The Rebuild SoCal Zone

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

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

In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. Supervisor Fletcher proudly serves the residents of the 4th district. Supervisor Fletcher also served as Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for the past two years. We discuss transportation policies and projects in San Diego County, the values of improving the lives of families in San Diego County, housing affordability, and more!  Please note: This episode was recorded on January 11th, 2023

"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 

"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

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.

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.

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.

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 

"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

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 

"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

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/

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

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.

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. Please make sure you subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

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.

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.  Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

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. Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

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. Please be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Send any questions or comments to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

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.

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

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!   https://youtu.be/oGXv_BbCZmc  Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

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.  Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

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

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

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. 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

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

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

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

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

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/

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.

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.

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:  See California Ports See California Bridges fhwa.dot.gov LA Times - Water Shortage Maps of Word - California Airports

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.