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Vitamin OC

Vitamin OC

By: Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez
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Your recommended dose of civics and civilization in Orange County, California, brought to you by politically and culturally active locals Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez




© 2025 Vitamin OC
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Episode 19: California Environmental Voters' Federal Advocacy Coordinator Aaron McCall Craddolph
    Nov 1 2025

    In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez are joined by Aaron McCall Craddolph, the Federal Advocacy Coordinator for California Environmental Voters. They discuss the importance of civic engagement, environmental advocacy, and the role of local communities in driving change. Aaron shares insights from his journey in activism, highlighting the significance of consistent grassroots efforts and the challenges faced in transitioning from local to national advocacy. The conversation also touches on California's environmental policies, the impact of federal legislation, and the need for inclusive green transitions that consider underrepresented communities.

    Takeaways

    • Slow, consistent grassroots work leads to lasting change.
    • Civic engagement is a year-round team sport.
    • Local communities play a crucial role in environmental advocacy.
    • California serves as a model for environmental policies.
    • Federal legislation impacts local environmental efforts.
    • Inclusive green transitions must consider underrepresented communities.
    • Public engagement and storytelling are powerful tools for change.
    • Environmental issues are interconnected with social and economic factors.
    • Effective advocacy requires understanding diverse community needs.
    • Building coalitions amplifies the impact of advocacy efforts.

    Keywords

    Vitamin OC, civic engagement, environmental advocacy, grassroots efforts, California Environmental Voters, local communities, national advocacy, environmental policies, federal legislation, green transitions, Biden, EPA



    Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast

    Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast



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    29 mins
  • Vitamin OC Episode 18: Community Activist and Volunteer Chairman of Save Newport Beach Golf Course Benny Hallock
    Oct 24 2025

    In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez discuss the controversial development project at Newport Beach Golf Course with guest Benny Hallock, Volunteer Chairman of Save Newport Beach Golf Course. The conversation covers the community's opposition to the proposed surf lagoon and commercial development, the impact on local traffic, and the importance of preserving the golf course as a community treasure. Benny shares insights into the grassroots efforts to oppose the project and the broader implications for the community.

    To learn more:

    https://keepnbgolfcourse.com/

    https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/community-development/planning-division/current-projects-and-cases/snug-harbor-surf-park-project

    There is a hearing on this issue by the Newport Beach City Council on Tuesday, October 28.


    Takeaways

    • The Newport Beach Golf Course is a beloved community treasure.
    • The proposed development includes a surf lagoon and commercial space.
    • Community members are concerned about increased traffic.
    • Benny Hallock leads the grassroots opposition to the project.
    • The project has been under discussion for over 18 months.
    • The city planning commission voted 6-0 in favor of the project.
    • The golf course is important for veterans and retirees.
    • The development could lead to the loss of community spaces.
    • Benny emphasizes the importance of civic engagement.
    • The episode highlights the power of grassroots activism.


    Keywords

    Newport Beach, golf course, surf lagoon, community opposition, grassroots efforts, SNA, Santa Ana Airport, JWA, John Wayne Airport, Newport Beach City. Council, Surf Park, surfing, veterans, retirees, Orange County

    Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast

    Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast



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    23 mins
  • Vitamin OC Episode 17: WoundWalk.org Founder Michael Sean Wright
    Oct 17 2025

    In this episode, Michael Sean Wright, Director of Field Medicine for the Lestonnac Free Clinic and founder of Wound Walk.org, discusses the challenges and triumphs of providing medical care to the unhoused in Orange County. He shares insights into the operations of Wound Walk, the importance of community involvement, and the innovative approaches they use to deliver healthcare on the streets.


    https://woundwalk.org/


    Keywords
    street medicine, Wound Walk OC, Lestonnac Free Clinic, homelessness, community health, medical care, Orange County, volunteer work, healthcare innovation, social impact, free surgery center, Santa Ana, Skid Row

    Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast

    Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast



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    33 mins
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