Building off of part one of our two part series on local control,  the COGCast continues the conversation with Mayor Kevin Bash from the City of Norco to discuss what local control means to him in light of the needs of our growing population.

The One About Local Control - Part 2

With growth on the horizon for Western Riverside County, and the greater Inland Empire, several community-shaping decisions will be made by locally elected officials that will impact communities for years to come.
 
On this episode of the COGCast, we sit down with Mayor Kevin Bash from the City of Norco for part one of a two-part series on local control. This episode will focus on his perspective on what local control means to him when it comes to the area of housing. 

The One About Local Control - Part 1

Building off of part one of our two part series on early childhood development education, we continue the conversation discussing the role and impact of early childhood development centers in our local communities.
Episode two features Tammi Graham, Executive Director of First 5 Riverside, and Pamela Robinson, Director of Concilio Child Development Center.

The One About Early Childhood Development Education - Part2

Early childhood development centers remain a key cornerstone of our local community, investing in future leaders and providing essential care for children as their parents work.
But how has COVID-19 and its multifaceted impact influenced the sustainability of this industry, especially in our ever-growing region? What are some of the challenges and solutions that need to be considered moving forward? To address some of these questions, the COGCast will feature a special two episode series on early childhood development education.
Part one of this two part series features JoAnne Lauer, Assistant Superintendent for Riverside County Office of Education, and Sarah Burnett, Early Childhood Education Professor at Norco Community College. 

The One About Early Childhood Development Education - Part 1

The City of Eastvale is one of the newest cities in Western Riverside County, recently incorporated in 2010. Since incorporation, the City has become home to more than 73,000 residents - making it one of the fastest growing cities in California.
 
Over the past year, communities across the Country faced challenges related to the spread of COVID-19. On this episode of the COGCast, we hear how the City of Eastvale responded to these challenges in hope and resilience with guest speaker, Bryan Jones, City Manager at the City of Eastvale. 

The One About the City of Eastvale

The Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency (RCHCA) works to maintain and restore habitat for the endangered Stephens' Kangaroo Rat.  Many of the efforts undertaken by RCHCA over the past 25 years would not be possible if not for the partnerships formed with agencies like the Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). More specifically, the BLM’s Threatened and Endangered Species Program leads the conservation and recovery of federally listed species and has worked closely with RCHCA over the years.
 
On this episode of the COGCast, we are joined by James Gannon, BLM’s Fuels Program Manager for the California Desert Interagency Fire Program. 
 
This episode is released as a part of RCHCA's programming for Conservation Month. Check out the website for more information!

The One About the Bureau of Land Management

Over the past 25 years, the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency has had a core focus to acquire and conserve habitat for the endangered Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat (SKR).  
 
Recently the agency completed the Rangewide Management and Monitoring Plan for the SKR which is intended to unify various organizational efforts to protect the species. On this episode of the COGCast, we welcome two scientific pioneers from the Conservation Biology Institute, also known as CBI, who assisted the RCHCA in this effort. Be sure to tune in for this episode with Dr. Wayne Spencer, Chief Scientist, and Deanne DiPietro, Senior Science Coordinator for Conservation Biology Institute.

The One About Collaborative Conservation Efforts

Eastern Municipal Water District, also known as EMWD, plays a key role in Western Riverside County providing water to more than 850,000 people living and working in the subregion. EMWD's mission is to deliver value to their diverse customers by providing safe, reliable, economical, and environmentally sustainable water, waste water, and recycled water services.
 
To share more about EMWD and the state of water in the subregion, Lanaya Voelz Alexander, Senior Director of Water Resources Planning at EMWD, joins the COGCast on this episode. Tune in today! 

The One About the State of Water in the Subregion

Western Municipal Water District, also known as Western, is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County providing both wholesale and retail customers with water, wastewater (sewer), and recycled water services. Western serves nearly 1 million people across 527-square miles in Western Riverside County.
 
Despite water’s vast impact on the region, there are many misconceptions surrounding where our water comes from, what we do with it, and why the role of water districts is paramount to the quality of life in the region. To help address some of these questions, this podcast episode features Craig Miller, General Manager at Western. Tune in today! 

The One About the Impact of Water

The Inland Empire Tech Bridge is anchored by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona Division and will serve as a regional hub of innovation for the Navy command and local partners in academia, nonprofit and private industries. This synergistic network will seek to find faster, better solutions to warfighter challenges while stimulating local economic growth and development.
 
On this episode of the COGCast, Troy Clarke, Inland Empire Tech Bridge Director, joins us on the COGCast to share about Tech bridge and it’s anticipated impact in the Inland Empire.

The One About the IE Tech Bridge

As an entrepreneur and owner of two businesses in the downtown area of the City of Riverside, Councilmember Ronaldo Fierro brings a unique and dynamic perspective to the conversation surrounding regional innovation and economic recovery in light of the impact of COVID-19.
 
Tune in for the most recent COGCast episode with City of Riverside Councilmember Ronaldo Fierro today! 
 
This episode is being released in anticipation for Riverside County's Innovation Month happening April 2021!

The One About Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Government

Save the date for Riverside County's Innovation Month happening April 2021!
 
Innovation Month is a time dedicated to commemorating inventive and entrepreneurial activities in Riverside County. To share more information on the month-long event and Riverside County's overarching economic development efforts, Rob Moran, Deputy Director of Riverside County Business and Community Services, joins us on the COGCast.  

The One About Innovation Month

Bill Fulton has served in various roles throughout Southern California. He has been a journalist, a Mayor for the City of Ventura, a Planning Director for the City of San Diego, and has established himself as a leading advocate for smart growth. Now, in his current role as the Director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, Bill Fulton continues his work as a thought leader.
 
On this episode of the COGCast, Bill Fulton joins the discussion to share his thoughts on California's future regarding the state's slowing population growth and the implications this could have for local municipalities.

The One With Bill Fulton

The League of California Cities, also known as Cal Cities, is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they can influence policy decision that affect cities.
 
On this episode of the COGCast, Erin Sasse, Regional Public Affairs Manager for Riverside County, joins the discussion to talk about how COVID-19 has impacted the legislature and what local governments can anticipate in the year to come.

The One About Cal Cities

Described by the New York Times as “America’s uber-geographer,” Joel Kotkin is an internationally recognized voice on economic, political, and social trends. He is the of author numerous books, including his most recent release titled, “The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class." Currently, Mr. Kotkin is the Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University in Southern California.
 
Tune in for this episode of the COGCast as we sit down with Joel Kotkin to discuss his projections for Western Riverside County and California at large.

The One With Joel Kotkin

The Inland Empire is often defined by an unfortunate regional narrative that rarely depicts the many innovative efforts undertaken and milestones achieved. How did this happen? What needs to be done in order to change the regional brand?
 
On this episode of the COGCast, we welcome Steve Lambert, Partner in the 20/20 Network, a unique public affairs and strategic communications firm that works to assist entities elevate their brand by establishing a more effective narrative. 

The One About Changing the Inland Empire Narrative

As a vibrant and young city in the heart of southwest Riverside County, the City of Menifee has grown exponentially since incorporation in 2008 and is recognized as one of the top 10 cities for growth in southern California with a 2.4% growth rate per year. So what is in store for the City of Menifee and how is it preparing for additional growth?
 
On this episode of the COGCast, Gina Gonzalez, Economic Development Director, and Cheryl Kitzerow, Community Development Director, will share more about the City, its initiatives, and its future.

The One About the City of Menifee

Since the beginning of the year, wildfires have burned over 3.1 million acres in California. To put this into perspective, 2020's acres burned is 26 times higher than the acres burned in 2019 for the same time period.
 
The devastation of these disasters calls local leaders to understand the scope of the issue and what can be done to help. Tune in for the latest podcast episode featuring Council Member Matt Rahn from the City of Temecula, who also serves as the Director for California State University San Marcos’s Environmental Leadership Institute and Wildfire Program.
 

The One About Wildfires

Ontario International Airport was established in 1929 and was named the fastest growing U.S. airport in 2018 and 2019. Serving 18.7 million residents in southern California, Ontario Airport plays a key role in the economic ecosystem of the Inland Empire region. Aside from its passenger travel, Ontario Airport is also heavily involved in the air cargo industry, handling over 750,000 tons in 2018.
 
On this episode of the COGCast, Ontario Aiport’s Deputy CEO, Atif Elkadi, joins us to share about how COVID-19 has impacted Ontario Airport and what the future holds for this regional economic driver.
 

The One About Ontario International Airport

Senator Scott Wiener represents California Senate District 11, which includes the Cities of San Francisco, Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City, as well as portions of the City of South San Francisco. Elected in 2016, Senator Scott Wiener has undertaken a concerted effort to address California's housing crisis, as well as other areas including transportation, healthcare, and much more.
 
Tune in for this episode of the WRCOGCast as we sit down with Senator Scott Wiener as he shares his thoughts on housing, COVID-19, and vision for the future of California.
 

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