The SCUUP Podcast

This special SCUUP Podcast episode celebrates Veterans Day with a powerful conversation between our veteran host and four veteran guests from across the Inland Empire.They dive into:🔹 What Veterans Day truly means to them🔹 Their journeys transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce🔹 Honest advice for veterans entering or growing in their careersWhether you’re a veteran, a family member or an ally who wants to better understand the experience, this episode is for you.

On this episode, we sit down with Jesus “Buddha” Barron, EVMWD’s Collection Systems Maintenance Worker III and the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Collections System Person of the Year. Buddha shares insights into the critical work of maintaining and repairing the District’s sewage collection systems and liftstations, leading crews through complex troubleshooting and ensuring the community’s infrastructure keeps flowing smoothly. His passion for the profession, dedication to excellence, and leadership in the field shine throughas he talks about his journey. Outside of his career in water, Buddha is also a Video Music Award winning musician, proving that talent and drive can transcend industries.Tune in to hear how he balances professional excellence with creative passion, both making a lasting impact.

In this episode, we head to the mountains to spotlight a rising star in the water industry—a young and driven Chief Operator. Cesar Quezada of Apline Water Users Association discusses his transition from high school to the water industry and the challenges of operating water systems in the mountains.

This month, we're shining a spotlight on Limb Difference Awareness. A time to break down barriers, challenge perceptions and highlight the unique experiences of those living with limb differences.Joining us are two incredible guests who bring not only their personal journeys but also their deep commitment to making a difference in their communities. Anivey Casanada from EVMWD and Daniel Lohre from Rancho Water, both joined in to share their perspectives,challenges and triumphs. Their stories will inspire and remind us all that differences don’t define us; they empower us.Sit back, listen in, and get ready for an insightful conversation about perseverance, adaptation and the ways we can build a more inclusive world.

Ryan Kincade from Vallecitos Water District stops by the SCUUP to share his journey in the construction industry, the skills and qualities that have contributed to his success, and the impact of his work on the community. From innovative techniques to the importance of teamwork, Ryan will share his insights and experiences that have shaped his career.

Daniel Fernandez, Utility Supervisor in Wastewater at the City of Ontario, joins the SCUUP to share his insights on managing the flow of operations.

The City of Glendora’s Interim Water Division Manager, Jason Forsberg, shares his journey in the industry, his core responsibilities, and what led him to his passion and dedication to their water utility agency.

In honor of Veteran's Day, hear from proud veterans of the Air Force, Marines, and Navy on their experiences in the armed forces and their transitions to the water industry. Special host: Navy veteran, Shane Atkisson, Electrical Maintenance Technician. Guests: Air Force veteran Kyle McClelland, Electrical Technician; Marine Corps veteran Carlos Piedra, Operational Technology; and Navy veteran Roxanne Rountree, Senior Advisor of Outreach & Media.

Ruben sits down with Jose Ramirez, the Water & Maintenance Operations Manager from The Farm Mutual Water Company. Jose shares his diverse responsibilities at the Farm Mutual Water Company and gives insights into how he encourages others around him to put their best foot forward to be successful in the industry.

An insight into professional development and successful preparation for working in the water industry from an industry professional, Jacob Shiba, on Palomar College’s Water Technology program.

In honor of Parent Appreciation Day, EVMWD staff had the honor to be interviewed by their children to discuss their roles in the industry and learn their kids' perspectives on their parent's careers in water.

The female all-star team, Hydrant Belles and Sprinkler Squad joins the SCUUP to discuss their path to competing in a male-dominant hydrant building competition, Hydrant Hysteria, and how they are proving that they are just as good as the boys!

In celebration of National Bring Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, the SCUUP hosted a special podcast episode featuring interviews with the kids of EVMWD! Tune into this fun and heartwarming episode to hear their thoughts on working in water, their future aspirations, and so much more. Don’t miss out on these delightful insights from the next generation!

Host Ruben Murillo of EVMWD sits down with members of Walnut Valley Water District for an informative episode to explore how the General Services Team harnessed the principles of Patrick Lencioni's 5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team to elevate their efficiency and outcomes, ultimately benefitting not only the team itself but the entire agency.

On this episode of The SCUUP Podcast, Water Quality Manager, Albert Magallon, takes us through his journey in the industry and the importance of water quality, sampling, relationships with neighboring agencies, and challenges from where he started in the industry as a temporary employee, to becoming a manager at Western Water. 

Water Professionals Appreciation Week celebrates the hard work of water and wastewater professionals and highlights the important role they play in ensuring safe and reliable water services. In this episode, we sit down with members of EVMWD's Community Affairs, Human Resources, and Operations teams to hear their perspectives of working in the water industry.

September is National Preparedness Month! To celebrate, the SCUUP welcomed cohosts Safety Officer, Jon Moore, and Safety Specialist, Daniel Lohre, from EVMWD to discuss emergency preparedness and were joined by special guests Ralph Mesa, City of Lake Elsinore Emergency Services Manager, and Vanessa Barrera, MPA, Human Management Analyst for the City of Menifee.

Tune in to hear from City of Colton's, Bassam Alzammar, and his journey in the industry, his passion for his work, and his core responsibilities as an Operations Manager.

As a Wastewater Operations Manager, Jesse will share his journey in the industry and give insight as to why sewage treatment is an essential part of the water cycle.

Ralph Mesa with the City of Lake Elsinore stops by to discuss staying prepared in an emergency.

On this special episode, host Ruben Murillo gets the inside "scuup" from a different crowd, the kids of EVMWD staff! In honor of National Bring Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, hear from the youth themselves on their thoughts on their future careers.

EVMWD's Water Operations Manager, Tim Collie, joins the SCUUP to discuss the qualities of being a manager, expanding your career and planning for the future.

On this episode of the SCUUP, Operations Manager, Tim Healy, of Arrowhead Villas Mutual Service Company  discusses the challenges and triumphs of getting into the industry later in life.

Rick De Santiago, Public Works Manager for the City of Lake Elsinore, joins us as we discuss working in a fast-paced environment with a knowledge of Public Policies & Public Speaking.

In honor of International Women's Day, meet EVMWD employees Haley and Skyler Munson – they’re not just co-workers, they’re also twin sisters! Tune into this special “twin-talk” to learn more about how they’re uniting women in water throughout the Inland Empire!

Meet Brian Vigil, the Preventative Maintenance Superintendent for Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District. Learn more about Brian's position and how he feels to be in the water industry. 

Meet Mike Kulich, Water Maintenance Supervisor at Irvine Ranch Water District

Kim Negrete, a field service worker, plunged feet first into the water industry nine years ago. Her position, usually filled by men in the industry, discusses her successes and challenges and how she found a home at the Temescal Valley Water District. 

Ruben and special guest host, Jon Moore, deep dive with CFO Robert Hartwig about getting into the world of public agency finance, leadership and mentorship. Bob shares his experiences that helped him climb the ladder of success- and how you can take advantage of the lessons and experiences around you to lift your opportunities.

Sal Medina, Public Works Director at City of Canyon Lake and Canyon Lake Property Owners Association you the inside SCUUP on his 3 keys to success in the industry and the new technologies that make big improvements in the world of public works.

Today Ruben celebrates our veterans and military members with a very special episode of veterans in the Utility Industry with special guest host Shane Atkisson.

You probably haven't even considered working in the sewer industry, but Jen Aguirre, Wastewater Superintendent, will convince you that it's pretty exciting! Learn how Jen got her start in the wastewater industry, how her work in wastewater treatment benefits our communities, and how she gets past that smell! 

Learn how Association of California Water Authority Joint Powers Insurance Authority balances safety with efficiency ensuring the job gets done right, safely and on time. Ruben, along with guest co-host Jon Moore, sit down with Peter Kuchinsky and get the SCUUP on risk and protections from the statewide water authority.

Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District General Manager Greg Thomas started his career as a Marine. Learn how he climbed the ranks through the military, in the private industry to full service water and wastewater public agency serving more than 159,000 customers. Greg's journey will inspire you to look for opportunities and reach your full potential. 

Ruben talks ‘collections’- but we won’t be calling to collect! Victor Luna, a heavy equipment operator with the City of Riverside, sheds light on the wastewater collections industry and how his mentors helped him down his road to success.

Ruben speaks with Jon Moore, Safety Officer at the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District about how he has grown within the industry, even making big career choice changes! Jon will give you the "SCUUP" on how he was able to navigate from a desk job to a job that better fit his workstyle- working directly with the people. Learn about the challenges he faced and how he used those skills to further his career. 

Ruben and Tim Collie, Water Operations Manager discusses Tim's path to leadership and how the relationships Tim built, gave him a foot in the door. Hear Tim's inspiring words on how to approach a job in the industry and attain the goal through hard work and perseverance. 

Lenai Hunter, MSES sits down with Ruben to discuss Regulatory Compliance at a local agency. Learn about Lenai's journey into water, how she confronts "Imposter Syndrome" in a male dominated industry and her accomplishments within the industry that helped propel her career. Lenai will share her tips and tricks on preparing for your career in regulatory compliance!

Ruben speaks with Safety Officer Tom Marcoux from Rancho California Water District about navigating the ever changing safety needs in the utility industry and how to manage the state regulations, unforeseen events and day to day demands.

Ruben checks in with Special Guests Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Human Resources Director Jen Dancho & Human Resources Specialist Jaime Huffman about careers in the water industry and how you can get your foot in the door.

When Haley Garland set out for a career, she never dreamed she'd be working as an inspector for a public utility. Hear her story and how she built her confidence, trusted in herself and confided in mentors, as she worked her way up the water ladder. 

 The Southern California Underground Utilities Podcast will debut this June with the SCUUP on everything utilities. Learn more about the utility industry from the experts, from the front line utility workers to the safety officers, from leadership to Human Resources. Hosted by Ruben Murrillo, a leader in construction maintenance and water operations, the SCUUP is your weekly dose of insight, tips and fun from the underground. Listen up- here's the SCUUP! The SCUUP is sponsored by Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District. Interested in your agency highlighted on The SCUUP? Reach out to us at [email protected].