KNX Hero of the Week

After getting word that morale was low among their son Ethan’s shipmates, the Naftalins reached out to their SoCal community to send dozens of care packages to every division on the ship! Click the link to hear their recent chat with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan. You can connect directly with the Naftalins via email: [email protected]

Photo: Howie and Teri Naftalin (Courtesy of Naftalin family)

Driving inclusivity and community - with drums! Mike Enriquez is the founder of the SoCal Drum Party! He and his team are bringing the joy of drumming to people all across the region! From toddlers to seniors, to people with special needs, to leading team building experiences! Hear part of his recent chat with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan, as he explains how drumming and making music brings out the best in someone! (socaldrumparty.com) Photo: Mike Enriquez leading a group of excited young people during a recent drum circle! (Photo courtesy of Mike Enriquez and Wiley Phillips - wileyperspective.com)

Ellie Yoshino is a senior in the Ballet and Contemporary Dance Conservatory at the Orange County School of the Arts. She also started her own outreach club at school, she’s been volunteering with The Boys and Girls Club since she was seven years old, and she’s now an accomplished dancer who teaches ballet and other creative arts to our youngest future superstars! Click to hear her chat with Heroes Host, Heather Jordan. Photo: Ellie Yoshino, in the dance studio. (Courtesy of the Yoshino Family).

Turning a moment of tragedy into a heroic moment of​ teamwork - and saving a man’s life​! Hear this inspiring story by clicking the link. Photo: LAPD Officer​s Joseph Murphy (left) an​d Yevgeny Shipley (right). Photo courtesy of Officer Murphy.

Elaine Pease has been bringing joy to kids all over SoCal for many years, with the Burbank Bike Angels. It began with giving bikes to a few kids whose names were on a Salvation Army “Angel Tree” for Christmas. Now, it’s close to 200 bikes a year, for kids all around the metro! Click to hear Elaine chat with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan about the history of the program, and the amazing volunteers that make it all work! Photo: Elaine Pease (center) and a fellow volunteer Andrew Smith, among dozens of donated and restored bikes. (Courtesy of Elaine Pease)

Deputy Sayra Valencia of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is going above and beyond to help her community!

She recently helped a mother and young daughter who were victims of domestic violence get back on their feet, by personally buying them food and clothing. Her actions inspired fellow colleagues to rally together, to find a safe place for them to stay. Hear her story and be inspired by clicking the link!

Photo: Deputy Sayra Valencia (left) and her partner delivering diapers to a local outreach center. (Courtesy of SBCSD)

Damon Whittaker of Inglewood turned a life-altering injury as a teenager into a successful career as an athlete! He’s also an archery coach for Angel City Sports, and on September 24th, he’ll be honored as their 2026 Athlete of the Year at their Impact Through Innovation Gala. Damon is also training to qualify for the LA28 Paralympic Games! Click to hear his recent conversation with KNX Heroes Host, Heather Jordan. Photo: Damon Whittaker competing at a recent event. (Courtesy of Angel City Sports and Eric Dearborn) https://angelcitysports.org/

For the past four and a half years, Karen Lizarraga and her family have fostered about 200 animals in Southern California! From big dogs to infant puppies and kittens that need to be bottle fed, they are making a difference in our community, and helping shelters make room for more animals. Click to hear Karen Lizarraga share with KNX Hero’s host Heather Jordan on how they do it, involving the entire family! Photo: The Lizarraga family with some of their pets. (Image courtesy of Karen Lizarraga ) https://sdhumane.org/

She’s lending her voice and making a difference! Deborah Pearl is the director and co-founder of the National In Choir, based in Los Angeles. It was also co-founded by singer Rosemary Butler, and every holiday season for the past 46 years, the group of volunteer vocalists have gathered together to perform carols in Skid Row, the Motion Picture Home, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, LA Mission and so many more places. Click to hear Deborah share a bit of their story with KNX Hero's host, Heather Jordan. Photo: Deborah Pearl (center) directing a group of singers outside of the Music Center. (Courtesy of Deborah Pearl). Connect with the National In Choir by sending an email to Deborah at https://deborahpearl.com

Steve and Patty Tiso of Irvine are partners in life, and partners when it comes to being volunteers, as well! The two help out with the non-profit School on Wheels, working as tutors for kids who need some educational help. Click to hear their inspiring conversation with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan! (Photo: Patty and Steve Tiso, courtesy of the Tiso family.) https://schoolonwheels.org/