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Albert Wan is a San Gabriel Valley native, raised in Arcadia, and a second-generation business owner leading his family’s enterprise software company. After studying at UC Berkeley and working as a software engineer at Apple Inc., where he contributed to software projects including Chinese keyboards and CarPlay, he returned home in 2018. Today, he focuses on modernizing his family's business, which has provided business and warehousing software technologies to customers across the San Gabriel Valley and beyond for over three decades.

In this episode, Albert shares his journey from attending local schools in Arcadia and participating in marching band and Scouting to earning an engineering role at Apple. He discusses his experience inside a major technology organization, earning an MBA at UCLA Anderson, and deciding to leave Silicon Valley to preserve his family’s business legacy. Albert also details the practical steps involved in updating legacy Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and warehousing software, transitioning to cloud-based systems, and maintaining trust with long-time clients.

This conversation offers real-world insights for San Gabriel Valley viewers interested in local business growth, tech professionals exploring career transitions, and second-generation entrepreneurs managing corporate succession. Viewers searching for topics around software modernization, family business leadership, and digital transformation will find clear perspectives rooted in steady progress and long-term strategy.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share this video with others to support local stories on the MySGV Podcast.

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Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

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My SGV Podcast:

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info@sgvmasterkey.com

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Sandy Velasco is an LA-based artist born in the Philippines who earned a degree in Mathematics from UCLA and worked as an accountant before entering the entertainment industry. She has called the San Gabriel Valley home for over 15 years and has performed standup comedy on stage and film across California, Las Vegas, and internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. In addition to her work with Los Angeles theatre companies, including East West Players, Coeurage Theatre Company, Artists At Play, Playwrights' Arena, and Company of Angels, she curates and produces clean comedy shows across the SGV, including MIXED NUTS LIVE! in San Gabriel, CHEERS COMEDY HOUR in Arcadia, and BLEEP COMEDY SHOW at the Ice House in Pasadena.

In this episode of the MySGV Podcast, Sandy shares her story of moving to the United States at age 13 and navigating the foster care system in Long Beach alongside her brothers. She discusses becoming a legal guardian for her younger brother after college, relying on her faith during difficult times, and balancing a mathematics and accounting background with her creative pursuits. She also discusses her entry into standup comedy, her work producing accessible clean comedy events for SGV families, and her favorite dining spots throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

This episode provides San Gabriel Valley residents with a local perspective on community event production and the growing standup comedy scene in their neighborhood. For fans and followers of Sandy Velasco, the conversation offers a deeper look at how her life as an Asian American immigrant, former foster youth, mother, and comedian informs her clean storytelling on stage. Viewers searching for content about navigating foster care, shifting careers from mathematics to performance, and producing live shows will find practical insights and personal reflection.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the channel and share it with your friends and family!

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Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Send us Fan Mail

Willington Liu is an actor featured in the Creation of the Gods trilogy (封神三部曲) and the founder of Creation Talent Academy (CTA), a performing arts institute based in Arcadia, California. Raised in the San Gabriel Valley, he built a background in competitive Latin dance before earning his BFA in acting from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). Through CTA, he offers youth instruction across acting, singing, dance, and martial arts to help students develop artistic confidence and industry readiness.

In this episode, Willington shares his path from growing up in the San Gabriel Valley to landing a role in Creation of the Gods during high school. He discusses his experience in the film's year-long training boot camp in China, including equestrian training, historical martial arts, and stage combat, alongside his transition through CalArts. He also outlines the mission behind Creation Talent Academy, explaining how the school supports student auditions, soft skills development, special needs programs, and long-term creative development.

For San Gabriel Valley viewers and Arcadia residents, this episode offers an inside look at a local creator bringing international film experience back to the local community. Aspiring performers, parents, and arts supporters will gain practical perspectives on audition preparation, youth mentorship, and balancing passion with academic goals. Anyone searching online for insights into Creation of the Gods, acting programs at CalArts, or performing arts education in SoCal will find actionable takeaways throughout the conversation.

Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay connected with the artists, educators, and leaders shaping the region. If you found value in this discussion on film production and performing arts training, please share this episode with an aspiring artist, parent, or educator.

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Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Send us Fan Mail

Arturo Barrios is a San Gabriel Valley musician born in Monterey Park and raised between Monterey Park and Rosemead. After discovering grunge and punk rock in junior high, he formed a band with classmates at Rosemead High School that became Audio Karate, performing at backyard shows and local venues in El Monte and Baldwin Park. In 2001, Audio Karate signed with Kung Fu Records, releasing two full-length albums, touring internationally, and performing on Warped Tour and Warped Tour Japan. Arturo joined Sweet and Tender Hooligans in 2015, reunited Audio Karate in 2017, became the lead singer of Fenix TX in 2026, and works as a quality assurance and staff onboarding supervisor for Orange County Social Services.

In this episode, Arturo discusses his origins in the San Gabriel Valley DIY punk scene and the journey of Audio Karate from local venue shows to international tours. The discussion touches on his work scoring an independent film, placing original music in film and television, and preparing a solo record under the name Small Graffiti. He also reflects on stepping into his role as lead singer for Fenix TX and how he manages his musical career alongside his supervisor role at Orange County Social Services.

For San Gabriel Valley viewers, this episode offers a look at the local music scene and DIY history that shaped neighborhoods in Rosemead, El Monte, and Baldwin Park. Followers of Audio Karate, Sweet and Tender Hooligans, and Fenix TX will gain insight into his decades-long career across independent record labels, international tours, and ongoing songwriting projects. Viewers searching for topics on film scoring, independent music production, or balancing a career in public social services with creative arts will find a practical example of artistic longevity. Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay connected with the artists, musicians, and community figures shaping the region. If you found this conversation on local music history and creative endurance inspiring, please share this episode with a friend or fellow punk rock fan.

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Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

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Melanie Sauer serves as the Executive Director of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center in Pasadena, California, assuming the position in October 2024 after serving as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer since 2021. Her career in financial and operational leadership spans the nonprofit, cultural, and higher education sectors, including senior management roles at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Pacific Oaks College & Children's School, and Southern California Public Media (LAist/89.3 KPCC). A resident of Sierra Madre, she holds degrees from Whitworth University, Azusa Pacific University, and the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University, and actively serves on the boards of the Child Educational Center and Alma Fuerte Public School.

In this episode, Melanie discusses leading the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center and advancing its mission to promote water safety, wellness, competition, and community engagement. The conversation covers her transition from Chief Financial Officer to Executive Director, strategic organizational direction, non-profit financial management, and long-term capital planning. She also shares insights into building sustainable community partnerships, fostering civic engagement across Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, and overseeing aquatics programming for individuals and families across the region.

For viewers in Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and the broader San Gabriel Valley, this episode offers an insider look at the leadership and community operations of a premier regional aquatics facility. Aquatic sports enthusiasts, non-profit professionals, and local families will value her practical breakdown of mission-driven leadership, capital planning, and public health initiatives. Individuals searching online for non-profit management strategies, water safety programs, or community health leadership will find a clear, real-world example of institutional stewardship.

Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay updated on the leaders, institutions, and community initiatives shaping the San Gabriel Valley. If you found this discussion on non-profit leadership and community aquatics informative, please take a moment to share this episode with a friend or neighbor.

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Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Send us Fan Mail

Joshua Lin represents Titanium Robotics (FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1160), a student-led high school robotics program based at San Marino High School in San Marino, California. Now entering its 23rd year as a team, Titanium Robotics designs, builds, and programs competitive robots to participate in international challenges organized by the FIRST® Robotics Competition. Dedicated to fostering engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the organization combines hands-on engineering experience with regional educational outreach and community engagement initiatives.

In this episode, Joshua discusses the operational structure, team dynamics, and engineering workflows that drive Titanium Robotics. The conversation explores how students collaborate to design and program competition-ready robots within strict time limits, prepare for FIRST® Robotics Competition events, and lead local STEM educational programs. Key topics include the impact of high school engineering opportunities, the technical problem-solving skills developed through team competition, and the group's efforts to use robotics as a platform for positive community outreach.

For San Gabriel Valley viewers, this episode provides a look into a long-running student engineering program based in San Marino. Supporters of Titanium Robotics and the broader FIRST® Robotics community will value the discussion on student leadership, technical development, and competition preparation. Anyone searching online for high school STEM education, youth robotics programs, or engineering pathways will find a clear example of how local students apply technical training to solve real-world problems.

Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay updated on the local programs, leaders, and student innovators across the region. If you found this look into youth robotics and STEM education valuable, please share this episode with a student, educator, or neighbor.

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Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Send us Fan Mail

Vincent Chan is the founder of Fujiwara Tofu Cafe, a Japanese-themed cafe and community hub located in El Monte, California. Inspired by the iconic anime series Initial D and Japanese automotive culture, he launched the business as a passion project at local night markets in 2018 before establishing a physical storefront. The cafe specializes in house-made tofu pudding, soy milk drinks, and snacks while operating as a gathering place for car enthusiasts and anime fans.

In this episode, Vincent discusses the growth of Fujiwara Tofu Cafe from pop-up food market events to a storefront location. The conversation covers how he combined JDM car culture, Initial D themes, and specialized soy-based drinks into a distinct business concept. He also shares insights into organizing car meets, offering exclusive merchandise, and hosting events that bring together local automobile hobbyists and subculture fans.

For San Gabriel Valley viewers, this conversation highlights a unique local business that established an international pop-culture destination in El Monte. Vincent’s audience and automotive enthusiasts will value the behind-the-scenes look at how a passion project developed into a recognized regional car-culture hub. Anyone searching for content on Initial D fandom, niche business development, or local food concepts will find a clear example of combining community hobbies with small-business operations.

Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to catch every interview with the creators, business owners, and community leaders across the region. If you enjoyed this discussion on car culture and local entrepreneurship, please share this episode with a friend or fellow enthusiast.

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Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com

Send us Fan Mail

Samuel Lopez is a first-generation Mexican American entrepreneur who was raised in Baldwin Park as part of a family of nine. He currently works for Los Angeles County and is the founder of Ninety-One Good Old Days Clothing, an independent apparel brand centered on resilience, discipline, and self-belief. Grounded in the work ethic and core values taught by his parents, he established his career and business while overcoming the socioeconomic obstacles of his environment.

This episode explores Samuel’s personal journey navigating the pressures of his youth in Baldwin Park and choosing a path defined by hard work and self-accountability. The conversation details how he balances his public sector career with LA County while managing the creative and operational demands of running his clothing brand. Key topics include maintaining daily discipline, developing a positive mindset, honoring family legacy, and motivating others from similar backgrounds to overcome surrounding statistics.

For San Gabriel Valley viewers, this conversation provides a firsthand look at a Baldwin Park native using his experiences to build a positive community brand. Samuel’s audience will gain clear insight into the core values, family motivation, and personal hustle that drive his apparel line. Furthermore, viewers searching for real-world perspectives on personal growth, local entrepreneurship, and overcoming environmental adversity will find practical examples of accountability and determination.

Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay updated on the stories, leaders, and entrepreneurs across the San Gabriel Valley. If you found value in this discussion on mindset, resilience, and personal discipline, please share this episode with a friend or colleague.

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Music Credits

Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library

Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________

My SGV Podcast:

Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com