Born in Harbor City, Calif., I have spent most of my life in Southern California.  When not cooking in Old Town Pasadena or writing for the El Vaquero, I like to try new food, read, write, or just take it easy and listen to some music.  I also enjoy riding my bike and skateboarding. An artist at heart, I often connect with people through the things they are most passionate about.  Everyone is enthusiastic about something, whatever it might be, and  you can tell a lot about a person by watching them do what they love.  You can tell even more about them by how they deal with struggles.  Listening to people’s stories  has taught me so much throughout my life and I try to share my own experiences any time it can help someone.   I love writing because it is liberating.  I can write about anything I am passionate about and the only limits I have are the ones I make for myself.