Policy Chats

In this episode, the Director of Legislation and Community Affairs for Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest, Karen Borja, talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about reproductive rights in 2022. About Karen Borja: Karen Borja is the Director of Legislation and Community Affairs for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. Ms. Borja is a dedicated community organizer and health advocate.  Learn more about Karen Borja via https://www.linkedin.com/in/kborja01/ Podcast Highlights: “In California, abortion is still safe, legal, and protected, that all patients regardless of where they're traveling from will be able to access at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest.” -       Karen Borja's statement on abortion care in California.  “It is essential that our state continue to have the strongest laws in the country so that we could continue to be a beacon of hope for those that need access to essential healthcare.” -       Karen Borja on the topic of California's Proposition 1 and the importance of the upcoming Midterm Elections. “We are with you. We believe in care no matter what.” -       Karen Borja on Planned Parenthood's stance on abortion rights. Guest: Karen Borja (Director of Legislation and Community Affairs for Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Dinara Godage (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Link: https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, the Host of the Urban Planning is Not Boring Podcast, Natalie Ikhrata talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Urban Planning and its challenges. About Natalie Ikhrata: Natalie is pursuing her Master's in Urban Planning, Housing, and Transportation at the University of Southern California. She is a transportation planner and co-host of her podcast, Urban Planning is Not Boring.  Learn more about Natalie Ikhrata via https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-ikhrata-82a192195/ Podcast Highlights: “Every single moment is planned for you. It's kind of funny to think about but it's so true.” -      Natalie Ikhrata on the prevalence of urban planning in our daily lives “We really do need to acknowledge that public participation and partnership is extremely important.” -      Natalie Ikhrata on the topic of compromise in real estate development.  “We've had past planning practices, but a permanency of infrastructure has allowed people to still stay in the same residences that maybe haven't been updated, renovated, or redeveloped, and it's causing significant issues.” -       Natalie Ikhrata on the topic of historical practices and policies and how they affect us today. Guest: Natalie Ikhrata (Podcast Host) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Catherine Mah (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) Urban Planning is Not Boring: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/urban-planning-is-not-boring/id1631872994 Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, University of California Riverside Alumni Samuel Roberts & Semi Cole discuss with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about their covid-equity project, San Bernardino for Rapid Recovery, and the need for continued covid mitigation and prevention measures.  About Samuel Roberts: Samuel Roberts is a current MPP candidate and Dean's Merit Scholar at the University of  Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. Co-founder of San Bernardino for Rapid Recovery (SBRR), Samuel's interests and passions include education and civic engagement policy.  Learn more about Samuel Roberts via https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-roberts-9a3419193/ About Semi Cole: Semi Cole is an aspiring civic leader and entrepreneur focused on leadership and making an impact. As a Co-founder of SBRR, Semi is passionate about discussing the health issues facing San Bernardino and hopes to expand the non-profit's mission beyond COVID-19 to address the other health concerns in the region.   Learn more about Semi Cole via https://www.linkedin.com/in/semi-cole/ Podcast Highlights: “It's about building relationships...it's up to community members like ourselves to step up and broker the conversations, to spend time and fill in the gaps.” -       Semi Cole on the importance of community members engaging with one another to ensure safety and security.  “The first grant we got was from Core in partnership with the California Department of  Public Health and the CR Health Foundation. We got nearly a quarter-million dollars to fund the operation-that was a huge moment for us.” -       Samuel Roberts on the journey to starting SBRR.  Guests: Samuel Roberts (UCR Alumni & Co-Founder of SBRR) Semi Cole (UCR Alumni & Co-Founder of SBRR) Interviewer: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Learn more about San Bernardino for Rapid Recovery via https://www.instagram.com/sbrapidrecovery/ Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Professor of Economics Matthew Lang talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about gun violence and gun control. About Matthew Lang: Professor Lang is an Associate Professor of Teaching at the University of California, Riverside. His research focuses on a variety of areas, including Applied Microeconomics, Mental Health, and Firearms sales. Learn more about Matthew Lang via https://sites.google.com/site/matthewdlang18/home Podcast Highlights: “The relationship between firearm access and suicide is significantly stronger in the research than firearm access and homicide.” -       Matthew Lang on the topic of the role mental health plays in gun violence.  “COVID increased uncertainty...everyone was fearful and uncertain.” -       Matthew Lang on the topic of COVID and firearm sales. “As much as we talk about firearms as a  polarizing topic in policy...we think there's a massive partisan divide when it comes to firearms; I don't believe that. I don't think the overlap between gun rights and gun control is that far off. I think there's more overlap than media in general wants to admit.” -       Matthew Lang on the role media plays in the gun debate. Guest: Matthew Lang (Professor of Economics) Interviewer: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Sociology Steven Brint talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Student Loan Forgiveness. About Steven Brint: Steven Brint is a Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Sociology at the University of California, Riverside. His research focuses on a wide variety of political and social topics, but he has a special interest in the policy analysis of higher education.  Learn more about Steven Brint via https://spp.ucr.edu/faculty-spotlight-steven-brint Podcast Highlights: “The problem with college costs is extremely complex...they are the root, and this policy does not address it.” -       Steven Brint on the idea that college costs are the core issue. “Part social welfare program, partly a middle-class benefit, and partly a kind of pork barrel that is intended to make the (Democratic) party look good to constituency groups they depend on.” -       Steven Brint on the topic of the politics behind the policy. Guest: Steven Brint (Professor of Public Policy and Sociology) Interviewer: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Professor Stan Oklobdzija talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the housing crisis. About Stan Oklobdzija: Professor Oklobdzija is a visiting Assistant Professor at UC Riverside's School of Public Policy. His research focuses on state and local politics with special attention to housing policy. Learn more about Stan Oklobdzija via https://stanokl.github.io/ Podcast Highlights: “The fundamental thing that defines housing markets in a lot of these job-rich centers in the United States is fundamental scarcity. For about the last 50 years or so, cities in America have not been building to meet demand and population growth.” -       Stan Oklobdzija defining the crux of housing shortages. “If you have 50% of your wealth tied to a home (which the average American does), you're going to want to defend it at all costs. What do you do to defend it? You block competition. You own a scarce asset; that asset appreciates more rapidly than if it's a commonplace asset.” -       Stan Oklobdzija on the topic of homeowners and the motivation behind limiting housing production. “Creating uniform standards, creating a buy right process of development, such that if you meet these certain conditions, your project gets approved. This is the way it's done across the developed world.” -       Stan Oklobdzija on the topic of government intervention and addressing the core issues of the housing crisis. Guest: Stan Oklobdzija (Professor of Political Science) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber talks with a student and alumnus from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about her career in public service. About Shirley Weber: Shirley Nash Weber, Ph.D. was nominated to serve as California Secretary of State by Governor Gavin Newsom on December 22, 2020, and sworn into office on January 29, 2021. She is California’s first Black Secretary of State and only the fifth African American to serve as a state constitutional officer in California’s 170-year history. Learn more about Shirley Weber via https://www.sos.ca.gov/administration/about Podcast Highlights: “I didn't see politics as the only way to make a difference.” -       Shirley Weber on the topic of making a difference in our communities. “I never felt I had to force myself to be the leader. I believe very strongly that the best people in organizations are great followers.” -       Shirley Weber on the topic of leadership. “Never wait for the big moment. Do it now.” -       Shirley Weber on the topic of getting involved and making a difference. Guest: Shirley Weber (California Secretary of State) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Maddie Bunting (UCR Public Policy Alumnus) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Executive Director of the Student Debt Crisis Center Cody Hounanian talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the student debt crisis. About Cody Hounanian: Cody Hounanian began his work with Student Debt Crisis Center working on issues like consumer protection policies and student loan refinancing. As executive director, Cody oversees the budget and program management of SDCC and is in charge of day-to-day operations. Learn more about Cody Hounanian via https://studentdebtcrisis.org/about/ Podcast Highlights: “When you have a debt burden of 1.7 trillion dollars and you have 42 million Americans impacted, it's an issue that cannot be ignored today.” -       Cody Hounanian on the topic of the debt ballooning exponentially.  “And we're now looking at a scenario in our society in which many people do not think higher education provides enough benefits and it's because debt has stripped all those benefits away.” -       Cody Hounanian on the conversation of attending college and its benefits. “We need to stop treating it as if it's only about the bottom line as if we're running a bank.” -       Cody Hounanian on the topic of the greedy nature of student loans.  Guest: Cody Hounanian (Executive Director of SDCC) Interviewer: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Government Relations and Public Policy Advisor Greg Rodriguez talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the similarities and differences between the HIV and COVID-19 public health crises. About Greg Rodriguez: Greg L. Rodriguez serves as Government Relations and Public Policy Advisor for Supervisor Perez in the fourth district in the County of Riverside. He has government experience having previously worked for the office of Congressman Ruiz. Learn more about Greg Rodriguez via https://rivco4.org/About/About-Manuel-Team Podcast Highlights: “You had facilities that would not treat HIV and AIDS patients...so how do you get over and shine a light on that stigmatization? That's where you saw the shift is when activists made this not only a public health crisis but also a social crisis.” -       Greg Rodriguez on the topic of stigma and discrimination and how it impacts public health.  “I think it is human nature when we're faced with fear or crisis, we're looking to figure out where it came from, who caused it...however, I think it was escalated in the COVID case.” -       Greg Rodriguez on the topic of discrimination and racism during COVID-19.  “Social media has played a huge role...when it's spread over and over again, it, unfortunately, becomes a part of people's dialogue.” -       Greg Rodriguez on the topic of misinformation and anti-science sentiment.  Guest: Greg Rodriguez (Government Relations and Public Policy Advisor) Interviewer: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Kevin Esterling talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about digital democracy and echo chambers. About Kevin Esterling: Kevin Esterling is a Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, and the Director of the Laboratory for Technology, Communication, and Democracy (TeCD Lab), at the University of California, Riverside. His research focuses on institutional design for communication in democratic politics, and he has interests in Bayesian statistics, experimental design, and science ethics and validity. His current work focuses on deliberative democracy and the design of technology that leads citizens to engage constructively in public discourse. Learn more about Kevin Esterling via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/kevine Podcast Highlights: “The advantage is that we as individuals don't have to rely so much on intermediaries to express our concern to government.” -       Kevin Esterling on the advantages of digital democracy.  “If social media platforms just become a cesspool of misinformation and ideological content, at some people will find it less useful...” -       Kevin Esterling on the topic of social media and echo chambers. “Technology is neither good nor bad, it's just how it's designed and how it ends up getting used.” -       Kevin Esterling pointing out the "gray area" that technology often falls into.  Guest: Kevin Esterling (Professor of Political Science and Public Policy) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Zeno Marganian (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.