Dreaming Big | Working Hard

Policing with Purpose: Officer Carlos Lacarra on Relationship-Based Safety

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:30:00 +0000

How do we build trust in communities where it has been tested for decades? Join David Alvarez for a powerful conversation with retired SDPD Officer Carlos Lacarra, a man who spent 31 years—nearly 23 of them in South San Diego—redefining what it means to protect and serve.

In this episode of Dreaming Big | Working Hard, Carlos shares his journey from being the son of Mexican immigrants to becoming a cornerstone of community relations in San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Nestor. We dive deep into the reality of community policing, the impact of traumatic calls on officers, and how simple acts—like food distributions and "Santa" visits—can bridge the gap between law enforcement and residents.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The difference between traditional patrol and Community Relations Officers (CRO).
How relationship-based policing helps solve crimes and increase community cooperation.
The role of technology and AI in modern law enforcement.
What it takes to maintain mental health while dealing with high-stress situations.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Intro: The fragile nature of community trust.

02:40 – Family Roots: From Tijuana to San Diego.

05:40 – What exactly is a Community Relations Officer?

09:47 – Creating partnerships: The "Get It Done" app & community empowerment.

12:06 – Marquee Events: Food banks and National Night Out.

14:30 – Addressing "Over-policing" vs. community needs.

19:08 – Mental health and coping with traumatic calls.

21:40 – Technology in Policing: Cameras, AI, and the human element.

24:45 – The most touching moment of Carlos’s career (Santa Claus).

27:40 – Challenges at the Border: Illegal transportation and solicitation.

32:10 – The future of the San Diego Police Department.

34:30 – Key takeaways: Why relationship building is a public safety strategy.

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Don Miguel Ruiz: How The Four Agreements Can End Your Emotional Suffering

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

The "Dreaming Big Working Hard" podcast welcomes a true global icon: Don Miguel Ruiz. In this deeply personal conversation, the author of The Four Agreements sits down with David Alvarez to share the incredible story of his three hearts—literally. From his early days as a surgeon to surviving a near-fatal heart attack and undergoing two heart transplants, Don Miguel explains how these crises became opportunities to refine his message of love and respect.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The Four Agreements: A breakdown of how being impeccable with your word and avoiding assumptions can shift your entire belief system.
The Three Hearts Story: Don Miguel’s journey through medical school, a 9-week coma, and the miracle of organ donation.
Overcoming Irrational Fear: How to navigate a "crazy" world with common sense and self-respect.
Dreaming in Crisis: Why moments of struggle are actually the best times to take action and find new opportunities.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Intro: Welcoming Don Miguel Ruiz to the Podcast

01:40 – The Turning Point: From Medical Doctor to Spiritual Teacher

03:10 – Living Outside the Body: Lessons from a Near-Death Experience

04:30 – The Heart Attack & 9 Weeks in a Coma

06:30 – The Miracle of Three Hearts: Surviving Two Transplants

11:50 – The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

14:40 – Agreement 1: Be Impeccable With Your Word

16:00 – Agreement 2: Don't Take Anything Personally

17:15 – Agreement 3: Don't Make Assumptions

18:15 – Agreement 4: Always Do Your Best

20:50 – Overcoming Irrational Fear in Today’s Society

24:30 – The Solution: Respecting Yourself and Your Dream

28:10 – Turning Crisis into Opportunity

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How 1,300 Neighbors Came Together to Build a Grocery Store From Scratch

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:50:00 +0000

What is a food co-op and how does it work? Can a community really build its own grocery store?

In this episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, we sit down with Kim Rivero Frank to share the inspiring real story behind a community-owned grocery store built from the ground up. After becoming a food desert with no full-service grocery store, residents came together to launch Suncoast Market Co-op — a cooperative grocery store owned by more than 1,300 local members.

We break down how to start a food co-op, how cooperative businesses work, how this grocery store was funded, and what entrepreneurs and community leaders can learn from the journey. From raising millions of dollars to building a sustainable business model focused on fresh food access and local sourcing, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and community development.

If you’ve ever wondered:

How do food co-ops make money?
Are food co-ops profitable?
How do you open a grocery store with no corporate backing?
What does community ownership actually look like?

This episode answers those questions and more.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or someone passionate about local business and food access, this story will show you what’s possible when a community decides to build something for itself.

Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, entrepreneurship, and building stronger communities.

Here are some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Skepticism & Food Desert Reality

01:04 – Meet Kim & The Co-op Vision

05:33 – Why Big Grocery Chains Said No

07:43 – What Is a Food Desert?

10:03 – Moms & The Cooperative Model

15:12 – What It Means to Be an Owner

18:11 – Why Co-ops Survive

19:31 – Inside the Hybrid Grocery Model

23:25 – The $4 Million Journey

26:35 – The Turning Point

31:22 – A Blueprint for Other Communities

34:19 – The Bigger Lesson

Tags:
#FoodCoop #GroceryStoreBusiness #HowToStartABusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessOwners #CommunityBusiness #CooperativeBusiness #LocalBusiness #StartupStory #BusinessPodcast #SocialEntrepreneurship #CommunityDevelopment #FoodBusiness #RetailBusiness #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessMotivation #StartupJourney #EconomicDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #DreamingBigWorkingHard

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From Prison to PhD: How One Man Broke the Cycle and Changed His Life

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:55:00 +0000

What does it really take to change your life after prison?

In this powerful episode of Dreaming Big. Working Hard., host David Alvarez sits down with Dr. Alberto “Beto” Vasquez, whose life journey defies every statistic. Raised in Barrio Logan, incarcerated as a teenager, and cycling through the prison system throughout his early adulthood, Beto’s story could have ended there — but it didn’t.

Today, Dr. Vasquez is a biologist, educator, and director of STEM outreach at UC San Diego, dedicating his life to helping young people — especially those from marginalized and formerly incarcerated communities — see what’s possible.

This conversation goes far beyond inspiration. We talk honestly about:

Life inside the criminal justice system
Juvenile incarceration and homelessness
Mass incarceration and recidivism
Why punishment doesn’t equal rehabilitation
How education can change the trajectory of a life
What “second chances” actually require — from individuals and society

If you or someone you love is navigating reentry, struggling to find purpose, or wondering if it’s ever too late to start over — this episode is for you.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations about resilience, justice, and real transformation.

Here are some notables moments from the episode:

00:00 – Intro: Second Chances & Why This Story Matters

01:38 – Meeting Beto Vasquez: From Barrio Logan to Prison

03:12 – Growing Up Around Violence, Drugs, and Normalized Trauma

07:33 – Kicked Out, Homeless, and Introduced to the System at 15

10:13 – First Time Locked Up: Juvenile Hall Reality Check

14:50 – Trying to Go Straight While Playing Both Sides

19:19 – Life Inside State Prison & Being Dehumanized

21:20 – Riots, Isolation, and the Moment Everything Changed

23:57 – Mass Incarceration & Why Prison Isn’t the Answer

28:56 – Recidivism, Policy Failures, and What Actually Works

32:19 – Fire Camp, Education, and Choosing a Different Future

34:02 – Community College Changed My Life

36:20 – Imposter Syndrome, College, and Earning a Doctorate

38:48 – Why Representation in STEM Matters

42:27 – “If You Can’t See It, You Can’t Be It”

44:29 – Advice for Anyone Needing a Second Chance

49:49 – Final Reflections: Dignity, Worth, and Belonging

#SecondChances #PrisonReform #MassIncarceration #FromPrisonToPhD #RedemptionStory #LifeAfterPrison #CriminalJusticeReform #FormerlyIncarcerated #EducationChangesLives #CommunityCollege #STEMEducation #DreamingBigWorkingHard #Reentry #SocialJustice #Inspiration #RealStories

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When Faith Meets Fear: Father Scott on Immigration, Trauma, and Hope

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 20:00:00 +0000

As the holiday season invites reflection, family, and hope, this special episode of Dreaming Big, Working Hard asks a deeper question: what does faith really look like when times are hard?

David Alvarez sits down with Father Scott Santarosa, SJ, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Barrio Logan, for a powerful conversation about faith, immigration, and human dignity at the border. While many celebrate the holidays with loved ones, countless immigrant families are living in fear and uncertainty—feeling hunted, unseen, and unsafe.

Together, they reflect on the story of the Holy Family—a young couple forced to flee to protect their child—and how that story feels strikingly present today. Father Scott shares how the church has become a place of refuge, community, and action, and why faith during the holidays isn’t just about tradition or celebration, but about showing up for one another.

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, observing the season quietly, or simply searching for meaning at the end of the year, this conversation offers a reminder that faith is not just something we believe—it’s something we live, especially when it matters most.

📌 Topics include:

Immigration fear and trauma during the holidays
The Holy Family and modern-day migration
Jesuit spirituality, discernment, and hope
Faith in action vs. faith as words
Finding light and dignity in dark times

✨ If this conversation brings you hope this season, share it with someone who may need it.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Immigrants living in fear: “We feel hunted”

02:00 – Faith as something you live, not just believe

03:30 – Father Scott’s journey to the priesthood

06:00 – Discernment, calling, and Jesuit spirituality

09:20 – Spiritual Exercises & finding peace in decisions

15:00 – Fear, trauma, and dignity in immigrant communities

18:00 – Church as refuge and “vacation from fear”

21:00 – Finding God in all things (Ignatian spirituality)

27:00 – Saints, struggle, and human imperfection

33:00 – Immigration trauma and generational fear

35:30 – Vigil at the federal building & hope in action

40:00 – What it means to be a Jesuit parish at the border

45:00 – Dignity, dehumanization, and resistance

48:00 – Walking with people in suffering

51:00 – What “faith in action” really means

54:30 – Advent, hope, and surviving January

59:00 – Final reflections: Faith is something you do

#FaithInAction #ImmigrationJustice #JesuitSpirituality #HopeInHardTimes

#HumanDignity #BorderStories #SocialJustice #CatholicVoices

#FaithAndPolitics #DreamingBigWorkingHard #AdventReflection

#CommunityOverFear #SanctuaryChurch #ImmigrantStories

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How the San Diego Food Bank Saved Families During the Government Shutdown

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:05:00 +0000

In this powerful episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, Assemblymember David Alvarez sits down with Casey Castillo, CEO of the San Diego Food Bank, to expose the real face of hunger in San Diego — a crisis affecting 848,000 people, including teachers, seniors, nurses, military families, and children.

Casey reveals what hunger actually looks like today, why 1 in 4 San Diegans can’t reliably afford food, and how the Food Bank stepped up when 400,000 SNAP recipients and 150,000 federal/military workers were left without support during the 43-day federal shutdown — the longest in U.S. history.

You’ll hear stories from the front lines, including the emotional $1 donation from a woman who had been helped by the Food Bank before, reminding us why every dollar matters.

We also dive into:

The rising cost of living, food inflation & credit card debt crushing families
How seniors are among the hardest hit and why demand for support is skyrocketing
How 450+ nonprofit partners help distribute 53 million pounds of food a year
Volunteer opportunities, food drives, and the Food Bank’s 45th annual holiday campaign
What California can do at the policy level to close the food insecurity gap

If you want to support, volunteer, donate, or find food resources, visit SanDiegoFoodBank.org.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – The $1 donation that changed everything

00:28 – 848,000 San Diegans facing hunger: who they really are

01:21 – Casey’s background & why he joined the Food Bank

04:34 – Why collaboration is the only way to solve hunger

05:53 – Serving 1 in 4 people in San Diego: the scale of the crisis

07:24 – Partnerships with 450+ nonprofits across the county

08:41 – How 11,000 turkeys were distributed this year

10:19 – Why hunger is getting worse despite the COVID rebound

12:07 – The shutdown: 400,000 SNAP recipients lose benefits

15:34 – Why recovery isn’t instant after the government reopens

23:22 – Seniors: the forgotten population hit hardest by hunger

31:57 – How volunteers power the Food Bank (107,000 hours!)

35:26 – The 45th annual Holiday Food Drive & how to help

38:20 – Final message: Hunger is solvable — if we choose to solve it

HASHTAGS:

#DreamingBigWorkingHard #SanDiegoFoodBank #FoodInsecurity #HungerCrisis #DreamingBigWorkingHard #DavidAlvarez #CaseyCastillo #EndHunger #CaliforniaNonprofits #SANDiegoCommunity #FoodBank #GiveBack #VolunteerSD #HolidayFoodDrive #Podcast

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Breaking Barriers: First-Generation Students Share Their Path to Success and Interview with Southwestern College President Dr. Mark Sanchez

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:50:00 +0000

In this episode of Dreaming Big, Working Hard, host David Alvarez sits down with three incredible first-generation college students from Southwestern College in San Diego. Hear their real stories of resilience, hope, and community as they navigate higher education — from immigrant beginnings and foster care to transferring to top universities like UC San Diego and San Francisco State.

Discover how mentorship, community college programs like EOPS, Guardian Scholars, and First Year Experience (FYE) helped them overcome fear, financial hardship, and self-doubt to achieve success.

David also sits down with Southwestern College President Dr. Mark Sanchez to explore how rising housing costs are pushing U.S. students to seek opportunities in Mexico. Learn about innovative binational education programs, affordable tuition options, and how Southwestern College is breaking down barriers for students on both sides of the border.

Subscribe for more conversations about education, opportunity, and what it really means to dream big and work hard.

Here some notable moments from the show:

00:00 – 00:00:27 | Opening Reflection — Overcoming the Odds

00:00:38 – 00:01:04 | Host Introduction — Welcome to “Dreaming Big, Working Hard”

00:01:04 – 00:02:05 | Why First-Gen Stories Still Matter

00:02:05 – 00:02:24 | Meet the Guests

00:02:24 – 00:05:15 | Jose’s Journey — From Tijuana to UC San Diego

00:05:15 – 00:06:23 | Building a Supportive College Community

00:06:23 – 00:07:04 | Mentorship and Guidance — Finding the Right Path

00:07:04 – 00:08:44 | Oscar’s Story — Balancing Online Learning and Double Majors

00:08:44 – 00:09:06 | Introducing Hosea — The Foster Youth Perspective

00:09:06 – 00:10:33 | Finding Purpose Through Adversity

00:10:33 – 00:11:11 | The Power of Mentorship and Pivotal Moments

00:11:11 – 00:17:18 | The “Click” Moment — Deciding to Go to College

00:17:18 – 00:20:29 | Oscar’s Turning Point — Inspired by Teachers and Parents

00:20:29 – 00:22:02 | Diana’s Motivation — From Fear to Ambition

00:22:02 – 00:24:07 | Challenges of Today’s Students

00:24:07 – 00:27:06 | Support Systems That Make a Difference

00:27:06 – 00:30:27 | Giving Back Through Mentorship

00:30:27 – 00:36:59 | Hosea’s Story — Finding Faith and Opportunity

00:36:59 – 00:38:58 | Investing in Students — Why Programs Matter

00:38:58 – 00:39:56 | Final Thoughts — Hope, Gratitude, and Paying It Forward

00:39:56 – 00:40:04 | Break Time

00:52:49 – 00:53:27 | Closing Message from David Alvarez

00:53:27 – 00:53:55 | Outro & Credits

39:15 – Outro & Call to Action: Dream Big, Work Hard

HASHTAGS:

#FirstGen #CommunityCollege #EducationInspiration #DreamBigWorkHard #DavidAlvarez #SouthwesternCollege #HigherEducation #SanDiego #Tijuana #BorderEducation #SouthwesternCollege #CommunityCollege #BilingualEducation #CaliforniaEducation #BorderCommunity #AD80 #SanDiegoEducation #ChulaVista #NationalCity #BarrioLogan #DreamingBigWorkingHard #TeamAlvarez #CrossBorderEducation #MexicoEducation #GlobalEducation #BiNationalRegion

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How Laughter Saved Chicano Culture | 30 Years of Empowerment Through Art & Comedy

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000

For over three decades, Macedonio Arteaga has been using laughter as a weapon of empowerment. In this inspiring episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard , he shares how Chicano comedy, art, and storytelling became powerful tools to preserve culture, uplift youth, and spark social change.

From humble beginnings to creating a movement, Macedonio opens up about the challenges, victories, and unforgettable moments that defined his mission to keep the Chicano spirit alive through humor and creativity.

Expect real stories. Deep laughs. And a heartfelt reminder that our culture’s power lies in its ability to adapt, resist, and rise.

Here are some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Introduction: The Power of Laughter and Culture

02:15 – Who is Macedonio Arteaga? His Journey into Art & Comedy

06:40 – The Birth of Chicano Comedy and Cultural Storytelling

11:25 – Using Humor as a Tool for Empowerment

16:10 – Building a Movement: 30 Years of Community Impact

21:45 – Challenges of Keeping Chicano Culture Alive

27:30 – From Pain to Laughter: Healing Through Art

33:15 – The Role of Youth in Preserving Our Legacy

38:20 – How Representation Shapes the Next Generation

43:00 – Macedonio’s Advice to Young Creators and Activists

47:50 – Legacy, Love, and the Future of Chicano Art

51:30 – Closing Reflections & Thank You

#MacedonioArteaga #ChicanoCulture #LatinoStories #ChicanoComedy #LatinoEmpowerment #CulturalLegacy #RepresentationMatters #ArtAndActivism #LatinxPodcast #ComedyAndCulture

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Education, Legacy & Opportunity: Conversations with Fresno & Chico State Leaders

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 18:50:00 +0000

In this inspiring two-part conversation, Assemblymember David Alvarez sits down with Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and Chico State President Steve Perez to explore the power of public higher education in California. From stories of immigrant families and farmworker roots to building world-class universities, they reflect on leadership, legacy, and the role of education in shaping opportunity.

The discussion also dives into the importance of U.S.–Mexico academic partnerships, the Central Valley’s agricultural impact, wildfire resilience, and preparing the next generation of leaders. Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply someone who cares about the future of California, this episode is full of lessons on service, perseverance, and community.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00:00 - Family Roots, Farm Life, and First-Gen Stories
00:03:01 - From Student to Fresno State President: A Homegrown Journey
00:06:30 - Leadership, Legacy, and the Call to Serve
00:09:13 - Agriculture as California’s Backbone and National Security
00:11:19 - Fresno State’s Cross-Border Vision: Education, Culture, and Community
00:14:21 - Partnerships in Agriculture, Health, and Cheesemaking
00:15:17 - Chico State President’s Path: From UC Davis to CSU Leadership
00:18:20 - Chico’s Unique Role: Rural Education, Agriculture, and Community
00:21:02 - Building Lasting Partnerships: Student Exchanges and Faculty Collaboration
00:24:07 - Innovation at Chico State: Workforce, Research, and Hidden Strengths

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Breaking Barriers: U.S.–Mexico Education & Opportunity

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:10:51 +0000

In this episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, host David Alvarez, sits down with former California Speaker Emeritus John A. Pérez and U.S. Consul General in Tijuana Christopher Teal to explore the powerful intersection of education, diplomacy, and economic opportunity between California and Mexico. From dual-degree programs to binational workforce development, this conversation highlights how cross-border collaboration is reshaping the future of higher education.

Together, they discuss the importance of supporting first-generation students, expanding access to affordable education, and creating innovative pathways that prepare young people for a global economy.

With stories of resilience, policy insights, and a shared vision for the future, this episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about education, opportunity, and building stronger U.S.–Mexico ties.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:23 – Welcoming Speaker Pérez to the Conversation

01:29 – A New Model: Dual Enrollment and Binational Education

02:55 – Beyond Bridges: Building True Integration Across Borders

05:14 – California’s Higher Education as a Path to Mobility

06:29 – From Study Abroad to Dual Degrees

08:23 – First-Generation Students and Access to Opportunity

11:23 – Geographic Inequality in Higher Education

13:38 – Merced’s Surprising PhD Pipeline

15:47 – The Middle Class Scholarship and Affordability

18:06 – Signing MOUs and Building Momentum for the Future

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The Housing Crisis Explained: 3 Keys to Affordability, Stability & Supply — A conversation with Shane Phillips

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0000

California’s housing crisis impacts everyone, from skyrocketing rents and long commutes to rising homelessness. In this episode, Assemblymember David Alvarez sits down with Shane Phillips, housing policy expert and author of The Affordable City, to break down the “Three S’s” every community needs for real solutions: supply, stability, and subsidy. They discuss why building more homes isn’t enough, the importance of protecting existing residents, and how targeted subsidies can bridge the gap. Drawing on personal experiences and real-world policy challenges, David and Shane explore what it will take to make housing affordable and sustainable for future generations.

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Key moments from this episode:
00:00:00 - Welcome and why housing matters
00:01:21 - Shane Phillips’ journey into housing policy
00:03:22 - Personal housing experiences
00:07:11 - What communities are saying
00:11:27 - The Three S’s explained
00:15:55 - Balancing supply, stability, and subsidy
00:19:26 - Zoning, equity, and displacement
00:21:13 - The “community character” debate
00:31:26 - State vs. local action
00:38:34 - Final thoughts and takeaways

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Power, Protest & Preserving Our Culture a conversation with Josie Talamantez

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:24:36 +0000

Josie Talamantez, lifelong activist and founding member of the Chicano Park Steering Committee, joins Assemblymember David Alvarez to share the story of how Barrio Logan residents stopped bulldozers and reclaimed land for the community.

From forming human chains in 1970 to protect Chicano Park, to creating the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, Josie reflects on five decades of activism, preserving cultural heritage, and why murals are more than art — they’re living history.
This is a conversation about resilience, art, and what it takes to turn a neighborhood’s fight into a national landmark.

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Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction: Dreaming Big, Working Hard
00:00:48 - Meet Josie Talamantez: Daughter of Logan Heights
00:02:33 - Growing Up Around Community Organizers
00:07:52 - Chicano Park Takeover: The Day It All Started
00:13:16 - Building the Chicano Park Steering Committee
00:16:19 - Lessons on Long-Distance Activism
00:23:26 - Preserving Murals and Working with Government
00:29:01 - The Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center
00:35:40 - Advice for the Next Generation of Activists
00:37:38 - Looking Ahead: Celebrations and New Exhibits

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We See People on Their Worst Day: A Conversation with Ulizes Sanchez

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Assemblymember David Alvarez interviews Ulizes Sanchez, a firefighter at San Diego’s Station 12 and Vice President of Bomberos de San Diego. Ulizes shares his inspiring journey from Barrio Logan to public service, reflecting on representation in the fire department, the power of mentorship, and how his nonprofit is building safer, stronger communities through outreach, scholarships, and CPR training.

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Key moments from this episode:

00:00:00 - Firefighter Dreams in Barrio Logan

00:03:37 - Getting the Cadet Call at 17

00:06:08 - The Birth of Bomberos de San Diego

00:09:28 - Representation and Role Models

00:11:22 - Giving Back: Holiday Meals & Toys

00:13:26 - Investing in Youth Through Scholarships

00:16:56 - Free CPR & Emergency Training for All

00:19:43 - How Communities Can Be Prepared

00:24:08 - Public Service as a Way of Life

00:27:34 - Advice for the Next Generation

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Education Is Opportunity: A Conversation with Xochitl Alvarez

Tue, 20 May 2025 16:00:00 +0000

In the premiere episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, California Assemblymember David Alvarez explores the transformative power of education—through policy, personal experience, and community leadership. Joined by his first guest and wife, Xochitl Alvarez, Director of Graduate Support at Nativity Prep Academy, the two reflect on their own journeys as first-generation college students and the shared mission to expand educational opportunities for all.

This episode dives into the role of early college and career conversations, the challenges and cultural barriers first-gen students face, the impact of social media and technology in the classroom, and the innovative policies California is pursuing to meet the needs of a changing workforce—including the bold vision of a new university in Chula Vista.

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Key moments from this episode:

00:00 – David’s personal connection to education
02:05 – Xochitl Alvarez explains the 11-year support model
04:35 – Importance of early career exposure for middle schoolers
08:04 – Lifelong learning and competency-based education
10:22 – Cell phones, social media, and student well-being
17:40 – Cultural barriers to going away for college
21:09 – Success through structured academic planning
28:01 – Investing in career conversations at younger ages
30:47 – Expanding bachelor’s degrees at community colleges
39:44 – Why nursing was chosen for Chula Vista university

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