The City Square

Latest Episodes:

The Toll Roads in the Square Jun 08, 2016

Show notes

In this episode of The City Square, Brian interviews Mike Kraman, CEO of the TCA (Transportation Corridor Agencies). Referred to commonly as "the Toll Roads," the TCA isn't actually a company--it's a joint powers authority whose board is composed of publicly elected officials. What is the TCA doing to help transportation in Orange County? What projects are in the pipeline? To find out, tune into this fascinating episode!

Water Districts in OC: Collaboration and Conservation May 25, 2016

Show notes

In this episode of The City Square, Brian interviews Shawn Dewane and Lisa Ohlund, two leading figures in the world of water. Shawn is the President of Mesa Water District, while Lisa is the General Manager over at the East Orange County Water District. In the face of relaxed water regulations from the state level, you might be confused: is the drought over? What now? Will we have enough water for the future? Answers to these questions and more await you in this exciting episode!

What's Happening in Anaheim and ACC-OC? May 19, 2016

Show notes

What's happening in Anaheim? As Orange County's largest city, there's always something big in the works. Joining us on this episode is The City of Anaheim's Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster, who knows everything there is to know about Anaheim. He briefed us on the status of the Platinum Triangle Development, Short Term Rentals, and upgrades to Ponderosa Park. Also on the show was the ACC-OC's very own Diana Coronado to brief you on what the ACC-OC is doing to serve Orange Counties. She recounts ACC-OC's recent efforts on sober living homes, including AB 2772 (Chang) and why solutions are difficult on this issue. She also updates us on ACC-OC's Infrastructure tours and reception and the Governor's May Revise to the State Budget. This episode is chock-full of the public policy you crave!

OC Water Gurus Ric Collett and Brett Barbre May 12, 2016

Show notes

So what's new in the world of water after the "El No Show," as folks have taken to calling this year's underperforming rainy season? Quite a bit, actually. With Governor Brown's recent announcement that he will not extend the mandatory 25% water cutbacks for all California communities, there are potential consequences for local water agencies and their regional suppliers. What does this mean for the drought going forward? Luckily for us, the water gurus Ric Collett (President of the Yorba Linda Water District) and Brett Barbre (Vice President of the Municipal Water District of Orange County) explain everything that's been going on in the wild world of water!

Alleviating Homelessness with HomeAid Orange County and 211OC May 09, 2016

Show notes

Orange County: the land of sparkling beaches and million dollar homes. And homelessness. Thankfully, there are dedicated and masterful non-profit organizations here in Orange County doing the rewarding work of helping the less fortunate. In this episode, join Brian as he interviews Scott Larson from HomeAid Orange County and Karen Williams from 211OC to see what these two fabulous organizations are doing to help alleviate homelessness in your backyard!

CEO Linda Voss Shows What Red Cross Does in OC Apr 28, 2016

Show notes

It has been said that the Red Cross is like that of an umpire at a baseball game; when it is doing it's job effectively, you don't notice it. And with such a vital role to play in Orange County and the rest of the "Desert to the Sea" region of California, we sure are glad that they're working behind the scenes to keep us all safe and healthy! But in this episode, Brian takes a deeper dive to discover what it is that the Red Cross does right here in our backyard. Without tornadoes and hurricanes that plague our Midwestern and Southern states, some may think that our friends at the Red Cross aren't doing as much--but boy, are they wrong! Regional CEO Linda Voss dispels that notion by telling us that with constant blood donations, Home Fire Prevention campaigns with the Orange County Fire Authority, and more, the OC Red Cross undertakes a lot to keep us all safe. Thanks a bunch to the heroes at Red Cross!

Frank Ury and Wendy Bucknum Showcase Mission Viejo Apr 21, 2016

Show notes

How much do you know about Mission Viejo? Have you heard about how Lake Mission Viejo will have enough water for the next 25 years by using residential runoff? Or that the city is leading the way in water conservation throughout the county? Mission Viejo is also showing leadership to help our furry friends through innovative partnerships with volunteer groups and neighboring cities. How do they do it all? Mayor Frank Ury and Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Bucknum tell all in this week's episode of The City Square!

Mayor Pro Tem Scott Voigts Discusses the Vibrant City of Lake Forest Apr 14, 2016

Show notes

This week on The City Square, host Brian Lochrie interviews the beloved Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Lake Forest, "Mayor" Scott Voigts. Do you anything about Lake Forest's sports park? Or that Lake Forest has a vibrant economy that's home to companies large (Dunkin' Donuts, Oakley) and small? How about an incredible unemployment rate of 3%? All the while running a budget surplus of $4 million, which will be socked away into the city's rainy day fund. Truly incredible achievements for any city! In addition, Scott also briefly discusses the recall efforts against him and some of his fellow council members in his city. Listen to learn more about Lake Forest's secret sauce for success!

Introducing New Host Brian Lochrie with Waste Management and West Coast Arborists Apr 06, 2016

Show notes

In this episode of The City Square, we introduce our new show host, Brian Lochrie! With a background in radio in East Texas and current experience with public affairs at his firm Communications Lab in the City of Orange, Brian is definitely prepared to step in and comment on policy here in the OC. On his inaugural show, we were joined by our favorite recurring hosts from Waste Management (Tom Koutroulis and Chip Monaco) and West Coast Arborists (Andy Trotter). Listen in as our guests talk about meeting the state's recycling requirements, keeping waste rates low for OC citizens, and challenges to the urban forest in the face of a continued drought and a weak El Nino. It's sure to be the fastest (and funnest) hour in radio!

Eric Woolery and His Watchdog Jameson Step Discuss Taxpayer Protection Mar 30, 2016

Show notes

Eric Woolery is the Auditor-Controller for the County of Orange. What is an Auditor-Controller anyway? Is it like the County Treasurer? We know the answer, but we're not telling! To find out, you'll have to listen to this week's episode of The City Square! Join us as we interview Eric, who was only recently (about a year ago) elected to the Auditor-Controller position, and has introduced a whole series of innovations to protect taxpayers and increase citizens' financial literacy. He also explains what in the wild world of sports a GASB and a CAFR are, and what importance they have to your life. You'll even meet his virtual watchdog, Jameson!

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