Podcasts about Foothills

Send us a textJohn retired after spending more than twenty-six years with the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Foothills patrol, SWAT, Sergeant and on through the ranks. I had a lot of respect for John over the years and understood that, even in the face of working for an elected official where politics can trump common sense, him and a few others remained authentic and true to the mission and oath we swore to. We had a great conversation and I'm looking forward to his return next month so we can hopefully wrap up his career. Grab a cold drink and settle in...Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

Missions Emphasis Sunday Nov 2025 - 2 Timothy 2:2, 1Thessalonians 2:5-12: Determining the relationship is a popular expression early in a relationship. We start at the Allurement stage, when we are attracted to their “eyes”. Next is the Exploration stage, when we explore backgrounds such as likes and dislikes. Soon we are faced with the decision to Go Deeper, and that is when things really get serious. Lastly, that forever Commitment stage is in front of us, when you entrust yourself to “jump in with both feet.” This Sunday, we're going to examine the stage of relationship with God and ultimately ask the question, "Am I ready to be fully committed?

Send us a text and chime in!Winter seeding operations will require a temporary closure of grass areas at Foothills Community Park, 13340 E. South Frontage Road, from October 28 through November 11. Crews will aerate the soil, plant perennial winter grass seed, and apply fertilizer. Park visitors are asked to please respect this partial closure so that the new turf will grow in evenly and be strong enough to last through the season when it reopens on November 12. The playground, walking loop, restrooms, and ramadas will remain open during the turf closure. “The Bermuda grass base will naturally go dormant for the winter, but we... For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/important-updates-for-foothills-park-this-fall/Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

In this special episode of SGV Connect, your hosts SBLA SGV Reporter Chris Greenspon and SBLA Editor Joe Linton take listeners on a tour of the newly opened Metro A Line (formerly Foothill Gold Line) extension. The trip begins at the new Glendora Station, where we walked to Finkbiner Park. From there, we go east to San Dimas for lunch at the cozy Rail Side Café. Then in La Verne, we take in Bonita Avenue's elaborate Halloween decorations. Try to see these for yourself before they're gone (photos below). The journey concludes in Pomona at the Pomona North, for now the end of the line, where commuter rail and light rail make for a key working-class transit hub. Along the way, we reflect on walkability, local character, and how to enjoy this side of the SGV without a car. Plus more recommendations in each town. A copy of the transcript is available below. SGV Connect is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit Foothill Transit. "Foothill Transit. Going Good Places."Sign-up for our SGV Connect Newsletter, coming to your inbox on Fridays! Chris Greenspon: Welcome to SGV Connect episode 143. I'm Chris Greenspon. Damien Newton has the day off for this episode because it's a special tour of the Metro A Line extension with our editor, Joe Linton, and me. We want to keep the spotlight on this new part of the light rail system in the 626. But first, a reminder that SGV Connect is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new A Line stations across the foothills and commuter express lines traveling into the heart of downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit foothilltransit.org. Foothill Transit—going good places. Now, of course, the Foothill A Line connects SGV residents in the foothills to Pasadena, downtown L.A., and Long Beach. But did you know you can also ride it east? To give you a feel for what you can get up to in the area, we took a ride on the train and got out at each stop to explore and talk about what there is to see and do. Joe Linton: My name is Joe Linton. I'm the editor of Streetsblog Los Angeles. I'm here with— Chris Greenspon: Chris Greenspon, reporter for the San Gabriel Valley region, SGV Connect. Joe Linton: We're here at the brand-new Glendora Metro A Line Station. It's one of four new stations. Today we're going to take a sampling tour of the four new stops on the A Line—the former Gold Line, or Foothill Gold Line as they called it—and see what you can walk to near the stations, what's interesting about each one, and get a sense of what you can expect when you ride the new train. Chris Greenspon: Glendora, of course, is known for The Donut Man with its seasonal strawberry and peach donuts. But there's also The Hat's classic pastrami and JPM Comics, all within a short bike ride of the train. We walked past downtown Glendora's charming gumdrop trees and historic houses to reach the real center of Glendora life—Finkbiner Park. It's a nice green space with volleyball, a skate park, pickleball courts, basketball, and a band shell. But remember, it's Finkbiner, not Finkbinder. Joe Linton: Okay, Finkbiner Park—it's not a hop, skip, and a jump from the Metro station, but it's what, a 15- or 20-minute walk? Not bad. There was probably a more direct route. It's one of those things with transit—I tell people, "Oh, I like this restaurant or this park," and it's not like I'd drive across town to get there, but because it's within a few blocks of a Metro stop, it's easy for me to go. It's easy to take my daughter there. It's not always the most incredible destination, but it's close and pleasant. Chris Greenspon: That was a big reason why I started reporting on the San Gabriel Valley in the first place—even before anyone was paying me—because it's nice that there are regular, local places to go, things to do, and people to see. It's not like going to Griffith Park where you'll see 400 tourists from Norway getting off a bus. You can actually have some breathing room here and hear yourself think. Speaking of journeys that aren't just about the destination, next we headed to San Dimas Station. Get off in San Dimas if you're looking for trails or a bigger regional park like Bonelli. Check out the Antonovich Trail leading into San Dimas Canyon and Cataract Falls—a great place to watch the sunset. This wilderness between freeways must have inspired the carved walking stick art back up at the Metro station. These wildlife pieces are great—I like the salamander back there and the skunk right here. Our stop included a one-block hike for lunch at Railside Café, right beside the San Dimas Metro Station, where we even had train-shaped breakfasts—just kidding. Joe Linton: It was yummy. I'm a sucker for muffins and gravy, whatever—it scratched a certain itch. Not something I should eat every day, but very good, and it's just a block south of the San Dimas Station. Chris Greenspon: Yeah, with ample patio seating. Moving on—with Halloween on the rise, we took to Old Town La Verne. Every October, the million-dollar homes on both sides of Old Town get decked out with awesome Halloween decorations. On All Hallows' Eve, Bonita Avenue is partially closed to vehicles, and trick-or-treating begins around 5:30 p.m. There are also some great restaurants there if you want something besides candy afterward. Joe Linton: This one's got stuffed animals, blood-splattered sheets, and a sign saying "Free Horror Show." It's been taped over and rewritten—it's kind of awesome. Chris Greenspon: Yeah, I don't even know what game this is supposed to be—maybe you're supposed to throw baseballs at dolls or something? Joe Linton: Creepy—not just dolls, but creepy dolls, like the kind that might inhabit your nightmares. Chris Greenspon: This is the pièce de résistance—the Jaws-themed house with five screaming sharks coming out of the grass. Joe Linton: Life-size—what, seven or eight feet tall? Sharks with mouths open, sharp teeth, severed limbs in the mouths. So how does it look at night? Chris Greenspon: It looks great at night. See our pictures at la.streetsblog.org on the post for this episode. And while you're there, click the link to read about the pedestrian bridge that the City of La Verne is building over Arrow Highway to connect the Metro station to the Fairplex. Now, back on the train. This is your Metro. Let's keep it clean. Chris Greenspon: Pomona is the end of the line for now. For that reason, it's by far the most-used of the new stations, and it has great art paying tribute to everyday Pomonans—but it feels like something's missing. Joe Linton: We're not in the heart of Pomona. The station is called North Pomona. Downtown Pomona has the museums, cafés, City Hall, good food, and music. Here, we're at the north end of town—more of an industrial rail corridor, not much housing or retail. Chris Greenspon: There is some newer, more upscale housing on this side—it's a quieter part of town. This is the part of Pomona that people tend to associate more with Claremont or La Verne. Joe Linton: Yeah. So Pomona North doesn't have a lot to walk to today. The city is building new housing along Garey Avenue, and there's more in the works. There's also an old depot building the city hopes to turn into a café or coffee shop. So there are efforts to activate the area, but there's not much open yet. Let's walk over to the Metrolink Pomona North Station, which is about 40 feet from the A Line platform. Chris Greenspon: This connection between light rail and commuter rail makes Pomona North decidedly the most working-class stop on the A Line extension. Joe Linton: It's on the San Bernardino Line, which runs about every half hour during the day on weekdays. You can get to San Bernardino—all the way to Redlands via another connection. There's not much to do right here, but it's a worthwhile connection. You can get to Claremont, Montclair, and points further east on the Metrolink train. Chris Greenspon: There's also a shuttle here that takes people to Cal Poly, so it's a great connector. Joe Linton: Yeah, it's an end-of-the-line commuter station with a lot of parking. The hope is to extend to Claremont and Montclair, but that'll take a while. This is the end of the line for now. Chris Greenspon: And that's our little tour of the new A Line stops and their surroundings. Hopefully it'll get extended to Claremont before too long, but in the meantime, you can bike there from Pomona North. Some system info: trains run from 5 a.m. to midnight, and fares are $1.75 with free transfers. During peak hours, trains run about every six minutes, a bit slower in between. That's all. I'm Chris Greenspon—thanks for listening to SGV Connect.  

Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 23:1-12: We all wear masks sometimes—at work, at home, even at church. In Matthew 23:1–12, Jesus exposes the snare of hypocrisy: performing for approval instead of living from love. He warns against chasing status, image and spiritual performance, calling us instead to the quiet strength of humility. True greatness isn't about being noticed—it's about serving others with an honest heart. Jesus frees us from the exhausting need to impress and invites us into rest, joy and authenticity before God.Join us in person or online this Sunday at 9 or 11am—and bring a friend!

Send us a textThe nonprofit Advocates for Recovery Colorado has been serving as a Recovery Community Organization since 2001, focusing on recovery solutions rather than addiction challenges.For the last year, they've been developing their latest program for Colorado.In January 2025, Sean Hedden was hired as the regional manager of the new Foothills program, which focuses on Gilpin, Clear Creek, and Jefferson Counties. The organization currently hosts programs in Denver, Boulder, Durango, Sterling, Aurora, and other Colorado communities.The program is heading into its second year of funding, and the organization has brought on Lindsay Gianola as Gilpin's Peer Recovery Coach. As a resident with lived experience in active and sustained recovery, she will meet participants in the program, share her experience, and guide and support them. Thank you for listening to The Mountain-Ear Podcast, featuring news and culture from peak to peak! Additional pages are linked below!If you want to be involved in the podcast or paper, contact our editor at info@themountainear.com and/or our podcast host at media@themountainear.com! Head to our website for all of the latest news from peak to peak! SUBSCRIBE ONLINE and use the coupon code PODCAST for A 10% DISCOUNT for ALL NEW SUBSCRIBERS! Submit local events to promote them in the paper and on our website! Find us on Facebook @mtnear and Instagram @mtn.ear! Listen and watch on YouTube today! Share this podcast around by scrolling to the bottom of our website home page or by heading to our main hub on Buzzsprout!Thank you for listening!

Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 22:34-46: When Jesus was asked what mattered most—His answer was stunningly simple: Love God. Love people. In a world of endless debates and distractions, Jesus brings us back to the heart of true faith: wholehearted love that integrates every part of who we are.This week, we'll explore what it really means to love God with all our heart, soul and mind—and to love our neighbours as ourselves. How do we live out that love in a world that often rewards division and self-interest? What does Jesus' question about the Messiah reveal about who He truly is and the kind of love He calls us to embody?Join us at 9am or 11am as we rediscover that the greatest command is not a rule to follow, but a relationship to live—rooted in the One who loved us first. Bring a friend!

Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 22:23–33: What happens after we die? It's the question that unsettles us most—and the one Jesus answers with surprising clarity in Matthew 22:23–33. When challenged by skeptics, He reveals that the resurrection isn't just life continued, but a whole new reality beyond our imagination. Marriage, love, and even life itself all find their true fulfillment in Him. The God we worship is not the God of the dead but of the living—offering real hope that death doesn't get the final word.We're gathering back home at Foothills for one service this Sunday @ 10am. Join us—and bring a friend!

This week's SGV Connect Podcast features a pair of interviews by Chris Greenspon with Baldwin Park City Councilmember Emanuel Estrada and Filmaker Nicola Pieper. Greenspon and Estrada discuss Baldwin Park's $266,000 relief fund for families affected by immigration raids, which offers rent and grocery assistance. Estrada emphasized long-term planning, grassroots action, and multi-county cooperation, noting that all council members have immigrant backgrounds. You can read a transcript of the interview here. In the second interview, Greenspon and Pieper discuss her short documentary All That She, a poetic portrait of 67 women from four continents, including many from the San Gabriel Valley. The film challenges stereotypes and celebrates cultural diversity and connection. A San Gabriel Valley resident for three years, Pieper says the project reflects the community's warmth and interwoven social fabric. The film will be available online next year. But for now you can check out a teaser for All That She here or read an edited copy of the interview here. SGV Connect is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit Foothill Transit. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.”Sign-up for our SGV Connect Newsletter, coming to your inbox on Fridays!  

Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 22:15–22: In Matthew 22:15–22, Jesus is confronted with a trap: should God's people pay taxes to Caesar? His answer reveals far more than clever wisdom—it shows us what it means to live faithfully in a world of competing powers. We are called to give to Caesar what is Caesar's, but even more, to give to God what is God's—our very lives. True freedom and authority come not from political systems, but from the presence and power of God revealed in Jesus. While cleaning continues at Foothills after the fire, we are grateful to gather at RockPointe Church Bearspaw this Sunday at 1 PM. Join us—and bring a friend!

This week's SGV Connect features a pair of interviews by Damien Newton. Don't worry Chris fans, the next podcast has already been recorded and it has a pair conducted by Chris Greenspon. The first interview this week is with Felicial Friesema about the big changes that have occurred in September with Foothill Transit Coverage. Of course, the SGV's bus agency had to create new routes for the A-Line stations that opened in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona; but the transit agency also opened a new bus line, Line 295, to serve Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. Sac). A transcript of that interview can be found below the podcast embed. Our second interview is a rebroadcast of last week's StreetSmart podcast from Streetsblog California. The episode features Transform CA's Zack Deutsch-Gross and we break down the recently concluded legislative session. To listen to that episode by itself, or for a transcript of the interview, click here.   SGV Connect is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit Foothill Transit. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.” Sign-up for our SGV Connect Newsletter, coming to your inbox on Fridays!       Damien We're here with Felicia Friesema from Foothill Transit. There have been a few big changes since the last time we talked—outside of the regular route adjustments—especially with the… I was going to say Gold Line. Am I allowed to say “Gold Line” here?  Felicia Friesema Not anymore, dude. It's the A Line. Damien When I'm with the Construction Authority, they still let me call it the Gold Line. Felicia Well, because “Gold Line” is still in their name. But yeah, it's the A Line now. Damien Fine. The new “A Line” stations opened, and you also launched a new bus route. Let's start there. What can you tell us about the 295? It opened last week. And while it serves a Gold Line—uh, A Line—station… I'm going to let people in on something Chris Greenspawn knows well: I mess this up in our ad copy at least once a month and we have to re-shoot it. Felicia (laughs) Damien So if you ever hear Chris say, “Why don't you read that ad copy, Damien?” It's usually because I've already messed it up. Anyway, you launched a new bus line serving an A Line station, but you opened it before the A Line station opened. Tell us about Route 295. Felicia Yes! Congratulations to us. I'm really happy about it. Line 295 is one of our shorter lines—it only serves three stops. It runs between San Dimas Station, Cal Poly Pomona at Temple, and the Mt. SAC Transit Center. Service is Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with 20-minute intervals. We opened on the 15th to introduce people to the new line. We honestly didn't expect much ridership at first—and we were proved wrong very quickly. On the first day alone, we had over 200 rides. We weren't expecting that at all, which means we've got a lot of non–light rail-oriented riders on that line. Damien Just to be clear: you weren't expecting ridership on day one until the rail station opened, right? Felicia Correct—thank you for clarifying that, Damien. We weren't expecting ridership to really kick in until the A Line opened on the 19th. We started the service early to get a sense of traffic patterns, especially on Temple between Cal Poly and Mt. SAC. That area can get pretty hairy at certain times of day when school's in session. We wanted to see how the schedule would run. Little did we know it would become really useful to a lot of people right away. And then, of course, ridership picked up again when the Gold Line—see, I just did it— Damien (laughs) Felicia —when the A Line opened on Friday. Damien This line mostly serves the college campuses. You're expecting students, professors, and people accessing the campus from farther away. It's not quite a first-mile/last-mile connection—it's a bit longer than that—but it's both a rail connector and a local route now. Felicia Exactly. Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. SAC have long been commuter campuses. Cal Poly does have dorms, but a significant number of students drive or take transit from far away—some from downtown L.A., some from Fontana. Having a smooth, easy transit option is definitely a plus for them. Damien As my kids get older, we're starting to look at colleges for my son, who's a sophomore. We've heard: don't sleep on local schools. People undervalue them—especially if they're used to traveling for college. I live in West L.A. and have heard plenty about people commuting to Cal Poly Pomona. I'm not as familiar with Mt. SAC—my kids' interests don't line up with their specialties—but I've already noticed the rail connection. My kid (or I) would only have to transfer twice to get there by train instead of driving. Felicia Exactly. Damien The big transportation story in the San Gabriel Valley right now is the four new A Line stations that opened on Friday. Joe did a Streetsblog story about it. We're going to go out and ride it together soon. How does this impact what you do? It's not just providing connections to stations—you've probably got some bus lines that can be almost replaced by rail. I imagine it's a lot of work every time a new station opens. Felicia It is, but it's good work. When the A Line—then the Gold Line—first started opening in the San Gabriel Valley, we had one line across the Foothill corridor called the 187. We've since split that into the 187 and 188, with Azusa as the midpoint. We thought we'd lose significant ridership along that corridor when the A Line opened… And—see, I'm going back and forth, too. Damien Yeah, it's not easy. Felicia Gold Line for history's sake; A Line for now. Anyway, we found that while travel patterns changed, our ridership wasn't heavily impacted by the opening of the Gold/A Line. Splitting the 187 into two lines also improved schedule adherence. We learned some people needed to get into Pasadena and others into Claremont, so having a transfer in the middle made the line more efficient. We still watch the area very closely. That earlier experience became our blueprint for how service might be affected by these new stations. We're not anticipating major shifts, but we're keeping a close eye on it. We've also worked to get our service closer to the stations for first-mile/last-mile connectivity. For the most part, it's just another great way to make sure people are getting on transit. Damien There's a post on your website—we've been linking to it in the SGV Connect newsletter. It's literally foothilltransit.org/article/foothilltransit-and-metrorail. It shows all the connections to the various stations for people who want to access them. And your website always does a little extra—like highlighting local businesses around the stations. I always appreciate that. Felicia Yes. Damien So it's probably too early to see how 295 has been impacted by the station opening. Friday was a special day, then you had a weekend. We're recording this Monday the 22nd—the second weekday the line and station are both open. Any interesting early observations from the A Line stations and your transit service? Felicia Yes, actually. We're very excited about this and keeping track of where ridership is growing. Fridays are usually low ridership days—people take off early or make it a three-day weekend. But we had really solid ridership on the 295 out of San Dimas Station the first day the A Line was open. We expect that number to grow. We're partnering heavily with the schools and relying on a lot of word of mouth. We're also looking at how other lines are impacted. It's hard to tell exactly how much ridership is shifting because you can't always tell if a boarding is from the street or a transfer from the A Line. We're sending people out to make sure connections are smooth and to help riders with questions. These are still early days, but we're keeping close tabs. Damien I was talking to a friend over the weekend—he's in the industry—and he suggested I ask: Do you think these new stations will mean more overall ridership, or less on the bus lines? I always assumed people would ride the train instead of the bus. His hypothesis is that you'll more than make up for that with people who weren't riding transit at all but will now ride the train and need the bus for the last leg. Felicia I think in the short term, yes. With something like this, you have to take a long view. Our surveys consistently show: the more transit service is available and frequent, the more people ride—period. Any new transit service—more connectivity, more frequency, more access—is good for all transit. In the short term, there may be some shifts as travel patterns change. But long term, anything that makes transit more familiar, accessible, and easy to use is good across the board. Damien All right. Any closing thoughts, or anything I didn't ask that you think listeners should know? Felicia Just one thing about the La Verne Station. We've seen a lot of chatter about accessibility—specifically about having a stop closer to the station or buses going directly into the station. Unfortunately, they weren't able to make the adjustments needed for a proper bus turnaround. We were hoping they could. The Construction Authority is turning the project over to Metro, so it'll be in Metro's hands going forward. We'll partner with them to make it more accessible. For now, bus service will be across the street rather than directly in the station. Damien I did notice on the map that there's a new stop on the 197 significantly closer than the previous ones. Felicia Correct. Damien But the hope is you'll be able to go directly into the station in the medium-term future? Felicia Correct. We'll say the “hopeful” future. Damien Obviously it's not happening next month, but hopefully Metro can make that fix reasonably soon. Felicia We hope. We hope, we hope. But yes, we've adjusted the line as much as possible to make it more accessible. Damien All right. Thank you so much for your time. We usually do an end-of-year check-in around November or December—let's plan on that. Felicia Those are fun. Let's make it an AMA. Damien Oh, we could do that. That'd be fun. Felicia Yeah, let's do an AMA. I loved the last one we did. Damien I always like when people send me questions anonymously, even though you and I can almost immediately guess who sent them. Felicia For sure. We know you guys. We do. Damien Anyway, thank you so much for this. We'll check in again. I've gotten more interested in how bus and rail work together—after watching the last Gold Line extensions and even locally with the Expo (excuse me, E Line) here—how that impacted Big Blue Bus and Metro Bus service. I started as a bike guy, but this has become fascinating to me. Felicia Yes, come to the dark side, Damien.      

Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 22:1-14: We all know what it's like to miss the point at times, don't we?  How do we determine what is truly important in a day and age where we have so many different things competing for our time and attention?  Join us as we look more closely at a story Jesus told in the book of Matthew 22:11-14 to help us understand what is truly important in this life and how we can live into this every day.  Please join us at RockPointe Bearspaw at 1pm on Sunday and bring a friend! 

Dr. Monty Ghosh, Internist and Addiction Specialist who works at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, and the Foothills and Rockyview Hospitals in Calgary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we look to the year ahead, we will outline where we are going in our studies and our church and how we can embody what it means to be courageous and kind - one of our church values - as we make much of Jesus, together.

Abide - John 15:12-17: What if the One who created everything didn't just rule over you, but actually called you His friend? In John 15:12–17, Jesus gives one clear command: love each other the way He has loved us. That love isn't soft—it's real, costly, and willing to sacrifice. Jesus doesn't just want servants; He wants friends who trust Him enough to follow His lead. And when we do, our lives bear lasting impact.We're gathering at RockPointe Church Bearspaw at 1pm this Sunday. Join us—and bring a friend!

Foothills Digest Editor-in-Chief Carmen Eckard discusses the “Skillets & Cellars” edition that includes stories, flavors and traditions of the foothills and Blue Ridge. Get the Foothills Digest perspective on the role of food and food festivals in the North Carolina Foothills, and how barbecue fits into the region. How does barbecue in the foothills compare to what you'll find in other parts of the state? Carmen shares her opinion, as well as the story behind Foothills Digest, the publication's purpose and what it offers readers spread across the nation. Listen and find out where you can pick up hard copies of the quarterly publication and how you can find it online. Don't miss the latest edition of Foothills Digest for a feature story on The Low & Slow Barbecue Show. Visit the The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here! This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by the Old 96 District, home of outdoor adventure, history and thriving small town communities in South Carolina's Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick counties. Learn more at visitold96.com.

Abide - John 15:9–13: Loneliness is one of the deepest struggles of our time, but Jesus offers us something greater—true friendship in His kingdom. In John 15:9–13, He invites us to remain in His love, to experience joy that is complete, and to love one another as He has loved us. Kingdom friendship isn't disposable; it's rooted in God's heart, centered in Christ's love, and marked by sacrifice—even laying down one's life. In this season after our church fire, while cleaning continues at Foothills, we're so grateful to gather at RockPointe Church Bearspaw. Join us there this Sunday at 1 PM in person and online. Bring a friend!

The Joy Valley Nature Preserve is the result of one of the largest private land protection initiatives in state history.

Abide - John 15:1-8: This new year hasn't started the way we expected. After the small fire in our facility, we've had to pivot, change some ministry plans and gather offsite—but maybe that's part of what God is doing in us. In John 15, Jesus says He is the True Vine and that the Father prunes the branches so they can bear more fruit. Pruning isn't easy, but it leads to growth, life, and joy. As we remain connected to Jesus, we can experience His peace, answered prayer, and a fruitful life that glorifies God. Join us this Sunday @ 2pm at Rockpointe Church - Bearspaw as we lean into this season together and discover how Jesus meets us—even in unexpected places.

In SGV Connect 138, Streetsblog talked to Benito Flores and others in the Reclaimers movement that were helping him resist eviction in the Caltrans owned property he was living in. The Reclaimers are a group of formerly unhoused people who moved into Caltrans-owned properties in 2020 to both put a roof over their heads during a public health crisis and draw attention to the amount of publicly owned housing that was not being lived in during a nationwide housing crisis. After losing several court cases, Flores and other reclaimers were given a choice: move out of their house and work with the homeless authority to get new housing or stay and risk forcible eviction. Flores chose to stay, and sadly passed away after falling from a treehouse he built as a hideaway when the sheriffs or state police came. In this episode, we interview two reclaimers who chose the first option: leaving their reclaimed homes and working with HACLA. The interview takes place in Councilwoman Jurado's El Sereno office with Marta Escudero and Cecilia Lopez, members of the Reclaimers movement. In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, they occupied vacant Caltrans-owned homes in El Sereno, inspired by the Moms for Housing movement. Both describe how displacement and the housing crisis pushed them to act, with support from groups like ACE, Eastside Café, and HACLA. Initially granted two-year leases, Marta and Cecilia later faced eviction efforts and legal battles. Marta negotiated with HACLA to secure Section 8 housing in Boyle Heights, where she now lives with her daughters. She emphasizes the importance of staying in her community for family support and schooling needs. Cecilia, however, remains unhoused, still couch-surfing despite promises of permanent housing, and expresses frustration with HACLA's delays and broken commitments. For Streetsblog's complete five-year coverage for the Reclaimer movement, click here. A transcript of the interview is available below. SGV Connect is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit Foothill Transit. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.” Sign-up for our SGV Connect Newsletter, coming to your inbox on Fridays! Marta - Hello. My name is Marta Escudero. Cecilia - Hello. My name is Cecilia Lopez. Damien - ...and I'm Damian Newton. Nice to meet you. We should have done that when we got here instead of waiting for the recording. Anyway, we're in the El Sereno office of Councilwoman Jurado, and we're talking today with two of the Reclaimers. This is mostly for me when I'm listening to it five years from now, going, "Wait, what? It was in the office?"  So let's start the interview how we've started most of the interviews by just sort of recapping the beginning for anyone that's listening for the first time, because and for anyone that's listened before. I always think this is such a dramatic and unique story. It's always worth repeating in the words of the people that lived it. So why don't we just start with what a Reclaimer is and what happened in 2020 Marta - So at least for my side of the story, because there's multiple sides, I found out that ACE and LACLA, LATU, DSA were meeting months before. Well, during that time, I was couch surfing with my daughters, and I was falling into despair because there was no housing. And then I saw Moms for Housing on the TV, and I wanted to do something similar, inspired by these black moms that took housing up north, and so I started reaching out to people and letting people know what I wanted to do. And my friend Colleen, which she's amazing, she's the one that, like, really motivated me to do this.  She gave me the contact for Amy Scherer from ACE, and that's when I found out they had been planning this for a while. And then at the same time, Angela from Eastside Cafe put something on Facebook, and I reached out to her, and then they linked together. At that same time, Ruby Gordillo was doing canvassing of empty houses through ACE, and found these houses in El Sereno as well. So it was just all kind of meshed together. And we began planning, I believe in December I joined and we began planning more thoroughly, like in January, and then covid hit, and it was right in the lockdown.  We were even thinking, "Should we do it? Should we wait?" And then we said, "let's just do it." And it was right. It was just pure luck. It was right on the weekend of the lockdown. And so everything was in chaos, and the governor just let us slide. I think if it wasn't for that, I believe if it wasn't for that, we probably would have been taken out. Cecilia - Definitely... all hog tied. Damien - So with the support of all these groups, the two of you moved in separately to different houses in El Sereno, both in El Sereno, because I know there were other places that ... okay... both in El Sereno. You moved into houses during the first weekend of the lockdown. I don't think I ever put that together in my head that it was, Cecilia - It was March 14, I believe. Damien - Yeah, yeah. So you moved in. I know there was some, some action to try and get you out, but the governor's office actually stepped in and said, you know, let them stay. There's a crisis, and… Cecilia - We had sent letters first, because we were having a rough time in the beginning with CHP. Damien - That'd be the Highway Patrol, because these were Caltrans owned properties. Caltrans owned these properties because they were in the right of way of a freeway expansion that they wanted to do the 710, which was canceled in 2017, or 18, I believe. And then they still own the properties, although they're starting to divest the ones in Pasadena, I know they're being - and South Pasadena - those are being turned into the properties are, I believe, being demolished and turned into affordable housing, but the people that moved into them are not they may have an option to rent into the affordable housing, but there's no homeowner option that had been discussed when Caltrans bought these houses, like way back in the 70s. The 1970s. Okay, so the originally you were given one year leases, if I remember correctly, Marta - two-year leases. Damien - And so you stayed in there, then through 2022, and then there were legal efforts to evict and not evict, and tenants rights were claimed, and all that stuff went to court. Right? Marta - Yes, because we were given a two-year lease and the HACLA was not providing the housing we needed and were asking for, because people have individual needs, I especially requested to be geographically close, because I'm a single mother and I have all my support system here, plus my daughters, go to special schools.  They're unique. There's people from Santa Monica, from South LA. They go to these schools from the valley, because they're so unique that I can't find them anywhere else, and I didn't want to have to go through that commute. It's exhausting, and so I really fought for that to be included in HACLA. They think that anywhere is okay, and I don't agree with that. I feel that people have unique needs, and housing should provide that for us as well. Cecilia - I feel the same way, except I don't have kids, but my roots are here. I was born here, and so that's all I know. I am used to the area. I'm comfortable being here, and I feel safe here. Damien - So the legal actions around that I know went on for a couple years with eviction efforts, efforts to oppose in court, as I understand it, the legal efforts were sort of exhausted sometime in 2024. One of the reasons we're doing this interview is we did the one with Benito and Roberto a couple months ago. Benito, when offered something after the court cases expired, chose to stay in his house and fight eviction. Other people made different decisions when HACLA made offers to them for housing. So I guess I'm get both of you, I'm assuming, took the HACLA offer -- Cecilia -- but I think we're bypassing a place here because the first two years we were living in the house that we began... Damien - The reclaimed house? Cecilia - Right and then during that time, after the two years, we were asked to move because the houses supposedly needed to be inspected. And then were given another lease for another two years into the new home, which was still in the Caltrans homes. Damien - So you moved from one home to a different one. It's still that Caltrans owns properties in 2022ish. Cecilia - But that was only because they needed us to sign the lease, the agreement that none of us were really happy about, but we really didn't have a choice to not sign. Damien - Okay. So the original two years, and then there was another two years in a different house. And so it was when that expired. And the legal options were out. And then HACLA came to you guys with a new offer, which I'm guessing, since we're here, you both took, could you describe sort of what that offer was like? You know, when we talked to Benito, he was not happy with the offer, but it was for, I believe, four years. A four year lease? Marta - We all had different-- Damien - Okay, everyone was offered a different lease Marta - Based on our circumstances. Cecilia - I think they offered him four years to live in a hotel, and he was not happy about that. Mart -  I wouldn't have taken that deal either, but I do think there was room for negotiation, because that's what I did with HACLA. I was offered some housing at first, and I said, No. I kept saying, No, this is what I want, and you need to look for this. And I also sought outside support so I could push what I wanted, and I got something fairly good in the end.  The  eviction process is horrible, and I already knew I wasn't gonna win legally. We didn't get these houses legally in the first place,  we weren't gonna get them through the legal system. I already had that in mind. I was going to get evicted at some point, and so I needed to prepare for that. And it was a very stressful time, and I couldn't be in despair for my daughters. And so I needed to be in a place where I could be able to think and just keep going. I felt I couldn't stay. I wanted to avoid as much as possible, doing eviction defense. I already had a plan to do it, if that was the last resort.  First of all, I didn't want to bring violence to my community. Second of all, I also have a lot of vulnerable people in my life that are immigrants that need more care, and so I want to be well because I can't pour from my empty cup, and also because of my daughters. And so I was really pushing for HACLA to do something that was good for us, in order for me and my daughters to be well. And I had supporters that pushed because first they kept, like giving me less money or trying to locate me in different areas, and I kept with supporters, phone banking, emailing, and I was able to get a pretty decent deal.  It's in Boyle Heights, which is close to me, and I've lived in Boyle Heights. Before it's section eight, we actually have more room inside. And it's, yeah, amazing public housing, which I think needs to be more of, and that's why I took that deal. Damien - So this is an open ended lease, though it doesn't expire in a certain number of years. Cecilia - That's what we were promised, exactly. Marta - I got what HACLA had promised me in the first place, and I couldn't say, No, my daughters are thriving there, and I really like that place, and now I'm able to offer more support. I'm also part of another organization, J Town Action and Solidarity, that works with unhoused communities and anti gentrification work. And I want to, I want to be there for the most vulnerable people, and now I'm able to do that, that I'm better. I know I was spiraling during that time, and 50 knows I was in grad school, I was working. I'm a single mom. I was facing eviction. I was like, in this or I was just like, it was too much. That's a lot. Damien - I've done many of those things, but not all at once, and mercifully, have never had to worry about eviction. But that's, that's that's a full plate, and now you feel like you're on the other side the HACLA came through with it, with the promise that a print gave to you, and as a result, you're able to now start giving back to or continue giving back to your community in a different way. Marta - Yeah and HACLA shouldn't just do this to be because I'm not special. HACLA should do this to everybody, because everyone deserves not to be displaced, to stay in their community and to have equitable housing. Damien - And I think that's a big point about staying in the community. When we've done homelessness coverage. We did a series back before the pandemic. The goal of that series was to go and interview and visit different places that offered different steps in the process for someone who was experiencing homelessness to fully house. So we visited, you know, temporary shelters and interim housing and that place up in Glendale, Ascencia and stuff like that. And what we heard when we talked to the people, was like, Yes, I'm very grateful to have this roof over my head. But you know, the people I know are 20 miles away and 20 miles away in LA County is a real barrier to being able to have any sort of interaction, much less still be part of the community. Marta - They're isolated. They're a lot of them are in carceral states in shelters as well, and so and displaced from their communities is very isolating, and people with mental health issues, Cecilia - They don't feel safe, and they pass. Marta - So we need better alternatives, for sure. Damien - So what's your experience with your current housing situation? Cecilia - I am still unhoused. I was also promised permanent housing. I was offered. We started to go through the paperwork, and then, for some reason, it just stopped. I continued with my eviction and, well, that was not easy, like she says, and that was just an awful long experience. But I'm glad it's over, but I also am not housed since, since then, I've been couch surfing again, like I was in the beginning, and so I'm very displeased, but I'm still working on it. Damien - Is HACLA still involved? Cecilia - Yes, because they're the only ones that I could be reaching out to, but I believe, also not to go back on what Benito was offered. And I think that was why he was so very upset, is because we all were promised and offered permanent housing. So when they offered him four years in the hotel, of course, he was upset. Damien - Benito  challenged us to reach out to HACLA to see if we could get a response as to what happened, and we got a very legalese - we did - We got a very legalese response. I imagine if we reached out on your behalf, it would be the same thing we can't discuss. You know, you know exactly. Cecilia - That's their good excuse. Damien - Yeah, I imagine it might actually be almost the same statement with, like, two or three, you know, things where they changed pronouns and changed his name to your name. But do you, I guess, regret or the decision not to go the same route he did as far as, like, a physical resistance of eviction? Or do you--- Cecilia - I would have never gone that route. I would have never, ever gone that route, ever, and I feel bad that he did. Damien - So what do you see as a potential next step? Is it hoping the HACLA process works out? Cecilia - Exactly, I still have hope. Damien - Yeah, and so we talked to someone. I talked to someone last night on the phone, before this, and she can't be with us today for the interview, and when she was. It gave a very similar story to the one we've heard today. And she was saying that she is in housing now. She took a HACLA deal, but she misses her old place and preferred it. And she actually was saying, like, if my message, if we were to do the interview, my message would be, you know, put me back in my old house, if that were and it's probably not an option, because they probably have plans for that area, but if there was, area. But if there was an option to go back to the house that you had been in-- Cecilia - I knew they  would come to my house to do inspections and tell me, would you please stop doing, you know, like renovations and repairs on the house? And I said, Well, I'm here. I want to enjoy my house, and I want to make sure that it's safe and that it's livable and presentable, if anything. And they would just continue to tell me, you know you're never going to live here forever. And I said, I know that, but while I'm here, I want to enjoy my house. Marta - Another option is that these houses are going for bidding, and El Sereno Community Land Trust would want to purchase these houses. The problem is, like, last year, the land trust got like, probably one of the worst houses and just one. And the people, the agencies, entities that are getting more of the houses are Habitat for Humanity... is one, I don't know Cecilia - That's one of the main ones. Marta - That's one of the main ones that's getting that, and they're basically just flipping the houses because we tried to apply, and it's not at our income level, so it's not for deeply affordable housing. The Land Trust would like to bring the Reclaimers back, especially like Cecilia and other people that have roots in El Sereno. I think it's very important for them to come back to these houses. And so we're trying to get Caltrans to realize this and prioritize Reclaimers to come back to these houses. I know I have a friend that's doing work in Altadena also trying to get Caltrans houses for the people that were displaced during the fires. Like those are people that we need to prioritize. I feel, Cecilia - I feel that if it wasn't for our movement, then these homes would have still been vacant and rotting and going to waste also. Damien - Well, I think that's one of the reasons this story has captured people's imagination in a way that a lot of other stories that deal with issues around the unhoused haven't the direct action and the focus that was done on it, and how that really changed the conversation in this area around those housing and those issues. And I know when we're traveling for work, I'll have people in other parts of the state, if, when I say, you know, Streetsblog, oh, and I do our San Gabriel, they're like, Oh, you did the Reclaimers podcast. And then they'll ask for updates. And sometimes I have them right at my fingertips, and sometimes I have to look them up. Cecilia - We also know that there has never been anyone to stand up to the state, to bring this up, into the light, to let everyone know that this data has all these properties they're just wasting. And this is not just in El Sereno. It's statewide. Marta - That's like our major outrage, that these houses have been sitting vacant for so long and nothing was being done. And then it's not only here, like all the states, a lot of them Caltrans owned by Caltrans, sometimes by county, by city. How are we in a housing crisis? And these houses are sitting vacant, immoral? And that's why, to me, legality doesn't matter. Of like, yes, we took the houses, but we took it because it's immoral to have them just rotting while people are -- Cecilia - It should be against the law. It really should. The houses are being wasted. There's people suffering out there daily, every day, everywhere, statewide. Damien - And you were making the point earlier that, yes, after some letters, the governor's office interceded and told the state, we pretty much have to stop doing it, to stop trying to force you out, and the county and city to figure something out. But do you think that that was probably not just a result of the public pressure, but also a result of the chaos of the pandemic, or do you think this could have been a very different story? Cecilia - Oh definitely without pandemic it, it would have probably never have happened. Damien - Yeah, you can't see it, but everybody's shaking their heads in the room for the people that are listening. So we've discussed a little bit about the current situations, the housing situations you're in, and what the next steps are for the movement to try and force governments to do something with the properties they have that are not being utilized. You know, the homelessness crisis hasn't gone away in the past five years. Cecilia - It's never gonna go away unless there's permanent housing, affordable, permanent housing. Damien - So what do we see as the next step for the movement from here, for me, sure we can get, we can do it locally, on what we're doing, and then maybe expand to talk about, like, what we would like to see the state do in future years. Marta - Right. Oh, for me, locally, with the Reclaimers to get more of the houses through Caltrans, either individually, if that's an option, or through El Sereno community land trust as a whole, I feel like there should be more reclaiming like I think me I wanted also like moms for housing inspire more reclaiming locally and nationally, worldwide. I feel like we need to build a reclaiming movement, because again, it's immoral to have vacant houses while people are suffering in this supposedly fabricated housing crisis, because it's not natural, and so it's a product of capitalism and All these, all these oppressions we're under. So I want more people to reclaim and if people need support, I'm here for it... Cecilia - A lot of people may not see it as being the correct way, but if we were able to get others aware of all these homes that are rotting then, then then if we, if that's the way we have to do it, then, then that's what we're going to do. Marta - One of the oppositions we had in this neighborhood, and I think in general, is like, I work hard for my housing, so why should you get handouts? And I don't agree with that, like I could work hard for my housing, and I still think that people deserve housing because, not because I did it and I suffered and I wasn't able to spend time with my daughters because I was working so hard. Doesn't mean that I want better for other people. I think as humans, we should want better for other people, and if that takes a housing I know like it helps so many people to have a house-- Cecilia - People really don't start to see it unless it's right there in your front lawn. Somebody pulls up a tent and starts living on your sidewalk. Then they start to see it, then it starts to affect them. Damien - I know it's very early in the process for this, but have any of the candidates for governor, in any way, said anything about this that would give you any hope. It seems like this is something that Villaraigosa would have picked up on. Marta - Yeah, they either have ignored us or maybe they don't know, but I feel like we need to be out there more now and start demanding housing, permanent housing, stable housing, housing that really cares about people. Because the most vulnerable people on the streets I work with are unhoused all the time, I know their stories. I know they're highly traumatized, a lot of times, foster care, children that have weaned out of the system, that don't have support.  There's abused women out there, veterans, people that can't pay their medical bills, and so we tend to stigmatize or stereotype, "oh, it's just addicts," but often also substance abuse. I feel like anyone, and I don't care if they're addicts, they need housing, but substance abuse doesn't come from prior. A lot of times it's what they do to survive on the streets. Damien - There was actually the West Side city council member Mike Bonin, who would talk about how there was a period in his life where he was homeless, and talked about how the drug abuse followed the becoming homeless, not the other way, not the other way around. And he would talk very movingly about it, as the council was, you know, ready to do something horrible about criminalizing homelessness. And at the time, the council was even more conservative than it is now, so there were a lot of 12 to one, you know, with two people, not there type votes with Mike, you know, being the one. And I think, though, that that's, that's a very interesting point, in a way, he humanized the issue for a lot of West siders, that whose only experience with homelessness was that person who was pulling up a tent in front of their house or pulling up an RV in front of their house. So their house. I don't know where I was going with that. Cecilia - Also there, there were many, many vouchers that were unused, that were supposed to have been given out. And Huckle said on them, a lot of Section Eight vouchers are on. Used every year, and they expire. And so what no one ever looks into that portion like, why none of those, all those vouchers, should have been used because there are enough people to use them, and no one ever gets that side of the story either. You know, I think they need to dig deeper. And why are there so many homeless people out there? HACLA is not helping by doing such things. Damien - So I feel like we've covered a lot of the issues we wanted to talk about. I know that sometimes, since we do this very conversationally, these podcasts, instead of a list of questions, sometimes there's something people are really dying to say, and I just didn't ask the right questions. So at the end, I am always like, if we miss something, feel free to just chime in and say it, because I want to make sure that we're getting your stories and your beliefs and opinions and values out there as much as possible. So if there's something we missed, please just fill it in. You can say I did a great job. That is totally acceptable. Chris is shaking his head because he's heard me say this so many times. Marta - Yeah. Well, I mean to me, it's just the issue of displacement worldwide, especially right now with Palestine, I feel really strongly about that, like I don't. I think people deserve to be in the places where they feel comfortable in the places where they have support. And like Trump says, "Oh, they could just go to another Arab country." Like that doesn't make sense to me. Same thing with HACLA. "You could just go to the valley and find another school. That's fine." No. Like, no. We have roots. Here we have a community. Here we have schools that meet my daughter's needs. We can't just go anywhere, and this is something that needs to be humanized, because not just any offer should be okay, like there should be a really intentional offer that fits individual needs, because that affects our mental health and our health in general. Damien - I think there is a stigma. Well, we offered them something, or, Oh, they were offered a voucher, and especially around the project room key. We would hear that a lot. Well, they were offered a hotel, Marta - Like the phrase beggars can't be choosers. Damien - Project room key was very well intentioned, but it was also there, but it was also very uneven. Some facilities worked great. Some did not. But I would hear that a lot when we were talking about that program back during the pandemic with people, well, they were offered something and didn't take it as though that somehow moved down their value, almost. Marta - Yeah, I agree. Anything else? Damien - No. Well, thank you both for your time. You know, always said, feel free to reach out if there's something we should know. I would love to hear if the people are ready to move into the El Sereno Community Land Trust home. We know if and when that happens, I should say when that happens, it will, you know, we would love to be able to come out and cover that, you know, highlight that success slowly, for sure. Yeah, well, I mean, you know, to take a house that's fallen into disrepair and get it ready like that is an undertaking. And for a nonprofit that's doing it for the first time, it's a double undertaking. You know, the next one will be easier. I understand that. Marta - it's gonna be difficult. They're looking for funding for this house. They plan to do it ecologically. So they're doing a lot of research on Earth build, that is, that is also fire friendly, because we know what happened in Altadena and those houses there. So these are going to be more fire resilient with clay. And also they're sustainable, and this is the type of housing that we need in Los Angeles. So I'm really excited for this project. I know it's going to be hard to fund it, but we're looking forward to this project.    

Jonah - Relentless Love of God - Jonah 3-4: If you've ever been on the receiving end of compassion, you know how lifechanging it can be--especially when the alternative would have been very negative. As we conclude our journey through the book of Jonah this week, the story focuses on a revolting people group (the Ninevites) and a resistant prophet (Jonah) who both receive miraculous compassion from God, yet their responses are entirely different. We are meant to see ourselves in Jonah's story, and wrestle with the fact that God sends the resistant and spares the revolting to save the repentant.

Ultimate Prey: The True Story Behind The Yosemite Sightseer MurdersCary Stayner was found guilty for the Yosemite Sightseer Murders, but some people closely associated with the investigation believe that Stayner did not act alone. Law enforcement had the right guys from the beginning, so what in the hell happened? The stories of the victims - Carole and Juli Sund, Silvina Pelosso, and Joie Armstrong did not end with their savage murders, February of 1999. Stephen Sanzeri, former police officer, private investigator and bounty hunter, has investigated their tragic deaths. What he found includes: drug trafficking, child porn, white supremacy, sexual molestation, rape, and bloody violence in the Central Valley of California and stretching to the Foothills. Even more disturbing is the corruption by law enforcement connected to the murders; an unwelcome burden added to Stephen's investigation. Now, for the first time, the real story is finally being told. First hand account of Stephen's initial investigation of a bail jumper that soon leads this x-cop to Alabama and the most dangerous manhunt he's ever experienced; and that's only the beginning. Stephen's investigation spanned over two years with plenty of roadblocks. Law enforcement's lack of cooperation and protection of suspects, to negligent dismissal of statements, reports and evidence by the FBI task force. After reading Ultimate Prey, you will be convinced that Cary Stayner did not act alone. Along with the tragedies of "Waco" and "Ruby Ridge," the Yosemite Sightseer Murders is considered the 3rd worst blunder in the FBI's history, according to Senator Grassley, Iowa. Kind of sums it up...https://amzn.to/3Va5FFXBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Jonah - Relentless Love of God - Jonah 2: How do you respond when you are “caught”?  This is a very uncomfortable feeling we are all familiar with. So often when we are caught doing something we should not do, our first impulse is to run and hide but this never leads us to a place of healing and freedom. Join us this week as we look at the life of Jonah, in Jonah chapter 2, and experience through the Scriptures, how after a failed attempt to run and hide, Jonah finally turns to God and receives meaningful help in his time of need. This help is available for us today too! Can't wait for you to join us and bring a friend!

When it comes to keeping our dogs safe, collars are often the last thing pet parents question — but they can pose hidden dangers. This week on Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by Hilda Castillo-Landrum, founder of Fauna in the Foothills, pet boutique owner, blogger, and passionate advocate for dog breakaway collars. After a terrifying incident with her own Rottweiler, Cooper, Hilda discovered just how common collar strangulation accidents are — and why breakaway collars can truly be lifesaving. In this conversation, Angela and Hilda share their personal stories, explore the risks of traditional collars, and discuss how pet parents can protect their dogs with safer options.Episode Recap:Hilda shares how her Rottweiler Cooper nearly lost his life when his heavy-duty collar got caught on a fence. (00:37)Why collar strangulation incidents happen more often than most pet parents realize, and how they can be fatal without warning. (05:12)How breakaway collars work, why they're different from cat collars, and how Hilda designed hers for both safety and style. (08:48)The pros and cons of harnesses, martingale collars, and what pet parents should know about pressure on a dog's neck. (12:55)26,000 cases per year – The staggering number of collar strangulation incidents reported annually in the U.S., and why many more likely go unreported. (16:16) Common causes of collar strangulation in dogs, from catching on kennels, fences, and furniture to playing with other dogs,  (19:36) How Hilda turned her painful experience into a mission to educate others and create safer, customizable breakaway collars. (21:19)Episode Resources:Sign up for Angela's tips & downloads at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsLearn more about Hilda & breakaway collars at Fauna in the Foothills Follow Hilda, and Fauna in the Foothills on Instagram Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at Carter@yournaturaldog.com Visit Angela Ardolino's website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook 

Like the ones in the fictitious village she made famous, helping hands and warm hearts shaped a Foothills writer's journey to becoming one of North Carolina's most prolific authors. Each month, New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors and those writing books set in the state, encouraging readers to join in the fun. Wiley will review each book in both the print and digital versions of the magazine and produce two podcast episodes highlighting the selected book and author. Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

Jonah - Relentless Love of God - Jonah 1: Have you ever heard the phrase, "You can run but you can't hide!" It's usually spoken with a bit of a sinister undertone, as in, "Once I find you, you'll face the consequences!" I've done my fair share of running in my life. From other people, from my responsibilities, and of course, from God. But when God says to us, "You can run but you can't hide," the consequences are not what we would expect. God pursues us, not to punish, but to restore. His relentless love seeks to make us stop running, turn around, and come back to the one who offers us forgiveness and salvation. One of the most powerful examples of this is through the life and story of Jonah. Come hear what it means to stop running, and start resting, in the relentless love of God. And bring a friend!

Ruth - Ruth 4: Do you ever feel like your actions are insignificant or inconsequential? I think it's common for us to feel too "ordinary" to have an extraordinary impact. The thought of making a difference is often daunting if not overwhelming! But, as we'll see in the final chapter of Ruth, God regularly uses the faithful actions of ordinary people to accomplish his extraordinary plans. Join us this week as we explore how God uses the faithful actions of Ruth and Boaz to restore life to a dying family while paving the way for the redemption of humanity, and how he invites us into his redemptive work. See you Sunday! Bring a friend!

Like the ones in the fictitious village she made famous, helping hands and warm hearts shaped a Foothills writer's journey to becoming one of North Carolina's most prolific authors. Each month, New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors and those writing books set in the state, encouraging readers to join in the fun. Wiley will review each book in both the print and digital versions of the magazine and produce two podcast episodes highlighting the selected book and author.   Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

Ruth - Ruth 3: Have you ever wondered how God is at work in your everyday decisions? This week, we step into an unusual and thought-provoking encounter in Scripture. In Ruth 3, a bold plan unfolds under cover of night. A grieving widow takes a courageous risk. A man of integrity makes a promise. And behind the scenes, God is quietly moving history forward to accomplish His redemptive plan. Join us as we explore how God works through our choices and for our good—even when His presence isn't obvious. Come and let Ruth's story speak into yours as we gather together.

With Foothills Online you can join us every Sunday for gatherings at 9:30a + 11a. Join us at https://www.foothills.org/messages/—-Ready to take your next step in you journey of faith? Download the "How to Connect to Jesus" booklet at foothills.org/books—Visit our linktree at https://linktr.ee/foothillsboise—Foothills is a fun, energetic, laid back faith community. We don't take ourselves too seriously, but we take Jesus very seriously. We exist to coach people in becoming fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ. To connect people to Jesus, connect people to his community and to connect people to their mission in life.--Follow Foothills Christian Church: https://www.instagram.com/foothillsboise/ --Foothills Christian Church is a Jesus church with locations in Boise, Idaho.More info on Foothills: https://www.foothills.org

Last year, 10,000 acres burned in the Boise foothills, and now volunteers head out to water and weed part of the landscape.

Episode #376 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan and Bedroth are flipping the script with a unique musical experiment that takes us through some iconic and obscure soundtracks. From epic JRPGs and nostalgic Nintendo favorites to unexpected indie gems and adrenaline-pumping action scores, this episode is all about connection and chaos.