I was born and raised in Monrovia. Monrovia helped shape the person I am today. I grew up on the swings at Lucinda Garcia Park, the trails at Canyon Park, kicking the soccer ball around at Santa Anita YMCA, and biking up Sawpit wash. I had fantastic teachers at Monroe, Santa Fe, and Monrovia High School that encouraged me and opened up my mind to new experiences and new ideas. I had the opportunity to be creative by playing music in the bands and to learn teamwork on the soccer field and the tennis court at MHS. I love spending time in parks, open spaces and promoting the multitude of benefits they provide.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Rebecca, and I were married in 2017, and we are so grateful that a pup named Finn joined the family in 2020 to add some joy to a tough year. My dad was also born and raised here in Monrovia, and my parents still live in town.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve had the honor to work in the private, non-profit, and government sectors. I am a dreamer, planner, and implementer, and I love to work on projects to improve communities. I am currently working to Restore and Revitalize the Los Angeles River at the City of Los Angeles. I’ve spent time working to restore our San Gabriel Mountains forests and trails, improve the quality and amount of local water we have, promote sustainability, and run a small business. I love to create positive change and also make sure our youth have exposure to new opportunities and careers. One of my greatest joys was creating the Youth Nature Ambassadors’ program in the Angeles Forest while at the National Forest Foundation.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There are so many great restaurants in Monrovia and I love the diversity. But since it is getting cold out, Thai Divine Bistro and MoonCat Ramen help warm my soul along with Rudy’s, La Noria, the Diplomat, Peach Cafe, and Sena.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I grew up in Monrovia and went to Monroe, Santa Fe, and graduated from Monrovia High School. My first job was at the Baskin Robbins on Myrtle. After college and graduate school, I spent time in Pasadena, Koreatown, and Venice, before moving back to Monrovia in 2011 because it is such a special place. I volunteer as a member of the Monrovia Community Services Commission, a recent MAP leader, and I’m honored to be the President of the Monrovia Parks, Wilderness and Recreation Foundation.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There are so many interesting and great people and stories in Monrovia, I can’t name them all. But the stories and memories that Steve Baker shares are always a fantastic treat.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
On a sailboat along the coast of California. I don’t know how to sail yet, but I’ve always loved being on the water, and being on a boat in the Ocean is extremely peaceful.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
It’s a Wonderful Life. Two current TV shows would be Ted Lasso and Only Murders in the Building.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The golden rule; treat others as you would like to be treated. Live with the next generation in mind.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Fly a plane.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Beatles. They have so many options to choose from depending on your mood.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
When I was in middle school and high school, I would go to Spires with either my grandmother or grandfather and parents almost every week and loved spending that time with them catching up on our lives. LeRoy’s for breakfast always makes me love the small-town atmosphere of Monrovia.
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?
John Legend. He has such intellect, talent, and the ability to use his voice and words for good. I would love to hear his perspectives on life, purpose, and community. I played tenor sax in the MHS jazz band and it would be a dream to play with someone of such talent, but I would settle for lunch and not put Mr. Legend through any embarrassing squeaks from me. Lunch would be in Library Park with the hope that he would play and sing a song or two for all to enjoy!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Besides the people, it has to be the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve and Canyon Park. Our community is so fortunate to have protected these lands and have access to this resource!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Working to make people’s lives better.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
In high school, I spent some time tricking out a run-down Volkswagen Scirocco with dropped springs, cross-drilled rotors, and even racing seats and harnesses. I had to find some way to burn through the small amount I made at Baskin Robbins.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Iceland. The contrasts in the colors and textures of the landscapes are so striking.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
April, when spring has sprung. Thanksgiving, a time to share food and companionship with family and friends and celebrate gratitude. St. Patrick’s Day, the day I met my wife Rebecca.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Monrovia Peak and the San Gabriel Mountains with a dusting of snow!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My grandparents, for giving so much back to society. My dad’s mom was a teacher and principal in Monrovia and my mom’s parents were Missionaries that ran a Hospital and School for Leprosy patients in rural India. Their dedication to service inspires me to leave this place better than I found it.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
California Coastal Sage Scrub and California Bay. Just rubbing the leaves of either of them transports me back to my youth in the Mountains above Monrovia.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Mon-ro-via
