Moms Building Community

Moms Building Community

by Maryam Trumpf
EducationKids & Family
Season 4

From Concord Roots to City Leadership: A Conversation with Pablo Benavente

Today on our podcast, we are honored to welcome Pablo Benavente, Concord City Councilmember for District 4. Raised in Concord, Councilmember Benavente brings a deep connection to the community he serves, along with experience in government relations, nonprofits, local advocacy, and community leadership. In this episode, we talk about Concord’s future, community resources, equity, infrastructure, economic development, youth and family opportunities, and what it means to lead with service and purpose. This conversation is about helping residents better understand local government, the leaders shaping their city, and the opportunities ahead for families and future generations.
S4 · E20
May 30, 2026
26:33

Leading Brentwood Forward: City Manager G. Harold Duffey on Community, Growth & the Future

Today on our podcast, we are honored to welcome G. Harold Duffey, City Manager for the City of Brentwood. As City Manager, Mr. Duffey plays an important role in helping guide the daily operations of the city, supporting city departments, and helping carry out the vision of the City Council for the future of Brentwood. In this episode, we talk about Brentwood’s growth, public safety, community resources, youth and family opportunities, economic development, and what it takes to lead a city that is growing while still holding on to its strong community values. This conversation is about more than city operations, it is about connection, leadership, and helping residents better understand the people and decisions shaping their community. We are excited to bring this meaningful conversation to our listeners.
S4 · E19
May 28, 2026
23:24

Interim Police Chief Walter O’Grodnick on Community Trust, E-Scooter Safety, and the Future of Brentwood

Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we are honored to welcome Walter O’Grodnick, Interim Chief of Police for the City of Brentwood. This conversation is about more than public safety — it is about leadership, trust, youth voices, family safety, and how police departments can continue building strong relationships with the communities they serve. Chief O’Grodnick has dedicated many years to law enforcement and to the Brentwood community, and today we are excited to learn more about his journey, his vision for community-centered policing, and what families, youth, and residents should know about staying connected, informed, and safe. Chief O’Grodnick, thank you so much for joining us. We are honored to have you here.
S4 · E18
May 26, 2026
37:27

Len Augustine: A Lifetime of Service, Leadership, and Community Impact

Welcome back to our podcast. Today, we are honored to welcome Len Augustine, a respected leader whose life represents service, sacrifice, leadership, and dedication to community. Len Augustine’s journey began in the coal mining region of Pennsylvania. After losing his father at a young age, he was raised by a hardworking mother who worked two jobs to give him the opportunity to succeed. That early foundation of resilience, discipline, and determination helped shape the leader he would become. Len went on to graduate from Lehigh University with a degree in mechanical engineering and later served our country through a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Colonel. During his military career, he became a command pilot with thousands of flight hours and served in major leadership roles, including commanding the 89th Military Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, the unit connected to executive airlift missions for national leaders. After serving our nation, Len continued his public service right here in Vacaville. He served as a City Councilmember, Vice Mayor, and Mayor, helping support important work connected to downtown renewal, senior services, transportation, Travis Air Force Base, military families, public safety, city planning, and community development. Today, we are excited to hear more about his incredible journey, from military service to local leadership and the lessons he has learned about courage, responsibility, community, and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Welcome, Len Augustine.
S4 · E17
May 22, 2026
47:35

Mayor Edwin Okamura: Community Voice, Youth Opportunities & Rio Vista’s Future

Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we are honored to welcome Rio Vista Mayor Edwin Okamura for a meaningful and fun conversation about leadership, community, and the future of Rio Vista. Mayor Okamura brings a strong background in finance, wisdom, and public service. In this episode, we talk about the work being done to strengthen opportunities for youth, families, and the community. He also shares the importance of engaging residents, listening to their voices, and making sure the community has input in shaping Rio Vista’s future. We also had a great conversation about food, traveling, and the personal experiences that help shape his connection with people. From practical solutions to long-term vision, this episode gives listeners a closer look at how local leadership can help build a stronger, more connected, and vibrant Rio Vista.
S4 · E16
May 12, 2026
59:51

Vacaville’s One-Cent Sales Tax: Safety, Services & the Future — Featuring Chief Chris Polen & City Manager Savita Chaudhary

Welcome back to Moms Building Community Podcast and Tomorrow’s Table Podcast. Today we are having an important community conversation about the proposed one-cent sales tax in Vacaville and what it could mean for public safety, city services, emergency response, community programs, and the future of our city. We are honored to welcome two special guests: Vacaville Police Chief Chris Polen and Vacaville City Manager Savita Chaudhary. Chief Polen has been a valued guest on our podcast before, and our audience always appreciates his transparency, community-focused leadership, and dedication to building trust between law enforcement and residents. City Manager Chaudhary brings important insight into how city resources are managed, how decisions are made, and how funding impacts the services families depend on every day. Today, we’ll break down what the proposed one-cent sales tax means in simple, relatable terms, why it is being discussed, how it could impact Vacaville families, and what residents should understand before making an informed decision.
S4 · E15
May 6, 2026
30:56

Congressman John Garamendi on the True Foundation of America, Current Issues Affecting Our Communities

Congressman John Garamendi on the True Foundation of America, Current Issues Affecting Our Communities, and Today’s Administration Grammar-Corrected Version: What is the true foundation of America? Checks and balances. A land of opportunity. A promise built on families, freedom, and the next generation. We sat down with Congressman John Garamendi to talk about the current issues affecting our communities, the role of today’s administration, and the legacy we are building for the next generation. This conversation is powerful, real, and something every family needs to hear.
S4 · E13
May 5, 2026
29:51

Juan Desmarais: Marine, Father of Six & Candidate for Solano County Supervisor District 4 | Service, Freedom & A New Generation of Leadership

We’re honored to welcome Juan Desmarais to the podcast, candidate for Solano County Supervisor District 4. A U.S. Marine veteran, former law enforcement officer, small business owner, husband, and father of six, Juan brings a life story rooted in resilience, service, and firsthand understanding of the challenges families face today. In this episode, we discuss what inspired his run for office, his commitment to accountability over special interests, support for small businesses and veterans, and his vision for a safer, stronger future for Solano County families.
S4 · E12
May 3, 2026
38:52

Dr. Michael Silva: Running for Solano County Supervisor | Leadership, Community & the Future of District 4

We’re honored to welcome Dr. Michael Silva to the podcast—Vacaville Vice Mayor, professor, and candidate for Solano County Supervisor District 4. A lifelong Solano County resident, educator, and public servant, Dr. Silva is committed to strengthening local communities and expanding opportunity for families. In this episode, we discuss his journey, what inspired his run for County Supervisor, and his vision for the future of Vacaville, Dixon, and Solano County.
S4 · E11
May 3, 2026
42:32

Alexandra Ikeda & Jason Holley: Building the Future of American Canyon for Families & Youth

We’re honored to welcome Alexandra Ikeda and Jason Holley to the podcast—two dedicated leaders helping shape a stronger future for American Canyon. Through their commitment to community growth, youth opportunities, and family-focused initiatives, they are making a lasting impact on the city’s future. In this conversation, we’ll discuss leadership, collaboration, economic development, and how American Canyon continues to grow while keeping families, education, and quality of life at the center. Join us for an inspiring episode focused on vision, service, and building a thriving community for the next generation.
S4 · E10
Apr 27, 2026
52:21
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