Mobility is key to the Inland Empire’s future economic growth and quality of life. This dialogue series has been developed to address the numerous Inland Empire projects and initiatives designed to improve mobility. Advanced technology will be the dominant factor in our automobiles, rail transportation, the movement of freight, and the organization of our communities. Few will doubt the assertion that the change we are about to face is at least as great in the 21st Century as was the transportation changes that occurred in the early 20th Century as we moved from horse and buggies to planes, trains, and automobiles.
As exciting as this impending future may be, it is very important to remind ourselves that we live in a democratic society in which an informed electorate is the best guarantee of a strong and stable society. However, given the rapid pace of events, most people today are not informed about the many issues related to the imminent changes in our transportation infrastructure, few are aware of the many transportation-related projects and initiatives, and fewer still are involved in any meaningful way in the decisions that are being made. There are differing opinions regarding the magnitude of the problems and the relative merit of various potential solutions. Moreover, there is currently no authoritative place that people who are not directly involved in ongoing discussions can go to obtain a comprehensive overview of our mobility needs, the related social concerns, and the projects and initiatives now being discussed to address them. The purpose of Inland Empire Mobility Dialogue Series is to provide that forum.
Let's Keep the Conversations Going!
The Inland Empire Mobility Dialogue Series Continues
Thank you for joining us as the conversation continues in the sixth year of the CSUSB Leonard Transportation Center Inland Empire Mobility Dialogue Series!
Save the date for our upcoming events, where we will continue to have vital conversations on transportation topics that affect the Inland Empire.
#LTCtalks and #LTCtalks2023 is the official event hashtag!
Additional Information:
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2023 Dialogue Topics
August 22, 2023 | 8:00-10:00 am
URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSPORTATION IN THE INLAND EMPIRE
GUEST SPEAKERS
TOPIC: The Nexus Between Housing and Transportation in the Inland Empire
Dorlins Villalobos
University of California-Riverside
Jordan Leffew
University of California-Riverside
Kirill S. Rogovoy
Cal Poly Pomona
Yasamin Rasouli
Cal Poly Pomona
TOPIC: Infrastructure is the Key to Housing
Juan C. Perez
County of Riverside
DIALOGUE 5
October 17, 2023 | 8:00-10:00 am
Moving People within the Inland Empire
DIALOGUE 6
December 12, 2023 | 8:00-10:00 am
Linking Surface to Air Transportation
PREVIOUS DIALOGUES
DIALOGUE 1
February 21, 2023 | 8:00-10:00 am
Balancing the Race to Zero Emissions in Transportation: Envisioning a Future with an Integrated Energy System
GUEST SPEAKERS
SPEAKER 1
Marvin Moon | Assistant General Manager of Power Delivery at Pasadena Water and Power
SPEAKER 2
Victor Lopez | Director of Transit and Rail Programs at SBCTA
SPEAKER 3
Andrew Conley | Project Director at HNTB
SPEAKER 4
Jan Harnik | President of SCAG and Councilwoman from the City of Palm Desert
DIALOGUE 2
April 18, 2023 | 8:00-10:00 am
Back in the Office? Traffic Patterns in the Inland Empire
GUEST SPEAKERS
SPEAKER 1
Sean Reseigh | Senior Transportation Planner for Fehr & Peers
SPEAKER 2
Jack Liebersohn | Assistant Professor of Economics for University of California, Irvine
SPEAKER 3
Ginger Koblasz | Senior Planner for San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
SPEAKER 4
Brenda Reza | Employer Services Representative for IE Commuter
DIALOGUE 3
June 20, 2023 | 8:00-10:00 am
Developing a Sustainable Inland Southern California Port
GUEST SPEAKERS
SPEAKER 1
Curt Hagman | Fourth District Supervisor for San Bernardino County
SPEAKER 2
Henry McKay | Sustainable Transportation Analyst for Caltrans
SPEAKERS 3
Bhavik Pankaj Khatri & Sia Kalyan Ayyagari | Computer Science Grad Student at California State University, San Bernardino
SPEAKER 4
Dr. Kanok Boriboonsomsin | Associate Director of the College of Engineering for University of California-Riverside
SPEAKER 5
Lisa Hannaman | Senior Account Manager for Southern California Edison
The Issue
Rising housing costs in California's coastal regions have pushed population growth inland, but residents face long commutes due to insufficient public transit and the remote location of job centers. This situation heightens reliance on personal vehicles, leading to increased traffic and higher total living costs when accounting for both housing and transportation. There is a need to unify land use and transportation planning to improve affordability and life quality.
This Dialogue will investigate the growth of the Inland Empire's suburban and rural areas, contemplating its future. The focus will be on the mutual impact of urban development and transportation - how each drives the other's evolution. The interplay between the two will be crucial in shaping the region's future.
Agenda
8:00-8:10 am - WELCOMING REMARKS: HNTB and CSUSB
8:10-8:15 am - AUDIENCE POLL #1
8:15-8:35 am - SPEAKERS
Dorlins Villalobos, University of California-Riverside
Jordan Leffew, University of California-Riverside
Kirill S. Rogovoy, Cal Poly Pomona
Yasamin Rasouli, Cal Poly Pomona
8:35-8:40 am - AUDIENCE POLL #2
8:40-9:00 am - SPEAKER
Juan C. Perez, County of Riverside
9:00-9:55 am - DISCUSSION
9:55-10:00 am - WRAP-UP AND ADJOURN
Speaker Bios
Dorlins Villalobos
Public Policy Grad Student
My name is Dorlins Villalobos, and I am a student-parent first-generation, non-traditional student. I returned to school in the fall of 2018 to pursue higher education, hoping for career options. At first, returning to school was just a means to an end. However, after the pandemic, I saw historical racial disparities within my community in Compton. I realized my community was disproportionally affected by the lack of meaningful public policy. My interest in public policy came from lived experience, and I decided that a master's degree would bring me closer to making a change for the benefit of my community. My purpose now is to play a role in helping our society be better for my son, my community, and our future.
Jordan Leffew
Public Policy Grad Student
I am Jordan Leffew, a first-generation college student born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. I recently earned my B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, where I am also pursuing my M.A. in Public Policy. For most of my undergraduate career, I had been exposed to various community service and advocacy opportunities through my membership in Alpha Phi Omega, a National Co-Ed Community Service Organization at UCR. I prided myself in being able to contribute to the Inland Empire’s community development and promote civic engagement within its low-income, POC communities. My advocacy work focused on accessibility to resources and services, outreach, and education. Utilizing my personal and lived experiences, I decided to take my advocacy work to the next level by pursuing a career in policy. I understood the importance of establishing equitable, effective, and sustainable policy solutions that could aid regions like the IE and its community members. With that being said, I hope to bring my passion and knowledge to the LTC student research team to help address the complex, interrelated challenges between housing and transportation in the IE.
“Solutions for the Region, Solutions for the World.” - UCR, School of Public Policy
Kirill Rogovoy
Civil Engineering Student
My name is Kirill Rogovoy, I am 22 years old, and have immigrated to the USA with my family 12 years ago. In May of 2023, I have graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. I am very interested in Transportation Engineering and am currently pursuing my M.S. in this subject at Cal Poly Pomona. My dream is to attain a PhD in a Transportation Engineering-related field, and become a professor one day who would conduct research and teach!
Yasamin Rasouli
Civil Engineering Student
I am Yasamin Rasouli, a 24-year-old from Iran. Five years ago, my family and I immigrated to the USA and have been residing in Orange County ever since. Currently, I am a junior student at Cal Poly Pomona, studying Civil Engineering. Last fall, I transferred from Saddleback College to continue my academic journey. I am passionate about shaping the built environment and look forward to making valuable contributions in the field of Civil Engineering.
Juan C. Perez
Chief Operating Officer
Juan is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the County of Riverside since February 2021. In this position, he oversees the constituent services areas of County government, including working in partnership with elected and appointed Department Heads representing 25 County departments.
Juan has been with the County of Riverside for 22 years. His previous roles included serving as Assistant CEO/TLMA Director overseeing the Public Works, Land Use, and Environment functions of the County, and the Transportation and Land Management Agency. Prior to that, Juan served as Deputy Director of Transportation before becoming the Director of Transportation.
He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona in 1989, and is a Registered Civil and Traffic Engineer in the State of California. Juan also received his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Organizational Studies from Cal Baptist University in 2014.
Juan started his career in the private sector with various consulting firms providing municipal transportation services. Prior to coming to the County, Juan was employed by the City of Hemet for nine years, including the last four as the City’s Director of Public Works.
Platinum Sponsors
HNTB
HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and contractors. HNTB’s work in California dates back to its founding in 1914. Today, HNTB continues to grow in size and service offerings to its clients in California. HNTB’s eight California office locations, including one in the Inland Empire, currently employ more than 350 full-time professionals. With more than a century of service, HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure projects and addresses clients’ most complex technical, financial, and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, program management, and construction management. For more information, visit www.hntb.com.
San Bernardino International Airport
Conveniently located in the heart of the Inland Empire, close to major freeways and just 60 miles from Los Angeles, San Bernardino (SBD) International Airport is strategically positioned to meet growing aviation activity, including cargo, business aviation, general aviation, and commercial airlines by providing competitive rates for aviation companies and local businesses looking to stretch their wings and expand their horizons. With extensive stretches of pristine runway and acres of prime land available for aviation development, SBD International Airport is ready to help our community and region reach new destinations.
Ontario International Airport
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the fastest growing airport in the United States, according to Global Traveler, a leading publication for frequent fliers. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which, before the coronavirus pandemic, offered nonstop commercial jet service to 26 major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
San Bernardino Valley College
San Bernardino Valley College Heavy/Medium Truck Program
The Heavy/Medium Duty Truck Technology program at San Bernardino Valley College students receive training in various subjects including brake, suspension, computer controlled engines, emphasis in electrical and heavy duty maintenance, engine overhaul and Zero emission EV vehicles. Students working for certificates must have a basic knowledge of arithmetic, reading and writing to learn and work in the occupations they select. The department has one of the best training facilities in the Inland Empire. Job placement opportunities are substantial though the department's network of employers. If you would like to learn more, please visit our website: www.valleycollege.edu.
SBVC was the recipient of a 2012 Cascadia Luxury Truck, donated by Velocity Vehicle Group and Daimler Trucks North America. This three-axle truck, which uses a new compressed natural gas energy source, will be used for the program’s students to work on for class projects. The department also received a 4500 rugged duty series transmission, donated by Allison Transmission, to further provide premium technical training. In collaboration with the SBVC Foundation, the Heavy/Medium Duty Diesel Truck Program was awarded several grants from Southern California Gas from 2016 to present. Funds were used to purchase supplies for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) system alternative fuels course. In addition, the program also partnered with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Project for their Volvo Low Light Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions (LIGHTS) grant project application. SBVC was a sub-recipient in the amount of $200,000, which will allow the development of curriculum hands-on education with the Volvo electric trucks.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY!
Leonard Transportation Center provides Inland Empire problem-solvers with a forum to engage in essential discussion.
If you would like more information about becoming a sponsor for the Inland Empire Mobility Dialogue Series, please contact the Leonard Transportation Center at ltc@csusb.edu or call at (909) 537-5094.