The City Square: Recent Episodes
Association of California Cities - Orange County
The region’s only radio show tackling policy and politics, this program delivers an entertaining, thought-provoking and hard-hitting look into Orange County’s political and policy world.
Since it looks like the California Water Fix - or two tunnels - will be built in two phases, it makes sense that we present our podcast on the California Water Fix in two parts. In the second part of our two-parter you'll hear from MET Director Larry Dick, MWDOC Director Megan Yoo Schneider, Huntington Beach Councilwoman Barbara Delgleize and IRWD Director and Association of California Water Agencies Vice President Steve LaMar. Is the California Water Fix worth $4 or $5 per month on your water bill? Perhaps Benjamin Franklin put it best when he said, "We'll know the worth of water when the well runs dry." Dive into today's podcast to learn more about water!
The Association of California Cities Orange County hosted a breakfast with water leaders from throughout the county and throughout the region and The City Square was there. What is the California Water Fix? Will it really provide more water reliability? What other water solutions are Orange County water leaders looking at? We answer those questions and more in Part One of our two-parter on water as we recorded live from Newport Beach at the ACC-OC California Water Fix Summit.
Take cover! The pension tsunami is looming right off of Orange County's coast! But it's not enough to go inland - every California city is at risk. If we aren't careful, we'll soon be paying more for those who have retired from public agencies than we're paying for those working at public agencies. Cities find their hands tied by the politics of Sacramento, but there are still options on the table for local leaders. Tune in this week as we speak to Diane Dixon, City Councilwoman from Newport Beach, and Lyn Semeta, City Councilwoman from Huntington Beach as we tackle the critically important issue of public employee pension reform.
The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today! In our first podcast of 2018 we interview Scott Griffiths of Great Scott Tree Services about how important trees are to the health and beauty of our communities. The challenges of keeping trees pruned and healthy. When to trim. How to trim. The impact of a nasty little bug called the shot-hole borer. The affect of drought and of too much rain. And Scott talks about how his business has gone from one chainsaw and a pickup in the 70's to a high-tech, GPS-centered electronic-tracking tree maintenance business.
In our last podcast of the year we hear from ACC-OC's President and Garden Grove Mayor Steve Jones along with ACC-OC CEO Heather Stratman on the important issues the Association tackled in 2017 and the challenges that lie ahead in 2018. Plus a rousing rendition of "Orange You Glad We Asked?" where we find out that Steve Jones may not be the most famous Steve to come from Garden Grove. Who is? You'll have to tune in this week to find out. From all of us at The City Square, have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Both Nicole Suydam of the Second Harvest Food Bank www.feedoc.org and Mark Lowry of the Community Action Partnership www.ocfoodbank.org are there all year long to help those in need. You might be surprised to hear that one out of six children in Orange County have food insecurities. And these non-profit organizations help families in every zip code in the County - even wealthier areas like Newport Beach, Villa Park and San Clemente. What are some of their biggest challenges? And how can you help this holiday season? Find out by tuning in to today's show.
What does the future of transportation look like? The way technology is advancing, it will likely include automated vehicles. So does that mean you can catch up on some shuteye while your car zips you around to work or back home? Probably not in the near future, but then again who would've thought we'd have a computer we can make phone calls with in our pocket 25 years ago? The tech moves fast, but the City Square moves faster. Today we talk to two leading experts in the field about the short-term and long-term future of self-driving vehicles.
Sober Living Homes are springing up in residential communities throughout Orange County. Yet our local elected leaders have legal limitations to regulate these businesses due to federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act. Laguna Niguel Councilwoman and ACC-OC Sober Living Homes chairwoman Laurie Davies and Malibu Councilman Lou LaMotte come into the City Square to discuss not only challenges, but potential solutions.
Today we take a peek behind the curtain at ACC-OC and see all the work the various committees doing in terms of research, analysis and collaboration to help develop the policies that improve Orange County's quality of life. Today we speak with Tustin Councilman Al Murray who heads ACC-OC's Infrastructure and Technology Committee as well as La Habra Mayor Pro Tem Tim Shaw who leads the Legislative and Regulatory Committee. What are some of the state laws we need to be aware of? What is the next generation technology that we need to start planning for today? Tune in this week to find out!
Public safety is always a top priority for Orange County voters, but they may not realize they're more vulnerable on their computer or smart phone in public than they are from a mugger on the street. Criminals are lazy and if they can convince you to give them your personal information, they will take advantage. Today we talk to The County of Orange's IT cybersecurity expert Jacob Margolis and former Mission Viejo Mayor and technology expert Frank Ury about cybersecurity. How can we protect ourselves? And what emerging threats do we face? Tune in to to find out!
The Association of California Cities just got back from Washington DC and was able to meet with several Congressional Representatives and senior staff members of Senate offices and of the President's administration. Our local elected offiicals were able to discuss important community issues inluding transportation, homelessness, affordable housing and Community Development Block Grants. Also discussed was the federal roles in targeted areas like cannibas, sober living homes and drone regulations. ACC-OC continues to be at the forefront on many of these issues and working collaboratively with our federal representatives, we look forward to bringing more resources to bear to solve some of these problems.
Tune in this week to hear from Aliso Viejo Mayor Dave Harrington, La Habra Mayor Pro Tem Tim Shaw and Buena Park City Manager Jim Vanderpool as they return from our nation's capital to give us a report.
The bell has rung and everyone is back in school. But sometimes the best educational experiences occur outside the classroom. Today we talk about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) with the leaders in outdoor education, Inside the Outdoors. A terrific public-private partnership, Inside the Outdoors receives donation funding and grant funding from private Orange County companies to get kids out of the classrooms and into places like Modjeska Canyon and the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. An Orange County Department of Education program, Inside the Outdoors collaborates with the public and private sector to give Orange County schoolchildren unforgettable educational experiences.
Whether you're listening to this podcast on your commute to work, or on your treadmill, or while you're doing chores, there is probably a small cell site out there that helped you download it to your personal mobile device. Mobilitie helps make that happen, but it is a team effort to get it done. Ever look up and wonder what that "suitcase" is doing on a light pole or traffic signal? It's probably a small cell site that is becoming more and more important as we transmit more and more data over our phones. We'll chat today about the technological advances and the work that Mobilitie does with our cities to make their needed service as invisible as possible to their customers.
Would you know what to do if an earthquake or wildfire hit NOW? Do you have an escape plan? An emergency kit? Do you know where all your important papers are? Do you have a little cash on hand and - more importantly - some extra water and food? This week we speak with Red Cross CEO of the Western Region Linda Voss and the Director of Emergency Management at the County of Orange, Donna Boston. It may take many hours or even days for emergency responders to arrive in a mega-disaster so we need to be self-reliant and well-prepared. Today's show can give you that road map!
The United States' only California native President was from Orange County. This week we visit the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace and talk about the amazing renovations and revitalization that has gone on in Yorba Linda over the past few years. Our 37th President founded the EPA, created Title IX to give women athletes an opportunity at scholarships and navigated our nation through one of our most turbulent times in the late 60's and early 70's. Brian Lochrie interviews Bill Baribault, the CEO of the Nixon Library Foundation and Joe Lopez, the Communications Director of the Libarary and plays our new game show "Orange You Glad We Asked?" - the Presidential Version!
Hello, Newman! Today we welcome Senator Josh Newman and Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk Silva into the City Square. We discuss their mutual passion for ensuring opportunities for our military veterans and the Orange County veteran cemetary being planned at the Great Park in Irvine. We also dive into SB1 - a.k.a. the Gas Tax - and talk to Senator Newman why he voted yes for this tax increase and we discuss the recall that is underway against Senator Newman and the reasons behind this effort.
It was a celebratory atmosphere in La Habra with the La Habra Highlanders Marching band playing as the City Council cut a red ribbon to officially open the city's new Civic Center! The City Square recorded live from the event and we spoke with the Mayor and several councilmembers about how this beautiful facility was made possible thanks to a public-private partnership land swap that saved significant City taxpayer dollars. Celebrate with us as we take the City Square on the road to La Habra!
Whether it was writing your name in the air with a sparkler or watching your dad light the grand finale Big Bang fireworks display in your cul-de-sac, TNT Fireworks are as much a part of Independence Day as hot dogs and American flags. Now that the 4th of July is behind us, John Kelly of TNT Fireworks can finally relax, right? Well, not quite. Tune in to the City Square this week to learn about all TNT does to work with non-profits in our communities and the premium they put on safety.
OC Fair and Event Center CEO Kathy Kramer joins Brian on the City Square to talk about the upcoming annual Orange County Fair, which runs from July 14 to August 13. But did you know there are events at the Fairgrounds year-round? Heroes Hall, Centennial Farm, the Pacific Ampitheatre and so much more. And did you know the Fairgrounds used to be a military air base? Tune in to this week's show to learn more about Farm Fresh Fun at their year's fair.
Patrick Munoz, a partner at Rutan & Tucker, the oldest law firm in Orange County, joins the City Square to discuss various legal issues affecting Orange County today. We touch on homelessness, sober living homes, short-term rentals and the new public smoking ban in Laguna Beach. And how will one of the top attorneys in Orange County fare with our "Is It A Law" segment? Tune in to find out!
On this week's show, Orange County Auditor-Controller Eric Woolery joins us to tell us about how he protects taxpayer dollars at the County, why he values an educated citizenry and who "Jameson" is. Tune in to learn more about what the County's outlook is from a financial perspective.
Lita Mercado from CSP and Christine Smith and Elizabeth DenBleyker from the County of Orange Social Services discuss Human Trafficking in Orange County. What it is and what we can do to help identify victims. And could we have another "5-0" perfect score on "Is It A Law"? Tune in and find out!
Even as the new administration rolls back the climate change laws instituted by the Obama administration, California continues to strengthen its environmental rules. Tune in to this week's show to find out how local communities can be more environmentally sustainable in a way that still creates economic growth.
UCI Professors David Snow and Rachel Goldberg join United Way's Carla Vargas to discuss homelessness in Orange County. Did you know that the vast majority of the homeless in Orange County are FROM Orange County? How are our community leaders working collaboratively toward a solution? And does San Francisco really have a law that states you cannot sit or lie on city sidewalks from 7 am to 11 pm? Tune into this week's show to find out!
Laguna Niguel Councilwoman Laurie Davies and Laguna Hills Mayor Barbara Kogerman talk about everything going on in their cities. Laguna Hills is looking forward to the "Five Lagunas" to take the place of the Laguna Hills Mall and serve as the new hub for that city. Meanwhile, the Agora Arts District will be the new downtown hub in Laguna Niguel. We also talk transportation, regional planning agencies with funny acronyms (SCAG and OCCOG) and the public health importance of preventing West Nile Virus.
Scott Larsen of HomeAid Orange County and Max Gardner of the United Way join Brian Lochrie to discuss homelessness and what we can do to help address one of Orange County's growing challenges.
The South Orange County Economic Coalition, in collaboration with Saddleback College, has released its third annual "South Orange County Economic Report," which analyzes the data and market analysis of 11 South Orange County cities. The economy continues to grow and annually creates about $27 billion in economic activity. But there are some needs: Transportation infrastructure is needed to support the economic growth. The population is aging in place and young adults can't afford to live in South OC. We discuss these issues and so much more on this "on the road" episode of the City Square at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo at the luncheon for the third annual South Orange County Economic Report.
Garden Grove Mayor Steve Jones and Laguna Niguel Mayor Jerry Slusiewicz stop by to update us about what is going on in their cities. Both cities are burgeoning with economic development, great new parks and exciting new projects on the horizon. We'll talk about the new "downtown" planned for Laguna Niguel and discuss the new hotels planned in Garden Grove. Both cities are improving and expanding their beautiful park space and both Mayors are dedicated to improving the quality of life for their residents.
You probably knew someone that got a drone for Christmas last year. But do you know the implications of drone use in our Orange County cities? If they crash into someone or something, who is responsible? On this week's episode we'll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the growing use of drones in our communities.
People in Orange County may not be aware of the human trafficking that happens in our communities. This tragedy is all too real and unfortunately is taking place in our very cities. This week Brian explores the problem with Jim Carson, Program Manager of the Rising Tide Transitional Housing Program at the Orangewood Foundation, Sgt. Juan Reveles, Anaheim Police Department & Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, and Bradley Schoenleben, Orange County Deputy District Attorney. Learn how this serious issue is affecting our communities and what we can do to stop it.
This week we have Kaiser Permanente and the Hospital Association of Southern California to delve into the healthcare issues of our region, state, and even country. How is Kaiser working with cities to meet the needs of our residents, and how can HASC bring hospitals together to find solutions to healthcare issues? Learn all this and more on this week's episode.
It's the final segment of our 100th Episode celebration! We had on great guests towards the end of the night that included Maureen Hayes from HNTB, Fred Whitaker from the City of Orange, Dustin Reilich for the HERO Program, the ACC-OC's newest staff members, and more! We thank everyone who came out to celebrate our big milestone and look forward to many more great episodes in 2017.
It's the last episode of the year! Stop by The City Square and join our final guest of 2016, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Lisa Bartlett.
Chairwoman Bartlett discusses some forward looking issues in Orange County that will be a focus for 2017, including the I-405 Improvement Project, the future of the SR-241 after the settlement agreement, the Dana Point Harbor, and reducing homelessness. Stop by and join us to round out the year, and thanks for listening in 2016!
In this segment of our 100th episode we're joined by Mayor Beth Swift from the City of Buena Park, as well as the Gift of History's Gail Eastman. They're joined by Jim Leach from the Santa Margarita Water District as Brian explores educational opportunities for young kids in the first part of this segment. Then, special guest Jim Leach takes over for the second half of the evening to interview The TCA's Mike Kraman and TNT Firework's John Kelly. It's an explosive second part of our 100th episode, be sure to tune in!
While you may not be going hungry this holiday season, countless others are. We explored this serious issue with Second Harvest Food Bank and Solutions for Urban Agriculture, and learned about their partnership to end hunger in Orange County. Do you know how many families in Orange County go hungry each night? The surprising answer is why we need the great work of these two organizations as they address needs in our communities.
Today Brian sits down with Youth Advisory councils from Santa Ana and Huntington Beach as we explore the impact that our communities' young people have in their local governments. The kids growing up today will eventually be in charge of our cities in the future. Cheryl Eberly and Chris Cole give us an idea of what we can expect from these future leaders, and if their current work is any indication, then our future looks bright. Jump into The City Square to learn more!
In this two part episode we are joined by Scott Kitcher with Sustain OC who discusses the name change from CleanTech OC. Scott also shares with Brian news about the work Sustain OC is doing in our county, and how cities and agencies can take advantage of available grants to lower costs. Then, Joone Lopez joins The City Square, general manager at the Moulton Niguel Water District. MNWD has taken a different approach to the drought with their intensive data collaborative. This project is allowing them, and fellow partners, to better understand water usage and identify opportunities for increased efficiency.
Take a listen to the first installment of our 100th episode special celebration broadcast! When The City Square hit this great milestone we invited all our past guests to join us for an evening reception where they could jump on and update Brian about initiatives across Orange County. In this episode you'll hear from Heather Stratman, ACC-OC CEO, Council Members Al Murray and Steve Jones, ACC-OC President and past-President, Steven LaMotte from the BIA and Dr. Glenn Roquemore from IVC, Patrick Mahoney from Waste Management and Council Member Mike Posey from Huntington Beach.
Christa Dietzen, silver medalist in the 2012 Olympics, and Jay Burress with Visit Anaheim join Brian to talk about the benefits of USA Volleyball in Anaheim, and the greater effect of sports teams in Orange County. Having top teams housed in our community does a lot more than provide great entertainment. Brian dives into the economic and social benefits it brings as well. Be sure to catch this great episode!
This week looks at one of the most important issues from the 2016 election in California, Prop 64, or the legalization of marijuana. This ballot measure passed on November 8th, and Rutan and Tucker is on The City Square to talk with Brian about what this means, what's now legal and what's still illegal, and what control cities still have on marijuana. After a whirlwind of news, join The City Square to start looking ahead and what this election will mean for our future.
This week we hear from Darrell Johnson, CEO at OCTA, and Council Member Lori Donchak, chair of the OCTA Board. They delve into the issue that can affect your life most: transportation! Tune in to learn about the new bus routes that went into effect last month, improving traffic congestion, active transportation and more!
On today's episode we hear from Waste Management's Tom Koutroulis and Chip Monaco and learn how they do their part to help manage a portion of the 13.3 million pounds of trash that Orange County produces every day. Also, get a preview of the Bowerman Landfill, the subject of an upcoming ACC-OC infrastructure tour on November 18. Finally, Tom and Chip discuss the importance of recycling and how this helps with a city's waste.
This week is a great episode devoted to exploring ways of encouraging the youngs girls of Orange County to become our future leaders. Did you know that 1 out of every 2 adult women was a Girl Scout growing up? Brian hears from Orange County Girl Scouts CEO Nancy Nygren on what effect this has on our communities. Also, Nancy discusses STEM and how the Girl Scouts are involved in education with the business community to broaden the scope of work young girls can aspire to.
For the first week of October Kate Klimow and Chris Reese join Brian to talk about the start to a new school year. UCI and CSUF are both welcoming one of their largest and most diverse classes and have been making a number of expansions to their educational programs to offer new and innovative ways to learn. Also, Brian discusses the schools' partnerships with cities, and the impact they have on their respective communities outside the classroom. Back-to-school season is well underway, get caught up on education this year in The City Square.
Heather Stratman is in The City Square this week joined by ACC-OC's newest team members, Katie Frisz and Kelsey Brewer. Katie and Kelsey tell Bryan about their positions with ACC-OC and how they're working to bring greater services to members. Also, Heather talks with Brian about all the events coming up and how members can get involved with the great policy offerings from the organization. Don't forget, October 26th is The City Square's recording of its 100th episode! Join us for an evening reception at ACC-OC's office and hop on the square! Think you've got what it takes for Is it a Law? See if you can go 5 rounds and earn your spot in City Square fame.
This week we learn all about diversity and its role in Orange County. But with diversity comes issues that our county must deal with. We hear from Rusty Kennedy, CEO at OC Human Relations, and Aliso Viejo Councilman Ross Chun on how these issues manifest themselves in our local governments. OC Human Relations is focused on growing a collaborative attitude between people of all races and religions so that we can work together to solve problems. Councilman Chun is also on hand to discuss how city leaders face issues related to diversity everyday, and how he is working to turn it into a positive aspect of Orange County.
What are Orange County's cities doing to bring kids the best opportunities to succeed? This week we hear from Kim Goll, Executive Director at the Children & Families Commission of Orange County, and Dennis Wilberg, City Manager at Mission Viejo. The City and the Commission have both been strong partners in developing the Early Development Index. This data is available for cities to identify needs and implement policy solutions to better serve Orange County's children. Listen in this week to learn how your city can take advantage of this great resource.
This week Pipeline Digital Media and Tripepi Smith & Associates are in The City Square to talk about digital communications, and how cities can be communicating with their residents for public outreach. The digital world has a lot of promise, but mistakes can be costly. That's why the media experts are here to explain the dos and don'ts on today's show.
This week we bring you the most in-depth look available for desalination, covering the two big projects in Orange County. Scott Maloni, Vice President of Project Development with Poseidon, discusses the ongoing work of Poseidon's desal plant in Huntington Beach. Scott is joined by Andrew Brunhart, General Manager of the South Coast Water District, who compares the Doheny desal project in Dana Point. This show is all about looking at Orange County's water through the year 2050, and how we can guarantee water reliability for residents.
Don Barnes, Undersheriff with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, and Dave Harrington, Mayor Pro Tem of Aliso Viejo, let Brian know about the ins and outs of public safety in Orange County, how the Sheriffs are protecting OC cities, and how statewide legislation and propositions affect the public safety of our communities. Do you know how Prop 64 may affect the efforts of our law enforcement? Or the threat of fentanyl and how SB 1323 would have addressed the issue? You have the right to remain informed with the City Square this week!
This week we learn how Mercy House is caring for the homeless and providing a pathway for success for those less fortunate. Joined by Orange Mayor Tita Smith, Larry Haynes talks with Brian about the problems of homelessness and how his organization is turning lives around. Homelessness is one of the top issues facing Orange County today. Listen to the show to find out how we as a community can put an end to this crisis!
In this episode of The City Square, Brian interviews ACC-OC Board Member from HNTB Corp Maureen "Mo" Hayes. Mo is an expert in transportation and infrastructure, having had many years of experience in the field, so she has a thing or two to say about the State's current transportation woes. She also gives a brief overview on some projects that are in the works for Orange County. Joining her is ACC-OC's Diana Coronado, who gives us all a brief recap on what the Legislature is up to. August is busy month for these folks in terms of trying to pass legislation, so this is a very timely update indeed!
The West Nile and Zika viruses are on the minds of the public, and people are rightly concerned about their impact. Luckily for Orange County residents, OC Vector Control is ahead of the curve in dealing with the vectors (pests, insects, rodents) that transmit these diseases. In this episode of The City Square, current President of OC Vector and Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Tustin Doctor Allan Bernstein and OC Vector's Director of Communications Jared Dever let us know what they're doing to combat the spread of West Nile and other diseases that could be in your backyard. Tune in to learn what protective measures you can take!
Even if you're not from Orange County, you probably have heard of Huntington Beach. Affectionately referred to as "Surf City" and home of the U.S. Open, clearly Huntington Beach is great for surfing. But what else is there to do in this city by the sea? Here to let us know is a bevy of guests from and affiliated with the City. Lindsay Parton, President of DJM Capital Partners informs us about Pacific City, an outdoor dining and retail hub that is quickly becoming the envy of the entire county. DJM is co-owner of Pacific City, which is close to celebrating its first birthday! Also joining Brian was Huntington Beach City Councilwoman Barbara Delgleize and Kellee Fritzal, Deputy Director of Economic Development for the City. They talked about the Economic impact that Pacific City has had on Huntington Beach, as well as Beachfest, the new Senior Center, and more. It may be hot in SoCal right now, but Huntington Beach knows how to keep things cool!
As cities become more interconnected and regionalized, policymakers need data to help them make sound decisions across their region. Luckily for us, researchers from UC Irvine's School of Social Ecology are providing exactly that type of pathbreaking research. In this episode of The City Square, Brian sits down with Dr. John Hipp and Dr. Kevin Kane, two of UC Irvine's finest scholars working on the Metropolitan Futures Initiative (MFI for short). What's the MFI? The MFI is cutting edge research focusing on different dimensions of the SoCal region, and the consequences for neighborhoods in the region. Interested about economic development, job density, or housing trends? Then the MFI (and this episode!) are for you!
Okay, no actual fireworks were in the studio, but we had the next best thing. In this week's episode of The City Square, Brian interviewed John Kelly, the Vice President of TNT Fireworks. Last week was the 4th of July, which we're pretty sure is John's favorite holiday. John talks with Brian about some neat fireworks facts, as well as safety precautions and how he and TNT work with local governments for safe celebrations. Brian also interviewed Brian Harris of the Youth Services Association of OC, a non-profit organization that provides various services to OC's youngest and benefits financially from selling John's fireworks. Listen to the fireworks fly in this episode!
Now that we're a month removed from the June 2016 primary elections and the dust has settled, political observers can finally conduct a reasonably-informed postmortem. Luckily for us, the two top-ranking political party chairs in Orange County are here to explain what happened at the ballot box. In this episode of The City Square, Brian interviews Henry Vandermeir and Fred Whitaker, Chairmen of the Democratic Party of Orange County and the Orange County Republic Party, respectively. Hear what these politicos portend for the electoral future of Orange County!
Stop us if you've heard this one before: "Orange County is jobs rich, but housing poor." If that's news to you, you need to listen to this show. In this week's episode of The City Square, Brian talks to Mike Balsamo and Steve LaMotte, the CEO and Director of Government Affairs, respectively, of the Building Industry Association of Orange County (BIA-OC). With Millennials fleeing Orange County due to high real estate prices, the OC is losing future talent to surrounding counties. But the BIA-OC thinks OC can reverse this trend before its too late if cities begin endorsing the Housing Futures Initiative. What is it, and how likely will California's most innovative county embrace it? Hear the answer and more on this episode of The City Square!
Innovation in government is fervently sought after, yet seldom reported. Not so in this episode, where Brian had the opportunity to discuss the ACC-OC's recent Golden Hub of Innovation Awards ceremony. Hosted annually, the Golden Hubs are a chance for Orange County cities, agencies, and the County itself to showcase their innovations that improve government in some significant way. This year, ACC-OC's Innovator of the Year award was awarded to Anaheim Fire and Rescue Chief Randy Bruegman, under whose leadership a partnership between the City of Anaheim and Kaiser Permanente was created to more efficiently deliver medical services to injured residents. Chief Bruegman and company stepped into the Square to highlight this partnership, so tune in to hear about this excellent innovation!
Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means: relaxing out by the pool. But the Orange County Fire Authority wants you to remember to enjoy your pool responsibly. In this episode the OCFA's Task Force on Drowning Prevention's Chair Al Murray and Task Force member Julie Lopiccolo underscore the importance of poolside safety. Having lost her soon to poolside drowning, Julie passionately makes the case for the ABCs of pool safety (Active adult supervision, Barriers, and Classes for young children). Tune into this episode of The City Square to find out how to keep your family safe this summer!
In this episode of The City Square, Brian interviews Mike Kraman, CEO of the TCA (Transportation Corridor Agencies). Referred to commonly as "the Toll Roads," the TCA isn't actually a company--it's a joint powers authority whose board is composed of publicly elected officials. What is the TCA doing to help transportation in Orange County? What projects are in the pipeline? To find out, tune into this fascinating episode!
In this episode of The City Square, Brian interviews Shawn Dewane and Lisa Ohlund, two leading figures in the world of water. Shawn is the President of Mesa Water District, while Lisa is the General Manager over at the East Orange County Water District. In the face of relaxed water regulations from the state level, you might be confused: is the drought over? What now? Will we have enough water for the future? Answers to these questions and more await you in this exciting episode!
What's happening in Anaheim? As Orange County's largest city, there's always something big in the works. Joining us on this episode is The City of Anaheim's Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster, who knows everything there is to know about Anaheim. He briefed us on the status of the Platinum Triangle Development, Short Term Rentals, and upgrades to Ponderosa Park. Also on the show was the ACC-OC's very own Diana Coronado to brief you on what the ACC-OC is doing to serve Orange Counties. She recounts ACC-OC's recent efforts on sober living homes, including AB 2772 (Chang) and why solutions are difficult on this issue. She also updates us on ACC-OC's Infrastructure tours and reception and the Governor's May Revise to the State Budget. This episode is chock-full of the public policy you crave!
So what's new in the world of water after the "El No Show," as folks have taken to calling this year's underperforming rainy season? Quite a bit, actually. With Governor Brown's recent announcement that he will not extend the mandatory 25% water cutbacks for all California communities, there are potential consequences for local water agencies and their regional suppliers. What does this mean for the drought going forward? Luckily for us, the water gurus Ric Collett (President of the Yorba Linda Water District) and Brett Barbre (Vice President of the Municipal Water District of Orange County) explain everything that's been going on in the wild world of water!
Orange County: the land of sparkling beaches and million dollar homes. And homelessness. Thankfully, there are dedicated and masterful non-profit organizations here in Orange County doing the rewarding work of helping the less fortunate. In this episode, join Brian as he interviews Scott Larson from HomeAid Orange County and Karen Williams from 211OC to see what these two fabulous organizations are doing to help alleviate homelessness in your backyard!
It has been said that the Red Cross is like that of an umpire at a baseball game; when it is doing it's job effectively, you don't notice it. And with such a vital role to play in Orange County and the rest of the "Desert to the Sea" region of California, we sure are glad that they're working behind the scenes to keep us all safe and healthy! But in this episode, Brian takes a deeper dive to discover what it is that the Red Cross does right here in our backyard. Without tornadoes and hurricanes that plague our Midwestern and Southern states, some may think that our friends at the Red Cross aren't doing as much--but boy, are they wrong! Regional CEO Linda Voss dispels that notion by telling us that with constant blood donations, Home Fire Prevention campaigns with the Orange County Fire Authority, and more, the OC Red Cross undertakes a lot to keep us all safe. Thanks a bunch to the heroes at Red Cross!
How much do you know about Mission Viejo? Have you heard about how Lake Mission Viejo will have enough water for the next 25 years by using residential runoff? Or that the city is leading the way in water conservation throughout the county? Mission Viejo is also showing leadership to help our furry friends through innovative partnerships with volunteer groups and neighboring cities. How do they do it all? Mayor Frank Ury and Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Bucknum tell all in this week's episode of The City Square!
This week on The City Square, host Brian Lochrie interviews the beloved Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Lake Forest, "Mayor" Scott Voigts. Do you anything about Lake Forest's sports park? Or that Lake Forest has a vibrant economy that's home to companies large (Dunkin' Donuts, Oakley) and small? How about an incredible unemployment rate of 3%? All the while running a budget surplus of $4 million, which will be socked away into the city's rainy day fund. Truly incredible achievements for any city! In addition, Scott also briefly discusses the recall efforts against him and some of his fellow council members in his city. Listen to learn more about Lake Forest's secret sauce for success!
In this episode of The City Square, we introduce our new show host, Brian Lochrie! With a background in radio in East Texas and current experience with public affairs at his firm Communications Lab in the City of Orange, Brian is definitely prepared to step in and comment on policy here in the OC. On his inaugural show, we were joined by our favorite recurring hosts from Waste Management (Tom Koutroulis and Chip Monaco) and West Coast Arborists (Andy Trotter). Listen in as our guests talk about meeting the state's recycling requirements, keeping waste rates low for OC citizens, and challenges to the urban forest in the face of a continued drought and a weak El Nino. It's sure to be the fastest (and funnest) hour in radio!
Eric Woolery is the Auditor-Controller for the County of Orange. What is an Auditor-Controller anyway? Is it like the County Treasurer? We know the answer, but we're not telling! To find out, you'll have to listen to this week's episode of The City Square! Join us as we interview Eric, who was only recently (about a year ago) elected to the Auditor-Controller position, and has introduced a whole series of innovations to protect taxpayers and increase citizens' financial literacy. He also explains what in the wild world of sports a GASB and a CAFR are, and what importance they have to your life. You'll even meet his virtual watchdog, Jameson!
In this episode of The City Square, Jerry and the Boy Genius really have their hands full! Not one, not two, but four guests packed the studio, and all of them brought something important to the table. Joining them this episode is Frank Ury, Mayor of Mission Viejo and his friend Brian Smith, CEO of Signature Control Systems. Mayor Ury commented on his city's recent adoption of Signature's analytical approach to managing its water usage at two of its parks. With Signature's help, the City has witnessed over a 30% reduction in its water usage and healthier pastures--talk about saving some green! Also on are Paul Simonds and Wayne Brown, both from the South Orange County Economic Coalition. They give us the scoop on some of their future events, plans, and talk about some of the economic problems that will face Orange County (and the Millennials that live here!) in the coming years.
They're a little over 50% of the population and 57% of those with college degrees, so why are so few women holding elected offices, serving as chief executives, or otherwise holding positions of significance? In this episode, we have two outstanding female leaders give their take on this disparity and their efforts towards making governance more gender equitable. First is prior CEO of ACC-OC and current CEO of Real Women, Real Success Lacy Schoen, who shares her business' mission and recent book release (Conscious Business Growth--an Amazon bestseller!) Joining right after is Rachel Michelin, the Executive Director/CEO of California Women Lead, a non-partisan non-profit organization devoted to encouraging and preparing women to run for elected office or pursue state and local appointments. If you're a woman who's always thought about taking on a more active role in civic affairs, this show is for you! Even our male listeners can learn a thing or two!
People sometimes don't think about certain things until they really need them, like a spare tire or fire insurance. So it is with Orange County's Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Sitting atop Loma Ridge like a watchful sentinel, the EOC is prepared to respond to any and all manner of disasters--natural or otherwise--in Orange County. In this episode, Jerry interviews Donna Boston, Director of the Orange County Sheriff's Emergency Management Division, about the EOC and her role there. Has Orange County learned from the mistakes made during Hurricane Katrina and other disasters? Find out in this week's episode of The City Square!
Introducing ACC-OC's new CEO, Heather Stratman! Some of you have already had the pleasure of meeting Heather at one of ACC-OC's events or out in the field, but for those who haven't yet, this episode will provide a great introduction to our talented CEO! Accompanying her were ACC-OC President Al Murray and Legislative and Member Services Manager Diana Coronado, both of whom were in Sacramento with Heather on Monday (2/29) and Tuesday (3/1). Why where they there? To join with the Orange County Business Council in advocating for local control and Orange County cities, of course! In this episode, we'll hear all about what happened on the ACC-OC/OCBC Sacramento Advocacy trip, the public policy issues they fought for, and we'll even test these policy wonks' mettle on "Is It a Law?"!
Sometimes you just have one of those days where nothing seems to be going right. In this episode of The City Square, Jerry Amante and the Boy Genius have a bit of trouble in the studio but laugh it all off as they talk about what's been going on in the news recently. The Boy Genius even played "Is It a Law?" and got a perfect 5/5 as the two waited for their guest. Once Dr. Glenn Roquemore arrived in The Square, he gave us a sneak peek at what's to come for Irvine Valley College--including a brand new campus coming to the City of Tustin in 2017. Exciting stuff! Don't miss this zany episode of The City Square!
When we think of key people who can navigate public policy with ease, elected officials usually come to mind. But what about folks who aren't elected? In this episode, we talk to three gentlemen with incredibly policy acumen here in Orange County, all of whom are returning guests to the show. First up were Jim Box and Jim Vanderpool, the City Managers of Stanton and Buena Park, respectively. Affectionately referred to as "Jim Squared," the City Manager pair updated us on new things happening in their cities and in ACC-OC's City Manager Committee. If you live in Buena Park, expect that new Porto's bakery soon; if you live in Stanton, a spectacular park will debut in June! Following the dynamic duo was Dustin Reilich of the HERO Program. A fixture in the Square, Dustin always has fascinating information to share with us--including the $81 million in energy-saving projects that HERO has financed in Orange County alone since it started! Now that's we call conservation! Tune in for a raucous and fun-filled episode of The City Square!
Scott Voigts is the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Lake Forest, which he proclaims is the doorway to the rest of South Orange County. As a South County elected official, Mayor Pro Tem Voigts is really able to attest to some of the deficiencies and opportunity gaps that South County cities are currently facing. Also, he's just a really fun guy!
Dr. Tony Teng is the Dean of Advanced Technology and Applied Sciences at Saddleback College. His interview helps make sense of some of the data and trends in the Coalition's economic report, providing policymakers with a plan of action going forward.
Paul Simonds is a Public Affairs Manager with Socal Gas for parts of South Orange County. He is also the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Coalition. His interview highlights what to expect from the event at Saddleback, as well as the Coalition's economic report.
Dr. Tod Burnett is the President of Saddleback College. His interview focuses on Saddleback's involvement with the Coalition to work toward a more prosperous future.
Lisa Bartlett is the Supervisor for the Fifth District of Orange County and is currently Chairwoman of the Board. She represents all of South Orange County and was at the South OC Economic Coalition to offer her thoughts. Have a listen to her interview!
On Friday, February 5th, the South Orange County Economic Coalition unveiled its second annual economic report at Saddleback College detailing some of the economic challenges and opportunity gaps that South Orange County faces in the short and long terms. Jerry and the Boy Genius took their reporting to the field and had the chance to interview a variety of experts and offer their take on what needs to happen in South Orange County, which constitutes a staggering 18% of Orange County's economy! This episode features those interviews, as well as some commentary from the hosts. We hope you'll have a listen to this quirky episode of The City Square!
Avid listeners of The City Square will recall that Don Wagner and show host Jerry Amante ran for a seat in the State Assembly against each other. Don bested Jerry, yet the two have remained faithful friends ever since, and that's good for The City Square! Taking a brief respite from the green carpet in Sacramento, Don spoke to Jerry and the Boy Genius about Governor Brown's proposed budget, transportation funding, some lessons from his time in the Assembly, and what lies ahead for the Wagner clan. There's even a few fun stories and witty banter between the two of them for good measure! Tune in for your weekly dose of public policy!
Orange County Public Works' Strategic Communications Officer Shannon Widor joined Jerry this week to inform us all about OC Public Works and how it serves the fine residents of the County. Flood control channels, fixing potholes and roads, and El Nino preparation are just a few things OC Public Works does, and it's Shannon's job to let us all know how and what they're doing. Listen in for an engaging, informative, and humorous discussion! Wanna learn more about El Nino? Go to http://ocelnino.egovoc.com/
Obtainable housing in Orange County is scarce, much to the detriment of the so-called Millennial generation, who are left with little choice but to relocate to some other part of the State (or a new state entirely). Why is this? As realtor extraordinaire Maria Elena Banks of Berkshire Hathaway notes, it has at least something to do with older folks refusing to leave their current homes. With several decades of experience in the field, Ms. Banks shares her knowledge and expertise with Jerry and the Boy Genius. She also regaled the two with some hilarious stories, making this episode fun and informative!
This week, we were joined by Huntington Beach City Councilwoman Barbara Delgleize and ACC-OC's very own Lacy Schoen. First, our guests talked extensively about ACC-OC's Public Policy Making Academy (PPMA), a professional training course for municipal and elected officials in different areas of public policy. As a PPMA I graduate and PPMA II enrollee, Barbara had nothing but praise for her experience and looks forward to returning to the classroom. Next, both spoke at length about Huntington Beach and ACC-OC's recent housing townhall that took place in December 2015. Housing issues will loom large in the OC in the years ahead, and ACC-OC is proud to help facilitate the discussion. These ladies have been on the show before, so you know you're in for an excellent show! And if you're interested in signing up for ACC-OC's fabulous PPMA program that's mentioned in this week's episode, learn more and enroll at: http://unex.uci.edu/areas/legal/public_policy/. There's a significant discount if you enroll in both PPMA I and II!
Orange County cities without a directly-elected Mayor go through an annual, end-of-the-year process known as "reorganization," where members of the City Council select from among themselves who will be the next Mayor. January marks a fresh start for many of us, and that also includes mayors. In this episode of The City Square, new Mayors Barbara Kogerman of Laguna Hills and Mike Munzing of Aliso Viejo drop in to let us know about some of the big things happening in their cities, how they're preparing for El Nino, and their plans during their time in the driver's seat! Start off the new year right with the very first 2016 episode of The City Square!
California's been in a drought for a few years now, so it's fair to wonder how Orange County is managing water conservation and preparing for the future. Luckily, Jerry and the Boy Genius were joined by the Metropolitan Water District of Orange County's (MWDOC) Assistant General Manager Karl Seckel, who is constantly steeped in all things water. What is MWDOC? What does it do for Orange County's 3 million residents? Is it preparing Orange County for El Nino and the drought? Karl gives the scoop on all these questions and more on 2015's final episode of The City Square!
Between episodes of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" and gazing upon our stunning shores and attractions, we sometimes forget that there are folks who go hungry in a place as affluent and beautiful as Orange County. By some estimates, 60 million meals per year are not eaten in Orange County alone. Further, 11% of OC is food insecure, meaning access to food is limited or uncertain. That's where Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County steps in. Featuring innovative ways to help deliver food to those who need it most, such as client choice and school partnerships, CEO Nicole Suydam shows that there are multiple fronts on which to fight hunger. Step into the City Square and learn more about how to end hunger in your backyard!
It's not often that you can get two veteran city councilmembers from different cities together in one room to talk policy, but it happens more than usual when you're in The City Square. This week, we were joined by Tustin City Councilman Dr. Allan Bernstein, who also happens to be an OC Vector Control trustee and chairs ACC-OC's Water Committee. With that breadth of knowledge, he briefed us on everything related to bugs and water. Next up was Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Lucille Kring, who updated us on recent news in her city. With the city switching to district elections and opening a new county-sponsored homeless shelter in its border in the near future, Anaheim is definitely keeping busy. After all that turkey, we're sure you'll love diving into a heaping helping public policy!
Placer County is a growing county, and it will have to focus on improving its infrastructure and roads to preserve a safe and smooth growth trajectory. The problem? With state and federal infrastructure funds all but uncertain and shrinking, Placer can't rely on these sources to fund its own transportation projects. Celia McAdam, Executive Director of the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency says there may be hope in sight, but that requires becoming a self-help county like the OC. What is a self-help county, and what would that mean for Placer and others who can't rely on higher levels of government to save them? Listen to transportation gurus Celia and Jerry to find out!
Veterans Day fell on a Wednesday this year, so Jerry and the Boy Genius had the opportunity of hosting a Veteran-themed show. And who better to have on as a guest than Mission Viejo's Mayor Pro Tempore Colonel Greg Raths! Colonel Raths shared a variety of items, including Veteran-related events in his city; how Mission Viejo is simultaneously pioneering water conservation technology and preparing for the coming El Nino storm; and promoting his book, 9 Lives of a Fighter Pilot (all profits go to Veteran-related charities!) The good Colonel Raths has a distinguished service record in the Marine Corps, and The City Square was proud to honor him and all veterans who have sacrificed on behalf of this nation.
With this episode, The City Square officially reached its first birthday! And who better to bring on than our very first guests, CEO of ACC-OC Lacy Schoen and Adam Probolsky, CEO of Probolsky Research. A year ago, these two guests talked about the 2014 elections and the future direction of Orange County and California. What did they get right? And what do they see on the horizon for 2016? Find out on this special One Year Anniversary Edition of The City Square! Cheers!
Americans have long been distrustful of Congress and the federal government, but new polls have recently shown that they are no more fond of local and city governments. This seems strange, since local government is closer and therefore more responsive to those it represents. Low trust in local government should worry city leaders, but not to fear--Pete Peterson is here! As the Interim Dean of Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy, Executive Director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership, and former candidate for California Secretary of State, Mr. Peterson has some sage advice for local governments can engage their citizens for more effective governance.
Income tax, property tax, gas tax, and even a fire tax! With so many taxes in California, it's difficult to keep track all of them. Luckily for folks in OC, there are two experts looking out for us. Diane Harkey, Fourth District member of the California State Board of Equalization (the nation's only elected tax commission), represents Orange and other counties at the state level to ensure tax simplicity, transparency, and fairness. Since taking office in January, she has helped over 300 businesses resolve tax disputes! Additionally, CEO of OCTax and former Mayor of Orange Carolyn Cavecche exercises her breadth and depth of tax knowledge to inform elected officials and the public about looming tax increases under consideration at the state level. Taxes can be confusing, but Diane and Carolyn do a fantastic job of explaining what's on the horizon! We're glad they're keeping an eye out for us!
Signed Friday, October 9th, Governor Jerry Brown's Medical Marijuana and Regulation Safety Act provides a new regulatory framework for medicinal marijuana throughout the state. The problem is that cities are given only 6 months to act in a way that best suits their communities, lest they be preempted by state law. With previous experience about how cities in Riverside County attempted to tackle the issue of medical marijuana dispensaries, Jim Ferguson and Charles Green are uniquely suited to explaining how Gov. Brown's new law will affect OC cities, as well as what they must do to preserve local autonomy on such a delicate issue. Join Jerry, the Boy Genius, and these two sharp legal minds as they dive into the weeds of weed policy.
Newport Beach City Councilman Keith Curry is no stranger to politics and public service, beginning his foray at the ripe old age of 13! Since then, he has served in a variety of capacities, including in the administration of then-President Ronald Reagan as Special Assistant to the Federal Transit Administrator. Since then, he has served as Mayor and Councilman of Newport Beach since 2006, endeavoring and succeeding in righting the city's fiscal ship on a course of sustainability. A policy expert and seasoned political veteran, Keith has a thing or two to say about California's and the US's current state of affairs.
Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, and it's not hard to see why. Celebrating its 60th Year Diamond Celebration, Disneyland is even more fun and exciting than it already was. In this episode, Jerry and the Boy Genius host Jill Bolton (Director of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs) and Lisa Haines (Vice President of Public Affairs) as they speak to Disney's economic impact in the region, its myriad philanthropy efforts, and even a sneak peak at their new project: Star Wars Land!
There is a reason that Darrell Johnson is the CEO of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). Prior to coming to OCTA, Darrell worked for Amtrak and other transportation-related bodies, and he has gained invaluable experience and policy knowledge. Since putting his expertise to work at OCTA in 2013, he has managed the county's Measure M sales tax revenues responsibly and spearheads efforts to enhance all modes of transportation for residents, visitors, and businesses of Orange County. Stop on by and learn about all the great things OCTA is doing, and get a sneak preview of the newly-approved OC Streetcar!
Third grade students in Orange County are required to learn about local history in their social studies classes. Stan Oftelie, with his vast knowledge of Orange County history stemming from his public service background, decided that he would write a fun book about OC's history that kids would want to read. The rest...was history. Entitled Nothing Rhymes with Orange, Oftelie's book was published in 2011 and reaches over 30,000 third graders every year! Listen in as Stan recounts astonishing stories from Orange County's founding. You'll wish you had this history lesson as a kid!