Hometown California

On this episode of Hometown California our host, Paul A. Smith, sits down for a conversation with Jim Ogsbury, Executive Director of the Western Governors Association (WGA). Together, Paul and Jim discuss the work of the WGA, who they are, and the intersection with rural California and the Rural County Representatives of California. With membership that includes the Governors of the 22 western-most states and territories of the United States, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, WGA is largely an instrument of bi-partisan policy development, information exchange, and collective action on mutual interests. Listen in to hear about how Executive Director Jim Ogsbury came to lead an organization of twenty-two elected Governors, how the organization operates, and how such an ideologically diverse group of members come together to develop policies that drive the organization forward, Find out about some of WGA's successes influencing federal policymaking in  the areas of forest and federal lands management, endangered species, and more. And learn what is on the horizon as WGA continues to collaborate on issues impacting the western United States, Find out more about WGA: On the websiteFollow on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn

In the latest episode of Hometown California, our host, Paul A. Smith, sits down for a conversation with California State Assembly Member, Jim Wood. Learn about his path to politics-- from dentistry to the State Assembly— and how his experiences in rural California have influenced his priorities in the Legislature. Listen as Assembly Member Wood discusses healthcare, cannabis, vegetation management, wildfire, and so much more. 

In this episode of Hometown California, our host, Paul A. Smith, speaks with Rich Gordon, President and CEO of the California Forestry Association (soon-to-be retired). Aside from being at the CA Forestry Association, Mr. Gordon has a long history service in California. Back to the early days of his political career when he was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Education, what sparked his interest in getting involved with public education and public policy making?After 13 years on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, find out why Rich still describes it as "the best electoral job in California." And, find out what motivated him to become President of the statewide association, a sister organization of RCRC, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), and hear about highlights of his leadership years.Listen to learn how Rich fell in love with rural California, and so much more. His fascinating journey, from his first elected position nearly 20 years ago to his current role, will give you a glimpse of how his experiences have impacted Rich Gordon's  understanding of California’s rural counties.Find out more about the California Forestry Association On the Web: calforests.orgFollow on Twitter: @CalForestsFind on Facebook: @CalForestsCFA

In this episode, our host, Paul A. Smith, sits down for a conversation with Patrick "Pat" Blacklock, the new President and CEO of RCRC. Learn how Pat's journey in the county family began, what led him to RCRC, and his vision for RCRC's advocacy and support of rural counties.   At what Californians hope may be the tail end of pandemic shutdowns, in a redistricting year with new challenges brought about by the pandemic, and with a gubernatorial recall election on the horizon, hear how Pat is looking toward the future as he begins to lead RCRC in these unique times.Having worked as CAO of both Amador and Yolo counties,  Pat shares his perspective on the similarities and differences of rural California counties. Listen in to hear what Pat sees as priorities for RCRC, his plans for setting the organization’s path for the future, and his secret to maintaining work/life balance when counties run 24/7.Find RCRC on the Web: rcrcnet.orgon Twitter: @ruralcounties on Facebook: @ruralcountieson Instagram: @ca_ruralcountiesRedistricting webinar recordings and other resources

On this  episode of Hometown California, our host, Paul A. Smith, speaks with Staci Heaton, the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Acting Vice President of Governmental Relations, about California’s perennial wildfires. As an RCRC advocate for more than 15 years, Staci’s focus has primarily been fire and forestry issues, things involving climate change, and managing the wildfire issues of California. Together, Paul and Staci discuss factors contributing to the ferocity of the fires, and potential solutions to address this growing problem.  RCRC has worked tirelessly on the issue of forest management and wildfire prevention for decades. This year, RCRC’s Board of Directors adopted a Wildfire Package, a multipronged collection of legislative proposals, to address the systemic needs forest management and wildfire prevention in the State. Listen in to hear why more state leaders seem to be taking notice, how short-term needs are being addressed, and what more remains to be done. Find Rural County Representatives of CaliforniaOn the web:  rcrcnet.orgFacebook: ruralcountiesTwitter: @RuralCountiesInstagram: ca_ruralcounties

In this episode of Hometown California, recorded in Washington D.C., our host, Paul A. Smith, sits down with Sheryl Cohen and Chris Israel of American Continental Group (ACG), to give listeners a deeper look at the early days of the 117th Congress.  Together they discuss a myriad of issues, includingthe politics of the recovery package;the twin priorities of infrastructure and climate;politics under the dome: leadership, bipartisanship, and looking ahead to 2022; andthe differences and similarities in the White House under the Biden Administration.Find ACG Advocacy online.Website: https://www.acg-consultants.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acgconsultants.com/

From Washington D.C., our host, Paul A. Smith, checks in on the political pulse in a conversation with Leah Askarinam of the National Journal, Editor-in-Chief of the Hotline at the National Journal.  With a new administration in the White House, a change of control in the U.S. Senate, and a razor-thin margin of control in the U.S. House of Representatives as a result of the last election, Paul and Leah discuss what’s going on in the White House and Congress.  Find out more about the politics of the American Rescue Plan, the pandemic and how things are shaping-up for the 2022 General Election - which congressional seats are up for election, who is retiring, who will be facing primary challenges, and how this impacts policy-making at the federal level.National Journal on the Web: nationaljournal.comNational Journal's Hotline on Twitter: @njhotline

Jeremy White, co-writer of Politico's California Playbook, returns to Hometown California to share his insights about the effort to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom. Our host, Paul A. Smith, RCRC Vice President for Government Affairs, dives in to find out how a gubernatorial recall—an idea that was once seen as outlying political chatter — has become a real and present threat to Governor Newsom’s political future.Is this recall going to happen?What are the origins of the recall effort and what makes this effort feel real?Where is the money coming from?Does the Governor have a strategy for overcoming this?What are the political implications if the recall effort is successful?Is this indicative of a national trend, or is this unique to California?Listen as Jeremy shares his insights and predictions about the recall effort. Visit Politico on the web at politico.comFollow Politico California on Twitter @politicocaCalifornia Playbook: Subscribe Here

In this episode of Hometown California, RCRC Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs, Paul Smith, speaks with Lassen County Sheriff Dean Growdon about the realities of being a peace officer in rural California. In the small and remote County of Lassen, Sheriff Growdon serves as both Sheriff and Coroner, as do many of his counterparts in other rural areas of the State. Home to two state prisons, one federal prison, and a military base, Lassen County has some unique law enforcement challenges. Hear how law enforcement in a rural county-- and particularly in a very, very rural county-- is different than other areas of the State. Sheriff Growdon discusses the importance of mutual aid and explains how customer service and community assistance are keys for successful crime prevention. Listen as Sheriff Growdon talks about the challenges of some state mandates and how COVID-19 has impacted law enforcement and community support in Lassen County during the pandemic.

On this episode, RCRC Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs, Paul Smith, speaks to State Controller, Betty Yee. Paul and Controller Yee discuss the importance of the relationship between the State and Counties of California and how the two intersect in managing and deploying state resources. With over 35 years in the public sector, learn about how Ms. Yee’s foray into public service began at a very young age. Hear about the role of the Controller’s Office, the audits, and role of the office in financial policy. Hear insights about the financial health of rural California counties and the factors that have influenced the evolving landscape of rural county finances. Listen as Controller Yee speaks of the myriad of pressures on the finances of counties including pension obligations, health and human services, state mandates, and more.

In the latest episode of Hometown California, RCRC’s Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs, Paul A. Smith, holds a conversation about political reform, the state of California politics, and influential ballot measures in an interview with Bob Stern, J.D., a man with a long history of influence in California politics.Bob Stern made his mark on California politics In the 1970's, as the co-author of California's Political Reform Act (1974). And, his influence doesn't stop there. When former Governor Jerry Brown was Secretary of State, Stern served as his Elections Counsel. He also became the first General Counsel of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, and was the former President of the Center for Governmental Studies (a non-profit research organization). He has been a mover-and-shaker of California politics for many decades. Listen in as Paul and Bob discuss the impact of political reform in California, what's working, and what could be better. Hear Bob's insights about influential ballot measures of the past, as well as the present. And, listen as Bob shares his thoughts about the impact COVID-19 is having on the state, and about the political divisions-- both in the state and the nation-- that have become prominent in recent years.

Our host, Paul A. Smith, sits down for a conversation with the 2021 Chair of RCRC, Mono County Supervisor Stacy Corless. After facing a year of devastating wildfires, a global pandemic, and the resulting changes to everyday life, we enter 2021 with new resolve and hope. Although uncertain what the immediate future holds, Supervisor Corless is focused on the comprehensive wildfire response and long-term recovery necessary for rural California and its communities to survive and thrive. In this episode, get a glimpse of the inspiration that drives Supervisor Corless as a leader in one of California’s smallest counties. Hear about her experience as a county leader through what was arguably one of the toughest years in recent history, and about her vision for RCRC in the year ahead.

In this episode, our host, Paul A. Smith speaks with the Dr. Michael V. Drake, the 21st President of the University of California about the intersection of the UC and rural communities of the Golden State. For many rural communities, the significance of the UC goes beyond the education, licensing, and credentialing it provides. Partnerships between the UC and rural communities have a considerable impact as well. One of the most important UC programs involved in rural communities is the Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) Cooperative Extension. Listen in, as Paul and Dr. Drake discuss the funding and the future of that program as well as other topics such as enrollment trends, distance learning and broadband deployment, and how the pandemic has impacted the University as a whole.Check out these helpful links to learn more about the University of California and get connected:UC HomepageUCANR Cooperative ExtensionMore ways to connect with UC ANRConnect on FacebookFollow on Twitter @ucanrFollow On InstagramSubscribe to the YouTube Channel

California voters decided the fate of twelve ballot measures during the 2020 General Election this year. In August, our host, Paul A. Smith, spoke with Jeremy B. White of Politico in a two-part series during which we looked at each ballot measure, what each proclaimed to do, and where the money was coming from. There was special emphasis on what each measure would mean for rural counties, and a look at the position taken on each measure by the Board of Directors of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC). In this episode, Jeremey B. White of Politico returns for an examination of how each measure faired when put before the voters. In a conversation with our host, Paul A. Smith, Jeremy shares his insights about what may have contributed to the wins and losses, what we can ascertain about the California electorate, and which measures we can expect to see before the voters again in the future. If you missed the original series, you can catch up now to hear how the conversation began.Episode 5- Propositions 14 through 18 (English or Spanish)Episode 6- Propositions 19 through 25 (English or Spanish)Visit Politico on the web at politico.comFollow Politico California on Twitter @politicocaCalifornia Playbook: Subscribe Here

In this episode, our host, Paul A. Smith, sits down with Assembly Member Frank Bigelow for a conversation about his experience being a representative for rural California in the State Legislature. Assembly Member Bigelow shares about his transition from local government to state politics, the challenges of being in the political minority in the California State Legislature, and how he builds relationships and stays focused on common ground to be an effective voice for rural California. He opens up about the personal impact of this year's devastating wildfires and the global pandemic that has created unique challenges for rural areas. Elected to the Madera County Board of Supervisors in 1998, Bigelow was later elected to the California State Assembly where he currently represents California Assembly District 5. The district is comprised of the RCRC member counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Tuolomne, and a bit of Placer.

On Thursday, as election votes were being counted, our host, Paul A. Smith, spoke with National Journal Hotline Editor-in-Chief, Leah Askarinam about what we reliably know, what is expected based on trends and counts so far, and what still hangs in the balance. Listen as Paul and Leah breakdown the early return dynamics in this latest episode of the Hometown California 2020 Election series. Why is the Presidential Race so much closer than most pundits expected?But for the personality of Donald Trump, would Republicans have easily won this election?How has the anticipated realignment of the national electorate played out?Who’s going to control the U.S. Senate and what’s going on in California’s key House Races? And the question on everyone’s mind….How are the results shaping up against Paul’s election predictions?As the nation waits, listen in to gain timely insights.National Journal on the Web: nationaljournal.comNational Journal's Hotline on Twitter: @njhotline

Just days before the 2020 Election, our host Paul A. Smith, speaks with Leah Askarinam of the National Journal to take one last look at polling and trends leading up to Election Day. With early voting well underway in many states, Leah and Paul discuss the hottest races in California and across the nation. Leah is the Editor-in-Chief of the Hotline at the National Journal and has been a guest on previous episodes of Hometown California, providing her insight about the Presidential race and key congressional races.In this episode:Will Donald Trump hold on to the White House?Will this election flip the balance of power in the U.S. Senate? What will the House of Representatives look like when the dust settles?Listen in to the conversation, and catch the predictions in this episode of Hometown California.And be on the lookout for a post-election wrap up when Paul and Leah examine the outcome in the days following what promises to an unforgettable race.Previous episodes in the November 2020 Election series with Leah Askarinam:Episode 08- The Presidential Election 2020 (The Race for the White House)Episode 09- The Battle for the U.S. Senate 2020Episode 10- U.S. House Races 2020Episode 11- Election Check-InNational Journal on the Web: nationaljournal.comNational Journal's Hotline on Twitter: @njhotline

Our host, Paul A. Smith, speaks with Randy Moore, head of the Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) of the U.S. Forest Service, about the work of managing California's forests and wildlands in these trying times of record-setting wildfires amid a global pandemic. In this episode:How is the U.S. Forest Service structured for managing forests nationally and forest-by-forest?How does the Shared Stewardship Agreement between the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE impact rural communities and the future of California's National Forests?How is the U.S. Forest Service partnering with RCRC's Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) to benefit and protect rural communities?How has COVID-19 impacted the activities of the U.S. Forest Service?How could the outcome of the Presidential election impact forest service policy and the initiatives underway?Find out more about the Pacific Southwest Region of the U.S. Forest Service:Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r5Twitter: @usfs_r5Facebook: @usforestserviceYouTube: usdaForestService

During a visit to Washington D.C. in early October, our host, Paul A. Smith, sat down with Matt Chase, CEO and Executive Director of the National Association of Counties (NACo), RCRC's national advocacy partner, for a conversation about the important work NACo does on behalf of and in partnership with counties across the nation.NACo represents counties as intergovernmental partner, driving federal policy on behalf of America's counties. Beyond federal advocacy, NACo addresses national policy trends and works with county governments as policymakers to meet the needs of communities. Listen in to learn more.What is NACo and how is the organization structured?What is the role of NACo with California and rural California?What are NACo's advocacy priorities, and how does NACo work in partnership with local and federal governments to find solutions to long term problems?How can listeners get involved?Check out NACo on the web: naco.orgFollow NACo on Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

In a typical election year, Congress would break by October 1st, as members hit the campaign trail. But 2020 has proved again and again to be anything but typical. Our host, RCRC's Paul A. Smith, sits down with two of the most respected advocates on the Hill, Sheryl Cohen of the American Continental Group (ACG) and Kevin Eastman of PACE LLP., for a discussion about the closing weeks of the 116th Congress.Recorded in Washington D.C. on the day President Trump's coronavirus diagnosis was announced, Kevin and Sheryl share their insights about the successes and failures of the 116th, the vacancy on the Supreme Court due to the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and what to expect in a Lame Duck and the 117th Congress.About ACG: acg-consultants.comAbout PACE LLP: pacellp.com

With less than 30 days until the November election, our host and RCRC’s Vice President of Governmental Relations, Paul A. Smith, speaks with Leah Askarinam for an election check-in. Recorded on the day President Trump was diagnosed with the coronavirus, the conversation took on a new perspective as Paul and Leah were processing the latest developments in this year that has been anything but ordinary.Leah is the Editor-in-Chief of the Hotline at the National Journal and has been a guest on three previous episodes of Hometown California, providing her insight about the Presidential race and key congressional races.Previous episodes in the November 2020 Election series with Leah Askarinam:Episode 08- The Presidential Election 2020 (The Race for the White House)Episode 09- The Battle for the U.S. Senate 2020Episode 10- U.S. House Races 2020National Journal on the Web: nationaljournal.comNational Journal's Hotline on Twitter: @njhotline

In the third installment of our opening series about the 2020 Election, our host, Paul A. Smith, once again speaks to Leah Askarinam, Hotline Editor-in-Chief for the National Journal in Washington D.C.. Paul and Leah examine key races for open seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.In 2018, Democrats were able to flip seven seats in California, making a big change and causing Republicans to lose almost half of their delegation. Four of those seats were situated in Orange County, long known as the bedrock of Republicanism in California. Listen in as Paul and Leah share insights on these and other U.S. House seats up for grabs in November 2020.Can Republicans recapture the House this year, or will Democrats expand their majority?What impact could the election have on the leadership roles of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy?What are some key races outside of California to keep your eye on?Discussion of several key races in California and intriguing questions like these will give you a sense of the national scene as we head toward Election Day 2020.For more about the National Journal, check it out on the web here: nationaljournal.com

In the second episode of our series on the 2020 National Election, our host, Paul A. Smith, continues the conversation with Leah Askarinam, Hotline Editor-in-Chief of the National Journal in Washington D.C.Together, Paul and Leah discuss the battle for control of the U.S. Senate, with special focus on key races happening in California.For more about the National Journal, check it out on the web here: nationaljournal.com

In this first of three episodes about the 2020 General Election, our host, Paul A. Smith, speaks with Leah Askarinam, Hotline Editor-in-Chief of the National Journal in Washington D.C., about the 2020 Race for the White House.Examining polling trends and the current national climate, Leah and Paul provide a state-by-state look at the Electoral College and discuss the likelihood of President Trump's ability to win the White House and whether President Trump could lose the popular vote and still win the presidency.Listen in to this insightful conversation, and if you want to keep up with the math of the election map, grab a pen and paper and follow along.Subscribe today and watch for the next episode in our National Election series when Leah and Paul discuss the race for control of the United States Senate, followed by another release when they will discuss happening with respect to the House of Representatives.For more about the National Journal, check it out on the web here: nationaljournal.com

The California Legislature is on recess as the tumultuous 2020 Legislative Session has come to a close. Tempers flared and the clock ran out as lawmakers worked late into the night on Monday to pass legislation before the midnight hour. After such an unusual legislative spring and summer, the next few months are a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle.Our host, Paul A. Smith speaks with Barbara Glaser of the California Hospital Association and Jean Hurst of HBE for an insider’s look at what became of the 2020 Legislative Session after the coronavirus pandemic through “normal” out the window.

Nuestro anfitrión, Paul A. Smith, continúa la conversación con Jeremy B. White de Politico sobre las doce medidas electorales que los votantes de California decidirán en noviembre. Jeremy B. White es coautor del libro de jugadas de California de Politico y cubre la política en el Estado Dorado.Juntos, Paul y Jeremy brindan una mirada imparcial a cada medida de la boleta electoral. Discuten los argumentos de apoyo y oposición y el financiamiento detrás de las propuestas, y brindan información sobre el impacto de cada medida en los condados rurales.Este es el segundo de dos episodios de una serie sobre las iniciativas de votación de noviembre de 2020 de California, registrados el 20 de agosto de 2020. Este episodio cubrePropuesta 19: Ley de Protección del Hogar Para Personas Mayores, Discapacidades Graves, Familias y Víctimas de Desastres Provocados por Incendios ForestalesPropuesta 20: Ley para Reducir el Crimen y Mantener la Seguridad de CaliforniaPropuesta 21: Ley de Asequibilidad de AlquileresPropuesta 22: Ley de Protección de Controladores y Servicios Basados ​​en AplicacionesPropuesta 23: Ley para Proteger la Vida de los Pacientes en DiálisisPropuesta 24: Ley de Cumplimiento y Derechos de Privacidad de CaliforniaPropuesta 25: Proyecto de ley del Senado 10 - Referéndum de Reforma de la FianzaSi se perdió la discusión sobre las primeras cinco medidas electorales, asegúrese de escuchar el episodio 5 de Hometown California here.La entrevista se realiza en español, con la voz en off del invitado proporcionada por un tercero.Visite Politico en la web en politico.comSiga a Politico California en Twitter @politicocaCalifornia Playbook: Suscríbase aquíMás de Politico sobre las iniciativas de votación de noviembre de 2020 en California: disponible aquí

Our host, Paul A. Smith, continues the conversation with Jeremy B. White of Politico about the twelve ballot measures California voters will decide this November. Jeremy B. White co-writes Politico's California Playbook and covers politics in the Golden State.Together, Paul and Jeremy provide a nonpartisan look at each ballot measure. They discuss the support and opposition arguments and financing behind the propositions, and provide insight about the impact of each measure on rural counties. This is the second of two episodes in a series about California's November 2020 ballot initiatives, recorded on August 20, 2020. This episode coversProposition 19: The Home Protection For Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire Disasters ActProposition 20: Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe ActProposition 21: Rental Affordability ActProposition 22: Protect App-Based Drivers and Services ActProposition 23: Protect the Lives of Dialysis Patients ActProposition 24: The California Privacy Rights and Enforcement ActProposition 25: Senate Bill 10 – Bail Reform ReferendumIf you missed the discussion about the first five ballot measures, be sure to listen to Hometown California Episode 5.And be on the lookout for this episode of Hometown California coming soon in Spanish.Visit Politico on the web at politico.comFollow Politico California on Twitter @politicocaCalifornia Playbook: Subscribe HereMore from Politico about the California November 2020 Ballot Initiatives: Available Here

Nuestro anfitrión, Paul A. Smith, habla con Jeremy B. White de Politico sobre las doce medidas electorales que los votantes de California decidirán este noviembre. Jeremy B. White es coautor del libro de jugadas de California de Politico y cubre la política en el Estado Dorado.Juntos, Paul y Jeremy brindan una mirada imparcial a cada medida de la boleta electoral. Discuten los argumentos de apoyo y oposición y el financiamiento detrás de las propuestas, y brindan información sobre el impacto de cada medida en los condados rurales.Este es el primero de dos episodios de una serie sobre las iniciativas de votación de noviembre de 2020 de California. La discusión se trata dePropuesta 14: Iniciativa de Investigación, Tratamientos y Curas con Células Madre de California de la Ley de 2020Propuesta 15: Ley de Financiación de Escuelas y Comunidades Locales de California (lista dividida)Proposición 16: Derogación de la Proposición 209 de 1996Propuesta 17: Derechos de Voto de Delincuentes ConvictosProposición 18: Edad Para VotarPara ver las siete medidas electorales restantes, asegúrese de escuchar el episodio 6 de Hometown California, que está disponible aquí.La entrevista se realiza en español, con la voz en off del invitado proporcionada por un tercero.Visite Politico en la web: politico.comSiga a Politico California en Twitter @politicocaCalifornia Playbook: Suscríbase aquí

Our host, Paul A. Smith, speaks with Jeremy B. White of Politico about the twelve ballot measures California voters will decide this November. Jeremy B. White co-writes Politico's California Playbook and covers politics in the Golden State.Together, Paul and Jeremy provide a nonpartisan look at each ballot measure. They discuss the support and opposition arguments and financing behind the propositions, and provide insight about the impact of each measure on rural counties.This is the first of two episodes in a series about California's November 2020 ballot initiatives and coversProposition 14: California Stem Cell Research, Treatments, and Cures Initiative of 2020 ActProposition 15: The California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act (Split Roll)Proposition 16: Repeal of Proposition 209 of 1996Proposition 17: Voting Rights of Convicted FelonsProposition 18: Age of VotingThis episode is also available in SpanishFor a look at the remaining seven ballot measures, be sure to listen to Hometown California Episode 6, available now! Visit Politico on the web at politico.comFollow Politico California on Twitter @politicocaCalifornia Playbook: Subscribe HereMore from Politico about the California November 2020 Ballot Initiatives: Available Here

Our host, Paul A. Smith, talks with Magnus Lofstrom, Policy Director and Senior Fellow with the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) about several of the criminal justice reforms that have occurred in California over the past ten years, and the intersection with the day-to-day management of counties.What was the impetus for reform when the efforts began?Is California setting the trend, or following other states?What does the data reveal about the effectiveness of the reforms?How have the reforms impacted counties?What are some differences the data shows between rural and urban counties?Where do we go from here?Listen in as Lofstrom provides insight gained from PPIC's study of the data about California's criminal justice reforms. The resulting publications range from one-page fact sheets to comprehensive, in-depth reports.As head of the Criminal Justice team at the PPIC, Lofstrom has spent years monitoring criminal justice reforms in California and studying their impacts, looking at recidivism and improving reentry outcomes, and assessing racial disparities in the criminal justice system. With a commitment to provide high-quality research and analysis, PPIC encourages civil, productive dialogue that inspires sustainable policy solutions in Sacramento and around the state. The mission, vision, and values of the PPIC drive the organizational choices and staff activities that continue this work. More information and research in other subject areas is available on the PPIC website.

What does the railroad have to do with our households, our businesses, rural California, and issues like homelessness and the environment?Our host, Paul A. Smith, talks with Francisco Castillo of Union Pacific Railroad about the importance of the railroad and it's interconnectivity with our daily lives. Listen in to hear how we depend on rail for things we sometimes take for granted. Learn about the future of railroads, how the industry has been impacted by the pandemic, the intersection of railroads with local jurisdictions, and how policies in individual states impact the entire rail network.

Our host, Paul A. Smith, talks with Eric Sauer, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the California Trucking Association. Listen in to hear how the trucking industry has been meeting the challenges of the pandemic to ensure essential goods and services are available to remote, rural areas of the state. Gain insight into the role of trucking, the intersection of the industry with rural jurisdictions, and a variety of issues facing the trucking industry.

Our host, Paul Smith of RCRC, talks with Daron McDaniel, Merced County Supervisor and Chair of the Rural County Representatives of California. McDaniel shares how, as a teenager from Illinois, he found himself in rural California and eventually elected to a seat on the Merced County Board of Supervisors. Listen in to hear his story and what it has been like to lead during a worldwide pandemic.