Policy Chats
UCR School of Public Policy
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Join us for chats with various voices in the public policy world about today's most pressing societal issues. This podcast is a production of the School of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside.
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Dec 1, 2023
Housing Affordability & Income Disparities: A Close Look at Palm Springs
In this episode, Mayor of Palm Springs Grace Garner talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about housing affordability, income disparities, and gentrification in the context of Palm Springs. About Grace Garner: Grace Garner earned her Bachelor of Arts from the Pitzer College in Political Studies and Gender/Feminist Studies before receiving her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law. Previously, she has served as a board member of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry, was the Chief Operating Officer at Americans for Financial Reform, and was an Attorney Case Manager at White & Case LLP. Since serving on the Palm Springs City Council, Grace Garner has become a board member for the Desert Regional Medical Center as well as California State University-San Bernardino. Learn more about Grace Garner via https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegarner/ Podcast Highlights: “We need people to do maintenance work, we need people to do landscaping, we need people to wash dishes at restaurants and to cook in our kitchens. And to decide that they're not worthy of living somewhere because the rent would be lower is just really disrespectful to all of the people that literally make Palm Springs what it is.” - Grace Garner on the topic of the importance of the workforce population in Palm Springs and why they deserve access to housing. “There's one condo complex for instance that half of the units are vacant, and these are one bedroom units and so they're perfect for somebody who's kind of just entering college or someone who is just a single person or maybe a couple for them to move in. So how do we connect with this private condo association to then encourage their owners to rent out the home long term for workforce housing?” - Grace Garner on the topic of how the unused vacant housing in Palm Springs can be rented to provide income for homeowners and housing for the workforce. “So if we can get that down to a more reasonable rent based on a person's income, then that would help a lot. They're still going to pay more than they would for a low income unit because they have the means to, but instead of paying 50% of their monthly income they'll pay the 30% which is supposed to be the standard rate that we should all be paying but almost none of us are." - Grace Garner on the topic of how rent rates need to be structured for people who don't qualify for low-income housing, but also can't afford to use half of their salary on rent alone. Guest: Grace Garner (Mayor of Palm Springs)
Interviewers: Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador) Matthew De Haro (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)
Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/WV9q-jAhm4A
Music by: C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase
Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpphttps://spp.ucr.edu/mpp
This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/
Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.
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Nov 20, 2023
Solar Energy & Storage: The Key to a Sustainable Future
In this episode, Executive Director of the California Storage and Solar Association Bernadette Del Chiaro talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the importance of solar energy and storage, as well as how they are essential to a sustainable future.
About Bernadette Del Chiaro:
After completing her Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Resource Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, Bernadette Del Chiaro went on to work as an organizer for Green Corps. She later worked at the Toxics Action Center and Environment California and Environment America as a director, before joining the California Solar and Storage Association in 2013. Since joining, Bernadette has built the organization into the largest clean energy business group in the state. She's authored several clean energy reports and has been quoted widely in the media including MSNBC, NPR, BBC, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and dozens of local and trade outlets.
Learn more about Bernadette Del Chiaro via https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadette-del-chiaro-7598706/
Podcast Highlights:
“There's really nothing as abundant as solar energy and the sun's energy. It is just the single most abundant natural carbon free resource on the planet... So we've already figured it out. The question is just how do we deploy it as quickly as possible and get it in the hands of everybody so that we can solve climate change sooner than later. So to really put it more bluntly, we can't solve climate change without solar energy. It is that important and it's that foundational to our clean energy future.”
- Bernadette Del Chiaro on the importance and abundance of solar energy, and how we have the resources we need to create a sustainable future.
“And if you boil down climate change, which sometimes can seem like a pretty complex issue, it really comes down to one simple thing, which won't be easy, but is moving off of fossil fuels and to do that as quickly and with as little disruption to our society as possible.”
- Bernadette Del Chiaro on the simplicity of the approach we need to take on climate change.
“There's a lot of things that local governments can do to make [the change to solar] faster. There's a software that the Department of Energy has developed where every single building in America can tap into that software for free and provide instantaneous permitting. So, you don't have to literally drive down to the permitting office with a piece of paper anymore. You can just use your computer, you enter in some information and out spits the permit, the permission to go build your solar system. That kind of thing is really groundbreaking, but we need all of our California cities and counties to actually adopt it”
- Bernadette Del Chiaro on the statewide developments that increase accessibility to solar panel permitting.
Guest:
Bernadette Del Chiaro (Executive Director, California Solar and Storage Association)
Interviewers:
Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)
Watch to the video version here: https://youtu.be/zDUQdgemXPk
Music by: C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase
Commercial Links:
Considering a Career in International Public Service with Mayor General Barrye Price
Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 - 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In-Person Watch Party at HUB 355 (free pizza, boba, and a book for in-person attendees) or via Zoom Webinar
To attend the in-person watch party, please RSVP via:
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https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpphttps://spp.ucr.edu/mpp
This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/
Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode.
Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.
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Oct 30, 2023
“Win-Win” Solutions to Climate Change and Extreme Heat
In this episode, Associate Professor of Climate Change and Sustainability Dr. Francesca Hopkins talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about comprehensive solutions to climate change, as well as the importance of local change amid global warming.
About Francesca Hopkins:
Francesca Hopkins earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies and Spanish from the University of California, Berkeley. She also completed her M.S. and Ph.D. in Earth System Science from the University of California, Irvine. Before joining the University of California, Riverside Department of Environmental Studies as an Assistant Professor of Climate Change and Sustainability, Francesca was a NASA Postdoctoral Fellow at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Currently, Francesca runs the UCR Greenhouse Gas Emissions Lab, which studies emissions that affect the climate and air quality with the goal of developing the science to reduce these emissions.
Learn more about Francesca Hopkins via https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-hopkins-a904822/
Podcast Highlights:
“There's so many other ways we contribute to climate change... So I think we always need to think about what are these solutions that are going to give us a ’win-win’. Not just reduce emissions, but increase our joy and help us feel good. I think those are the best ones.”
- Francesca Hopkins on the topic of how solutions to climate change can better other aspects of our lives, such as mental health and well-being.
“Cities have a really unique power and role in reducing transportation emissions, because they're often in control of what gets built, how it gets built. And really, we need to think about changing the form of our cities in California, so they're not so spread out [to promote reduced emissions by walking more]. And that's going to solve other problems, hopefully, including housing affordability issues that we have, and building houses in wildfire prone areas.”
- Francesca Hopkins on the topic of the power of city planning to reduce emissions.
“Because right now, we have a chance to redesign our future. We can actually create the world we want. And we definitely need to think about how the climate is impacting that. But we can do that without knowing how tropical storm tracks might change slightly in the next decades, I would argue.”
- Francesca Hopkins on the topic of how slight uncertainties as to the exact effects of climate change don’t need to be resolved to take effective action.
Guest:
Francesca Hopkins (Associate Professor of Climate Change and Sustainability)
Interviewer:
Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)
Episode image designed by Freepik (www.freepik.co)
Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpphttps://spp.ucr.edu/mpp
This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/
Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.
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Aug 16, 2023
Education Policy: Bridging Opportunity Gaps and Adapting to Change
In this episode, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Coachella, Neftali Galarza talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about education as a means to break opportunity barriers and how education can adapt amid an ever-changing world.
About Neftali Galarza:
In addition to being Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Coachella, Neftali Galarza is also the Director of the Community Engagement and Partnerships Team within the Riverside County Office of Education. Previously, he served as the Director of Community Outreach for the California Alliance for Renewable Energy Solutions and was a Board Trustee for the Coachella Valley Unified School District. Neftali completed his B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Labor Studies at the University of California, Riverside. Neftali also holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from California Baptist University.
Learn more about Neftali Galarza via https://www.linkedin.com/in/neftali-galarza-1810a999/
Podcast Highlights:
“The party politics, that doesn't matter when you're a three year old trying to get into preschool or you're a ten year old in elementary school or twelve year old in middle school or fifteen year old in high school. These party politics that are so divisive - they don't matter to these kids. And we need to bring back the conversation centered around the children, not about party politics that we're bringing into our school districts.”
- Neftali Galarza on the topic of how divisive politics can delay necessary reforms to education.
“I grew up in a mobile home park in Oasis, which is in Riverside County. There are to this day, a lot of communities don't have access to potable water... The idea that those students can go to college or go to a workforce, a CT program, and then join the labor union. Through education, you create these opportunities. Now you could jump a few economic ladders. Now you're in a different tax bracket. And that's through education that we have these opportunities to be able to create a community that moves forward, progresses and that we bring everyone together.”
- Neftali Galarza on the topic of the power of education to help communities break socioeconomic barriers.
“And I mentioned it's very important to have paid internships too... I had to take loans to do these internships and I'm paying them off now. I'm grateful that things have worked out for me, but it was a gamble on myself and the organizations that I wanted to intern in for. When we have a paid internship program, we can ensure that a college student isn't working at a fast food restaurant, going to school full time, and then looking for unpaid internship program.”
- Neftali Galarza on the topic of the necessity of paid internships for college students, so they don't have to sacrifice their education for work experience or an income.
Guest:
Neftali Galarza (Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Coachella)
Interviewers:
Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)
Raiyan Kalam (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)
Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/CGb_oBVTGCE
Music by:
C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase
Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp
https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp
This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/
Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.
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Jul 28, 2023
Uniting Individuals Through Service and Volunteerism
In this episode, California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about volunteerism and uniting individuals through service.
About Josh Fryday:
Appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, Josh Fryday leads California Volunteers, which works to establish and maintain a statewide volunteer corps to help with the state’s response to emergencies and disasters. Josh Fryday was previously Mayor of Novato, Novato City Councilmember, Chief Operating Officer for NextGen Climate and Past President of Golden State Opportunity. In addition to obtaining his B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy as well as his J.D. in law from UC Berkley, Josh Fryday also served in the military as an Officer in the United States Navy and as a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG).
Learn more about Josh Fryday via: https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/about-us/cso/
Podcast Highlights:
"We have really big issues facing California, facing our country, facing the planet... But I feel very strongly that if we're going to actually tackle some of these big issues, we have to figure out how to bring everyone to the table. How do we make everyone part of the solution? How do we engage everyone? How do we bring people together so that they can solve problems in communities together?”
- Josh Fryday on the topic of unity through volunteerism.
"With this [Job Corps] program, we're providing real economic opportunity. But what we're also saying is that you don't have to decide between pursuing your passion, something you're passionate about, or a paycheck - that you can actually do both. That you don't have to decide between whether you want to launch a career and be able to feed your family or help your community, that you can actually do both.”
- Josh Fryday on the topic of creating programs that allow for financial need to no longer be a barrier to service.
"But I think the reason California is viewed as a leader, not just of the country, but of the planet, is because a lot of the values that we hold dear are universal. The value of making sure that people are included. The value of embracing diversity. The value of taking care of our environment. These are things that are not unique just to California. I think… because of our culture's willingness to innovate and try new things and invent new things, [our volunteer programs] are very compelling and become scalable across the rest of the world.”
- Josh Fryday on the topic of the universal values California shares with the rest of the world.
Guest:
Josh Fryday (California Chief Service Officer)
Interviewers:
Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)
Dinara Godage (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)
View the video version here: https://youtu.be/I0jjDm4EyO0
Music by:
C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase
Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp
https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp
This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/
Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.
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Jul 7, 2023
Filter Bubbles and Media Bias: Bridging Gaps Amongst Political Polarization
In this episode, Rachel Strausman takes over the reins as host of Policy Chats from our previous host, Kevin Karami.
AllSides Co-Founder and CEO John Gable talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about how understanding media bias and filter bubbles can help better bridge gaps amongst political polarization.
About John Gable:
John Gable received his B.A. in Philosophy, with an emphasis in Mathematics, from Vanderbilt University as well as Masters of Business Administration from Duke University. He has worked in a variety of fields, having previously been an Executive Director for various political campaigns, a Product Manager at Microsoft, the President of Stearns Ventures, and now the Co-Founder and CEO of AllSides. Overall, John Gable is a high technology executive focused on building, marketing and monetizing products, online services and teams that have a positive social impact.
Learn more about John Gable via https://www.allsides.com/news-source/john-gable
Podcast Highlights:
"The medium, the content, and the way we interact is driven a little bit by the medium itself. And what I thought about the internet was that it was mostly by metaphor: this is similar to that, and therefore you're a friend of a friend or I'm searching for something similar to what I'm trying to solve. I thought it would encourage us to think by metaphor or if you will, [in the extreme sense] stereotype."
- John Gable on the topic of how the internet is structured to make connections, which can initially be beneficial, but can also lead to dangerous steryotypes.
"[With the way the internet works] we see an issue, and we only hear or get information that we already agree with, which might only be 10% of what we need to know about an issue. But we hear that 10,000 times, and so we're really absolutely confident with no doubt that we're correct. But we know less about the issue than we did before the Internet.”
- John Gable on the topic of how filter bubbles can limit our access to necessary information, despite the increased access to information the internet seems to provide.
“[What we need to do is] get people out of the information filter bubble. Get them out of the relationship filter bubble, and provide people the skills and confidence to disagree, to have a conversation and not agree with each other and recognize the differences and appreciate the differences that each of us bring to the table. With that, that's how it would get to a better place.”
- John Gable on the topic of how teaching people to understand the value in disagreement can help people be more aware of filter bubbles.
Guest:
John Gable (Co-Founder and CEO of AllSides)
Interviewers:
Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)
Divya Bharadwaj (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)
Music by: C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase
Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp
https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp
This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/
Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.
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Jun 2, 2023
Exploring Access and Barriers to Care in Public Health Policy
In this episode, Assistant Professional Researcher Deborah Lefkowitz talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about public health policy.
About Deborah Lefkowitz:
Deborah Lefkowitz received her BA summa cum laude in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard University, and her PhD in Social Ecology from the University of California Irvine. Dr. Lefkowitz’s research focuses on cancer survivorship, health disparities, and health law and policy, with a focus on vulnerable cancer populations in Southern California’s Inland Empire. Prior to pursuing research, Dr. Lefkowitz was an internationally recognized visual artist and documentary filmmaker, and created a significant body of work on how individuals confront traumatic, life-altering experiences.
Learn more about Deborah Lefkowitz via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/deborahl
Podcast Highlights:
"I think we have to say our health care system is really broken. It's very fragmented. And what that means, is that it takes a lot of work to get access to care and that work is disproportionate if you have a low income.”
- Deborah Lefkowitz on the topic of the burden inflexible work creates for obtaining necessary care.
"I actually think it's a real mistake to think that we could actually make informed choices in advance about the best health insurance for our own needs... I hear a lot less discussion about insurance companies making health care decisions. That's essentially the system that we have now, where you need prior authorization from many health care plans for many types of procedures. And it's essentially insurance adjusters who are making those health care decisions, sometimes life and death decisions.”
- Deborah Lefkowitz on how insurance adjusters currently are making the life-altering decisions for people about which procedures are covered.
“The ACA removes the barrier to insurance of having a preexisting health condition... So if we think today about how many of the people in the US have had COVID-19, that's most people in the US, that would be considered a preexisting condition under pre ACA circumstances… So if in the future, people who have had a COVID infection developed health problems that could be linked to that infection, then they would be excluded from health insurance. And this is currently the case for millions of Americans.”
- Deborah Lefkowitz on how the Affordable Care Act still benefits a majority of Americans today in ways they may not realize.
Guest:
Deborah Lefkowitz (Assistant Professional Researcher)
Interviewers:
Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)
Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)
View the video version here: https://youtu.be/M4mjoVkbJHo
Music by:
C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase
Commercial Links:
https://spp-calvols.eventbrite.com/
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp
https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp
This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/
Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.
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May 25, 2023
California Fair Chance Act: Barriers to Integration Following Incarceration
In this episode, Director of the Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies Sharon Oselin talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the California Fair Chance Act and barriers to integration following incarceration.
About Sharon Oselin:
Dr. Oselin is an Associate Professor of Public Policy and Sociology at the University of California, Riverside and Affiliated Faculty of the Labor Studies Program. She earned her Ph.D. from UC Irvine and is a past fellow of the American Association of University Women. Her broad research interests encompass crime, deviance, and criminal justice, gender and sexuality, organizations, and culture.
Learn more about Sharon Oselin via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/soselin
https://presleycenter.ucr.edu/about/people
Podcast Highlights:
“With growing public awareness and legislators' awareness about some of the harms of mass incarceration in particular... there has been significantly retooled efforts to focus on policies and laws that help reduce those inequalities but also deal with some of the consequences for those that have been justice-impacted in various ways.”
- Sharon Oselin on the topic of new efforts to promote policies that help those that have been justice-impacted.
“Individuals with records have a lot of obstacles to contend with... one of the biggest challenges is finding employment and we know that employment is often correlated with whether someone reoffends or returns to prisons”
- Sharon Oselin on the impact obtaining employment has on possible future incarcerations.
“There's many factors that are important of course, such as securing housing, family relationships, social support, and so forth, but employment is a huge factor in predicting someone's success... that's why there are a lot of policies that specifically target employment opportunities.”
- Sharon Oselin on the importance of employment following incarceration.
Guest:
Sharon Oselin (Director of the Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies)
Interviewers:
Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)
Catherine Mah (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)
Music by:
C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase
Commercial Links:
This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/
Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.
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Apr 24, 2023
Overcoming Cultural Barriers & Stigma in Mental Health
In this episode, Director of Operations & Strategies for Act Now for Mental Health Joy Chen talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Mental Health Awareness and Challenges.
About Joy Chen:
Joy, a UCR and School of Public Policy Alum, has extensive experience in both local and state government settings. Joy graduated from Yale with a Master's in Public Health and currently works as the Director of Operations & Strategies for the Act Now for Mental Health non-profit. Joy is also a Policy Director for Healthsperian LLC.
Learn more about Joy Chen via https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-chen-mph-99678a124/
Podcast Highlights:
“Mental Health and behavioral health have been issues long before the pandemic, if anything, the pandemic just revealed and exacerbated this issue.”
- Joy Chen on the topic of mental health policymaking.
“We feel like we're so small and can't address anything that happens in the world, but what we do have control over is volunteering in our communities.”
- Joy Chen on the importance of community investment.
“One of the big reasons anxiety and depression have been destigmatized has been because of social media. It has made others feel less alone...I think hearing other people talk about what they are going through is so helpful in helping us process our emotions and understand that it isn't just us."
- Joy Chen on the topic of social media's role in awareness.
Guest:
Joy Chen (Director of Operations & Strategies)
Interviewers:
Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)
Giovanna Arena (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)
This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.
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Mar 17, 2023
Dissecting the Mindset of an Accomplished Attorney
In this episode, Attorney Thy Bui talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the challenges, intricacies, and tips on the legal profession.
About Thy Bui:
Thy represents employers in single-plaintiff and multi-plaintiff lawsuits in state and federal court. She regularly defends employers in lawsuits alleging causes of action for discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wage and hour violations, and other statutory and common-law claims arising from the employment relationship. In addition to her litigation practice, Thy also performs workplace investigations and provides day-to-day counseling advice to employers.
Learn more about Thy Bui via https://www.constangy.com/people-Thy-Bui
Podcast Highlights:
“At some point, it becomes a sales job...the people that pay you are the clients... [and people] don't ask themselves am I good at sales, how are my soft skills, do people relate to me, can I convince somebody that I'm fun to work with? These are not things that people think about.”
- Thy Bui on the importance of soft skills and building connections.
“While there may be more information or people to consult, in the end, you have to make that decision and you have to be okay with no matter what the consequences are because you can't control the future."
- Thy Bui on the topic of decisiveness in the legal profession.
“Make it fun. A lifetime of work is a long time! If you're just in it for the money and you're not having fun you're going to burn out fast, especially for a profession as demanding as the legal profession.”
- Thy Bui's advice for anyone interested in pursuing a legal profession.
Guest:
Thy Bui (Attorney)
Interviewer:
Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)
Music by:
C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase
Commercial Link:
https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp
This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/
Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.
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Mar 10, 2023
Innovative Solutions to the Water Crisis: Part 2
In this episode, Water Consulting Expert Les Chau talk with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about California's Water Challenges.
About Les Chau:
Mr. Chau specializes in One Water consulting, climate adaptation planning, water resource studies, water quality compliance, and water infrastructure asset management. His experience includes watershed analysis with a focus on overall environmental impacts and climate change effects on water supplies and infrastructure.
Learn more about Les Chau via https://www.linkedin.com/in/leschau/
Podcast Highlights:
“We need to really have a futurist strategy on how to grow the California economy...That I think requires us repurposing some of our existing commerce which is agriculture.”
- Les Chau on the concept of repurposing agricultural land.
“Be a champion of your own community, be a champion of safe drinking water, be a champion to represent underrepresented communities.”
- Les Chau on the…
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Feb 14, 2023
Innovating Housing for Second-Hand Smoke
In this episode, Non-Profit Worker and School of Public Policy Alum Andrea Rayas talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Community Work with Second-Hand Smoke in Multifamily Housing Units.
Podcast Highlights:
“Research has shown that African American and Latinx communities are most affected by it, especially children.”
-Andrea on the topic of second-hand smoke and the communities most impacted by it.
“We work with a community who are constantly working, who are not politically involved at all...we think it's important to also provide training or capacity building for them...encouraging them to make public comments, empowering them to attend meetings...”
-Andrea on the challenges of working with community members and how to empower them.
“The way they can get involved is by addressing it to their other peers, neighbors, landlords, property management, attending meetings [and expressing their concerns]”
-Andrea on the top…
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Jan 20, 2023
Affirmative Action in College Admissions-Does it Matter?
In this episode, Dean of the University of California, Riverside School of Public Policy Mark Long talks with a student about Affirmative Action Policies in College Admissions.
About Mark Long:
Mark C. Long began his role as Dean of the School of Public Policy at UC Riverside in January 2023, following the successful tenure of Anil Deolalikar, who served as founding Dean of SPP. From 2004-2022, Long was a Professor of Public Policy and Governance and Adjunct Professor of Economics at the University of Washington. He served as the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance's Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs (2018-19) and Associate Dean for Research (2016-18). Long served on the faculty of George Washington University as an assistant professor of economics and public policy and administration from 2002-04.
Learn more about Mark Long via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/marklong
Podcast Highlights:
“If your goal is representation by race, but you use other indicator…
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Dec 2, 2022
Climate Crisis, Rising Inequality, Erosion of Democracy, and Big-Power Conflict
In this episode, Founding Dean of the University of California, Riverside School of Public Policy, Anil Deolalikar talks with students about the most pressing challenges the world faces today.
About Anil Deolalikar:
Anil Deolalikar has been the founding dean of the School of Public Policy since February 2013 and a professor of economics at UC Riverside since 2003. Deolalikar is a development economist who has published four books and 75 articles on the economics of child nutrition, health, education, poverty, and social protection in developing countries. In addition to his research, Deolalikar has extensive public policy experience.
Learn more about Anil Deolalikar via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/anild
Podcast Highlights:
“In some ways, you can almost think about California as a giant experiment to show what can be done by policy to control emissions.”
- Anil Deolalikar on the topic of climate change and California's efforts to address it.
“If yo…
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Nov 18, 2022
Innovative Solutions for the Water Crisis
In this episode, Water Law Partner Wesley Miliband talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the policy issues and potential solutions to California's water challenges.
About Wesley Miliband:
"Wesley Miliband is an environmental lawyer focused on water resources. He focuses on securing and protecting water rights and water supplies, including assistance with water transfers as well as the infrastructure necessary to treat, store and deliver water. His practice lends itself to related environmental issues involving water quality impacts to surface water and groundwater supplies, fisheries and riparian habitats, regulatory permitting, and environmental compliance with federal and state requirements, including the California Environmental Quality Act."
Learn more about Wesley Miliband via https://www.aalrr.com/attorneys-Wesley_A_Miliband#Overview
Podcast Highlights:
“What that means is California's driest six years, over an approximately 128 years that…
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Nov 4, 2022
Supreme Court Integrity and the Midterm Elections
In this episode, Former District Attorney of San Bernardino County Michael Ramos talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the Supreme Court going into the upcoming elections.
About Michael Ramos:
Michael A. Ramos was elected as San Bernardino County’s District Attorney in 2003 and served in the position until 2019. He currently serves as one of the External Relations Directors for the Robert Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies at the UCR School of Public Policy.
Learn more about Michael Ramos via https://presleycenter.ucr.edu/about/people#external_relations_directors
Podcast Highlights:
“It will be interesting to me to see if that same energy after the decision on Roe v. Wade comes out in the ballot box. If it does, then that tells you that the decision by the United States Supreme Court lit a fire under the public.”
- Michael Ramos on the topic of Roe v. Wade and the response by the American public.
“My concern, and I thi…
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Oct 28, 2022
Abortion Rights After Roe & the 2022 Election
In this episode, the Director of Legislation and Community Affairs for Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest, Karen Borja, talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about reproductive rights in 2022.
About Karen Borja:
Karen Borja is the Director of Legislation and Community Affairs for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. Ms. Borja is a dedicated community organizer and health advocate.
Learn more about Karen Borja via https://www.linkedin.com/in/kborja01/
Podcast Highlights:
“In California, abortion is still safe, legal, and protected, that all patients regardless of where they're traveling from will be able to access at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest.”
- Karen Borja's statement on abortion care in California.
“It is essential that our state continue to have the strongest laws in the country so that we could continue to be a beacon of hope for those that need access to essential healthcare.”…
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Oct 14, 2022
Urban Planning: A Not-So Boring Perspective
In this episode, the Host of the Urban Planning is Not Boring Podcast, Natalie Ikhrata talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Urban Planning and its challenges.
About Natalie Ikhrata:
Natalie is pursuing her Master's in Urban Planning, Housing, and Transportation at the University of Southern California. She is a transportation planner and co-host of her podcast, Urban Planning is Not Boring.
Learn more about Natalie Ikhrata via https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-ikhrata-82a192195/
Podcast Highlights:
“Every single moment is planned for you. It's kind of funny to think about but it's so true.”
- Natalie Ikhrata on the prevalence of urban planning in our daily lives
“We really do need to acknowledge that public participation and partnership is extremely important.”
- Natalie Ikhrata on the topic of compromise in real estate development.
“We've had past planning practices, but a permanency of infrastructure has allo…
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Sep 23, 2022
How a Non-Profit is Transforming a Community During a Continuing Pandemic
In this episode, University of California Riverside Alumni Samuel Roberts & Semi Cole discuss with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about their covid-equity project, San Bernardino for Rapid Recovery, and the need for continued covid mitigation and prevention measures.
About Samuel Roberts:
Samuel Roberts is a current MPP candidate and Dean's Merit Scholar at the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. Co-founder of San Bernardino for Rapid Recovery (SBRR), Samuel's interests and passions include education and civic engagement policy.
Learn more about Samuel Roberts via https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-roberts-9a3419193/
About Semi Cole:
Semi Cole is an aspiring civic leader and entrepreneur focused on leadership and making an impact. As a Co-founder of SBRR, Semi is passionate about discussing the health issues facing San Bernardino and hopes to expand the non-profit's mission beyond COVID-19 to address the other health…
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Sep 9, 2022
Addressing Gun Violence: The Debate on Gun Policy
In this episode, Professor of Economics Matthew Lang talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about gun violence and gun control.
About Matthew Lang:
Professor Lang is an Associate Professor of Teaching at the University of California, Riverside. His research focuses on a variety of areas, including Applied Microeconomics, Mental Health, and Firearms sales.
Learn more about Matthew Lang via https://sites.google.com/site/matthewdlang18/home
Podcast Highlights:
“The relationship between firearm access and suicide is significantly stronger in the research than firearm access and homicide.”
- Matthew Lang on the topic of the role mental health plays in gun violence.
“COVID increased uncertainty...everyone was fearful and uncertain.”
- Matthew Lang on the topic of COVID and firearm sales.
“As much as we talk about firearms as a polarizing topic in policy...we think there's a massive partisan divide when it comes to firearm…
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Sep 2, 2022
Biden's Student Loan Cancellation Plan: Too Good to Be True?
In this episode, Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Sociology Steven Brint talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Student Loan Forgiveness.
About Steven Brint:
Steven Brint is a Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Sociology at the University of California, Riverside. His research focuses on a wide variety of political and social topics, but he has a special interest in the policy analysis of higher education.
Learn more about Steven Brint via https://spp.ucr.edu/faculty-spotlight-steven-brint
Podcast Highlights:
“The problem with college costs is extremely complex...they are the root, and this policy does not address it.”
- Steven Brint on the idea that college costs are the core issue.
“Part social welfare program, partly a middle-class benefit, and partly a kind of pork barrel that is intended to make the (Democratic) party look good to constituency groups they depend on.”
- Steven Brint on the…
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Jul 29, 2022
The History, Cause, and Impacts of the Housing Crisis (with Stan Oklobdzija)
In this episode, Professor Stan Oklobdzija talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the housing crisis.
About Stan Oklobdzija:
Professor Oklobdzija is a visiting Assistant Professor at UC Riverside's School of Public Policy. His research focuses on state and local politics with special attention to housing policy.
Learn more about Stan Oklobdzija via https://stanokl.github.io/
Podcast Highlights:
“The fundamental thing that defines housing markets in a lot of these job-rich centers in the United States is fundamental scarcity. For about the last 50 years or so, cities in America have not been building to meet demand and population growth.”
- Stan Oklobdzija defining the crux of housing shortages.
“If you have 50% of your wealth tied to a home (which the average American does), you're going to want to defend it at all costs. What do you do to defend it? You block competition. You own a scarce asset; that asset appreciates more rapi…
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Jun 3, 2022
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber: A Career in Public Service
In this episode, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber talks with a student and alumnus from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about her career in public service.
About Shirley Weber:
Shirley Nash Weber, Ph.D. was nominated to serve as California Secretary of State by Governor Gavin Newsom on December 22, 2020, and sworn into office on January 29, 2021. She is California’s first Black Secretary of State and only the fifth African American to serve as a state constitutional officer in California’s 170-year history.
Learn more about Shirley Weber via https://www.sos.ca.gov/administration/about
Podcast Highlights:
“I didn't see politics as the only way to make a difference.”
- Shirley Weber on the topic of making a difference in our communities.
“I never felt I had to force myself to be the leader. I believe very strongly that the best people in organizations are great followers.”
- Shirley Weber on the topic of leadership.
“Never wa…
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May 20, 2022
The Impact of the Student Debt Crisis (with Cody Hounanian)
In this episode, Executive Director of the Student Debt Crisis Center Cody Hounanian talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the student debt crisis.
About Cody Hounanian:
Cody Hounanian began his work with Student Debt Crisis Center working on issues like consumer protection policies and student loan refinancing. As executive director, Cody oversees the budget and program management of SDCC and is in charge of day-to-day operations.
Learn more about Cody Hounanian via https://studentdebtcrisis.org/about/
Podcast Highlights:
“When you have a debt burden of 1.7 trillion dollars and you have 42 million Americans impacted, it's an issue that cannot be ignored today.”
- Cody Hounanian on the topic of the debt ballooning exponentially.
“And we're now looking at a scenario in our society in which many people do not think higher education provides enough benefits and it's because debt has stripped all those benefits away.”
-…
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May 6, 2022
HIV & COVID-19: Comparing Public Health Crises (with Greg Rodriguez)
In this episode, Government Relations and Public Policy Advisor Greg Rodriguez talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the similarities and differences between the HIV and COVID-19 public health crises.
About Greg Rodriguez:
Greg L. Rodriguez serves as Government Relations and Public Policy Advisor for Supervisor Perez in the fourth district in the County of Riverside. He has government experience having previously worked for the office of Congressman Ruiz.
Learn more about Greg Rodriguez via https://rivco4.org/About/About-Manuel-Team
Podcast Highlights:
“You had facilities that would not treat HIV and AIDS patients...so how do you get over and shine a light on that stigmatization? That's where you saw the shift is when activists made this not only a public health crisis but also a social crisis.”
- Greg Rodriguez on the topic of stigma and discrimination and how it impacts public health.
“I think it is human nature when we're f…
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Apr 22, 2022
Digital Democracy (with Kevin Esterling)
In this episode, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Kevin Esterling talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about digital democracy and echo chambers.
About Kevin Esterling:
Kevin Esterling is a Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, and the Director of the Laboratory for Technology, Communication, and Democracy (TeCD Lab), at the University of California, Riverside. His research focuses on institutional design for communication in democratic politics, and he has interests in Bayesian statistics, experimental design, and science ethics and validity. His current work focuses on deliberative democracy and the design of technology that leads citizens to engage constructively in public discourse.
Learn more about Kevin Esterling via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/kevine
Podcast Highlights:
“The advantage is that we as individuals don't have to rely so much on intermediaries to express our concern to government.”
-…
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Apr 8, 2022
Careers in Science & Science Policy (with Ryan Bixenmann)
In this episode, Dr. Ryan Bixenmann from the California Council of Science and Technology talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the importance of careers in science policy.
About Dr. Ryan Bixenmann:
Ryan Bixenmann, Ph.D. is a Senior Science Officer at the California Council of Science and Technology (CCST). In this role, Ryan connects relevant experts to decision-makers that request additional technical information to carry out their mission and better serve Californians.
Learn more about Dr. Ryan Bixenmann via https://ccst.us/people/staff/ryan-bixenmann/
Podcast Highlights:
“I knew I wanted to do something outside of just research-I wanted to have an impact on society.”
- Dr. Ryan Bixenmann on the topic of science careers focused on policy, not research.
“Knowing that people who are doing the cool stuff you want to do had help getting there and they talked to someone...”
- Dr. Ryan Bixenmann on the topic of advancin…
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Mar 21, 2022
COVID-19: Moving Forward (with Dr. Richard Carpiano)
In this episode, UCR Professor of Public Policy Dr. Richard Carpiano talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about COVID-19 and its future.
About Dr. Carpiano:
Richard M. Carpiano is a Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside. Trained as public and population health scientist and medical sociologist, Carpiano studies how social factors, such as socioeconomic status, race-ethnicity, social connections, and community conditions, contribute to the physical and mental health of adults and children. His research focuses on an extensive range of health issues and populations, spanning the life course and US and international contexts.
Learn more about Dr. Carpiano via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/rcarpian
Podcast Highlights:
“There was this sort of false binary that you were either for public health...or you were somehow pro-economy.”
- Dr. Carpiano on the politicization of COVID-19 and the divisions tha…
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Mar 9, 2022
The Russia-Ukraine Conflict (with Kiril Tomoff & Paul D'Anieri)
In this episode, Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities Kiril Tomoff and Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Paul D'Anieri talk with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the Russian-Ukraine conflict.
About Kiril Tomoff:
Kiril Tomoff is the Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities at UCR. His research interests include the intersection of musical life and Russian and Soviet history, as well as twentieth-century world history, transnational cultural exchange, and the Cold War.
Learn more about Kiril Tomoff via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/kiril
About Paul D'Anieri:
Paul D’Anieri is a Professor of Political Science and Public Policy. He studies politics in the former Soviet Union, focusing on Ukraine and on Ukraine-Russia relations. He also teaches and studies economics and budgeting in universities, based on his experience as an administrator at UCR, the University of Florida, and the University of Kansas.
Learn more about Paul D'Ani…
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Feb 16, 2022
Evidence-Based Policymaking (with Julianne McCall)
In this episode, Co-Director of the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine Dr. Julianne McCall talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about scientific and evidence-based policymaking.
About Julianne McCall:
Julianne McCall serves as Co-Director of the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine, housed within the California Governor's Office of Planning and Research. In that role, she oversees cross-sector health policy working groups and projects, research grantmaking, and state government interagency efforts, which include serving on Governor Newsom's COVID-19 Testing Task Force and as a writer of the forthcoming CA Surgeon General's Report on Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Learn more about Julianne McCall via https://sciencetopolicy.ucr.edu/professional-leadership
Podcast Highlights:
“We don't see the world objectively; that's why we have tools, censors, devices that are detecting phenomena at granular levels that we are comple…
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Jan 28, 2022
Global Supply Chains and the Evolving Economy (with Joab Corey)
In this episode, Professor of Economics Dr. Joab Corey talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the evolving economies of the world.
Learn more about Dr. Corey via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/jcorey
Podcast Highlights:
“This COVID-19 pandemic has actually led to an increase in real wages among the lowest quartile of earners...”
- Dr. Corey on one of the complex impacts the pandemic has had.
“A lot of people are using this opportunity to not stay at a job they decided they don't like, but use this opportunity to create a new job for themselves that may be more fulfilling.”
- Dr. Corey on the topic of self-employment.
“There is a greater variety of quality now than ever before.”
- Dr. Corey on the idea that consumers have more quality options now than ever before.
Guest:
Joab Corey (Professor of Economics)
Interviewers:
Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)
Ze…
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Dec 10, 2021
Crime Prevention (with Michael Ramos)
In this episode, Former District Attorney of San Bernardino County Michael Ramos talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Crime Prevention.
About Michael Ramos:
Michael A. Ramos was elected as San Bernardino County’s District Attorney in 2003 and served in the position until 2019. He currently serves as one of the External Relations Directors for the Robert Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies at the UCR School of Public Policy.
Learn more about Michael Ramos via https://presleycenter.ucr.edu/about/people#external_relations_directors
Podcast Highlights:
“Not every family has that, and so when they get to that point where they start their education, they're already behind.”
- Michael Ramos on the impact education has on kids who miss pre-school.
“I think that's where our communities need to step up....it really comes down to our local communities, mayors, cities councils...”
- Michael Ramos on the importance of…
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Nov 23, 2021
The Challenges of Policing (with Sergio Diaz)
In this episode, Former Riverside Chief of Police Sergio Diaz talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the challenges of policing.
About Sergio Diaz:
Sergio G. Diaz was the chief of police for the city of Riverside, California between July 1, 2010, and September 19, 2019. Prior to joining the Riverside Police Department, Sergio was a police officer in the city of Los Angeles for 33 years, retiring at the rank of Deputy Chief in 2010.
Learn more about Sergio Diaz via https://presleycenter.ucr.edu/about/people#external_relations_directors
Podcast Highlights:
“Policing is one of those professions where people believe that they know what's involved.”
- Sergio Diaz on the topic of the misconceptions that exist on policing.
“But what we can all do to be safer is to invest more and better in our children.”
- Sergio Diaz on the topic of crime prevention.
“The best thing you can do to encourage good policing is to refrain…
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Nov 5, 2021
California State Controller Betty Yee: A Career in Public Service
In this episode, California State Controller Betty Yee talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about her career in public office.
About Betty Yee: State Controller Betty T. Yee was elected in November 2014, following two terms of service on the California Board of Equalization. As Controller, she continues to serve the Board as its fifth voting member. Reelected for a second term as Controller in 2018, Ms. Yee is only the tenth woman in California history to be elected to statewide office.
Learn more about Betty Yee via https://www.sco.ca.gov/eo_about_bio.html
Podcast Highlights:
“The other frustrating part, I have to say, is being a woman. We are still not taken seriously. I know I had an opponent who specifically ran against me because he thought that he could beat a woman.”
- Betty Yee on the disadvantages of running as a woman.
“I'm convinced today, that this is the case, (and the government has to do a better job making the conne…
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Oct 15, 2021
Addressing the Housing Crisis (with Bree Lang)
In this episode, Professor of Economics Dr. Bree Lang talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Low-Income Housing and the Housing Crisis.
About Bree Lang:
Bree Lang is an economics professor at the University of California, Riverside. Her research areas include urban economics, taxation, subsidized housing, and public finance.
Learn more about Bree Lang via https://sites.google.com/site/breejoneslang/
Podcast Highlights:
“The US Department of Housing and Urban Development defines affordability as someone who is spending 30 percent or less of their income on housing. And if you look in California in particular, in the mid-2010s, 80 percent of households were spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing. In the mid-2000s, 30% of people were spending over 50% of their income on rent.”
- Bree Lang on the severity of the housing crisis and its effect on families.
“If I want to be optimistic for just one moment, I think th…
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Sep 10, 2021
Science and Technology in Public Policy (with Jun Bando)
In this episode, Senior Advisor of the California Council on Science & Technology Dr. Jun Bando talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the role science plays in public policy.
About Jun Bando:
K. Jun Bando is the Senior Advisor to the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST). She focuses on guiding strategic planning and organizational transformation to enhance CCST’s contributions to strengthening California’s policies with science.
Learn more about Jun Bando via https://ccst.us/people/staff/jun-bando/
Podcast Highlights:
“ One thing that is really helpful in this regard is training scientists to be science translators-topic of going from science/research to policy.”
- Jun Bando on the topic of going from science/research to policy.
“As with all major change, taking full advantage of these tools is going to require vision, strong leadership, and institutional cultures that really embrace innovation and collabor…
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Aug 30, 2021
Digital Public Discourse (with Lorna Seitz)
In this episode, President and co-founder of Legis Lorna Seitz talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about electronic public discourse.
About Lorna Seitz:
Lorna Seitz is an expert in developing transformative laws, policies and programs. Seitz has 20+ years of experience in policy development, legislative analysis and institutional reform. She specializes in facilitating collaborative problem-solving processes, promoting civic engagement with policy-making and oversight processes, and establishing systems to address wicked problems. She is the co-founder and President of Legis, a non-profit founded to realize the potential of 21st century technology to overcome barriers to inclusive, responsive, evidence-based policy and law development.
Learn more about Lorna Seitz via https://spp.ucr.edu/senior-policy-fellow-spotlight-lorna-seitz
Podcast Highlights:
“The video footage that we've been able to see has been very impactful.. we have the ability to see m…
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Aug 13, 2021
The Inequities of Latina-Owned Businesses (with Qingfang Wang)
In this episode, Professor of Public Policy Qingfang Wang talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the unique challenges Latina-Owned businesses face.
About Qingfang Wang:
Qingfang Wang's research area lies broadly in immigration, labor market, and development. With a Ph.D. in geography, Wang is particularly interested in how place–as both worksite and residential location–interacts with race, immigration status, and gender in shaping labor market experiences and social-economic wellbeing. Her work has been funded by the Kauffman Foundation, National Science Foundation, HUD, and other agencies. Her recent work includes research on immigrant, ethnic and female entrepreneurship, and transnational migration of the highly skilled, especially in the higher education sector.
Learn more about Qingfang Wang via: https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/qingfang
Podcast Highlights:
“A large number of Latina-Owned Businesses...are in the low wage, low…
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Jul 30, 2021
The Challenges of Immigration Policy (with Benyamin Chao)
In this episode, the Health & Public Benefits Campaign Coordinator at the California Immigrant Policy Center. Benyamin Chao talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Immigration Policy.
About Benyamin Chao:
Benyamin Chao is the Health & Public Benefits Campaign Coordinator at the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC). His duties include working with the California Protecting Immigrant Families (CAPIF) Coalition to protect access to safety net programs for immigrants in California.
Learn more about Benyamin Chao via https://caimmigrant.org/about/our-staff/benyamin-chao/
Podcast Highlights:
“...Immigrants have been excluded from public healthcare systems.”
- Benyamin Chao on the topic of unique challenges immigrants face.
“My mom would tell me...don't apply for calfresh, don't share your information because it may give you away or be used against you. ”
- Benyamin Chao on his personal and family experience under old im…
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Jul 16, 2021
COVID-19: Vaccine Inequity (Anil Deolalikar & Bruce Link)
In this episode, the Dean of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy Anil Deolalikar, and Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Sociology Bruce Link talk with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about vaccine inequity.
About Anil Deolalikar:
Anil Deolalikar has been founding dean of the School of Public Policy since February 2013 and a professor of economics at UC Riverside since 2003. Deolalikar is a development economist who has published four books and 75 articles on the economics of child nutrition, health, education, poverty, and social protection in developing countries. In addition to his research, Deolalikar has extensive public policy experience.
Learn more about Anil Deolalikar via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/anild
About Bruce Link: Dr. Bruce Link earned his BA from Earlham College and MS and PhD degrees from Columbia University. His interests are centered on topics in psychiatric and social epidemiology. He has written on the co…
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Jul 2, 2021
COVID-19: Disability Rights (with Catherine Blakemore)
In this episode, Former Executive Director of Disability Rights California Catherine Blakemore talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about challenges the disabled population faces.
About Catherine Blakemore:
Growing up in Southern California, Blakemore recalls being instilled with a desire to help others. Blakemore’s grandmothers and a great-grandmother were teachers, as was her mother, who was frequently assigned to work with children who had more trouble learning. Blakemore counts among her strengths her ability to come up with creative solutions that work for both sides in a dispute. She is also particularly proud of helping to change attitudes about people with disabilities and said she remains excited about her work despite decades of doing it.
Learn more about Catherine Blakemore via https://www.calbarjournal.com/September2016/TopHeadlines/TH1.aspx
Podcast Highlights:
“So really if you're a person with a disability, you can experience almost…
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Jun 18, 2021
COVID-19: Returning to In-Person Learning (with Angelo Farooq)
In this episode, Riverside School Board Member Angelo Farooq talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about returning to the classroom in the fall.
About Angelo Farooq:
Dr. I. Angelo Farooq is proudly born and raised in Inland Southern California. He grew up attending local public schools in Riverside County within Jurupa Valley. Angelo and his two younger sisters were raised by a single low-income mother who instilled the value of education to transcend their challenging economic circumstances. These experiences shaped him to prioritize the advancement of equity and access to opportunities for diverse students.
Learn more about Angelo Farooq via http://riversideunified.org/cms/One.aspx?pageId=13815216&portalId=580805
Podcast Highlights:
“What we've been seeing just from our data and anecdotally as well is that the social emotional aspect, the mental health, has been a challenge. For some students much more so than others...”
- Angelo Farooq…
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Jun 4, 2021
Government: Ethics & Transparency at the Federal Level (with Shelley Finlayson)
In this episode, U.S. Office of Government Ethics Chief of Staff & Program Counsel Shelley Finlayson talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about ethics and transparency within the executive branch of the federal government.
About Shelley Finlayson:
Ms. Finlayson joined OGE in 2006, initially serving in roles related to OGE’s legislative affairs and budget programs. Early in her tenure at OGE, Ms. Finlayson was honored to be selected as a Brookings LEGIS Fellow, through which she served with the Oversight of Government Management Subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. She is also a member of the UCR School of Public Policy Advisory Board.
Learn more about Shelley Finlayson via https://oge.gov/Web/OGE.nsf/Resources/Meet+OGE’s+Chief+of+Staff+&+Program+Counsel,+Shelley+K.+Finlayson
Podcast Highlights:
“We lead the program to ensure that public employees carry out the government responsibilities entrusted to th…
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May 21, 2021
AAPI: Anti-Asian Violence & Discrimination (with Janelle Wong)
In this episode, Professor of American Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park Janelle Wong talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about anti-Asian violence and discrimination in America.
About Janelle Wong:
Janelle Wong is Professor of American Studies and a core faculty member in the Asian American Studies Program. From 2001-2012, Wong was in the Departments of Political Science and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. She received her PhD in 2001 from the Department of Political Science at Yale University. Wong is also a Senior Researcher at AAPI Data.
Learn more about Janelle Wong via https://amst.umd.edu/faculty/janelle-wong/
Podcast Highlights:
“The research I do at AAPI data shows that many Asian Americans as well as people from other racial groups don't feel confident in or are reluctant to report a hate crime to law enforcement.”
- Janelle Wong on the topic of why hate crime data i…
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May 14, 2021
Gun Violence: Polarization Among the American Public (with Andrew Daniller)
In this episode, Research Associate at Pew Research Center Andrew Daniller talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about public opinion regarding gun violence in America.
About Andrew Daniller:
His research is primarily focused on the role of news media in shaping public opinion. Before arriving at the Annenberg School, he received a Master's degree in Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University. Former George Gerbner Post Doctoral Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania.
Learn more about Andrew Daniller via https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/andrew-daniller/
Link to Pew Research Center report on views on gun policy:
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/04/20/amid-a-series-of-mass-shootings-in-the-u-s-gun-policy-remains-deeply-divisive/
Podcast Highlights:
“Only about 2 in 10 Republicans told us that gun violence was a very big problem compared to around three-quarters of Democrats...”
- Andrew Daniller on the topic…
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May 7, 2021
Bridging the Gap: Science to Policy (with Susan Hackwood)
In this episode, Director of the Center of Science to Policy at the University of California, Riverside Susan Hackwood talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about bridging the gap between science and public policy.
About Susan Hackwood:
Susan Hackwood is Professor of the Graduate Division and Edward A. Dickson Emeritus Professor at the University of California Riverside. She is also Dean Emeritus of the Bourns College of Engineering. Until July 2018 she was the Executive Director of the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST). CCST is a not-for-profit corporation comprised of 200 plus science and technology leaders of the highest distinction.
Learn more about Susan Hackwood via https://sciencetopolicy.ucr.edu/professional-leadership
Podcast Highlights:
“There is an enormous need to bridge the science world with the policy world.”
- Susan Hackwood on the topic of why Science to Policy was founded at UC Riverside.
"We were al…
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Apr 23, 2021
COVID-19: Vaccine Passports & Hesitancy (with Richard Carpiano)
In this episode, UCR Professor of Public Policy and Sociology Richard Carpiano talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the possibility of vaccine passports.
About Richard Carpiano:
Richard M. Carpiano is Professor of Public Policy and Sociology at the University of California, Riverside. He is a public and population health scientist and medical sociologist. His research focuses on an extensive range of health issues and populations, spanning the life course and US and international contexts. The most recent arm of Carpiano’s research program investigates social, behavioral, attitudinal, and policy factors underlying vaccination uptake and coverage (and refusal or delay) in the US, Canada, and Denmark. As part of this work, Carpiano presently serves as a member of the Lancet's Commission on Vaccine Refusal, Acceptance, and Demand in the United States.
Learn more about Richard Carpiano via https://profiles.ucr.ed…
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Mar 12, 2021
California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis: A Career in Public Service
In this episode, Lieutenant Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about her accomplished career in public service.
About Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis:
Eleni Kounalakis is the first woman elected Lt. Governor of California. A native Californian, Kounalakis is California’s Representative for International Affairs and Trade, appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom by executive order. From 2010 to 2013, Kounalakis served as President Barack Obama’s Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary. Kounalakis was the first Greek-American woman – and at age 43 one of America’s youngest – to serve as U.S. Ambassador. Her highly acclaimed memoir, “Madam Ambassador, Three Years of Diplomacy, Dinner Parties and Democracy in Budapest” chronicles the onset of Hungary’s democratic backsliding.
Learn more about Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis via https://ltg.ca.gov/about/
Podcast Highlights:
“Honoring and respecting the fact…
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Feb 26, 2021
COVID-19: The Threat of "Fake News" (with Carl Bergstrom)
In this episode, theoretical and evolutionary biologist and professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, Carl Bergstrom talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the era of "fake news" and how to combat disinformation.
About Carl Bergstrom:
Bergstrom uses mathematical models and computer simulations to study a wide range of problems in population biology, animal behavior, and evolutionary theory. He is interested in how current norms and institutions shape scientific knowledge. While researchers may be driven by intrinsic curiosity, they are constrained by the realities of the scientific ecosystem in which they operate and motivated by the other incentives — monetary and otherwise — with which they are confronted. He is also the author of the book, "Calling Bullshit".
Learn more about Carl Bergstrom via https://www.biology.washington.edu/people/profile/carl-bergstrom
Podcast Highlights:
“Over the last few years we have see…
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Feb 12, 2021
LGBTQ+: Transgender Policies & Protections (with Amanda Goad)
In this episode, Audrey Irmas Director of the LGBTQ, Gender & Reproductive Justice Project at the ACLU of Southern California Amanda Goad talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about transgender rights in California and the country.
About Amanda Goad:
Amanda is the Audrey Irmas Director of the LGBTQ, Gender & Reproductive Justice Project at the ACLU of Southern California. Amanda was previously a staff attorney in the LGBT & HIV Project of the National ACLU. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network.
Learn more about Amanda Goad via https://www.aclusocal.org/en/Amanda-goad
Podcast Highlights:
“Even as we're focused on implementation and making things even better in California, the trans rights movement at a national level is still unfortunately having to play a lot of defense.”
- Amanda Goad on the topic of California paving the path for the trans rights movement.
Guest:
Amanda Goad (Audrey…
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Feb 5, 2021
2020 Election: A Divided Congress (with Ben Bishin)
In this episode, UCR Professor of political science Ben Bishin talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about what to expect from a partisan Congress as we enter President Biden's first term in office.
About Ben Bishin:
Benjamin G. Bishin is Professor of political science. His interests include questions of democracy, representation, identity and ethnicity, public opinion, legislative politics, Cuban-American and LGBT politics. He is author of Tyranny of the Minority: The Subconstituency Politics Theory of Representation and recipient of the 2001 Jewell-Loewenberg Award for the best paper on Legislative Politics and, along with his coauthors, winner of the 2011 and 2014 Bailey Awards for the best paper on gay and lesbian politics.
Learn more about Ben Bishin via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/bishin
Podcast Highlights:
“What becomes tricky with respect to an evenly split Senate is that there is actually, technically, not a majority within the…
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Jan 15, 2021
COVID-19: Availability of Social Services (with Sayori Baldwin)
In this episode, Director of Public Social Services in Riverside County, Sayori Baldwin, talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the many programs considered social services and their role in society both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
About Sayori Baldwin:
Sayori Baldwin is the Director of the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS); consisting of over 4,200 employees who are responsible for administering the following programs: Children’s and Adult Services, Medi-Cal, Cal Fresh, CalWORKs, Employment Services, Homeless and General Assistance. Sayori comes with a wealth of experience within the Health and Human Services field having spent the last 30 years in a wide variety of programmatic and administrative roles that serves the most vulnerable children and adults in our communities. Sayori holds a master’s degree in Public Administration.
Podcast Highlights:
“The Department of Social Services employs approximate…
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Dec 11, 2020
2020 Election: Analysis Part 2 (with Kevin Esterling)
In this episode, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Kevin Esterling talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about utilizing technology to bridge the gap between constituents and representatives as well as rifts in the Democratic Party following this election.
About Kevin Esterling:
Kevin Esterling is Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, and the Director of the Laboratory for Technology, Communication and Democracy (TeCD Lab), at the University of California, Riverside. His current work focuses on deliberative democracy and the design of technology that leads citizens to engage constructively in public discourse. His work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, The Democracy Fund, and the MacArthur Foundation.
Learn more about Kevin Esterling via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/kevine
Podcast Highlights:
“We have a problem of scale in our democracy, which is that our country is of such a size that it's har…
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Nov 27, 2020
2020 Election: Native American Affairs (with Roseanne Rosenthal)
In this episode, Chair of the UCR Graduate Student Researchers In Areas of Native American Studies Society, Roseanne Rosenthal talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Native American history, issues and policy implications.
About Roseanne Rosenthal:
Roseanne Rosenthal is Mescalero Apache and Tewa. She is a non-traditional student who decided to come back to school after decades of working as a nurse in many different areas. Roseanne is a Forensic Nurse and Crime Scene Investigator certified through the UCR Extension Center. Prior to being admitted to UCR’s Cultural Anthropology graduate program, she worked in the Emergency Room Trauma Center, as a Nurse Administrator for a multi-specialty medical group, and as a Nurse Case Manager for an HMO management company.
Roseanne is an active member in many organizations at UCR including having founded the Native American Honor Society and is the coordinator of the Indigenize UCR project. She is involved in t…
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Nov 13, 2020
2020 Election: Analysis Part 1 (with Francisco Pedraza)
In this episode, UCR Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Political Science Francisco Pedraza talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the 2020 election results.
About Francisco Pedraza:
Dr. Pedraza is a political scientist at the University of California, Riverside with appointments in the School of Public Policy and the Department of Political Science. His research centers on political attitude formation and political behavior, with a special emphasis on the attitudes and behaviors of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States.
Learn more about Francisco Pedraza via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/fpedraza.
Podcast Highlights:
“It is hard to see a victory for those electoral college votes in [Arizona and Florida] happening without the Latino vote.”
- Francisco Pedraza on the topic of voting blocks that influenced the results of this election.
“Political science literature on electoral and campaign outcomes, r…
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Oct 30, 2020
2020 Election: Who is Voting and Why?
In this episode, Professor of Political Science Jennifer Merolla and political science graduate students Mai Nguyen Do and Sarah Hayes talk with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about why the female, Black, and youth vote are so important.
About : Jennifer Merolla
Jennifer L. Merolla is Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Riverside. Her research focuses on how the political environment shapes individual attitudes and behavior across many domains such as candidate evaluations during elections, immigration policy attitudes, foreign policy attitudes, and support for democratic values and institutions.
Learn more about Jennifer Merolla via https://politicalscience.ucr.edu/people/faculty/jennifer-merolla/
About Mai Nguyen Do:
My name is Mai Nguyen Do. I work as a researcher for AAPI Data and am a PhD student in the political science department. I'm particularly interested in migration, Southeast Asian refugees in the United States, and…
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Oct 16, 2020
2020 Election: Voting By Mail (with Bob Page)
In this episode, San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Bob Page talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about secure, safe, and efficient voting options in this upcoming election.
About Bob Page:
Mr. Page is responsible for all aspects of the election process for the county’s residents. He administers all local, state, and federal elections in the County of San Bernardino, including the management of voting systems, the employment and training of poll workers, election ballot processing, and vote tallying.
Learn more about Bob Page via https://www.sbcounty.gov/Main/Pages/DepartmentServices.aspx?ContactID=59
Podcast Highlights:
“ Well I would say that in this election we are seeing a number of states expanding the ability of their voters to vote by mail.”
- Bob Page on the topic of the expansion of mail-in ballots due to COVID-19.
“ [The County does] prepay the postage on return envelopes... we have a number of early vote sites a…
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Oct 2, 2020
BLM: Environmental Justice (with Cesunica Ivey)
In this episode, Assistant Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Dr. Cesunica Ivey talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about environmental racism.
About Cesunica Ivey:
Cesunica Ivey has a background in mathematics, civil engineering, and environmental engineering, and she received her Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in 2016. Her research interests include source apportionment of fine particulate matter, regional air quality modeling for health applications, global atmospheric modeling, and environmental justice.
Learn more about Cesunica Ivey via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/cesunica
Podcast Highlights:
“Environmental justice impacts are multidimensional and they have long-term health and socioeconomic consequences simply because you grew up in an environment in a hazardous neighborhood.”
- Cesunica Ivey on the topic of why your environment impacts not only your economic status, but also your health.
“GIS enabled…
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Sep 11, 2020
COVID-19: Can College Students Terminate Apartment Leases?
In this episode, public policy student Sana Jaffery, real estate lawyer Scott Talkov, and Fair Housing of Riverside County program manager Nathan Cieszynski talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about options and resources for students who wish to terminate their leases due to COVID-19.
About Sana Jaffery:
Sana Jaffery recently found herself facing a housing issue, only to find out hundreds of students dealing with the same crisis. Jaffery had previously spoken about this issue on _NBC4 News_.
About Scott Talkov:
Scott Talkov is a real estate, business and bankruptcy litigation lawyer in Riverside, California and former partner at one of the Inland Empire’s oldest law firms.
Learn more about Scott Talkov via https://www.talkovlaw.com
About Nathan Cieszynski:
A HUD certified housing counselor, Nathan Cieszynski is a program manager and counselor at the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County.
Learn more about Nathan Cieszynski via https://fairh…
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Aug 28, 2020
COVID-19: Preparing for a New School Year (with Mike McCormick)
In this episode, Val Verde Unified School District Superintendent Mike McCormick talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the challenges school districts face as the academic school year begins and distanced learning continues. About Mike McCormick: Superintendent McCormick carries over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Beginning as a teacher at Home Gardens Elementary School, he became an Assistant Principal and Principal at both Vista Verde Middle School and Rancho Verde High School. Since 2015, he has served as Superintendent of Val Verde Unified School District. Learn more about Mike McCormick and Val Verde Unified School District here. Podcast Highlights: “I see on our State Superintendent Advisory Council with Tony Thurmond, and was able to be one of the first school districts in the state to apply to receive hot spots from Google and T-Mobile." - Mike McCormick on the topic of preparing to meet this moment, when studen…
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Aug 14, 2020
COVID-19: The Constitutionality of the Shutdown (with Greg Stepanicich)
In this episode, City Attorney for Mill Valley and Fairfield, Greg Stepanicich talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about "police power" and the legality of the shutdown.
About Mr. Stepanicich:
Mr. Stepanicich is the City Attorney for Mill Valley and Fairfield. He previously served as the City Attorney for Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, and Seal Beach. He joined the law firm of Richard Watson Gershon in 1977 and opened up the firm's San Francisco office in 1998. Mr. Stepanicich is also a UCR School of Public Policy Advisory Board member.
Learn more about Mr. Stepanicich via the City of Fairfield and the City of Mill Valley.
Podcast Highlights:
“I think there is no doubt that mask requirements, social distancing requirements, and the closure of businesses is going to be enforceable at this time”
- Mr. Stepanicich on the topic of rules and regulations that are enforceable during these unprecedented times
“We end up relying o…
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Jul 31, 2020
COVID-19: Heightened Racial Disparities (with Aerika Loyd)
In this episode, psychology professor Aerika Loyd talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about how the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected minority communities in the United States and laid bare the deep roots of systemic racism in America ranging from healthcare inequity to lack of access in education.
About Aerika Loyd:
Dr. Aerika Brittian Loyd is an interdisciplinary, community-engaged developmental scientist, who employs psychology, human development, and prevention science theories to understand how intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, and identity inform health and development for youth and young adults of color (e.g., African American and Latinx). The ultimate goal of her research program is to provide recommendations for culturally informed youth practice, prevention, and policy.
Learn more about her work via _https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/aerikal_
Podcast Highlights:
“One thing I’ve been inspired by with the la…
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Jul 16, 2020
COVID-19: Lack of Access in the American Education System (with Tracy Gray)
In this episode, Managing Director at the American Institutes for Research, Tracy Gray talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy, about the challenges and opportunities faced by distanced learning, as well as depending on technology in education now, and in the future.
About Tracy Gray:
Dr. Gray is a Managing Director at the American Institutes for Research, and currently leads the Center for Technology Implementation. Before working at AIR, she was Vice President for youth services at the Morino Institute and was responsible for the design and implementation of the Youth Development Collaborative. Dr. Gray was also the deputy executive director and chief operating officer for the Corporation for National Service that enabled more than 50,000 corps members to work in 1,500 programs throughout the United States. She is also a UCR School of Public Policy Advisory Board Member.
Learn more about Tracy Gray via https://www.air.org/person/tracy-gray.
Podcast Highl…
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Jun 23, 2020
COVID-19: Employer-Based Insurance (with Dave Jones)
In this episode, former California Insurance Commissioner, Dave Jones talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the implications and challenges the American system of employer-based insurance is currently facing due to COVID-19.
About Dave Jones:
Mr. Jones is a member of the UCR’s School of Public Policy Advisory Board. He previously served as California’s Insurance Commissioner from 2011 to 2019. The California Department of Insurance regulates the nation’s largest insurance market in the insurance industry which collects about 257 billion dollars in premiums annually from California. Prior to this role, Mr. Jones served in the California State Assembly chairing the Assembly Health Committee, the Judiciary Committee and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services from 2004 to 2011.
Learn more about Dave Jones via https://spp.ucr.edu/about/people#advisory_board.
Podcast Highlights:
“We may have an additional 7 million uninsured people…
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Jun 22, 2020
COVID-19: The Importance of Batteries (with Steve Christensen)
In this episode, Executive Director of Responsible Battery Coalition, Steve Christensen talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the important contribution of batteries in daily life, but specifically during a pandemic.
About Steve Christensen:
Steve Christensen is the Executive Director of Responsible Battery Coalition, a nonprofit coalition of companies, academics and organizations committed to the responsible management of the batteries of today and tomorrow. Prior to this role, he served as the Managing Director in the U.S. Public Affairs and Crisis Practice at Burson-Marsteller in Washington DC, where his clients include some of the world’s largest agriculture, chemical and consumer products companies. Before joining the private sector, Mr. Christensen served in several roles as a senior policy official at the United States Department of Agriculture where he concentrated his efforts on supporting public health and production agriculture through…
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Jun 16, 2020
COVID-19: The Role of Counties (with Greg Devereaux)
In this episode, retired CEO of San Bernardino County, Greg Devereaux talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the different roles and responsibilities of counties versus cities in general, but especially amid a pandemic.
About Greg Devereaux:
Greg Devereaux has served in state and local government for nearly 40 years, holding various administrative leadership positions, including city manager in the cities of Fontana and Ontario. He was also the former Chief Executive Officer of San Bernardino where he helped the Board of Supervisors lead the County in a new direction and helped to stabilize county government finances, increase infrastructure maintenance, and restore community programs. Since his retirement, Mr. Devereaux has opened his own consulting firm working with both public and private clients. Mr. Devereaux is also a member of the advisory board for the University of California, Riverside School of Public Policy.
Learn more about Greg Devereau…
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Jun 1, 2020
COVID-19: California's Workforce & Economy (with Angelov Farooq)
In this episode, Chairman of the California Workforce Development Board, Dr. Angelov Farooq talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about state strategies and policies to combat historic unemployment, a struggling economy, and distance learning amidst a statewide shelter-in-place order.
About Angelov Farooq:
Angelov Farooq is the owner of AVM Innovation Consulting, LLC, a Southern California based economic development firm. In 2013, Dr. Farooq was appointed the Chairman of the California Workforce Development Board under Governor Gavin Newsom's administration. . As Chairman, he leads the largest workforce development system in the country under the vision of the Governor & Secretary of Labor. In 2015, he was elected on the Board of Education for the Riverside Unified School District. Dr. Farooq is also the Founding Director of the UC Riverside Center for Economic Development.
Learn more about Angelov Farooq via https://angelovfarooq.com/about.
Podcast High…
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May 21, 2020
COVID-19: Feeding America (with Carolyn Solar)
In this episode, Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino Philanthropy Director, Carolyn Solar talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy to discuss food insecurity amid this pandemic.
About Carolyn Solar:
Carolyn Solar currently serves as the Philanthropy Director for Feeding America in Riverside and San Bernardino. She joins Feeding America with experience running her own food blog, where she tastes, photographs, and reviews food from all over Southern California. Prior to this role, she served as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator where she directed and led all mail marketing initiatives and developed marketing content.
Learn more about Carolyn Solar via https://www.feedingamericaie.org/team.
Podcast Highlights:
“The people that are coming to us for support are everyday people like you or me, they just need extra help right now.”
- Carolyn Solar on the topic of the recent changes in demand for food from food banks.
“Food insecu…
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May 13, 2020
COVID-19: UCR Student Perspectives
In this episode, various UCR students talk with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about their unique perspectives in regards to motivation, policies and more during COVID-19.
COVID-19 has impacted college students across the nation, and the world. The overnight transition to online learning has left some students vulnerable and worried about what is to come. These four students shine a light on their specific situations, and how they are coping during this crisis.
Podcast Highlights:
“For meetings it’s holding things through Zoom or a Group FaceTime and such, so you could always be in touch with familiar faces and not feel like you’re completely isolated. While still keeping yourself, your friends, and all relatives involved safe and healthy.”
- Carolina Cardenas on the topic of giving advice to her fellow colleagues on how to stay safe during COVID-19.
“What keeps me grounding is I would say thinking that I’ve done so much hard work durin…
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Apr 29, 2020
COVID-19: Water is the Best Defense (with Brad Coffey)
In this episode, Group Manager of the Water Resource Management at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Brad Coffey talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the safety, reliability, and affordability of water during this pandemic.
About Brad Coffey:
Brad Coffey serves as Group Manager for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. He leads the Water Resource Management Group and is responsible for planning and managing metropolitan's imported and local water resource programs, advancing water-use efficiency, and providing supply and demand forecasts for the region. Recently, Mr. Coffey has served as an Assistant Manager for the System Operations Group. As Assistant Manager, he helped manage more than 900 employees who import, treat, and deliver water throughout Southern California.
Learn more about Brad Coffey via http://www.mwdh2o.com/WhoWeAre/Management/Executive-Staff
Podcast Highlights:
“Your drinking water is heavil…
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Apr 20, 2020
COVID-19: Airline Bankruptcy? (with Michael Huerta)
In this episode, former Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, Michael Huerta talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the possibilities of the airline industry facing bankruptcy due to COVID-19.
About Michael Huerta:
Michael Huerta served as a former administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration between 2013 and 2018. He was nominated by former President Barack Obama and was the longest tenured Administrator in the agency’s history. Before being named Administrator, Mr. Huerta served as Acting Administrator of the FAA from 2011 to 2013 and FAA Deputy Administrator from 2010 to 2011. Mr. Huerta currently serves as a transportation industry consultant, including acting as a Senior Advisor to Macquarie Capital. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Delta Air Lines, Inc. Mr. Huerta is a UC Riverside Alumnus (‘78) and serves as an Advisory Board Member for the UC Riverside School of Public Policy.
Learn more about Mich…
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Apr 15, 2020
COVID-19: The Digital Divide (with Lloyd Levine)
In this episode, President of Filament Strategies LLC and former member of the California State Legislature, Lloyd Levine talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the effects of COVID-19 on students, legislation, and non-essential business.
About Lloyd Levine:
Lloyd Levine ('92) is a UC Riverside alumnus and one of the state’s leading experts on energy, telecommunications, and technology policy. Between 2002 and 2008, Mr. Levine served as a member of the California State Legislature where he was chair in the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce. He is now president of Filament Strategies, a Sacramento-based consulting firm, and provides consulting services in the technology and environmental sectors. As president, Mr. Levine works on issues ranging from Electric Vehicles to broadband adoption and the digital divide. Mr. Levine is also an Advisory Board member of UC Riverside’s School of Public Policy and in 2018 he was named a Senior Pol…
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Apr 7, 2020
COVID-19: State, National, and International Policies (with Richard Carpiano)
In this episode, population health scientist and medical sociologist, Professor Richard Carpiano talk with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the short term and long term impacts on public health and daily life during COVID-19.
About Richard Carpiano:
Richard Carpiano is a Professor of Public Policy and Sociology at the University of California, Riverside. He is also the co-editor of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, the leading journal for medical sociology scholarship. As a population health scientist and medical sociologist, Professor Carpiano examines how social factors, like socioeconomic status, race-ethnicity, social connections, and community conditions, contribute to the physical and mental health of adults and children. His most research program investigates social, behavioral, and attitudinal factors underlying child vaccination uptake and coverage (and refusal or delay) in the US and Canada.
Learn more about Richard Carpiano via https:/…
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Mar 11, 2020
COVID-19: Face or Fear the Facts? (with Richard Carpiano)
In this episode, Professor Richard Carpiano talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the severity of COVID-19 in relation to public health in general, as well as in comparison to other global infectious diseases, such as measles or SARS.
About Richard Carpiano:
Richard Carpiano is a Professor of Public Policy and Sociology at the University of California, Riverside. He is also the co-editor of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, the leading journal for medical sociology scholarship. As a population health scientist and medical sociologist, Professor Carpiano examines how social factors, like socioeconomic status, race-ethnicity, social connections, and community conditions, contribute to the physical and mental health of adults and children. His most research program investigates social, behavioral, and attitudinal factors underlying child vaccination uptake and coverage (and refusal or delay) in the US and Canada.
Learn more about Richard Carpi…
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