Older Californians face growing transportation challenges as they age, especially in rural and underserved communities. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon is joined by Arun Prem, Executive Director of Full Access and Coordinated Transportation (FACT), and David Azevedo, Associate Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement with AARP California.

The discussion explores what Human Services Transportation (HST) is, how it differs from traditional public transit, and why it's a critical component for helping people age in place. Arun shares FACT’s innovative approaches in San Diego County, including cost-saving brokerage models that maximize local resources. David highlights AARP California’s statewide advocacy efforts and new research into how communities can better support mobility for older adults.

This conversation offers policy insight, community-level solutions, and practical ways for listeners to get involved in improving access to transportation.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about FACT: factsd.org
• Explore AARP’s RideSheet solution for rural mobility: RideSheet: A Transportation Technology Solution for Rural America
• Read how technology can be right-sized for rural communities: Rightsizing Transportation Technology for Rural America

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Paid family leave is often the difference between stability and stress for working families. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with California State Senator María Elena Durazo and Katie Duberg, Political Organizing Director at the California Work & Family Coalition, about how California’s paid family leave policies are evolving and why those updates matter for older adults and caregivers.

Senator Durazo shares her personal journey from migrant farmworker roots to her work leading major labor and policy reforms. She breaks down the new wage replacement structure and what SB 590 could mean for families who rely on chosen caregivers. Katie Duberg adds insight from the ground, explaining how the Coalition supports families and pushes for change that reflects California’s diverse caregiving needs.

You’ll hear why the definition of family is at the heart of paid leave policy, how advocates are helping Californians navigate their options, and what’s next in the fight to expand care access.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about SB 590: CA SB590 Bill Text
• Explore AARP’s Caregiving Resource Center: aarp.org/caregiving
• Find Local Caregiver Resources Serving California: Family Caregiver Resources for California
• Find Paid Leave Fact Sheets: aarp.org/capaidleave

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Older adults are especially vulnerable during natural disasters and staying safe goes far beyond just having an emergency kit. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Luke Beckman, Division Disaster State Relations Director for the Pacific Division of the American Red Cross.

Luke shares practical steps older Californians can take to better prepare for extreme heat, wildfires, poor air quality, and more. The conversation covers how to create a realistic go-bag, why local emergency alerts are essential, and the role that neighbors and community play in saving lives. He also explains how California’s new heat ranking system is shaping local response strategies and why older adults need tailored plans that prioritize communication, transportation, and accessibility.

This episode offers smart advice and approachable ways to plan for the unexpected.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Explore AARP’s Disaster Resilience Tool Kit: AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit
• Read the research on Older Adults and Disasters: New Research: Older Adults More Vulnerable after Disasters

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Getting older comes with a lot of questions, some practical, some emotional and some that are hard to even bring up. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with Debra Whitman AARP’s Chief Public Policy Officer and the author of The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond.

Debra shares the key questions that guided her own thinking as she turned 50: How long will I live? Will I be healthy? Will I lose my memory? How long will I work? Will I have enough money? Where will I live? How will I die? From brain health to long term care mindset to money the conversation breaks down big ideas into relatable real life issues.

Debra brings a deep background in research policy and advocacy and her own experience navigating the second half of her life. Whether you're 50 plus or just thinking ahead, this episode offers smart insights and practical ways to plan for what’s next.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about The Second Fifty: The Second Fifty
• Explore AARP’s campaign on caregiving: Tomorrow’s Caregiving Today. RealTalk
• Join the fight to protect Social Security: aarp.org/socialsecurity

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Utility costs are top of mind for many Californians but there are practical steps being taken to address them. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Mark Toney, Executive Director of TURN—The Utility Reform Network. Since 2008, Mark has led TURN’s efforts to advance energy affordability, broadband equity, and consumer protection throughout the state. The conversation covers the key reasons behind California’s rising utility bills, how wildfire mitigation and utility profits intersect, and potential solutions. Mark also outlines actionable tips for lowering costs at home and shares how residents can get involved in pushing for meaningful reform.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about AARP’s utility policy work: AARP Utilities Policy
• See how AARP is advocating for safer, more affordable utilities: AARP Is Fighting for Affordable, Safe, and Reliable Utilities Across the Country
• Read about recent grassroots advocacy efforts: AARP California Delivers 14,000 Postcards Protesting Utility Rate Increase
• Know more about TURN: About TURN: Who We Are

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Dr. Brandie Nonnecke, Director of the CITRIS Policy Lab and host of TecHype, about the latest developments in artificial intelligence. They break down what AI really is — beyond the hype — and how it’s already impacting daily life, public services, and even medical advances. Brandie shares practical ways AI is supporting older adults, from health innovations to smarter public services, and outlines the ethical and privacy concerns that everyone should be aware of. They also discuss how California is leading on AI regulations and what older adults can do to protect themselves from fraud and scams. This is a grounded, clear-eyed look at the future of AI and why staying informed matters now more than ever.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about Brandie Nonnecke’s work: CITRIS Policy Lab
• Explore TecHype: techhype.org
• Senior Planet Virtual AI Resources: seniorplanet.org/AI
• Download the AI Guide for Older Adults: AI-Guide-for-Older-Adults_Dig.pdf
• Read about older workers' views on AI: Older Workers Have Mixed Feelings About AI
• Check out 2024 Tech Trends for Older Adults: 2024 Tech Trends

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Rachel Tate, Vice President of Ombudsman Services at WISE & Healthy Aging. They explore the critical role of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen in California. Rachel explains what ombudsmen do, how they advocate for quality facility care and residents’ rights, and the types of concerns they handle — from neglect and medical care issues to something as simple as boring activities. They also discuss what happens during natural disasters like fires and floods, and how ombudsmen help to ensure safety before, during, and after emergencies. This conversation offers an eye-opening look into a topic that touches many Californians and their loved ones.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Find your state’s Ombudsman office: aarp.org/findombudsman
• Wise & Healthy Aging Ombudsman Services: https://wiseombudsman.org/

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP, about the increasing risk of scams following disasters. They discuss why fraud spikes after major events, how scammers exploit disaster victims, and what you can do to stay safe. Kathy shares insights from her work at AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, covering everything from FEMA impersonation scams to fraudulent contractors, price gouging, fake charities, and rental fraud. She also provides key tips on how to spot, avoid, and report disaster-related scams, as well as resources from AARP to help victims. If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from post-disaster fraud, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• AARP Fraud Watch Network: www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork
• How to Avoid Disaster Relief Scams: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/disaster.html
• Report Fraud to AARP’s Helpline: Call 877-908-3360 (8 AM – 8 PM ET, Monday – Friday)
• FEMA Scam Reporting: www.fema.gov

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA