What does a California State Assemblymember actually do when they aren’t voting on bills in Sacramento? In this episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard,  David Alvarez flips the script and sits down with his own front-line team: District Field Representatives Liliana Barba and Ernesto Castañeda.

Discover the hidden half of government service that changes lives day-to-day right here in the San Diego community. From breaking through bureaucratic red tape with unemployment claims to navigating the unique binational dynamics of the 80th District California, learn how real constituent caseworkers get things done without the corporate AI robot filters.

If you are facing issues with a state government agency, remember that our office is your office.

📞 Contact the Chula Vista District Office: (619) 498-8580

🌐 Visit our website: https://a80.asmdc.org/

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: The Unseen Half of the California State Assembly
01:28 – Meet the Team: Frontline Staff of the 80th District
02:50 – What is a District Field Representative?
04:30 – Battling Political Cynicism & Restoring Trust
05:50 – A Day in the Life: Late-Night Meetings & Community Outreach
08:27 – Casework Victory: Recovering Stuck Unemployment Benefits
10:40 – Why Human Contact Beats AI Phone Trees
13:13 – Building Real Relationships in San Diego Communities
16:36 – Staff Interview: Keeping Grounded in a Heavy Budget Week
20:00 – Going Rogue: What a Day in Sacramento Really Looks Like
24:40 – Engaging the Next Generation: Internships & Young Legislators
28:51 – Driving the Binational Economy: Baja Fridays & Cross-Border Policy
31:45 – Serving Families: The Annual South County College Fair
35:24 – AB 91 & the Reality of "Transfronterizo" Students
41:40 – Outro: How to Reach Our Office for State Government Help
 
#DavidAlvarez, #CaliforniaStateAssembly, #80thDistrict, #SanDiegoCommunity, #ConstituentCasework, #DreamingBigWorkingHard, #PublicService,

What does a California State Assemblymember actually do when they aren&rsquo;t voting on bills in Sacramento? In this episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, &nbsp;David Alvarez flips the script and sits down with his own front-line team: District Field Representatives Liliana Barba and Ernesto Casta&ntilde;eda.
Discover the hidden half of government service that changes lives day-to-day right here in the San Diego community. From breaking through bureaucratic red tape with unemployment claims to navigating the unique binational dynamics of the 80th District California, learn how real constituent caseworkers get things done without the corporate AI robot filters.
If you are facing issues with a state government agency, remember that our office is your office.
📞 Contact the Chula Vista District Office: (619) 498-8580
🌐 Visit our website: https://a80.asmdc.org/
Timestamps: 00:00 &ndash; Intro: The Unseen Half of the California State Assembly 01:28 &ndash; Meet the Team: Frontline Staff of the 80th District 02:50 &ndash; What is a District Field Representative? 04:30 &ndash; Battling Political Cynicism &amp; Restoring Trust 05:50 &ndash; A Day in the Life: Late-Night Meetings &amp; Community Outreach 08:27 &ndash; Casework Victory: Recovering Stuck Unemployment Benefits 10:40 &ndash; Why Human Contact Beats AI Phone Trees 13:13 &ndash; Building Real Relationships in San Diego Communities 16:36 &ndash; Staff Interview: Keeping Grounded in a Heavy Budget Week 20:00 &ndash; Going Rogue: What a Day in Sacramento Really Looks Like 24:40 &ndash; Engaging the Next Generation: Internships &amp; Young Legislators 28:51 &ndash; Driving the Binational Economy: Baja Fridays &amp; Cross-Border Policy 31:45 &ndash; Serving Families: The Annual South County College Fair 35:24 &ndash; AB 91 &amp; the Reality of "Transfronterizo" Students 41:40 &ndash; Outro: How to Reach Our Office for State Government Help &nbsp; #DavidAlvarez, #CaliforniaStateAssembly, #80thDistrict, #SanDiegoCommunity, #ConstituentCasework, #DreamingBigWorkingHard, #PublicService,

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with David Alvarez is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvarezsd/">David Alvarez</a> is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.

Dreaming Big | Working Hard

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with David Alvarez is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.

To know more visit: http://davidalvarez.com/

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with David Alvarez is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.
To know more visit: http://davidalvarez.com/

How We Fix BROKEN State Government Agencies

How do we build trust in communities where it has been tested for decades? Join David Alvarez for a powerful conversation with retired SDPD Officer Carlos Lacarra, a man who spent 31 years—nearly 23 of them in South San Diego—redefining what it means to protect and serve.

In this episode of Dreaming Big | Working Hard, Carlos shares his journey from being the son of Mexican immigrants to becoming a cornerstone of community relations in San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Nestor. We dive deep into the reality of community policing, the impact of traumatic calls on officers, and how simple acts—like food distributions and "Santa" visits—can bridge the gap between law enforcement and residents.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
The difference between traditional patrol and Community Relations Officers (CRO).
How relationship-based policing helps solve crimes and increase community cooperation.
The role of technology and AI in modern law enforcement.
What it takes to maintain mental health while dealing with high-stress situations.

Some notable moments from this episode:


00:00 – Intro: The fragile nature of community trust.

02:40 – Family Roots: From Tijuana to San Diego.

05:40 – What exactly is a Community Relations Officer?

09:47 – Creating partnerships: The "Get It Done" app & community empowerment.

12:06 – Marquee Events: Food banks and National Night Out.

14:30 – Addressing "Over-policing" vs. community needs.

19:08 – Mental health and coping with traumatic calls.

21:40 – Technology in Policing: Cameras, AI, and the human element.

24:45 – The most touching moment of Carlos’s career (Santa Claus).

27:40 – Challenges at the Border: Illegal transportation and solicitation.

32:10 – The future of the San Diego Police Department.

34:30 – Key takeaways: Why relationship building is a public safety strategy.

 

 

How do we build trust in communities where it has been tested for decades? Join David Alvarez for a powerful conversation with retired SDPD Officer Carlos Lacarra, a man who spent 31 years&mdash;nearly 23 of them in South San Diego&mdash;redefining what it means to protect and serve.
In this episode of Dreaming Big | Working Hard, Carlos shares his journey from being the son of Mexican immigrants to becoming a cornerstone of community relations in San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Nestor. We dive deep into the reality of community policing, the impact of traumatic calls on officers, and how simple acts&mdash;like food distributions and "Santa" visits&mdash;can bridge the gap between law enforcement and residents.
In this episode, you&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul>
<li>The difference between traditional patrol and Community Relations Officers (CRO).</li>
<li>How relationship-based policing helps solve crimes and increase community cooperation.</li>
<li>The role of technology and AI in modern law enforcement.</li>
<li>What it takes to maintain mental health while dealing with high-stress situations.</li>
</ul>
Some notable moments from this episode:
 00:00 &ndash; Intro: The fragile nature of community trust.
02:40 &ndash; Family Roots: From Tijuana to San Diego.
05:40 &ndash; What exactly is a Community Relations Officer?
09:47 &ndash; Creating partnerships: The "Get It Done" app &amp; community empowerment.
12:06 &ndash; Marquee Events: Food banks and National Night Out.
14:30 &ndash; Addressing "Over-policing" vs. community needs.
19:08 &ndash; Mental health and coping with traumatic calls.
21:40 &ndash; Technology in Policing: Cameras, AI, and the human element.
24:45 &ndash; The most touching moment of Carlos&rsquo;s career (Santa Claus).
27:40 &ndash; Challenges at the Border: Illegal transportation and solicitation.
32:10 &ndash; The future of the San Diego Police Department.
34:30 &ndash; Key takeaways: Why relationship building is a public safety strategy.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Policing with Purpose: Officer Carlos Lacarra on Relationship-Based Safety

The "Dreaming Big Working Hard" podcast welcomes a true global icon: Don Miguel Ruiz. In this deeply personal conversation, the author of The Four Agreements sits down with David Alvarez to share the incredible story of his three hearts—literally. From his early days as a surgeon to surviving a near-fatal heart attack and undergoing two heart transplants, Don Miguel explains how these crises became opportunities to refine his message of love and respect.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
The Four Agreements: A breakdown of how being impeccable with your word and avoiding assumptions can shift your entire belief system.
The Three Hearts Story: Don Miguel’s journey through medical school, a 9-week coma, and the miracle of organ donation.
Overcoming Irrational Fear: How to navigate a "crazy" world with common sense and self-respect.
Dreaming in Crisis: Why moments of struggle are actually the best times to take action and find new opportunities.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Intro: Welcoming Don Miguel Ruiz to the Podcast

01:40 – The Turning Point: From Medical Doctor to Spiritual Teacher

03:10 – Living Outside the Body: Lessons from a Near-Death Experience

04:30 – The Heart Attack & 9 Weeks in a Coma

06:30 – The Miracle of Three Hearts: Surviving Two Transplants

11:50 – The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

14:40 – Agreement 1: Be Impeccable With Your Word

16:00 – Agreement 2: Don't Take Anything Personally

17:15 – Agreement 3: Don't Make Assumptions

18:15 – Agreement 4: Always Do Your Best

20:50 – Overcoming Irrational Fear in Today’s Society

24:30 – The Solution: Respecting Yourself and Your Dream

28:10 – Turning Crisis into Opportunity

The "Dreaming Big Working Hard" podcast welcomes a true global icon: Don Miguel Ruiz. In this deeply personal conversation, the author of The Four Agreements sits down with David Alvarez to share the incredible story of his three hearts&mdash;literally. From his early days as a surgeon to surviving a near-fatal heart attack and undergoing two heart transplants, Don Miguel explains how these crises became opportunities to refine his message of love and respect.
In this episode, you&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul>
<li>The Four Agreements: A breakdown of how being impeccable with your word and avoiding assumptions can shift your entire belief system.</li>
<li>The Three Hearts Story: Don Miguel&rsquo;s journey through medical school, a 9-week coma, and the miracle of organ donation.</li>
<li>Overcoming Irrational Fear: How to navigate a "crazy" world with common sense and self-respect.</li>
<li>Dreaming in Crisis: Why moments of struggle are actually the best times to take action and find new opportunities.</li>
</ul>
Some notable moments from this episode:
00:00 &ndash; Intro: Welcoming Don Miguel Ruiz to the Podcast
01:40 &ndash; The Turning Point: From Medical Doctor to Spiritual Teacher
03:10 &ndash; Living Outside the Body: Lessons from a Near-Death Experience
04:30 &ndash; The Heart Attack &amp; 9 Weeks in a Coma
06:30 &ndash; The Miracle of Three Hearts: Surviving Two Transplants
11:50 &ndash; The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
14:40 &ndash; Agreement 1: Be Impeccable With Your Word
16:00 &ndash; Agreement 2: Don't Take Anything Personally
17:15 &ndash; Agreement 3: Don't Make Assumptions
18:15 &ndash; Agreement 4: Always Do Your Best
20:50 &ndash; Overcoming Irrational Fear in Today&rsquo;s Society
24:30 &ndash; The Solution: Respecting Yourself and Your Dream
28:10 &ndash; Turning Crisis into Opportunity

Don Miguel Ruiz: How The Four Agreements Can End Your Emotional Suffering

What is a food co-op and how does it work? Can a community really build its own grocery store?

In this episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, we sit down with Kim Rivero Frank to share the inspiring real story behind a community-owned grocery store built from the ground up. After becoming a food desert with no full-service grocery store, residents came together to launch Suncoast Market Co-op — a cooperative grocery store owned by more than 1,300 local members.

We break down how to start a food co-op, how cooperative businesses work, how this grocery store was funded, and what entrepreneurs and community leaders can learn from the journey. From raising millions of dollars to building a sustainable business model focused on fresh food access and local sourcing, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and community development.

If you’ve ever wondered:
How do food co-ops make money?
Are food co-ops profitable?
How do you open a grocery store with no corporate backing?
What does community ownership actually look like?



This episode answers those questions and more.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or someone passionate about local business and food access, this story will show you what’s possible when a community decides to build something for itself.

Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, entrepreneurship, and building stronger communities.

Here are some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Skepticism & Food Desert Reality

01:04 – Meet Kim & The Co-op Vision

05:33 – Why Big Grocery Chains Said No

07:43 – What Is a Food Desert?

10:03 – Moms & The Cooperative Model

15:12 – What It Means to Be an Owner

18:11 – Why Co-ops Survive

19:31 – Inside the Hybrid Grocery Model

23:25 – The $4 Million Journey

26:35 – The Turning Point

31:22 – A Blueprint for Other Communities

34:19 – The Bigger Lesson

Tags:
#FoodCoop #GroceryStoreBusiness #HowToStartABusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessOwners #CommunityBusiness #CooperativeBusiness #LocalBusiness #StartupStory #BusinessPodcast #SocialEntrepreneurship #CommunityDevelopment #FoodBusiness #RetailBusiness #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessMotivation #StartupJourney #EconomicDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #DreamingBigWorkingHard

What is a food co-op and how does it work? Can a community really build its own grocery store?
In this episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, we sit down with Kim Rivero Frank to share the inspiring real story behind a community-owned grocery store built from the ground up. After becoming a food desert with no full-service grocery store, residents came together to launch Suncoast Market Co-op &mdash; a cooperative grocery store owned by more than 1,300 local members.
We break down how to start a food co-op, how cooperative businesses work, how this grocery store was funded, and what entrepreneurs and community leaders can learn from the journey. From raising millions of dollars to building a sustainable business model focused on fresh food access and local sourcing, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and community development.
If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered:
<ul>
<li>How do food co-ops make money?</li>
<li>Are food co-ops profitable?</li>
<li>How do you open a grocery store with no corporate backing?</li>
<li>What does community ownership actually look like? </li>
</ul>
This episode answers those questions and more.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or someone passionate about local business and food access, this story will show you what&rsquo;s possible when a community decides to build something for itself.
Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, entrepreneurship, and building stronger communities.
Here are some notable moments from this episode:
00:00 &ndash; Skepticism &amp; Food Desert Reality
01:04 &ndash; Meet Kim &amp; The Co-op Vision
05:33 &ndash; Why Big Grocery Chains Said No
07:43 &ndash; What Is a Food Desert?
10:03 &ndash; Moms &amp; The Cooperative Model
15:12 &ndash; What It Means to Be an Owner
18:11 &ndash; Why Co-ops Survive
19:31 &ndash; Inside the Hybrid Grocery Model
23:25 &ndash; The $4 Million Journey
26:35 &ndash; The Turning Point
31:22 &ndash; A Blueprint for Other Communities
34:19 &ndash; The Bigger Lesson
Tags: #FoodCoop #GroceryStoreBusiness #HowToStartABusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessOwners #CommunityBusiness #CooperativeBusiness #LocalBusiness #StartupStory #BusinessPodcast #SocialEntrepreneurship #CommunityDevelopment #FoodBusiness #RetailBusiness #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessMotivation #StartupJourney #EconomicDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #DreamingBigWorkingHard

How We Fix BROKEN State Government Agencies

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