I am a retired economist and executive from Southern California Edison who worked on energy policy and regulation, amongst other things, during my 36-year tenure with the company. I have a Ph.D. in Economics from UC San Diego. I was born and spent most of my life living in Southern California, making Monrovia my home the last 26 years. My wife Peggy and I spend our time helping my son and his friend who lives with us for now, navigate their way through community college, and caring for our two Pugs, Kiwi, and Mango. We spend a lot of time decorating our front yard for Halloween, and then Christmas each year. We enjoy the community in Monrovia. Starting last year, in the days leading up to Christmas, I dress as Santa, and sit in the sleigh my brother-in-law built and say ho-ho-ho to the passers-by, offering candy canes and photo opportunities, all in our front yard.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Peggy and I recently celebrated our 25th anniversary. We have one son, Kevin, 20, who lives with us, and I have a 30 year old son who lives in Irvine, and a 35 year old daughter who lives in Boston.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked for many years on energy policy and regulation. I was proud of the work I did focusing California’s energy future on being clean and sustainable. I also led efforts to fight against the electricity market manipulation that Enron and others engaged in back in 2000-2001, getting several billions in refunds from those companies in the years that followed.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We frequently have breakfast at Jake’s, and sometimes Cafe Olla. We get Pizza from Old Town Pizza, and Mediterranean from Seasoning Alley, and Japanese from Mikomi
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in Monrovia since 1996, and I worked in Rosemead from 1984 until I retired in 2021.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I enjoy chatting with Aldi and her family that work at Jake’s, when we dine there.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
We love Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean. The calm, warm, clear turquoise water is like no other place I’ve seenr
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
We have seen Top Gun:Maverick, at the Look theater over a dozen times. We have enjoyed binge watching Bones and Castle on TV
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Try to do what you love doing, in your job, and in your life, and spread happiness where you can
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I enjoy travelling and have done a fair amount. I would like to do a river cruise in Europe to see a few places I’ve never seen
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I’ve seen Green Day, Social Distortion, No Doubt, and P!nk several times in concert. Currently I enjoy watching the Blenderz play at WingWalkers in Monrovia
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
We enjoyed the old Monrovian restaurant from a few years ago
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d probably want to meet with Steph Curry and talk basketball. Jake’s might be a good choice.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
It’s a small town community in the middle of a large metropolitan area. You can walk the town easily, and the people are familiar and friendly
Q: What is your greatest regret?
When I was younger I missed out on a lot because I was too shy to go out and meet more people, try more adventures
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I grew up in a household filled with pets, many unusual: otter, llama, skunk, gibbon
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Discovering and battling the abuse of the electricity market in 2000-2001 by Enron and others, and pursuing them successfully in court
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Sitting on a beautiful beach with my family and a tropical drink
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Barbeque and bacon: answering while hungry, I suppose
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, community, peace
