Congressman Mike Thompson: Leadership, Service & the Future of California’s Communities

Congressman Mike Thompson: Leadership, Service & the Future of California’s Communities

Welcome back to Moms Building Community and Tomorrow’s Table Podcast, where we connect our communities with the leaders, organizations, and resources making a difference. Today, we are honored to welcome Congressman Mike Thompson, who represents California’s 4th Congressional District, serving Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Lake, and Yolo Counties. Congressman Thompson is a decorated Vietnam veteran, dedicated public servant, and longtime advocate for working families, veterans, healthcare access, public safety, and our local communities.

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.

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.

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.

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.