Capstone Conversation by Jared Asch

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, Jared Asch talks with Seamus Murphy, the Executive Director of the Water Emergency Transportation Authority, about the future and current state of ferry operations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They discuss topics such as leveraging waterways for 

transportation, efforts towards zero emissions, technological advancements in ferry design, and expansion plans for ferry routes.

SHOW NOTES

Capstone Conversation: An Inside Look at Central San with Mariah Lauritsen

In this episode of Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch talks with Mariah Lauritsen, President of the Board of Central Sanitation (Central San) in Contra Costa County. They discuss the significance of sanitation, various roles and functions of the organization, the importance of regional coordination, challenges in infrastructure, and the future of recycled water. They touch upon public health, environmental protection, and innovative solutions to sustain water resources in times of constant drought. Additionally, insights into the internal workings and technological advancements of Central San are shared.

 Introduction

 Meet Mariah Lauritsen

 Why Sanitation Matters

 Regional Cooperation

 Central San Services

 Recycled Water Initiative

 Net Zero Emissions and Sustainability

 Infrastructure Challenges

 Technological Advancements

 Future Goals and Public Engagement

 Call to Action

SHOW NOTES

Las Trampas Serving Disability

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch sits down with Jason Parks of Las Trampas, a non-profit in Lafayette, CA, to discuss the comprehensive services they offer to adults with disabilities. They delve into the history, funding, programs, and challenges faced by Las Trampas, as well as Jason’s personal journey and hobbies.

 Introduction

 History of Las Trampas

 Current Programs and Services

 Funding and Community Reach

 Staffing Challenges

 Jason's Background and Role

 Personal Hobbies

 State Budget Issues

 Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch interviews Timothy Burroughs from Stop Waste Alameda. Timothy discusses the organization's mission to promote environmental sustainability by reducing waste, enhancing recycling, and supporting energy efficiency across Alameda County. He details several state policies, including SB 1383, SB 343, and SB 54, which mandate waste reduction, recycling standards, and producer responsibility for packaging. The conversation also covers the comprehensive recycling process, consumer roles in waste management, and the broader vision of creating an equitable, circular economy. Timothy encourages building infrastructures that make sustainable choices easy and highlights the importance of reducing environmental burdens on disadvantaged communities.

App: Re:Source

Material flow map in Alameda County: https://www.stopwaste.org/about-stopwaste/member-agencies/materials-flow-map-for-alameda-county

SB 54: State Law to Cut Single-Use Packaging Pollution in California: https://www.stopwaste.org/sb-54-state-law-to-cut-single-use-packaging-pollution-in-california

SB 343, “truth in labeling” https://calrecycle.ca.gov/wcs/recyclinglabels/

SB 1383 (In Alameda County, SB 1383 is implemented and enforced under the Organics Reduction & Recycling Ordinance): https://www.stopwaste.org/rules/overview

Timothy’s bio:

https://www.stopwaste.org/about-stopwaste/who-we-are/staff

Mark Orcutt, East Bay Leadership

In this episode, host Jared Asch interviews Mark Orcutt, the President and CEO of the East Bay Leadership Council and Executive Director of the Contra Costa Economic Partnership. They discuss Mark's background, the missions of both organizations, key accomplishments, partnerships, and policy focus areas. Mark outlines a vision for the East Bay's economy, emphasizing housing, transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing while stressing the importance of unified regional advocacy.

 Introduction to Mark Orcutt

 East Bay Leadership Council Overview

 Contra Costa Economic Partnership Overview

 Key Accomplishments and Build the Bench Program

 Partnerships and Collaborations

 East Bay Economic Vision and Future

 Addressing Policy Frameworks

 Manufacturing and Economic Impact

 Healthcare Workforce Development

 The Role of Data in Economic Development

 How to Get Involved and Contact Information

https://eastbayleadershipcouncil.com/

https://www.ccpartnership.org/

https://eastbayleadershipcouncil.com/team About Mark Orcutt

**Capstone Conversation - Episode: Exploring East Bay Transit with AC Transit and County Connection Executives**

**Host**: Jared Asch

**Guests**: Bill Churchill (General Manager of County Connection) and Michael Hursh (General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of AC Transit)

**Episode Summary**: Join us on a bus tour of the East Bay as we converse with Bill Churchill and Michael Hursh, the executive directors of County Connection and AC Transit. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of the public transportation system, how these agencies are addressing climate challenges, state regulations, and post-COVID transit dynamics. Discover how they are managing growth in the East Bay and their innovative approaches to enhancing connectivity between regions.

**Key Topics Discussed**:

- Introduction to Bill Churchill and Michael Hursh and their respective agencies: County Connection and AC Transit.

- The scope of AC Transit and County Connection services, including service areas, connectivity, and fleet information.

- The impact of COVID-19 on public transit ridership and operations, including challenges and adaptation strategies.

- Future planning for increased population growth and housing developments in the East Bay.

- The state mandates for zero-emission fleets and the challenges faced in achieving these goals.

- The fiscal constraints and funding issues public transit agencies are currently facing.

- The collaborative efforts between Bay Area transit agencies to improve rider experiences and streamline services.

**Key Quotes**:

- "We are a bunch of hardworking, dedicated, public transit loving people. and we're just frustrated that we don't have the resources." - Michael Hursh

- "The more that we add density and add density around rail lines, I think it serves and is better for Central Contra Costa County for sure." - Bill Churchill

**Call to Action**: For those interested in supporting public transit initiatives and staying informed about developments, consider participating in local transit meetings, providing feedback to your local agencies, and advocating for increased funding for public transportation.

**Contact**:

- [AC Transit Website](https://www.actransit.org)

- [County Connection Website](http://countyconnection.com)

**Title:** Zoom Recording with Chris Rico - Solano EDC

**Host:** Jared Asch

**Guest:** Chris Rico, President and CEO of Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC)

**Summary:**

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, Jared Asch interviews Chris Rico, President and CEO of Solano EDC. Chris shares his diverse background, covering his experiences in international relations, Hollywood, education, and politics, ultimately leading him to his current role. They discuss the EDC's mission to attract advanced manufacturing jobs, address housing issues, and improve local infrastructure. Key topics include the Moving Solano Forward 3 Initiative, power challenges, the California Forever project, and supporting non-profits to boost economic development in Solano County.

**Highlights:**

- Chris Rico’s unique career path

- EDC’s focus on advanced manufacturing and housing

- Moving Solano Forward 3 Initiative

- Power infrastructure challenges

- California Forever Initiative's economic impact

- Supporting non-profits for economic growth

**Key Quote:**

“Education is the key to everything.” - Chris Rico

https://solanoedc.org/

https://solanoedc.org/about/staff/

Dive deep into the innovative world of Glydways, a company at the forefront of transforming transportation in urban settings. Joined by Eliot Temple, Vice President of Business Development for Glydways, we explore how this company is making strides in economic development through transportation innovation. Eliot gives us an insider's look into Glydways’ project in East Contra Costa County and in San Jose, aiming to revolutionize how we move by connecting the airport to downtown with a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly transit system. From discussing the technical aspects of their unique vehicles to the broader implications on urban development and environmental sustainability, this conversation sheds light on a future where mobility is seamless, personal, and less reliant on conventional cars. Tune in to learn about the exciting advancements Glydways is bringing to the East Bay and beyond, marking a significant leap towards more intelligent, accessible cities.

https://www.glydways.com/

In this episode of Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch sits down with Professor Jim DeKloe from Solano Community College to delve into the revolutionary world of biotechnology. As part of a series exploring higher education in the East Bay, this conversation sheds light on the unique four-year biotechnology degree offered by a community college, a rarity in the academic world. Professor DeKloe shares his extensive experience working with the biotech sector, from economic development to recruiting businesses, highlighting how the program prepares students for burgeoning life sciences and biomanufacturing opportunities and plays a pivotal role in attracting innovative companies to the East Bay. Learn about the impact of biotechnology on job creation, the fight against genetic diseases, and the potential for ground-breaking treatments like gene and cell therapies. This episode is an insightful look into how education and industry collaboration drive economic development and scientific advancements in the East Bay and beyond.