Jon Mays on Local Journalism, AI Ethics, Historic Preservation & California Politics

Jon Mays, editor of the San Mateo Daily Journal, joins Mark Simon and Bob Marks for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of local journalism, AI in media, political endorsements, education policy, historic preservation, and the changing political landscape in San Mateo County and California.

Jon discusses how the Daily Journal approaches endorsements during election season, why the paper rejects AI-generated submissions, and the challenges local newspapers face in the social media era. The conversation also explores school cell phone bans, California’s gubernatorial race, housing and historic preservation debates, and how local communities are evolving politically and culturally.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the role of journalism in democracy and the tensions between growth, technology, and preserving community identity.

Subscribe for more conversations on California politics, national issues, and the people shaping both.

The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com.

You can see more information about The Game at TheGamePeninsula.com.

Time Breaks

• (00:00) - – Introduction and Jon Mays joins the show
• (00:45) - – San Mateo County assessor race and newspaper endorsements
• (02:36) - – Reactions to endorsements and public criticism
• (05:05) - – Why local newspapers still make endorsements
• (07:24) - – Do endorsements actually influence voters?
• (08:54) - – AI-generated letters and Daily Journal policy
• (10:18) - – Why Jon Mays opposes AI-written submissions
• (11:57) - – AI in journalism and the Fresno Bee controversy
• (14:57) - – School cell phone bans and the value of writing
• (18:50) - – The state of local journalism and social media challenges
• (21:35) - – Sales tax proposals and public frustration
• (24:22) - – San Mateo historic preservation debate explained
• (32:00) - – How San Mateo County has changed over the years
• (35:02) - – Diversity and change in local politics
• (38:38) - – The hardest part of being a journalist
• (40:40) - – California governor’s race discussion begins
• (41:34) - – Republicans, Democrats, and California’s political reality
• (46:16) - – Why Xavier Becerra may emerge as the Democratic frontrunner
• (49:50) - – Closing thoughts and wrap-up