SideBar podcast adds Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels episode

SideBar: Optimism in Action will feature Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels in a new episode that goes live Aug. 18 on KAZU’s website. The podcast is also a finalist for Monterey Weekly’s 2026 Best Local Podcasts poll, with voting open through Aug. 28.

Why it matters: - SideBar: Optimism in Action is expanding KAZU 90.3’s digital lineup with a locally produced podcast focused on community, public policy and charitable work. - The show’s visibility is rising as one of six finalists for Monterey Weekly’s 2026 “Best Local Podcasts.” - Monterey County listeners can vote in the reader poll through Aug. 28 at Monterey Weekly voting.

What happened: - SideBar: Optimism in Action announced an episode with Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels. - The episode goes live Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, at KAZU’s SideBar page. - The podcast is a collaboration between KAZU 90.3 and Monterey College of Law. - KAZU is the NPR affiliate for Monterey, Salinas and Santa Cruz.

The details: - Daniels has represented District 5 and grew up in Monterey County in a family that emphasized public service. - She earned degrees from Sarah Lawrence College and Columbia University. - Daniels taught in New York, Los Angeles and Mexico before returning to Monterey County. - She later taught Women’s Studies at Monterey Peninsula College and led The Women’s International Perspective. - Daniels said she is focused on reliable water solutions, more affordable housing on the Monterey Peninsula, and better preparation for fire and flood risks. - Daniels previously served on the County Planning Commission, where she worked on land use, housing, clean water and coastal resilience. - Her work with Supervisor Mary Adams and State Senator John Laird helped advance efforts on water supply, homelessness and protection of the Big Sur coastline. - As supervisor, Daniels represents Monterey County on Central Coast Community Energy, the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, the Transportation Agency of Monterey County and the Local Agency Formation Commission. - The episode is hosted by former law dean Mitch Winick and produced by David Eakin. - Winick said the podcast highlights nonprofit leaders, advocates and community members working on humanitarian, public policy and charitable needs.

Between the lines: - The podcast’s placement on KAZU’s website and mobile app marks the first non-newscast, locally produced podcast featured there. - That gives SideBar a broader platform inside a public radio ecosystem that already reaches Monterey Bay listeners. - The Daniels episode fits the show’s stated focus on positive change during challenging times.

What's next: - New SideBar episodes publish on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. - More than 90 previous episodes are available at SideBarMedia. - More information about Daniels is available at Monterey County District 5. - Voting in the Monterey Weekly podcast poll remains open through Aug. 28, 2026.