserves your support. Don’t let this deal vanish like a ghost at midnight — upgrade before it’s gone! 🕛