Hi, Energy!

Putting Local Communities at the Forefront of the Climate Conversation Aug 25, 2025

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about local organizations keeping the residents in the communities they serve at the forefront of the climate conversation. Esteban is joined by Nicole Landers, Director of Communications & Partnerships @ GreenWealth Energy. Nicole is a longtime climate consultant and one of the founders of a community garden that helped nourish and support her local Venice community.

Nicole and Esteban discuss community-focused efforts to make electrical vehicle charging more accessible, how a few friends can make a real impact on the climate and on their community, how building sustainable communities is an investment in groups of people historically left out of the conversation, and so much more.

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New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

Understanding Climate Policy Decision Making Jul 28, 2025

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about local clean energy projects and how they support a larger and greener statewide vision for California. He is joined by Heather Repenning, Vice President, Account Manager and Resilience Lead at Jacobs, and the former Executive Officer for Sustainability at LA Metro where she led efforts to support clean transportation and reduce emissions within LA Metro’s capital expansion program.

Heather and Esteban talk about the way design choices made by local governments impact the choices we make as we travel through southern California. They also discuss the opportunities for sustainable development leading up to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games, and some of Heather’s favorite LA and climate books.

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Here is the syllabus to the climate policy course Heather teaches at USC

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New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

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Hi, Energy! is Back! Jul 21, 2025

Hi, Energy! is back! This season, we’re diving deeper into real-world stories, smart energy solutions, and local community voices driving change right here in our neighborhoods.

Hear from Southern California’s best and brightest leaders rolling up their sleeves to make clean and sustainable energy work for everyone.And insights from experts who work with government officials to turn big climate goals into real climate action.

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

Environmental Justice: A Call For Equality Feb 25, 2025

In this episode of Hi, Energy! Esteban Gast dives into the vital topic of environmental justice with Veronica Padilla-Campos, Executive Director of Pacoima Beautiful. Together, they explore what environmental justice means, the systemic issues behind environmental racism, and how climate change disproportionately impacts low-income and marginalized communities. Veronica shares inspiring stories of advocacy, the real-world consequences of environmental inequities, and actionable steps to drive change.

Boosting Efficiency: SOCalREN's Impact on Cities & Schools Jan 27, 2025

In this episode of Hi, Energy! Esteban Gast sits down with Rachel Pennington, Assistant Director of Energy Services at The Energy Coalition, to explore how SoCalREN’s Public Agency Program is helping cities, school districts, and government agencies save money and energy through impactful projects. Rachel shares success stories, breaks down how public agencies can implement energy-efficient improvements, and highlights the long-term benefits of sustainability. They also answer listener questions about overcoming budget constraints and supporting smaller agencies.

Breaking Into the Green Economy Dec 30, 2024

Esteban Gast dives into the exciting world of green career pathways with Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of the US Green Building Council – California. As industries shift toward sustainability, Ben breaks down the growing opportunities in fields like green building, energy efficiency, and clean technology. They also explore how these careers are evolving, the importance of equity in the green economy, and how to get started, even if you're transitioning from a non-environmental background. Tune in for expert insights, practical advice, and a roadmap to making a real impact through your work!

The Urban Heat Island Effect: Why It Matters and How We Can Fix It Nov 25, 2024

In this episode of Hi, Energy!, Esteban Gast dives into the rising challenge of urban heat islands, especially here in Southern California where summer heat is only intensifying. But it’s not just about the problem—it’s about finding solutions! Esteban is joined by Amanda Begley, Senior Program Manager at TreePeople, who shares her expertise on how green spaces, reflective materials, and community action can help cool our cities. They discuss public health impacts, successful green projects, and ways listeners can get involved. Tune in for actionable tips to beat the heat!

Heat Pumps: They Heat, They Cool, and They’re a Game Changer for SoCal Oct 28, 2024

Esteban chats with energy engineer Evan Davis, who’s on a mission to bring heat pumps to homes across SoCal. They may not sound glamorous, but these versatile gadgets are game-changers for home heating and cooling, especially here in sunny Southern California. They’ll break down how heat pumps work, why they’re a win for both your wallet and the environment, and what you need to know if you’re thinking about making the switch. Plus, they’ll answer listener questions about installation costs, energy savings, and whether heat pumps can handle extreme weather.

Tune in to find out why heat pumps might just be your new best friend—and how they’re helping keep California green.

Decarbonization 101 Oct 01, 2024

In the season premiere of Hi, Energy! Esteban Gast tackles a big one—decarbonization. But don’t worry, this isn’t a science class! Esteban keeps it fun and breaks it down so you can casually drop "decarbonization" into conversation like a pro. Joining him is Jakub Zielkiewicz, the Director of Climate Planning at ICF, to help us get what decarbonization really means for LA and how we can all pitch in to hit those big emission-cutting goals. From cool tech solutions to simple everyday actions, Jakub’s got practical tips for how we can all do our part to make Southern California cleaner and greener.

Introducing Hi, Energy! Sep 27, 2024

Reducing energy use today is key to a safer, more affordable, and sustainable tomorrow. In this season of Hi, Energy!, we bring you front-row access to the innovators and leaders across Southern California who are making a real difference. From demystifying the benefits of heat pumps to guiding you through actionable steps toward decarbonization, we’re here to help you navigate the path to a cleaner, greener future. We’ll also uncover career opportunities in the booming green economy and tackle the urgent challenges of urban heat islands. Whether you’re looking to make smarter energy choices at home, work, or in your community, this podcast connects you to the conversations that can inspire change. Join us as we light the way to a brighter, more sustainable future.

The Future of Women In Energy Oct 09, 2023

For episode number 18 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, host Julie Castro, speaks with Tinuviel Carlson, Program Manager at The Energy Coalition, and Cassie Smith & Megan Kendall from the California Climate Action Corp, about their individual experiences in the energy industry to date, as fellows and ultimately as energy sector professionals in their early careers to date.

Women in Energy: Past and Present Sep 18, 2023

For episode number 17 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, host Julie Castro, welcomes Jenny Berg (recently retired) of BayREN and RaChelle Taccone with the LA County Public Works Department, about their experience in the energy industry, their challenges, and successes in their work to date, and what they look forward to in the years to come.

The High Sierra Energy Foundation and its Partnership with SoCalREN Jul 21, 2023

With episode 16, we interviewed Pam Bold (Executive Direction of High Sierra Energy Foundation) who joined HSEF in 2015 after a hiatus spent raising two active boys and volunteering extensively in the area she serves today. As stated in her bio, “Pam has a degree in something she never worked one day in, spent her early career in the tech field, and couldn’t be happier that she found her way to a role that allows her to have a positive impact on people and the environment.” She now lives out a long-time passion of working in energy and has been a vital partner in the collaboration with SoCalREN working to promote the culture of energy efficiency and sustainability in the Eastern Sierra area – Inyo and Mono Counties.

The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District Jun 08, 2023

For episode number 15 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, host Julie Castro, welcomes John Zhao, with the La Virgenes Municipal Water District. John discusses how his team is addressing water supply challenges and utilizing their partnership with SoCalREN to pave the path of energy savings.

Introducing Kids to Energy Efficiency with “Kits for Kids” Jan 06, 2023

For episode number 14 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, host Julie Castro, welcomes Laurie Jacobs, Program Coordinator with South Bay Cities Council of Governments, and Dan Bonn, an educator with Towne Avenue Elementary School. Both have been involved in an innovative education program, Kits for Kits, that educates students, teachers, and families alike about the importance of energy efficiency. Along with providing easy to install, no-cost items like LED bulbs to help parents and guardians save at home, participating classrooms can earn an $1000 incentive for their efforts.

The Greenlining Institute: Environmental Justice for Communities of Color Oct 17, 2022

For episode number 13 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, Greenlining Institute’s, Alvaro Sanchez, joins host Julie Castro to discuss Environmental Justice for Communities of Color.

The Greenlining Institute is committed to building a just economy that is inclusive, cooperative, sustainable, participatory, fair, and healthy. Their multifaceted advocacy efforts address the root causes of racial, economic, and environmental inequities to meaningfully transform the material conditions of communities of color in California and across the country. They envision a future where communities of color can build a wealth, live in healthy places, filled with economic opportunity, and are ready to meet the challenges posed by climate change.

Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE): Activism in Local Communities with RePower LA Aug 24, 2022

For episode number 12 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy’s Community Organizer, Kameron Hurt, joins host Julie Castro to discuss Activism in Local Communities with RePower LA.

Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) is recognized nationally as an advocacy organization building a community-centric economy. LAANE promotes a new economic approach based on good jobs, thriving communities, and a healthy environment. LAANE’s campaign, RePower LA is a citywide coalition of community groups, environmentalists, and small businesses anchored by LAANE, SCOPE, and IBEW Local 18 that advocates equitable environmental programs and career-path jobs at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP), the nation’s largest municipally-owned utility.

Cool Irvine: Irvine's Campaign to Reach Carbon Neutrality by 2030 Jul 27, 2022

For episode number 11 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, Cool Irvine’s Environmental Programs Administrator, Sona Coffee, joins host Julie Castro to discuss their campaign to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.

Cool Irvine’s, Cool Block Program is developed to create planet friendly, disaster resilient, and community rich neighborhoods. The cities efforts to incorporate sustainability measures into their homes will help conserve natural resources, improve energy and water efficiency, and reduce your carbon footprint. In addition, with the synergy created by the community, all the actions taken will work together to make Irvine carbon neutral by 2030 as part of the community’s ambitious Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

USGBC-LA's Ben Stapleton on Sustainability in LA Schools and Businesses May 24, 2022

For episode number 10 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, US Green Building Council Los Angeles (USGBC-LA) Executive Director, Ben Stapleton, joins host Julie Castro to discuss sustainability in LA schools and businesses.

USGBC-LA’s focus is people and creating a more sustainable future for Southern California. Their initiatives embody action, education, and engagement while collaboratively and inclusively improving local communities. Their members and volunteers believe in creating a more sustainable built environment through education, innovation, and impactful action. They take steps in impacting communities and building a legacy.

The City of West Hollywood: A SoCalREN Public Agency Veteran Apr 14, 2022

For episode number 9 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, City of West Hollywood Long Range Planning and Sustainability Manager, Robyn Eason, and Senior Administrative Analyst, Erin Hamant joined host Julie Castro to discuss local energy initiatives.

The City of West Hollywood has been enrolled in the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) Public Agency Programs for 8 years. Through this partnership, the city and SoCalREN have collaborated on retrofitting city streetlights with energy-efficient LEDs and conducted energy assessments at multiple city sites to identify opportunities for more energy savings and GHG emission reductions. The City and SoCalREN implemented an Energy Goals employee engagement campaign to educate and encourage city staff to save energy at work and at home. In addition, the city is a member agency of the local community choice aggregator, Clean Power Alliance (CPA). Together, the city and CPA are exploring bringing energy resilience to West Hollywood with a new microgrid.

Utility Debt Relief and Energy Justice with SCOPE Mar 17, 2022

For episode number 8 of ReEnergizing Communities, Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE) Executive Director, Gloria Medina and SCOPE Member, Peggy Scott join host Julie Castro to discuss Utility Debt Relief and Energy Justice. For over 10 years, SCOPE has worked with community-based organizations, labor unions, and environmental groups to ensure low-income communities of color are at the forefront of the green job sector. SCOPE’s strong presence in the community and drive to create equal opportunities within them has generated energy justice across Los Angeles. Gloria and Peggy give a detailed overview of the work SCOPE is doing to help bring debt relief and energy justice to the communities they serve. They also discuss the various programs offered, their goals for 2022, ways to get involved, and more.

San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and their Partnership with SoCalREN Jan 26, 2022

For episode number 7 of ReEnergizing Communities, San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) Executive Director, Marisa Creter joins host Julie Castro to discuss Local and State Objectives and their Partnership with SoCalREN. SGVCOG is a regional government planning agency that aims to maximize the quality of life in the San Gabriel Valley. The SGVCOG is the largest and most diverse sub-regional council of governments in Los Angeles County. It encompasses more than 374 square miles and has more than 2 million residents. SGVCOG discusses how they are leveraging local knowledge and strong relationships with SoCalREN’s various Programs, to bring energy efficiency offerings to San Gabriel Valley communities.

Clean Power: Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Nov 22, 2021

For episode number 6 of ReEnergizing Communities, Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program Manager, Kajsa Hendrickson joins host Chris Ford to discuss SOMAH, currently the largest solar-owned investment in the country. The program will deliver clean power and credits on energy bills to hundreds of thousands of California’s affordable housing residents. Kasja gives a detailed overview of the unique program as it is the first of its kind. She also discusses the sustainability goals, program design, benefits for tenants, and more.

Upcoming Initiatives: CPUC and the Community Oct 05, 2021

For episode number 5 of ReEnergizing Communities, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma joins host Chris Ford to discuss ongoing initiatives at the CPUC level. Shiroma discusses SB 350, the role local governments can play in achieving clean energy goals for the state, wildfire mitigation efforts, and more.

Assembly Bill 841 School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Pt. 2 Sep 09, 2021

For episode number 4 of ReEnergizing Communities, Christine Marez of Cumming Corporation joins host Chris Ford to discuss Assembly Bill 841 and the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program that was created as a result of its passage. Marez discusses energy-related challenges schools are facing during the pandemic, which types of projects districts should prioritize with state and federal funding, and the specific steps districts should take to attain grant funding.

Assembly Bill 841 School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Pt. 1 Aug 18, 2021

For episode number 3 of ReEnergizing Communities, Jay Kim from the Colton Joint Unified School District joins host Chris Ford to discuss Assembly Bill 841 and the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program that was created as a result of its passage. Kim discusses the impact of this Program on both his district and other school districts in the process of reopening, as well as how to take advantage of the available resources to upgrade HVAC systems in schools and improve overall energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency Policymaking Jul 08, 2021

For episode number 2 of ReEnergizing Communities, Kurt Johnson from The Climate Center joins host Chris Ford to discuss his organization’s work, structuring energy efficiency-related policy at both the state and federal level, and how the state of California can become more energy resilient. Other topics include Kurt’s work on the EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program and the status of the Community Energy Resilience Act in the State legislature.

Energy Resiliency in Southern California Mar 15, 2021

In the pilot episode of ReEnergizing Communities, host Dan Tyler sits down with four guests to discuss energy resiliency and the important role it plays for communities across Southern California. Energy resiliency is defined as an entity's ability to withstand or recover quickly from disruptions in available and affordable energy resources. The panel includes:

Lujuana Medina, a manager for the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department, Environmental Initiatives Division, which administers SoCalREN.
Chris Ford, Assistant Director of Energy Services for The Energy Coalition, also known as TEC. TEC is a nonprofit organization that partners with Los Angeles County to help public agencies set up energy efficiency programs and achieve their sustainability goals.
Ben Lucha, an Environmental and Technology for the City of Palmdale.
Kathy Wells, a Senior Management Analyst for the City of Palmdale.

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