Hi, my name is Sergio Lopez, and I was born on a ranch in Zacatecas, Mexico, before moving to Monrovia at the age of one. Growing up, we lived on Lemon Street in a small Craftsman style home, and eventually my parents bought a larger home on Cypress Street. As a little Monrovian, I attended Monroe Elementary. Later, I attended Santa Fe Middle School and Monrovia High, Class of 1988.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m the oldest of twelve kids, 7 boys and 5 girls – my parents always wanted a big family. I also have seven nieces and nephews. You can say we were the original “Cheaper by the Dozen.” Looking back, I don’t know how my Mom did it with twelve kids, but she did. We didn’t have much, but we had the essentials and each other. My Mom will be turning 70 this month, and she remains just as beautiful today as she was when I was a child. I’m pretty sure I got my sense of humor from her and my aunt Elvia. Today, I’m happily married to my wife, Monica, for over twenty years. I asked her to marry me nine months into dating. While we don’t have any children, we do have a dog named Rocky. I’m a pretty simple person who values relationships and loyalty. During my free time, I enjoy cycling, listening to music and being a couch potato with a cold Coke.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve been employed with Trader Joe’s for over 21 years and have been at the Monrovia store for quite some time. I work with some of the greatest mates and crew members in town, and the best part of my job is engaging with our customers and sharing our product. I also get to work with one of the most talented artists, Jutar.
I volunteer time coaching baseball, primarily for Monrovia Youth Baseball League MYBL, but also coached a few seasons at Santa Anita Little League, Arcadia National Little League, and, most recently, Arcadia Pony. I fell in love with the sport at a young age, and after several asks, I was able to convince my parents to let me join MYBL at the age of 13. To this day, I can still recall the feeling I had when I put on my red McMahan’s Furniture jersey, laced up my used soccer cleats (my parents couldn’t afford much), and played shortstop. I played for MYBL until I aged out with Colt. As a Freshman at MHS, I would run from high school baseball practice to Recreation Park for Colt. One of my high school teammates was coach Blackmore, and we had the best time as teammates. We would steal each other’s pepper bellies. My passion for the sport and depth of knowledge runs deep, and I’m a proud Wildcat. Now, at 52, baseball remains a big part of who I am; I enjoy competing, the hustle, and the strategy of the game. This will be my tenth year of coaching. Like most coaches, being able to give back and help develop our youth is the greatest reward. Casey Stengel once said “Gettin’ good players is easy. Gettin’ ’em to play together is the hard part.” This week I am wrapping up our fall season with a 14u team for Arcadia Pony and I’m already getting anxious about the pause.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I would have to say Jake’s, Seasoning Alley, Leroy’s, Market Grill, and Baskin-Robbins. Dessert is my favorite meal.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve been in Monrovia for 51 years and started working at the age of 16 at Kmart on Huntington Drive after school. Currently, I’m at Trader Joe’s Monrovia.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This is a hard one for me, and I’m going to flip this one on you. I would say the most influential people in our community are our educators. They have one of the hardest jobs.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel to Australia to see Whitehaven beach, pink lakes, and the Outback.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
For movies, John Wick, Gladiator, The Outsiders and Christmas Vacation. For shows/series, I watch Billions, House of Cards, MLB network, and my ultimate go-to is pretty much anything on the Bravo network.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always Stay True to Yourself
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I don’t have one
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Depeche Mode and The Smiths
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I would have to say EFX Event Special Effects off Railroad Avenue. During the pandemic, my brother, Lionel, and his friend, Chris, shifted their business strategy by offering FREE COVID-19 guards to the Monrovia community/businesses. Everyone had to pivot, but I’m proud of my little brother
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 would have to say Vin Scully. I would love to talk baseball with him. His stories from Jackie Robinson, to Fernando mania, to Gibson’s miracle home run, and his overall journey in life. We would meet at MHS “Dave Moore” baseball field
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the small-town feeling and the community support. I met my wife in Monrovia
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I honestly don’t know – probably working towards retirement
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m an open book, but I would say I have most font styles memorized. I have a thing for details. I love to design and sketch apparel.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Cayman Islands
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December is my favorite month, Christmas is my favorite holiday and January 1st is the single best day. A new year, and an opportunity to reset
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My Mom’s cooking
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife. She reminds me to see and understand the world through the lens of others and is one of the strongest people I know. She brings balance and heart
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A new pair of Nike sneakers and BBQ
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, calm, trust, and family. Is that too many?
