Paid family leave is often the difference between stability and stress for working families. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with California State Senator María Elena Durazo and Katie Duberg, Political Organizing Director at the California Work & Family Coalition, about how California’s paid family leave policies are evolving and why those updates matter for older adults and caregivers.

Senator Durazo shares her personal journey from migrant farmworker roots to her work leading major labor and policy reforms. She breaks down the new wage replacement structure and what SB 590 could mean for families who rely on chosen caregivers. Katie Duberg adds insight from the ground, explaining how the Coalition supports families and pushes for change that reflects California’s diverse caregiving needs.

You’ll hear why the definition of family is at the heart of paid leave policy, how advocates are helping Californians navigate their options, and what’s next in the fight to expand care access.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about SB 590: CA SB590 Bill Text
• Explore AARP’s Caregiving Resource Center: aarp.org/caregiving
• Find Local Caregiver Resources Serving California: Family Caregiver Resources for California
• Find Paid Leave Fact Sheets: aarp.org/capaidleave

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Older adults are especially vulnerable during natural disasters and staying safe goes far beyond just having an emergency kit. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Luke Beckman, Division Disaster State Relations Director for the Pacific Division of the American Red Cross.

Luke shares practical steps older Californians can take to better prepare for extreme heat, wildfires, poor air quality, and more. The conversation covers how to create a realistic go-bag, why local emergency alerts are essential, and the role that neighbors and community play in saving lives. He also explains how California’s new heat ranking system is shaping local response strategies and why older adults need tailored plans that prioritize communication, transportation, and accessibility.

This episode offers smart advice and approachable ways to plan for the unexpected.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Explore AARP’s Disaster Resilience Tool Kit: AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit
• Read the research on Older Adults and Disasters: New Research: Older Adults More Vulnerable after Disasters

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Getting older comes with a lot of questions, some practical, some emotional and some that are hard to even bring up. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with Debra Whitman AARP’s Chief Public Policy Officer and the author of The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond.

Debra shares the key questions that guided her own thinking as she turned 50: How long will I live? Will I be healthy? Will I lose my memory? How long will I work? Will I have enough money? Where will I live? How will I die? From brain health to long term care mindset to money the conversation breaks down big ideas into relatable real life issues.

Debra brings a deep background in research policy and advocacy and her own experience navigating the second half of her life. Whether you're 50 plus or just thinking ahead, this episode offers smart insights and practical ways to plan for what’s next.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about The Second Fifty: The Second Fifty
• Explore AARP’s campaign on caregiving: Tomorrow’s Caregiving Today. RealTalk
• Join the fight to protect Social Security: aarp.org/socialsecurity

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA