On this episode of The Game, Mark Simon and Bob Marks are joined by Rosanne Foust, President and CEO of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association, for a conversation about the economic and political future of San Mateo County.

They discuss the local economy, tech layoffs, housing affordability, workforce development, artificial intelligence, office vacancies, transit funding, and the role of major employers in shaping the region. Rosanne also offers her take on county politics, regional leadership, and how San Mateo County can continue to grow while addressing inequality and cost-of-living pressures.

In the bullpen, Mark and Bob discuss the crowded California governor’s race and what it means for the Democratic field.

Time Breaks

0:00 Intro

0:26 Rosanne Foust joins the show

1:28 San Mateo County’s economic outlook

2:42 Tech layoffs and employment trends

4:17 Cost of living and younger generations

6:51 SAMCEDA’s role in the local economy

9:41 Housing challenges and solutions

12:58 AI and the future of work

16:00 Development, density, and community pushback

20:07 Hillsdale redevelopment

22:16 Billionaire tax debate

24:26 Wealth, philanthropy, and community responsibility

30:45 Transit tax and county funding

32:25 Business concerns in San Mateo County

34:26 Prop. 13 and split roll taxes

36:23 Office vacancies and commercial real estate

37:54 The county’s political identity

40:24 Should San Mateo County have a mayor?

43:32 Bullpen: governor’s race discussion

50:54 Outro

See more at TheGamePeninsula.comProduced by Frank Bravo, Bravo IT Consulting (BravoITC.com)

Mark Simon and Bob Marks are joined by Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the San Mateo County Central Labor Council, representing 105 unions and more than 95,000 workers and their families.

Julie explains how labor endorsements are earned, how political resources are allocated, and what labor sees as the biggest challenges facing working families in 2026 — from wages and housing costs to public budgets. The conversation also tackles artificial intelligence and automation, and how emerging technologies may reshape the workforce.

After the interview, Mark and Bob discuss the crowded California governor’s race and what it means for Democrats statewide, along with the evolving political landscape in San Mateo County.

⏱ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Opening

00:31 – Labor’s role in county politics

06:11 – Inside the endorsement process

14:43 – Campaign support from labor

22:48 – AI & automation impacts

30:58 – Governor’s race dynamics

38:15 – Post-game analysis

45:12 – Wrap-up

Sheriff Ken Binder, appointed on November 12, 2025 as the 27th Sheriff of San Mateo County, joins The Game to talk about rebuilding leadership and culture inside the Sheriff’s Office after a turbulent year.

Bender discusses morale and resilience among staff, the staffing picture today, recruitment standards, and the importance of professionalism and consistency across the department. He also explains how internal affairs cases are handled — including what can (and can’t) be done when timelines under California’s Peace Officer Bill of Rights have expired.

The conversation expands into San Mateo County’s non-cooperation policy with ICE, how trust impacts public safety, and the Sheriff’s constitutional role in maintaining peace during demonstrations. The episode also highlights the county’s new focus on combating human trafficking, including coordination with the District Attorney’s office.

In the bullpen segment, Mark and Bob discuss the California governor’s race, Democratic field dynamics, and local campaign developments as mail-in ballots near.

Featuring: Mark Simon, Bob Marks

Guest: Sheriff Ken Binder

Produced by: Frank Bravo