I am many things: A writer, an executive, a patriot, a poet, a historian, a philosopher, an asshole, a know-it-all, an imposter, a Commissioner, an upstanding member of the community – but my favorite labels are “dad,” and “darling.” I grew up in the Bay Area – specifically the Marin and Sonoma counties. I’m the son of a disco queen and ex-mobster who became a peace loving hippie. I’m the father of two, step-father to four more, one of whom I’m adopting to be my third and oldest. I’m overdressed for whatever event I show up to and don’t care. I studied English Literature at Arizona State, but not until I was 32. I lived in the dorms at UC Davis, spent four years there, but was never a student. During the day I’m an executive in tech startups that drives efficacy and efficiency in sales teams. During the night I build worlds and destroy them with a flick of my keyboard. I’m a filmmaker, working mostly in experimental short films. I’m a screenwriter. I’m an author, represented by Victress Literary Agency, and maybe, one day, if I’m lucky, I’ll find myself feeling like I’ve done enough.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My partner is a brilliant an glorious human who enriches my life with her camaraderie, friendship, love, passion, and understanding. My oldest child is a competitive gymnast. My younger is a technophile who practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, specializing in the triangle choke. My step-children have been a gift that I had not anticipated and make me laugh and give me pride that I didn’t know was possible. My partner works for the state. Our children are 23, 21, 17, 15, 15, and 12.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I an Head of Global Sales Operations for a Learning Platform Company. Over the last decade I’ve worked in several tech startups as a VP / Head of Sales, mostly focused on the drone and Software spaces. I’m also a novelist.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Lenise’s is the top of the list. The food is good, the ambiance is excellent, but you can also feel the pride that she takes in her place. There’s a comfort and invitation that permeates the walls, and when you’re there it’s hard to not notice that someone’s passion is the foundation under your feet. I also love the Barn. It’s a unique experience and I always run into people that know me.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My first stint with West Sac was in 2001. I left the area in 2008 to live in Canada, followed by Arizona. I moved back to West Sac in 2014.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
“Interesting” is a loaded term, so I’ll define it as I choose – and with that in mind, Chris Cabaldon and Quirina Orozco are those people. Anytime you have the opportunity to meet people who are kind and empathetic, that’s a bonus, but when they are also action oriented, audacious, and ambitious – and willing to help and serve the community, it’s hard to not take notice.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’ve made a short film on this, but there is a hoagie shop on Cheltenham avenue in Philadelphia that is mystical and doesn’t obey the laws of time and space. I haven’t been in some time, but when I am there I can look across a table and see my dad again, sitting there looking back at me, and though to the rest of the patrons I’d be talking to an empty chair, I’d for five minutes to tell him about everything that’s happened since he died. I’d love to tell him about his grand kids and all the marvel they’ve brought me. I’d like him to know that I think of him every day. Also, the cheesesteaks at that hoagie shop are fantastic.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I have an affection for well written stories that defy expectations. Handmaid’s Tale is written with a diamond pen and June Carter is one of the most badass characters in television history. I’ve also really enjoyed Dave because it ebbs and flows between absurdist and poignant. Also, Lil’ Dicky slaps hard.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
take some time to reflect on who you are and what you believe. Just as important is taking the time to Reflect on why you believe what you do. Be a tenacious evaluator of yourself and do your best to continue to improve. Have moxie. Be audacious. Be humble. Be loud. Be quiet. Be all the things you need to be to feel good about yourself. Feeling good about yourself isn’t something to be ashamed of. Finding the things that make you happy or bring you comfort is a noble pursuit if done while respecting the dignity of others.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
My grandfather rode his bicycle from France to Norway during WW2, playing his violin for food and lodging. I don’t know the exact route he took, but best guess is up to Amsterdam or Copenhagen before getting on a boat. I’d like to make that drive and see what he saw.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Always David Bowie. According to my Spotify wrap up, I’m in the top 0.05% of worldwide David Bowie listeners.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Sail Inn. We loved that place. We’re still getting to know the new place, but there was something special about Sail Inn for us.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Ta-Nehisi Coates, and we’d have beers at The Barn.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
West Sac is an odd blend of the old and the new. The agrarian and the urban. The left and the right. It’s more rainbow than most people think. It’s full of kind and noble people.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
in five years our last kid will be a senior in high school and we’ll be planning the next chapter of our lives. Where that will be is anyone’s guess.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m shy and an introvert. I can “power on” when needed, but for the most part I prefer to observe rather than actively participate.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I was on business once in Copenhagen and took a wrong turn down a winding road through a fall forest that eventually led to a small fishing village. That’s my number two. My number one is waking up in Zihuatenejo, Mexico in a house overlooking the town and beach. Okay
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is December. I prefer the cold weather. My favorite holiday is Christmas – as though I’m not religious, the opportunity to show my love and affection for my family with gifts feels amazing. I grew up food stamp, government cheese poor and Christmas, birthdays, and travel are things that give me the opportunity to give the things and experiences that I couldn’t have and that I’ve worked so hard to be able to share with those I love.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly album. As a concept album, it’s a marvel. It’s lyrically, musically, and thematic perfect.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children. My partner. My fellow authors who write amazing words and sentences that are so well constructed they bring me to tears.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The smell of a house nearing a Thanksgiving meal, and the smell of the Ocean.
Q: What is one business you would like to have in West Sacramento? (which we don’t have one already)
A roller rink.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
The names of my partner and children – which is sever words, but I’ve never been one to follow all the rules.
