John Riley Project

Gaby Dow joined us for a great discussion about PUSD issues from a parent perspective.  Gaby is a business consultant that works in the area where the public sector and technology intersect, so she had some great insight into Poway Unified's technology plans.  She served on the school district's tech advisory committee and shared some of the frustrations and challenges facing the district and it's IT strategy.  Gaby shared in detail how a third party, hired consultant for the district chose not to offer recommendations due to the toxic culture at the school district.  This led to the infamous report that John Collins later redacted with edits, thus thwarting transparency and preventing "dirty laundry" to be exposed to the public.  We also covered PUSD's data breach which Gaby Dow was the recipient of when she requested a routine set of public records and instead received personal information on tens of thousands of students and their families.  We also spent time discussing the districts's financial challenges including the Billion Dollar Bond and the current structural deficit.  It was enjoyable to discuss the dynamics of each of the current school board political races and the strengths and weaknesses of various candidates.  We had fun pointing out hypocrisies of campaign slogans with actual reality as well as showcasing how the election districts are largely gerrymandered.

PUSD Area B: Ginger Couvrette, Kim Garnier, Kevin JuzaPUSD Area C: Terry Norwood, Charles Sellers, TJ ZanePUSD Area D: Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff, Stan Rodkin

There was so much more we could have covered!  Gaby is a recent owner of a Tesla Model 3.  We need to do a follow up segment about her car, electric vehicle ownership experiences and the entire EV marketplace.  Plus Gaby Dow does consulting for various public agencies including cities and water districts.  Gaby will definitely be back!  We went over an hour and a half just on PUSD.  We'll spend more time on more topics very soon.

John Riley Project Info:

* Bookings? Inquiries? Contact me at https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/* Donations: https://www.patreon.com/johnrileyproject* Sponsorship Inquiries: https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/sponsorship/* YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/* Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/* iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riley-project-podcast/id1435944995?mt=2* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llrMItpbx9JRa08UTrswA* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-riley-project* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hucmlsZXlwcm9qZWN0LmNvbS9mZWVkLw* Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/John-Riley-Project-Podcast-p1154415/* Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.

District 3 Incumbent, John Mullin, joined me for a podcast conversation Saturday afternoon Sept 29, 2018. We delved into a variety of issues including the Poway Road Corridor plan, the council appointment process, the Cafagna Center, pension challenges and more. Councilman Mullin is focused on the city's mission of public safety, infrastructure maintenance and a family friendly environment in Poway. Councilman Mullin is particularly proud of the city's consistent practice of fiscal responsibility, long history of balanced budgets and a healthy reserve. He wants to get "the most bang for the buck" for taxpayers in Poway and streamline city processes to make them more time and cost efficient. He sees the Poway Rd development project as the equivalent of "remodeling the kitchen in our nice home" to upgrade the city part of the "City in the Country". His approach is to not dictate what property owners can do, but instead to allow property owners to come forward and propose plans that fit within the Poway general plan or within the scope of the current building regulations.

John Mullin serves as the Poway representative for the Metro Waste Water JPA and Metro Transit System. He takes great pride in helping provide innovative water conservation solutions for Poway residents. He also has championed solar power initiatives at the Poway Performing Arts (Poway High) site and at Fire Station #3 on Pomerado Rd.

Councilman John Mullin is a former president of the Poway Girls Softball League. He spends a great deal of time supporting active troops with Poway's adoptive battalion at Camp Pendleton, introducing them to our public works programs and career opportunities in town. His wife, Susie, start Project HoHoHo providing assistance for Marines during the Christmas holidays. He also is a big supporter of veterans in Poway. Finally, John was a leader helping bring forward the special needs housing project Villa de Vida.

John Riley Project Info:

* Bookings? Inquiries? Contact me at https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/* Donations: https://www.patreon.com/johnrileyproject* Sponsorship Inquiries: https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/sponsorship/* YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/* Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/* iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riley-project-podcast/id1435944995?mt=2* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llrMItpbx9JRa08UTrswA* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-riley-project* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hucmlsZXlwcm9qZWN0LmNvbS9mZWVkLw* Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/John-Riley-Project-Podcast-p1154415/* Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/john-riley-project-john-riley-2l4rEIo1RJM/

Yuri Bohlen wants to "Make Poway the City in the Country Again". When Yuri first arrived he shared with me his 5 Point Pledge for Poway which he has in writing and notarized, and which I summarize as follows:

1. If elected, he will ask voters 6 months before the end of his first term for a vote of confidence. If he fails to get 50%+1, he will not run for re-election.

2. He will not serve more than 2 terms.

3. He will make no appointments to city council. All seats would be elected by the people.

4. He will have an open door policy. Yuri will be available at City Hall during normal business hours every Monday thru Thursday and alternating Fridays. If you want to talk to him, he will be available.

5. He will ensure City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month, even if there is no business to conduct. This will still allow citizens to share their thoughts through regular public oral comments.

Yuri and I covered many topics. He was particularly passionate on the Poway Road Corridor plan and the new Community/Senior Center. He thinks both projects are a waste of money, should be abandoned and the resources should be applied to other higher priorities, such as fire and police protection. Yuri does not want to make Poway Road look like Friars Road. We also covered his vision of transforming Stoneridge into a public golf course and entertainment venue for families. Yuri spoke at length about his concerns about the homeless in Poway and his objection to the appointment process for city council. He also shared his great story meeting Vince Neil from Motley Crue and his passion for both the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants baseball teams.

John Riley Project Info:

* Bookings? Inquiries? Contact me at https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/* Donations: https://www.patreon.com/johnrileyproject* Sponsorship Inquiries: https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/sponsorship/* YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/* Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/* iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riley-project-podcast/id1435944995?mt=2* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llrMItpbx9JRa08UTrswA* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-riley-project* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hucmlsZXlwcm9qZWN0LmNvbS9mZWVkLw* Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/John-Riley-Project-Podcast-p1154415/* Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/john-riley-project-john-riley-2l4rEIo1RJM/

Brian Edmonston is running to be Poway's next mayor and he is ready to lead Poway to an even better quality of life. Brian passionately discussed expanding and upgrading Poway parks, particularly transforming Stoneridge into a public golf course, swim & tennis facility and walking, running and dog walking destination. Mr. Edmonston expressed his concerns about the Poway Road Corridor plan, specifically about greater integration of commercial real estate amongst residential and an easing of density. Ultimately Brian wants to be a leader that gets out in front of big issues, upgrades amenities for residents and makes the quality of life on par with the best cities in San Diego County. We spent a great deal of time discussing his particular race and how he differentiates himself with our current mayor. Brian expressed his concern about how the mayor and city council seem content with Poway as it is, rather than leading Poway to be everything it can be. We also spent time discussing city council appointments, dog parks and living abroad with his family in Seville, Spain for a few years in a mixed use neighborhood.

John Riley Project Info:

* Bookings? Inquiries? Contact me at https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/* Donations: https://www.patreon.com/johnrileyproject* Sponsorship Inquiries: https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/sponsorship/* YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/* Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/* iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riley-project-podcast/id1435944995?mt=2* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llrMItpbx9JRa08UTrswA* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-riley-project* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hucmlsZXlwcm9qZWN0LmNvbS9mZWVkLw* Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/John-Riley-Project-Podcast-p1154415/* Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/john-riley-project-john-riley-2l4rEIo1RJM/

City Council candidate, Jon Ryan, let it rip in a high energy discussion about all things Poway.  In his career he's been a fix-it guy.  In his personal life, he's a dog rescue guy.  Jon applied his fix-it and rescue skills to solve problems in Poway using science, reason and common sense.  We got into Poway parks, housing density, dogs and even Gus Fring.  The Poway Road Corridor plan, the impact of high density housing and Jon's ideal scenario about Poway Rd are discussed at length.  Jon also weighed in on the Stoneridge development, veteran's housing, the Poway Community Pool renovation and the entire process of the recent city council appointment.  Jon candidly shared his thoughts about our current city council and the state of his city council race in district 1.  We even got into Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Back to the Future and Westworld.

John Riley Project Info:

* Bookings? Inquiries? Contact me at https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/* Donations: https://www.patreon.com/johnrileyproject* Sponsorship Inquiries: https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/sponsorship/* YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/* Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/* iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riley-project-podcast/id1435944995?mt=2* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llrMItpbx9JRa08UTrswA* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-riley-project* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hucmlsZXlwcm9qZWN0LmNvbS9mZWVkLw* Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/John-Riley-Project-Podcast-p1154415/* Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/john-riley-project-john-riley-2l4rEIo1RJM/

The Return of Pete Neild! Pete makes a second visit to the JRP Podcast Studio to share more of his personal background. As a son of an Episcopal preacher, he learned what it meant to stick to his principles by the example of his father. Pete joined the Navy right out of high school, developed technical skills on submarines and traveled the world. He shares a story where he was on the spot and had to make a crucial decision based on evidence at hand. Then there was the story of Pete passing out his printed material in his neighborhood and... well... you have to hear Pete tell the tale.

John Riley Project Info:

* Bookings? Inquiries? Contact me at https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/* Donations: https://www.patreon.com/johnrileyproject* Sponsorship Inquiries: https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/sponsorship/* YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/* Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/* iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riley-project-podcast/id1435944995?mt=2* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llrMItpbx9JRa08UTrswA* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-riley-project* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hucmlsZXlwcm9qZWN0LmNvbS9mZWVkLw* Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/John-Riley-Project-Podcast-p1154415/* Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/john-riley-project-john-riley-2l4rEIo1RJM/

Can he be blunt? Yes he can! Charlie Sellers talks straight and tells us what's really happening with the dynamics of PUSD and two factions on the Poway School Board. This was an incredible discussion of policy and politics. Charlie did not pull any punches. We explore the 3-2 board majority, the ugly John Collins saga of corruption and embezzlement, the process of choosing our new superintendent and the struggles he has simply getting access to financial information that is kept from him. As an accountant, we speak at length about budget issues, priorities and how to allocate resources to benefit students in the classroom. Charlie describes his race in detail and shows the stark contrast between himself and his two challengers: TJ Zane and Terry Norwood. We even found time to talk Aztec football and enjoy a moment with our dog Nona. Charlie also shared the story of how he voted against a raise for his wife and was banished to the sofa for a few nights.

John Riley Project Info:

* Bookings? Inquiries? Contact me at https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/* Donations: https://www.patreon.com/johnrileyproject* Sponsorship Inquiries: https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/sponsorship/* YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/* Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/* iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riley-project-podcast/id1435944995?mt=2* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llrMItpbx9JRa08UTrswA* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-riley-project* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hucmlsZXlwcm9qZWN0LmNvbS9mZWVkLw* Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/John-Riley-Project-Podcast-p1154415/* Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/john-riley-project-john-riley-2l4rEIo1RJM/

Entertaining and interesting discussion with long-time Poway resident and city council candidate, Tony Russo.  Discussion includes Tony's Poway roots as a student at Tierra Bonita Elementary, Twin Peaks and Poway High.  Tony shared many stories about his family business O'Harley's.  We discussed a variety of Poway issues including the Poway Rd development, housing issues, business challenges in Poway, the need for quality parks for children, the situation at Stoneridge Country Club and Tony's comments about the recent city council appointment process.  Tony shared stories about his children, parents and Sunday dinners with his extended Italian family.  Recorded September 18, 2018.

John Riley Project Info:

* Bookings? Inquiries? Contact me at https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/* Donations: https://www.patreon.com/johnrileyproject* Sponsorship Inquiries: https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/sponsorship/* YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/* Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/* iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riley-project-podcast/id1435944995?mt=2* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llrMItpbx9JRa08UTrswA* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-riley-project* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hucmlsZXlwcm9qZWN0LmNvbS9mZWVkLw* Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/John-Riley-Project-Podcast-p1154415/* Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/john-riley-project-john-riley-2l4rEIo1RJM/

In-depth conversation with 38-year Poway resident and city council candidate, Pete Neild.  Discussion includes Pete's early days in South Poway and later on Candy Cane Lane.  We explored Pete's Poway history, family, career in the Navy and as a scientist in the private sector.  We explored some of Pete's challenges with city hall when attempting to get permits to build or manage his own property.  Pete was an early concerned citizen regarding the Poway Business Park and successfully influenced the city to set the buildings back so they were almost entirely out of view.  Pete also shared stories of his Corvette he has affectionately named Calypso.  We explored Pete's passion with sports cars, drives along Highway 1, attending races at Laguna Seca and a memorable Route 66 road trip.  Recorded September 17, 2018.

John Riley Project Info:

* Bookings? Inquiries? Contact me at https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/* Donations: https://www.patreon.com/johnrileyproject* Sponsorship Inquiries: https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/sponsorship/* YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/* Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/* iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riley-project-podcast/id1435944995?mt=2* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llrMItpbx9JRa08UTrswA* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-riley-project* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hucmlsZXlwcm9qZWN0LmNvbS9mZWVkLw* Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/John-Riley-Project-Podcast-p1154415/* Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/john-riley-project-john-riley-2l4rEIo1RJM/

Comments on the Poway Mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum held on September 13, 2018 at the Poway Community Center.  Comments about Poway Unified School District Finances.  A closing comment about Poway Legend: Phil Spear RIP.

John Riley Project Info:

* Bookings? Inquiries? Contact me at https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/* Donations: https://www.patreon.com/johnrileyproject* Sponsorship Inquiries: https://n0p.486.myftpupload.com/sponsorship/* YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/* Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/* iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riley-project-podcast/id1435944995?mt=2* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llrMItpbx9JRa08UTrswA* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-riley-project* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hucmlsZXlwcm9qZWN0LmNvbS9mZWVkLw* Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/John-Riley-Project-Podcast-p1154415/* Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/john-riley-project-john-riley-2l4rEIo1RJM/