Michael Arvizu is KCRW’s March Volunteer of the Month

Where did you grow up and are you an only child?

I grew up in Glassell Park. I have two younger brothers, Ricky, who is in his sophomore year of college, and Mario, who is in 11th grade.

What is your current occupation?

I formerly worked as a reporter in Glendale, but left that position last year to go back to school.

What is your fantasy occupation?

I would have loved to have been a police officer or CHP officer.

When did you first discover KCRW?

Honestly, I really don’t remember exactly when I discovered KCRW. I guess I just tuned in one day, liked what I heard, and couldn’t stop listening.

How did you find your way to our station for volunteering?

I first set foot inside KCRW as a pledge drive volunteer. Since I’ve always dreamed of working in radio, I decided to try my hand as a permanent volunteer when I got to see the station for the first time and fell in love with the behind the scenes operations.

What’s your current volunteer position and how long have you been at it?

I do production assistance on Raul Campos’ Tuesday night show, and I volunteer to fill in for other volunteers in the studio as needed. I’ve been doing Raul’s show for about two years.

Favorite volunteer moment?

One Friday morning, while I was still working the front desk in addition to my PA duties on Tuesday nights, Ariana Morgenstern needed a volunteer for “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” After being trained by her to do that particular show, we received word that Adele would be stopping by to be interviewed by Jason Bentley. Next thing I know Adele, a world famous, multiple Grammy Award-winning artist, is sitting no more than three feet from me. Not bad for my first time doing the show.

If you could get on the mic and say one sentence on the air, what would it be?

Say that “KCRW is NPR news and handpicked music for Southern California, including …” and name some far off place KCRW reaches where no one really knows exactly where it is, like Borrego Springs!

What song have you hit repeat on lately?

I try to listen to as much music as possible, and usually don’t settle on one particular song.

Favorite book, movie?

One book that I would consider my favorite, that really touched me, was “Life’s That Way” by Jim Beaver, a collection of e-mails sent by Beaver over the course of several years to friends and family updating them on the condition of his cancer-stricken wife.

My favorite movie would have to be “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.” William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy’s performance in that film was like no other.

Favorite thing to do outside the station (hobbies, recreation, etc.)?

I enjoy photography, online radio, traveling, and reading and writing (but not ‘rithmatic).

What does KCRW mean to you?

KCRW means education, in that I can use it in the classroom while tutoring students in mass communications at my college. I can always expect something new every day, and enjoy those “driveway moments” where I can’t rip myself away from the radio.

Michael has saved many a DJ quite a bit of frustration, not to mention making a ton of ticket winners happy! You see, without a volunteer in studio, ticket giveaways don’t happen and that would just be a shame. Thanks Michael!!!