In this episode of Policy Chats, Congressman Jay Obernolte joins host Dori Pham and guest co host Lloyd Levine for an in depth conversation on artificial intelligence policy, innovation, and democratic governance. Drawing on his background as a computer engineer, entrepreneur, former mayor, and state legislator, Congressman Obernolte explains how his technical training shapes his approach to federal policymaking on emerging technologies.

As Chair of the House Subcommittee on Research and Technology, Congressman Obernolte walks listeners through how Congress is thinking about AI beyond headlines and hype. He breaks down key distinctions between generative and non generative AI, deterministic and non deterministic systems, and why focusing on outcomes rather than tools is central to effective regulation. Using real world examples from healthcare, transportation, and consumer protection, he explains how sector specific oversight can better manage risk while still supporting innovation.

The discussion also explores the national and global dimensions of AI policy. Congressman Obernolte compares the United States approach with the European Union model, outlines the task force report he led on a federal AI framework, and explains the proposed hub and spoke system that coordinates sector regulators with shared technical standards. He addresses tensions between federal and state authority, arguing for clear national guardrails that preserve interstate commerce while allowing states to regulate AI use within sectors they already oversee.

From a student perspective, Dori Pham raises questions about AI in education, productivity, and the future of work. The conversation turns to how lawmakers can set guardrails that protect the public from misuse without slowing innovation that could expand opportunity and economic growth for younger generations. The episode closes with reflections on bipartisan cooperation, public trust, and the challenge of misinformation in an AI driven world.

Topics Covered

• Congressman Obernolte’s path from AI researcher to entrepreneur to federal policymaker

• What artificial intelligence means beyond generative models

• Deterministic versus non deterministic AI explained in plain language

• Sector specific regulation versus one size fits all approaches

• The House AI Task Force report and proposed federal framework

• Balancing innovation with accountability and public safety

• Federal and state roles in AI policy and interstate commerce

• AI and global competition with China and other nations

📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions that improve lives locally and globally.

🎧 Guest Speaker: Jay Obernolte, Member of Congress for California’s 23rd District and Chair of the House Subcommittee on Research and Technology and Lloyd Levine, National Senior Executive, State Government Strategy at T-Mobile

Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats

🎵 Music by Vir Sinha

🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp

👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

In this episode of Policy Chats, former Chief Justice of California Tani Cantil Sakauye joins hosts Dori Pham and Jaz William for a wide ranging conversation on how courts can strengthen a thriving, prosperous, and abundant society.

Chief Justice Cantil Sakauye breaks down how California’s judiciary is structured across 58 counties, explaining the distinct roles of the trial courts, Courts of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court. She also demystifies the Judicial Council, the constitutional policymaking body that sets statewide rules and guidance that shape everything from jury service to courtroom procedure.

A major focus of the discussion is access to justice. She reflects on key initiatives from her tenure, including expanding language access across California courts, increasing interpreter services, and strengthening self help resources so that individuals without attorneys can navigate court processes more safely and effectively. She also discusses efforts to address the burden of fines and fees, including ability to pay approaches and traffic ticket relief programs.

The conversation then turns to governance under constraint. She shares how judicial leaders approached statewide budget cuts by using shared frameworks and collective decision making across counties to protect core services and maintain public trust, while allowing local courts flexibility in implementation.

Finally, she offers an inside look at the judiciary’s response to the COVID 19 pandemic. With no playbook available, she describes how emergency orders, remote proceedings, and public health safeguards were developed under intense pressure, and how constitutional rights remained the guiding framework. She closes with lessons on crisis leadership, emphasizing the importance of listening, bringing down the temperature in conflict, and engaging broad perspectives, plus advice for students interested in law, public service, and community leadership.

Topics Covered

• How California’s court system is structured across trial courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court

• What the Chief Justice does and how the Judicial Council makes statewide court policy

• Expanding access to justice through language services and self help support

• Addressing fines and fees and improving court affordability

• How statewide budgeting decisions are made across 58 counties

• Leading through COVID 19 with emergency orders, remote hearings, and public health safeguards

• Lessons on listening, de escalation, and leadership in conflict

• Career paths in law, public policy, and public service, including the continued need for the human element in justice

This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions that improve lives locally and globally.

📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions that improve lives locally and globally.

🎧 Guest Speaker: Clarissa Cervantes, Riverside City Councilmember

Interviewed by: Dori Pham host of Policy Chats and Sammie Burgess

🎵 Music by Vir Sinha

🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp

👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

In this episode of Policy Chats, Riverside City Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes sits down with Dori Pham and Sammie Burgess for a conversation about what it takes to build abundant, welcoming communities at the local level. From immigration enforcement protocols to housing policy and public art, Councilmember Cervantes explains how city decisions shape daily life for families, students, and workers across Riverside.Throughout the episode, she breaks down her recent resolution on federal immigration enforcement, which strengthens identification standards, reinforces state law, and creates new tools for civil rights documentation and community education. She shares how collaboration with community groups, legal partners, and the Riverside Police Department helped craft one of the strongest resolutions of its kind in California, and why it matters for immigrant families and public safety.The discussion then turns to housing and homelessness, where Councilmember Cervantes serves as chair of the city’s Housing and Homelessness Committee. She talks about motel conversions into permanent supportive housing, safe parking pilots for families living in their cars, and the importance of prevention as well as shelter. She also reflects on how budgets, staffing, and creative partnerships can move resources toward the neighborhoods with the greatest need.Finally, Councilmember Cervantes shares her planner’s view of transportation, walkability, and public art. She describes Riverside’s investments in bus service, bike and walking connections, and mural programs that build pride, safety, and economic opportunity. Her vision of abundance centers on dignity, imagination, and the power of art and policy together to transform a city street by street.

Topics Covered:

- How Councilmember Cervantes stays connected with residents and neighborhood groups

- The development and impact of Riverside’s immigration enforcement resolution

- Community partnerships in advancing immigrant rights and public safety

- Housing and homelessness strategies, including motel conversions and safe parking pilots

-How murals, public art, and artist residencies can foster safety, pride, and economic activity

📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions that improve lives locally and globally.

🎧 Guest Speaker: Clarissa Cervantes, Riverside City Councilmember

Interviewed by: Dori Pham host of Policy Chats and Sammie Burgess

🎵 Music by Vir Sinha

🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp

👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.