COGCast

Building off of part one of our two part series on local control,  the COGCast continues the conversation with Mayor Kevin Bash from the City of Norco to discuss what local control means to him in light of the needs of our growing population.

With growth on the horizon for Western Riverside County, and the greater Inland Empire, several community-shaping decisions will be made by locally elected officials that will impact communities for years to come.   On this episode of the COGCast, we sit down with Mayor Kevin Bash from the City of Norco for part one of a two-part series on local control. This episode will focus on his perspective on what local control means to him when it comes to the area of housing. 

Building off of part one of our two part series on early childhood development education, we continue the conversation discussing the role and impact of early childhood development centers in our local communities. Episode two features Tammi Graham, Executive Director of First 5 Riverside, and Pamela Robinson, Director of Concilio Child Development Center.

Early childhood development centers remain a key cornerstone of our local community, investing in future leaders and providing essential care for children as their parents work. But how has COVID-19 and its multifaceted impact influenced the sustainability of this industry, especially in our ever-growing region? What are some of the challenges and solutions that need to be considered moving forward? To address some of these questions, the COGCast will feature a special two episode series on early childhood development education. Part one of this two part series features JoAnne Lauer, Assistant Superintendent for Riverside County Office of Education, and Sarah Burnett, Early Childhood Education Professor at Norco Community College. 

The City of Eastvale is one of the newest cities in Western Riverside County, recently incorporated in 2010. Since incorporation, the City has become home to more than 73,000 residents - making it one of the fastest growing cities in California.   Over the past year, communities across the Country faced challenges related to the spread of COVID-19. On this episode of the COGCast, we hear how the City of Eastvale responded to these challenges in hope and resilience with guest speaker, Bryan Jones, City Manager at the City of Eastvale. 

The Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency (RCHCA) works to maintain and restore habitat for the endangered Stephens' Kangaroo Rat.  Many of the efforts undertaken by RCHCA over the past 25 years would not be possible if not for the partnerships formed with agencies like the Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). More specifically, the BLM's Threatened and Endangered Species Program leads the conservation and recovery of federally listed species and has worked closely with RCHCA over the years.   On this episode of the COGCast, we are joined by James Gannon, BLM's Fuels Program Manager for the California Desert Interagency Fire Program.    This episode is released as a part of RCHCA's programming for Conservation Month. Check out the website for more information!

Over the past 25 years, the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency has had a core focus to acquire and conserve habitat for the endangered Stephens' Kangaroo Rat (SKR).     Recently the agency completed the Rangewide Management and Monitoring Plan for the SKR which is intended to unify various organizational efforts to protect the species. On this episode of the COGCast, we welcome two scientific pioneers from the Conservation Biology Institute, also known as CBI, who assisted the RCHCA in this effort. Be sure to tune in for this episode with Dr. Wayne Spencer, Chief Scientist, and Deanne DiPietro, Senior Science Coordinator for Conservation Biology Institute.

Eastern Municipal Water District, also known as EMWD, plays a key role in Western Riverside County providing water to more than 850,000 people living and working in the subregion. EMWD's mission is to deliver value to their diverse customers by providing safe, reliable, economical, and environmentally sustainable water, waste water, and recycled water services.   To share more about EMWD and the state of water in the subregion, Lanaya Voelz Alexander, Senior Director of Water Resources Planning at EMWD, joins the COGCast on this episode. Tune in today! 

Western Municipal Water District, also known as Western, is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County providing both wholesale and retail customers with water, wastewater (sewer), and recycled water services. Western serves nearly 1 million people across 527-square miles in Western Riverside County.   Despite water's vast impact on the region, there are many misconceptions surrounding where our water comes from, what we do with it, and why the role of water districts is paramount to the quality of life in the region. To help address some of these questions, this podcast episode features Craig Miller, General Manager at Western. Tune in today! 

The Inland Empire Tech Bridge is anchored by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona Division and will serve as a regional hub of innovation for the Navy command and local partners in academia, nonprofit and private industries. This synergistic network will seek to find faster, better solutions to warfighter challenges while stimulating local economic growth and development.   On this episode of the COGCast, Troy Clarke, Inland Empire Tech Bridge Director, joins us on the COGCast to share about Tech bridge and it's anticipated impact in the Inland Empire.

As an entrepreneur and owner of two businesses in the downtown area of the City of Riverside, Councilmember Ronaldo Fierro brings a unique and dynamic perspective to the conversation surrounding regional innovation and economic recovery in light of the impact of COVID-19.   Tune in for the most recent COGCast episode with City of Riverside Councilmember Ronaldo Fierro today!    This episode is being released in anticipation for Riverside County's Innovation Month happening April 2021!

Save the date for Riverside County's Innovation Month happening April 2021!   Innovation Month is a time dedicated to commemorating inventive and entrepreneurial activities in Riverside County. To share more information on the month-long event and Riverside County's overarching economic development efforts, Rob Moran, Deputy Director of Riverside County Business and Community Services, joins us on the COGCast.  

Bill Fulton has served in various roles throughout Southern California. He has been a journalist, a Mayor for the City of Ventura, a Planning Director for the City of San Diego, and has established himself as a leading advocate for smart growth. Now, in his current role as the Director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, Bill Fulton continues his work as a thought leader.   On this episode of the COGCast, Bill Fulton joins the discussion to share his thoughts on California's future regarding the state's slowing population growth and the implications this could have for local municipalities.

The League of California Cities, also known as Cal Cities, is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they can influence policy decision that affect cities.   On this episode of the COGCast, Erin Sasse, Regional Public Affairs Manager for Riverside County, joins the discussion to talk about how COVID-19 has impacted the legislature and what local governments can anticipate in the year to come.

Described by the New York Times as “America's uber-geographer,” Joel Kotkin is an internationally recognized voice on economic, political, and social trends. He is the of author numerous books, including his most recent release titled, “The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class." Currently, Mr. Kotkin is the Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University in Southern California.   Tune in for this episode of the COGCast as we sit down with Joel Kotkin to discuss his projections for Western Riverside County and California at large.

The Inland Empire is often defined by an unfortunate regional narrative that rarely depicts the many innovative efforts undertaken and milestones achieved. How did this happen? What needs to be done in order to change the regional brand?   On this episode of the COGCast, we welcome Steve Lambert, Partner in the 20/20 Network, a unique public affairs and strategic communications firm that works to assist entities elevate their brand by establishing a more effective narrative. 

As a vibrant and young city in the heart of southwest Riverside County, the City of Menifee has grown exponentially since incorporation in 2008 and is recognized as one of the top 10 cities for growth in southern California with a 2.4% growth rate per year. So what is in store for the City of Menifee and how is it preparing for additional growth?   On this episode of the COGCast, Gina Gonzalez, Economic Development Director, and Cheryl Kitzerow, Community Development Director, will share more about the City, its initiatives, and its future.

Since the beginning of the year, wildfires have burned over 3.1 million acres in California. To put this into perspective, 2020's acres burned is 26 times higher than the acres burned in 2019 for the same time period.   The devastation of these disasters calls local leaders to understand the scope of the issue and what can be done to help. Tune in for the latest podcast episode featuring Council Member Matt Rahn from the City of Temecula, who also serves as the Director for California State University San Marcos's Environmental Leadership Institute and Wildfire Program.  

Ontario International Airport was established in 1929 and was named the fastest growing U.S. airport in 2018 and 2019. Serving 18.7 million residents in southern California, Ontario Airport plays a key role in the economic ecosystem of the Inland Empire region. Aside from its passenger travel, Ontario Airport is also heavily involved in the air cargo industry, handling over 750,000 tons in 2018.   On this episode of the COGCast, Ontario Aiport's Deputy CEO, Atif Elkadi, joins us to share about how COVID-19 has impacted Ontario Airport and what the future holds for this regional economic driver.  

Senator Scott Wiener represents California Senate District 11, which includes the Cities of San Francisco, Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City, as well as portions of the City of South San Francisco. Elected in 2016, Senator Scott Wiener has undertaken a concerted effort to address California's housing crisis, as well as other areas including transportation, healthcare, and much more.   Tune in for this episode of the WRCOGCast as we sit down with Senator Scott Wiener as he shares his thoughts on housing, COVID-19, and vision for the future of California.  

The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC) supports businesses throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Focusing primarily on mid-to-large size enterprises within the region, the IERCC provides a platform for c-suite level executives to network with like-minded business individuals. On this episode of the COGCast, Edward Ornelas, President of the IERCC, shares about his vision for the organization and the greater Inland Empire.

Chambers of commerce play a critical role by providing collaboration opportunities between local companies and the public sector. These efforts are especially important as businesses and jurisdictions navigate in a COVID-19 world.   Tune in for this episode of the WRCOGCast as we sit down with Patrick Ellis, President & CEO of the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how the Chamber is working to champion, engage, and promote local businesses in the midst of COVID-19. 

Lewis Group of Companies has a longstanding history of partnership in the Inland Empire. The company first began in 1955 and over its 65-year history, it has continued to establish itself as a regional contributor and catalyst for development.   Randall Lewis, Executive Vice President for Marketing at Lewis Group of Companies, joins this episode of the COGCast to share his take on the future of the region in response to recent disruptions.

As the largest metropolitan planning agency in the country, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) undertakes a variety of efforts to elevate the quality of life throughout the region. One of the agency's latest accomplishments was the development of Connect SoCal, a 45-year Regional Transportation Plan with an integrated Sustainable Communities Strategy. Intended to be a long-range visioning plan, this foundational document will help set the pace for the greater southern California region far into the future.   Tune in for this podcast episode as Kome Ajise, SCAG Executive Director, shares about Connect SoCal, housing, and more!

With a longstanding career in regional economics, Dr. Wallace Walrod has directed strategic partnerships with organizations like Toshiba America Information Systems, Inland Empire Economic Partnership, John Wayne Airport, and many more. His career is marked by leading research and economic advising efforts for various agencies throughout the southern California region including the Southern California Association of Governments and Orange County Business Council.    Dr. Walrod is a Managing Partner at Tech Coast Consulting Group and joins the WRCOGCast to share about his economic projections for the Inland Empire. 

As the world begins to look forward to reopening after COVID-19, there are unprecedented challenges that leaders will navigate as they consider how to strategize their city and organization for the future. In light of COVID-19 and its ramifications, what are the practical implications and lessons learned from these new experiences? How will COVID-19 shape planning and other city management practices?   On this episode of the COGCast, Dr. Brian Nakamura, Assistant Professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, who also served as the City Manager for various California cities, shares his take on what the future holds and how cities can optimize current opportunities for a better tomorrow. 

The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at California State University, San Bernardino, supports the efforts of students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners in the Inland Empire by delivering a wide range of programs and services. Their efforts have provided assistance to approximately 70,000 individuals and have been recognized globally as one of the top 35 entrepreneurship programs.   Tune in for this episode of the COGCast with IECE Director, Dr. Mike Stull.

The 2020 census is mandated by the constitution and counts every living person in the United States. Conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, the census provides critical data for communities around the nation leading to billions of dollars in federal funding for hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads and other resources each year.   On this episode of the COGCast, Riverside County District 2 Supervisor, Karen Spiegel, shares about Riverside County's efforts on the 2020 Census.   Please note this podcast was recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and information shared in this podcast may have changed. For the most up to date information regarding the Census, please visit the website. For more information about Riverside County's efforts on COVID-19, please visit the website.   

Ron Loveridge has a lifetime of public service. From serving as a City of Riverside Councilmember beginning in 1979, to serving as Mayor from 1994 to 2012, he is a highly regarded regional, state, and national leader. In addition to his time as an elected official, Loveridge has also taught young professionals at the University of California, Riverside, for 55 years (and counting) - investing in the future generations of civic leaders.   On this episode of the COGCast, we sit down with Professor Loveridge as he shares about his story, leadership, and the historic city of arts and innovation, the City of Riverside. 

Riverside County was one of several counties in California that received a failing grade for air quality according to the American Lung Association's 2019 “State of the Air” report card. The report noted that while Riverside County has seen progress and a steady downward trend in pollution, the area continues to experience elevated pollution, making the airspace generally unhealthy.   In an effort to improve the region's air quality, WRCOG's Clean Cities Coalition seeks to reduce the consumption of petroleum fuels by educating and mobilizing local stakeholders. Be sure to tune in for this episode with Kyle Rodriguez, WRCOG Staff Analyst, who coordinates the Clean Cities Coalition.

The COGcast seeks to feature the many people, programs, and organizations working to make our region the best that it can be.   On this episode of the COGcast, we have a unique opportunity to sit down with Hasan Ikhrata, former Executive Director at the Southern California Association of Governments, and current Executive Director of the San Diego Association of Governments, to talk about his role and what he sees as major areas of importance for Southern California. To add to this, Natalie Ikhrata, current WRCOG intern, student at the University of California, Riverside, and daughter of Hasan Ikhrata, will be interviewing her father on this exclusive COGcast episode.

The California Association of Councils of Governments, also known as CALCOG, is comprised of 47 regional agencies across California with the goal to create a collaborative space to have important policy discussions, share information, educate others, and encourage discussions of how to find new solutions for the problems of tomorrow.    On this episode of the COGCast, we sit down with Bill Higgins, Executive Director at CALCOG, to learn about the organization and discuss his projections of California's future.

As we launch the new year, the COGCast sits down with WRCOG Executive Director, Rick Bishop, to reflect on 2019 and look forward to 2020. Tune in today to learn about some of WRCOG's upcoming 2020 projects! 

The Homeless Point in Time Count is federally mandated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, also known as HUD, to count and survey the sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations in cities and counties throughout the nation. The 2020 Riverside County Homeless Point in Time Count will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. This episode of the COGCast will feature Laura Gonzalez-Rivera, Social Services Planner and the 2020 Homeless Point in Time Count Coordinator, from the County of Riverside. For more information on the 2020 Riverside Homeless Point in Time Count, visit www.rivcoexchange.com. 

Southern California Edison, also known as SCE, is the primary electricity supply company for Southern California. Serving approximately 15 million people over 5 million accounts, SCE plays a key role in our communities. Tune in for this episode of the COGCast, featuring Joshua Torres, Senior Policy Advisor at SCE, to share about this partner organization and provide insight on upcoming projects and technology. 

Throughout California, there is a housing affordability crisis spurred by a mounting shortage of housing supply. State housing officials estimate that more than 1.3 million homes need to be built in the six-county SCAG region between October 2021 and October 2029. In an effort to address this issue, the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, also known as RHNA, is mandated by State Housing Law as part of the periodic process of updating local housing elements of a jurisdiction's General Plan. On this episode of the COGCast, Ma'Ayn Johnson, Housing Program Manager at the Southern California Association of Governments, answers two major questions: What is RHNA? And what does it mean for jurisdictions?

Riverside County is home to 23 school districts and 515 schools filled with students who will be the leaders of tomorrow. With a widely diverse student population and the always changing future landscape of work, how is Riverside County's education system positioning itself for future innovation and change?   On this episode of the COGcast, Dr. Judy White, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, shares about her role and what the future holds for the County's education system. 

This year, Riverside County's annual Homeless Point in Time count found that there was a 20% increase in the number of people living on the streets compared to last year. County officials further provide perspective that the count is a one-day snapshot and merely represents the “visible” homeless population and not necessarily everyone who lacks a home. Nonetheless, the local impact of homelessness remains a key issue for the region. On this episode of the COGcast, Monica Sapien and Aaron Petroff from the Social Work Action Group, also known as SWAG, share their organization's approach to help the homeless in Western Riverside County. 

The Southern California Gas Company, also known as SoCalGas, is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility serving 21.8 million consumers across more than 500 communities. For over 150 years, SoCalGas has served central and southern California as a responsible and engaged environmental leader, employer and neighbor.   Tune in for this episode of the COGCast as we hear from Lea Peterson, Public Affairs Manager, and Ana Aceves, Program Manager, at SoCalGas.

In collaboration with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), WRCOG has developed the Resilient Inland Empire (IE) Guidebook that seeks to identify regional vulnerabilities to climate change and develop resources and tools to improve regional resiliency. To better understand the need for resilience planning, consider the impacts to the Idyllwild area resulting from 2018's record precipitation- torrential rain caused rain and debris flows to exceed capacity of existing infrastructure, which ultimately led the roads to buckle. For months, stretches of both State Routes 74 and 243 were closed for repairs that exceeded $100 million, isolating the community and extending commutes for residents significantly. This situation is one of many that call local leaders to prepare communities for the threats that weather can pose to the region. To share about the importance of resiliency planning, the COGcast welcomes Aaron Pfannenstiel, Principal at Atlas Planning Solutions. 

The future is rarely a clear picture. It is often ambiguous and difficult to plan for. Yet, understanding the future is essential and can help strategically orient an organization for long-term success. So what does the future hold for Western Riverside County? And how can governments prepare and strategically plan for future innovation and change?    Tune in for this COGcast episode featuring Futurist, Mark Cofano. Additionally, for more information on the Inland Empire Innovation Week, follow this link: https://inlandempire.innovationweeks.com/tracks/innovation-in-government

At its root, public engagement seeks to better involve the community in policy decisions to achieve long-term and sustainable outcomes, processes, relationships, discourse, decision-making, or implementation. However, these engagement efforts can be exceedingly difficult due to a variety of factors including a shift in communication and skepticism of government. So what does effective public engagement look like? On this episode of the COGCast, Ashely Labosier, Executive Director at the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement at Pepperdine University shares her insight on this relevant topic.

California is commonly regarded as one of the pioneering states for energy efficiency measures across the nation. Yet, while alternative and natural energy sources grow in popularity, cost remains a major barrier for many. Working to address this issue, GRID Alternatives is the nation's largest, community-based, nonprofit solar installer that makes renewable energy technology and job training accessible to underserved communities.   GRID's impact has been significant, saving homeowners over $56 million in lifetime electricity costs. Additionally, over 2,700 people have received free hands-on job training to pursue careers in the solar industry.   On this episode of the COGCast, Lisa Castilone, Community Development and Tribal Manager, and Kari H'Orvath, Outreach Manager at GRID Alternatives, share how GRID is changing the lives of many across Western Riverside County and beyond. 

As it continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, the Inland Empire faces a variety of challenges common to urbanizing regions.  These include including traffic, pollution, adequate and affordable housing, and economic development. Although the region has seen a surge in employment, a recent study conducted by the University of Redlands indicates that the Inland Empire is particularly vulnerable to the automation of a large number of existing jobs. The study concludes that our region is the 4th most vulnerable metro in the nation to automation, with nearly 63% of all current jobs susceptible to automation over the next 20 years.   How should we respond to this news? Can we get ahead of the trends? Are there strategies to approach these challenges? On this episode of the COGCast, entrepreneur Fred Walti, President and CEO at The Network for Global Innovation, shares his insight on how the Inland Empire can best position itself for the future. 

The Riverside County Transportation Commission, also known as RCTC, is the hub for transportation solutions that connect Riverside County as a whole. RCTC is governed by local elected officials representing all of the jurisdictions in Riverside County, and is staffed by a team of public servants that work to connect the County's vast region by enhancing roads, bridges, sidewalks, express lanes, and more.   On this episode of the COGCast, Supervisor Chuck Washington, Chairman of RCTC and Anne Mayer, RCTC's Executive Director, share their insight on how the Agency is responding to the County's growth and transportation needs.

There are many college students who call Western Riverside County home. To add to this, the City of Riverside is a top city millennials are moving to (as noted by Time Magazine).   With a variety of universities and community colleges, and the general influx of young professionals moving, living, and working in the subregion, how do we create a place of growth for young professionals to encourage their investment in the subregion throughout their career? How can young professionals leverage their skills and abilities as they transition from higher education to the workforce?   On this episode of the COGCast, Mike Bishop, Director of the Career Center at California Baptist University shares his insight on the topic.

Workforce development grows a region's economic stability by training workers for future, meaningful employment opportunities. This in turn boosts the quality of life throughout a city and the larger subregion. The City of Perris, California has recently announced plans to create the Perris Downtown Skills Training and Job Placement Center, also known as the Skills Center, in the heart of their downtown area.    On this episode of the COGCast, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Grace Williams, Economic Development Director at the City of Perris who is leading the charge in this endeavor.

Homelessness continues to be a rising issue in Southern California creating public health, public safety, and humanitarian complications. It's multifaceted and systemic nature can be overwhelming. So how can local agencies address homelessness in Western Riverside County? How have others addressed this issue before?   Tune into this episode of the COGCast as we welcome Kris Murray, former Councilmember from the City of Anaheim, who played an instrumental role in addressing homelessness in Anaheim.

Active transportation utilizes non-motorized transportation modes, like walking, biking, and horseback riding that promote overall wellness, health, and safety throughout communities.   In an effort to help support active transportation initiatives in our subregion, WRCOG hired a project team led by consultant Fehr and Peers to create The Western Riverside County Active Transportation Plan, also known as ATP. This document aims to improve access to non-motorized transportation options within the subregion.   Tune into this episode of the COGCast, to learn about active transportation and the bright future it has in Western Riverside County with Miguel Nunez, Senior Associate at Fehr and Peers. 

Local jurisdictions alongside WRCOG and other partners have developed the Solid Waste Cooperative, which is intended to help Western Riverside County reach State mandated goals for recycling waste and extending landfill life. The Solid Waste Cooperative also works to instill stewardship values and empower the local community to recycle through education and community outreach. Tune into the most recent COGCast episode with Kyle Rodriguez, staff analyst at WRCOG, to learn more about the Solid Waste Cooperative.

In part one of this two-part segment on automation, Dr. Johannes Moenius from the University of Redlands explained what automation is and how it is projected to impact the Inland Empire. His research indicated that about 50% of jobs in the United States are susceptible to automation, for the Inland Empire 63% of jobs are susceptible to automation. On this episode of the COGCast, Dr. Johannes Moenius discusses best practices for how to prepare communities for the coming automation.