All about the love.

Shima 0 comments 19.06.2016

Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s MCM title belongs to Moises E. Juarez, who is the lead singer of the South Bay’s beloved Reggae bands, Tomorrows Bad Seeds.

Moi, 29, grew up in the South Bay and was raised in Hermosa Beach. Since he was 14, he has been singing and writing music and began singing when he first started to speak!

Since 2003, Moi has been performing in shows with his band, Tomorrows Bad Seeds. They are a Reggae, Surf and Rock band, but he says that he’d consider the genre, “World music.”

Moi is the lead vocalist and says that the best part is getting to do what he loves so it doesn’t feel like work. He says as far as challenging, creating a meaningful message to portray is probably the most important aspect he tries not to forget when producing music.

Moi wants others to feel a sense of relief and relation to the message his songs portray. He wants others who may be considering following their passions, but are unsure that “If your heart and soul aren't 100% in it, maybe it's a better choice for that person to stick to a guaranteed salary check cause if you’re looking to get rich off of music, you’re in it for the wrong reasons. Just follow your heart, otherwise you'll never know, but just realize it's not easy. It's like anything else in life you have to work at it and good luck.”

He says there are no typical days in his field, but it's all work, work, work, studio, writing, touring. However, despite his heavy workload, he says the best part of his day is hanging and playing with his son, Kaden. “That's what I look forward to the most,” he says.

You can purchase music from Moi’s band directly from iTunes or at any of their live perfomances.

iTunes tomorrowsbadseeds.com

When he is not writing or creating music, he likes to surf, sing and work out. He says that it is a way of life to simply create anything through art .

Today, Moi  is residing in Torrance and loves it mostly because it is mellow. He says, “I love the South Bay cause my roots run 4 generations deep.”

Thank you, Moi, for bringing your passions and art to life for locals of the South Bay to enjoy and remaining humble.

 

“It's all about LOVE , ALL LOVE ALL WAYS. Thank you for your time and see you at the next show.”

-Moises E. Juarez

Not letting fear win.

Shima 0 comments 12.06.2016

Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s MCM title belongs to Steve Robles who jumped back into the ocean just six weeks after being attacked by a shark in hopes of teaching others not to let fear stop them from doing what they love.

Robles grew up in Redondo and Hermosa Beach and is currently residing in Lomita. At just six years old, he began to swim competitively after his older sister signed them up for a swimming team and continued until college.

Today, he likes to swim regularly in the morning with the masters group from 5:00am-6:30am. He goes to the pool about 3 days a week and for the past 3 years, on Saturday mornings, he swims with an open water group and swims from Hermosa pier to Manhattan pier

On July 5^th, 2014, Robles was attacked by a shark when he was with 14 of the swimmers from his open water group. 10 of the swimmers were ahead of him by 30 seconds and didn't know what had happened until they were nearing the end of the swim. Three of the other swimmers were behind him by about 5-15 seconds. They were the first ones to rescue him from the encounter.

Robles says, “I did see the shark from underneath me. It was about 12 feet underneath me and then surfaced right in front of me.” However, he quickly realized it was too close to him at that moment and it bit him.

He says the bite held on him for five seconds while he grabbed its nose to pry it off. “I did think that it was one of my last moments so I had no time to be terrified and just had to fight with everything I had in me,” he says.

He had deep lacerations on his right torso area and a deep cut into his right thumb which cut into his artery. The bleeding from the artery didn't stop until about 3 hours later and he lost sensation to his thumb for about a month. He says his torso area still itches like a mosquito bite when he touches the scars, even to this day.

Fortunately, Robles recovered from the bite and was back in the ocean within six weeks. He says, “I felt it was important to get back in right away to overcome the experience and to let others know not to give up something they love doing because of one freak event.”

Others can see the reckless actions of the fisherman who agitated the shark on video. There are over 2 million hits of the actual event on YouTube, and can be found by simply typing in "Manhattan Beach Shark Attack"

Since the incident, Robles has continued to swim and is going to publicly speak about the shark attack on the Catalina Channel swim as a spiritual testimony. He says, “I want to share with people how God is always present and ready to provide his hand of protection on all of us. We in turn need to give our lives to following him. Once I experienced this miracle, I began to clearly understand I am here for a higher purpose!”

Steve continues to swim because he says it is one of the only things that keeps his body from feeling the process of aging. “I am 52 and I can clearly see that I don't move around like I once did at age 30,” he says.

This week Steve will be on a new TV show called, "To Tell the Truth.”  It is a revised variety show from the 60's with a modern day twist and will air on ABC. There will be 3 celebrity panelist trying to determine who is the "real" shark attack survivor amongst 2 other impersonators. The sneak peek to the series begins Tuesday night at 8:00pm and his segment will air at 10:00 p.m.

You can also listen to his radio interview with the former mayor of Manhattan Beach on Monday June 13th from 1:00pm-2:00pm "Powell to the People" here. They will be discussing the multiple recent shark sightings along the coast and my encounter with the great white shark attack.

Despite the challenges Steve has faced, he is able to remain positive. Here Steve is in a costume he created for Halloween.

Thank you, Steve, for using your “freak event” as a way to bring positivity, change and hope to others.

*Photos have been given by Robles in addition to various downloaded from websites*

Igniting the flame.

Shima 0 comments 08.06.2016

Every Wednesday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s WCW title belongs to Christina Nakano, who’s love for children lead her to become a passionate preschool teacher in the South Bay.

Nakano, 29, was born and raised in the South Bay. Nakano says that she always knew she wanted to be a teacher. “There was no other option in my mind. When I was young, I would set up school in my backyard and teach whoever would listen,” she says.

However, when she was in the fifth grade, her teacher, Mr. Barker, really solidified her dream to teach. “He made learning interactive and fun. It was in his class, that I decided that I wanted to teach and make it as fun as possible,” she says.

Today, she is currently working for the Redondo Beach Unified School District as a Preschool Teacher at the Lincoln Child Development Center. Her room is comprised of 19 energetic, open-minded, hilarious 3 and 4 year olds.

She says that the best part of teaching children this age is witnessing their sense of awe on a daily basis.  “Each and every day they are being exposed to new ideas and discovering new things about the world around them,” she says.

The most challenging thing she has found is dealing with the expectations people have for young children and education today. She says that many of the children she teaches have never been in a school setting with unfamiliar adults and children around and on top of that Mom and Dad are at work.

She imagines that it is overwhelming to a child. She sees that parents and administration expect the children to get used to a school setting; learn their alphabet and how to function in society as a respectable human being.

“It’s bananas. As an adult, I would probably lose it. Yet, so much focus is on these standards that we have to meet and hopefully each child can keep up,” she says. What upsets her the most is that she believes it isn’t fair, so she tries to focus on letting her students be children first and foremost.

When Nakano is not juggling 19 energetic kids at school, she is juggling her own two children and being a wife. She says, “Oh man, being a full time teacher, a mother of two and a wife is CRAZY. It’s the hardest and most rewarding part of my life.”

However, because work is fun for her, she doesn’t consider it “work,” and says that makes all the difference. In addition to truly loving what she does, she feels very lucky in the fact that her daughter is able to attend the preschool she works at. Nakano says, “She is in another room, but we are able to spend time together during my work day that I might otherwise miss out on.”

Nakano pays it forward to the community by teaching her students about recycling, gardening and how to care for our Earth. Each year, her class collects recyclables and sort them.  They also have a preschool garden where they use it to teach the children about plants and healthy eating.

Throughout the year, she and her students go on neighborhood walks and pick up any trash they see.  She says, “If I can start healthy eating habits young and make sure the children care for their home and community, then I’ve planted a seed that will only flourish with time.”

When she is not working, she enjoys relaxing at home with her family or going to the beach. On top of being a full-time teacher, mother and wife, she also had managed to include studying on her very busy schedule and is currently finishing her BA through Vanguard University online.

She would like anyone who’s thinking of becoming a preschool teacher to know, “You MUST have patience. Each day is very different and I never fail to smile and laugh at work but when 16+ children want your attention at any given time you can easily get frustrated.”

Nakano loves the South Bay simply because, “We literally have it all.” She says, “We have amazing weather. I can wake up and head to the mountains if I want to, or to the beach or BOTH. We have great restaurants, great night life, amazing parks and the freeway is around every corner it seems like. We are very lucky to live in such a well-rounded community.”

Thank you, Mrs. Nakano, for being a positive light in our future generation’s life and teaching them to be more than just a great student in class, but a greater person outside. You are an asset to the South Bay community.

 “As long as a child has an interest in learning, they will learn. Burn them out and that flame

will have to work 5x as hard to be reignited.”

– Christina Nakano

Leaving no one behind.

Shima 0 comments 05.06.2016

Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s MCM title belongs to Reginald Jones who has committed any extra time outside of his busy academic schedule to help the elderly, homeless in Skid Row, and assist the mentally disabled.

 Reginald, 23, was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. Today he attends school in Carson, CA, working towards getting his BS Degree in Sociology.

Reginald is the youngest of five brothers and sisters, all raised by a single mother. He says, “Believe it or not, I was the BIG surprise child; my parents are older- mom, 63, and my father recently just passed this February at the age of 93.”

 Reginald say that his father instilled hard work in him and he thrives to be as great of a man as him. Thus, he works at a Senior Assisted Living Facility in Long Beach called, "Vista Del Mar Senior Living".

 He has worked there for the past three years and has grown with the company. He says he started off as the receptionist and is now the Activities Director. He truly feels blessed to have advanced in the company.

 In addition, he works at the Weingart Center in DTLA Skid Row. He says it is a true humbling experience and he enjoys working at the shelter every day. “I love working with the community and the shelter allows me to view another part of the community that is sometimes misunderstood,” he says.

 In addition to working at the senior assisted living and working with the shelter, he participates in many events with his facility such as Alzheimer’s walks, Hosting Community events at the facility, and also getting the residents out of the facility by going on various outings to keep them feeling in tuned with the community. He also works with Giant Steps Program for Mentally Disabled Adults. He says that at this position, he assists the clients in everyday duties such as shopping, cooking, educating them on safe ways to clean and operate cleaning materials, and etc. “Anything that sometimes come easy to a person without any mental disabilities, I assist to help build their confidence in which one day they can possibly do it alone,” he says.

Reginald always knew he wanted to have a career in which he could give back to the community and says it’s crazy how God will place certain things and obstacles in your path to help you find your Niche. Because he grew up with a senior citizen as his father, he assumes it was destined for him.

 He enjoys working with the elderly mostly because he gets to watch them smile at all the little things that happen in life because their wisdom has allowed them to take joy in small things. “It inspires to me to be more grateful for everything I have and to be proud that my elders went through the trenches to allow me to live in the society we are in today,” he says.

 He faces challenges everyday working with seniors. Some of them may have Dementia or Alzheimer’s, some have suffered from strokes, etc. Therefore, he has to make sure he is aware of their differences so they can receive the best care and enjoy all the activities the community has to offer without compromising their lives.

Reginald says one can help by coming to the community and filling out a Volunteer App. Upon completion, one will be screened and the organization will determine which community is best for you.

When he is not working, he loves traveling. He says that whenever he can get a week off and he is not concerned with tuition, school or work, he goes to Michigan to visit family or just travel to other states to see something new and have a story to tell. “To be wise I feel you must see life from every aspect, which is why I love to travel,” he sayss

He loves the South Bay mostly for the community and how “real” it is. “You meet different people from various backgrounds and it makes it possible to be educated on life in different ways,” he says.

 Thank you, Reginald, for being a wonderful, inspirational and devoted member of the South Bay community thriving to make our society a greater place! Your father would be immensely proud.

“You truly must have a passion to work with the elderly, mentally disabled, of Homeless community and in which I LOVE WHAT I DO; and I thrive every day to grow so I can be a bigger source in my community. I plan to one day open a Board & Care for seniors and a Facility for AT RISK YOUTH. I feel without the knowledge of the elderly we can never grow into a bigger better society, and also for the youth; if we don’t help them or show them other ways of being successful even through their many circumstances our community won’t grow.”

-Reginald Jones

Hear him out.

Shima 0 comments 30.05.2016

Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s MCM title belongs to Edward Robert Sochia, who’s love for music has inspired him to release several CD’s in hopes of sharing his thoughts, feelings and beliefs to connect with others who've gone through similar experiences.

Edward, better known as EJ, 27, grew up in Torrance, CA. While at North High school, he began writing poetry and songs. He says, “Never really thought I would do anything with it in the future, mostly just a cool little hobby."

However, when he went to El Camino College, he met a producer and says they just clicked and started making music every day. “We made a couple CD's, but never really pushed it. It was still a "hobby" but it was a "hobby" that we were getting better and better at,” he says.

He took a break from music and kind of just started doing other things but still wrote here and there on the side. One night, his cousin took him to a studio and E.J. recorded for the first time in about a year.

He says, “I knew at that point I had to start taking it more serious. This was about a year or so ago. I saved money and released my CD "Lost and Found," which pretty much gives an insight of my life and what I was going through.”

He was most inspired to write by his own life experiences and all the things he has gone through. “Sounds a bit cliché, but my life has been a roller coaster. I'm an emotional person so my outlet to expressing my emotions was just to write it out,” he says.

E.J. says many artists inspire him. “In fact, I like all genres of music. I'm labeled as a "rap artist," but I will be releasing a R&B type CD this June and I feel like it's my best work I have ever done. A few artists that inspired me to make music are Notorious BIG, Usher, all types of oldies, Eminem for sure, and lastly a gospel singer by the name of Ernie Toppin. That man can sing,” he says.

He has found that he writes music in the weirdest places. “My whole last CD was 80% written at my job. I work early around 6 am so coffee and instrumentals is what gets my day started,” he says. E.J. has even written a song walking around the block, and even a few while he was doing laundry.

He says that one time he was so excited about a song he was writing, he left his clothes in the dryer and went home and totally forgot about them. “I record with the well-known engineer Geo the Chef and I’ll book studio time and do 5 hour sessions and just hammer a bunch of stuff out. The vibe is always great and it puts me at peace. Recording is my Yoga for the brain,” he says.

He can't really describe his style, but says he is very versatile and that separates him from other artist. “I can make a club banger then turn around and hit you with a R&B love song. That's why music is so cool. You can do what you want with it,” he says.

When he is not creating music, he is usually working. He says the music stuff gets expensive when you do it right. He says, “You’ve got to spend money to make money.”

 He also likes to work out and play sports, which kind of gets his mind off all the other things he has going on in his life.

E.J. likes the South Bay mostly because everyone is diverse. “Different cultures, backgrounds, all that stuff. but also, we are kind of one big family. Everyone knows everyone for the most part. It's kind of cool honestly,” he says.

Thank you, E.J., for reminding others it’s never too late to follow your hobbies and make it happen…even on top of working to pay the bills. You are an inspiration to those seeking to find the balance between doing what they love and work.

“If something big happens, cool, but I really just want everyone to hear me out. People always say, ‘when you make it big,’ when in reality that's not even the main focus. I feel like my music speaks for itself. So hear me out!”

– Edward Robert Sochia

You can find him on the following platforms:

Instagram: EJTHEPROJECT

Twitter: EJTHEPROJECT

YouTube: EJTHEPROJECT

SOUNDCLOUD.COM: EJ SOCHIA

Stars and Stripes

Shima 0 comments 16.05.2016

Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.
Today’s MCM title belongs to Sergeant Ng, who is a Military Police Sergeant in the Army Reserves.

Sergeant Ng, 27, was born and raised in Torrance, CA. Upon graduating from North High school in 2007, he joined the army reserves and completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO in 2008.

He was deployed to Basra, Iraq as a Specialist in spring of 2010. He was attached to an infantry company with a platoon of Military Police reservist. His job was to conduct combat patrols, counter IED patrols, quick reaction force, train the Iraqi police force, and other various task that was given to him and his team. He left Iraq in the summer of 2011 and later, was promoted to a Sergeant and was assigned as a team leader. In addition, he attained his bachelor’s degree from CSU Northridge after returning to the states.

Today, Sergeant Ng is a Military Police Sergeant in the Army Reserves. He currently is in charge of a 3-man team. His job is to ensure the soldiers are trained physically, mentally, and proficient in their job as a Military Police soldier.
Jeffrey plans to continue serving in the Army Reserves with hopes of one-day retiring. He says he was inspired to enlist after September 11th, 2001.” It wasn't until I met a high school teacher who was in the Army, where my decision was final. I decided to join to help better myself and help out my family,” he says.

When he is not busy working, he likes to spend my time with his girlfriend of 7 years and working out.
Despite his many accomplishments thus far, Jeffrey wanted to serve in both the military and the community. After the military confirmed his decision to give the police academy a shot, he went forward and is currently in the police academy for the Los Angeles Police Department. He says, “Hopefully I can do both as a reservist and a police officer! It's slightly different based on a community policing scale and going to another country/environment in the military. I just hope to make a difference in both lines of work.”

In five years, he hopes to be working in the law enforcement field and still serving in the military. Outside of serving the country, he likes to donate to charities such as, the Help Me See charity, to give children who cannot see well a chance to see again in life.

Sergeant Ng would like anyone who’s thought about joining to know that he encourages it. “If they want to make a difference, better themselves or serve, the experiences people have are not forgettable,” he says.

He enjoys the South Bay and believes it’s a great place to live. “Everything is around in the South Bay like the beach, great food, and there's always something to do,” he says.

Thank you,Sergeant Ng, for being a positive influence in the South Bay community and continuing your legacy as a person who devotes his time to making our country a safer place.

Living.

Shima 0 comments 09.05.2016

Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place. Today’s MCM title belongs to Sam Itani who made a bold decision early this year to follow his passion of pursuing music.

Itani, 26, grew up in Beirut, Lebanon for the first 10 years of his life and then moved to Los Angeles, CA. Upon graduating from North High School in 2007, he went to El Camino College for two years and got an AA in Arts. Soon after, he went to National University to get his undergrad in Psychology.

For four years, he worked as a behavior therapist before realizing he was not following his true passion. He says, “I then decided to quit my job and pursue a career in music” When Itani told his boss he was going to quit, he says, “It was surreal. I thought about it for a long time before actually going through with my decision to quit my job and pursue my dream of playing music.” He found that it felt strange at first, but he loved his decision in the end.

“It's my passion and I would never go back to working as a behavior therapist,” he says.  He told his boss that he found something that he enjoyed doing for the rest of his life and that the job wasn't for him. He says they highly respected him for his decision

He describes his music style as Acoustic-pop. He wants people to feel motivated and happy when listening to his music. “I just want to spread positivity and display a clean image. I don't want to be a rock star. I want to be that musician that moms take their kids to see and will feel safe doing so,” he says.

Itani uses the acoustic guitar, piano, bass, vocals and electric guitar when creating music. He says that his feelings are the inspiration behind his lyrics. “Music is my way of telling people about my feelings, since I don't like talking about them,” he says.

He says a typical day for him is very busy as he is constantly recording, meeting with videographers and photographers, networking and doing photo shoots.

You can learn more about Itani on all forms of social media.

YouTube: 

www.youtube.com/samitanimusic

Instagram: www.instagram.com/samitanimusic or @samitanimusic

Twitter:

Www.twitter.com/samitanimusic

Facebook:

Www.facebook.com/samitanimusic

Snapchat:

@samitanimusic

Website:

Www.samitanimusic.com

Email: For Buisness Inquiry
SamitaniMusic@gmail.com

\When Itani is not playing music, he enjoys helping people in need whenever he can. He donates money overseas at least once a year and also expresses his hopes for humanity and such things in his music. “My music is medicine for those that are suffering. It gives them a sense of hope,” he says.  He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Thank you, Sam, for reminding our youth that it’s ok to follow your passions. Check out Itani's latest song dedicated to mother's on his YouTube page.

“If you don't follow your dream, you will feel as if you haven't lived.”

– Sam Itani

Parks make life better.

Shima 0 comments 30.04.2016

Every Monday I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place. Today’s MCM title belongs to David Ibarra who has worked for the City of Manhattan Beach as the Youth Program’s Supervisor for the past 17 years.

Ibarra was born and raised in Manhattan Beach and currently resides only a block away in Redondo Beach. When Ibarra was only six years old, he used to attend the afterschool program and camps.  At 12, he decided he loved it so much that he wanted to be a volunteer and help the staff.  Finally, at 18, he knew that he wanted to work there and the age of 22 I became the supervisor of the program.

His main responsibility is to offer residents of the community a place where their children can go, that is safe, clean and green. In addition, he hosts several events throughout the year within the city.  He says that his favorite part of his job is that it is very easy!  He says the difficult part is having to be more enticing to the youth, whom are so in love with their electronics and gadgets.

David oversees many special events in the city. Below are several events:

Family Camp out.

“We have 250 participants sleep in the field, have some family activities such as arts and crafts, ice block bowling, inflatable hamster balls, BBQ dinner then a movie.  In the morning we have a fishing derby and breakfast.”

Sand Castle Design contest:

“On the Sunday of the international surf festival my staff come down and make way for the sand castle contest, we offer prizes for the winner of the best sculpture, dribble and castle.”

Halloween carnival:

“This is my favorite event, we have homemade booths from the children of the REC program and staff and we charge 25 cents to play.  We have a costume contest, haunted house and a jumpy.  Best off all, win or lose, everyone gets a prize.  This is a good old fashion family fun event and easy on the wallet.”

The Pumpkin Race:

“This event is silly and good clean family fun.  We race over 1000 pumpkin on MB blvd.  I am the head official and anyone caught cheating, such as racing a watermen and not a pumpkin- they get smashed by the mallet of justice.  This event is a MB tradition and trophies are given out to the 1-2-3-4 place winners.”

Pier lighting ceremony:

“During the Holidays, the City lights up the pier and downtown MB.  There is live music, a small ceremony with city officials and singing for the local middle and high school.”

The REC program is full of activities.  David says, “When the kids arrive, staff assist them with homework, then after that is done we offer recreation games like foosball, soccer, Jedi master, knock the blocks, pony express.  We also offer arts and crafts, lanyards, friendship beads and fuse beads.”

When is he not working, he enjoys spending time with his family.  He has a large family and 2 children of his own.  He says, “There is never enough time, so we make it quality time.”

David pays it forward to the community by mentoring young recreation leaders.  He says that they will become the new professionals one day.  He teaches what they will one day be able to do. “It’s rewarding to see them grow up before my eyes,” he says.

He enjoys living in the South Bay mostly for the community, the schools and the local feel.  “This is the one stop shop for all of my family’s needs,” he says.

David says that the City of Manhattan Beach is always looking for great new individuals looking to make differences.  “We are always hiring,” he says.  In the next five years, he would love to be the manager of Parks and Recreation.

To learn more how you can work for the city, please contact David here: dibarra@citymb.info or visit the City of Manhattan beach website at www.citymb.info and click the jobs link.

“Our Branding statement for Parks and Recreation is: “Parks Make Life Better!” I can personally say, it made mine so much better.”

– David Ibarra

Dust off your shoulders.

Shima 0 comments 25.04.2016

Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s MCM title belongs to Jacob Weintraub who uses his love for shot-put and discus as a way to coach the youth and help them find their place in a world they may feel uncomfortable in.

Jacob was born in Torrance at Little company of Mary and later raised in Torrance and Redondo Beach. Today, he resides in Lomita, CA. During his high school years, Jacob played basketball, football, wrestling, and track. He decided to tackle three sports during one year and asked his coach for guidance on choosing the sports.

His football coach asked him to throw a discus as far as he could. He stood, feet mounted into the ground and threw a shotput nearly 40 feet across the field. Instantly, his coach realized that Jacob, standing at 6’4 and 275 pounds, was a natural.

He spent all four years in high school as a track and field athlete, gaining a 56-01 school record in shot-pit. Jacob later continued shot-put at El Camino college, gaining title as team captain twice, runner up in the 2008 and 2009 college state meet and placing fifth best discus mark all-time.

Discus allowed Jacob to relieve tension and any stress he felt, was transformed into a throw. Despite any injuries he faced, such as tendonitis, Jacob continued to practice and stay around with teammates even if he couldn’t perform.

It is clear that he values a Team mentality and it is probably why he was approached by his alma mater high school to help coach several years later.

Today, Jacob runs the entire throws program teaching shot-put and discus at RUHS. He says he was always interested in coaching and when he graduated college, he couldn't find a job. His old track coach at Redondo called him and explained that they needed someone to help coach the throws program. Without hesitation, Jacob signed on.

He says the most exciting part of coaching is seeing the kids succeed and the most challenging is keeping them focused and learning how to effectively communicate his coaching strategies to them.” A lot of times coaches will say something but the athlete won't get it so you have to try and find other ways to communicate the message,” he says.

Jacob’s goals for the next five years are to be the top throw program in the South Bay and send at least 3 athletes to CIF. He seeks to teach the kids the sport and see if he can help them progress to the next level and attain a scholarship. He says that when he was at RUHS, they had no formal training or coach. “I had to learn everything on my own and had to figure out what worked and what didn't. I think if I would've had a coach like myself I would've been way better,” he says.

A typical schedule for Jacob begins in the middle of the day and starts off with stretching followed by throwing then weight training and lasts about 2 1/2 hours. He says it's a very difficult sport that throwers make look easy. He also wishes there was more funding for the sport as well.

 “This sport doesn't pay the big bucks. It's not very popular,” he says. Jacob has found that 5/10 people know what it is but the one major component that drives him to keep coaching is being able to change someone’s life for the good.

 “It's for the kid who goes down to the track for try-outs and isn't fast enough and gets sent to the field events. I had a girl where this happened. All she wanted to do was be a sprinter but she was too slow and the coach sent her to me. She came to me sad with her confidence torn and felt like she failed but I was given the privilege to help change her view,” he says.

Jacob knows that women in throws are fragile individuals because they feel very insecure about themselves since throws tends to get stereotyped for being a manly sport. He says it is perceived as where they send all the "big girls" and boys.

He says that for the men it's no big deal but for women it can be hard because they ask themselves, “Where do I fit in?" In order to bring out the best out of her situation, he trained her and pushed her to her limits. Jacob says, “That’s what a good coach does.”

Within 3 years, the young girl went from a shy, insecure girl who thought she failed to being one of the best discus throwers in the South Bay. She now is a leader and took the qualities that she is good at and used them to excel. “She now embraces her sport and loves being a thrower and kids from other events actually look up to her for being successful in her respective event,” he says.

Jacob says, it’s like the saying, "When one thing doesn't work out, or it fails, another one will open."

Thank you Jacob for using your passion for sports to keep our youth out of trouble and empowering them to continue their talent as well.

“You just got to get the dust off your shoulder and get back up and keep going. “

- Jacob Weintraub

Keeping calm, and CARRIER on.

Shima 0 comments 20.04.2016

Every Wednesday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s WCW title belongs to Trisha Herd who is working as a mail carrier for the city of North Hollywood after wanting to give something new a try and is loving it so far.

Herd, 27, grew up in Torrance and currently resides in Gardena. Herd graduated from North High school in 2006 and says some of her best memories from school would have to be the assembly's, football and basketball games, her ceramics class and being able to see her friends everyday.

Upon graduating from North, Herd went to CSUN and studied Child Development. While in college, she worked at LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, & after school programs working with the youth. After leaving the education field and obtaining permits in the security field, she worked as an armed officer for ADT, Hustler Casino & hotels in Orange County.

In this past year, Herd decided to pursue the United States Postal Business and is working today on a business route meaning that Monday’s are her heaviest days. “Even though I know what to expect, I still have the worst anxiety when it comes to Monday. Other than that, the week goes by pretty nice,” she says. Despite the chaos, she says that she loves that she gets to be by herself and learn a new city.

Herd has found that being a mail carrier is really like what you see in the movies. “Getting chased by dogs is real life. It sucks that my second day I was chased by two dogs and luckily they were little,” she says.

Each morning, she clocks in at 7 a.m. and first thing she does is checks the vehicle to make sure everything is working correctly. After, she goes inside to case the lose mail such as magazines and newspapers, which she says is called, "pulling down" in the order of your route.

She says she is usually out of the office by 9:30 am and her route starts at about 10 a.m. on Coldwater canyon and usually ends by 2:10-2:20 p.m. She says the neighborhood that she is in is very friendly and she laughs and jokes with the neighbors often. “On hot days, they offer me cold water,” she says.

When she is not working, which is rarely, she likes to relax. Herd works seven days a week so she tries to spend any free time at the beach or going out to eat and or spending time with her family & the babies in it.

She pays it forward by being there for her family and friends by being a good listener and giving the best advice she can. Herd loves the South Bay mostly for its beaches. She says,“I was born in the summer so I'm just a water baby in general, so every chance I get I'm always at the Manhattan Beach strand."

 In five years, Herd hopes to be a home owner and traveling the world.

Thank you, Trisha, for being a positive, responsible and efficient member of the South Bay community and providing residents their mail with a smile.