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

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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

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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

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In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez welcome Suad Elias, a human rights attorney, to discuss the impactful work of immigration legal clinics in Orange County. They explore the challenges faced by undocumented families, the importance of legal preparedness, and the personal stories that drive Suad's passion for advocacy.

If you want to get involved:

https://www.wave4all.org/

https://ocrapidresponse.org/

https://www.chirla.org/

https://www.unidossouthoc.com/

https://www.ocjusticefund.org/

Takeaways

• Suad Elias is a human rights attorney with a background in international law.
• The immigration legal clinics provide essential documentation for undocumented families.
• Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of these clinics.
• The clinics offer Know Your Rights workshops for immigrants.
• Suad's personal experiences as an immigrant fuel her advocacy work.
• The clinics address urgent needs due to increased ICE activity.
• Undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to the economy.
• Misunderstandings about immigration often frame the conversation.
• Organizations like WAVE and CHIRLA are key players in immigration support.

Keywords

immigration, legal clinics, Orange County, undocumented families, human rights, ICE, Trump

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In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez discuss the importance of financial literacy for young adults with guests Natalie and Tom Giannulli. Natalie and Tom created an app, called Budget U, which is designed to help families with college students to manage budgeting and spending. They explore the challenges students face in managing finances and discuss the mission behind, features of, and future for Budget U. The conversation covers the significance of early financial education and the helpful role of technology in budgeting.

Takeaways

Financial literacy is crucial for young adults entering college.

Budget U is designed to help families manage finances together.

Early financial education can prevent future financial stress.

Technology plays a key role in modern budgeting practices.

Budgeting should empower, not restrict, young individuals.

Understanding spending habits is essential for financial success.

Budget U offers insights into spending by category and merchant.

The app encourages open family discussions about finances.

Budget U aims to shift perceptions of budgeting as negative.

The app rewards students for staying within budget.

Keywords
financial literacy, Budget U, college budgeting, family finance, financial education, affording college, managing money

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In this engaging conversation, Amy Luna Capelle, Executive Director of WAVE, discusses her journey into civic life, the founding and impact of WAVE, and her involvement with Planned Parenthood. She shares insights on political engagement, community building, and the importance of local governance. She describes the ways that reproductive rights are under attack in California, and offers steps that listeners can take to fight back.

Amy's article in The Truth OC

https://www.thetruthoc.com/p/the-republicans-are-banning-abortion

Link to donate to Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties:

https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/onlineactions/cOJVhOyrzkq4uBcxVekXFA2?sourceid=1000065&affiliateID=090160&affName=Planned+Parenthood+of+Orange+%26+San+Bernardino+Counties%2C+Inc.&refwidget=Historic_Donate_Button&_gl=1*1kflpyo*_gcl_au*MTI3ODY5NTU1NC4xNzU4NzY5NDUz*_ga*MTIzMDAwODk3Mi4xNzU4NzY5NDUz*_ga_ENXC8KHJL8*czE3NTg3Njk0NTIkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTg3Njk0NzckajM1JGwwJGg3MTU1MTQ5MDY.

Takeaways

WAVE was founded to build political power for women.

Amy Luna Capelle's civic life began with school involvement.

2016 election motivated Amy to increase political action.

WAVE focuses on gun safety, government integrity, and more.

Planned Parenthood faces funding challenges in California.

Local governance has significant impact on daily life.

Community building is key to political engagement.

Amy emphasizes the importance of transparency and dialogue.

WAVE collaborates with groups like Indivisible for impact.

Prop 50 is crucial for reproductive rights and democracy.

Keywords

WAVE, Amy Luna Capelle, civic engagement, Planned Parenthood, Orange County, women's rights, political power, community building, Big Beautiful Bill, Trump, Prop 50

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In this episode, Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez welcome back Greg Kaplan, founder of Kaplan Educational Group, to discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions. They explore what success looks like for students, emphasizing the importance of grit, leadership, and passion in their development. Kaplan shares insights on how to engage students who may be disinterested, the significance of strategic activity selection, and the cascading nature of college applications. The conversation also touches on the future of college admissions and the challenges that lie ahead for students and families.

Takeaways

Success in college admissions varies for each child.

Grit is essential for dealing with life's challenges.

Leadership is about impact, not just titles.

Passion can be nurtured through exploration and engagement.

It's important to meet students where they are.

Quality of activities matters more than quantity.

The college application process involves both numbers and personal narratives.

The landscape of college admissions is changing rapidly.

Students should focus on authenticity in their applications.

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children's passions.

Keywords

college admissions, student success, grit, leadership, passion, educational strategies, college application process, parenting, student development, higher education

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In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Whitney Gomez and Joanna Weiss welcome Susannah Delano, the Executive Director of Close the Gap California. Under Susannah's leadership, California has reached unprecedented levels of women's representation in the state legislature. The discussion delves into Susannah's inspiring journey in social justice, the transformative impact of women's leadership on policy, and the challenges and opportunities for female candidates in Orange County. Listeners will gain insights into the future of women in leadership and the ongoing quest for gender parity. Tune in for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.

Takeaways

Under Susannah Delano's leadership, California has achieved an all-time high in women's representation in the state legislature.

Susannah's career in social justice was inspired by her upbringing and early exposure to community organizing.

Close the Gap California has been pivotal in rewriting the playbook on representation, focusing on gender parity in politics.

Female candidates in Orange County face unique challenges due to diverse demographics and political sensibilities.

The increase in women legislators has led to significant cultural changes in the California Capitol, making it a more inclusive environment.

Many women choose to focus on local politics due to the high stakes in their communities, impacting broader legislative efforts.

Close the Gap is addressing often-overlooked issues like menopause in politics, highlighting the importance of women's health on the legislative agenda.

The success of Close the Gap is attributed to relentless work towards a single goal of gender parity, cycle after cycle.

The episode shares personal stories of women like Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and Sade Elhawary, who have made significant strides in political leadership.

The conversation explores the future of gender parity in political leadership and the potential for replicating California's model in other states.

Keywords:

Women's Representation
Social Justice
Close the Gap California
Political Leadership
Gender Parity
Legislative Agenda
Orange County Politics
Reproductive Rights
Community Organizing
Menopause Legislation

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