LO AND ORDER

Episode 40 | From the Badge to the Ballot: Chad Bianco’s Fight for California

In this episode of Lo and Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper sits down with Riverside County Sheriff—and now California gubernatorial candidate—Chad Bianco for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation.

From his early days in undercover narcotics to leading one of California’s largest sheriff’s departments, Bianco shares why he’s trading in a “perfect job” to run for governor. With honesty, grit, and candor, he opens up about leadership, government accountability, and the cost of political apathy—both personal and statewide.

Together, they explore California’s growing exodus, the waste behind the state’s homelessness crisis, and what real reform would look like in Sacramento—from repealing SB 54 to eliminating the state income tax.

Whether you agree with him or not, one thing’s certain: Bianco isn’t in this for the title—he’s in it for the people.

 

To learn more about the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, visit: riversidesheriff.org

To learn more about Sheriff Bianco’s gubernatorial campaign, visit: biancoforgovernor.com

 

Topics Covered:

05:00 – From Sheriff to Candidate
Bianco reflects on his career, core values, and why he’s stepping up to run for governor.

 

14:30 – Accountability in Law Enforcement and Politics
How internal affairs shaped his leadership style—and why Sacramento lacks that same accountability.

 

25:15 – California’s Exodus and Economic Crisis
A candid look at rising costs, broken infrastructure, and his bold plan to eliminate the state income tax.

 

35:50 – Tackling Homelessness and Government Waste
Why $24 billion later, the system is worse—and how to fix it with transparency and enforcement.

 

49:00 – The Role of Leadership
Bianco’s philosophy on leading people, not just departments—and what Sacramento needs now.

 

1:02:00 – Repealing SB 54 and Protecting Communities
Why sanctuary policies backfire, and how immigration reform could be both humane and effective.

 

1:15:00 – Campaigns, Smear Tactics, and Staying Grounded
Bianco addresses misinformation, attack ads, and staying true to his values in the spotlight.

 

1:27:00 – Passion, Grief, and the Law Enforcement Memorial
An emotional reflection on leadership during tragedy—and why that moment changed him forever.

 

1:41:00 – A Message to Voters
His final appeal: Why character still matters, and how he hopes to serve all Californians, not just a party.

 

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Episode 39 | Police Chief Darren Goodman on the Debate Over Police Education

In this episode of Lo and Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper sits down with San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman to unpack the heated debate surrounding education mandates in law enforcement.

From his unique journey through USC, Harvard, and beyond, Chief Goodman shares why a college degree shouldn’t be the golden ticket into policing—and how Sacramento’s top-down policies are missing the mark.

Together, they explore the real-world consequences of a "one-size-fits-all" academic requirement, the dangers of legislating from flawed premises, and how removing life experience from the badge equation could cost communities far more than politicians realize.

Learn More about the San Bernardino Police Department: https://www.sbcity.org/412/Police-Department

Follow Police Chief Darren Goodman: https://x.com/SBPD_CHIEF

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Episode 38 | Justice in Motion: A Candid Conversation with District Attorney Jason Anderson

In this powerful discussion, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson sits down with SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper to unpack the complexities of the justice system, the challenges of criminal legislation, and how law enforcement and prosecutors can work together to create safer communities.

From the impact of Prop 36 to the future of crime prevention, this is a must-watch conversation for anyone invested in public safety, justice, and the rule of law.

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Episode 37 | The Gavin Newsom Flip-Flop

The Brief: In this Lo & Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper dives into the ever-shifting political landscape, using Governor Gavin Newsom as a prime example of why politicians can’t always be trusted. Once a vocal supporter of defunding the police, Newsom has now done a complete 180—denouncing the movement he once championed. But was he ever really on board?

Lolita pulls back the curtain on Sacramento politics, exposing how elected officials often say one thing in front of the cameras while admitting something entirely different behind closed doors. As Newsom eyes a bigger national stage, his policy pivots raise a critical question: Are our leaders guided by principles, or just chasing poll numbers?

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Episode 35 | Stop Weaponizing Law Enforcement for Political Agendas

The Brief: Law enforcement has faced years of political weaponization, leaving officers caught in the crossfire of partisan agendas. We're making this message in response to recent press inquiries about preemptive pardons and their impact on law enforcement.

The hypocrisy is exhausting—leaders who once defunded and disrespected police are now pretending to champion law enforcement, using us as a political weapon to attack their opponents. This isn’t about taking sides; it’s about standing up for the men and women who serve with integrity and asking for the respect they deserve. Stop using law enforcement as a political tool—our profession and communities deserve better

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Episode 36 | Beyond End of Watch

On this episode of Lo and Order, we talk to Valerie Vaca, the widow of Sergeant Dominic Vaca. She shares her powerful story of love, loss, and resilience after Dominic was killed in the line of duty on May 31, 2021. 

In this deeply moving conversation, Valerie opens up about the realities of surviving families—the grief, the struggles, and the unwavering commitment to keeping their loved ones’ legacies alive.

She sheds light on the importance of continuous support beyond the End of Watch date, the role of law enforcement families, and how we can all do better in honoring our fallen heroes by being present for those they left behind.

This is not just a conversation about loss—it’s a testament to strength, advocacy, and the unbreakable bond of the law enforcement community.

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Episode 34 | San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus

On this episode of Lo and Order, we sit down with San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus to discuss critical topics like recruitment and retention in law enforcement, and what we like to call the "BLTs" - beards, load-bearing vests and tattoos. This is LO AND ORDER.

https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/

Sheriff Shannon Dicus: https://www.instagram.com/sheriffshannondicus/

08:55 - Recruitment Challenges and Incentives: Recruitment strategies include referral bonuses, hiring bonuses, and targeted outreach to military personnel and local communities. The Sheriff emphasizes innovative approaches like mentorship programs and pre-academy preparation to attract and retain candidates.  

13:01 - Load-Bearing Vest Policy: The Sheriff outlines the journey and challenges in implementing load-bearing vests, emphasizing their importance for reducing injuries and ensuring officer safety. He discusses the insurance policy complications and the steps taken to address these issues, such as sourcing approved vests and initiating field testing with 20 units.  

19:32 - Tattoo and Beard Policy: The Sheriff explains his stance on tattoos and beards, focusing on maintaining a professional image. He supports exemptions for religious reasons (e.g., Sikh officers) while prioritizing a unified, professional look for the department.  

29:09 - Staffing and Retention Issues: The Sheriff addresses the increasing number of deputies leaving due to dissatisfaction with California’s law enforcement climate and economic factors. He discusses the rapid promotion of younger officers due to high turnover and the challenges this creates.  

32:27 - Commitment to Listening and Balancing Stakeholder Needs: The Sheriff emphasizes his willingness to listen to both his deputies and the community to make informed decisions. He acknowledges competing priorities and strikes a balance between operational effectiveness and public expectations.  

40:15 - Balancing Modern Expectations with Tradition:  The Sheriff discusses the generational shift in work-life balance expectations. He acknowledges the importance of adapting policies, like alternative schedules and job-sharing, to attract and retain a younger workforce while maintaining operational effectiveness.  

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Episode 33 | Attorney Nicole Castronovo Discusses the Negative Impact of AB 3070

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND, Executive Director Lolita Harper speaks to Attorney & Advocate for First Responders Nicole Castronovo about the negative impact of AB 3070 on California Peace Officers.

Episode 32 | Former San Bernardino County Deputy Meagan McCarthy

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND, Executive Director Lolita Harper speaks to former San Bernardino County Deputy Meagan McCarthy.

Episode 31| 2nd District Supervisor Candidate Jesse Armendarez

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND, Executive Director Lolita Harper talks to 2nd District Supervisor Candidate Jesse Armendarez about public safety and his mission to improve the quality of life in San Bernardino County.