Raising Expectations with Pastor Joe Schofield, Dr. Paul Hall, Stefanie Thayer, Dr. Craig Thayer, Pastor Ron Greer Reclaiming California, Faith, Policy, and the Path to Prosperity Guest, Elizabeth Wong Ahlers Friends, We are anxious and very happy to have our dear friends Elizabeth Wong Ahlers and her husband Ron with us again this week! She is making a major “victory headed impact”, continuing a leadership role in statewide “Comeback California” for State Assembly District 40! Elizabeth’s values, wisdom, family and faith are game changers for every problem we face in the former Golden State- California! We all know that her insights and ideas are also exactly what America needs to hear! Elizabeth’s heartfelt message will encourage and strengthen everyone in all 50 states and around the world…as we “watch God at work” in the coming months! In this episode of Raising Expectations, host Pastor Joe Schofield welcomes Elizabeth Wong Ahlers, a candidate for California’s 40th Assembly District. The discussion explores the intersection of Christian faith and urgent political reform, focusing on reversing California's current trajectory regarding energy costs, public safety, and the business climate. A Foundation of Faith and Leadership The program opens by introducing the "Raising Expectations" team, a group of leaders across various fields united by their Christian faith. Pastor Joe emphasizes that the show aims to provide intuitive and encouraging insights into the decisions facing Americans today. The team introduces Elizabeth Wong Ahlers as a "classic California mama bear" and a fifth-generation Californian who transitioned from a career in academia to homeschooling her six children and serving as a councilwoman. Her campaign is presented not merely as a political endeavor but as a spiritual battle for the future of the next generation, rooted in the belief that government should manifest the goodness of God through practical principles. Energy Crisis and the "California Cocktail" A significant portion of the dialogue centers on California’s energy policies and the high cost of living. Elizabeth and her husband, Ron, critique the state’s "gas tax," which adds approximately $1.60 in fees to every gallon. They argue that while California was once a leading oil producer, regulatory bodies like the California Coastal Commission and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have "choked off" domestic production. This has forced the state to import oil from foreign countries, ironically increasing the carbon footprint due to shipping. Furthermore, the discussion highlights the "California cocktail"—a unique environmental blend of gasoline that prevents the state from importing cheaper fuel from neighboring states during crises. Restoring Public Safety and Law & Order The team addresses the rise of "smash and grab" robberies, attributing them to Proposition 47, which reclassified many thefts under as misdemeanors. Elizabeth advocates for the full funding and implementation of Proposition 36 to restore consequences for repeat offenders. The conversation takes a critical look at the state′s prison system; while it costs roughly 132,000 annually to incarcerate a single person in California, the team argues that the economic impact of crime—estimated at 60 to 70 billion—is far more damaging. They express concern over the Governor's decision to close prisons while crime remains a primary concern for families and businesses. The Exodus of Innovation and Agriculture The "mismanagement" of the state has led to a notable exodus of iconic companies, including Tesla, Chevron, and Hewlett-Packard. Even In-N-Out Burger has shifted its headquarters focus to Nashville due to the business climate. Beyond the corporate world, the discussion touches on the Central Valley, described as the "breadbasket of the world." The team laments the diversion of water away from orchards to protect the "smelt fish," which they argue has devastated conservative farming communities and turned once-lush lands into dust. Elizabeth calls for a return to "common sense" management of these basic resources to unleash California's creative and innovative potential. Call to Action for District 40 Elizabeth highlights that District 40 (North San Fernando Valley and Santa Clarita) is one of the most targeted seats in the state for a political flip. She emphasizes that the 2022 election was lost by only 522 votes, making every new voter critical. The episode concludes with a spiritual exhortation to "not grow weary in doing good," urging the community to stay, be a light, and pray for the prosperity of the city. The discussion underscores a pivotal moment for California, where the "Raising Expectations" team believes that a combination of faith-led leadership and common-sense policy can reclaim the state's beauty and prosperity. By addressing the "sinister" mismanagement of resources and public safety, Elizabeth Wong ...
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