ActiveLab

Welcome to another episode of the ActiveLab Podcast. This episode features our 2025 Noche de las Luminarias Honoree for Outstanding Elected Official, Congresswoman Judy Chu. Since 2009, she has represented California’s 28th Congressional District. She serves on the House Ways and Means and Budget Committees, helping shape national policy on healthcare, social programs, and fiscal responsibility.

Her public service began on the Garvey School District Board of Education, followed by the Monterey Park City Council, where she served three terms as Mayor, and later in the State Assembly and State Board of Equalization. In 2009, she made history as the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress and continues to champion equity, education, and opportunity for all. 

Tune in to learn about Rep. Judy Chu’s lifelong commitment to public service and the advice she has for future community members looking to make a difference in their communities.

Join us for Noche de las Luminarias on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Hurst Ranch in West Covina. This year marks ActiveSGV’s 15th anniversary, an evening of food, music, and inspiring stories you will not want to miss. Get your tickets now: http://bit.ly/noche2025

To learn more about ActiveSGV’s mission to support a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley, visit https://www.activesgv.org/

Do you have a particular topic you'd like us to discuss? Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments below! 

Tune in!
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5apUX3yF677BLdvcJVeZKj
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/activelab/id1510813864
YouTube: youtube.com/@activesgv 

Follow @ActiveSGV on social media:
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TikTok: tiktok.com/@ActiveSGV
Facebook:facebook.com/ActiveSGV 
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/activesgv.bsky.social 
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@activesgv?hl=en 
Twitter/X: twitter.com/activesgv 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/activesgv

Welcome to another episode of the ActiveLab Podcast. In this episode, we feature our 2025 Noche de las Luminarias Honoree for Outstanding San Gabriel Valley Business, Octavia’s Bookshelf.

Nikki High is the founder and owner of Octavia’s Bookshelf in Pasadena, California. As an early reader, Nikki always found safety in books, and her love for reading and storytelling only grew over the years. Guided by this passion and a desire to create the kind of literary space she longed for as a child, Nikki opened Octavia’s Bookshelf on February 18, 2023.

Tune in to learn how Octavia’s Bookshelf has grown into a community hub through its workshops, author events, and support during the Eaton Fire, becoming a safe and healing space for the Dena community and beyond.

Join us for Noche de las Luminarias on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Hurst Ranch in West Covina. This year marks ActiveSGV’s 15th anniversary, an evening of food, music, and inspiring stories you will not want to miss. Get your tickets now: http://bit.ly/noche2025

To learn more about ActiveSGV’s mission to support a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley, visit https://www.activesgv.org/

Do you have a particular topic you'd like us to discuss? Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments below! 

Tune in!

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5apUX3yF677BLdvcJVeZKj

Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/activelab/id1510813864

YouTube: youtube.com/@activesgv 

Follow @ActiveSGV on social media:

Instagram: instagram.com/activesgv 

TikTok: tiktok.com/@ActiveSGV

Facebook:facebook.com/ActiveSGV 

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/activesgv.bsky.social 

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@activesgv?hl=en 

Twitter/X: twitter.com/activesgv 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/activesgv 

Welcome to another episode of the ActiveLab Podcast! Today we are featuring our 2025 Noche de las Luminarias Honoree for Outstanding Community Organization, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON).

Since 2001, NDLON has defended the rights of immigrant and low-wage workers. In Pasadena, they operate the Pasadena Community Job Center (PCJC), which became a hub of relief during the Eaton Fire. Day laborers and immigrant families organized Volunteer Fire Relief Brigades that cleared thousands of tons of debris, distributed food and supplies, and reached more than 27,000 people in just the first weeks after the fire. NDLON also trained workers in disaster site safety to ensure health and protections during recovery.

Join us for Noche de las Luminarias on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Hurst Ranch in West Covina. This year marks ActiveSGV’s 15th anniversary, an evening of food, music, and inspiring stories you will not want to miss. Get your tickets now: http://bit.ly/noche2025

To learn more about ActiveSGV’s mission to support a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley, visit https://www.activesgv.org/

Do you have a particular topic you'd like us to discuss? Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments below! 

Tune in!

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5apUX3yF677BLdvcJVeZKj

Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/activelab/id1510813864

YouTube: youtube.com/@activesgv 

Follow @ActiveSGV on social media:

Instagram: instagram.com/activesgv 

TikTok: tiktok.com/@ActiveSGV

Facebook:facebook.com/ActiveSGV 

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/activesgv.bsky.social 

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@activesgv?hl=en 

Twitter/X: twitter.com/activesgv 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/activesgv 

Welcome to another episode of the ActiveLab Podcast! Today we are featuring our 2025 Noche de las Luminarias Honoree for Outstanding Local Advocate, Max Romero. Though he only recently graduated from high school, Max has already made a major impact on public transit in the San Gabriel Valley.

As a member of Sierra Madre’s Public Transportation Subcommittee, Max helped restore Metro Line 268, which now provides more than a quarter of a million rides each year. He represents LA County’s 5th District on Metro’s Community Advisory Council, contributes to committees on operations, safety, and customer experience, and developed a Station Revitalization Plan that improved safety and accessibility at stations like Memorial Park and Sierra Madre Villa. Beyond these roles, Max also advocates with the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition and partners with agencies and elected officials across the region to strengthen public transportation for everyone.

Join us for Noche de las Luminarias on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Hurst Ranch in West Covina. This year marks ActiveSGV’s 15th anniversary—an evening of food, music, and inspiring stories you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets now: bit.ly/noche2025

To learn more about ActiveSGV’s mission to support a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley, visit https://www.activesgv.org/

Take the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition survey on bus lanes here: https://www.pasadenacsc.org/bus-lane

Do you have a particular topic you'd like us to discuss? Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments below! 

Tune in!

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5apUX3yF677BLdvcJVeZKj

Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/activelab/id1510813864

YouTube: youtube.com/@activesgv 

Follow @ActiveSGV on social media:

Instagram: instagram.com/activesgv 

TikTok: tiktok.com/@ActiveSGV

Facebook:facebook.com/ActiveSGV 

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/activesgv.bsky.social 

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@activesgv?hl=en 

Twitter/X: twitter.com/activesgv 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/activesgv 

In this episode of the ActiveLab Podcast, host Alina sits down with Rene Salas to talk about the Merced Avenue Greenway Project, our 2025 Noche de las Luminarias Honoree for Outstanding SGV Project.

The Merced Avenue Greenway is transforming South El Monte with safer streets, new bike paths, native gardens, and stormwater features that capture millions of gallons of water each year. The Greenway has already earned national recognition with the John Sanford Todd Award for municipal innovation and is a model for sustainable, equitable infrastructure in underserved communities. Phase II will extend the Greenway north of Rush Street toward Fern Avenue, with design work wrapping up in 2025 and construction expected to finish around 2027.

Join us for Noche de las Luminarias, ActiveSGV’s annual fundraiser and awards ceremony, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Hurst Ranch in West Covina. This year marks our 15th anniversary, making the celebration even more special. Enjoy a delicious dinner, meet inspiring local leaders like Alana, and connect with community members working toward a more sustainable, safe, and vibrant San Gabriel Valley. All proceeds support ActiveSGV’s mission. Get your tickets now: bit.ly/noche2025 

To learn more about ActiveSGV and our mission to support a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley, visit https://www.activesgv.org/

Do you have a particular topic you'd like us to discuss? Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments below! 

Tune in!
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5apUX3yF677BLdvcJVeZKj
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/activelab/id1510813864
YouTube: youtube.com/@activesgv 

Follow @ActiveSGV on social media:
Instagram: instagram.com/activesgv 
TikTok: tiktok.com/@ActiveSGV
Facebook:facebook.com/ActiveSGV 
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/activesgv.bsky.social 
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@activesgv?hl=en 
Twitter/X: twitter.com/activesgv 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/activesgv 

Welcome to another episode of the ActiveLab Podcast! Today we are featuring our 2025 Noche de las Luminarias Honoree for Outstanding Public Agency, Clean Power Alliance. Represented by Executive Director Ted Bardacke, Clean Power Alliance provides clean, renewable electricity to about one million customers in 38 communities across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. As the largest community choice energy provider in California, CPA gives local communities a real voice in how their power is sourced and delivered while helping families and businesses save energy, cut costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Under Ted’s leadership, CPA has accelerated the transition to a carbon-free energy system, secured competitive rates, and created programs that expand access to sustainable energy solutions. His decades of experience in sustainability, public service, and policy continue to shape California’s clean energy future.

Join us for Noche de las Luminarias, ActiveSGV’s annual fundraiser and awards ceremony, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Hurst Ranch in West Covina. This year marks our 15th anniversary, making the celebration even more special. Enjoy a delicious dinner, meet inspiring leaders like Ted and the Clean Power Alliance team, and connect with community members working toward a more sustainable, safe, and vibrant San Gabriel Valley. All proceeds support ActiveSGV’s mission. Get your tickets now: bit.ly/noche2025

To learn more about ActiveSGV and our mission to support a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley, visit https://www.activesgv.org/

Do you have a particular topic you'd like us to discuss? Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments below!

Tune in!
 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5apUX3yF677BLdvcJVeZKj
 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/activelab/id1510813864
 YouTube: / @activesgv

Follow @ActiveSGV on social media:
 Instagram: instagram.com/activesgv
 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ActiveSGV
 Facebook: facebook.com/ActiveSGV
 Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/activesgv.bs...
 Threads: threads.com/@activesgv?hl=en
 Twitter/X: twitter.com/activesgv
 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/activesgv

Welcome to another episode of the ActiveLab Podcast! Today we are featuring our 2025 Noche de las Luminarias Honoree for Outstanding Volunteer – the Brian Velez Memorial Award, Stephanie Pinedo. A dedicated educator and long-time Pomona resident, Stephanie has shown an unwavering commitment to building community through active transportation and environmental stewardship. Since returning to California after college, she has become a familiar face at rides, events, and outreach activities, volunteering countless hours to support ActiveSGV programs that inspire more people to walk, bike, and take transit. Her energy, kindness, and reliability embody the spirit of this award, honoring individuals who give their time, talents, and heart to creating a healthier, more connected San Gabriel Valley.

Join us for Noche de las Luminarias, ActiveSGV’s annual fundraiser and awards ceremony, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Hurst Ranch in West Covina. This year marks our 15th anniversary, making the celebration even more meaningful. Enjoy a delicious dinner, meet inspiring leaders like Stephanie, and connect with community members working toward a safer, more sustainable San Gabriel Valley. All proceeds support ActiveSGV’s mission. Get your tickets now: bit.ly/noche2025

To learn more about ActiveSGV and our mission to support a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley, visit https://www.activesgv.org/

Do you have a particular topic you'd like us to discuss? Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments below! 

Tune into ActiveLab on YouTube!

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Follow @ActiveSGV social media!

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• TikTok
• Facebook
• Bluesky
• Threads
• Twitter/X
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Welcome to another episode of the ActiveLab Podcast! Today we are featuring our 2025 Noche de las Luminarias Honoree for Outstanding City Staff, Alana Johnson. As Transportation Services Manager for the City of Arcadia, Alana has led efforts to expand mobility, safety, and access for residents. She oversees Arcadia Transit, directs a comprehensive service assessment, and works closely with partners to secure millions in funding for projects like the Colorado Boulevard Complete Streets initiative. With more than a decade of service to the City, Alana brings a community-first approach to advancing equitable and sustainable transportation options.

Join us for Noche de las Luminarias, ActiveSGV’s annual fundraiser and awards ceremony, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Hurst Ranch in West Covina. This year marks our 15th anniversary, making the celebration even more special. Enjoy a delicious dinner, meet inspiring local leaders like Alana, and connect with community members working toward a more sustainable, safe, and vibrant San Gabriel Valley. All proceeds support ActiveSGV’s mission. Get your tickets now: bit.ly/noche2025 

To learn more about ActiveSGV and our mission to support a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley, visit https://www.activesgv.org/

Do you have a particular topic you'd like us to discuss? Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments below! 

Tune into ActiveLab on YouTube!

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Follow @ActiveSGV social media!

• Instagram 
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Twitter/X
• Bluesky
• Threads
• LinkedIn

Join host Wes as he chats with South Pasadena Walking School Bus participants about this innovative program. Discover how it provides a safe, fun, and sustainable way for Marengo Elementary students to get to school while fostering stronger community connections. This episode dives into the program’s weekly walks, creative pop-up activities, and the lasting impact on families and neighborhoods.

To learn more about the Walking School Bus, follow South Pasadena Active @southpasactive and visit their website: www.southpasactive.org

To learn more about ActiveSGV and our mission to support a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley, visit www.activesgv.org

Do you have a particular topic you'd like us to discuss? Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments below! 

Tune into ActiveLab on YouTube!

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Follow @ActiveSGV social media!

• Instagram 
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Twitter/X
• LinkedIn

Welcome back to the ActiveLab Podcast! We're featuring our 2024 Noche Honoree for Outstanding City Staff, Steven Mateer. Steven is the Transportation Manager for the City of Glendora, overseeing public transit, bicycle and pedestrian programs, and the Transportation Demand Management Program. He is currently working to secure funding for over 10 miles of active transportation improvements and transition the city's transit service to zero-emission. Before joining Glendora, Steven worked at LA Metro, focusing on capital planning for transportation projects and leading the development of the First/Last Mile Strategic Plan. Join us as we celebrate Steven Mateer's dedication and contributions to sustainable transportation.

To be part of the celebration, join us on September 12, 2024, for Noche De Las Luminarias. Experience the heartbeat of a community united for a promising future and meet our outstanding honorees. Purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/noche-de-las-luminarias-tickets-852586528257 

To learn more about ActiveSGV and our mission to support a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley, visit https://www.activesgv.org/

Do you have a particular topic you'd like us to discuss? Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments below! 

Tune into ActiveLab on YouTube!

• YouTube

Follow @ActiveSGV social media!

• Instagram 
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Twitter/X
• LinkedIn