Episode 74 | Magdalena Carrasco

Exploring the Capital of Silicon Valley (San Jose, CA)

In this episode I had the honor and pleasure of sitting down with San Jose native, Vice Mayor Carrasco. As of late I have been trying to be more consistent in staying involved in my local community and attending more events. Many of which have been put on by a gentleman I really look up to-State Assemblyman Ash Kalra (D27-SJ).I would find myself crossing paths often with the honorable Vice Mayor at these events but never did I have a chance to finally sit down with the Vice Mayor to discuss real San Jose issues. Issues I know are on many San Jose minds. This, alll while getting to know more about our Vice Mayor remained my underlining goal.

Talk about emotional IQ and understanding the San Jose community!! Magdalena served several years on the front lines as a social worker in our local community. Dealing with foster children and troubled families within the 10th largest city in the United States was the daily routine for Mrs Carrasco. Seeing firsthand some of the troubling social trends and issues that can plague our San Jose families and communities.

I believe this sparked a hunger for change in Mrs. Carrasco. It inflamed a fire in her stomach to want to be the change she wished to see in San Jose.

As she approached the next chapters in her life it is my opinion that this is one of the many reasons she decided to run for District 5 of East San Jose-as an elected Councilwoman. Magdalena would then eventually earn her ranks becoming our Honorable Vice Mayor of San Jose.

As an influential leader in any community one can agree it is very important to do your best to remain calm and not display emotion during certain situations or conflicts any city may face. We address many topics in our talk above but one that I knew would not be easy for Vice Mayor to discuss, but was agreed was more than necessary was Donald Trumps recent decision to attempt to end DACA. Vice Mayor like many of us came from a family of hard working immigrant parents. Nothing could have been more of a personal subject for her.

A comment that sticks with the me is her childhood memories of still smelling the peaches as she played around the Del Monte factories and water tower on the west side of San Jose. The water tower still remains today but the area has since been developed and converted by KB homes into multi-unit condos. More on the subject of DACA and exactly what someone effected by this can specifically do to understand in the video above. It is so imperative that those affected be aware of his or her rights moving forward and tread accordingly. For this reason I felt it was so important to put together some valuable information for DACA recipients in the hopes to share with others who may find value in this or need it most. All of this can be found at the end of the video above.

From affordable housing to status on negotiations for projects like bringing Google jobs to San Jose, I couldn't have enjoyed getting to know our strong female leader more.

From affordable housing to status on negotiations for projects like bringing Google jobs to San Jose, I couldn't have enjoyed getting to know our strong female leader more.

It was a true honor and pleasure to get to know Mrs. Carrasco. I am sure this won't be the last time we have her on the show. A Wonder Woman, activist, and mother of four. Thank you Vice Mayor Carrasco for your daily service to others.

A special thanks to Mexico Bakery for hosting us this Episode! 1560 Alum Rock Ave. the food was delicious! Finally-my goal as always is to not think about myself. To not think about my guest. But to most importantly give give YOU- our readers and listeners significant VALUE. Value in any way and every way we can.

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