We are definitely a lucky bunch here at CicLAvia. We have such a fantastic group of inspiring volunteers that work hard to support the mission of CicLAvia.
One of those volunteers is Tony, our digital media volunteer who's been working closely with our digital media team since summer 2016. You may recognize him as one of the #RoadtoCicLAvia guides: he works to identify local businesses and points of interest along our upcoming routes, and films them on Instagram and Snapchat with our digital team. You may also have seen him on our website, modeling the coolest LA swag around.
Tony feeding the ducks on the Venice Canals
Take a read and learn why he decided to volunteer with CicLAvia!
Name Age & Occupation:
Tony, 24, Data Operations Specialist for entertainment marketing
Favorite place to hang out in Los Angeles County:
I'd say it's between Playa Del Rey and Los Feliz. I love being close to Griffith Park and the Hollyhock House.
Preferred method of non-motorized transportation:
My road bike is definitely my favorite. Although, taking my CicLAvia bike on a cruise down the beach is a close second.
Favorite CicLAvia Route and why?
Heart of LA is hard to beat. But, I am really looking forward to the new Glendale/Atwater route. I think it has a good chance of being my new favorite.
What has surprised you the most about volunteering with CicLAvia?
I think something that has surprised me the most about volunteering for CicLAvia is just how community driven it is. From the outside I'd always imagined that the events were just sort of produced out of thin air. The staff, volunteers, and the communities all working together encapsulate just how much of a collective effort the events are.
Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to volunteer with CicLAvia.
I have to say my grandfather is someone who always encouraged me to work towards making the place I live in the best it can be. Everyone wants to live somewhere exciting and beautiful. What I think is forgotten by some is that timeless saying- "it's the people that make the place." CicLAvia is an outlet that allows me to shape the place that I want to live in.
What's your personal philosophy on why open streets are so important.
To keep it simple. When you think about leaving home, closing the front door behind you and stepping out into the world, it invokes a certain feeling. For a lot of people that feeling can be anxiety, stress, or melancholy. I don't think we outh to feel that way. When I step out of my front door I want to feel inspired to explore and enjoy my surroundings. Open streets makes having that feeling a possibility for everyone.
What would you tell someone who is thinking bout volunteering for CicLAvia?
Having the opportunity to be a part of something that is able to make a large positive impact on your community isn't the easiest thing to come by. CicLAvia is the chance to make the impact. When you see smiling faces ride by the event, you'll see just how much you are able to create the places we want to live in.
CicLAvia is always looking for volunteers to help in the office and on the streets leading up to CicLAvia! If you'd like to join our office or street team, email Henny Alamillo at [email protected]
