Dr. Lauren Guerra is a dedicated lecturer in Chicana/Chicano & Central American Studies at UCLA and the heart behind Gold Hoops & God, a podcast that uplifts and empowers Millennial Latinas to embrace their purpose with confidence and faith. On this episode of SoCal Voices, host Angela Ross speaks with Dr. G about her upbringing in Los Angeles and how it shaped both her academic mission and her spiritual calling. She also shares powerful thoughts on the recent protests against ICE raids and offers guidance on how to stay rooted in faith and hope as our country faces turbulent times.

Resources:

Gold Hoops & God Podcast

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The rich legacy of Negro League Baseball was front and center at Moreno Valley's Woodland Park on May 31 during the Community Softball Game organized by James Harris, founder of the African American History presentation series, UnVeiled: History in Focus. SoCal Voices was on hand to cheer for the players, meet members of the community, and give away a Negro League Baseball Bomber Jacket.

In this inspiring episode, SoCal Voices host Angela Ross sits down with Moreno Valley Mayor Ulises Cabrera to reflect on the power of community-driven events and their deeper cultural significance. Recorded live at the celebration honoring the Negro Leagues, Mayor Cabrera shares why it's vital to preserve and spotlight history—especially stories rooted in resilience, equity, and social justice.

From discussing Moreno Valley’s role as one of California’s most diverse cities to envisioning its growth over the next five years, the mayor outlines a future rich with opportunity, inclusive development, and civic pride. The Mayor also talks about SoCal’s unmatched diversity, the iconic “M” mountain, and what makes Moreno Valley feel like home.

Events like Moreno Valley’s Community Softball Game honor the past and inspire the future. By remembering the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us, we strengthen the cultural fabric of our cities and empower the next generation to lead with awareness, pride, and purpose.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about how this event got started! Check out the April 10 SoCal Voices Podcast episode featuring Negro League Community Softball Game organizer James Harris.

Celebrate the legacy of Negro League Baseball throughout the year with the Black Baseball Greats Collection by visionary artist Kelly Jackson, owner of Skillz Recognize Skillz Clothing Brand & Print Shop. You will find unique, original apparel and prints that pay tribute to the great legacy of Negro League Baseball players.

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As a teenager, Kim Valentine found herself without a home. Today, she’s the founder and president of Operation Helping Hands SoCal, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the unhoused rebuild their lives. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Valentine opens up about her journey from surviving the streets to creating change—and calls on all of us to replace our judgement of homeless people with empathy and action. Her story reminds us that when compassion meets commitment, healing is possible and lives can be transformed. After hearing her story, you might see SoCal’s homeless differently and become a more effective advocate for this vulnerable population.

Resources

Operation Helping Hands SoCal

Enjoy the Show?

Leave a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts or socalvoices.com.

Get the SoCal Voices Newsletter.
Subscribe to the SoCal Voices Newsletter and receive a free copy of our e-book Making Friends in SoCal.

Looking for your next adventure in SoCal? There’s lots to enjoy from San Diego to Ventura. Book with our affiliate partner, Viator.

Follow SoCal Voices on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn @socalvoices.

Follow Host Angela Ross on LinkedIn.

Want to be a guest on SoCal Voices? Reach out to host Angela Ross on PodMatch. Here’s where you can join: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/socalvoices.

Support SoCal Voices

Thank you for listening! Support SoCal Voices Podcast. Your contributions help us continue to bring you quality content about living and thriving in Southern California. It’s easy! Just click this link:

Support the show