Steve Alexander has a lot to say and a lot of cool stuff going on. He is an executive leadership coach, filmmaker, author, and longtime public affairs advisor whose career spans more than five decades at the intersection of politics, communication, and personal transformation. A former licensed marriage and family therapist and public relations executive, he has coached CEOs, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, healthcare executives, and community organizations throughout California and beyond.

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Jon Fleischman has been a fixture in California politics long enough to know where the bodies are buried, but what stands out most about him is not his longevity — it’s his range. A conservative commentator, former executive director of the California Republican Party, founder of FlashReport, and now publisher of So, Does It Matter?, Jon has spent years helping shape and interpret the state’s political conversation. He brings conviction without affectation, deep institutional memory, and the kind of insider credibility that can’t be manufactured.

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Get ready for a conversation with one of San Diego’s influential housing voices: Melanie Woods, Vice President of Local Public Affairs for the California Apartment Association, where she leads legislative advocacy on housing, land use, and homelessness across San Diego County. Melanie’s path blends policy chops with real-world grounding. Raised by a lifelong developer (who warned her not to become one), she once dreamed of being an architect — drawn to design and the act of building itself. Her career pivot came early, serving as a policy advisor to former County Supervisor Ron Roberts, where relentless community meetings gave her a front-row seat to how decisions actually get made. That experience shaped her core belief: effective advocacy requires having sat on the other side of the table. Appointed by Mayor Todd Gloria to the San Diego Historical Resources Board, Melanie now helps balance preservation with growth. In this interview, she brings sharp insight (and humor) to CEQA reform, California’s housing crunch, leadership, spin playlists, and why she’s unbeatable at brunch. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy this tasty Edgy Interview.

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Gary Lawrence is a legend in political research circles. A veteran pollster, author, and communicator, his long career bridges the worlds of faith, data, and human understanding. Encounters during his mission in Germany, where he spent long days knocking on doors and talking with people about their beliefs, shaped his appreciation for how values drive human behavior. As he puts it, opinions and attitudes may shift with the current, but values are the “mental ocean’s” deep currents — the forces that steer how people live, vote, and relate to one another. That insight informed his approach to public opinion research. Whether studying voter sentiment or advising clients on strategy, Gary does what great pollsters do: he looks beyond the surface numbers to uncover what people truly treasure and understand why. His work demonstrates that persuasion and productive dialogue depend on recognizing and respecting the values that guide others. Today, Gary advocates a more thoughtful, values-based society — one that listens before it lectures. He believes that when people understand each other’s deep currents, they not only become better citizens but also contribute to a healthier and more connected community.

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Dr. Carl Luna is a political scientist, civic educator, and all-around “democracy whisperer” whose mission is to get San Diegans talking to each other without throwing food. As Director of the Institute for Civil Civic Engagement at the University of San Diego, Carl helps students, leaders, and communities rediscover the lost art of civil discourse. He’s spent decades untangling the threads of American politics for audiences ranging from freshmen to mayors to the occasional confused journalist. Known for his quick wit and habit of slipping stand-up worthy one-liners into otherwise serious lectures and interviews, Carl makes civic engagement entertaining. Whether moderating forums, writing columns, or gently reminding us that democracy works better when we’re polite, he remains one of California’s most quotable voices on politics and civic life.

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Look up civic-minded in the dictionary and there you’ll see a photo of Dan Hom. Dan is President and CEO of Focuscom, Inc., a public affairs and PR firm based in downtown San Diego which provides media strategy and business development. A fourth-generation San Diegan who was raised in Chula Vista, he’s an Aztec who majored in political science at San Diego State University. Dan studied Mandarin Chinese, bringing a global perspective to his local impact. He has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local nonprofits, including San Diego Hospice, the Risen Project, and the Asian Business Association. Dan was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Asian Heritage Media in 2011 and honored as a “Metro Mover” by San Diego Metro Magazine in 2012.

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I met Ray when he was running to represent San Diego’s 1st City Council District in 2016. His deep commitment to civic life led him champion fiscal responsibility, public safety, and neighborhood investment. In an unlucky turn of events, the June Primary featured Hilary Clinton vs. Bernie Sanders at the top of the ticket, with Donald Trump the only Republican. Democrat turnout surged, Republican turnout sank, and Ray was unable to win in the Primary. But life goes on and Ray remains a dedicated San Diego community volunteer and business leader whose impact is felt across the region. A successful entrepreneur, Ray has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including Voices for Children (my favorite). Known for his collaborative spirit and strategic leadership, Ray inspires others through his hands-on service and unwavering belief in building a stronger, more vibrant San Diego for all.

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When you climb the highest mountain (at least in the US), you get to know your guide. Actually, although political consultant Kevin Reikes and I summitted Mt Whitney in July of 2024, we go back a long way. One of the smartest consultants I know, Kevin and I started working together before he founded his firm Media & Associates in the mid-90s. We’ve worked together on countless issues in countless locales and Kevin brings strong strategic skills to the fight every time. He understands polling, messaging, and framing. In a phrase, “Kevin gets it.” If I were running for office, he’d be the consultant on my team tasked with convincing moderate Democrats to vote for me. Honestly, the following interview doesn’t do justice to the breadth of interests and expertise Kevin has… but know that I tried.

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CERC proudly worked for Scott Sherman on all his campaigns. He was all about keeping things efficient during his time as a San Diego City Councilmember for District 7, from 2012 to 2020. With a background in the insurance industry, Scott brought a sharp, business-minded approach to city governance. He was a staunch advocate for fiscal conservatism—always pushing for pension reform, fighting against tax hikes, and streamlining city operations to cut through the red tape. Scott was also outspoken about housing affordability and homelessness, arguing that regulatory reforms were needed to boost the housing supply. Throughout his political career, his focus remained on promoting limited government and championing free-market principles. Scott’s also a fun guy to have around the poker table, and, as you’ll gather from this Edgy Interview, he and his lovely wife Norma are great game night hosts.

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Scott McGaugh is one of those clients I’m just a little in awe of. The man has written 11(!) books and is working on a 12th. Yes, I write A LOT, but speaking as one who has authored zero real books, Scott’s output of true-life page turners is amazing. I met him when he was the marketing director at the USS Midway Museum, and he struck me then as a force of nature leading the operation on this massive floating museum. As you’ll read, Scott’s no longer at the Museum, but he’s not done yet.

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