The Capstone conversation, hosted by Jared Asch, explores workforce development and the impact of AI on labor markets, particularly in government and education sectors. Guests John Valencia from Good for Others and Divvy from Nexa discuss their organizations' roles in workforce development. Valencia details his nonprofit's efforts to connect training programs with employer needs, while Divvy explains Nexa's AI-driven career services. The conversation covers how AI can enhance efficiency, personalize user experiences, and improve employability. It touches on ethical considerations, the necessity for continuous professional development, and the urgent need for education systems to evolve in response to rapidly changing job markets. The episode concludes with advice for both job seekers and employers on integrating AI into their processes.

In this episode of the Capstone conversation, host Jared Asch speaks with San Leandro Mayor Juan Gonzalez and Economic Development Manager Katie Bowman about the city's rapid economic development. They discuss the city's strategic focus on innovation, particularly attracting and supporting companies in clean tech, food tech, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical sectors. They highlight notable successes such as Coors Shell Technologies and Lighten. The conversation covers the transformation of spaces like the Bayfair Mall into mixed-use developments, the emphasis on small business support, housing initiatives, and public art. The city's proactive approach to zoning, infrastructure improvements, and community resilience are also explored. The episode concludes with the mayor and Katie Bowman envisioning a future San Leandro with substantial growth in housing, innovative business presence, and robust community infrastructure.

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch discusses the future of urban transportation with Jason from Telo Trucks and Nav from YCurb. The conversation explores the advancements in electric mini trucks, curb management systems, and the integration of AI in transportation. Jason explains Telo Trucks' mission to build smaller, more efficient electric trucks for urban environments, addressing issues like parking and congestion. Nav introduces YCurb, a curb operating system that aims to digitize curb management, reduce parking friction, and enhance the usability of urban infrastructure for both traditional and autonomous vehicles. The discussion also addresses the challenges cities face in adopting these technologies, the impact on pedestrian safety, and the necessary steps for improving urban planning and vehicle management.

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, hosted by Jared Asch, Assembly Member Lori Wilson discusses her district in Solano County and parts of Contra Costa and Sacramento counties, highlighting its cultural diversity and the unique challenges it presents. Wilson delves into environmental concerns surrounding the Delta, emphasizing the need for strategic water management in light of climate change and the importance of balancing agricultural and community water needs. She discusses her passion for improving transportation, including her work on various bills to enhance public transit, and the future of high-speed rail and advanced air mobility. Wilson also reflects on the importance of affordable housing, the political climate under the Trump administration, and her legacy in public service. She concludes by praising her dedicated team for their role in her legislative successes.

In a Capstone conversation hosted by Jared Asch, experts from tech companies Polimorphic and Ichi discuss the evolving role of AI in govtech, focusing on improving efficiency and service in state and local governments. Parth Shah of Polimorphic and Brandon Levey of Ichi share insights into how AI can enhance customer service, streamline operations, and address staffing challenges in government agencies. They highlight practical examples, such as AI-powered voice agents and translation tools, that assist with construction site inspections and the management of public inquiries. Both emphasize the importance of embracing AI technology to address current shortcomings and enhance the quality of service provided by government entities

In this episode of the Capstone conversation, hosted by Jared Asch, the focus is on innovation in government technology (GovTech). The guest is Manveer Sandhu, a Fairfield, California, city councilman with a background as a technology executive and Air Force reservist. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in adopting new technologies in government, including AI's role in improving efficiency without replacing jobs. Sandhu underscores the need for better communication between government and citizens, the potential of AI to streamline operations, and strategies for startups to enter the GovTech market. He calls for more flexible, shorter-term contracts and increased engagement between cities and innovative companies. Sandhu shares his journey in politics and technology, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, citing examples like Abraham Lincoln. He discusses the intersection of national security and local governance, highlighting the economic impact of Travis Air Force Base on Fairfield. The talk concludes with a discussion on simplifying and enhancing inter-agency information sharing.

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch discusses the pervasive issue of human trafficking with three experts: Katrina Natal from the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office, Amy Schumann from Arm of Care, and Erika Keaveney from Freedom Insight. The episode covers definitions and indicators of human trafficking, including sex and labor trafficking, and emphasizes that trafficking affects all communities, not just low-income areas. The guests also discuss their backgrounds, the role of various industries like hotels in trafficking, and practical advice for parents on keeping children safe. The implications of human trafficking in different settings, such as restaurants, massage establishments, and domestic work, are explored. The experts underscore the importance of community involvement, recognizing signs, and using resources such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline to combat this pressing issue.

In this episode of Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch interviews Dan Muelrath from Diablo Water District, who also chairs the Contra Costa Special Districts Association. They delve into the role and significance of special districts in California, which provide essential services such as water, sanitation, and transportation. Dan shares his career journey in water management and explains the unique operations of special districts compared to cities and counties. He discusses the Diablo Water District's initiatives, including advanced water meters, groundwater management, and sustainability efforts such as becoming carbon neutral by 2027. They also address challenges such as state regulations, drought management, water conservation, and the integration of technology into water services. Additionally, the conversation explores the Contra Costa Special Districts Association's collaborative efforts, legislative tracking, and the distinct nature of various special districts across the state.