Dreaming Big | Working Hard

Assemblymember David Alvarez
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Dreaming Big | Working Hard with David Alvarez is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.

Episodes

  1. When Faith Meets Fear: Father Scott on Immigration, Trauma, and Hope

    12/24/2025

    When Faith Meets Fear: Father Scott on Immigration, Trauma, and Hope

    As the holiday season invites reflection, family, and hope, this special episode of Dreaming Big, Working Hard asks a deeper question: what does faith really look like when times are hard? David Alvarez sits down with Father Scott Santarosa, SJ, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Barrio Logan, for a powerful conversation about faith, immigration, and human dignity at the border. While many celebrate the holidays with loved ones, countless immigrant families are living in fear and uncertainty—feeling hunted, unseen, and unsafe. Together, they reflect on the story of the Holy Family—a young couple forced to flee to protect their child—and how that story feels strikingly present today. Father Scott shares how the church has become a place of refuge, community, and action, and why faith during the holidays isn’t just about tradition or celebration, but about showing up for one another. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, observing the season quietly, or simply searching for meaning at the end of the year, this conversation offers a reminder that faith is not just something we believe—it’s something we live, especially when it matters most. 📌 Topics include: Immigration fear and trauma during the holidays The Holy Family and modern-day migration Jesuit spirituality, discernment, and hope Faith in action vs. faith as words Finding light and dignity in dark times ✨ If this conversation brings you hope this season, share it with someone who may need it. Some notable moments from this episode: 00:00 – Immigrants living in fear: “We feel hunted” 02:00 – Faith as something you live, not just believe 03:30 – Father Scott’s journey to the priesthood 06:00 – Discernment, calling, and Jesuit spirituality 09:20 – Spiritual Exercises & finding peace in decisions 15:00 – Fear, trauma, and dignity in immigrant communities 18:00 – Church as refuge and “vacation from fear” 21:00 – Finding God in all things (Ignatian spirituality) 27:00 – Saints, struggle, and human imperfection 33:00 – Immigration trauma and generational fear 35:30 – Vigil at the federal building & hope in action 40:00 – What it means to be a Jesuit parish at the border 45:00 – Dignity, dehumanization, and resistance 48:00 – Walking with people in suffering 51:00 – What “faith in action” really means 54:30 – Advent, hope, and surviving January 59:00 – Final reflections: Faith is something you do   #FaithInAction #ImmigrationJustice #JesuitSpirituality #HopeInHardTimes #HumanDignity #BorderStories #SocialJustice #CatholicVoices #FaithAndPolitics #DreamingBigWorkingHard #AdventReflection #CommunityOverFear #SanctuaryChurch #ImmigrantStories See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 1m
  2. How the San Diego Food Bank Saved Families During the Government Shutdown

    12/10/2025

    How the San Diego Food Bank Saved Families During the Government Shutdown

    In this powerful episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, Assemblymember David Alvarez sits down with Casey Castillo, CEO of the San Diego Food Bank, to expose the real face of hunger in San Diego — a crisis affecting 848,000 people, including teachers, seniors, nurses, military families, and children. Casey reveals what hunger actually looks like today, why 1 in 4 San Diegans can’t reliably afford food, and how the Food Bank stepped up when 400,000 SNAP recipients and 150,000 federal/military workers were left without support during the 43-day federal shutdown — the longest in U.S. history. You’ll hear stories from the front lines, including the emotional $1 donation from a woman who had been helped by the Food Bank before, reminding us why every dollar matters.  We also dive into: The rising cost of living, food inflation & credit card debt crushing families How seniors are among the hardest hit and why demand for support is skyrocketing How 450+ nonprofit partners help distribute 53 million pounds of food a year Volunteer opportunities, food drives, and the Food Bank’s 45th annual holiday campaign What California can do at the policy level to close the food insecurity gap   If you want to support, volunteer, donate, or find food resources, visit SanDiegoFoodBank.org.   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – The $1 donation that changed everything  00:28 – 848,000 San Diegans facing hunger: who they really are  01:21 – Casey’s background & why he joined the Food Bank  04:34 – Why collaboration is the only way to solve hunger  05:53 – Serving 1 in 4 people in San Diego: the scale of the crisis  07:24 – Partnerships with 450+ nonprofits across the county  08:41 – How 11,000 turkeys were distributed this year  10:19 – Why hunger is getting worse despite the COVID rebound  12:07 – The shutdown: 400,000 SNAP recipients lose benefits  15:34 – Why recovery isn’t instant after the government reopens  23:22 – Seniors: the forgotten population hit hardest by hunger  31:57 – How volunteers power the Food Bank (107,000 hours!)  35:26 – The 45th annual Holiday Food Drive & how to help  38:20 – Final message: Hunger is solvable — if we choose to solve it   HASHTAGS: #DreamingBigWorkingHard #SanDiegoFoodBank #FoodInsecurity #HungerCrisis #DreamingBigWorkingHard #DavidAlvarez #CaseyCastillo #EndHunger #CaliforniaNonprofits #SANDiegoCommunity #FoodBank #GiveBack #VolunteerSD #HolidayFoodDrive #Podcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min
  3. Breaking Barriers: First-Generation Students Share Their Path to Success and Interview with Southwestern College President Dr. Mark Sanchez

    10/23/2025

    Breaking Barriers: First-Generation Students Share Their Path to Success and Interview with Southwestern College President Dr. Mark Sanchez

    In this episode of Dreaming Big, Working Hard, host David Alvarez sits down with three incredible first-generation college students from Southwestern College in San Diego. Hear their real stories of resilience, hope, and community as they navigate higher education — from immigrant beginnings and foster care to transferring to top universities like UC San Diego and San Francisco State. Discover how mentorship, community college programs like EOPS, Guardian Scholars, and First Year Experience (FYE) helped them overcome fear, financial hardship, and self-doubt to achieve success. David also sits down with Southwestern College President Dr. Mark Sanchez to explore how rising housing costs are pushing U.S. students to seek opportunities in Mexico. Learn about innovative binational education programs, affordable tuition options, and how Southwestern College is breaking down barriers for students on both sides of the border. Subscribe for more conversations about education, opportunity, and what it really means to dream big and work hard. Here some notable moments from the show: 00:00 – 00:00:27 | Opening Reflection — Overcoming the Odds 00:00:38 – 00:01:04 | Host Introduction — Welcome to “Dreaming Big, Working Hard” 00:01:04 – 00:02:05 | Why First-Gen Stories Still Matter 00:02:05 – 00:02:24 | Meet the Guests 00:02:24 – 00:05:15 | Jose’s Journey — From Tijuana to UC San Diego 00:05:15 – 00:06:23 | Building a Supportive College Community 00:06:23 – 00:07:04 | Mentorship and Guidance — Finding the Right Path 00:07:04 – 00:08:44 | Oscar’s Story — Balancing Online Learning and Double Majors 00:08:44 – 00:09:06 | Introducing Hosea — The Foster Youth Perspective 00:09:06 – 00:10:33 | Finding Purpose Through Adversity 00:10:33 – 00:11:11 | The Power of Mentorship and Pivotal Moments 00:11:11 – 00:17:18 | The “Click” Moment — Deciding to Go to College 00:17:18 – 00:20:29 | Oscar’s Turning Point — Inspired by Teachers and Parents 00:20:29 – 00:22:02 | Diana’s Motivation — From Fear to Ambition 00:22:02 – 00:24:07 | Challenges of Today’s Students 00:24:07 – 00:27:06 | Support Systems That Make a Difference 00:27:06 – 00:30:27 | Giving Back Through Mentorship 00:30:27 – 00:36:59 | Hosea’s Story — Finding Faith and Opportunity 00:36:59 – 00:38:58 | Investing in Students — Why Programs Matter 00:38:58 – 00:39:56 | Final Thoughts — Hope, Gratitude, and Paying It Forward 00:39:56 – 00:40:04 | Break Time 00:52:49 – 00:53:27 | Closing Message from David Alvarez 00:53:27 – 00:53:55 | Outro & Credits 39:15 – Outro & Call to Action: Dream Big, Work Hard   HASHTAGS: #FirstGen #CommunityCollege #EducationInspiration #DreamBigWorkHard #DavidAlvarez #SouthwesternCollege #HigherEducation #SanDiego #Tijuana #BorderEducation #SouthwesternCollege #CommunityCollege #BilingualEducation #CaliforniaEducation #BorderCommunity #AD80 #SanDiegoEducation #ChulaVista #NationalCity #BarrioLogan #DreamingBigWorkingHard #TeamAlvarez #CrossBorderEducation #MexicoEducation #GlobalEducation #BiNationalRegion   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    54 min
  4. How Laughter Saved Chicano Culture | 30 Years of Empowerment Through Art & Comedy

    10/14/2025

    How Laughter Saved Chicano Culture | 30 Years of Empowerment Through Art & Comedy

    For over three decades, Macedonio Arteaga has been using laughter as a weapon of empowerment. In this inspiring episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard , he shares how Chicano comedy, art, and storytelling became powerful tools to preserve culture, uplift youth, and spark social change. From humble beginnings to creating a movement, Macedonio opens up about the challenges, victories, and unforgettable moments that defined his mission to keep the Chicano spirit alive through humor and creativity. Expect real stories. Deep laughs. And a heartfelt reminder that our culture’s power lies in its ability to adapt, resist, and rise. Here are some notable moments from this episode: 00:00 – Introduction: The Power of Laughter and Culture 02:15 – Who is Macedonio Arteaga? His Journey into Art & Comedy 06:40 – The Birth of Chicano Comedy and Cultural Storytelling 11:25 – Using Humor as a Tool for Empowerment 16:10 – Building a Movement: 30 Years of Community Impact 21:45 – Challenges of Keeping Chicano Culture Alive 27:30 – From Pain to Laughter: Healing Through Art 33:15 – The Role of Youth in Preserving Our Legacy 38:20 – How Representation Shapes the Next Generation 43:00 – Macedonio’s Advice to Young Creators and Activists 47:50 – Legacy, Love, and the Future of Chicano Art 51:30 – Closing Reflections & Thank You #MacedonioArteaga #ChicanoCulture #LatinoStories #ChicanoComedy #LatinoEmpowerment #CulturalLegacy #RepresentationMatters #ArtAndActivism #LatinxPodcast #ComedyAndCulture See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min
  5. Education, Legacy & Opportunity: Conversations with Fresno & Chico State Leaders

    10/02/2025

    Education, Legacy & Opportunity: Conversations with Fresno & Chico State Leaders

    In this inspiring two-part conversation, Assemblymember David Alvarez sits down with Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and Chico State President Steve Perez to explore the power of public higher education in California. From stories of immigrant families and farmworker roots to building world-class universities, they reflect on leadership, legacy, and the role of education in shaping opportunity. The discussion also dives into the importance of U.S.–Mexico academic partnerships, the Central Valley’s agricultural impact, wildfire resilience, and preparing the next generation of leaders. Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply someone who cares about the future of California, this episode is full of lessons on service, perseverance, and community. Some notable moments from this episode:  00:00:00 - Family Roots, Farm Life, and First-Gen Stories 00:03:01 - From Student to Fresno State President: A Homegrown Journey 00:06:30 - Leadership, Legacy, and the Call to Serve 00:09:13 - Agriculture as California’s Backbone and National Security 00:11:19 - Fresno State’s Cross-Border Vision: Education, Culture, and Community 00:14:21 - Partnerships in Agriculture, Health, and Cheesemaking 00:15:17 - Chico State President’s Path: From UC Davis to CSU Leadership 00:18:20 - Chico’s Unique Role: Rural Education, Agriculture, and Community 00:21:02 - Building Lasting Partnerships: Student Exchanges and Faculty Collaboration 00:24:07 - Innovation at Chico State: Workforce, Research, and Hidden Strengths See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min
  6. Breaking Barriers: U.S.–Mexico Education & Opportunity

    09/18/2025

    Breaking Barriers: U.S.–Mexico Education & Opportunity

    In this episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, host David Alvarez, sits down with former California Speaker Emeritus John A. Pérez and U.S. Consul General in Tijuana Christopher Teal to explore the powerful intersection of education, diplomacy, and economic opportunity between California and Mexico. From dual-degree programs to binational workforce development, this conversation highlights how cross-border collaboration is reshaping the future of higher education. Together, they discuss the importance of supporting first-generation students, expanding access to affordable education, and creating innovative pathways that prepare young people for a global economy. With stories of resilience, policy insights, and a shared vision for the future, this episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about education, opportunity, and building stronger U.S.–Mexico ties. Some notable moments from this episode:  00:23 – Welcoming Speaker Pérez to the Conversation 01:29 – A New Model: Dual Enrollment and Binational Education 02:55 – Beyond Bridges: Building True Integration Across Borders 05:14 – California’s Higher Education as a Path to Mobility 06:29 – From Study Abroad to Dual Degrees 08:23 – First-Generation Students and Access to Opportunity 11:23 – Geographic Inequality in Higher Education 13:38 – Merced’s Surprising PhD Pipeline 15:47 – The Middle Class Scholarship and Affordability 18:06 – Signing MOUs and Building Momentum for the Future See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  7. The Housing Crisis Explained: 3 Keys to Affordability, Stability & Supply — A conversation with Shane Phillips

    08/19/2025

    The Housing Crisis Explained: 3 Keys to Affordability, Stability & Supply — A conversation with Shane Phillips

    California’s housing crisis impacts everyone, from skyrocketing rents and long commutes to rising homelessness. In this episode, Assemblymember David Alvarez sits down with Shane Phillips, housing policy expert and author of The Affordable City, to break down the “Three S’s” every community needs for real solutions: supply, stability, and subsidy. They discuss why building more homes isn’t enough, the importance of protecting existing residents, and how targeted subsidies can bridge the gap. Drawing on personal experiences and real-world policy challenges, David and Shane explore what it will take to make housing affordable and sustainable for future generations. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com for more episodes and shows Key moments from this episode:00:00:00 - Welcome and why housing matters00:01:21 - Shane Phillips’ journey into housing policy00:03:22 - Personal housing experiences00:07:11 - What communities are saying00:11:27 - The Three S’s explained00:15:55 - Balancing supply, stability, and subsidy00:19:26 - Zoning, equity, and displacement00:21:13 - The “community character” debate00:31:26 - State vs. local action00:38:34 - Final thoughts and takeaways See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  8. Power, Protest & Preserving Our Culture a conversation with Josie Talamantez

    07/15/2025

    Power, Protest & Preserving Our Culture a conversation with Josie Talamantez

    Josie Talamantez, lifelong activist and founding member of the Chicano Park Steering Committee, joins Assemblymember David Alvarez to share the story of how Barrio Logan residents stopped bulldozers and reclaimed land for the community. From forming human chains in 1970 to protect Chicano Park, to creating the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, Josie reflects on five decades of activism, preserving cultural heritage, and why murals are more than art — they’re living history.This is a conversation about resilience, art, and what it takes to turn a neighborhood’s fight into a national landmark. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com for more episodes and showsChapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction: Dreaming Big, Working Hard 00:00:48 - Meet Josie Talamantez: Daughter of Logan Heights 00:02:33 - Growing Up Around Community Organizers 00:07:52 - Chicano Park Takeover: The Day It All Started 00:13:16 - Building the Chicano Park Steering Committee 00:16:19 - Lessons on Long-Distance Activism 00:23:26 - Preserving Murals and Working with Government 00:29:01 - The Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center 00:35:40 - Advice for the Next Generation of Activists 00:37:38 - Looking Ahead: Celebrations and New Exhibits   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
  9. We See People on Their Worst Day: A Conversation with Ulizes Sanchez

    06/18/2025

    We See People on Their Worst Day: A Conversation with Ulizes Sanchez

    In this episode, Assemblymember David Alvarez interviews Ulizes Sanchez, a firefighter at San Diego’s Station 12 and Vice President of Bomberos de San Diego. Ulizes shares his inspiring journey from Barrio Logan to public service, reflecting on representation in the fire department, the power of mentorship, and how his nonprofit is building safer, stronger communities through outreach, scholarships, and CPR training. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com Key moments from this episode:   00:00:00 - Firefighter Dreams in Barrio Logan 00:03:37 - Getting the Cadet Call at 17 00:06:08 - The Birth of Bomberos de San Diego 00:09:28 - Representation and Role Models 00:11:22 - Giving Back: Holiday Meals & Toys 00:13:26 - Investing in Youth Through Scholarships 00:16:56 - Free CPR & Emergency Training for All 00:19:43 - How Communities Can Be Prepared 00:24:08 - Public Service as a Way of Life 00:27:34 - Advice for the Next Generation   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min
  10. Education Is Opportunity: A Conversation with Xochitl Alvarez

    05/20/2025

    Education Is Opportunity: A Conversation with Xochitl Alvarez

    In the premiere episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard, California Assemblymember David Alvarez explores the transformative power of education—through policy, personal experience, and community leadership. Joined by his first guest and wife, Xochitl Alvarez, Director of Graduate Support at Nativity Prep Academy, the two reflect on their own journeys as first-generation college students and the shared mission to expand educational opportunities for all. This episode dives into the role of early college and career conversations, the challenges and cultural barriers first-gen students face, the impact of social media and technology in the classroom, and the innovative policies California is pursuing to meet the needs of a changing workforce—including the bold vision of a new university in Chula Vista. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com Key moments from this episode:  00:00 – David’s personal connection to education02:05 – Xochitl Alvarez explains the 11-year support model04:35 – Importance of early career exposure for middle schoolers08:04 – Lifelong learning and competency-based education10:22 – Cell phones, social media, and student well-being17:40 – Cultural barriers to going away for college21:09 – Success through structured academic planning28:01 – Investing in career conversations at younger ages30:47 – Expanding bachelor’s degrees at community colleges39:44 – Why nursing was chosen for Chula Vista university See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    53 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Dreaming Big | Working Hard with David Alvarez is a podcast about people, policy, and the power of opportunity. Hosted by California Assemblymember David Alvarez, each episode dives into the issues shaping our communities, from housing and education to economic and environmental justice. Through candid conversations with policymakers, community leaders, and everyday changemakers, David explores how dreaming big and working hard can create real, lasting progress.

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