Two years ago, Humberto Arista retired after 26 years as a firefighter and battalion chief with North Monterey County Fire. To send him off, a 9-1-1 dispatcher read the following over the radio: “Chief Arista always demonstrated a sense of deep respect for his community, his department and his family.” The Salinas resident and 1984 graduate … [Read more...] about Humberto Arista

When it comes to youth sports, coaches are often chosen from among the most qualified parents. When the kids grow up, those coaches usually hang up their clipboards. Gary and Rosemarie Musones have coached through generations. Even with their own kids now grown and independent, the couple (each in their mid-50s) show no signs of slowing … [Read more...] about Gary and Rosemarie Musones

A good coach can inspire a child for life, and no one believes that more than Joey Ramos. Born in Lapaz, in the Philippines, Ramos came to Soledad with his parents and three siblings when he was just 6 months old. “My parents wanted to give their children a better life with more opportunities,” he said. An extremely shy child, Ramos … [Read more...] about Joey Ramos

Wil Landrum got into coaching in a most familiar way: His child’s team needed someone to step up and lead. In 2015, he signed up his son Nick Duque for Gil Basketball Academy “and the rest is history,” he said. “(Jose) Gil gave me the opportunity to not only coach an amazing bunch of kids but also coach my son.” Landrum definitely had the … [Read more...] about Wil Landrum

As a first generation immigrant born in Mexico, Amparo Jauregui-Saldana grew up learning daily about struggle and sacrifice. Thirteen members strong, the Jauregui family arrived in Madera by 1982, when Amparo was just 8. “The emphasis of working hard for a better future and education was a daily account in our home,” said Amparo, whose father … [Read more...] about Amparo Jauregui-Saldana

As a child, Richard Solis Jr. had never heard of youth travel teams, those elite sports squads that travel long distances — even out of the country — to compete. His “travel team” was his hard-working family who followed the growing seasons, from the Salinas Valley to the Imperial Valley and back again. Year after year. Watching his parents … [Read more...] about Richard Solis Jr.

Marcus Medina works for Monterey-Salinas Transit in the maintenance department, making sure employees have all the necessary tools and equipment. During his off time, he does the same for local kids as a Select Coach for Gil Basketball Academy. Medina makes sure his athletes have all the tools they need — both on and off the court. “Being a … [Read more...] about Marcus Medina