Quick action, quick thinking and not giving up! Site foreman Chris Goetze saved the life of contractor Larry Brown, after an accident on the job. Hear Chris and Larry share their inspiring story with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan! 

Photo: Chris Goetze, VP of MG Plumbing, and private contractor Larry Brown

Photo courtesy of Chris Goetze

It can get cold at night in Southern California, making it nearly unbearable for thousands of people who live without a permanent roof over their head. So, Peyton Hitzler is trying to help, one coat at a time! She started Coco's Coats five years ago, collecting warm clothing to give to those in need. She's already helped more than 500 people stay warm! Hear the Capistrano Valley High School senior chat with host Heather Jordan about her project, by clicking on the link! 

Connect with Peyton on her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/cocos.coats/#

Photo: Peyton Hitzler with several bags of donated coats. Courtesy of Amy Hitzler

Shaurya Bairaria is a rising star in Southern California! The Canyon Crest Academy junior is the creator of the SoCal non-profit, "Tennis Without Borders." A few years back, Shaurya was sidelined from competitive tennis for nearly a year with an athletic injury. When he stepped back on the court, he realized how much joy the sport of tennis brings, and he decided that he wanted to make sure ALL kids around the world get a chance to feel that same joy! Through his non-profit, he's helping under-privilged kids play by providing them shoes, rackets, and more! Click on the link to hear Shaurya chat with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan, and visit Shaurya's website: https://bit.ly/3u71znM

Photo: Shaurya Bairaria speaking at a recent Del Mar Rotary Club meeting. 

Photo courtesy of Bhawna Dhar.

There are over 3,000 children in the foster system in Orange County, with thousands more in Los Angeles County and all across Southern California. Community change-maker Debby Thrailkill is creating smiles and bringing comfort to many of these kids, with the "My Own - A Case for Kids" project. Debby collects and distributes suitcases filled with clothes and supplies for foster kids who need more than a trash bag for their belongings. In just a year, she has already given away more than 700 cases! Click on the link to hear Debby share her story with KNX Hero host Heather Jordan!

http://www.myowncaseoc.com

Photo: Debby Thrailkill (right) and core team member Isabel Bloom, packing suitcases. 

Photo courtesy of Debby Thrailkill 

Heroes helping heroes... heroes delivering babies! In 2023, we honored some incredible people from Southern California, who made a big difference in our community! Heroes host Heather Jordan looks back at some of our most inspiring stories! 

Photo: Manhattan Beach Fire Department and the Phillips family, after the unexpected birth of their newborn baby! Photo Credit: MBFD

From llamas to sea lions... several of our KNX heroes of 2023 came face to face, or face to snout, with an animal! In some cases, our human heroes saved an animal... in other cases, a four-legged friend helped save people! Click the link to hear KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan recap the year! 

Photo: Ron Barrett, saving an injured sea lion along the Ventura County Coastline.  

Photo courtesy of Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute.

California is home to some AMAZING young people, who are going above and beyond to make a difference! This year, our young KNX Heroes were all about serving others... click on the link to hear KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan recap their incredible stories! 

Photo above: Theo Schwartz and CJ Stanback with the Reading Rovers Program, courtesy of the Pasadena Humane Society 

Dr. David Gazzaniga is a sports medicine doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, and he's also the head physician for the LA Chargers! During football season, he and his colleagues run a free, no insurance needed health clinic in Orange County for injured high school football players! Not only does it help families who struggle financially, but it also helps families avoid a long and sometimes costly emergency room visit. Hear Dr. Gazzaniga share more about the clinic with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan, by clicking the link! 

Photo, Dr. David Gazzaniga, courtesy of the Los Angeles Chargers 

Ten feet of snow. Trapped cars and homes that were completely covered. Closed roads and freezing temperatures. When a blizzard hit the California mountain town of Crestline earlier this year, Danielle Follweiler and her husband jumped into action to help save dozens of lives. She shares her story with KNX's Heather Jordan! 

Photo: Danielle and Jeremy Follweiler, courtesy of Danielle Follweiler 

#Bravery  Ron Barrett is a field rescue volunteer with the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute, and he was called in to help when a 400-pound sea lion was found with a knife in its snout! It was a risky rescue, but Ron's experience and skill allowed him to successfully remove the knife without any additional injuries! Click the link to hear Ron share his heroic story with host, Heather Jordan! 

Photo: Ron Barrett, courtesy of Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute.

See more pictures of the injured sea lion at KNX Heroes | Audacy