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 #LTCtalk2024 is the official event hashtag!
Additional Information:
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2024 Dialogue Topics
June 18, 2024 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
FUELING THE FUTURE: ADVANCING HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE INLAND EMPIRE
GUEST SPEAKERS
ADVANCING CALIFORNIA’S CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION
Edith Moreno
SoCal Gas
PAST AND FUTURE HYDROGEN LEAKAGE RESEARCH
Dr. Alejandra Hormaza Mejia
Cal Poly Pomona
DIALOGUE 4
August 20, 2024 | 8:00-10:00 am
Strategies for Strengthening the IE’s Transportation Workforce
DIALOGUE 5
October 15, 2024 | 8:00-10:00 am
The Interplay of Aviation and Ground Transportation in the IE’s Goods Movement Sector
DIALOGUE 6
December 10, 2024 | 8:00-10:00 am
How Does State Policy Shape the Transportation Landscape of the IE Region?
PREVIOUS DIALOGUES
DIALOGUE 1
February 20, 2024 | 8:00-10:00 am
Safeguarding Inland Empire's Public Transportation Networks: Challenges and Solutions for Transit Security
GUEST SPEAKERS
SPEAKER 1
Gene Luevano | Lead Transportation Security Inspector with U.S. Department of Homeland Security
SPEAKER 2
John Curley | Chief of Safety and Security for Foothill Transit
SPEAKER 3
Isabel Cervantes | Intelligence and Crime Analysis with Homeland Security Concentration Student at California State University, San Bernardino
Lorraine Lopez | Intelligence and Crime Analysis with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Concentration Graduate of California State University, San Bernardino
Raquel Guerrero | Criminal Justice Student at California State University, San Bernardino
DIALOGUE 2
April 16, 2024 | 8:00-10:00 am
Equity And Inclusivity in Transportation Funding: Bridging Gaps for the Inland Empire's Future Mobility
GUEST SPEAKERS
SPEAKER 1
Lacy Vong | Promoting Equitable Outcomes Through Funding Priorities
SPEAKER 2
Warren Whiteaker | A Regional Perspective on Funding and Transportation and the Implications for Equity
SPEAKER 3
Steve Smith, Monique Arellano, Andrea Zureick | Funding, Equity, and Partnerships at SBCTA
SPEAKER 4
Amber Collins | Navigating a Competitive Transportation Funding Landscape and Diverse Communities Strategies for Positioning Projects
The Issue
The transition to zero emission vehicles in the Inland Empire will necessitate a diverse usage of alternative fuels. Hydrogen stands at the forefront of this transformative era as the technologies become more viable. The commitment to these advancements involves not only the development of hydrogen technologies but also the establishment of a robust infrastructure to support its integration into everyday life. This Dialogue will explore the current realities and the vision of hydrogen integration in the Inland Empire.
Agenda
11:30-11:35 am - WELCOMING REMARKS: HNTB; Foothill Transit
11:35-11:40 am - AUDIENCE POLL #1
11:40-11:55 am - SPEAKER
Edith Moreno, SoCal Gas
11:55 am-12:00 pm - AUDIENCE POLL #2
12:00-12:15 pm - SPEAKER
Dr. Alejandra Hormaza Mejia, Cal Poly Pomona
12:15-12:30 pm - Discussion
12:30-1:00 pm - Foothill Transit Tour
Speaker Bios
Edith Moreno
Strategy and Policy Manager
Edith Moreno has 15 years of experience in the energy and environmental sector, with ten of those years specifically spent working for Sempra Energy’s regulated California utilities. Currently, she holds the position of Strategy and Policy Manager at Southern California Gas Company. In this role, she oversees strategic stakeholder engagement for clean energy projects and initiatives. Before joining the Sempra Energy family, Edith worked for two prominent environmental consulting firms, where she supported Clean Water Act regulatory compliance projects across Southern California. She earned her B.A. in Geological Sciences and Hispanic Literature & Culture from Brown University. She holds a M.A. in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Mount Saint Mary’s University.
Dr. Alejandra Hormaza Mejia
Assistant Professor
Alejandra Hormaza holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and is an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She completed her education at the University of California, Irvine where she focused on hydrogen-related research for over a decade under the guidance of Professor Jack Brouwer. Previously, Dr. Hormaza worked at the California Energy Commission, Environmental Defense Fund, and Hydroplane, a startup focused on developing a fuel cell-powered airplane. Her research has involved investigating gaseous fuel leakage of hydrogen and natural gas blends from natural gas infrastructure and the feasibility of using offshore wind and seawater for high-temperature electrolysis. Dr. Hormaza is passionate about sustainable energy systems and developing a pathway to clean energy.
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
Located approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles and within 30 minutes of more than two million people, the former Norton Air Force Base was converted to civilian use in 1992 and later became certified as a commercial-service airport by the FAA. Scheduled passenger service began in August 2022, with Breeze Airways’ nonstop flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and one-stop, same-plane service to Provo, Utah (PVU). New coast-to-coast flights on Breeze Airways to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and one-stop, same-plane service to Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut, begin February 15, 2024. In June 2023 San Bernardino International Airport was identified as the most affordable airport in the nation based on average air fare during calendar year 2022 according to the US Department of Transportation as reported by Travel + Leisure magazine. The Airport also offers a full range of services and facilities to support additional domestic and international passenger airline service, air cargo operations, general aviation, and maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) businesses. The domestic passenger terminal is located at 105 N. Leland Norton Way, San Bernardino, CA, off the I-10 and I-210 freeways. On-airport parking is only $5.00 per day. For more information, please visit FlySBD.com.
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.
Gold Sponsors
Woodruff
SoCalGas
Omnitrans
Omnitrans is the award-winning public transit agency serving the San Bernardino Valley, connecting our community with coordinated and sustainable transit service. The agency currently operates local and express bus routes, sbX bus rapid transit service, OmniRide microtransit service, and Access paratransit service for people with disabilities. Omnitrans also is a major regional employer, with more than 500 direct employees.
The agency carries approximately 6 million passengers each year throughout its 480-square mile service area, covering 15 cities and portions of unincorporated San Bernardino County. Major destinations within the Omnitrans service area include transportation centers, medical centers, schools, and shopping, business, and community centers. More information can be found at Omnitrans.org. Please follow @Omnitrans on social media channels.
U.S. National Science Foundation
The NSF supports the Dialogue Series through the S-STEM program (award # DUE-2322436), and recognizes the importance of 1) building a forum for engaging local communities on transportation-related topics, 2) increasing career awareness among undergraduate students, and 3) creating connections and opportunities through alignment with related initiatives and events.
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.