Dreaming Big | Working Hard

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

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

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

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  

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  

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

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

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

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. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com for more episodes and shows 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

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. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com for more episodes and shows 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  

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. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com 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  

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. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com 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