The City Square

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Placer County Aspires to Control Its Transportation Destiny Nov 19, 2015

Show notes

Placer County is a growing county, and it will have to focus on improving its infrastructure and roads to preserve a safe and smooth growth trajectory. The problem? With state and federal infrastructure funds all but uncertain and shrinking, Placer can't rely on these sources to fund its own transportation projects. Celia McAdam, Executive Director of the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency says there may be hope in sight, but that requires becoming a self-help county like the OC. What is a self-help county, and what would that mean for Placer and others who can't rely on higher levels of government to save them? Listen to transportation gurus Celia and Jerry to find out!

Colonel Greg Raths Steps Into the Square to Help Us Honor Our Veterans Nov 12, 2015

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Veterans Day fell on a Wednesday this year, so Jerry and the Boy Genius had the opportunity of hosting a Veteran-themed show. And who better to have on as a guest than Mission Viejo's Mayor Pro Tempore Colonel Greg Raths! Colonel Raths shared a variety of items, including Veteran-related events in his city; how Mission Viejo is simultaneously pioneering water conservation technology and preparing for the coming El Nino storm; and promoting his book, 9 Lives of a Fighter Pilot (all profits go to Veteran-related charities!) The good Colonel Raths has a distinguished service record in the Marine Corps, and The City Square was proud to honor him and all veterans who have sacrificed on behalf of this nation.

The One Year Anniversary Show featuring Inaugural Guests Lacy Schoen and Adam Probolsky Nov 05, 2015

Show notes

With this episode, The City Square officially reached its first birthday! And who better to bring on than our very first guests, CEO of ACC-OC Lacy Schoen and Adam Probolsky, CEO of Probolsky Research. A year ago, these two guests talked about the 2014 elections and the future direction of Orange County and California. What did they get right? And what do they see on the horizon for 2016? Find out on this special One Year Anniversary Edition of The City Square! Cheers!

Pete Peterson Talks Public Engagement and How to Improve It Oct 29, 2015

Show notes

Americans have long been distrustful of Congress and the federal government, but new polls have recently shown that they are no more fond of local and city governments. This seems strange, since local government is closer and therefore more responsive to those it represents. Low trust in local government should worry city leaders, but not to fear--Pete Peterson is here! As the Interim Dean of Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy, Executive Director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership, and former candidate for California Secretary of State, Mr. Peterson has some sage advice for local governments can engage their citizens for more effective governance.

Taxes Abound in California, and These Experts Have No Trouble Keeping Track Oct 22, 2015

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Income tax, property tax, gas tax, and even a fire tax! With so many taxes in California, it's difficult to keep track all of them. Luckily for folks in OC, there are two experts looking out for us. Diane Harkey, Fourth District member of the California State Board of Equalization (the nation's only elected tax commission), represents Orange and other counties at the state level to ensure tax simplicity, transparency, and fairness. Since taking office in January, she has helped over 300 businesses resolve tax disputes! Additionally, CEO of OCTax and former Mayor of Orange Carolyn Cavecche exercises her breadth and depth of tax knowledge to inform elected officials and the public about looming tax increases under consideration at the state level. Taxes can be confusing, but Diane and Carolyn do a fantastic job of explaining what's on the horizon! We're glad they're keeping an eye out for us!

Two Legal Minds Explain How OC Cities Must Prepare for the State's New Marijuana Law Oct 14, 2015

Show notes

Signed Friday, October 9th, Governor Jerry Brown's Medical Marijuana and Regulation Safety Act provides a new regulatory framework for medicinal marijuana throughout the state. The problem is that cities are given only 6 months to act in a way that best suits their communities, lest they be preempted by state law. With previous experience about how cities in Riverside County attempted to tackle the issue of medical marijuana dispensaries, Jim Ferguson and Charles Green are uniquely suited to explaining how Gov. Brown's new law will affect OC cities, as well as what they must do to preserve local autonomy on such a delicate issue. Join Jerry, the Boy Genius, and these two sharp legal minds as they dive into the weeds of weed policy.

Keith Curry Reflects on His Public Service and the Current State of Politics Oct 07, 2015

Show notes

Newport Beach City Councilman Keith Curry is no stranger to politics and public service, beginning his foray at the ripe old age of 13! Since then, he has served in a variety of capacities, including in the administration of then-President Ronald Reagan as Special Assistant to the Federal Transit Administrator. Since then, he has served as Mayor and Councilman of Newport Beach since 2006, endeavoring and succeeding in righting the city's fiscal ship on a course of sustainability. A policy expert and seasoned political veteran, Keith has a thing or two to say about California's and the US's current state of affairs.

Disneyland Brings a Touch of Magic to the City Square! Sep 30, 2015

Show notes

Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, and it's not hard to see why. Celebrating its 60th Year Diamond Celebration, Disneyland is even more fun and exciting than it already was. In this episode, Jerry and the Boy Genius host Jill Bolton (Director of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs) and Lisa Haines (Vice President of Public Affairs) as they speak to Disney's economic impact in the region, its myriad philanthropy efforts, and even a sneak peak at their new project: Star Wars Land!

Darrell Johnson Displays His Impressive Transportation Acumen Sep 23, 2015

Show notes

There is a reason that Darrell Johnson is the CEO of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). Prior to coming to OCTA, Darrell worked for Amtrak and other transportation-related bodies, and he has gained invaluable experience and policy knowledge. Since putting his expertise to work at OCTA in 2013, he has managed the county's Measure M sales tax revenues responsibly and spearheads efforts to enhance all modes of transportation for residents, visitors, and businesses of Orange County. Stop on by and learn about all the great things OCTA is doing, and get a sneak preview of the newly-approved OC Streetcar!

The History Lesson You Wish You Had Sep 16, 2015

Show notes

Third grade students in Orange County are required to learn about local history in their social studies classes. Stan Oftelie, with his vast knowledge of Orange County history stemming from his public service background, decided that he would write a fun book about OC's history that kids would want to read. The rest...was history. Entitled Nothing Rhymes with Orange, Oftelie's book was published in 2011 and reaches over 30,000 third graders every year! Listen in as Stan recounts astonishing stories from Orange County's founding. You'll wish you had this history lesson as a kid!

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