George Alvarez, Groundskeeper at Pico Union ProjectWho is the person you most admire?

My son. For all the struggles in his life, he keeps going, he doesn’t get lost. He keeps straight on his righteous way, even though he’s supposed to be in jail or the hospital because he grew up in a really bad area. But now my son has two jobs and is gonna have his own business as a cook. He knows he needs his credentials because he wants to be sure that his business will be successful, so he can do what he likes to do.

What do you love about yourself?

I love God inside of myself. He helps me be a fighter. He’s a source of positive energy. When you’re thirsty you drink water—when things go wrong, God helps you.

Who is the greatest love of your life?

The greatest love of my life is God. When I talk to him I feel his love and warm feelings and security.

What is your greatest fear?

Fear for me is a feeling. It’s a natural feeling that announces whatever danger comes. But God in myself says: “I will never leave you; I will never forsake you for the rest of your life.” When a feeling of fear comes, I know how to get back the feeling of peace and security. I’m willing to pay any price for what I believe. The fear is gonna tell me something is wrong, but you can control that, and say to yourself “I can kill the snake, or I can let him bite me.” You can be either a hammer or a nail. You have to decide.

What’s your favorite animal?

I love the little tiny birds that fly around the flowers downstairs. You know, God never makes ugly things. I like cats, dogs, and birds.

Who is your favorite author?

Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 100 Years of Solitude is the best. I really like it. There’s a man who creates a town, and he’s had a lot of experiences in life. He was an inventor. He bought two links of magnets from a street vendor and thought it was amazing. So he decided he wanted to make them for his family.