Calimesa Insider

By City of Calimesa

Join City Manager Will Kolbow for a look behind the scenes at your city at work. From council meetings, to how your tax dollars are collected and used, and everything in between. This is THE place to ... more

· Government

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FAQs about Calimesa Insider:

How many episodes does Calimesa Insider have?

The podcast currently has 67 episodes available.

Calimesa Insider episodes:

January 23, 2026 How Development Actually Works: From Land Assembly to City Council Decisions
Most people encounter development at the very end — when a project reaches a public hearing or construction begins.
This episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast explains what happens long before that moment.
City Manager Will Kolbow walks through how development actually works from a developer’s perspective, including land assembly, financing, entitlement, infrastructure timing, City Council discretion, and the risks faced by both cities and investors.
The episode explains why development decisions are rarely simple, why both approvals and denials carry consequences, and why understanding the full process matters.
🎧 Listen now at calimesa.gov/podcast
#LocalGovernment #CityPlanning #UrbanPlanning
#CivicEducation #PublicPolicy #CommunityDevelopment
#Infrastructure #LandUse #MunicipalGovernment
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40min
January 10, 2026New California Laws in 2026: What Changes for Residents, Businesses, and City Government
Every January 1, hundreds of new California laws quietly take effect. Some change daily life for residents and businesses. Others reshape how cities are required to operate — even if the public never sees those changes directly.
In the first episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast for 2026, City Manager Will Kolbow breaks down a focused list of new and newly operative state laws that will have the biggest real-world impacts this year.
This episode covers:
Minimum wage changes and how they ripple through the local economy
New rental housing habitability requirements
Consumer protections affecting food delivery, banking fees, and AI transparency
Housing and CEQA changes that affect how quickly projects move forward
State laws that limit local zoning discretion
And a deeper dive into SB 707, a major update to the Brown Act that will change how public meetings work across California
This is not a political discussion. These laws are already passed. The goal is to explain what actually changes in 2026, what residents may notice, and how cities like Calimesa are required to implement state law.
If you have questions about a specific state law not covered in this episode, feel free to reach out via Instagram or email at [email protected].
Thanks for listening, and thanks for staying informed.
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21min
December 26, 20252025 Year in Review
This episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast is a little different—and intentionally so.
Rather than a highlight reel or a list of complaints, this is a candid year-in-review of what really happened in Calimesa in 2025: the moments that brought the community together, the behind-the-scenes work residents don’t always see, the challenges that tested us, and the progress that quietly moved the city forward.
In this episode, we reflect on:
Community events and why connection matters
The people behind city services and organizational culture
Public safety milestones, including an ISO Class 2 rating
Fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and long-term stability
Infrastructure realities, including County Line Road
Modernization efforts like online permitting
Statewide advocacy for seniors through AB 1476
Development updates and realistic timelines
What’s ahead for Calimesa in 2026 and beyond
Calimesa is 35 years old—and still growing into the city it wants to become. This episode is about transparency, context, and informed conversation—because good governance starts with shared understanding.
Whether you’ve followed the podcast all year or you’re listening for the first time, this episode is a meaningful place to start.
🎧 New episode available now.
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41min
December 13, 2025 Cherry Valley Blvd. Interchange Town Hall
In this special Town Hall edition of the Calimesa Insider Podcast, City Manager Will Kolbow is joined by City Engineer Mike Thornton and Transportation Project Manager Brandon Reyes to explain the long-awaited reconstruction of the Cherry Valley Boulevard Interchange.This episode answers the questions residents ask most:Why the interchange has taken years to reach constructionHow Caltrans approvals and environmental review affect timelinesWhat a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) is and why it was selectedHow construction will be phased to maintain access and emergency responseWhy developers can’t simply build a $70 million interchangeHow the City is pursuing state and federal transportation fundingIf you commute through Cherry Valley Blvd. or want a clear, factual explanation of how major infrastructure projects actually happen in California, this episode provides the full context — without speculation.More information and referenced episodes: Calimesa.gov/podcast00:00 Introduction to the Cherry Valley Boulevard Interchange Project00:42 Welcome to the Calimesa Insider Podcast01:13 Town Hall Meeting Overview04:47 Panelist Introductions and Project History09:07 Challenges and Frustrations with Caltrans13:14 Funding and Financial Overview16:33 Plan Specifications and Estimates (PSE) Phase21:39 Diverging Diamond Interchange Design Explained28:06 Singleton Road Access and Missing Ramps29:21 Calimesa Boulevard Realignment and Singleton Interchange31:04 Roberts Road Connection Issues35:30 Construction Phases and Traffic Management42:01 Funding Challenges and Grant Programs49:36 Q&A and Development Updates58:59 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
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1h 1min
November 28, 2025 Growing Up in Calimesa: Councilmember Eric Cundieff’s Journey from Navy Service to City Hall
In this special episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast, City Manager Will Kolbow sits down with Councilmember Eric Cundieff for an in-depth, non-political conversation about his life, his service, and his path to the Calimesa City Council.Eric shares stories from growing up in the Yucaipa–Calimesa area, what inspired him to join the U.S. Navy, and a few memorable moments from his time at sea. He also talks about his years as a San Bernardino County Deputy Sheriff, how he became involved in the Calimesa Planning Commission, and what eventually led him to run for City Council.We also explore what he’s learned along the way, the surprises of serving in local government, and his reflections on community, leadership, and public service.Topics in this episode include: • Growing up in the Yucaipa–Calimesa community • Influences and early experiences that shaped his path • Joining the U.S. Navy and stories from his time in service • A career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department • How he became a Planning Commissioner • What inspired him to run for City Council • Lessons learned about public service and community leadership Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to Calimesa, this episode offers a warm, personal look at one of your Councilmembers and the experiences that shaped him.🎧 Listen to more episodes of the Calimesa Insider: https://calimesa.gov/podcast📅 Watch City Council meetings live or on demand: https://calimesa.gov/youtube00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode01:40 Upcoming Community Events04:01 Interview with Councilmember Eric Cundieff04:47 Eric Cundieff's Early Life and Influences09:55 Joining the US Navy12:08 Life in the Navy14:57 Stories from the White House26:21 Transition to Law Enforcement30:21 Entering Local Politics38:55 Balancing Development and Community Benefits40:15 Lessons from the Planning Commission41:47 Decision to Run for City Council44:10 Campaign Challenges and Surprises44:24 Public Safety and Budget Realities48:17 Running for Office: Experiences and Reflections54:27 Council Dynamics and Responsibilities58:06 Future Plans and Community Engagement01:13:52 Advice for Aspiring Public Servants01:16:12 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
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1h 18min
November 14, 2025 Decoding Your Property Tax Bill: What Every Calimesa Homeowner Should Know
In this episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast, we’re breaking down one of the most confusing—and most important—documents every homeowner receives: your annual property tax bill. Whether you pay it directly or through an impound account with your mortgage, the numbers on that bill can vary dramatically from one home to the next, even on the same street. Today, we explain why.City Manager Will Kolbow walks through each section of the Riverside County tax bill, explains how Proposition 13 and Mello-Roos (CFDs) shape what you pay, and uses real Calimesa examples—from long-time homeowners to the newest Summerwind Trails residents—to show how assessed value, voter-approved bonds, and development-specific special taxes all add up. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand why your bill looks the way it does, why your neighbor’s might look completely different, and where every dollar actually goes.We also preview this Monday’s City Council meeting, including:• Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Update (Ordinance 418) – adding an in-lieu fee option to support affordable housing.• County Line Road Corridor Project Close-Out – a formal administrative step after years of delays, frustration, and construction impacts.Finally, Will provides a detailed update on the Oak Valley Town Center bond lawsuit, including the recent federal court order granting an interlocutory appeal and what that means for the timing of the case.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Property Tax Season00:36 Welcome to Calimesa Insider Podcast01:26 City Council Meeting Preview02:43 County Line Road Project Closure04:06 Oak Valley Town Center Bond Lawsuit Update07:13 Understanding Your Property Tax Bill08:15 Proposition 13 and Melrose Act Explained11:37 Reading a Property Tax Bill: Real Examples28:46 Summary and Key Takeaways29:52 Closing Remarks and Upcoming EventsIf you’d like help interpreting your own property tax bill, you’re welcome to send in a redacted copy for a future episode.👉 Watch City Council live or on demand: calimesa.gov/youtube👉 Subscribe to the podcast: calimesa.gov/podcastAvailable on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.Thanks for tuning in, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!#CalimesaInsider #Calimesa #PropertyTax #CaliforniaTaxes #Prop13 #MelloRoos #LocalGovernment
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31min
October 31, 2025 Why Calimesa Regulates Mobile Home Rents — and What That Really Means
In this Halloween edition of the Calimesa Insider, City Manager Will Kolbow breaks down how Calimesa’s Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance actually works: why it exists, what it covers, where the City’s authority begins and ends, and how petitions (like capital improvements or “fair return”) are reviewed by an independent Hearing Officer. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can the City just deny a rent increase?”—this episode explains the legal framework and due-process steps that guide every decision.We also preview Monday night’s City Council meeting (Nov 3, 6 PM) including a presentation from the Blue Zones Project and consideration of a Strategic Plan update with Jacob Green & Associates.00:00 Introduction to Calimesa's Mobile Home Rent Regulation01:27 Upcoming City Council Meeting and Blue Zones Project02:41 Understanding Calimesa's Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance03:32 Historical Context and Evolution of the Ordinance05:36 Key Features and Provisions of the Ordinance09:55 Petition Types and Procedures16:09 Hearing Officer System and Fairness in the Process19:19 Clarifying Misconceptions and Legal Safeguards25:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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27min
October 18, 2025 Beyond the Wish List: The Real Story of How Cities Attract Retail
Join City Manager Will Kolbow in this episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast as he unpacks the complexities of economic development in Calimesa. Addressing common questions from residents about the city's infrastructure and planning decisions, Will explains the factors influencing retail and industrial growth. Topics include funding challenges, the impact of consumer behavior on development, and the realities of attracting businesses in a competitive market. Additionally, updates are provided on the city's upcoming projects and council meetings. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how your city government works to balance growth and maintain community values.00:00 Introduction and Viewer Questions01:20 City Council Meeting Announcements02:32 Addressing Viewer Comments03:14 Road Maintenance and Funding Challenges06:55 Homelessness in Calimesa11:57 Economic Development Overview13:28 Retail Trends and Market Realities15:01 Warehouse Demand and Land Use24:10 Infrastructure and Economic Strategy29:01 City's Role in Retail Development39:18 Conclusion and Contact Information
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41min
October 05, 2025 Building a Better Calimesa: 2025 State of the City
Join City Manager Will Kolbow for a special edition of the Calimesa Insider Podcast, where we discuss the 2025 State of the City. Learn about exciting new projects, modernized permits, public safety, and future plans. Discover the details behind our latest pavement work, the new Calimesa Library, and enhancements in energy efficiency. We’ll also cover updates on the Cherry Valley Boulevard interchange, and encourage community involvement in our strategic plan. Tune in to stay informed about your city’s progress and how you can contribute!00:00 Welcome to the Calimesa Insider Podcast00:50 Special Edition: 2025 State of the City Address02:21 City Growth and Development Updates03:39 Infrastructure Improvements: Roads and Library05:54 Energy Efficiency Initiatives06:45 Modernizing Permits and Big Developments08:25 Public Safety: Police, Fire, and Public Works10:14 Parks and Recreation Projects11:05 Cherry Valley Boulevard Interchange12:19 Financial Health and Strategic Planning13:02 Community Engagement and Final Thoughts15:08 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
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17min
September 21, 2025 Keeping Calimesa Running: A Chat with our Public Works Leaders
Welcome to the Calimesa Insider Podcast! In this episode, City Manager Will Kolbow hosts an engaging discussion with Calimesa’s Public Works Director, Mari Shakir, and Public Works Superintendent, Kyle Coney. They delve into their professional backgrounds, career journeys, and the vital role of the Public Works department in maintaining city infrastructure. The conversation covers various challenges faced due to limited staffing, the importance of public safety, and how the department prioritizes its time and resources. Additionally, the episode touches on critical compliance programs like NPDS for stormwater management and SB 1383 for waste diversion. Don't miss this insightful episode to understand what goes on behind the scenes to keep Calimesa running smoothly!00:00 Welcome to Calimesa Insider Podcast00:15 Meet the Public Works Team04:16 Challenges of Managing Public Works in a Small City07:20 Public Perception and Communication13:22 Behind the Scenes: Compliance and Regulations21:29 Future Opportunities and Challenges25:04 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events
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27min

FAQs about Calimesa Insider:

How many episodes does Calimesa Insider have?

The podcast currently has 67 episodes available.