Capstone Conversation by Jared Asch

Uniting the East Bay Against HungerIn this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch discusses food security in the East Bay with Haley Salarez of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties and Janette Kennedy of Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa. Haley explains the Food Bank's mission to advocate for social safety net programs like CalFresh and how they serve 390,000 client...

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch discusses the impact of hydrogen on the East Bay economy, California, and the national landscape with Roxana Bekemohammadi from the United States Hydrogen Alliance. Roxana shares her journey from a passionate teenager dreaming of working for the California Air Resources Board to becoming a key player in the hydrogen industry. She recoun...

In this episode of the 'Capstone Conversation,' host Jared Asch is joined by Ross Hillesheim to discuss two main topics: land use planning and the development of hydrogen and renewable energy fueling stations. Ross, who has served on the Contra Costa County Planning Commission for five years, elaborates on the role and responsibilities of a planning commissioner, typical projects that come before...

From Labs to Legislation: In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch interviews Dr. Julianne McCall from the California Council for Science and Technology (CCST). McCall discusses her extensive academic background and her current role in CCST, a non-profit organization providing science and technology advice to California policymakers. The conversation addresses the placement of...

In this Capstone Conversation episode hosted by Jared Asch, Todd Pray, the Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL), discusses his role and the lab's mission. Todd highlights the lab's history, its foundational figures, and its evolution over time, including the lab's ties with other national labs and its focus on team science to address critical is...

In 'The Capstone Conversation,' host Jared Asch interviews Elizabeth Redman Cleveland from the City of Berkeley. The discussion delves into Elizabeth's role in promoting economic development and sustainability within Berkeley through her background in economic development strategy consulting. The conversation highlights key partnerships with UC Berkeley, innovative policy support for l...

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch discusses the transformation and future of Benicia, a charming town in the Greater East Bay, with City Manager Mario Giuliani and David Batchelor of the Benicia Community Foundation. Mario shares his unique career path from lifeguard to city manager, exploring the city's rich history and community culture. The conversation highlight...

 Jared Asch discusses the comprehensive energy solutions in the Greater East Bay with Bob Brown and Mark Nechodom.from the Western States Petroleum Association. They explore the impacts of the petroleum industry on the community, the transition to renewable energy, and the economic implications for the East Bay. The conversation covers job contributions, regulatory challenges, the importance of di...

Go Behind the Anchor Desk with long-time Bay Area media veteran Dan Ashley of ABC7 News. This episode looks at how the news media is evolving and seeking to tell the stories in our communities. In a crowded and noisy information landscape, responsible journalists must sift through abundant content to report the facts accurately. This involves diligently checking facts, cross-referencing with multi...

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch explores the importance of arts in the Greater East Bay, focusing on Livermore Valley Arts. Joined by Chris Carter, CEO, and Ruth Eggerman, Marketing Director, the discussion covers the organization's mission, operations, and the economic and cultural impact of their theaters, the 500-seat Bankhead Theater and the Boswell Arts Center. T...

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared discusses pet welfare and community impact with Dr. Walani Sung, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Dr. Sung, who oversees animal admissions and well-being at Joybound People and Pets, talks about the organization's efforts to aid the pet community in the greater East Bay area. They delve into topics such as pet adoption trends during...

In this episode of Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch interviews Yulisa Alenez, who became a homeowner through Habitat for Humanity. Yulisa details her upbringing in the Bay Area and the struggle to find affordable housing. Inspired by her immigrant mother's dream, she pursued Habitat for Humanity to provide her special needs son a stable home. The discussion covers Yulisa’s experience with th...

Addressing Housing Challenges with Habitat for Humanity: Insights and Innovations In this episode of Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch engages in a detailed discussion with Janice Jensen from Habitat for Humanity, East Bay, Silicon Valley chapter. They explore the organization’s mission to provide affordable homeownership opportunities and how they tackle the housing crisis exacerbated by hig...

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch chats with Brett Perluba, the new City Manager of Suisun City, about his journey and vision for transforming the city. Perluba shares his unique entry into government, his entrepreneurial background, and critical lessons from his previous roles. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in Suisun City, including its stagnated econom...

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch and guest Professor Nolan Higdon from Cal State East Bay discuss the outcomes of the November 2024 elections at both national and California levels. They explore the Democrats' losses and potential reasons behind the predicted 'red tidal wave' and critique post-election analysis. The discussion covers the dynamics within California, inc...

In this episode of Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch engages with Matt Francois, a council member, planning commissioner, and land use attorney from Walnut Creek. They explore strategies for improving economic development through streamlined permit processes, efficient interdepartmental collaboration, and updated land use codes. Key initiatives include adopting online systems for municipal pr...

Future-Proofing East Bay's Power Grid: Innovations, Resilience, and Community Engagement with PG&E In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch explores the future of the electric grid in the Greater East Bay with PG&E's Vice President, Jake Zigleman. They discuss PG&E's vision to support clean energy transitions, climate resilience, and the challenges of aging infrast...

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Bowers from the Three Valleys Community Foundation discusses the critical role of community foundations in addressing local needs. Unlike regular foundations, community foundations respond to diverse, emergent causes within their communities. The conversation highlights the collaboration between foundations, the importance of community engagement, and initiatives like me...

Navigating the Bay Area Housing Crisis with Land Use Experts In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared discusses the Bay Area housing crisis and land use issues with two land use attorneys, Patty Curtin and Amara Morrison of the Fenimore Law Firm. They explore the origins of the housing shortage, tracing it back to post-WWII growth and regulations, as well as the impact of the Housi...

In this episode of Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch discusses the California homeowners insurance crisis with Danielle Cagan from CSAA Insurance. They delve into the reasons behind policy non-renewals and rising premiums, including regulatory challenges, inflation, and climate change impacts like wildfires. Cagan explains the role of reinsurance and the importance of home and community mitig...

Join host Jared Asch in a riveting Capstone Conversation with Kevin Matthews of First Student, delving into the electrification of school buses in the Greater East Bay. Discover the intricacies of California's electric grid, sustainability efforts, student health benefits, and more. Kevin sheds light on First Student's ambitious goal to electrify 30,000 buses by 2035 and the operational ch...

host Jared Asch speaks with Jenna Tenney and J.B. Ackman from [MCE](https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/), California's first community choice energy provider. The discussion covers MCE's role in providing cost-competitive renewable energy to residents across Marin, Solano, Napa, and Contra Costa Counties, and how it replaces PG&E’s electric generation service. They delve into the benefits...

Capstone Conversation with Assemblywoman Bauer Kahan: AI Regulation, Water Access, and More! Join host Jared Asch in this insightful episode of Capstone Conversation as he sits down with Assemblywoman Bauer Kahan, who represents the La Mirinda, Walnut Creek, and Tri-Valley areas. Dive into the 2024 legislative session, covering pivotal topics such as water access in California, AI regulation, and...

In this episode of Capstone Conversation, host Jared engages with three young leaders from West Contra Costa County: Tessa Rudnick, Mayor of El Cerrito; Cesar Zepeda, Councilmember of Richmond; and Alex Walker Griffin, former Mayor and Councilmember of Hercules. They discuss their unique perspectives as younger elected officials, balancing personal obligations with public service, the impact of so...

In this episode of Capstone Conversation, Jared Asch hosts Debora Allen, BART Board of Directors member representing Contra Costa County. Debora shares her journey from the accounting and construction industry to her role at BART, discusses her eight years of service, and outlines the financial challenges faced by BART due to the pandemic. She emphasizes the need for fiscal restructuring, sustaina...