Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents.

Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents.
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🎙 Jen’s Two Cents brings clarity with bold, boots-on-the-ground storytelling. Investigative journalist Jen Barber sits down with Arizona’s newsmakers, thought leaders, and everyday changemakers to unpack the stories shaping our communities.

  1. One-on-One with Goodyear PD PIO Sgt. Mayra Reeson: Inside the New Virtual Block Watch Program

    6D AGO

    One-on-One with Goodyear PD PIO Sgt. Mayra Reeson: Inside the New Virtual Block Watch Program

    Goodyear Police Department Sgt. Mayra Reeson, the department’s Public Information Officer, sat down for a one-on-one discussion about community engagement, evolving technology, and GYPD’s new Virtual Block Watch Program.  Goodyear Virtual Block Watch Link Sgt. Reeson joined Goodyear PD in January 2025 and brings 18 years of law enforcement experience, including time with Phoenix Police Department. She is a graduate of the Arizona Law Enforcement Police Academy (2008). After moving from California to Arizona, Reeson became deeply involved in her community—as a mom running a Girl Scout troop and building local connections. That sense of community ultimately drew her to Goodyear. “It just gave me that opportunity to come back to more of what my community is. This is where I shop. Entertainment. So much is growing here in Goodyear. So this is more like my community again.”Like many in law enforcement, Sgt. Reeson says policing wasn’t a childhood dream—but once she found it, she knew it was where she belonged. “I stumbled upon this career… Once I was here, I was like wow—this is really what I was meant to do. I can’t imagine doing something else.”A self-described social person, Sgt. Reeson transitioned from computers and IT into law enforcement as her children grew older, drawn to the fulfillment of serving the community. “We spend so much time away from our families… and being able to serve the community—it’s just more fulfilling.”Now working in media relations, Sgt. Reeson says her focus is ensuring accurate, timely information reaches residents about safety and community concerns. What Is the Virtual Block Watch Program? GYPD’s Virtual Block Watch expands traditional neighborhood watch concepts using today’s technology. With doorbell cameras, floodlight cameras, and home security systems now common, the program allows residents to voluntarily register their cameras with the police department. Importantly, Sgt. Reeson emphasizes: Police do not have access to residents’ camerasOfficers cannot log in, view live feeds, or browse footageInstead, residents register: That they have a cameraThe general location of their homeThe direction the camera pointsWhen a crime occurs, officers or investigators can check the database and see if registered cameras are nearby. “We’ll reach out to the homeowners and ask them to review their camera, give them a time frame, and see if they believe they captured any footage that would be helpful.”If residents believe their footage is relevant, they receive a secure upload link to voluntarily submit it. The footage remains within Goodyear PD and is not shared externally. Why It Matters Sgt. Reeson says the program helps: Solve crimes fasterExtend limited manpowerFree up officers’ timeDeter criminal activityProvide closure and resolution for victims“If we’re not getting ahead of technology, then we’re behind it. Using these tools helps us further investigations and lets our manpower go farther.”At the same time, GYPD is continuing to grow in-person Neighborhood Block Watch programs, which Sgt. Reeson says remain vital. “Nobody knows your neighborhood better than you.”Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

    32 min
  2. Paradise Valley School Board Member Sandra Christensen Launches Bid for Arizona House of Representatives

    NOV 25

    Paradise Valley School Board Member Sandra Christensen Launches Bid for Arizona House of Representatives

    In a move that is already reshaping the political landscape of Legislative District 4, Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board Member Sandra Christensen formally announces her candidacy for the Arizona House of Representatives — and she sits down for her first exclusive interview with Jen’s Two Cents. Read the Report Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

    39 min
  3. Flock Cameras & The Founding Fathers

    NOV 22

    Flock Cameras & The Founding Fathers

    ❓ Are license plate readers compatible with the freedoms our Founding Fathers fought for?  🎙️ This week, I sit down with Surprise, Arizona Councilmember Johnny Melton to break down the city’s audit of its Flock Safety ALPR system, what it uncovered, and what it means for privacy rights, public safety, and government accountability in Arizona.  ➡️ As an independent journalist, these are the conversations that drive my work — talking directly with the people making decisions about surveillance technology and how it affects our daily lives.  🔍 If you’re following the rise of ALPR cameras, AI policing tools, or the debate over privacy vs. safety, this conversation is a must-watch. 🎧 Watch now: My full interview with Councilmember Johnny Melton.  📽️ Check out all my conversations with local changemakers: https://www.youtube.com/@jenandfriends Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

    5 min
  4. Scottsdale's Barry Graham on Axon, License Plate Readers, & AI

    NOV 20

    Scottsdale's Barry Graham on Axon, License Plate Readers, & AI

    Scottsdale City Councilmember Barry Graham granted Jen’s Two Cents an exclusive interview to discuss the city’s 2026 Legislative Agenda — a document I located in last week’s council Consent Agenda. Councilmember Graham played a key role in proposing an amendment, and in our conversation he breaks down why it mattered, what changed, and what residents should know moving forward.  “The Legislative Agenda is not supposed to be controversial,” Councilmember Barry Graham said as he opened his council meeting November 17, 2025 remarks. He recommended keeping the phrase “Promote the responsible and transparent use of technology” while removing the specific references to license plate readers, photo radar, and AI.  In our one-on-one interview, Councilmember Barry Graham calls for a policy debate on emerging technologies. In this exclusive interview, we also hear Graham’s thoughts on Scottsdale's latest agreement with Axon.  Read the Report: https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/councilmember-barry-graham Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

    17 min
  5. ALPRs, AI, and Privacy: One-on-One with Johnny V. Melton

    NOV 20

    ALPRs, AI, and Privacy: One-on-One with Johnny V. Melton

    After leading an in-depth audit of Surprise, Arizona’s Flock Safety license plate reader network, Councilmember Johnny V. Melton sits down with Jen’s Two Cents to reveal what he discovered. From data practices to AI concerns, he walks through the findings and what residents should know. Enjoy this latest episode of “Jen & Friends” with host Jen Barber. Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

    57 min
  6. Goodyear Mayoral Race: Stipp Challenges Pizzillo, Citing Strained State Relations

    OCT 27

    Goodyear Mayoral Race: Stipp Challenges Pizzillo, Citing Strained State Relations

    Read the Report Jen’s Two Cents makes no claims or determinations regarding any of these statements. This exclusive interview is being presented solely to inform the public of viewpoints expressed by candidates and elected officials during the 2026 Goodyear mayoral race. Mayor Pizzillo remains welcome to provide a written statement or appear on the Jen’s Two Cents podcast at any time. All statements contained herein are presented as reported and have not been independently verified. Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

    1h 22m
  7. Arizona Educational Opportunities: Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo

    OCT 25

    Arizona Educational Opportunities: Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo

    On March 4, 2025, Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo spoke with me following the launch of the Buckeye Union High School District Education Foundation — a new nonprofit dedicated to supporting students through enhanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities. Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), which partners with 15 public school districts and 2 charter districts, offers innovative CTE programs that allow students to gain real-world skills through elective courses at their home campuses. Here is our full interview from that day. Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

    1 min
  8. Arizona AI-Driven Mass Surveillance: Cameras Installed Before Council Approval — Former Goodyear Lawmaker Speaks Out

    OCT 25

    Arizona AI-Driven Mass Surveillance: Cameras Installed Before Council Approval — Former Goodyear Lawmaker Speaks Out

    In this exclusive, former Councilmember - now mayoral candidate - Bill Stipp says Goodyear residents deserve a public conversation about the city’s rollout of AI-driven surveillance cameras. Read the Report Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

    12 min
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🎙 Jen’s Two Cents brings clarity with bold, boots-on-the-ground storytelling. Investigative journalist Jen Barber sits down with Arizona’s newsmakers, thought leaders, and everyday changemakers to unpack the stories shaping our communities.

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  • Creator
    Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents.
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents.
  • Show Website
    Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents.