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.

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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

 

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Key moments from this episode:
00:00:00 - Welcome and why housing matters
00:01:21 - Shane Phillips’ journey into housing policy
00:03:22 - Personal housing experiences
00:07:11 - What communities are saying
00:11:27 - The Three S’s explained
00:15:55 - Balancing supply, stability, and subsidy
00:19:26 - Zoning, equity, and displacement
00:21:13 - The “community character” debate
00:31:26 - State vs. local action
00:38:34 - Final thoughts and takeaways

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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.

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Chapters:

 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

 

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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.

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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

 

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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.

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Key moments from this episode: 

00:00 – David’s personal connection to education
02:05 – Xochitl Alvarez explains the 11-year support model
04:35 – Importance of early career exposure for middle schoolers
08:04 – Lifelong learning and competency-based education
10:22 – Cell phones, social media, and student well-being
17:40 – Cultural barriers to going away for college
21:09 – Success through structured academic planning
28:01 – Investing in career conversations at younger ages
30:47 – Expanding bachelor’s degrees at community colleges
39:44 – Why nursing was chosen for Chula Vista university

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