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Send us Fan Mail Eric "Manny" Padilla is a film and television location manager born in Monterey Park, California, and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. Growing up in an apartment above a laundromat on New Avenue, he attended local schools including Emerson Elementary, Garvey Intermediate, and Mark Keppel High School. After moving to Burbank to pursue work in the entertainment industry, he built a career on major film and television productions, including the first four Transformers movies and live broadcast logistics for the Super Bowl pregame show at Alcatraz. In this episode, Manny discusses his upbringing in the San Gabriel Valley, navigating personal choices during his youth, and the importance of community and family. He shares how meeting a location manager while working at a North Hollywood Home Depot led to industry mentorship, and explains the logistics behind finding locations, securing permits, and managing major movie sets. He also reflects on executing live television broadcasts and reveals his top local San Gabriel Valley dining spots. This episode offers San Gabriel Valley viewers an authentic story rooted in local community experiences, while giving aspiring filmmakers and movie fans practical insights into location management, industry mentorship, and building a career in Hollywood. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the MySGV Podcast and share this video with friends and family! _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Keith L. Marshall, PsyD, M.H.D., is the Founder, CEO, and Clinical Supervisor of Dedicato Treatment Center, a California Department of Health Care Services–certified substance use disorder treatment program specializing in co-occurring mental health conditions. Under his leadership, Dedicato earned The Joint Commission’s highest level of accreditation, placing it among approximately twenty-three percent of treatment centers nationwide recognized for excellence. Dr. Marshall earned a Specialist Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies from Glendale College, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human development from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and a Certificate in Corporate Board Governance from the Wharton School’s Aresty Institute of Executive Education. After overcoming more than twenty-three years of crack cocaine addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and trauma, he became a two-time International Impact Book Award-winning author and recipient of the 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service. In this episode, Dr. Marshall details his integrated recovery philosophy that lasting transformation requires aligning psychological healing, disciplined physical wellness, and spiritual accountability to address the mind, body, and spirit. He shares insights from his academic research on adolescent substance use disorders and human developmental risk factors, alongside his clinical credentials in addiction counseling, anger management, and clinical supervision. The conversation covers how clinical practice, education, and personal accountability combine to treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This episode offers San Gabriel Valley viewers direct clinical insight into behavioral health and treatment services headquartered in Pasadena, California. Readers of Dr. Marshall’s books, including From Dumpster to Doctor and Factors of Transformation, as well as individuals searching for whole-person recovery strategies will find practical perspectives on trauma-informed care, resilience, and sustainable change. Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast and share this video to help bring vital conversations around mental health, recovery, and personal transformation to our community. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Albert Wan is a San Gabriel Valley native, raised in Arcadia, and a second-generation business owner leading his family’s enterprise software company. After studying at UC Berkeley and working as a software engineer at Apple Inc., where he contributed to software projects including Chinese keyboards and CarPlay, he returned home in 2018. Today, he focuses on modernizing his family's business, which has provided business and warehousing software technologies to customers across the San Gabriel Valley and beyond for over three decades. In this episode, Albert shares his journey from attending local schools in Arcadia and participating in marching band and Scouting to earning an engineering role at Apple. He discusses his experience inside a major technology organization, earning an MBA at UCLA Anderson, and deciding to leave Silicon Valley to preserve his family’s business legacy. Albert also details the practical steps involved in updating legacy Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and warehousing software, transitioning to cloud-based systems, and maintaining trust with long-time clients. This conversation offers real-world insights for San Gabriel Valley viewers interested in local business growth, tech professionals exploring career transitions, and second-generation entrepreneurs managing corporate succession. Viewers searching for topics around software modernization, family business leadership, and digital transformation will find clear perspectives rooted in steady progress and long-term strategy. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share this video with others to support local stories on the MySGV Podcast. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Sandy Velasco is an LA-based artist born in the Philippines who earned a degree in Mathematics from UCLA and worked as an accountant before entering the entertainment industry. She has called the San Gabriel Valley home for over 15 years and has performed standup comedy on stage and film across California, Las Vegas, and internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. In addition to her work with Los Angeles theatre companies, including East West Players, Coeurage Theatre Company, Artists At Play, Playwrights' Arena, and Company of Angels, she curates and produces clean comedy shows across the SGV, including MIXED NUTS LIVE! in San Gabriel, CHEERS COMEDY HOUR in Arcadia, and BLEEP COMEDY SHOW at the Ice House in Pasadena. In this episode of the MySGV Podcast, Sandy shares her story of moving to the United States at age 13 and navigating the foster care system in Long Beach alongside her brothers. She discusses becoming a legal guardian for her younger brother after college, relying on her faith during difficult times, and balancing a mathematics and accounting background with her creative pursuits. She also discusses her entry into standup comedy, her work producing accessible clean comedy events for SGV families, and her favorite dining spots throughout the San Gabriel Valley. This episode provides San Gabriel Valley residents with a local perspective on community event production and the growing standup comedy scene in their neighborhood. For fans and followers of Sandy Velasco, the conversation offers a deeper look at how her life as an Asian American immigrant, former foster youth, mother, and comedian informs her clean storytelling on stage. Viewers searching for content about navigating foster care, shifting careers from mathematics to performance, and producing live shows will find practical insights and personal reflection. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the channel and share it with your friends and family! _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Willington Liu is an actor featured in the Creation of the Gods trilogy (封神三部曲) and the founder of Creation Talent Academy (CTA), a performing arts institute based in Arcadia, California. Raised in the San Gabriel Valley, he built a background in competitive Latin dance before earning his BFA in acting from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). Through CTA, he offers youth instruction across acting, singing, dance, and martial arts to help students develop artistic confidence and industry readiness. In this episode, Willington shares his path from growing up in the San Gabriel Valley to landing a role in Creation of the Gods during high school. He discusses his experience in the film's year-long training boot camp in China, including equestrian training, historical martial arts, and stage combat, alongside his transition through CalArts. He also outlines the mission behind Creation Talent Academy, explaining how the school supports student auditions, soft skills development, special needs programs, and long-term creative development. For San Gabriel Valley viewers and Arcadia residents, this episode offers an inside look at a local creator bringing international film experience back to the local community. Aspiring performers, parents, and arts supporters will gain practical perspectives on audition preparation, youth mentorship, and balancing passion with academic goals. Anyone searching online for insights into Creation of the Gods, acting programs at CalArts, or performing arts education in SoCal will find actionable takeaways throughout the conversation. Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay connected with the artists, educators, and leaders shaping the region. If you found value in this discussion on film production and performing arts training, please share this episode with an aspiring artist, parent, or educator. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Arturo Barrios is a San Gabriel Valley musician born in Monterey Park and raised between Monterey Park and Rosemead. After discovering grunge and punk rock in junior high, he formed a band with classmates at Rosemead High School that became Audio Karate, performing at backyard shows and local venues in El Monte and Baldwin Park. In 2001, Audio Karate signed with Kung Fu Records, releasing two full-length albums, touring internationally, and performing on Warped Tour and Warped Tour Japan. Arturo joined Sweet and Tender Hooligans in 2015, reunited Audio Karate in 2017, became the lead singer of Fenix TX in 2026, and works as a quality assurance and staff onboarding supervisor for Orange County Social Services. In this episode, Arturo discusses his origins in the San Gabriel Valley DIY punk scene and the journey of Audio Karate from local venue shows to international tours. The discussion touches on his work scoring an independent film, placing original music in film and television, and preparing a solo record under the name Small Graffiti. He also reflects on stepping into his role as lead singer for Fenix TX and how he manages his musical career alongside his supervisor role at Orange County Social Services. For San Gabriel Valley viewers, this episode offers a look at the local music scene and DIY history that shaped neighborhoods in Rosemead, El Monte, and Baldwin Park. Followers of Audio Karate, Sweet and Tender Hooligans, and Fenix TX will gain insight into his decades-long career across independent record labels, international tours, and ongoing songwriting projects. Viewers searching for topics on film scoring, independent music production, or balancing a career in public social services with creative arts will find a practical example of artistic longevity. Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay connected with the artists, musicians, and community figures shaping the region. If you found this conversation on local music history and creative endurance inspiring, please share this episode with a friend or fellow punk rock fan. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Melanie Sauer serves as the Executive Director of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center in Pasadena, California, assuming the position in October 2024 after serving as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer since 2021. Her career in financial and operational leadership spans the nonprofit, cultural, and higher education sectors, including senior management roles at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Pacific Oaks College & Children's School, and Southern California Public Media (LAist/89.3 KPCC). A resident of Sierra Madre, she holds degrees from Whitworth University, Azusa Pacific University, and the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University, and actively serves on the boards of the Child Educational Center and Alma Fuerte Public School. In this episode, Melanie discusses leading the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center and advancing its mission to promote water safety, wellness, competition, and community engagement. The conversation covers her transition from Chief Financial Officer to Executive Director, strategic organizational direction, non-profit financial management, and long-term capital planning. She also shares insights into building sustainable community partnerships, fostering civic engagement across Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, and overseeing aquatics programming for individuals and families across the region. For viewers in Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and the broader San Gabriel Valley, this episode offers an insider look at the leadership and community operations of a premier regional aquatics facility. Aquatic sports enthusiasts, non-profit professionals, and local families will value her practical breakdown of mission-driven leadership, capital planning, and public health initiatives. Individuals searching online for non-profit management strategies, water safety programs, or community health leadership will find a clear, real-world example of institutional stewardship. Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay updated on the leaders, institutions, and community initiatives shaping the San Gabriel Valley. If you found this discussion on non-profit leadership and community aquatics informative, please take a moment to share this episode with a friend or neighbor. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Joshua Lin represents Titanium Robotics (FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1160), a student-led high school robotics program based at San Marino High School in San Marino, California. Now entering its 23rd year as a team, Titanium Robotics designs, builds, and programs competitive robots to participate in international challenges organized by the FIRST® Robotics Competition. Dedicated to fostering engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the organization combines hands-on engineering experience with regional educational outreach and community engagement initiatives. In this episode, Joshua discusses the operational structure, team dynamics, and engineering workflows that drive Titanium Robotics. The conversation explores how students collaborate to design and program competition-ready robots within strict time limits, prepare for FIRST® Robotics Competition events, and lead local STEM educational programs. Key topics include the impact of high school engineering opportunities, the technical problem-solving skills developed through team competition, and the group's efforts to use robotics as a platform for positive community outreach. For San Gabriel Valley viewers, this episode provides a look into a long-running student engineering program based in San Marino. Supporters of Titanium Robotics and the broader FIRST® Robotics community will value the discussion on student leadership, technical development, and competition preparation. Anyone searching online for high school STEM education, youth robotics programs, or engineering pathways will find a clear example of how local students apply technical training to solve real-world problems. Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay updated on the local programs, leaders, and student innovators across the region. If you found this look into youth robotics and STEM education valuable, please share this episode with a student, educator, or neighbor. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Vincent Chan is the founder of Fujiwara Tofu Cafe, a Japanese-themed cafe and community hub located in El Monte, California. Inspired by the iconic anime series Initial D and Japanese automotive culture, he launched the business as a passion project at local night markets in 2018 before establishing a physical storefront. The cafe specializes in house-made tofu pudding, soy milk drinks, and snacks while operating as a gathering place for car enthusiasts and anime fans. In this episode, Vincent discusses the growth of Fujiwara Tofu Cafe from pop-up food market events to a storefront location. The conversation covers how he combined JDM car culture, Initial D themes, and specialized soy-based drinks into a distinct business concept. He also shares insights into organizing car meets, offering exclusive merchandise, and hosting events that bring together local automobile hobbyists and subculture fans. For San Gabriel Valley viewers, this conversation highlights a unique local business that established an international pop-culture destination in El Monte. Vincent’s audience and automotive enthusiasts will value the behind-the-scenes look at how a passion project developed into a recognized regional car-culture hub. Anyone searching for content on Initial D fandom, niche business development, or local food concepts will find a clear example of combining community hobbies with small-business operations. Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to catch every interview with the creators, business owners, and community leaders across the region. If you enjoyed this discussion on car culture and local entrepreneurship, please share this episode with a friend or fellow enthusiast. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Samuel Lopez is a first-generation Mexican American entrepreneur who was raised in Baldwin Park as part of a family of nine. He currently works for Los Angeles County and is the founder of Ninety-One Good Old Days Clothing, an independent apparel brand centered on resilience, discipline, and self-belief. Grounded in the work ethic and core values taught by his parents, he established his career and business while overcoming the socioeconomic obstacles of his environment. This episode explores Samuel’s personal journey navigating the pressures of his youth in Baldwin Park and choosing a path defined by hard work and self-accountability. The conversation details how he balances his public sector career with LA County while managing the creative and operational demands of running his clothing brand. Key topics include maintaining daily discipline, developing a positive mindset, honoring family legacy, and motivating others from similar backgrounds to overcome surrounding statistics. For San Gabriel Valley viewers, this conversation provides a firsthand look at a Baldwin Park native using his experiences to build a positive community brand. Samuel’s audience will gain clear insight into the core values, family motivation, and personal hustle that drive his apparel line. Furthermore, viewers searching for real-world perspectives on personal growth, local entrepreneurship, and overcoming environmental adversity will find practical examples of accountability and determination. Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay updated on the stories, leaders, and entrepreneurs across the San Gabriel Valley. If you found value in this discussion on mindset, resilience, and personal discipline, please share this episode with a friend or colleague. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Ada Gates was born into New York high society, with a family history in America dating back to the 1700s. In 1978, she became the first woman licensed as a farrier to shoe thoroughbred racehorses in the United States and Canada, launching a career that took her far from her expected path in life. In this episode, Ada shares the story of how an unexpected trip West led to her groundbreaking career in the thoroughbred racing industry. She discusses her guest appearances on Late Night with David Letterman, What's My Line, To Tell the Truth, and The Today Show, as well as her role as farrier liaison for the 1984 Olympic Games and official horseshoe inspector for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. Ada also talks about her service on the California Thoroughbred Foundation Board of Directors, her 2008 Edward Martin Humanitarian Award from the American Farrier's Association, her induction into the American Farriers Hall of Fame, her work on the farrier committee for the World Equestrian Games, and her current role as farrier consultant for horse trainer Monty Roberts' Online University. This episode matters to SGV viewers and anyone interested in horse racing, equine care, or stories of women breaking into male-dominated professions. Ada's journey from an unconventional beginning to decades of recognized service in the thoroughbred industry offers a firsthand account of trailblazing in a field with few women, and her recent Trailblazer of the Year Award from Women at Work, Pasadena speaks to her continued impact today. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the MySGV Podcast and share it with someone who loves horses, racing, or stories about people who forged their own unexpected path. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Michelle Shimohara is a San Gabriel Valley native raised in Monterey Park and Montebello, who attended Macy Intermediate and Schurr High School before building a career in real estate that began in 2014. She previously appeared on the MySGV Podcast in a widely viewed episode about her Japanese American identity and upbringing, and returns in this follow-up conversation to share more stories from her life in the SGV. In this episode, Michelle talks about growing up in the "SJ" (Sansei/San Gabriel Valley Japanese American) social scene of the 1980s, including school rivalries between Schurr, Mark Keppel, and Alhambra High, and the car culture surrounding events like Nisei Week and the SALT gathering in Little Tokyo. She recounts reconnecting with a brother who had been given up for adoption years earlier, describes an unsettling experience living in a rental unit near Tai Hei restaurant in Monterey Park, and shares stories from her career in real estate, including how California law handles disclosure of deaths in a home and how buyers respond to that information. For SGV viewers, this episode offers a personal look at the Japanese American community's history in Monterey Park and Montebello, from youth sports and school culture to the car and music scenes that shaped the era. For Michelle's audience and those researching real estate topics, the conversation also touches on practical information about property disclosure laws and buyer decision-making in a competitive housing market. If you enjoyed hearing Michelle's stories, subscribe to the MySGV Podcast and share this episode with someone who grew up in the San Gabriel Valley. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Mike Tai was born in Boyle Heights and raised in San Gabriel as an only child to parents from Japan. Growing up, he participated in foundational Japanese American community activities, including attending Japanese school on Saturdays, playing basketball for a Japanese league, and playing baseball for a Monterey Park team. His interest in automotive culture began in his youth, sparked by the mini truck cruising scene of the late 1980s. During his senior year of high school, he acquired a Toyota Tacoma that he continues to own and maintain twenty-eight years later. This episode details Mike's deep involvement in the Southern California import car scene, focusing on his journey to joining the Bosozoku car club in 1997. The conversation covers how his experiences prospecting for the club as a young driver led to mentorship, a trade tech education, and a twenty-six-year career as a professional auto technician at a single dealership. He shares insights into the evolving landscape of local car shows, media industry collaborations, and the profound personal support network his club peers provided during his mother's battle with cancer in 2016. For viewers in the San Gabriel Valley, this episode offers a nostalgic look at regional youth subcultures, local athletic leagues, and the enduring automotive traditions of Monterey Park and San Gabriel. Mike's audience and automotive enthusiasts will find value in his long-term perspective on vehicle maintenance, dealership operations, and the history of Southern California car clubs. People searching for real-world stories about career longevity in the trade industries or the supportive, family-like bonds built within hobbyist communities will benefit from his direct, practical experiences. To stay connected with the unique personal stories and cultural histories shaping the San Gabriel Valley, subscribe to the MySGV Podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation about brotherhood, automotive passion, and lifelong dedication, please share this episode with a friend or a fellow car enthusiast. This clip from a California Bosozoku Meet shows the distinct aesthetic and community atmosphere of the specialized car culture that Mike joined and grew up with in Southern California. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Mel Tillekeratne is the co-founder and executive director of The Shower of Hope, a Los Angeles nonprofit formally known as End Homelessness California. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Mel moved to Los Angeles in 2003, and a chance wrong turn through Skid Row in 2011 set him on a path from volunteer to full-time advocate. He first founded Monday Night Mission, a grassroots effort that served up to 250 meals a night to people experiencing homelessness on Skid Row, before co-founding The Shower of Hope in 2017 to bring free mobile showers directly to unhoused communities across LA County. The organization is headquartered in Alhambra and operates across the San Gabriel Valley and beyond.  In this episode, Mel shares how a single mobile shower trailer grew into a fleet of eight units serving thousands of people each month, including sites in Pasadena, South El Monte, and South Pasadena. He explains why a shower is more than hygiene. It is a dignity-first entry point into case management and housing resources. He walks through the organization's safe parking program, Destination Hope, which gives people living in their vehicles a secure overnight space with meals and restroom access, and Hope Housing for Students, which provides furnished homes for homeless community college students ages 18 to 28 in cities including Monterey Park and Pasadena. Mel also talks candidly about the barriers unhoused people face in trusting service providers, the connection between dignity and housing stability, and what independent living really looks like for the young adults in their student housing program.  For SGV viewers, this episode hits close to home. Mel points out directly that compared to the City of LA, the San Gabriel Valley has far fewer resources for people experiencing homelessness, and The Shower of Hope is actively working to close that gap with programs rooted right here in our communities. Whether you have driven through Pasadena, seen someone sleeping in their car near Alhambra, or heard about the growing number of college students facing housing insecurity, Mel's work speaks to challenges that are local, urgent, and solvable. For anyone searching for information about homelessness resources, mobile showers, safe parking, or student housing programs in the San Gabriel Valley and greater LA area, this episode is essential listening.  If this episode moved you, please subscribe to the MySGV Podcast and share it with someone in your community. You can find shower schedules, safe parking locations, and student housing information at theshowerofhope.org.  _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Oliver Wang is a professor of sociology at California State University, Long Beach, who specializes in the study of popular culture. He is the author of Legions of Boom: Filipino American Mobile DJ Crews of the San Francisco Bay Area and Cruising J-Town: Japanese American Car Culture In Los Angeles. In 2025, he served as the project curator for the exhibition Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community, which was produced by the Japanese American National Museum and hosted at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena. Additionally, he has co-hosted the podcasts Pop Rocket and Heat Rocks, created the audioblog Soul-Sides.com, and works as a regular culture writer for National Public Radio's All Things Considered, the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Review of Books, and KCET's Artbound.  This episode covers Oliver's extensive research into ethnic subcultures and the social impact of music and car ownership. The conversation explores the history of Japanese American car scenes, detailing how vehicles evolved into literal and figurative tools for community self-expression, identity, and social mobility throughout greater Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. The discussion also touches upon his work documenting the Northern California mobile DJ movement, his decades of experience as a music journalist, and his current development of a new podcast project focused on the songs of Asian America.  For viewers in the San Gabriel Valley, this conversation highlights a regional history that directly touches local communities, including historic car scenes spanning out to Pasadena. Oliver's audience will appreciate the deeper context behind his curated exhibitions, books, and long-standing multimedia journalism projects. Furthermore, individuals searching for insights into ethnic studies, popular culture sociology, Southern California automotive subcultures, or music history will find clear, academic examples of how diverse communities shape and preserve their own distinct cultural narratives.  Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay connected with the cultural histories, thinkers, and innovators of our community. If you found this discussion on subcultures and community identity insightful, please share this episode with a friend or a fellow history enthusiast. _______________ Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG __________________ My SGV Podcast: Website: www.mysgv.net Newsletter: Beyond the Mic Patreon: MySGV Podcast [email protected]