Episodes – Page 5

Brenda Villa

July 18, 2023 No Comments

A native of Commerce, California, Villa first played high school water polo with boys before girls programs were available. From there, she headed to Stanford University where she won the 2002 NCAA title and was named the Cutino Award recipient as the best player in the college game. Named FINA Player of the Decade in 2010, Villa was also named Pac-12 Player of the Century in 2016. She has stayed close to the sport as a club and high school coach while taking on governance roles within the Women’s Sports Foundation and Pan American Aquatics in addition to a spot on the USA Water Polo Board of Directors. She is a co-founder of the Brenda Villa Foundation, an organization focusing on increasing water safety and expanding diversity in aquatic sports.

Mike Sonksen

July 11, 2023 No Comments

Mike Sonksen aka Mike the Poet is a 3rd-generation Southern Californian. Poet, professor, journalist, historian & tour-guide, his book Letters to My City was published by Writ Large Press. For 25 years Mike has given tours through the City of Los Angeles. He earned his Bachelors’ Degree at UCLA in 1997. In June 2014, he completed an Interdisciplinary Master of Arts in English and History from the California State University of Los Angeles. Following his graduation Mike has published over 500 essays and poems with publications and websites like Poets & Writers, Metropolis, KCET, Alta, Wax Poetics, PBS, LA Taco, LA Review of Books, LAist, Boom and the Academy of American Poets. His poetry’s been featured on Public Radio Stations KCRW, KPCC & KPFK & Spectrum News. Mike is currently the Coordinator of the First Year Experience Program at Woodbury University and he has been awarded by the Los Angeles Press Club.

Eduardo Acosta

July 4, 2023 No Comments

Eduardo Acosta was born in Los Angeles, California. When he was young and thinking of what his future career would be, his uncle encouraged him to go be a Sheriff, try it out. As Eduardo has now served in the police force for around 18 years, mainly stationed in South Pasadena and the City of Pasadena, he loves being able to help and serve his community. Before being part of the City of Pasadena Police Department, Eduardo was part of a SWAT Team around the San Gabriel Valley. Currently, he is part of the H.O.P.E. Team who go out and help the homeless as well as being sent to help with those who call about suicides. A special event that Eduardo likes to help out with and promote is the Walk in Remembrance, walking for suicide awareness.

Robert Michero

June 27, 2023 No Comments

Robert (Bob) Michero was raised in Alhambra and South Pasadena, California. Bob is a 45 year+ veteran of the Wine, Spirits and Food Industry, encompassing the operations and strategic management of Retail, Wholesale-Distribution, Importing Exporting Compliance, National Sales and Marketing, Winery Operation, and Wine Cellar Design and Acquisition. Bob learned how to read and play music beginning when he was 6 years old as a student of percussion at Pedrini’s Music in Alhambra, California. This became one of Bob’s major activities as he went on to play for the Alhambra All-City Orchestra in his youth. As he matured, he played percussion with a variety of small orchestras and jazz groups while in college. Music has always been a major part of Bob’s life and coalesced after 50 years when he joined the Pasadena Symphony Association’s (PSA) Board of Directors. For over ten years Bob served as Vice President Finance & Treasurer for the organization and is currently President of their Board of Directors.

Jack Huang

June 20, 2023 No Comments

Jack Huang grew up in the United States with his Chinese parents. When he had to attend a college he chose UCLA, from which he graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Once he had his degree he went into the aerospace career until he became section manager. Leaving California for New York was a decision he made to support his then-wife, though they did eventually end up back in Southern California.

Denny Mu

June 13, 2023 No Comments

Denny Mu was born December 17th 1986. He grew up in Northridge in the San Fernando Valley. His family had a location in Northridge from 1982 to 2020 and that’s where Denny started working in the family restaurant business. His father was the head chef and owner until he passed away when Denny was 7 years old. That is one of the main reasons why Denny does what he does and loving it. He doesn’t remember too much about his father but Denny does remember how people always wanted his father’s attention and how he was very charismatic. Denny feels that he was blessed with those same qualities. In a sense he wants to finish the road that his father started. Denny knows the restaurant is a tough lifestyle but It is a simple lifestyle, one where you can directly impact someone’s life for the better, which is why he tries his best to be kind and like family to his patrons.

Kenny Phan

June 6, 2023 No Comments

Kenny Phan is a Chinese Vietnamese coach in the San Gabriel Valley. His family moved from Vietnam to America in 1980. Kenny graduated from Monterey Vista Elementary, Garvey Intermediate, and Mark Keppel High School. In 5th grade he pick up basketball and never looked back. Currently, Kenny runs the Mofufus Basketball league and has done so since 2001. The league has become a staple of adult recreational basketball league in the SGV. In 2014 he started coaching his daughter which lead to him training and coaching youth basketball. Basketball has taught Kenny life lessons and provided many opportunities, great memories and experiences that he remembers to this day.

Jon Narcisso

May 30, 2023 No Comments

Jon Narcisso, is the founder of Jon Narcisso Millinery, a bespoke and custom hat company. Each hat is made from scratch, by hand every single day using some of the worlds finest materials such Rabbits fur, Ecuadorian Paja straw and 100x beaver. My journey and passion in millinery (haymaking) started back in 2012, creating custom 1 off pieces for small boutiques and clients around the Los Angeles area. I am a self-taught milliner that developed the skill over the years by consistent practice over and over again. Though I was self taught, I did my due dilligence but researching and studying other hat-makers around the world. I always believed I needed to find foundation before creating my own style and technique. My perspective on hatmaking is focused on symmetry, bold shape and color. I love to express myself the RAW, UNCUT form. That’s what makes my hats special and unique. I currently have a small studio showroom to showcase my work and to meet and build with clients.

Armando Novelo

May 23, 2023 No Comments

Coming from a single mother household, Armando learned some life struggles early on, specifically around money, but hard work and perseverance helped him excel In his studies. He attended UCLA, where he earned a degree in Psychology and also fell into the world of Real Estate and Mortgage. Armando started his career in mortgage while attending UCLA. Today, he ranks in the top 1% of loan officers nationwide and runs a successful branch of a local mortgage firm.

Salvador Melendez

May 16, 2023 No Comments

Salvador Melendez is a Council member and past Mayor for the City of Montebello. In this capacity, Salvador is responsible for formulating policies, protecting the welfare of the City of Montebello and overseeing the City of Montebello’s financial operations. He is also a member of several organizations like: The Montebello Lions Club, League of California Cities, Independent Cities Association, Southern California Association of Governments, Claremont Lincoln University Council, Board member of MELA Counseling, SGV COG, and Metro Advisory Council.

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