Sunday, December 22

La Gente

La Gente: Actor Ezequiel Pacheco
Editor's Pick, La Gente

La Gente: Actor Ezequiel Pacheco

Ezekiel Pacheco, conocido por su papel de Sapo en la serie de Netflix "On My Block", tiene un viaje nada menos que inspirador. Nacido en México y traído a Los Ángeles cuando era niño, la historia de Ezekiel sirve como un poderoso testimonio de la resiliencia y determinación de los beneficiarios de DACA y de todos los inmigrantes que enfrentan adversidades en su búsqueda del sueño americano. Su historia personal y la próxima película “At the Gates” de la que forma parte nos recuerdan la importancia de la empatía, la comprensión y el poder de la narración para arrojar luz sobre problemas de la vida real. Un Viaje de Resiliencia Ezekiel nació en México pero llegó a Los Ángeles cuando tenía un año. Creció creyendo que era estadounidense, sin ser consciente de las complejidades de su...
La Gente: Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent / President of Southwestern College
Editor's Pick, La Gente

La Gente: Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent / President of Southwestern College

Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent / President of Southwestern College In a thought-provoking conversation, we discussed crucial topics regarding the Latino community with Dr. Mark Sanchez, President of Southwestern College. Dr. Sanchez, a respected figure in education, shared valuable insights on closing educational disparities and promoting equality.  Dr. Mark Sanchez's original career aspiration was to become a high school teacher, a goal that would ultimately lead to a transformative experience. His initial assignment placed him in a unique setting—working with migrant education students in Salinas, California. These students, who undertook demanding fieldwork in the early morning hours and returned to the fields after their daily classes, provided Dr. Sanchez with a profound...
La Gente: Actor and Filmmaker Chris Soriano
Editor's Pick, La Gente

La Gente: Actor and Filmmaker Chris Soriano

Chris Soriano, pictured above in a scene from his newest film, "The Master Chief" In our latest feature, we bring you an inspiring story of resilience and determination. Chris Soriano, a director, actor, and producer, has carved his path in the world of filmmaking, overcoming a series of hurdles and barriers along the way. We sat down with Soriano to discuss his upcoming film, "Master Chief," and to delve into the hardships he faced before achieving his dream. Chris Soriano's journey began in San Diego's Skyline-Paradise Hills area, but took a sharp turn as he entered his teenage years. At the age of 13, a violent gang initiation left him bloodied on his doorstep, prompting his mother to issue an ultimatum: reveal the details or continue homeschooling. Choosing the latter set th...
La Gente: Raúl Alcalá Pérez, General Manager for Escondido’s Safari Car Wash
Editor's Pick, La Gente, Local San Diego

La Gente: Raúl Alcalá Pérez, General Manager for Escondido’s Safari Car Wash

Raúl Alcalá Pérez, fotografiado arriba en el vestíbulo de Safari Car Wash, Escondido. Crédito de la foto: Hispanos Unidos En una conversación sincera con Raúl Alcalá Pérez, un nativo de Tijuana que se embarcó en un viaje a los Estados Unidos en busca de una vida mejor, descubrimos una historia inspiradora de resiliencia, ambición y el poder del apoyo inquebrantable. La historia de Raúl comienza en 2009 cuando llegó a San Diego a la edad de 18 años, impulsado por sus aspiraciones y determinación inquebrantable. Guiado por su mentor, Kevin Reed, a quien conoció en 2012, Raúl inicialmente se encontró en la industria del alquiler de automóviles, asumiendo varias responsabilidades. "Es un gran desafío cuando vienes de un país diferente. Realmente no conoces el idioma ni la gente. Es difí...
La Gente: Nathalie Molina Niño. Co-founder of Known
Editor's Pick, La Gente

La Gente: Nathalie Molina Niño. Co-founder of Known

By Pollyana Ramos Tucker (Nathalie Molina Niño, far left, pictured above with Known co-founders, Jim Casselberry, Valerie Red-Horse Mohl, Ushir Shah. Photo credit: Kareem Black) In a candid interview with Known's co-founder, Nathalie Molina Niño, we gain insight into the driving force behind her and her company’s mission: to bring wealth and ownership for the Global Majority in line with their demographic representation. As the co-founder passionately stated during our interview: "The single data point that keeps me going when I wake up every morning is that no matter how many people of color are at the helm of Fortune 500 companies... the entire world's capital and assets, not just in the US, less than 2% of it is managed or controlled by people of color." The inter...
La Gente: PowerFuel Damas Co-Founders Danielle Vantini and Mayra Brito
Editor's Pick, La Gente

La Gente: PowerFuel Damas Co-Founders Danielle Vantini and Mayra Brito

By Pollyana Tucker (PowerFuel Damas co-founders Mayra Brito and Danielle Vantini. Image credit - Hispanos Unidos News) San Diego - High above the bustling streets of San Diego, the Cielo Rooftop Lounge transforms into a stage for celebration. It's a night that marks a significant milestone – the fourth anniversary of PowerFuel Damas. From the heart of Brazil to the coast of California, this social enterprise has transcended borders, bringing women together and helping to bring a transformative mindset to the forefront. At its core are two visionary women, Danielle Vantini and Mayra Brito, the driving forces behind the booming social enterprise. Their journey is not just a tale of success; it's an inspiration that exemplifies the profound impact of women, the magic of mindset shifts,...
La Gente: Twin Sisters Carol Baker and Carolyn Baker-Lower
La Gente, Local San Diego

La Gente: Twin Sisters Carol Baker and Carolyn Baker-Lower

(Pictured above: Twins Carol and Carolyn Baker. Photo credit: MiraCosta College) San Diego - "We have been looking forward to this moment for a long time," shared Carolyn. "It will be one of the best days of our lives and we can't wait to be up there and look out into the crowd to see our children and grandchildren." From an early age, Carol and Carolyn have been inseparable. Their mother owned a Winchell's Donut House, and when they were young, they would fold boxes to help with the business. As they grew older, they graduated to work the service counter on Friday and Saturday nights while trying to keep up with their education. Yet despite being hard workers and social children, schoolwork always came as a challenge. During their youth, there needed to be more awareness of stud...
La Gente: Cesar Vallin. Managing Partner for Cloak & Petal
Editor's Pick, La Gente, Local San Diego

La Gente: Cesar Vallin. Managing Partner for Cloak & Petal

(Pictured above: Cesar Vallin) By Pollyana Ramos Tucker A gentle breeze drifts by from the open doors across from where we are sitting. Cherry Blossom petals hang from the ceiling. Bright, neon lights along the wall help light up the intentionally dark corner that is filled with Japanese-inspired design. An Izakaya inspired menu sits in front of us. This is where we meet Cesar Vallin, managing partner of Cloak and Petal, located in the heart of Little Italy.  Cesar Vallin: Mother from Nayarit. Father from Tijuana. Born and raised in Pacific Beach. Also in the cards? An entrepreneurship style mindset that started from a bright, young age for Vallin.   “I was selling gum, Jolly Ranchers and Laffy Taffy in middle school. Blow Pops for 25 cents. I always...
La Gente: Jason Magabo Pérez, Ph.D. – El Nuevo Poeta Laureado de San Diego
La Gente, Local San Diego

La Gente: Jason Magabo Pérez, Ph.D. – El Nuevo Poeta Laureado de San Diego

SAN DIEGO – El poeta local Jason Magabo Pérez, Ph.D., fue nombrado Poeta Laureado de la Ciudad de San Diego 2023-2024. Durante el discurso sobre el estado de la ciudad de anoche, Pérez recitó su poema “Elaboramos canciones de trabajo para esta ciudad” en el escenario del Teatro Cívico de San Diego. El Poeta Laureado sirve como embajador de las artes, abogando por la poesía, la palabra hablada y las artes literarias en nombre de la Ciudad de San Diego. Pérez es el segundo Poeta Laureado de la Ciudad, reemplazando a Ron Salisbury, quien fue designado en 2020 por un período de dos años. “Jason Magabo Pérez es un campeón del arte de la poesía”, dijo la alcaldesa Gloria. “Estoy encantado con su elección como Poeta Laureado de San Diego. Su trabajo es profundo, innovador e intransigen...