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 this episode, Assemblymember David Alvarez interviews Ulizes Sanchez, a firefighter at San Diego&rsquo;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&rsquo;t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com
Key moments from this episode:&nbsp;
&nbsp;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 &amp; Toys
00:13:26 - Investing in Youth Through Scholarships
00:16:56 - Free CPR &amp; 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
&nbsp;

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with David Alvarez is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvarezsd/">David Alvarez</a> is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.

Dreaming Big | Working Hard

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with David Alvarez is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.

To know more visit: http://davidalvarez.com/

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with David Alvarez is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.
To know more visit: http://davidalvarez.com/

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

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 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 &mdash; 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&rsquo;ve ever wondered:
<ul>
<li>How do food co-ops make money?</li>
<li>Are food co-ops profitable?</li>
<li>How do you open a grocery store with no corporate backing?</li>
<li>What does community ownership actually look like? </li>
</ul>
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&rsquo;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 &ndash; Skepticism &amp; Food Desert Reality
01:04 &ndash; Meet Kim &amp; The Co-op Vision
05:33 &ndash; Why Big Grocery Chains Said No
07:43 &ndash; What Is a Food Desert?
10:03 &ndash; Moms &amp; The Cooperative Model
15:12 &ndash; What It Means to Be an Owner
18:11 &ndash; Why Co-ops Survive
19:31 &ndash; Inside the Hybrid Grocery Model
23:25 &ndash; The $4 Million Journey
26:35 &ndash; The Turning Point
31:22 &ndash; A Blueprint for Other Communities
34:19 &ndash; The Bigger Lesson
Tags: #FoodCoop #GroceryStoreBusiness #HowToStartABusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessOwners #CommunityBusiness #CooperativeBusiness #LocalBusiness #StartupStory #BusinessPodcast #SocialEntrepreneurship #CommunityDevelopment #FoodBusiness #RetailBusiness #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessMotivation #StartupJourney #EconomicDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #DreamingBigWorkingHard

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

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

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 &ldquo;Beto&rdquo; 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&rsquo;s story could have ended there &mdash; but it didn&rsquo;t.
Today, Dr. Vasquez is a biologist, educator, and director of STEM outreach at UC San Diego, dedicating his life to helping young people &mdash; especially those from marginalized and formerly incarcerated communities &mdash; see what&rsquo;s possible.
This conversation goes far beyond inspiration. We talk honestly about:
<ul>
<li>Life inside the criminal justice system </li>
<li>Juvenile incarceration and homelessness </li>
<li>Mass incarceration and recidivism </li>
<li>Why punishment doesn&rsquo;t equal rehabilitation </li>
<li>How education can change the trajectory of a life </li>
<li>What &ldquo;second chances&rdquo; actually require &mdash; from individuals and society </li>
</ul>
If you or someone you love is navigating reentry, struggling to find purpose, or wondering if it&rsquo;s ever too late to start over &mdash; 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 &ndash; Intro: Second Chances &amp; Why This Story Matters
01:38 &ndash; Meeting Beto Vasquez: From Barrio Logan to Prison
03:12 &ndash; Growing Up Around Violence, Drugs, and Normalized Trauma
07:33 &ndash; Kicked Out, Homeless, and Introduced to the System at 15
10:13 &ndash; First Time Locked Up: Juvenile Hall Reality Check
14:50 &ndash; Trying to Go Straight While Playing Both Sides
19:19 &ndash; Life Inside State Prison &amp; Being Dehumanized
21:20 &ndash; Riots, Isolation, and the Moment Everything Changed
23:57 &ndash; Mass Incarceration &amp; Why Prison Isn&rsquo;t the Answer
28:56 &ndash; Recidivism, Policy Failures, and What Actually Works
32:19 &ndash; Fire Camp, Education, and Choosing a Different Future
34:02 &ndash; Community College Changed My Life
36:20 &ndash; Imposter Syndrome, College, and Earning a Doctorate
38:48 &ndash; Why Representation in STEM Matters
42:27 &ndash; &ldquo;If You Can&rsquo;t See It, You Can&rsquo;t Be It&rdquo;
44:29 &ndash; Advice for Anyone Needing a Second Chance
49:49 &ndash; Final Reflections: Dignity, Worth, and Belonging
&nbsp;
#SecondChances #PrisonReform #MassIncarceration #FromPrisonToPhD #RedemptionStory #LifeAfterPrison #CriminalJusticeReform #FormerlyIncarcerated #EducationChangesLives #CommunityCollege #STEMEducation #DreamingBigWorkingHard #Reentry #SocialJustice #Inspiration #RealStories

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

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

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&mdash;feeling hunted, unseen, and unsafe.
Together, they reflect on the story of the Holy Family&mdash;a young couple forced to flee to protect their child&mdash;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&rsquo;t just about tradition or celebration, but about showing up for one another.
Whether you&rsquo;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&mdash;it&rsquo;s something we live, especially when it matters most.
📌 Topics include:
<ul>
<li>Immigration fear and trauma during the holidays </li>
<li>The Holy Family and modern-day migration </li>
<li>Jesuit spirituality, discernment, and hope </li>
<li>Faith in action vs. faith as words </li>
<li>Finding light and dignity in dark times </li>
</ul>
✨ If this conversation brings you hope this season, share it with someone who may need it.
Some notable moments from this episode:
00:00 &ndash; Immigrants living in fear: &ldquo;We feel hunted&rdquo;
02:00 &ndash; Faith as something you live, not just believe
03:30 &ndash; Father Scott&rsquo;s journey to the priesthood
06:00 &ndash; Discernment, calling, and Jesuit spirituality
09:20 &ndash; Spiritual Exercises &amp; finding peace in decisions
15:00 &ndash; Fear, trauma, and dignity in immigrant communities
18:00 &ndash; Church as refuge and &ldquo;vacation from fear&rdquo;
21:00 &ndash; Finding God in all things (Ignatian spirituality)
27:00 &ndash; Saints, struggle, and human imperfection
33:00 &ndash; Immigration trauma and generational fear
35:30 &ndash; Vigil at the federal building &amp; hope in action
40:00 &ndash; What it means to be a Jesuit parish at the border
45:00 &ndash; Dignity, dehumanization, and resistance
48:00 &ndash; Walking with people in suffering
51:00 &ndash; What &ldquo;faith in action&rdquo; really means
54:30 &ndash; Advent, hope, and surviving January
59:00 &ndash; Final reflections: Faith is something you do
&nbsp;
#FaithInAction #ImmigrationJustice #JesuitSpirituality #HopeInHardTimes
#HumanDignity #BorderStories #SocialJustice #CatholicVoices
#FaithAndPolitics #DreamingBigWorkingHard #AdventReflection
#CommunityOverFear #SanctuaryChurch #ImmigrantStories

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

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