I’ve been a Monrovia homeowner since 1975. Mike and I raised our two kids here. I didn’t have the traditional linear path to career, marriage, family, etc. Graduated from Blair High School in Pasadena, got married and went on to Pasadena City College for an AA in Humanities. While working for LA County Department of Public Social Services as a welfare fraud investigator, I went to Cal State LA for my BA in Sociology and then took an educational leave of absence to earn my MSW at UCLA School of Social Welfare in Community Organization & Administration.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Share a little about your childhood and your family.
I was born in Santiago, Cuba. I came to the US without my parents, as my Dad was a political prisoner, and my Mom wanted to wait until his release to come. They came separately, both via the Freedom Flights; thank you, President LBJ! As most Cuban refugees, I went to Miami; my brother came two days later, and we lived with one of my Dad’s older sisters. A couple of years later, one of my Dad’s brothers was in Lemon Grove, CA, in San Diego County, and my aunt, her daughter, my brother and I came to CA to live with him and his wife. He owned a little Mexican restaurant, where we all worked. I come from a large Larramendi family. We all lived within blocks of each other in Santiago. The girls all at the same went to Catholic school, Belen, and the boys all at La Salle. My Dad was an Agricultural Engineer, and his brothers and sisters were all professionals. Same with my Mom. She worked as a long distance operator for the phone company. Seven of my Dad’s siblings came to the USA and two stayed in Cuba. Two of my Mom’s siblings came to the US and four stayed in Cuba.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked for LA County, DPSS and Children’s Services for eleven years. After grad school, my career went on to the public policy path. I served as Program Director for a non-profit, was an Analyst within the City Manager’s office in Pasadena, did independent campaign work, spent time in Public Affairs at SCE, and worked for several statewide constitutional officers; Attorney General, State Treasurer, and finally for the CA State Senate. Being a catalyst for positive changes in my community and in the public sector has been a passion.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
That’s a tough one. We enjoy cooking at home, healthier meals, but BJ’s, Rudy’s and Mundial are favorites. And for desserts, Merengue, of course!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
Been living in Monrovia since 1975! Monrovia provided my family with an affordable home and a nice place to raise our children.
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
Not from Monrovia, but my mentor, The Honorable Dr. Marguerite Archie-Hudson. From Monrovia, Mimi Mency, Mayor Bob Bartlett, Eric Faith, Pat Ostrye and Jules & Betty Sandford.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Spain! I have family living there that are always telling me to go visit. And of course, the Basque region where the Larramendis originate.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
I don’t like scary movies or science fiction. I like comedies. Favorite? one of them is 9-5! TV shows? Hard to say. Lakers, Dodgers, Tennis channel and UCLA games take priority over regular tv shows
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
Better do it. If you don’t do it, the time will still pass, and you will miss out.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Taking my camera and lenses and going to Africa to experience a Safari!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
I have many music CDs of my Cuban music, new and “old.” Can’t go wrong with the Beatles! Breakfast with the Beatles on KLOS Sunday mornings is a treat.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
LARA Communications
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 met Secretary Madelaine Albright. I photographed her at the 2004 DNC Convention and later she signed it for me. I’ve read several of her books. We have some similar experiences, such as immigrating from a communist country, and I’d love to just listen to her experiences in foreign affairs.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
I just love our wildlife. I live in the foothills and I thoroughly enjoy the visits from our local animals – bobcats, bears, deer, foxes, blue heron and the elusive mountain lions.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
I was a softball player in recreation leagues, women & coed. I’m on third base. Grounder hit to the shortstop. I leave the base just a second too soon. Shortstop throws home. I’m a dead duck, but I thought that if I knock over the catcher, she would drop the ball and I would have a chance. Wrong! Catcher was way bigger than me! She flipped me over. Landed on my right shoulder and I separated my shoulder. Out of action and work for six weeks!
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I can’t tell you! Otherwise, everyone would know!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I love our National Parks! Most beautiful? The Grand Canyon!
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Besides raising two wonderful kids that are productive members in our society, using all of my contacts from undergrad, grad school and my activities as Councilmember and Mayor to secure the funding in May 2002 from the Governor’s matching grant of the State’s Wildlife Conservation Fund to purchase some of the parcels that make up the Wilderness Preserve. And doing everything I could in elective office and appointed office to secure money for the Gold Line!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Statue of Liberty and the Lincoln Memorial. My two favorites!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family – parents, aunts, uncles & cousins. Even though my parents, aunts & uncles have passed, they’re still my inspiration to be better and do right.
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
I was part of a great movement in Monrovia that recognized that we want to preserve and protect our Monrovia wilderness area. And we are still striving and continuing to do so for our community.
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Perseverance, calculated risk, flexibility
