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In this episode, Thomas Sage Pedersen sits down with Maria Elena De La Garza, Executive Director of the Community Action Board, to explore what it means to lead with grace, authenticity, and service. Maria shares her journey from growing up in her family’s restaurant to leading one of the most community-rooted organizations in Santa Cruz County. Through stories of faith, mentorship, and the power of showing up, she reminds us that true leadership begins with healing ourselves and walking with our people—fiercely, humbly, and with love.

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The room gets loud when stakes are high—threats, rumors, pressure, even your own inner commentary. We sat down with DeAndre James, executive director of the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley to map a saner path through the chaos: turn down the noise, clarify the facts, and move with integrity even when power says “wait.” From an all-night food mission in the mil tary that drew bogus warnings to the green light on a new wellness center in Watsonville, this conversation shows how courage and patience can coexist.

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Ever noticed how the mightiest sequoias require fire to release their seeds? This morning's reflection explores how today's political turmoil—regardless of where you stand—offers similar potential for transformation when approached with warrior-like resilience.

The current political landscape didn't emerge overnight. It's been building for decades through grassroots movements, reminding us that meaningful change requires patience and persistence. As a Sagittarius, I've developed a deep appreciation for fire's dual nature: its destructive power alongside its generative potential. What if we viewed our current societal discomfort through this lens?

When feeling overwhelmed by the news cycle, I've found strength in stopping to ask: "What would be a world worth fighting for?" This simple question shifts focus from what we resist to what we create. Rather than dismissing empathy as weakness, I've discovered it's actually the foundation for understanding something far greater. By channeling compassion amid chaos, we open ourselves to possibilities that remain hidden when operating from fear alone.

The obstacles we face today aren't just challenges to overcome—they're invitations to reimagine how we might do things differently. Take a moment today to rest, breathe deeply, and consider: what beauty might emerge from this current fire? What seeds within you are waiting for these exact conditions to germinate into something magnificent?

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