Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Podcast

Talking Headways Podcast: You Can’t Surf After the Storm

podcast icon logo
false

This week we’re talking about water in cities. It's a topic that doesn’t get much attention because the infrastructure is mostly underground, but after putting this together I believe thinking about water infrastructure and climate change is more important than ever.

Wastewater and storm water treatment is far behind where it should be in many American cities. In this episode I chat with NRDC water experts Alisa Valderrama and Rob Moore about the dangers of storm water runoff on streets and in flood-prone watersheds. Rob discusses flood data, the national flood insurance program’s propensity for allowing rebuilding in flood-prone areas, and what climate data actually tells us. Alisa talks about the different types of storm water systems in U.S. cities, the desire of economic development directors to make cities proud of their waterways, and green solutions that will save money while also cleaning polluted waterways.

So check it out, and until we get better about greening our water systems make sure you don’t go surfing in San Diego after a storm.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

CAHSRA Releases Environmental Documents for LA to Anaheim

The 30-mile project section runs from LAUS to ARTIC and would follow an existing passenger and freight rail corridor, passing through parts of Los Angeles County and several Orange and Los Angeles County cities including Vernon, Commerce, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, Buena Park, Fullerton, and Anaheim.

December 5, 2025

Friday’s Headlines

LA is flunking Vision Zero, but what's happening at other parts of the state?

December 5, 2025

Friday Video: Exactly Why the Cybertruck Sucks

Unwind and let yourself hate on Elon Musk a little.

December 4, 2025

California Awards More Than $140 Million of Federal Funds for Local Road-Safety Programs

The projects are aimed at supporting the governor's modest goal of reducing traffic deaths by 30% in a decade.

December 4, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines

I have a great idea on how LA can improve its crumbling infrastructure...

December 4, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: The (Parking) Reformation

Tony Jordan, president of the Parking Reform Network, discusses getting rid of our cars, parking policy, and Donald Shoup’s legacy.

December 4, 2025
See all posts