California Underground: Your Sane Insight into California Politics

Ep. 261: Convo with Will O'Neil

·1 hr 6 min·5 clips

Mayor Will O'Neill explains why he decided to run for city council after a friend's costly suggestion.

The episode features an interview with Newport Beach Mayor Will O'Neill, who introduces himself as a California native, Stanford graduate, and attorney elected to city council in 2016. He explains how a friend convinced him to run, leading to a campaign where he knocked on over 3000 doors. O'Neill describes the rotating mayor system in Newport Beach and his decision to defer his mayoral term to 2020. He recounts the challenging start of 2020, including the Kobe Bryant tragedy and early COVID-19 state mismanagement, such as the plan to quarantine patients in Costa Mesa. O'Neill contrasts Newport Beach's local COVID-19 approach, which focused on education and keeping businesses open, with top-down state mandates like beach closures. He shares a story about a restaurant owner, Noah Blom, who ran for city council after his Costa Mesa business was shut down while his Newport Beach location remained open. The discussion shifts to public safety, with O'Neill criticizing Proposition 47, its misleading ballot title by Kamala Harris, and current reform efforts facing a poison pill from Sacramento Democrats. He highlights the defund the police movement's impacts in cities like Oakland and San Francisco, and notes recalls of progressive district attorneys. O'Neill argues that California Republicans need to govern competently, be bold, and use social media to articulate their positions, citing examples like Kate Sanchez and Bill Saley. He mentions his own social media updates and recommends books like 'Shoe Dog' by Phil Knight. The episode concludes with restaurant recommendations in Orange County and an open invitation for O'Neill to return.

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