The Rebuild SoCal Zone Rebuild SoCal Partnership

In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Adán Ortega, the Chair of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Ortega took office as chair on January 1st of this year. We discussed the effects of the rain and storms in Southern California earlier this year, the challenges with building new water infrastructure, the future of water delivery in Southern California, and more!



Please note this episode was recorded on June 28th, 2023.

Women in Construction - President and CEO of Cooper Engineering Inc. Denise Cooper joins host Jon Switalski for an inspiring conversation about being a successful woman and business owner in the construction industry. Cooper talks about how young women should want to join the construction industry and not feel scared to do so, her journey into the industry, and the key to having a successful small business. 



Please note: This episode was recorded on March 8th, 2023. If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes, please email podcasts@rebuildsocal.org

In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Nora Vargas. Chairwoman Vargas was sworn in on January 4, 2021, to represent San Diego County’s 1st Supervisorial District. A first-generation immigrant, Supervisor Vargas is the first Latina, binational, and woman of color to serve as County Supervisor in the nearly 200-year history of the County of San Diego. She served as Vice-Chair of the Board for her first two terms and, on January 10th, 2023,  was unanimously elected Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors. We discuss transportation policies and projects in San Diego County, the importance of affordable housing in our communities for young and working families, having a regional impact on San Diegans, and more!



Please note this episode was recorded on February 27th, 2023

This time around on our women in construction series, host Jon Switalski spoke with Teresa Stevenson. Stevenson is currently a Public License Works Inspector for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12. Stevenson joined the Operating Engineers when she was 52 and now, at 58, talks to us about her experience as a woman in such a male-dominated field. She also talks to us about the current project at the San Diego International Airport she is working on and how proud she feels when these projects are completed. Tune in to the episode and listen for more! 



This episode was recorded on February 21st, 2023

In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with Charles Fair, who is a member of the Laborers Union Local 89 in San Diego. Fair has been a member of Local 89 since 2008. We discuss the growth of San Diego, projects Charles has been a part of, mental health in the construction industry, and more!

Please note: This episode was recorded on February 9th, 2023

"We can't conserve our way out of the problems we have in California. We have to invest in infrastructure."

In this episode of The Rebuild SoCal Zone, host Jon Switalski spoke with San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman. Supervisor Hagman proudly serves the residents of the 4th district. We discuss various transportation projects happening in San Bernardino County, such as the Ontario Airport improvements, the importance of the goods movement to San Bernardino County, water infrastructure, and more!

Please note: This episode was recorded on January 18th, 2023