Balancing Urban & Rural Policy in California Government | Mayor Pro Tem Rocky Rhodes, Simi Valley

Meyerside Chats: Government, Policy & Civility

The Journey of Rocky Rhodes - From Tech to Coffee and Public Service
Join us for an engaging conversation with Mayor Pro Tem Rocky Rhodes of Simi Valley, California, as we explore his unique journey from the high-tech industry to founding a coffee business and eventually delving into public service. This episode dives into the principles of compassionate capitalism, the challenges of urban vs. rural governance, and the importance of maintaining a high quality of life in Simi Valley. Rocky shares insights from his global travels, the economic challenges of housing development, and the fundamental issue of balancing government control and local autonomy. Don't miss this in-depth discussion on sustainable development, the intricacies of city planning, and the ever-evolving political landscape.
00:00 Intro to Rocky Rhodes
00:53 Rocky's Journey to Public Service
01:11 Entrepreneurial Ventures in Coffee Industry
02:56 Compassionate Capitalism Explained
05:47 Global Impact and Cultural Insights
09:31 Challenges in Local Governance
11:22 Housing Projects: Successes and Failures
18:33 Political Philosophy and Government Critique
30:34 The Single Issue Voter Mentality
31:20 The Complexity of the Presidency
32:42 Thanos and Historical Villains
34:16 China's Surveillance and Capitalism
36:56 Cultural Differences and Privacy
40:22 Diversity of Religion
46:46 The Middle Ground in Politics
54:50 Challenges of Bureaucracy and Government Efficiency
58:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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About Evan Meyer

Evan is the Founder of BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform and marketplace that speed tracks the urban beautification process through art, as well as the original 501(c)3 sister organization and public charity that beautifies schools in the communities that need it most. Beautify has now facilitated thousands of murals around the planet, working with hundreds of communities, community organizations, cities and national brands.

He is also the Founder of RideAmigos.com, a tech platform that optimizes commuter travel and behavior through intelligent programs and analytics for governments, large enterprises, and universities, serving many regions across the US.

As a civic leader in the City of Santa Monica, he is the past Chairman of his neighborhood (Ocean Park), giving residents a voice in the public process, as well as helping the City of Santa Monica with innovative, actionable ways of civic engagement. He gives seminars on building corporate cultures and the importance of community and civic engagement.
He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.