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Music:  "Everything Is Working Out" by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist, licensed under Epidemic Sound.  Original work available at https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/d82030d0-11ae-4ed6-b8c0-54046531b869/.

Sergio Says It Straight

In this episode, Sergio sits down with Ruben Ramirez, a friend and member of the Santa Maria community, to talk about his upbringing, career in law enforcement, family life, personal goals, and experiences serving the local community.

Ruben grew up on the west side of Santa Maria, where sports played a major role in his childhood. He spent his younger years playing baseball, basketball, and riding bikes with friends. His grandfather introduced him to camping and fishing, creating a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. Ruben also shares a memorable family trip to Texas that lasted only ten days because of severe thunderstorms and flooding. Growing up, his father instilled a strong work ethic by having him help with landscaping jobs, teaching him responsibility and the value of earning his own money.

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Ruben and Sergio reminisce about growing up in the 1990s and early 2000s, including the music, movies, and Friday-night gatherings that shaped their generation. They discuss how today's younger generation socializes differently, with video games and online communication often replacing the in-person experiences they remember from their own childhoods.

Ruben also talks about his journey into softball umpiring. After first trying it at 18, he returned to officiating years later and gradually worked his way up from youth softball to high school games. He explains the extensive training, rulebook knowledge, evaluations, and pressure that come with officiating at higher levels. Ruben shares the excitement of being selected to officiate the CIF Division VI finals in Fresno, along with the challenges of making difficult calls and dealing with coaches who become frustrated during games. Despite the pressure, he enjoys watching young athletes develop and takes pride in being part of their journeys, especially when local players advance to the collegiate level.

Ruben then opens up about his professional career. He began working for the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department before deciding to pursue law enforcement. He attended a demanding police academy while maintaining his full-time job, later completing field training and becoming a police officer. During his more than six years in policing, he worked patrol, handled DUI enforcement, and participated in a multi-agency task force. He eventually returned to the Recreation and Parks Department, where he advanced through several positions and became a lieutenant overseeing field operations. He discusses the discipline, experience, and continued learning required to succeed in law enforcement, as well as the importance of leadership and preparing the next generation of officers.

The episode also explores Ruben's early ambitions, including his decision not to pursue the military after initially considering the Marines. He explains how his experiences ultimately led him toward law enforcement and how he learned to accept that everyone has a different path in life. Ruben emphasizes the importance of continuing to grow rather than becoming comfortable in one position. He recently completed his associate degree and is working toward a bachelor's degree in administration of justice and business management, with plans to explore future opportunities within the city and potentially teach at Allan Hancock College.

Family is another major part of the conversation. Ruben discusses raising four children in a blended family and explains how mutual support between spouses and cooperation with former partners can make the transition easier for everyone. He sh