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The Rebuild SoCal Zone

The Rebuild SoCal Zone

By Rebuild SoCal Partnership

Rebuild SoCal Partnership consists of more than 2,700 contractors throughout Southern California that represent more than 90,000 union workers in all 12 Southern California counties. The Partnership is dedicated to working with elected officials and educating the public on the continued need for essential infrastructure funding, including airports, bridges, ports, rail, roads, and water. Located in Anaheim, CA. The podcast will discuss up-and-coming construction trends and projects in Southern California that will affect your community and your life.
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Talking with the Titans

The Rebuild SoCal ZoneNov 05, 2020

00:00
01:07:49
The High Cost of Underinvestment

The High Cost of Underinvestment

The High Cost of Underinvestment: Assessing the State of Infrastructure in Southern California

In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Matt Newman, the Principal and Co-Founder of Blue Sky Consulting Group, about a new report titled “The High Cost of Underinvestment: Assessing the State of Infrastructure in Southern California,” Rebuild SoCal Partnership launched in January of this year. We discuss key findings from the report, including transportation challenges, regional bridge and water system concerns, and equity disparities.


Over the past decade, Southern California's infrastructure investment has plummeted by 37 percent, impacting critical needs. Infrastructure at our regional ports needs investment, too - an estimated $5.7 billion investment is needed over the next decade for efficient goods movement at the region's ports.


Infrastructure investment drives economic growth, enables the swift movement of goods throughout the region, enhances health and safety across communities, and improves the quality of life for residents.


To read the full report, please visit https://rebuildsocal.org/2024report/

Mar 11, 202424:04
The Challenges and Opportunities of Water in Southern California

The Challenges and Opportunities of Water in Southern California

In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Adán Ortega, the Chair of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Ortega took office as chair on January 1st of this year. We discussed the effects of the rain and storms in Southern California earlier this year, the challenges with building new water infrastructure, the future of water delivery in Southern California, and more!


Please note this episode was recorded on June 28th, 2023.

Jul 12, 202327:47
Denise Cooper Talks Success and Growth in the Construction Industry

Denise Cooper Talks Success and Growth in the Construction Industry

Women in Construction - President and CEO of Cooper Engineering Inc. Denise Cooper joins host Jon Switalski for an inspiring conversation about being a successful woman and business owner in the construction industry. Cooper talks about how young women should want to join the construction industry and not feel scared to do so, her journey into the industry, and the key to having a successful small business. 


Please note: This episode was recorded on March 8th, 2023. If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes, please email podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

Apr 12, 202332:56
Rebuild's Conversation with San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas

Rebuild's Conversation with San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas

In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Nora Vargas. Chairwoman Vargas was sworn in on January 4, 2021, to represent San Diego County’s 1st Supervisorial District. A first-generation immigrant, Supervisor Vargas is the first Latina, binational, and woman of color to serve as County Supervisor in the nearly 200-year history of the County of San Diego. She served as Vice-Chair of the Board for her first two terms and, on January 10th, 2023,  was unanimously elected Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors. We discuss transportation policies and projects in San Diego County, the importance of affordable housing in our communities for young and working families, having a regional impact on San Diegans, and more!


Please note this episode was recorded on February 27th, 2023

Mar 22, 202330:59
Women in Construction: Teresa Stevenson Discusses How Joining the Operating Engineers was the Best Thing She Has Ever Done

Women in Construction: Teresa Stevenson Discusses How Joining the Operating Engineers was the Best Thing She Has Ever Done

This time around on our women in construction series, host Jon Switalski spoke with Teresa Stevenson. Stevenson is currently a Public License Works Inspector for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12. Stevenson joined the Operating Engineers when she was 52 and now, at 58, talks to us about her experience as a woman in such a male-dominated field. She also talks to us about the current project at the San Diego International Airport she is working on and how proud she feels when these projects are completed. Tune in to the episode and listen for more! 


This episode was recorded on February 21st, 2023

Mar 08, 202325:27
The Value of Sweat Equity in Construction with Union Laborer Charles Fair

The Value of Sweat Equity in Construction with Union Laborer Charles Fair

In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with Charles Fair, who is a member of the Laborers Union Local 89 in San Diego. Fair has been a member of Local 89 since 2008. We discuss the growth of San Diego, projects Charles has been a part of, mental health in the construction industry, and more!

Please note: This episode was recorded on February 9th, 2023

Mar 01, 202330:01
Our Conversation with San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman

Our Conversation with San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman

"We can't conserve our way out of the problems we have in California. We have to invest in infrastructure."

In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman. Supervisor Hagman proudly serves the residents of the 4th district. We discuss various transportation projects happening in San Bernardino County, such as the Ontario Airport improvements, the importance of the goods movement to San Bernardino County, water infrastructure, and more!

Please note: This episode was recorded on January 18th, 2023 

Feb 01, 202327:08
Our Conversation with LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger

Our Conversation with LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger

"We should learn to respect the amount of water we have."

In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. Supervisor Barger proudly serves the residents of the 5th district, which is Los Angeles County's largest. We discuss the impact of Measure W projects, the role local transportation agencies play in addressing affordable housing, the implementation of Measure M transportation projects that are critical to District 5, and more!


Please note: This episode was recorded on November 29th, 2022

Dec 07, 202228:24
Infrastructure Investment in San Bernardino County with Dr. Ray Wolfe

Infrastructure Investment in San Bernardino County with Dr. Ray Wolfe

In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Dr. Ray Wolfe. He is currently the Executive Director of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA). Dr. Wolfe joined SBCTA in April 2012 after spending more than 20 years with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). We discuss current infrastructure needs in San Bernardino County, road and highway needs related to the goods movement and what that means for cars, and upcoming projects such as the Redlands Passenger Rail.

Please note this episode was recorded on October 25th, 2022.

Nov 09, 202231:10
Our Conversation with Senator Robert Hertzberg

Our Conversation with Senator Robert Hertzberg

In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Senator Bob Hertzberg. He is currently running for Los Angeles County Supervisor in District 3, which covers much of the San Fernando Valley and the Westside of LA. Hertzberg has been a part of state government for years and returned in 2014 when he was elected again to represent nearly 1 million people in the San Fernando Valley in the California State Senate. We discuss the roll-out of Measure W projects, Hertzberg's affordable housing plan, the implementation of Measure M projects that are critical to District 3, creating union jobs, and more!

Please note this episode was recorded on September 22nd, 2022.

Oct 10, 202223:11
Our Conversation with Councilwoman Lindsey Horvath

Our Conversation with Councilwoman Lindsey Horvath

In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Councilwoman Lindsey Horvath. She is currently running for Los Angeles County Supervisor in District 3, which covers much of the San Fernando Valley and the Westside of LA. Horvath is presently on the West Hollywood city council and was first elected in March 2015. We discuss Horvath's transportation plan for SD3, the roll-out of Measure W projects, the implementation of Measure M projects that are critical to district 3, and more!

Please note this episode was recorded on September 7th, 2022.

Sep 28, 202229:42
Checking in with The California High-Speed Rail Project
Sep 14, 202227:31
Talking Careers in Construction with LAUSD

Talking Careers in Construction with LAUSD

"I would encourage students to understand this industry is in high demand."

In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, we spoke with Colin Brooks, the Career Technical Education Incentive Grant Coordinator (CTEIG Coordinator) at the Los Angeles Unified School District. Host Marci Stanage talks with Mr. Brooks about LAUSD's Building and Construction Trades Virtual Speaker Series, the value of a career in construction, and more.

Click here to learn more about Career Technical Education in L.A. Unified School District. To learn more about the Speaker Series or for any other inquiries, reach out to Colin Brooks at colin.brooks@lausd.net

Note: This episode was recorded on August 3rd, 2022. For any questions or inquiries, please reach out to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

Aug 10, 202218:11
California Water Crisis: Discussing Water Solutions with Deven Upadhyay of Metropolitan Water District
Jun 22, 202223:41
California's Water Crisis: Discussing the Megadrought with Karla Nemeth
Jun 08, 202231:40
The State of The California High-Speed Rail Project
May 11, 202225:56
Setting the Stage for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Apr 20, 202224:54
Women in Construction: Amber Wood Talks Balancing Work, Family, and the Importance of Sisterhood

Women in Construction: Amber Wood Talks Balancing Work, Family, and the Importance of Sisterhood

This time around on our women in construction series, host Jon Switalski spoke with Amber Wood. Wood is a Heavy Equipment Operator for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12. Wood has over 20 years in the industry and talks to us about her experience as a woman in such a male-dominated field. She also talks to us about what it is like to balance being a mother and having a successful career.

Apr 06, 202225:57
Discussing the Importance of Water in Southern California with Adel Hagekhalil of Metropolitan Water District

Discussing the Importance of Water in Southern California with Adel Hagekhalil of Metropolitan Water District

New Podcast Episode Explores Drought, Metropolitan Water District’s (MWD) One Water Plan, and The Future of Water in Southern California

In this episode, host Jon Switalski sits down with the General Manager and CEO of Metropolitan Water District (MWD), Adel Hagekhalil. We discuss the "forever" drought in Southern California, the Regional Recycled Water Project in Carson, water conservation, and lots more on water infrastructure! 

Note: This episode was recorded on March 2, 2022.

Please make sure you subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org


Mar 16, 202227:47
Talking Hard Work, Leadership, and Local Government with Vice Mayor of Long Beach Rex Richardson

Talking Hard Work, Leadership, and Local Government with Vice Mayor of Long Beach Rex Richardson

New Podcast Episode Explores Richardson's Accomplishments, The Importance of Infrastructure, and What's Next

This time around we sat down with the Vice Mayor of Long Beach, Rex Richardson. Host Jon Switalski talks to Mr. Richardson about his career journey, his involvement with the port of Long Beach, his decision in running for the Mayor of Long Beach, and more! 

This episode was recorded on February 16th, 2022.

Please send in any requests, comments, or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org.


Mar 02, 202226:01
Women in Construction: Vera Salcedo Talks Achievements, Growth, and Favorite Parts of Being a Woman in this Industry

Women in Construction: Vera Salcedo Talks Achievements, Growth, and Favorite Parts of Being a Woman in this Industry

This episode is part of our women in construction series! This time around, host Carol Church sat down with Vera Salcedo, a female carpenter from Local 909, who currently works as a foreman for Neff Construction overseeing the construction of schools.

Note: This episode was recorded on January 14th, 2022. 

Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

Jan 31, 202232:25
Inflation, Supply Chain and the Economic Future with Dr. Chris Thornberg

Inflation, Supply Chain and the Economic Future with Dr. Chris Thornberg

New Podcast Episode Explores this ‘Time of Phenomenal Uncertainty’

We sat down once again with Dr. Chris Thornberg, founder of Beacon Economics and Director of the UC Riverside Center for Economic Forecasting. Host Jon Switalski talks to Dr. Thornberg about the labor market, the supply chain crisis, and inflation.

Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

Jan 19, 202233:51
Talking SoCal Infrastructure, Innovation, Education and Housing with former OCBC President Lucy Dunn
Jan 05, 202233:21
Move LA’s Advocacy for All Things Infrastructure

Move LA’s Advocacy for All Things Infrastructure

Talking Transit, Affordable Housing, Olympics 2028

In this episode, host Jon Switalski sits down with Move LA’s Executive Director Denny Zane and Director of Development and Programming Eli Lipmen. We discuss public transportation infrastructure, current Metro projects, affordable housing, and what LA County needs to do to prepare for the 2028 Olympics. Please Note: Build Back Better includes the $10B for affordable housing near public transit, not the IIJA. The IIJA is a $1 trillion bill. This episode was recorded on November 15, 2021.


Dec 15, 202142:40
Reimagining the Future of San Diego Transportation with SANDAG

Reimagining the Future of San Diego Transportation with SANDAG

In this episode, host Jon Switalski speaks with several of the brightest minds at the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG): Executive Director Hasan Ikhrata, Director of Regional Planning Coleen Clementson, and Chief Data Analytics Officer and Economist Ray Major. A long-term blueprint for San Diego, the 2021 Regional Plan addresses traffic congestion, improves commutes, and creates equal access to jobs, education, healthcare, and other community resources, including $163 billion in investments over the next 30 years.

Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

Dec 01, 202128:16
Women in Construction: Building America from the Ground Up
Nov 17, 202125:36
Talking Housing Crisis, High-Speed Rail, Ports & Drought with Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon

Talking Housing Crisis, High-Speed Rail, Ports & Drought with Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon

Legislators Impact Infrastructure Issues

During this episode, we got the chance to speak with Speaker of the California State Assembly, Anthony Rendon. We discussed transportation and water infrastructure, the housing crisis, and what will be on the Speaker's legislative agenda in 2022. 

*Recorded on October 21st, 2021. 

Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

Nov 03, 202124:43
Construction Industry at Risk: Big Concerns, Big Hit to Bottom Line
Oct 20, 202129:24
City of Needles Water Emergency May Benefit Other SoCal Cities (Part 2)

City of Needles Water Emergency May Benefit Other SoCal Cities (Part 2)

To finish our story on the city of Needles water crisis in Southern California and what went wrong, we spoke with Rainie Torrance, Assistant Utility Manager for the city of Needles, Bryan Hickstein, Chief Water Operator for the city of Needles, and Dave Sorem, Vice President for Mike Bubalo Construction. We discuss how RSCP became involved with this project, the July 21st storm that affected a crucial part of the city's only operating well, and the mechanics of a well overall.   

Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also, send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

Oct 06, 202126:11
City of Needles Water Crisis - Setting the Story (Part 1)

City of Needles Water Crisis - Setting the Story (Part 1)

This is the first of our two part episode about the water emergency in Needles, California. On this episode we get to speak with Rick Daniels, city manager of Needles, and the Mayor of Needles, Mr. Jeff Williams.

Please make sure you follow us so you don't miss an episode! Also please send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

Sep 15, 202124:02
Women in Construction - Journeywoman Julia Padilla
Sep 01, 202131:25
Building America and Talking Construction Careers with Bradley Bearden

Building America and Talking Construction Careers with Bradley Bearden

Surprise!! We are now launching 2 new episodes a month! To kick us off, we brought back Bradley Bearden, Union Carpenter at Martin Brothers, to chat with us more about his background, experience at apprenticeship training programs, his goals, and what exciting new projects he is a part of. 

Please make sure you follow us so you don't miss an episode! Also please send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

Aug 18, 202129:19
McCarthy Construction Talks Topgolf Project, Passion, Sustainability & The Future

McCarthy Construction Talks Topgolf Project, Passion, Sustainability & The Future

On this month's episode, we spoke with Mr. Paul Erb who is the Executive Vice President and Office Leader for McCarthy's Southern California region, former EVP of the San Jose region. Erb talks to us about several new projects in SoCal including the new Topgolf in El Segundo (which will create around 500 permanent jobs, NBD) and a student housing project in CSULB.

Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Also please send in any questions or inquiries to podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

Aug 04, 202133:27
Brightline West High-Speed Rail Is A Game Changer
Jul 07, 202127:13
Former LA Metro CEO Mr. Phillip Washington Tells His Story and Accomplishments
Jun 02, 202135:13
The Next Generation Talks Southern California's Infrastructure

The Next Generation Talks Southern California's Infrastructure

On this special edition episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone Podcast, we are speaking with a panel of bright young minds to discuss what they think about Southern California's construction and infrastructure. We speak with Bailee Bearden who works as a store account manager at Hilti Manufacturing Company store, Joey Rossetti who is a student at Servite High School, and Bradley Bearden who is a union carpenter.

May 11, 202134:04
Business Makes LA Work

Business Makes LA Work

The Rebuild SoCal Zone spoke with Los Angeles County Business Federation's Co-Founder and CEO, Tracy Hernandez. We talk about some of the hot topics from BizFed's 3rd annual Sacramento Week, such as Broadband, Transportation, and Energy Reliability.

Apr 07, 202134:22
The State of Our State w/ Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis
Mar 03, 202128:16
Rebuild Engages with LAUSD Superintendent Beutner

Rebuild Engages with LAUSD Superintendent Beutner

In this episode, we speak with LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner. We discuss everything from Measure RR to how to reopen schools safely. DISCLAIMER: This episode was pre-recorded on January 13th, 2021 and now some of the information, details, and statistics may have changed.

Feb 03, 202136:15
Metropolitan Water District Chairwoman, Gloria Gray's Vision for the Water Industry

Metropolitan Water District Chairwoman, Gloria Gray's Vision for the Water Industry

On this week's episode, we sat down with Chairwoman of Metropolitan Water District, Gloria Gray. Our discussion on the future of MWD, and what types of projects we can expect in the next couple of years and her vision for the future of the water industry.

Jan 06, 202125:59
Success Through The Lens with Kelly Candaele

Success Through The Lens with Kelly Candaele

On this week's episode, we will be talking with Kelly Candaele. Mr. Candaele is our videographer for documenting projects throughout Southern California for the Partnership. Kelly has filmed all of our videos for the SB1 video docu-series, which can be found here. https://rebuildsocal.org/videos/  

We also talk about Kelly's experience while filming on job sites and the stories he has from them. Lastly, Kelly discusses how the world we are living in today is similar to the world Alexander Hamilton would have wanted. Enjoy!

Dec 02, 202015:04
Talking with the Titans

Talking with the Titans

On this episode, we are speaking with several titans of the construction industry. We discuss their life, career, and their vision for the industry's future, as well as the Partnerships. Please enjoy!

Nov 05, 202001:07:49
Tomorrow's Economic Future Today (with Dr. Thornberg)

Tomorrow's Economic Future Today (with Dr. Thornberg)

This week we will be speaking with nationwide economist Dr. Chris Thornberg, founder of Beacon Economics. During this episode, we discuss economic recovery from COVID-19, what this means for the country and in particular Southern California, and what the future holds.

Oct 07, 202033:29
Introduction to The Rebuild SoCal Zone

Introduction to The Rebuild SoCal Zone

Rebuild SoCal Partnership consists of 2,750 contractors, 90,000+ union workers, along with 3 unions and numerous construction trade associations.  The Partnership is dedicated to working with elected officials and educating the public on the continued need for essential infrastructure funding including airports, bridges, ports, rail, roads and water. Located in Anaheim, CA. The podcast will discuss up and coming construction trends and projects in Southern California that will affect your community and your life.

Sep 28, 202001:49