EPISODE 2 OF 7

Welcome back to the Sustainable Communities Podcast Series powered by Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), where we discuss the strides made towards creating sustainable communities. Our host, Scott Syphax introduces guests Scott Martin, a seasoned utility expert and SMUD's Chief Financial Officer, and Britta Guerrero, a dynamic leader in health equity and advocate for patient-centered healthcare environments.

Core Discussion:

In this episode, we explore sustainability from multiple perspectives, discussing individual experiences and collective efforts to understand local issues and solutions.

Britta explains her ongoing initiatives in transforming South Sacramento, which is currently referred to as a "concrete desert." She details how their efforts are aimed not only at bringing health care into this underserved area but also at altering the urban landscape to make it more community-centric.

Scott emphasizes his connection with the local Native community. Being a member of the Cherokee Nation, he shares how his association with the Sacramento Native American Health Center helps him participate actively in local Native concerns.

Addressing Native American Experience:

One of the focal points of this discussion is the Native American experience. Both Scott and Britta emphasize the resilience and courage inherent within the Native American communities. They discuss how their heritage is filled with tales of courage and community strength, which they have effectively leveraged in their lives to overcome challenges. They urge listeners to broaden their knowledge about Native American people and encourage the incorporation of native perspectives in storytelling.

The Interconnectedness of Energy and Healthcare

The essence of the discussion revolves around how energy and health care are interconnected. They scrutinize how changes to built environments, such as improving air quality and creating green landscapes, can significantly impact healthcare outcomes. Both agree that initiatives such as SMUD can profoundly affect reducing pollution and transitioning to a cleaner energy future, thereby improving health outcomes.

The Possibilities of a Zero-Carbon Future:

Near the end of the discussion, the focus shifted to envisioning a zero-carbon future. Martin explains how SMUD’s aggressive agenda for a zero-carbon future aims to make a significant improvement in air quality and draw a massive reduction in carbon production. They stress maintaining the reliability of amenities and keeping everything affordable while marching towards a zero-carbon objective in an attempt to move communities to a sustainable future.

Final Thoughts:

Throughout the conversation, there is a constant emphasis on community wellness on all fronts— be it in energy supply, healthcare, economic opportunities, or environmental benefits. Both guests urge listeners to be more aware of their environment and make responsible choices for a sustainable future.

As the discussion concludes, the conversation manages to uplift listeners' spirits and leave us questioning - if we can keep the amenities reliable and affordable, why not pursue a zero-carbon future? The answer lies in the choices we make today that will steer our communities towards a greener and sustainable world.

^{Filmed at Shattered Records in Sacramento, CA.
This podcast was made possible through the generous support of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).}