Policy Chats

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)

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.”

-       Karen Borja on the topic of California's Proposition 1 and the importance of the upcoming Midterm Elections.

“We are with you. We believe in care no matter what.”

-       Karen Borja on Planned Parenthood's stance on abortion rights.

Guest:

Karen Borja (Director of Legislation and Community Affairs for Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest)

Interviewers:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Dinara Godage (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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 wait for the big moment. Do it now.”

-       Shirley Weber on the topic of getting involved and making a difference.

Guest:

Shirley Weber (California Secretary of State)

Interviewers:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Maddie Bunting (UCR Public Policy Alumnus)

Music by:

C Codaine

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.”

-       Cody Hounanian on the conversation of attending college and its benefits.

“We need to stop treating it as if it's only about the bottom line as if we're running a bank.”

-       Cody Hounanian on the topic of the greedy nature of student loans. 

Guest:

Cody Hounanian (Executive Director of SDCC)

Interviewer:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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 faced with fear or crisis, we're looking to figure out where it came from, who caused it...however, I think it was escalated in the COVID case.”

-       Greg Rodriguez on the topic of discrimination and racism during COVID-19. 

“Social media has played a huge role...when it's spread over and over again, it, unfortunately, becomes a part of people's dialogue.”

-       Greg Rodriguez on the topic of misinformation and anti-science sentiment. 

Guest:

Greg Rodriguez (Government Relations and Public Policy Advisor)

Interviewer:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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.”

-       Kevin Esterling on the advantages of digital democracy. 

“If social media platforms just become a cesspool of misinformation and ideological content, at some people will find it less useful...”

-       Kevin Esterling on the topic of social media and echo chambers.

“Technology is neither good nor bad, it's just how it's designed and how it ends up getting used.”

-       Kevin Esterling pointing out the "gray area" that technology often falls into. 

Guest:

Kevin Esterling (Professor of Political Science and Public Policy)

Interviewers:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Zeno Marganian (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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 advancing your career through networking. 

“When you're sitting there with the power to make decisions, it's really difficult when you have a bunch of diverse stakeholders because they all have different perspectives, priorities, and needs.”

-       Dr. Ryan Bixenmann on the challenges of decision-making and the vast factors that need to be considered. 

Guest:

Dr. Ryan Bixenmann (Senior Officer at CCST)

Interviewers:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Johanna Arias (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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 that were created. 

“I worry that we're getting in that same mindset again, cases are dropping, we can return to normal...and we're just not there yet.”

-       Dr. Carpiano on the cycle of opening and closing society. 

“This really is, in many respects, our new normal.”

-       Dr. Carpiano on the topic of COVID-19 being the "new normal" for our society.  

Guest:

Dr. Carpiano (Professor of Public Policy)

Interviewer:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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'Anieri via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/danieri

Podcast Highlights:

“Putin and the other Russian nationalist elites around him fear the emergence of a democratically elected state with a functioning civil society in Ukraine, not because such a state poses a direct threat to Russia, but because the example it provides for Russians who might unfavorably compare that to the regime he's created in Russia.”

-       Kiril Tomoff on the topic of Putin's underlying fears and goals embedded in the motives over the Ukrainian invasion.

“Putin's entire basis of power is based on the idea that democracy was a disaster and that Russia is not suited for democracy and democracy is not suited for Russia.”

-       Paul D'Anieri on the topic of Putin's anti-democratic stance.

Guests

Kiril Tomoff (Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities)

Paul D'Anieri (Professor of Political Science and Public Policy)

Interviewers:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Mufida Assaf (UCR Business and Political Science Double Major, Executive Vice President of ASUCR)

Music by:

C Codaine

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 completely blind to.”

-       Julianne McCall on the topic of human nature in research and policymaking

“The distribution of a finite resource that matters the most.”

-       Julianne McCall on the role and importance of funding in regards to research and solutions to problems. 

“A number of Americans and Californians have this lens within their faith communities, within a goodwill or golden rule framework, and ensuring fairness is top of mind for many folks.”

-       Julianne McCall on the topic of equity when it comes to solving real-world problems.

Guest:

Julianne McCall (Co-Director of the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine)

Interviewers:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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)

Zeno Marganian (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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 local communities in helping kids beyond school. 

“I think that people are curious about people's backgrounds and are more open to learning about one another.”

-       Michael Ramos on the societal and cultural changes that are creating new ideas.

Guest:

Michael Ramos (Former District Attorney)

Interviewer:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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 from encouraging bad policing.”

-       Sergio Diaz on the challenges involved in creating safe communities and how police can improve.

Guest:

Sergio Diaz (External Relations Director and Former Chief of Police)

Interviewers:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Zeno Marganian (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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 connection) that any challenge being faced anywhere in California can be solved in California.”

-       Betty Yee on the challenges of public office.

“Do it in an informed way and the most informed way is to know yourself first.”

-       Betty Yee's advice to students interested in running for office.

Guest:

Betty Yee (California State Controller)

Interviewers:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Johanna Arias (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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 that COVID has also shined a light on a lot of these root problems where we are talking about kind of this inequality and upward mobility. I think that we're more likely to be having conversations about those big picture issues.”

-       Bree Lang on the topic of COVID-19 and its impact on the discussion surrounding the housing crisis.

“I think it's important to be open-minded about these things and to be willing to listen to people so that we can come to a solution that's going to work for everybody.”

-       Bree Lang on the topic of solving the housing crisis.

Guest:

Dr. Bree Lang (Professor of Economics)

Interviewers:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Raiyan Kalam (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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 collaboration.”

-       Jun Bando on the topic of online learning and the new opportunities and challenges students and schools face.

“Science really needs to work to build a more diverse, inclusive and equitable culture within the field.”

-       Jun Bando on the topic of racial justice issues within the science field and the effort it will take for reform

Guest:

Dr. Jun Bando (Senior Advisor at CCST)

Interviewers:

Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Sean Nguyen (UCR Public Policy Major, Peer Academic Advisor)

Music by:

C Codaine

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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 approximately 4,200 employees and serves over 750,000 customers throughout the year.”

-       Sayori Baldwin on the scope and reach of the Department of Public Social Services in Riverside County.

“In social services, if money were reallocated, what we've been looking at is preventative and supportive services programs...”

-       Sayori Baldwin on the topic of what the future would look like if counties reallocated part of the budget to increase funding for social services.

“I really do think that community service and preventative services should always be key in order to alleviate the problems of society.”

-       Sayori Baldwin on the topic of how to help citizens and build a better society in the United States.

Guest:

Sayori Baldwin (Director, Department of Public Social Services, Riverside County)

Interviewer:

Maddie Bunting (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

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.