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JANUARY 4, 2026
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"The Looming Gas
Crisis in California Part 2" |
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with Professor Michael Mische,
Mike Ariza, & Assemblyman Stan Ellis |
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FULL TWO HOURS
HOUR 1 
HOUR 2
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About our guests |
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Michael Mische |
MICHAEL A. MISCHE MBA, MS, Cert-AI.
mamische@gmail.com
LinkedIn
YouTube
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Michael Mische is the Associate Professor of the Practice of
Management and Organization. He is widely sought for his independent
and objective perspective, exceptional consulting acumen, boardroom
skills and direct, Socratic, data driven and client centric style of
addressing highly complex and critical strategic, organizational,
operational and positioning issues.
A member of the USC faculty since 1997, Mische is responsible for
teaching and coordinating USC’s Marshall management consulting
undergraduate and graduate curricula and programs.
Mische brings over 43 years of global management consulting
experience in strategic planning, mergers, turnarounds and strategic
innovation to both the classroom and clients. |
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Mike Ariza |
United States Navy
1984 – 1989
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Qualified as a Machinist Mate Petty Officer 2nd class
Chevron Oil Refinery Richmond
California
1989 – 1990
Exxon
(Valero) Benicia Refinery
1990 – 2003
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Senior Refinery Technician
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“A” Complex Control Board Supervisor
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Refinery Safety Committee Chairman
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Environmental Controls Units SME
Flying J Refinery Bakersfield California
2003 – 2007
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Refinery #1 Control Board Operator
California State University Chico
2015 – Present
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Senior Plant Operating Engineer
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I was born in Fairfield California on October 8, 1965. Raised in
Vacaville California graduating from Vacaville High School in June
of 1984. In July of 1984 I joined the United States Navy in the
delayed entry Nuclear Power program. While in the Navy I obtained
the rank of Machinist Mate petty officer 2nd class working in
engineering. I left the Navy to hire at the Chevron Richmond
Refinery in 1989.
At Chevron I qualified as an operator at the North Isomax (hydrocracker)
plant. I left Chevron in October of 1990 to work at the Exxon
Benicia Refinery. Built in 1969, The Exxon Refinery in Benicia was a
pioneer design. To this very day the former Exxon, now Valero
refinery has a unique complexity that still makes it the most
advanced and efficient refinery in the state of California. After 3
years I went into the Control Room to certify on the “A” complex
units. Within 5 years I obtained the highest non-management pay
level certification of senior refinery technician. And within the
same timeframe I completed qualifications as a Control Board
Supervisor for all 8 of the “A” Complex units. As an “A” control
Supervisor I was responsible for the safe operation of 8 major
refinery units at the same time. |
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Assemblyman Stan Ellis |
32nd Assembly District
California State Capitol Office
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0032
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Stan Ellis is a farmer, local businessman, and community member with
deep roots in the Central Valley. Growing up on a hog farm in South
Dakota, he worked to put himself through college at the South Dakota
School of Mines and Technology.
After graduating with a degree in mathematics, Stan settled down in
Kern County, where he began an extensive entrepreneurial career. He
started several small businesses across various fields, including
oil, agriculture, chemical process, and reclamation. His work in
quantum physics includes innovations in quantum communication,
quantum networking, and the development of revolutionary medical
research and treatment using quantum entanglement. |
Stan started his career in the Kern County oil industry in 1975 as a
“mud engineer” before forming his first company in 1981. After this
company found success, Stan entered the chemical process industry to
minimize waste from oil refineries. He has since founded a quantum
physics lab as well as a company that works with the Department of
Energy and the Department of Defense to advance cybersecurity in the
U.S.
As a member of the Cal State University, Bakersfield Engineering
Advisory Board, Stan is invested in the education and growth of the
next generation. With a family spanning five children, twenty
grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, Stan is motivated by a
profound sense of duty to future generations. |
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This paper is the basis
for the media links below. It was written by our guests.
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Related Information - check back
for more updates
2026
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“Ethanol: An
Examination of AB 30 and its Impact on California Gasoline
Prices…. Fact or Fiction?” This study
examines the impact of AB 30 which allows for the use of E15
ethanol gasoline in CA and its potential impact on supplies
and consumer prices. (January 1, 2026).
2025
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“California’s Oil
and Gasoline Conundrum: A Blueprint to Address California’s
Gasoline Insecurity, High Prices and Avert More Pipeline &
Refinery Closures.” (December 1, 2025).
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“A Study of SB 237
to Stabilize Oil Production in California.”
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“California Energy &
Fuel Policies: A Clear & Present Threat to National Security
and Force Readiness.” (October 21, 2025).
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"We still rely on
gasoline. Why is California adding to the cost and
pollution?”( LA Times Editorial, July 2025).
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“Ensuring
California’s Gasoline Security for the 21st Century.” (May
5, 2025).
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“A Study of
California Gasoline Prices.” (March 16,
2025).
2024
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“Brace for Impact.
California Gasoline Prices to Increase in 2025.” (November
11, 2024).
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“Not All Oil is
Created Equal: Understanding the Venezuelan Petrostate.” (September
9, 2024).
USC website: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wq-EX-19ztzgkRaqRfTNuCbSKmZpHnni/view
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