Calimesa Insider

Latest Episodes:

Building a Better Riverside County: Chris Gray on Transportation and Growth Feb 15, 2025

Show notes

Understanding WRCOG: How Local Development Shapes Transportation and Community GrowthIn this special Valentine's Day episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast, City Manager Will Kolbow welcomes Chris Gray, Deputy Executive Director of the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG). They dive into the significant contributions of WRCOG to transportation infrastructure and discuss the impact of changing demographics on community development. The episode also covers upcoming city council meetings, insights into development impact fees, and the challenges faced by small cities. Plus, learn about WRCOG's unique role and how it assists local governments in managing growth responsively and effectively.00:00 Introduction to WRCOG and Its Impact00:38 Host Introduction and City Updates01:07 City Council Meeting Announcements02:20 Discussion on Local Taxes and Government Funding04:30 Interview with Chris Gray: Career and Experience07:30 Understanding WRCOG's Role and History11:52 The Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) Program21:28 Challenges in Transportation Funding and Development29:20 The Consequences of Stagnation30:22 The Impact of Prop 13 on Revenue33:05 Responsible Growth and Development36:26 Regional Demographics and Development Trends41:31 The Warehouse Dilemma50:39 The Future of Workforce and Consumption53:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 41 - More Tax Talk Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Understanding State and Federal Taxes & The Demise of RDAs in California | Calimesa InsiderTwo major topics in this episode: the origins and distribution of state and federal tax dollars, and the dissolution of redevelopment agencies in California. Join City Manager Will Kolbow as he delves into how your tax contributions fund various government operations and examines the legislative changes that have affected school funding and infrastructure projects. Plus, get ready for key updates on local programs and the upcoming City Council meeting. Follow us to stay informed!00:00 Introduction and Overview00:31 Host Introduction and Program Updates01:40 Senior Meal Program and City Council Meeting03:54 Understanding Federal and State Taxes05:26 Federal Budget Breakdown09:14 State Budget Breakdown13:37 Comparing State Revenues and Expenditures19:28 Education Funding and Proposition 9825:24 Redevelopment Agencies and Their Impact41:07 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Episode 40 - Mythbusters: Property Taxes Jan 25, 2025

Show notes

The Hidden Truth Behind Your Property Taxes - Unpacking Prop 13's ImpactWelcome to another insightful episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast! This week, City Manager Will Kolbow dives deep into the complex world of property taxes and their consequential impacts on local government services. Are the proposals of more sales taxes a result of mismanagement, or is there much more beneath the surface? Discover how a law passed over 40 years ago, Proposition 13, continues to affect city revenues, property values, and funding for essential services in Calimesa and cities all over California today. With a focus on recent city council appointments and the upcoming budget process, this episode is packed with vital information every resident should know. Make sure you understand how local tax policies influence the services you receive and why over 100 cities had sales tax measures on the ballot. Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode to keep your community informed!00:00 Introduction and Overview00:38 Host Introduction and Podcast Updates01:24 City Council Meeting Highlights02:20 Diving into Taxation Issues04:06 Understanding Property Taxes08:24 Impact of Proposition 1315:22 Comparing Local Tax Distributions16:07 State Budget Deficits and ERAF18:33 Vehicle License Fees and the Triple Flip21:45 Current Property Tax Distribution26:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 39 - Conflicts and Bias Jan 18, 2025

Show notes

Happy Friday and welcome to another episode of Calimesa Insider! This week, we discuss the latest updates on our social media growth, upcoming city events, and key topics on the agenda for our upcoming city council meeting, including park expansion and senior center renovations. We delve into the complexities of conflict of interest and bias in governmental decision-making, offering insights from historical cases and current events in neighboring cities. Stay informed and engaged with everything happening in Calimesa. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more updates!00:00 Welcome to Calimesa Insider!00:33 Social Media Updates and Announcements01:01 Public Safety and Community Updates01:53 Upcoming City Council Meeting Highlights04:56 Main Topic: Bias and Conflicts of Interest06:11 Understanding the Political Reform Act22:22 Case Studies on Bias and Conflict of Interest30:02 Best Practices for Decision Makers31:42 Closing Remarks and Reminders

Episode 38 - New Year, New Laws Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

New Year, New Laws: Understanding Sacramento's Impact on Calimesa in 2025Welcome to the first episode of the new year! In this video, we discuss the impactful new laws that Sacramento has introduced and how they affect Calimesa's operations, housing regulations, and more in 2025. Despite a challenging start to the year with events like the New Orleans terrorist attack and Vegas truck bombing, we remain hopeful. Tune in to learn about the latest changes in local legislation, including SB 9, SB 450, and AB 1413, as well as updates on our expanded social media presence and plans for community engagement through virtual and in-person town halls.00:00 Introduction to New Year and New Laws00:35 Reflecting on Recent Events01:25 Podcast Updates and Social Media Expansion03:42 Community Engagement Plans for 202504:58 Overview of New Laws Impacting Daily Life07:29 Impact of New Laws on City Operations12:33 Changes in Housing Laws and Their Implications26:06 Upcoming Topics and Conclusion

Will Kolbow's Appearance on Yucaipa 360 Dec 27, 2024

Show notes

As you enjoy your holidays, please enjoy this "simulcast" of the Yucaipa 360 Podcast, where City Manager Will Kolbow was a guest alongside Joe Turner, the host of City Manager Unfiltered.

Hosted by Yucaipa City Manager Chris Mann, Yucaipa 360 is a biweekly video podcast that dives into the heart of municipal government, exploring the issues that impact Yucaipa with the people who work behind the scenes to keep Yucaipa running smoothly. From budget updates and major projects to interviews with key staff and regional leaders, ”Yucaipa 360” is your go-to source for staying informed and engaged with the future of Yucaipa. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this podcast offers insights and information to help you connect with your community on a deeper level.

Episode 37 - 2024 Recap: Resilient Dec 21, 2024

Show notes

In this final episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast for 2024, City Manager Will Kolbow reviews the key activities and developments within Calimesa throughout the year. Topics include the adoption of campaign donation limits, changes to city fees, council actions on public safety, and community events like spay and neuter clinics and the Christmas parade. Major capital projects such as the Cherry Valley Boulevard interchange and the new library's progress are discussed, along with residential and commercial development updates. The episode also highlights the city's resilience and plans for enhanced community engagement and a new video format for the podcast in 2025.

00:00 Welcome to Calimesa Insider

00:15 Reflecting on 2024: Challenges and Achievements

01:09 Key Council Actions of 2024

03:58 Community Events Recap

07:56 Major Projects and Developments

14:33 Looking Ahead to 2025

21:22 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

Episode 36 - Fiscal Health Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

The California Policy Center established a new local government fiscal health dashboard, which is meant to replace the State Auditor's previous dashboard (which is no longer available). City Manager Kolbow reviews the City of Calimesa's scores on the dashboard, as well as those of surrounding cities. He also discusses the commutation of a prison sentence for the perpetrator of one largest local government embezzlements in the history of the US, as well as some of the items coming up on this Monday's City Council agenda.

Calimesa's score on Local Fiscal Health Dashboard: https://californiapolicycenter.org/fiscal-health-dashboard/#calimesa

Article on Commutation of Rita Crundwell's sentence: https://news.wttw.com/2024/12/12/former-dixon-comptroller-rita-crundwell-who-embezzled-almost-54m-public-funds-has

Documentary on Crundwell's crime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXSZhKEddxI

Podcast Series on Crundwell's crime: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crooked-city-dixon-il/id1633245610

Episode 35 - Social Media Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

After a one week break for Thanksgiving, Calimesa Insider is back and Will discusses what many may consider a controversial decision by a city in Canada, and discusses the pros and cons about comments from certain social media platforms. He also shares the final election results for Calimesa as well as other cities in the San Gorgonio Pass.

Episode 34 - Capital Project Updates Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

City Manager Will Kolbow gives you the latest on projects involving County Line Road, Singleton Road missing ramps, and the Cherry Valley Blvd. interchange. He also shares the latest City Council election results and discusses the special City Council meeting on December 10 to swear in the new City Council.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected