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Policy Chats

Policy Chats

By UCR School of Public Policy

Join us for chats with various voices in the public policy world about today's most pressing societal issues. This podcast is a production of the School of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside.
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Abortion Rights After Roe & the 2022 Election

Policy ChatsOct 28, 2022

00:00
34:34
Asm. Sabrina Cervantes: Voting and Campaign Transparency

Asm. Sabrina Cervantes: Voting and Campaign Transparency

In this episode, California State Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about election policies and civic engagement.  


About Sabrina Cervantes:

Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes was elected in November 2016 and represents California’s 58th Assembly District. Assemblymember Cervantes earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside and completed an executive education program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She currently serves as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, leading a record-breaking 35 legislative members, which also includes a historic number of 21 Latinas. The first Latina Millennial elected to the State Assembly, she is currently a member of the Human Rights Campaign and serves on the Advisory Board for the University of California, Riverside (UCR) School of Public Policy. 

Learn more about Sabrina Cervantes via https://a58.asmdc.org/biography 


Podcast Highlights:  

“One thing that I have  learned, being the first Latina millennial to represent us here in the legislature... [is that] bringing these experiences to these positions of power and advocacy and having a seat at the table, that's what drives good public policy, that we each have something to bring to the table. No matter your background, no matter your experience, that's what makes the difference in the future of our communities.”

-      Sabrina Cervantes on how diverse individual experiences drive good public policy. 

“In 2021, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted by a vote of 4 to 1 to adopt a Supervisorial district map for the 2020 round of redistricting that was really fraught with a lot of controversy. Many individuals, organizations, and elected leaders really noted that it fractured the Latino community within our county. That means it dilutes the Latino voting power and their capacity to elect a representative of their choice. And so this failure to protect voting rights and comply with state and federal law underscores the need for an independent redistricting commission to draw fair maps for Riverside County. That is why we got to work on AB 1307 [to allow] truly independent and unbiased citizens who are empowered to draw supervisorial districts for Riverside County.”

-       Sabrina Cervantes on the importance of electing an independent citizen’s redistricting board for Riverside County.

“Even in these positions of power as a woman of color and just a minority, we are still not the majority. When I step into rooms, oftentimes I'm still the only woman or woman of color, whether that's locally or whether that's in Sacramento. And we are changing that paradigm by electing more women and people of all different backgrounds. And I just really always encourage folks to lean in with the experiences that you bring to create that positive change and that ripple effect that will come with it.”

-       Sabrina Cervantes on increasing diversity within the elected representatives. 


Guest:

Sabrina Cervantes (California State Assemblymember) 

Interviewers:

Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)

Joseph Anastacio (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) 


Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/57h7hjkC6ME


Music by: C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:

https://bit.ly/spp-homeless-aid

https://www.scipolsymposium.org/

https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp 


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

Mar 11, 202431:29
Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas: SB 150: Creating a More Equitable Workforce

Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas: SB 150: Creating a More Equitable Workforce

In this episode, California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about increasing equity and job quality with the groundbreaking California Senate Bill 150.  

About Lola Smallwood-Cuevas:

Since graduating from the California State University at Hayward, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas has had an influential career, working with the Newspaper Guild before co-founding the Los Angeles Black Worker Center. She later went on to become the Project Director for the UCLA Labor Center, where she directed the Center for the Advancement of Racial Equity (CARE) at Work, before becoming California State Senator in 2022, representing the 28th District.

Learn more about Lola Smallwood-Cuevas via https://sd28.senate.ca.gov/biography


Podcast Highlights:  

“Far too many of our families are living in poverty, far too many of our families are facing homelessness, food insecurity, and the only way we can transform that is through quality work and particularly working with our union partners and our education partners.”

-       California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas on the topic of the necessity of collaboration to achieve meaningful progress for working-class families. 

“Our bill ensures that every project that we are building through these climate resiliency funds are built with community benefits agreements and project labor agreements... Our intention is that all of the work, including the manufacturing, will also be supported by this policy... because at the end of the day, our state only does well when all of the workers in our state are doing well."

-       California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas on the topic of the relationship between the success of California workers and the success of the state as a collective. 

"We have tremendous state agencies that have tremendous resources, some of the most creative minds in this state. And our job [as legislators] is to make sure that we are bringing them to the table, and we're breaking down their silos so that they can come together, share information, maximize their capacity, and do the work that the people of California needs them to do."

-       California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas on the topic of the role of legislators in supporting individuals to make change. 


Guest:

Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (California State Senator) 

Interviewers:

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

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

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/9ukTHtM-Tcs


Music by: C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
CARE Act Live Podcast Recording: https://presley-care.eventbrite.com/

Violeta Aguilar-Wyrick Community Seminar: https://spp-aguilar-wyrick.eventbrite.com/https://bit.ly/spp-aguilar-wyrick

UCR School of Public Policy MPP Program: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpphttps://spp.ucr.edu/mpp 


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

Feb 20, 202439:21
Bob Mendez: Middle Income Families: Unintended Policy Consequences

Bob Mendez: Middle Income Families: Unintended Policy Consequences

In this episode, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Chairman of the Board Bob Mendez talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about policies that impact middle income families, and how we can alter existing policies to create a better environment for them to thrive.  


About Bob Mendez:
A former member of the US Navy, Bob Mendez has had a decorated career in finance, having worked at Merrill Lynch Smith Barney, and Morgan Stanley. He also is actively involved in his community as Chairman of the Board for the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, Chairperson on Budget Engagement Commission for the City of Riverside, and a member of the Honorary Commanders - a civilian organization that supports the March Air Reserve Base.
Learn more about Bob Mendez via 
https://www.raymondjames.com/rlmwealthgroup/about-us/bio?_=bob.mendez 


Podcast Highlights: 

“When we look at middle-income families as a whole in our society, they provide us with a source of economic stability in that they generally make up the largest portion of the workforce. They can provide a steady stream of local income and taxes as well. And it's critical, especially for any local economy like here in Riverside, which [needs to be able to demonstrate they have a stable workforce] in order to be able to effectively borrow. Plus, they provide consumer spending, which is critical for our local businesses…”

-       Bob Mendez on the topic of the value middle income families bring to local families. 

“The California Environmental Quality Act, is designed to protect our environment. So, I understand the need for CEQA and I like some aspects of it, but there are certain things that could easily be tweaked in order to help, especially suffering middle income families. It's my understanding that, when a developer is looking to build a housing unit, there is approximately $40,000 to $50,000 of cost associated with just regulations that go into the building of just one unit. And we could make simple, I think, adjustments there [so that middle income families can have access to housing they can afford].“

-       Bob Mendez on the unintended consequences policies such as CEQA bring forth, despite good intentions. “I always say it comes down to three things, and it's jobs, jobs, and jobs. You know, we really need to come together, you know, in terms of being able to all move in the right direction to produce good paying jobs for individuals. You know, we just really have to break down all these silos between the city, the county, even our institutions of higher education, and the chamber, you know, where we all work collectively together for the betterment of our community."

-      Bob Mendez on the importance of collaboration between sectors to create jobs and effective change. 


Guest:

Bob Mendez (Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Chairman of the Board ) 

Interviewers:

Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)

Pia Prashanth (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) 

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/AoX6HO_K8AY?si=aH7l4IouhnzmuSkt


Music by: C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpphttps://spp.ucr.edu/mpp 

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ 

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

Jan 30, 202426:44
Warehousing and Quality of Jobs in the Inland Empire

Warehousing and Quality of Jobs in the Inland Empire

In this episode, Dr. Johannes Moenius, Peggi Hazlett, Sheheryar Kaoosji, and Dr. Juan De Lara talk with the University of California, Riverside Inland Center for Sustainable Development about the impacts of logistics and warehousing on employment and quality of jobs in the Inland Region.  


About the Inland Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD):

Established in 2003, the ICSD conducts and disseminates research and reports on issues of suburban growth and its impact on social, environmental, and transport systems. At our center, we focus on our region's interconnections between social well-being, the economy, and environmental sustainability. 

Learn more about ICSD via icsd.ucr.edu 


Podcast Highlights:  

“It's really hard to overestimate the importance of the logistics sector for the Inland Empire at this point in the economic development of the Inland Empire and actually also for the Southern California region. It’s by now the largest employer - about 16.4% of all employment in the Inland Empire actually is in the logistics sector."

-        Dr. Johannes Moenius on the topic of the impact of the logistics sector within the Inland Empire. 


“This sector in particular has designed its workflows and its work systems in a way to really take advantage of temporary work to really keep a permanent underclass of workers who are always desperate to get a permanent job. It also destabilizes the sector because those people who do have permanent jobs know there's always somebody looking over their shoulder for the next person who's trying to get their job, doing that same job sometimes for half the wage.”

-       Sheheryar Kaoosji on the topic of the detrimental hiring practices that are standard within the warehousing industry. 


“I'd like to see a shift in the narrative when we start to talk about these things. I'd like to see some change in the way that the industry is upskilling its employees to make sure that they are the next generation of workers that we need to have to move with the technology changes that are happening in the industry.”

-       Peggi Hazlett on the topic of the future of warehousing industry jobs as technology only continues to advance. 


Guests:

Dr. Johannes Moenius (William R. and S. Sue Johnson Endowed Chair of Spatial Economic Analysis and Regional Planning at University of Redlands)
Peggi Hazlett (Chief Executive Officer, Greater Ontario Business Council)
Sheheryar Kaoosji (Executive Director, Warehouse Worker Resource Center)
Dr. Juan De Lara (Director, Center for Latinx and Latin American Studies at University of Southern California) 


Interviewer:

Rick Bishop (External Director, Inland Center for Sustainable Development)


Music by: C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winning-big-for-workers-through-politics-and-policy-registration-799346445737 


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ 

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

Jan 19, 202449:00
Nicholas Adcock: The Importance of Local Economies Amid an Increasingly Globalized World

Nicholas Adcock: The Importance of Local Economies Amid an Increasingly Globalized World

In this episode, President and CEO of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Nicholas Adcock talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the importance of local economies and their relevance in an increasingly globalized world.  


About Nicholas Adcock:

Nicholas Adcock currently serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity, Riverside and previously served as president of the Pick Group of Young Professionals. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of California, Riverside. Nicholas Adcock joined the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce in 2009 as the Community Development Coordinator and rose through positions of Communications & Marketing Manager and Governmental Affairs Manager before becoming the organization's Vice President in 2013. During that time, he focused on projects like securing state funding and accreditation for the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, advocating for reform and relief for businesses against predatory litigation, and securing local control of Ontario International Airport. More recently, Nicholas led the effort to transition several of the Chamber’s value and membership programs to virtual settings and provide the latest news, resources, and information to local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about Nicholas Adcock via https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-adcock-b5b77b75. 


Podcast Highlights:  

“We naturally tend to think that with the internet and e-commerce and all the wonderful sort of tools and realms in which people communicate or engage with each other, we tend to think that everything is on a global economy. And there are parts of it where it certainly is. But if you think for the average person so much of their lives is impacted and influenced by local decisions… In a globalized world that we live in, being hyper-local is more important than ever.”

-       Nicholas Adcock on the topic of the importance of local economies amid an increasingly globalized world. 

“And when you have strong economies, strong communities, it's because usually everybody understands where they bring the most strengths and not trying to be one thing for all people. I'm not trying to replicate government because that's their job. I'm not trying to replicate a corporation because that's their job. I'm trying to replicate what a Chamber of Commerce is set to do. I'm kind of bridging the gaps of what the other entity in a way can't fulfill.”

-       Nicholas Adcock on the topic of how a strong local economy is built by different organizations focusing on their specialties.  

“The trick of it all is you've got to think about a problem we experience today, can we fix it so that it's not a problem still 10 years from now...  To some degree I try to feel like if we can figure out whatever that root problem is then usually it helps us both both in both contexts, both today and tomorrow.”

-       Nicholas Adcock on the topic of the necessity of solving local problems so they don’t persist and remain future issues. 


Guest:

Nicholas Adcock (President and CEO of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce) 

Interviewers:

Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)

Naia Pizarro (UCR Public Policy Major, UCR School of Public Policy Student Senator) 

LINK YOUTUBE-ANCHOR
Music by: C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpphttps://spp.ucr.edu/mpp 

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ 

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

Jan 02, 202427:00
Katie Attwell: Vaccine Policy in a Post-COVID World

Katie Attwell: Vaccine Policy in a Post-COVID World

In this episode, Associate Professor Katie Attwell talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about vaccine hesitancy, mandates, and public health policy.  


About Katie Attwell:

Associate Professor Katie Attwell is a political science and public policy scholar at the University of Western Australia, where she leads VaxPolLab. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at Telethon Kids Institute, Perth and is the Chair of the Collaboration on Social Science and Immunisation (COSSI), Australia’s national network of vaccination social science researchers. A/Prof Attwell is a global expert in vaccine hesitancy and vaccination policies for childhood and COVID-19 vaccines. Her recent Discovery Early Career Researcher Award fellowship (DECRA 2019-2022) funded by the Australian Research Council explored mandatory childhood vaccination policies in Australia, Italy, France, and California. Arising from this project is her book, co-authored with Mark Navin, entitled America’s New Vaccine Wars: California and the Politics of Mandates (OUP, 2023). Associate Professor Attwell led the interdisciplinary West Australian project “Coronavax: Preparing Community and Government”, which engaged in community and government research for the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, funded by Wesfarmers and the Health Department of Western Australia. From 2023, Associate Professor Attwell leads MandEval, a mixed methods and multi-country study of the implementation and impact of COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Australia, Italy, France and California, a $4.7 million dollar project funded by the Medical Research Future Fund of the Australian Government. 

Learn more about Katie Attwell via https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/katie-attwell 


Podcast Highlights:  

“How we navigate [vaccine policies is] always contextual and  informed by the political community that we're talking about. What you might get away with in California, you would not get away with in a red state and what you get away with in Australia, you might not get away with in California. You have to look at the people, you have to look at the political ideology, the history.”

-       Katie Attwell on the importance of understanding the context in which a policy is being implemented. 

“The activists and the technical experts and civil society actors and elected officials who changed California's vaccination policy, they were so successful in mobilizing a discourse that gets you thinking about vulnerable people.”

-       Katie Attwell on the success of California policy actors in informing the public about the risks of nonvaccination on vulnerable populations. “It's crucial that you understand [policy] receptiveness, not just because the policy might backfire, but because if you bring in a policy that you can't then implement and enforce, you're actually bringing people's attention to government's weaknesses and that could be potentially quite damaging as well.” 

-       Katie Attwell on why it is crucial to ensure policy survives implementation.  


Guest:

Katie Attwell (Associate Professor, University of Western Australia) 

Interviewers:

Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)

Andrew Shannon (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) 



Music by: C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpphttps://spp.ucr.edu/mpp 


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ 

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

Dec 15, 202336:11
Mayor Grace Garner: Housing Affordability & Income Disparities in Palm Springs

Mayor Grace Garner: Housing Affordability & Income Disparities in Palm Springs

In this episode, Mayor of Palm Springs Grace Garner talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about housing affordability, income disparities, and gentrification in the context of Palm Springs.   About Grace Garner: Grace Garner earned her Bachelor of Arts from the Pitzer College in Political Studies and Gender/Feminist Studies before receiving her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law. Previously, she has served as a board member of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry, was the Chief Operating Officer at Americans for Financial Reform, and was an Attorney Case Manager at White & Case LLP. Since serving on the Palm Springs City Council, Grace Garner has become a board member for the Desert Regional Medical Center as well as California State University-San Bernardino.  Learn more about Grace Garner via https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegarner/  Podcast Highlights:   “We need people to do maintenance work, we need people to do landscaping, we need people to wash dishes at restaurants and to cook in our kitchens. And to decide that they're not worthy of living somewhere because the rent would be lower is just really disrespectful to all of the people that literally make Palm Springs what it is.” -       Grace Garner on the topic of the importance of the workforce population in Palm Springs and why they deserve access to housing.  “There's one condo complex for instance that half of the units are vacant, and these are one bedroom units and so they're perfect for somebody who's kind of just entering college or someone who is just a single person or maybe a couple for them to move in. So how do we connect with this private condo association to then encourage their owners to rent out the home long term for workforce housing?” -       Grace Garner on the topic of how the unused vacant housing in Palm Springs can be rented to provide income for homeowners and housing for the workforce. “So if we can get that down to a more reasonable rent based on a person's income, then that would help a lot. They're still going to pay more than they would for a low income unit because they have the means to, but instead of paying 50% of their monthly income they'll pay the 30% which is supposed to be the standard rate that we should all be paying but almost none of us are." -       Grace Garner on the topic of how rent rates need to be structured for people who don't qualify for low-income housing, but also can't afford to use half of their salary on rent alone.  Guest: Grace Garner (Mayor of Palm Springs) 

Interviewers: Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador) Matthew De Haro (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) 

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/WV9q-jAhm4A


Music by: C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase


Commercial Links:

https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpphttps://spp.ucr.edu/mpp 


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ 

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Dec 01, 202333:07
Bernadette Del Chiaro: Solar Energy & Storage: The Key to a Sustainable Future

Bernadette Del Chiaro: Solar Energy & Storage: The Key to a Sustainable Future

In this episode, Executive Director of the California Storage and Solar Association Bernadette Del Chiaro talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the importance of solar energy and storage, as well as how they are essential to a sustainable future.  


About Bernadette Del Chiaro:

After completing her Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Resource Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, Bernadette Del Chiaro went on to work as an organizer for Green Corps. She later worked at the Toxics Action Center and Environment California and Environment America as a director, before joining the California Solar and Storage Association in 2013. Since joining, Bernadette has built the organization into the largest clean energy business group in the state. She's authored several clean energy reports and has been quoted widely in the media including MSNBC, NPR, BBC, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and dozens of local and trade outlets.  

Learn more about Bernadette Del Chiaro via https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadette-del-chiaro-7598706/ 


Podcast Highlights:  

“There's really nothing as abundant as solar energy and the sun's energy. It is just the single most abundant natural carbon free resource on the planet... So we've already figured it out. The question is just how do we deploy it as quickly as possible and get it in the hands of everybody so that we can solve climate change sooner than later. So to really put it more bluntly, we can't solve climate change without solar energy. It is that important and it's that foundational to our clean energy future.”

-       Bernadette Del Chiaro on the importance and abundance of solar energy, and how we have the resources we need to create a sustainable future. 

“And if you boil down climate change, which sometimes can seem like a pretty complex issue, it really comes down to one simple thing, which won't be easy, but is moving off of fossil fuels and to do that as quickly and with as little disruption to our society as possible.”

-       Bernadette Del Chiaro on the simplicity of the approach we need to take on climate change. 

“There's a lot of things that local governments can do to make [the change to solar] faster. There's a software that the Department of Energy has developed where every single building  in America can tap into that software for free and provide instantaneous permitting. So, you don't have to literally drive down to the permitting office with a piece of paper anymore. You can just use your computer, you enter in some information and out spits the permit, the permission to go build your solar system. That kind of thing is really groundbreaking, but we need all of our California cities and counties to actually adopt it”

-       Bernadette Del Chiaro on the statewide developments that increase accessibility to solar panel permitting. 

Guest:

Bernadette Del Chiaro (Executive Director, California Solar and Storage Association) 

Interviewers:

Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador) 


Watch to the video version here: https://youtu.be/zDUQdgemXPk


Music by: C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:

Considering a Career in International Public Service with Mayor General Barrye Price

Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 - 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In-Person Watch Party at HUB 355 (free pizza, boba, and a book for in-person attendees) or via Zoom Webinar

To attend the in-person watch party, please RSVP via:

spp-price.eventbrite.com 

To attend the online webinar, please RSVP via:bit.ly/spp-price
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpphttps://spp.ucr.edu/mpp 


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ 

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

Nov 20, 202330:44
“Win-Win” Solutions to Climate Change and Extreme Heat

“Win-Win” Solutions to Climate Change and Extreme Heat

In this episode, Associate Professor of Climate Change and Sustainability Dr. Francesca Hopkins talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about comprehensive solutions to climate change, as well as the importance of local change amid global warming.  


About Francesca Hopkins:

Francesca Hopkins earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies and Spanish from the University of California, Berkeley. She also completed her M.S. and Ph.D. in Earth System Science from the University of California, Irvine. Before joining the University of California, Riverside Department of Environmental Studies as an Assistant Professor of Climate Change and Sustainability, Francesca was a NASA Postdoctoral Fellow at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Currently, Francesca runs the UCR Greenhouse Gas Emissions Lab, which studies emissions that affect the climate and air quality with the goal of developing the science to reduce these emissions. 

Learn more about Francesca Hopkins via https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-hopkins-a904822/ 


Podcast Highlights:  

“There's so many other ways we contribute to climate change... So I think we always need to think about what are these solutions that are going to give us a ’win-win’. Not just reduce emissions, but increase our joy and help us feel good. I think those are the best ones.”

-       Francesca Hopkins on the topic of how solutions to climate change can better other aspects of our lives, such as mental health and well-being. 

“Cities have a really unique power and role in reducing transportation emissions, because they're often in control of what gets built, how it gets built. And really, we need to think about changing the form of our cities in California, so they're not so spread out [to promote reduced emissions by walking more]. And that's going to solve other problems, hopefully, including housing affordability issues that we have, and building houses in wildfire prone areas.”

-       Francesca Hopkins on the topic of the power of city planning to reduce emissions. 

“Because right now, we have a chance to redesign our future. We can actually create the world we want. And we definitely need to think about how the climate is impacting that. But we can do that without knowing how tropical storm tracks might change slightly in the next decades, I would argue.”

-       Francesca Hopkins on the topic of how slight uncertainties as to the exact effects of climate change don’t need to be resolved to take effective action.  


Guest:

Francesca Hopkins (Associate Professor of Climate Change and Sustainability) 

Interviewer:

Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador) 




Episode image designed by Freepik (www.freepik.co)

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpphttps://spp.ucr.edu/mpp 


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ 

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

Oct 30, 202328:12
Education Policy: Bridging Opportunity Gaps and Adapting to Change

Education Policy: Bridging Opportunity Gaps and Adapting to Change

In this episode, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Coachella, Neftali Galarza talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about education as a means to break opportunity barriers and how education can adapt amid an ever-changing world.


About Neftali Galarza:

In addition to being Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Coachella, Neftali Galarza is also the Director of the Community Engagement and Partnerships Team within the Riverside County Office of Education. Previously, he served as the Director of Community Outreach for the California Alliance for Renewable Energy Solutions and was a Board Trustee for the Coachella Valley Unified School District. Neftali completed his B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Labor Studies at the University of California, Riverside. Neftali also holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from California Baptist University.

Learn more about Neftali Galarza via https://www.linkedin.com/in/neftali-galarza-1810a999/


Podcast Highlights:

“The party politics, that doesn't matter when you're a three year old trying to get into preschool or you're a ten year old in elementary school or twelve year old in middle school or fifteen year old in high school. These party politics that are so divisive - they don't matter to these kids. And we need to bring back the conversation centered around the children, not about party politics that we're bringing into our school districts.”

- Neftali Galarza on the topic of how divisive politics can delay necessary reforms to education.

“I grew up in a mobile home park in Oasis, which is in Riverside County. There are to this day, a lot of communities don't have access to potable water... The idea that those students can go to college or go to a workforce, a CT program, and then join the labor union. Through education, you create these opportunities. Now you could jump a few economic ladders. Now you're in a different tax bracket. And that's through education that we have these opportunities to be able to create a community that moves forward, progresses and that we bring everyone together.”

- Neftali Galarza on the topic of the power of education to help communities break socioeconomic barriers.

“And I mentioned it's very important to have paid internships too... I had to take loans to do these internships and I'm paying them off now. I'm grateful that things have worked out for me, but it was a gamble on myself and the organizations that I wanted to intern in for. When we have a paid internship program, we can ensure that a college student isn't working at a fast food restaurant, going to school full time, and then looking for unpaid internship program.”

- Neftali Galarza on the topic of the necessity of paid internships for college students, so they don't have to sacrifice their education for work experience or an income.


Guest:

Neftali Galarza (Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Coachella)

Interviewers:

Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)

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


Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/CGb_oBVTGCE


Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase


Commercial Links:

https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Aug 16, 202334:57
Uniting Individuals Through Service and Volunteerism

Uniting Individuals Through Service and Volunteerism

In this episode, California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about volunteerism and uniting individuals through service.

About Josh Fryday:

Appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, Josh Fryday leads California Volunteers, which works to establish and maintain a statewide volunteer corps to help with the state’s response to emergencies and disasters. Josh Fryday was previously Mayor of Novato, Novato City Councilmember, Chief Operating Officer for NextGen Climate and Past President of Golden State Opportunity. In addition to obtaining his B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy as well as his J.D. in law from UC Berkley, Josh Fryday also served in the military as an Officer in the United States Navy and as a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG).


Learn more about Josh Fryday via: https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/about-us/cso/

Podcast Highlights:

"We have really big issues facing California, facing our country, facing the planet... But I feel very strongly that if we're going to actually tackle some of these big issues, we have to figure out how to bring everyone to the table. How do we make everyone part of the solution? How do we engage everyone? How do we bring people together so that they can solve problems in communities together?”

- Josh Fryday on the topic of unity through volunteerism.

"With this [Job Corps] program, we're providing real economic opportunity. But what we're also saying is that you don't have to decide between pursuing your passion, something you're passionate about, or a paycheck - that you can actually do both. That you don't have to decide between whether you want to launch a career and be able to feed your family or help your community, that you can actually do both.”

- Josh Fryday on the topic of creating programs that allow for financial need to no longer be a barrier to service.

"But I think the reason California is viewed as a leader, not just of the country, but of the planet, is because a lot of the values that we hold dear are universal. The value of making sure that people are included. The value of embracing diversity. The value of taking care of our environment. These are things that are not unique just to California. I think… because of our culture's willingness to innovate and try new things and invent new things, [our volunteer programs] are very compelling and become scalable across the rest of the world.”

- Josh Fryday on the topic of the universal values California shares with the rest of the world.

Guest:

Josh Fryday (California Chief Service Officer)

Interviewers:

Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)

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

View the video version here: https://youtu.be/I0jjDm4EyO0


Music by:

C Codaine


https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase


Commercial Links:

https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Jul 28, 202330:52
Filter Bubbles and Media Bias: Bridging Gaps Amongst Political Polarization

Filter Bubbles and Media Bias: Bridging Gaps Amongst Political Polarization

In this episode, Rachel Strausman takes over the reins as host of Policy Chats from our previous host, Kevin Karami.


AllSides Co-Founder and CEO John Gable talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about how understanding media bias and filter bubbles can help better bridge gaps amongst political polarization.  


About John Gable:

John Gable received his B.A. in Philosophy, with an emphasis in Mathematics, from Vanderbilt University as well as Masters of Business Administration from Duke University. He has worked in a variety of fields, having previously been an Executive Director for various political campaigns, a Product Manager at Microsoft, the President of Stearns Ventures, and now the Co-Founder and CEO of AllSides. Overall, John Gable is a high technology executive focused on building, marketing and monetizing products, online services and teams that have a positive social impact. 

Learn more about John Gable via https://www.allsides.com/news-source/john-gable 

Podcast Highlights:  
"The medium, the content, and the way we interact is driven a little bit by the medium itself. And what I thought about the internet was that it was mostly by metaphor: this is similar to that, and therefore you're a friend of a friend or I'm searching for something similar to what I'm trying to solve. I thought it would encourage us to think by metaphor or if you will, [in the extreme sense] stereotype."

-       John Gable on the topic of how the internet is structured to make connections, which can initially be beneficial, but can also lead to dangerous steryotypes.

"[With the way the internet works] we see an issue, and we only hear or get information that we already agree with, which might only be 10% of what we need to know about an issue. But we hear that 10,000 times, and so we're really absolutely confident with no doubt that we're correct. But we know less about the issue than we did before the Internet.”

-       John Gable on the topic of how filter bubbles can limit our access to necessary information, despite the increased access to information the internet seems to provide.

“[What we need to do is] get people out of the information filter bubble. Get them out of the relationship filter bubble, and provide people the skills and confidence to disagree, to have a conversation and not agree with each other and recognize the differences and appreciate the differences that each of us bring to the table. With that, that's how it would get to a better place.”

-       John Gable on the topic of how teaching people to understand the value in disagreement can help people be more aware of filter bubbles. 

Guest:

John Gable (Co-Founder and CEO of AllSides) 

Interviewers:

Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador)

Divya Bharadwaj (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) 


Music by: C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp 

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ 

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

Jul 07, 202336:09
Exploring Access and Barriers to Care in Public Health Policy

Exploring Access and Barriers to Care in Public Health Policy

In this episode, Assistant Professional Researcher Deborah Lefkowitz talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about public health policy.  


About Deborah Lefkowitz:

Deborah Lefkowitz received her BA summa cum laude in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard University, and her PhD in Social Ecology from the University of California Irvine. Dr. Lefkowitz’s research focuses on cancer survivorship, health disparities, and health law and policy, with a focus on vulnerable cancer populations in Southern California’s Inland Empire. Prior to pursuing research, Dr. Lefkowitz was an internationally recognized visual artist and documentary filmmaker, and created a significant body of work on how individuals confront traumatic, life-altering experiences. 


Learn more about Deborah Lefkowitz via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/deborahl 


Podcast Highlights: 

"I think we have to say our health care system is really broken. It's very fragmented. And what that means, is that it takes a lot of work to get access to care and that work is disproportionate if you have a low income.”

-       Deborah Lefkowitz on the topic of the burden inflexible work creates for obtaining necessary care. 


"I actually think it's a real mistake to think that we could actually make informed choices in advance about the best health insurance for our own needs... I hear a lot less discussion about insurance companies making health care decisions. That's essentially the system that we have now, where you need prior authorization from many health care plans for many types of procedures. And it's essentially insurance adjusters who are making those health care decisions, sometimes  life and death decisions.”

-       Deborah Lefkowitz on how insurance adjusters currently are making the life-altering decisions for people about which procedures are covered. 


“The ACA removes the barrier to insurance of having a preexisting health condition... So if we think today about how many of the people in the US have had COVID-19, that's most people in the US, that would be considered a preexisting condition under pre ACA circumstances… So if in the future, people who have had a COVID infection developed health problems that could be linked to that infection, then they would be excluded from health insurance. And this is currently the case for millions of Americans.”

-       Deborah Lefkowitz on how the Affordable Care Act still benefits a majority of Americans today in ways they may not realize.

Guest:

Deborah Lefkowitz (Assistant Professional Researcher) 


Interviewers:

Rachel Strausman (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Vice Chief Ambassador) 

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


View the video version here: https://youtu.be/M4mjoVkbJHo


Music by: 

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase


Commercial Links:

https://spp-calvols.eventbrite.com/ 

https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ 


Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

Jun 02, 202330:15
California Fair Chance Act: Barriers to Integration Following Incarceration

California Fair Chance Act: Barriers to Integration Following Incarceration

In this episode, Director of the Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies  Sharon Oselin talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the California Fair Chance Act and barriers to integration following incarceration.  

About Sharon Oselin:


Dr. Oselin is an Associate Professor of Public Policy and Sociology at the University of California, Riverside and Affiliated Faculty of the Labor Studies Program. She earned her Ph.D. from UC Irvine and is a past fellow of the American Association of University Women. Her broad research interests encompass crime, deviance, and criminal justice, gender and sexuality, organizations, and culture.  

Learn more about Sharon Oselin via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/soselin
https://presleycenter.ucr.edu/about/people 


Podcast Highlights: 

“With growing public awareness and legislators' awareness about some of the harms of mass incarceration in particular... there has been significantly retooled efforts to focus on policies and laws that help reduce those inequalities but also deal with some of the consequences for those that have been justice-impacted in various ways.”

-       Sharon Oselin on the topic of new efforts to promote policies that help those that have been justice-impacted. 


“Individuals with records have a lot of obstacles to contend with... one of the biggest challenges is finding employment and we know that employment is often correlated with whether someone reoffends or returns to prisons”

-       Sharon Oselin on the impact obtaining employment has on possible future incarcerations.


“There's many factors that are important of course, such as securing housing, family relationships, social support, and so forth, but employment is a huge factor in predicting someone's success... that's why there are a lot of policies that specifically target employment opportunities.”

-       Sharon Oselin on the importance of employment following incarceration. 


Guest:

Sharon Oselin (Director of the Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies) 


Interviewers:

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

Catherine Mah (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) 


Music by: 

C Codaine
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ 


Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

May 25, 202323:45
Overcoming Cultural Barriers & Stigma in Mental Health

Overcoming Cultural Barriers & Stigma in Mental Health

In this episode, Director of Operations & Strategies for Act Now for Mental Health Joy Chen talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Mental Health Awareness and Challenges.  


About Joy Chen:

Joy, a UCR and School of Public Policy Alum, has extensive experience in both local and state government settings. Joy graduated from Yale with a Master's in Public Health and currently works as the Director of Operations & Strategies for the Act Now for Mental Health non-profit. Joy is also a Policy Director for Healthsperian LLC.

Learn more about Joy Chen via https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-chen-mph-99678a124/


Podcast Highlights: 


“Mental Health and behavioral health have been issues long before the pandemic, if anything, the pandemic just revealed and exacerbated this issue.”

-       Joy Chen on the topic of mental health policymaking.


“We feel like we're so small and can't address anything that happens in the world, but what we do have control over is volunteering in our communities.”

-       Joy Chen on the importance of community investment.


“One of the big reasons anxiety and depression have been destigmatized has been because of social media. It has made others feel less alone...I think hearing other people talk about what they are going through is so helpful in helping us process our emotions and understand that it isn't just us."

-      Joy Chen on the topic of social media's role in awareness.


Guest:

Joy Chen (Director of Operations & Strategies)


Interviewers:

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

Giovanna Arena (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) 




This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast

Apr 24, 202326:06
Dissecting the Mindset of an Accomplished Attorney

Dissecting the Mindset of an Accomplished Attorney

In this episode, Attorney Thy Bui talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the challenges, intricacies, and tips on the legal profession.

About Thy Bui

Thy represents employers in single-plaintiff and multi-plaintiff lawsuits in state and federal court.  She regularly defends employers in lawsuits alleging causes of action for discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wage and hour violations, and other statutory and common-law claims arising from the employment relationship.  In addition to her litigation practice, Thy also performs workplace investigations and provides day-to-day counseling advice to employers.

Learn more about Thy Bui via https://www.constangy.com/people-Thy-Bui

Podcast Highlights:

“At some point, it becomes a sales job...the people that pay you are the clients... [and people] don't ask themselves am I good at sales, how are my soft skills, do people relate to me, can I convince somebody that I'm fun to work with? These are not things that people think about.”

-       Thy Bui on the importance of soft skills and building connections. 

“While there may be more information or people to consult, in the end, you have to make that decision and you have to be okay with no matter what the consequences are because you can't control the future."

-      Thy Bui on the topic of decisiveness in the legal profession. 

“Make it fun. A lifetime of work is a long time! If you're just in it for the money and you're not having fun you're going to burn out fast, especially for a profession as demanding as the legal profession.”

-       Thy Bui's advice for anyone interested in pursuing a legal profession. 

Guest:

Thy Bui (Attorney)

Interviewer:

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

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Link:

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Mar 17, 202323:14
Innovative Solutions to the Water Crisis: Part 2

Innovative Solutions to the Water Crisis: Part 2

In this episode, Water Consulting Expert Les Chau talk with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about California's Water Challenges.

About Les Chau:

Mr. Chau specializes in One Water consulting, climate adaptation planning, water resource studies, water quality compliance, and water infrastructure asset management. His experience includes watershed analysis with a focus on overall environmental impacts and climate change effects on water supplies and infrastructure.

Learn more about Les Chau via https://www.linkedin.com/in/leschau/

Podcast Highlights:

“We need to really have a futurist strategy on how to grow the California economy...That I think requires us repurposing some of our existing commerce which is agriculture.”

-      Les Chau on the concept of repurposing agricultural land. 

“Be a champion of your own community, be a champion of safe drinking water, be a champion to represent underrepresented communities.”

-       Les Chau on the role everyone can play in addressing the water crisis.

“It's not engineering and science in the forefront; it's really our political will.”

-       Les Chau on the role politics plays in water policy. 

Guest:

Les Chau (Water Consulting Expert)

Interviewers:

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

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Link:

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Mar 10, 202340:28
Innovating Housing for Second-Hand Smoke

Innovating Housing for Second-Hand Smoke

In this episode, Non-Profit Worker and School of Public Policy Alum Andrea Rayas talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Community Work with Second-Hand Smoke in Multifamily Housing Units


Podcast Highlights: 

“Research has shown that African American and Latinx communities are most affected by it, especially children.” 

-Andrea on the topic of second-hand smoke and the communities most impacted by it. 

“We work with a  community who are constantly working, who are not politically involved at all...we think it's important to also provide training or capacity building for them...encouraging them to make public comments, empowering them to attend meetings...” 

-Andrea on the challenges of working with community members and how to empower them. 

“The way they can get involved is by addressing it to their other peers, neighbors, landlords, property management, attending meetings [and expressing their concerns]” 

-Andrea on the topic of student involvement in addressing second-hand smoke.


Guest: 

Andrea Rayas (Non-Profit Worker) 

Interviewers: 

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

Andrew Shannon (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) 


Music by: C Codaine 

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase 


Commercial Link: https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp 

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Feb 14, 202328:40
Affirmative Action in College Admissions-Does it Matter?

Affirmative Action in College Admissions-Does it Matter?

In this episode, Dean of the University of California, Riverside School of Public Policy Mark Long talks with a student about Affirmative Action Policies in College Admissions.

About Mark Long:

Mark C. Long began his role as Dean of the School of Public Policy at UC Riverside in January 2023, following the successful tenure of Anil Deolalikar, who served as founding Dean of SPP. From 2004-2022, Long was a Professor of Public Policy and Governance and Adjunct Professor of Economics at the University of Washington. He served as the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance's Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs (2018-19) and Associate Dean for Research (2016-18). Long served on the faculty of George Washington University as an assistant professor of economics and public policy and administration from 2002-04.

Learn more about Mark Long via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/marklong

Podcast Highlights:

“If your goal is representation by race, but you use other indicators like income or wealth, you need to put as much as four times as much weight on those other factors than you would if you just put weight directly on race. From an efficiency perspective, if what you're interested in is generating racial representation, it's inefficient to put weight on socioeconomic status.”

-      Mark Long on the topic of different indicators for racial representation in college admissions. 

“Yes, you can predict race, but you can't predict race, particularly with the date that universities have on hand.”

-      Mark Long on the topic of using measures to predict race to increase racial representation on college campuses. 

“Those gaps are present as of kindergarten, so clearly, things are going on in the homes and communities of these students before they even hit high school.”

-       Mark Long on the challenges minority students face from an early age. 

Guest:

Mark Long (Dean of the School of Public Policy)

Interviewer:

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

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Link:

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp


Register for the event here: estolano-jan24.eventbrite.com


Click here to learn more about Dean Long's research on this issue.


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Jan 20, 202330:48
Climate Crisis, Rising Inequality, Erosion of Democracy, and Big-Power Conflict

Climate Crisis, Rising Inequality, Erosion of Democracy, and Big-Power Conflict

In this episode, Founding Dean of the University of California, Riverside School of Public Policy, Anil Deolalikar talks with students about the most pressing challenges the world faces today.

About Anil Deolalikar:

Anil Deolalikar has been the founding dean of the School of Public Policy since February 2013 and a professor of economics at UC Riverside since 2003. Deolalikar is a development economist who has published four books and 75 articles on the economics of child nutrition, health, education, poverty, and social protection in developing countries. In addition to his research, Deolalikar has extensive public policy experience.

Learn more about Anil Deolalikar via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/anild

Podcast Highlights:

“In some ways, you can almost think about California as a giant experiment to show what can be done by policy to control emissions.”

-       Anil Deolalikar on the topic of climate change and California's efforts to address it. 

“If you look at the average pay of a CEO in a company relative to the average production worker...that ratio used to be the average CEO was paid 25 times more...today it is 300 times. That tells you how unequal things have become.”

-       Anil Deolalikar on the rise of inequality.

“It may mark the end of this four-decade period of globalization... We could have two sets of supranational organizations in the world-one allied with the Chinese and one allied with the United States.”

-       Anil Deolalikar on the economic conflict between China and the United States. 

Guest:

Anil Deolalikar (Founding Dean, UCR School of Public Policy)

Interviewers:

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

Catherine Mah (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)

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

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

Andrew Shannon (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Dec 03, 202248:15
Innovative Solutions for the Water Crisis

Innovative Solutions for the Water Crisis

In this episode, Water Law Partner Wesley Miliband talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the policy issues and potential solutions to California's water challenges.

About Wesley Miliband:

"Wesley Miliband is an environmental lawyer focused on water resources. He focuses on securing and protecting water rights and water supplies, including assistance with water transfers as well as the infrastructure necessary to treat, store and deliver water. His practice lends itself to related environmental issues involving water quality impacts to surface water and groundwater supplies, fisheries and riparian habitats, regulatory permitting, and environmental compliance with federal and state requirements, including the California Environmental Quality Act."

Learn more about Wesley Miliband via https://www.aalrr.com/attorneys-Wesley_A_Miliband#Overview

Podcast Highlights:

“What that means is California's driest six years, over an approximately 128 years that we as a state have been recording precipitation, just happened in the last ten years alone.”

-       Wesley Miliband on the dire situation regarding California's droughts and water supply.

“I would say that our population growth is a massive contributor... We are a growth-intense state, and the existing infrastructure, on top of that, has aged. So I think those are two huge contributors to why existing logistical challenges become even more challenging”

-       Wesley Miliband on the topic of logistical challenges California faces.

“I think a part of it is trust-building-in my mind, it will never go away however much we can advance technology...trust is still a fundamental necessity to getting things done.”

-       Wesley Miliband on the topic of infrastructure and implementing new projects and ideas.


Guest:

Wesley Miliband (Water Law Partner)

Interviewers:

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

Catherine Mah (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)


Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Nov 18, 202248:09
Supreme Court Integrity and the Midterm Elections

Supreme Court Integrity and the Midterm Elections

In this episode, Former District Attorney of San Bernardino County Michael Ramos talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the Supreme Court going into the upcoming elections.

About Michael Ramos:

Michael A. Ramos was elected as San Bernardino County’s District Attorney in 2003 and served in the position until 2019. He currently serves as one of the External Relations Directors for the Robert Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies at the UCR School of Public Policy.

Learn more about Michael Ramos via https://presleycenter.ucr.edu/about/people#external_relations_directors

Podcast Highlights:

“It will be interesting to me to see if that same energy after the decision on Roe v. Wade comes out in the ballot box. If it does, then that tells you that the decision by the United States Supreme Court lit a fire under the public.”

-       Michael Ramos on the topic of Roe v. Wade and the response by the American public.

“My concern, and I think the public's concern, is judicial activism-the judges crossing the line to the political world, the legislative world.”

-       Michael Ramos on the topic of justices potentially crossing the line and involving politics in their decisions. 

“You may think your vote doesn't count, but it does. Every vote from a local school board race to the United States president is key to our society continuing to be what we are in the world.”

-       Michael Ramos on the importance of voting. 

Guest:

Michael Ramos (External Relations Director for the Center of Crime and Justice Studies)

Interviewers:

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

Jeanine Nassar (Associate Students of UCR Vice President of Internal Affairs)

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Nov 04, 202231:51
Abortion Rights After Roe & the 2022 Election

Abortion Rights After Roe & the 2022 Election

In this episode, the Director of Legislation and Community Affairs for Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest, Karen Borja, talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about reproductive rights in 2022.

About Karen Borja:

Karen Borja is the Director of Legislation and Community Affairs for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. Ms. Borja is a dedicated community organizer and health advocate. 

Learn more about Karen Borja via https://www.linkedin.com/in/kborja01/

Podcast Highlights:

“In California, abortion is still safe, legal, and protected, that all patients regardless of where they're traveling from will be able to access at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest.”

-       Karen Borja's statement on abortion care in California. 

“It is essential that our state continue to have the strongest laws in the country so that we could continue to be a beacon of hope for those that need access to essential healthcare.”

-       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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Link:

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Oct 28, 202234:34
Urban Planning: A Not-So Boring Perspective

Urban Planning: A Not-So Boring Perspective

In this episode, the Host of the Urban Planning is Not Boring Podcast, Natalie Ikhrata talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Urban Planning and its challenges.

About Natalie Ikhrata:

Natalie is pursuing her Master's in Urban Planning, Housing, and Transportation at the University of Southern California. She is a transportation planner and co-host of her podcast, Urban Planning is Not Boring

Learn more about Natalie Ikhrata via https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-ikhrata-82a192195/

Podcast Highlights:

“Every single moment is planned for you. It's kind of funny to think about but it's so true.”

-      Natalie Ikhrata on the prevalence of urban planning in our daily lives

“We really do need to acknowledge that public participation and partnership is extremely important.”

-      Natalie Ikhrata on the topic of compromise in real estate development. 

“We've had past planning practices, but a permanency of infrastructure has allowed people to still stay in the same residences that maybe haven't been updated, renovated, or redeveloped, and it's causing significant issues.”

-       Natalie Ikhrata on the topic of historical practices and policies and how they affect us today.


Guest:

Natalie Ikhrata (Podcast Host)

Interviewers:

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

Catherine Mah (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador)


Urban Planning is Not Boring: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/urban-planning-is-not-boring/id1631872994

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Oct 14, 202241:28
How a Non-Profit is Transforming a Community During a Continuing Pandemic

How a Non-Profit is Transforming a Community During a Continuing Pandemic

In this episode, University of California Riverside Alumni Samuel Roberts & Semi Cole discuss with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about their covid-equity project, San Bernardino for Rapid Recovery, and the need for continued covid mitigation and prevention measures. 

About Samuel Roberts:

Samuel Roberts is a current MPP candidate and Dean's Merit Scholar at the University of  Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. Co-founder of San Bernardino for Rapid Recovery (SBRR), Samuel's interests and passions include education and civic engagement policy. 

Learn more about Samuel Roberts via https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-roberts-9a3419193/

About Semi Cole:

Semi Cole is an aspiring civic leader and entrepreneur focused on leadership and making an impact. As a Co-founder of SBRR, Semi is passionate about discussing the health issues facing San Bernardino and hopes to expand the non-profit's mission beyond COVID-19 to address the other health concerns in the region.  

Learn more about Semi Cole via https://www.linkedin.com/in/semi-cole/

Podcast Highlights:

“It's about building relationships...it's up to community members like ourselves to step up and broker the conversations, to spend time and fill in the gaps.”

-       Semi Cole on the importance of community members engaging with one another to ensure safety and security. 

“The first grant we got was from Core in partnership with the California Department of  Public Health and the CR Health Foundation. We got nearly a quarter-million dollars to fund the operation-that was a huge moment for us.”

-       Samuel Roberts on the journey to starting SBRR. 


Guests:

Samuel Roberts (UCR Alumni & Co-Founder of SBRR)

Semi Cole (UCR Alumni & Co-Founder of SBRR)

Interviewer:

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


Learn more about San Bernardino for Rapid Recovery via https://www.instagram.com/sbrapidrecovery/


Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Sep 23, 202240:35
Addressing Gun Violence: The Debate on Gun Policy

Addressing Gun Violence: The Debate on Gun Policy

In this episode, Professor of Economics Matthew Lang talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about gun violence and gun control.

About Matthew Lang:

Professor Lang is an Associate Professor of Teaching at the University of California, Riverside. His research focuses on a variety of areas, including Applied Microeconomics, Mental Health, and Firearms sales.

Learn more about Matthew Lang via https://sites.google.com/site/matthewdlang18/home

Podcast Highlights:

“The relationship between firearm access and suicide is significantly stronger in the research than firearm access and homicide.”

-       Matthew Lang on the topic of the role mental health plays in gun violence. 

“COVID increased uncertainty...everyone was fearful and uncertain.”

-       Matthew Lang on the topic of COVID and firearm sales.

“As much as we talk about firearms as a  polarizing topic in policy...we think there's a massive partisan divide when it comes to firearms; I don't believe that. I don't think the overlap between gun rights and gun control is that far off. I think there's more overlap than media in general wants to admit.”

-       Matthew Lang on the role media plays in the gun debate.

Guest:

Matthew Lang (Professor of Economics)

Interviewer:

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

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Sep 09, 202241:30
Biden's Student Loan Cancellation Plan: Too Good to Be True?

Biden's Student Loan Cancellation Plan: Too Good to Be True?

In this episode, Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Sociology Steven Brint talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Student Loan Forgiveness.

About Steven Brint:

Steven Brint is a Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Sociology at the University of California, Riverside. His research focuses on a wide variety of political and social topics, but he has a special interest in the policy analysis of higher education. 

Learn more about Steven Brint via https://spp.ucr.edu/faculty-spotlight-steven-brint

Podcast Highlights:

“The problem with college costs is extremely complex...they are the root, and this policy does not address it.”

-       Steven Brint on the idea that college costs are the core issue.

“Part social welfare program, partly a middle-class benefit, and partly a kind of pork barrel that is intended to make the (Democratic) party look good to constituency groups they depend on.”

-       Steven Brint on the topic of the politics behind the policy.

Guest:

Steven Brint (Professor of Public Policy and Sociology)

Interviewer:

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

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Sep 02, 202245:03
The History, Cause, and Impacts of the Housing Crisis (with Stan Oklobdzija)

The History, Cause, and Impacts of the Housing Crisis (with Stan Oklobdzija)

In this episode, Professor Stan Oklobdzija talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the housing crisis.

About Stan Oklobdzija:

Professor Oklobdzija is a visiting Assistant Professor at UC Riverside's School of Public Policy. His research focuses on state and local politics with special attention to housing policy.

Learn more about Stan Oklobdzija via https://stanokl.github.io/

Podcast Highlights:


“The fundamental thing that defines housing markets in a lot of these job-rich centers in the United States is fundamental scarcity. For about the last 50 years or so, cities in America have not been building to meet demand and population growth.”

-       Stan Oklobdzija defining the crux of housing shortages.


“If you have 50% of your wealth tied to a home (which the average American does), you're going to want to defend it at all costs. What do you do to defend it? You block competition. You own a scarce asset; that asset appreciates more rapidly than if it's a commonplace asset.”

-       Stan Oklobdzija on the topic of homeowners and the motivation behind limiting housing production.


“Creating uniform standards, creating a buy right process of development, such that if you meet these certain conditions, your project gets approved. This is the way it's done across the developed world.”

-       Stan Oklobdzija on the topic of government intervention and addressing the core issues of the housing crisis.


Guest:

Stan Oklobdzija (Professor of Political Science)

Interviewers:

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


Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Jul 29, 202247:20
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber: A Career in Public Service

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber: A Career in Public Service

In this episode, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber talks with a student and alumnus from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about her career in public service.

About Shirley Weber:

Shirley Nash Weber, Ph.D. was nominated to serve as California Secretary of State by Governor Gavin Newsom on December 22, 2020, and sworn into office on January 29, 2021. She is California’s first Black Secretary of State and only the fifth African American to serve as a state constitutional officer in California’s 170-year history.

Learn more about Shirley Weber via https://www.sos.ca.gov/administration/about

Podcast Highlights:

“I didn't see politics as the only way to make a difference.”

-       Shirley Weber on the topic of making a difference in our communities.

“I never felt I had to force myself to be the leader. I believe very strongly that the best people in organizations are great followers.”

-       Shirley Weber on the topic of leadership.

“Never 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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Jun 03, 202242:04
The Impact of the Student Debt Crisis (with Cody Hounanian)

The Impact of the Student Debt Crisis (with Cody Hounanian)

In this episode, Executive Director of the Student Debt Crisis Center Cody Hounanian talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the student debt crisis.

About Cody Hounanian:

Cody Hounanian began his work with Student Debt Crisis Center working on issues like consumer protection policies and student loan refinancing. As executive director, Cody oversees the budget and program management of SDCC and is in charge of day-to-day operations.

Learn more about Cody Hounanian via https://studentdebtcrisis.org/about/

Podcast Highlights:

“When you have a debt burden of 1.7 trillion dollars and you have 42 million Americans impacted, it's an issue that cannot be ignored today.”

-       Cody Hounanian on the topic of the debt ballooning exponentially. 

“And we're now looking at a scenario in our society in which many people do not think higher education provides enough benefits and it's because debt has stripped all those benefits away.”

-       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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

May 20, 202238:45
HIV & COVID-19: Comparing Public Health Crises (with Greg Rodriguez)

HIV & COVID-19: Comparing Public Health Crises (with Greg Rodriguez)

In this episode, Government Relations and Public Policy Advisor Greg Rodriguez talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the similarities and differences between the HIV and COVID-19 public health crises.

About Greg Rodriguez:

Greg L. Rodriguez serves as Government Relations and Public Policy Advisor for Supervisor Perez in the fourth district in the County of Riverside. He has government experience having previously worked for the office of Congressman Ruiz.

Learn more about Greg Rodriguez via https://rivco4.org/About/About-Manuel-Team

Podcast Highlights:

“You had facilities that would not treat HIV and AIDS patients...so how do you get over and shine a light on that stigmatization? That's where you saw the shift is when activists made this not only a public health crisis but also a social crisis.”

-       Greg Rodriguez on the topic of stigma and discrimination and how it impacts public health. 

“I think it is human nature when we're 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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

May 06, 202247:26
Digital Democracy (with Kevin Esterling)

Digital Democracy (with Kevin Esterling)

In this episode, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Kevin Esterling talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about digital democracy and echo chambers.

About Kevin Esterling:

Kevin Esterling is a Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, and the Director of the Laboratory for Technology, Communication, and Democracy (TeCD Lab), at the University of California, Riverside. His research focuses on institutional design for communication in democratic politics, and he has interests in Bayesian statistics, experimental design, and science ethics and validity. His current work focuses on deliberative democracy and the design of technology that leads citizens to engage constructively in public discourse.

Learn more about Kevin Esterling via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/kevine

Podcast Highlights:

“The advantage is that we as individuals don't have to rely so much on intermediaries to express our concern to government.”

-       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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Apr 22, 202242:24
Careers in Science & Science Policy (with Ryan Bixenmann)

Careers in Science & Science Policy (with Ryan Bixenmann)

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Bixenmann from the California Council of Science and Technology talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the importance of careers in science policy.

About Dr. Ryan Bixenmann:

Ryan Bixenmann, Ph.D. is a Senior Science Officer at the California Council of Science and Technology (CCST). In this role, Ryan connects relevant experts to decision-makers that request additional technical information to carry out their mission and better serve Californians.

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Bixenmann via https://ccst.us/people/staff/ryan-bixenmann/

Podcast Highlights:

“I knew I wanted to do something outside of just research-I wanted to have an impact on society.”

-       Dr. Ryan Bixenmann on the topic of science careers focused on policy, not research.

“Knowing that people who are doing the cool stuff you want to do had help getting there and they talked to someone...”

-       Dr. Ryan Bixenmann on the topic of 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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase
Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Apr 08, 202246:51
COVID-19: Moving Forward (with Dr. Richard Carpiano)

COVID-19: Moving Forward (with Dr. Richard Carpiano)

In this episode, UCR Professor of Public Policy Dr. Richard Carpiano talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about COVID-19 and its future.

About Dr. Carpiano:

Richard M. Carpiano is a Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside. Trained as public and population health scientist and medical sociologist, Carpiano studies how social factors, such as socioeconomic status, race-ethnicity, social connections, and community conditions, contribute to the physical and mental health of adults and children. His research focuses on an extensive range of health issues and populations, spanning the life course and US and international contexts.

Learn more about Dr. Carpiano via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/rcarpian

Podcast Highlights:

“There was this sort of false binary that you were either for public health...or you were somehow pro-economy.”

-       Dr. Carpiano on the politicization of COVID-19 and the divisions 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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Mar 21, 202250:01
The Russia-Ukraine Conflict (with Kiril Tomoff & Paul D'Anieri)

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict (with Kiril Tomoff & Paul D'Anieri)

In this episode, Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities Kiril Tomoff and Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Paul D'Anieri talk with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the Russian-Ukraine conflict.

About Kiril Tomoff:

Kiril Tomoff is the Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities at UCR. His research interests include the intersection of musical life and Russian and Soviet history, as well as twentieth-century world history, transnational cultural exchange, and the Cold War.

Learn more about Kiril Tomoff via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/kiril

About Paul D'Anieri:

Paul D’Anieri is a Professor of Political Science and Public Policy. He studies politics in the former Soviet Union, focusing on Ukraine and on Ukraine-Russia relations. He also teaches and studies economics and budgeting in universities, based on his experience as an administrator at UCR, the University of Florida, and the University of Kansas.

Learn more about Paul D'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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Mar 09, 202252:32
Evidence-Based Policymaking (with Julianne McCall)

Evidence-Based Policymaking (with Julianne McCall)

In this episode, Co-Director of the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine Dr. Julianne McCall talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about scientific and evidence-based policymaking.

About Julianne McCall:

Julianne McCall serves as Co-Director of the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine, housed within the California Governor's Office of Planning and Research. In that role, she oversees cross-sector health policy working groups and projects, research grantmaking, and state government interagency efforts, which include serving on Governor Newsom's COVID-19 Testing Task Force and as a writer of the forthcoming CA Surgeon General's Report on Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Learn more about Julianne McCall via https://sciencetopolicy.ucr.edu/professional-leadership

Podcast Highlights:

“We don't see the world objectively; that's why we have tools, censors, devices that are detecting phenomena at granular levels that we are 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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Feb 16, 202250:19
Global Supply Chains and the Evolving Economy (with Joab Corey)

Global Supply Chains and the Evolving Economy (with Joab Corey)

Jan 28, 202253:52
Crime Prevention (with Michael Ramos)

Crime Prevention (with Michael Ramos)

In this episode, Former District Attorney of San Bernardino County Michael Ramos talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Crime Prevention.

About Michael Ramos:

Michael A. Ramos was elected as San Bernardino County’s District Attorney in 2003 and served in the position until 2019. He currently serves as one of the External Relations Directors for the Robert Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies at the UCR School of Public Policy.

Learn more about Michael Ramos via https://presleycenter.ucr.edu/about/people#external_relations_directors

Podcast Highlights:

“Not every family has that, and so when they get to that point where they start their education, they're already behind.”

-       Michael Ramos on the impact education has on kids who miss pre-school.

“I think that's where our communities need to step up....it really comes down to our local communities, mayors, cities councils...”

-       Michael Ramos on the importance of 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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Upbeat Emotive by Fretbound

https://www.fretbound.com/

Video Link: https://youtu.be/F_8EMeRnd40

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

Commercial Credits: Eboni Odior, Johanna Arias

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Dec 10, 202146:28
The Challenges of Policing (with Sergio Diaz)

The Challenges of Policing (with Sergio Diaz)

In this episode, Former Riverside Chief of Police Sergio Diaz talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the challenges of policing.

About Sergio Diaz:

Sergio G. Diaz was the chief of police for the city of Riverside, California between July 1, 2010, and September 19, 2019. Prior to joining the Riverside Police Department, Sergio was a police officer in the city of Los Angeles for 33 years, retiring at the rank of Deputy Chief in 2010.

Learn more about Sergio Diaz via https://presleycenter.ucr.edu/about/people#external_relations_directors

Podcast Highlights:

“Policing is one of those professions where people believe that they know what's involved.”

-       Sergio Diaz on the topic of the misconceptions that exist on policing. 

“But what we can all do to be safer is to invest more and better in our children.”

-       Sergio Diaz on the topic of crime prevention. 

“The best thing you can do to encourage good policing is to refrain 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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase


Upbeat Emotive by Fretbound

https://www.fretbound.com/

Video Link: https://youtu.be/F_8EMeRnd40

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

Commercial Credits: Eboni Odior, Johanna Arias, 


This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Nov 23, 202142:29
California State Controller Betty Yee: A Career in Public Service

California State Controller Betty Yee: A Career in Public Service

In this episode, California State Controller Betty Yee talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about her career in public office.

About Betty Yee: State Controller Betty T. Yee was elected in November 2014, following two terms of service on the California Board of Equalization.  As Controller, she continues to serve the Board as its fifth voting member.  Reelected for a second term as Controller in 2018, Ms. Yee is only the tenth woman in California history to be elected to statewide office.

Learn more about Betty Yee via https://www.sco.ca.gov/eo_about_bio.html

Podcast Highlights:

“The other frustrating part, I have to say, is being a woman. We are still not taken seriously. I know I had an opponent who specifically ran against me because he thought that he could beat a woman.”

-       Betty Yee on the disadvantages of running as a woman.

“I'm convinced today, that this is the case, (and the government has to do a better job making the 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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625  

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase  

Upbeat Emotive by Fretbound

https://www.fretbound.com/

Video Link: https://youtu.be/F_8EMeRnd40

Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

Commercial Credits: Eboni Odior, Johanna Arias, Raiyan Kalam

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Nov 05, 202140:53
Addressing the Housing Crisis (with Bree Lang)

Addressing the Housing Crisis (with Bree Lang)

In this episode, Professor of Economics Dr. Bree Lang talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Low-Income Housing and the Housing Crisis.

About Bree Lang:

Bree Lang is an economics professor at the University of California, Riverside. Her research areas include urban economics, taxation, subsidized housing, and public finance.

Learn more about Bree Lang via https://sites.google.com/site/breejoneslang/ 

Podcast Highlights:

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development defines affordability as someone who is spending 30 percent or less of their income on housing. And if you look in California in particular, in the mid-2010s, 80 percent of households were spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing. In the mid-2000s, 30% of people were spending over 50% of their income on rent.

-       Bree Lang on the severity of the housing crisis and its effect on families. 

If I want to be optimistic for just one moment, I think 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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Oct 15, 202136:24
Science and Technology in Public Policy (with Jun Bando)

Science and Technology in Public Policy (with Jun Bando)

In this episode, Senior Advisor of the California Council on Science & Technology Dr. Jun Bando talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the role science plays in public policy.

About Jun Bando:

K. Jun Bando is the Senior Advisor to the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST). She focuses on guiding strategic planning and organizational transformation to enhance CCST’s contributions to strengthening California’s policies with science.

Learn more about Jun Bando via https://ccst.us/people/staff/jun-bando/

Podcast Highlights:

“  One thing that is really helpful in this regard is training scientists to be science translators-topic of going from science/research to policy.”

-       Jun Bando on the topic of going from science/research to policy. 

“As with all major change, taking full advantage of these tools is going to require vision, strong leadership, and institutional cultures that really embrace innovation and 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

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Sep 10, 202136:44
Digital Public Discourse (with Lorna Seitz)

Digital Public Discourse (with Lorna Seitz)

In this episode, President and co-founder of Legis Lorna Seitz talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about electronic public discourse.

About Lorna Seitz:

Lorna Seitz is an expert in developing transformative laws, policies and programs. Seitz has 20+ years of experience in policy development, legislative analysis and institutional reform. She specializes in facilitating collaborative problem-solving processes, promoting civic engagement with policy-making and oversight processes, and establishing systems to address wicked problems. She is the co-founder and President of Legis, a non-profit founded to realize the potential of 21st century technology to overcome barriers to inclusive, responsive, evidence-based policy and law development.

Learn more about Lorna Seitz via https://spp.ucr.edu/senior-policy-fellow-spotlight-lorna-seitz

Podcast Highlights:

“The video footage that we've been able to see has been very impactful.. we have the ability to see more primary evidence now.”

-       Lorna Seitz on the impact of modern technology and social media.

“So it really will shift the paradigm of a large number of people when they both have access to relevant information and also have the ability to discuss it with people.”

-       Lorna Seitz on the impact that accurate information and healthy discourse has on people's views.

“You might have the policy people come up with this policy, and then if you look at the law, it says something totally different; there's a radical disconnect.”

-       Lorna Seitz on the topic of evidence and logic-based policy making.

Guest:

Lorna Seitz (President and co-founder of Legis)

Interviewers:

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

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


Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase  Upbeat Emotive by Fretbound

https://www.fretbound.com/

Video Link: https://youtu.be/F_8EMeRnd40

Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Aug 30, 202134:08
The Inequities of Latina-Owned Businesses (with Qingfang Wang)

The Inequities of Latina-Owned Businesses (with Qingfang Wang)

In this episode, Professor of Public Policy Qingfang Wang talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the unique challenges Latina-Owned businesses face.

About Qingfang Wang:

Qingfang Wang's research area lies broadly in immigration, labor market, and development. With a Ph.D. in geography, Wang is particularly interested in how place–as both worksite and residential location–interacts with race, immigration status, and gender in shaping labor market experiences and social-economic wellbeing. Her work has been funded by the Kauffman Foundation, National Science Foundation, HUD, and other agencies. Her recent work includes research on immigrant, ethnic and female entrepreneurship, and transnational migration of the highly skilled, especially in the higher education sector.

Learn more about Qingfang Wang via: https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/qingfang

Podcast Highlights:

“A large number of Latina-Owned Businesses...are in the low wage, low skill, and easy to enter industries which haven't adopted technology that much before COVID.”

-       Qingfang Wang on the role the technological divide plays in driving the inequalities that hinder the growth of Latina-Owned Businesses. 

“Many of these short-term impacts are imbued upon the long-term issues...under COVID-19, it's just revealed.”

-       Qingfang Wang on the idea that the core issues minority-owned businesses face were embedded long before COVID-19. 

“It is fundamental for [the government] to keep people informed by providing accurate, timely, and consistent information and evidence...under COVID-19 we see [people] live with uncertainty...”

-       Qingfang Wang on the role the government plays in supporting Latina-Owned Businesses. 

Guest:

Qingfang Wang (Professor of Public Policy)

Interviewer:

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

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Upbeat Emotive by Fretbound

https://www.fretbound.com/

Video Link: https://youtu.be/F_8EMeRnd40

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Aug 13, 202132:28
The Challenges of Immigration Policy (with Benyamin Chao)

The Challenges of Immigration Policy (with Benyamin Chao)

In this episode, the Health & Public Benefits Campaign Coordinator at the California Immigrant Policy Center. Benyamin Chao talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Immigration Policy.

About Benyamin Chao:

Benyamin Chao is the Health & Public Benefits Campaign Coordinator at the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC). His duties include working with the California Protecting Immigrant Families (CAPIF) Coalition to protect access to safety net programs for immigrants in California.

Learn more about Benyamin Chao via https://caimmigrant.org/about/our-staff/benyamin-chao/

Podcast Highlights:

“...Immigrants have been excluded from public healthcare systems.”

-       Benyamin Chao on the topic of unique challenges immigrants face.

“My mom would tell me...don't apply for calfresh, don't share your information because it may give you away or be used against you. ”

-       Benyamin Chao on his personal and family experience under old immigration policies.

“If hundreds of thousands or millions of people in California get access to a pathway to citizenship, that also would allow them to qualify for federal safety net programs as well... And I think the fundamental question is who belongs in California? And for me, I believe, that we are slowly helping people see that your immigration status does not affect whether or not you belong.”

-       Benyamin Chao on his hopes for the future of immigration policy and the discussion surrounding it.

Guest:

Benyamin Chao (Health & Public Benefits Campaign Coordinator)

Interviewers:

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

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

Music by: C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Upbeat Emotive by Fretbound

https://www.fretbound.com/

Video Link: https://youtu.be/F_8EMeRnd40

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Jul 30, 202136:27
COVID-19: Vaccine Inequity (Anil Deolalikar & Bruce Link)

COVID-19: Vaccine Inequity (Anil Deolalikar & Bruce Link)

In this episode, the Dean of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy Anil Deolalikar, and Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Sociology Bruce Link talk with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about vaccine inequity.

About Anil Deolalikar:

Anil Deolalikar has been founding dean of the School of Public Policy since February 2013 and a professor of economics at UC Riverside since 2003. Deolalikar is a development economist who has published four books and 75 articles on the economics of child nutrition, health, education, poverty, and social protection in developing countries. In addition to his research, Deolalikar has extensive public policy experience. 

Learn more about Anil Deolalikar via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/anild

About Bruce Link: Dr. Bruce Link earned his BA from Earlham College and MS and PhD degrees from Columbia University. His interests are centered on topics in psychiatric and social epidemiology. He has written on the connection between socioeconomic status and health, homelessness, violence, stigma, and discrimination. 

Learn more about Bruce Link via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/brucel

Podcast Highlights:

“And so now, you have a situation where I believe a third to a half of all the currently available vaccines and produced vaccines in the world are under the control of the rich countries who constitute less than 12 or 13 percent of the world's population.”

Anil Deolalikar on the topic of the disparity between countries and their access to vaccines.

“This is something I study all of the time; how do we create inequalities in health...It keeps happening. ”

Bruce Link on the topic of how inequities in health are created.

“I think just relaxing the intellectual property rights for a limited period probably would not have done very much unless the pharmaceutical companies also contributed their manufacturing know-how and skills to developing countries.”

Anil Deolalikar on the topic of intellectual property rights of vaccines

Guests: 

Anil Deolalikar (Dean of the UCR School of Public Policy)

Bruce Link (Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Sociology)

Interviewers:

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

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

Music by: C Codaine 

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Upbeat Emotive by Fretbound 

https://www.fretbound.com/

Video Link: https://youtu.be/F_8EMeRnd40

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Jul 16, 202130:14
COVID-19: Disability Rights (with Catherine Blakemore)

COVID-19: Disability Rights (with Catherine Blakemore)

In this episode, Former Executive Director of Disability Rights California Catherine Blakemore talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about challenges the disabled population faces.

About Catherine Blakemore:

Growing up in Southern California, Blakemore recalls being instilled with a desire to help others. Blakemore’s grandmothers and a great-grandmother were teachers, as was her mother, who was frequently assigned to work with children who had more trouble learning. Blakemore counts among her strengths her ability to come up with creative solutions that work for both sides in a dispute. She is also particularly proud of helping to change attitudes about people with disabilities and said she remains excited about her work despite decades of doing it.

Learn more about Catherine Blakemore via https://www.calbarjournal.com/September2016/TopHeadlines/TH1.aspx

Podcast Highlights:

“So really if you're a person with a disability, you can experience almost in any part of your life some challenge in getting services that you need.

-       Catherine Blakemore on the topic of the wide scope of challenges disabled persons face.

“A lot of work to be done in the area of better providing services, recognizing the value and kind of inherent dignity of people with mental health disabilities, addressing the stigma that people face...”

-       Catherine Blakemore on the topic of mental health disabilities and the unique issues they face.

“Because the worst consequences of any pandemic is suddenly you have thousands or hundreds of thousands of people that are losing their housing, which just destabilizes so many things in their life...”

-       Catherine Blakemore on the topic of how California handled COVID-19 in relation to the disabled population.

Guest:

Catherine Blakemore (Former Executive Director of Disability Rights California)

Interviewers:

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

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

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Jul 02, 202129:11
COVID-19: Returning to In-Person Learning (with Angelo Farooq)

COVID-19: Returning to In-Person Learning (with Angelo Farooq)

In this episode, Riverside School Board Member Angelo Farooq talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about returning to the classroom in the fall.

About Angelo Farooq:

Dr. I. Angelo Farooq is proudly born and raised in Inland Southern California. He grew up attending local public schools in Riverside County within Jurupa Valley. Angelo and his two younger sisters were raised by a single low-income mother who instilled the value of education to transcend their challenging economic circumstances. These experiences shaped him to prioritize the advancement of equity and access to opportunities for diverse students.

Learn more about Angelo Farooq via http://riversideunified.org/cms/One.aspx?pageId=13815216&portalId=580805

Podcast Highlights:

“What we've been seeing just from our data and anecdotally as well is that the social emotional aspect, the mental health, has been a challenge. For some students much more so than others...”

-       Angelo Farooq on the topic of why returning to in-person learning is so important.

“Our reopening plan has always been based on age appropriateness and readiness.”

-       Angelo Farooq on the topic of adjusting any reopening plans to varying student needs.

“The public consciousness overall, there's more of an awareness, an appreciation of the value that school districts and public education plays in our communities that transcends just educating our students.”

-       Angelo Farooq on the topic of what society has learned from distanced learning this past year.

Guest:

Angelo Farooq (Riverside Unified School Board Member)

Interviewers:

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

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

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:
https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Jun 18, 202121:11
Government: Ethics & Transparency at the Federal Level (with Shelley Finlayson)

Government: Ethics & Transparency at the Federal Level (with Shelley Finlayson)

In this episode, U.S. Office of Government Ethics Chief of Staff & Program Counsel Shelley Finlayson talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about ethics and transparency within the executive branch of the federal government.

About Shelley Finlayson:

Ms. Finlayson joined OGE in 2006, initially serving in roles related to OGE’s legislative affairs and budget programs. Early in her tenure at OGE, Ms. Finlayson was honored to be selected as a Brookings LEGIS Fellow, through which she served with the Oversight of Government Management Subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. She is also a member of the UCR School of Public Policy Advisory Board. 

Learn more about Shelley Finlayson via https://oge.gov/Web/OGE.nsf/Resources/Meet+OGE’s+Chief+of+Staff+&+Program+Counsel,+Shelley+K.+Finlayson

Podcast Highlights:

We lead the program to ensure that public employees carry out the government responsibilities entrusted to them with impartiality.

-       Shelley Finlayson on the topic of why the Office of Government Ethics was created.

All of us are harmed when important government missions are derailed by ethics issues or violations and the public confidence is lost...

-       Shelley Finlayson on the topic of the importance of transparency and public trust.

The idea that someone who's an expert in a particular area is going to come and bring their expertise to the government, that's a good thing. What we don't want them to bring with them is financial ties.

-       Shelley Finlayson on the topic of financial conflicts of interest.

Guest:

Shelley Finlayson (U.S. Office of Government Ethics Chief of Staff & Program Counsel)

Interviewers:

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

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

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:

https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Jun 04, 202132:21
AAPI: Anti-Asian Violence & Discrimination (with Janelle Wong)

AAPI: Anti-Asian Violence & Discrimination (with Janelle Wong)

In this episode, Professor of American Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park Janelle Wong talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about anti-Asian violence and discrimination in America.

About Janelle Wong:

Janelle Wong is Professor of American Studies and a core faculty member in the Asian American Studies Program. From 2001-2012, Wong was in the Departments of Political Science and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. She received her PhD in 2001 from the Department of Political Science at Yale University. Wong is also a Senior Researcher at AAPI Data.

Learn more about Janelle Wong via https://amst.umd.edu/faculty/janelle-wong/

Podcast Highlights:

The research I do at AAPI data shows that many Asian Americans as well as people from other racial groups don't feel confident in or are reluctant to report a hate crime to law enforcement.

-        Janelle Wong on the topic of why hate crime data is not necessarily representative.

Ethnic studies programs and trying to institute more coursework and substantive content on not only Asian American history and engagement, but also in the kinds of discrimination Asian American communities have faced can be implemented at the local level...

-       Janelle Wong on the topic of what can be done at the local level to support the AAPI community.

Hate crime legislation alone is not going to solve our problems.

-       Janelle Wong on the topic of focusing on more than hate crime when discussing ways to help the AAPI community.

Guest:

Janelle Wong (Professor of American Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park)

Interviewers:

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

Jenny Chen (UCR MPP Candidate, Dean’s Ambassador)

Music by:

C Codaine

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase

Commercial Links:

https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp

This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/

Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

May 21, 202119:24