The Rebuild SoCal Zone
By Rebuild SoCal Partnership
The Rebuild SoCal ZoneMar 02, 2022
The Challenges and Opportunities of Water in Southern California
In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Adán Ortega, the Chair of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Ortega took office as chair on January 1st of this year. We discussed the effects of the rain and storms in Southern California earlier this year, the challenges with building new water infrastructure, the future of water delivery in Southern California, and more!
Please note this episode was recorded on June 28th, 2023.
Denise Cooper Talks Success and Growth in the Construction Industry
Women in Construction - President and CEO of Cooper Engineering Inc. Denise Cooper joins host Jon Switalski for an inspiring conversation about being a successful woman and business owner in the construction industry. Cooper talks about how young women should want to join the construction industry and not feel scared to do so, her journey into the industry, and the key to having a successful small business.
Please note: This episode was recorded on March 8th, 2023. If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes, please email podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
Rebuild's Conversation with San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas
In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Nora Vargas. Chairwoman Vargas was sworn in on January 4, 2021, to represent San Diego County’s 1st Supervisorial District. A first-generation immigrant, Supervisor Vargas is the first Latina, binational, and woman of color to serve as County Supervisor in the nearly 200-year history of the County of San Diego. She served as Vice-Chair of the Board for her first two terms and, on January 10th, 2023, was unanimously elected Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors. We discuss transportation policies and projects in San Diego County, the importance of affordable housing in our communities for young and working families, having a regional impact on San Diegans, and more!
Please note this episode was recorded on February 27th, 2023
Women in Construction: Teresa Stevenson Discusses How Joining the Operating Engineers was the Best Thing She Has Ever Done
This time around on our women in construction series, host Jon Switalski spoke with Teresa Stevenson. Stevenson is currently a Public License Works Inspector for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12. Stevenson joined the Operating Engineers when she was 52 and now, at 58, talks to us about her experience as a woman in such a male-dominated field. She also talks to us about the current project at the San Diego International Airport she is working on and how proud she feels when these projects are completed. Tune in to the episode and listen for more!
This episode was recorded on February 21st, 2023
The Value of Sweat Equity in Construction with Union Laborer Charles Fair
In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with Charles Fair, who is a member of the Laborers Union Local 89 in San Diego. Fair has been a member of Local 89 since 2008. We discuss the growth of San Diego, projects Charles has been a part of, mental health in the construction industry, and more!
Please note: This episode was recorded on February 9th, 2023
Our Conversation with San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman
"We can't conserve our way out of the problems we have in California. We have to invest in infrastructure."
In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman. Supervisor Hagman proudly serves the residents of the 4th district. We discuss various transportation projects happening in San Bernardino County, such as the Ontario Airport improvements, the importance of the goods movement to San Bernardino County, water infrastructure, and more!
Please note: This episode was recorded on January 18th, 2023
Our Conversation with LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger
"We should learn to respect the amount of water we have."
In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. Supervisor Barger proudly serves the residents of the 5th district, which is Los Angeles County's largest. We discuss the impact of Measure W projects, the role local transportation agencies play in addressing affordable housing, the implementation of Measure M transportation projects that are critical to District 5, and more!
Please note: This episode was recorded on November 29th, 2022
Infrastructure Investment in San Bernardino County with Dr. Ray Wolfe
In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Dr. Ray Wolfe. He is currently the Executive Director of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA). Dr. Wolfe joined SBCTA in April 2012 after spending more than 20 years with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). We discuss current infrastructure needs in San Bernardino County, road and highway needs related to the goods movement and what that means for cars, and upcoming projects such as the Redlands Passenger Rail.
Please note this episode was recorded on October 25th, 2022.
Our Conversation with Senator Robert Hertzberg
In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Senator Bob Hertzberg. He is currently running for Los Angeles County Supervisor in District 3, which covers much of the San Fernando Valley and the Westside of LA. Hertzberg has been a part of state government for years and returned in 2014 when he was elected again to represent nearly 1 million people in the San Fernando Valley in the California State Senate. We discuss the roll-out of Measure W projects, Hertzberg's affordable housing plan, the implementation of Measure M projects that are critical to District 3, creating union jobs, and more!
Please note this episode was recorded on September 22nd, 2022.
Our Conversation with Councilwoman Lindsey Horvath
In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Councilwoman Lindsey Horvath. She is currently running for Los Angeles County Supervisor in District 3, which covers much of the San Fernando Valley and the Westside of LA. Horvath is presently on the West Hollywood city council and was first elected in March 2015. We discuss Horvath's transportation plan for SD3, the roll-out of Measure W projects, the implementation of Measure M projects that are critical to district 3, and more!
Please note this episode was recorded on September 7th, 2022.
Checking in with The California High-Speed Rail Project
We're back with another episode focused on the California High-Speed Rail Project. The final state budget negotiations had excellent news for the project since we last touched base in May. In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with LaDonna DiCamillo, the Southern California Regional Director for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. We discuss how the project is progressing in Southern California, what is next for high-speed rail, and more!
NOTE: This episode was recorded on August 30th, 2022. To learn more about the project, please visit hsr.ca.gov
Talking Careers in Construction with LAUSD
"I would encourage students to understand this industry is in high demand."
In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, we spoke with Colin Brooks, the Career Technical Education Incentive Grant Coordinator (CTEIG Coordinator) at the Los Angeles Unified School District. Host Marci Stanage talks with Mr. Brooks about LAUSD's Building and Construction Trades Virtual Speaker Series, the value of a career in construction, and more.
Click here to learn more about Career Technical Education in L.A. Unified School District. To learn more about the Speaker Series or for any other inquiries, reach out to Colin Brooks at colin.brooks@lausd.net
Note: This episode was recorded on August 3rd, 2022. For any questions or inquiries, please reach out to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
California Water Crisis: Discussing Water Solutions with Deven Upadhyay of Metropolitan Water District
In the second part of our mini-series focused on California's water crisis, we spoke with Deven Upadhyay, the Chief Operating Officer and Assistant General Manager at the Metropolitan Water District. Host Marci Stanage talks with Mr. Upadhyay about water reuse, the many benefits of recycled water, and conservation efforts.
To learn more about MWD's Pure Water Southern California click here.
Note: This episode was recorded on June 15th, 2022. For any questions or inquiries please reach out to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
California's Water Crisis: Discussing the Megadrought with Karla Nemeth
"We are not going to conserve our way out of this drought."
In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with the Director of the California Department of Water Resources, Karla Nemeth. We discuss how California found itself in the midst of one of the longest and worst droughts in the last 1200 years. Nemeth also speaks about water recycling, the role climate change has in the drought, and the new emergency water regulations put forth by the State Water Resources Control Board.
To learn more about saving water and find a local water supplier go to: https://saveourwater.com/
Note: This episode was recorded on June 1st, 2022. For any questions or inquiries please reach out to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
The State of The California High-Speed Rail Project
In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Brian Kelly who is the Chief Executive Officer for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. We discuss everything from the project history, status, and the ultimate goals of the project.
NOTE: This episode was recorded on April 22nd, 2022. On April 28th, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) Board of Directors certified the Final (EIR/EIS) and unanimously approved the approximately 90-mile San Jose to Merced project section in Northern California. This action completes the environmental clearance for nearly 400 miles of the high-speed rail project’s 500-mile Phase 1 alignment from San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim. Here’s a link to the news release: https://hsr.ca.gov/2022/04/28/news-release-high-speed-rail-board-completes-environmental-clearance-to-connect-silicon-valley-and-central-valley/
Setting the Stage for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Talking Planning and Sustainability for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Host Jon Switalski sat down with Michelle Schwartz, Chief External Affairs Officer for LA 28 to discuss the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We talk about where LA 28 is in the planning process, the sustainability factor, and utilizing what LA already has to offer.
Learn more at https://la28.org/
This episode was recorded on March 29th, 2022
Women in Construction: Amber Wood Talks Balancing Work, Family, and the Importance of Sisterhood
This time around on our women in construction series, host Jon Switalski spoke with Amber Wood. Wood is a Heavy Equipment Operator for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12. Wood has over 20 years in the industry and talks to us about her experience as a woman in such a male-dominated field. She also talks to us about what it is like to balance being a mother and having a successful career.
Discussing the Importance of Water in Southern California with Adel Hagekhalil of Metropolitan Water District
New Podcast Episode Explores Drought, Metropolitan Water District’s (MWD) One Water Plan, and The Future of Water in Southern California
In this episode, host Jon Switalski sits down with the General Manager and CEO of Metropolitan Water District (MWD), Adel Hagekhalil. We discuss the "forever" drought in Southern California, the Regional Recycled Water Project in Carson, water conservation, and lots more on water infrastructure!
Note: This episode was recorded on March 2, 2022.
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Talking Hard Work, Leadership, and Local Government with Vice Mayor of Long Beach Rex Richardson
New Podcast Episode Explores Richardson's Accomplishments, The Importance of Infrastructure, and What's Next
This time around we sat down with the Vice Mayor of Long Beach, Rex Richardson. Host Jon Switalski talks to Mr. Richardson about his career journey, his involvement with the port of Long Beach, his decision in running for the Mayor of Long Beach, and more!
This episode was recorded on February 16th, 2022.
Please send in any requests, comments, or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org.
Women in Construction: Vera Salcedo Talks Achievements, Growth, and Favorite Parts of Being a Woman in this Industry
This episode is part of our women in construction series! This time around, host Carol Church sat down with Vera Salcedo, a female carpenter from Local 909, who currently works as a foreman for Neff Construction overseeing the construction of schools.
Note: This episode was recorded on January 14th, 2022.
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Inflation, Supply Chain and the Economic Future with Dr. Chris Thornberg
New Podcast Episode Explores this ‘Time of Phenomenal Uncertainty’
We sat down once again with Dr. Chris Thornberg, founder of Beacon Economics and Director of the UC Riverside Center for Economic Forecasting. Host Jon Switalski talks to Dr. Thornberg about the labor market, the supply chain crisis, and inflation.
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Talking SoCal Infrastructure, Innovation, Education and Housing with former OCBC President Lucy Dunn
New Podcast Episode Explores Dunn’s Accomplishments, Career and What’s Next
Host Carol Church sits down with Lucy Dunn, former CEO and President of Orange County Business Council, and one of Orange County’s 125 top influencers for 2021, to discuss her major accomplishments, the difficult decision to retire, and what’s next in her career. Recorded December 20, 2021.
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Move LA’s Advocacy for All Things Infrastructure
Talking Transit, Affordable Housing, Olympics 2028
In this episode, host Jon Switalski sits down with Move LA’s Executive Director Denny Zane and Director of Development and Programming Eli Lipmen. We discuss public transportation infrastructure, current Metro projects, affordable housing, and what LA County needs to do to prepare for the 2028 Olympics. Please Note: Build Back Better includes the $10B for affordable housing near public transit, not the IIJA. The IIJA is a $1 trillion bill. This episode was recorded on November 15, 2021.
Reimagining the Future of San Diego Transportation with SANDAG
In this episode, host Jon Switalski speaks with several of the brightest minds at the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG): Executive Director Hasan Ikhrata, Director of Regional Planning Coleen Clementson, and Chief Data Analytics Officer and Economist Ray Major. A long-term blueprint for San Diego, the 2021 Regional Plan addresses traffic congestion, improves commutes, and creates equal access to jobs, education, healthcare, and other community resources, including $163 billion in investments over the next 30 years.
Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
Women in Construction: Building America from the Ground Up
Local 12 Operating Engineer Apprentice Angelina Valdez-Belete Shares her Experience
On this episode, we are continuing our women in construction series. This time around we spoke with Angelina Valdez-Belete who is a member of the International Union of Engineers Local 12. We spoke to her about how she found the Local 12, what it feels like to operate these machines and the experience on the job site. To watch the Women Hardhats video mentioned in the episode, click the link below!
Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
Talking Housing Crisis, High-Speed Rail, Ports & Drought with Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon
Legislators Impact Infrastructure Issues
During this episode, we got the chance to speak with Speaker of the California State Assembly, Anthony Rendon. We discussed transportation and water infrastructure, the housing crisis, and what will be on the Speaker's legislative agenda in 2022.
*Recorded on October 21st, 2021.
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Construction Industry at Risk: Big Concerns, Big Hit to Bottom Line
Impact of the Construction General Permit Renewal on Contractors and Public Agencies
On this episode, we discuss the Construction General Permit that is being renewed by the California Water Resources Control Board. We spoke with experts, Dr. Mark Grey who is the Principal Technical Director for the Construction Industry Coalition on Water Quality and the Director of Environmental Affairs for BIASC, and Dave Mercier who is the head of the Water Quality Department at Michael Baker International's local office. Click the link below to find several documents about the permit, some of which we mention during the podcast, and a section focusing entirely on the Construction General Permit Renewal. https://www.cicwq.org/industry-news/construction-general-permit
Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
City of Needles Water Emergency May Benefit Other SoCal Cities (Part 2)
To finish our story on the city of Needles water crisis in Southern California and what went wrong, we spoke with Rainie Torrance, Assistant Utility Manager for the city of Needles, Bryan Hickstein, Chief Water Operator for the city of Needles, and Dave Sorem, Vice President for Mike Bubalo Construction. We discuss how RSCP became involved with this project, the July 21st storm that affected a crucial part of the city's only operating well, and the mechanics of a well overall.
Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
City of Needles Water Crisis - Setting the Story (Part 1)
This is the first of our two part episode about the water emergency in Needles, California. On this episode we get to speak with Rick Daniels, city manager of Needles, and the Mayor of Needles, Mr. Jeff Williams.
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Women in Construction - Journeywoman Julia Padilla
We are starting a brand new series all about women in the construction industry. To kick off our series we spoke with Journeywoman Julia Padilla, who is in the Laborers Union at Local 89. We talked about projects she has been a part of, the physical challenges during training bootcamp, and her overall experience and perception of being a woman in the construction industry. Here are the videos Julia has been featured in, found on our Youtube channel.
1) North Coast Project: https://youtu.be/weYg7XvfIsU
2) Women Hardhats - Building our Infrastructure: https://youtu.be/oGXv_BbCZmc
3) Women in Construction (30 second): https://youtu.be/AcawbVhd_tU
Please make sure you follow us so you don't miss an episode! Also please send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
Building America and Talking Construction Careers with Bradley Bearden
Surprise!! We are now launching 2 new episodes a month! To kick us off, we brought back Bradley Bearden, Union Carpenter at Martin Brothers, to chat with us more about his background, experience at apprenticeship training programs, his goals, and what exciting new projects he is a part of.
Please make sure you follow us so you don't miss an episode! Also please send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
McCarthy Construction Talks Topgolf Project, Passion, Sustainability & The Future
On this month's episode, we spoke with Mr. Paul Erb who is the Executive Vice President and Office Leader for McCarthy's Southern California region, former EVP of the San Jose region. Erb talks to us about several new projects in SoCal including the new Topgolf in El Segundo (which will create around 500 permanent jobs, NBD) and a student housing project in CSULB.
Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also please send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
Brightline West High-Speed Rail Is A Game Changer
How do you get from Vegas to Victor Valley in 85 minutes? This month, we chatted with Greta Seidman, the Director of Public Affairs at Brightline West about this incredible project. Brightline West is a high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas to Southern California.
For more information about Brightline West please visit: brightlinewestconstruction.com, Brightline West on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin, or reach out via email to: outreach@brightlinewest.com
Please make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Please submit any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org
Former LA Metro CEO Mr. Phillip Washington Tells His Story and Accomplishments
In this month's episode, we spoke with former LA Metro CEO, Mr. Phillip Washington. He recently concluded his time at LA Metro at the end of May 2021. We discuss everything from his accomplishments during his time at LA Metro, his role on President Biden's transition team, and even a little about his time in the military.
For more info on Measure M, please visit: https://theplan.metro.net/
The Next Generation Talks Southern California's Infrastructure
On this special edition episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone Podcast, we are speaking with a panel of bright young minds to discuss what they think about Southern California's construction and infrastructure. We speak with Bailee Bearden who works as a store account manager at Hilti Manufacturing Company store, Joey Rossetti who is a student at Servite High School, and Bradley Bearden who is a union carpenter.
Business Makes LA Work
The Rebuild SoCal Zone spoke with Los Angeles County Business Federation's Co-Founder and CEO, Tracy Hernandez. We talk about some of the hot topics from BizFed's 3rd annual Sacramento Week, such as Broadband, Transportation, and Energy Reliability.
The State of Our State w/ Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis
This week we spoke with the wonderful Lieutenant Governor of California, Eleni Kounalakis. Our discussion included the current "state of the state," stimulus packages, and workforce development in regards to infrastructure.
CA fact sources:
Rebuild Engages with LAUSD Superintendent Beutner
In this episode, we speak with LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner. We discuss everything from Measure RR to how to reopen schools safely. DISCLAIMER: This episode was pre-recorded on January 13th, 2021 and now some of the information, details, and statistics may have changed.
Metropolitan Water District Chairwoman, Gloria Gray's Vision for the Water Industry
On this week's episode, we sat down with Chairwoman of Metropolitan Water District, Gloria Gray. Our discussion on the future of MWD, and what types of projects we can expect in the next couple of years and her vision for the future of the water industry.
Success Through The Lens with Kelly Candaele
On this week's episode, we will be talking with Kelly Candaele. Mr. Candaele is our videographer for documenting projects throughout Southern California for the Partnership. Kelly has filmed all of our videos for the SB1 video docu-series, which can be found here. https://rebuildsocal.org/videos/
We also talk about Kelly's experience while filming on job sites and the stories he has from them. Lastly, Kelly discusses how the world we are living in today is similar to the world Alexander Hamilton would have wanted. Enjoy!
Talking with the Titans
On this episode, we are speaking with several titans of the construction industry. We discuss their life, career, and their vision for the industry's future, as well as the Partnerships. Please enjoy!
Tomorrow's Economic Future Today (with Dr. Thornberg)
This week we will be speaking with nationwide economist Dr. Chris Thornberg, founder of Beacon Economics. During this episode, we discuss economic recovery from COVID-19, what this means for the country and in particular Southern California, and what the future holds.
Introduction to The Rebuild SoCal Zone
Rebuild SoCal Partnership consists of 2,750 contractors, 90,000+ union workers, along with 3 unions and numerous construction trade associations. The Partnership is dedicated to working with elected officials and educating the public on the continued need for essential infrastructure funding including airports, bridges, ports, rail, roads and water. Located in Anaheim, CA. The podcast will discuss up and coming construction trends and projects in Southern California that will affect your community and your life.