InterView
Alan Sanchez – Good Day Sacramento
by Chris Murphy
ModestoView goes way back with Alan Sanchez. We always knew Alan was going to go big. From his early days at Hilmar High and MJC and Central Valley Report, his way with people and his energy in front of the camera was engaging and everyone he talked to related to him. Alan soon became “The Intern”. Alan sensed an opportunity to break into the TV world. Since Modesto is not it’s own demographic market (a position we strongly disagree with) Alan decided to take his “fun man on the Modesto street message” to Sacramento in 2006.
Fast forward to today, Alan is no longer an intern, but one of central California’s favorite TV personalities. Alan is still Modesto based and the good things in Modesto have been front and center daily on the popular Good Day Sacramento thanks to the efforts of Alan Sanchez. Alan has the honor of hosting the Modesto Area Music Awards (the MAMAs) more than anyone else and has showcased Modesto musicians on his show.
We all want to change the way people perceive Modesto, and what Alan is doing is one of the most high profile ways to do it. Let’s get to know our highly televised, energetic and caffeinated Modesto Ambassador, Alan Sanchez.
ModestoView: Tell us about your Modesto roots.
Alan Sanchez: I was born and raised in Turlock. I went to a Turlock School until I was in 6th grade. Then moved schools and went to Hilmar until graduation. Before Freshman year, my family and I moved to Keyes and that’s where my parents still live. As for Modesto, my family and I were poor, and couldn’t afford many things, even the 15-20 minute trip to Modesto. We would shop at the mall when we had a chance and check out the American Graffiti celebrations downtown. Which are always great memories. I finally got a job in Modesto at the Longs Drugs (now CVS) off of Scenic and Oakdale and haven’t left Modesto since. Only a few moths before my 21st birthday, I decided to try school out, and signed up for classes at Modesto JC. My initial plan was to go for pharmacy tech. Yet I took 1 Beginning TV class and it happened to be my 1st class. I was in that class for 5 minutes and that was it. I knew that I wanted to be a reporter, and NOTHING was going to stop me. I made sure to involve myself into school. Thus allowing me to discover Modesto. And I love it.
MV: How did you get the Good Day Sacramento gig?
AS: When I was an intern a reporter called in sick, they needed a someone to help out. They took a big chance with me, and I did the segment. I did ok, but they saw the passion in my eyes. they kept me on every weekend for the next 6 months. After that, they offered me part time reporter job. I did that for a year and then they offered me a contract. becoming the youngest reporter in Sacramento market history.
MV: You have traveled throughout the valley covering a variety of events, what is it that makes Modesto special?
AS: Modesto truly has people who love the town. Who have passion for the city, to keep it thriving more everyday. They get excited about event and charities. That makes it easy to cover event and positive stories about Modesto.
MV: You recently have gotten super fit. This is a great healthy message how did you do it?
AS: I knew for over a year that I was going to Miami this past April. I kept telling myself I had to get fit, then it was only 2 months to Miami and I had done nothing about getting fit. I got into the gym lost a few pounds, started to feel great. And I was off and now I’ve lost over 50 lbs. With a nutritional plan from locally owned Max Muscle and Fitness at Cross Fit Modesto. I’m stronger and more fit than ever.
MV: Tell us about one of your interviews that went surprisingly different than you expected.
AS: About 4 years ago, I did an interview with a Blue Angels Jet Pilot, while flying just under 800 mph. Doing turns, flying upside down, and rolls was fun and a bit scary. It was a wonderful experience but doing an interview was a bit hard because I was in amazement. MV: Modesto is a giving community, what is your perspective about how the people of Modesto support each other? AS: The Love Modesto event is a wonderful example. Getting thousand of people to take over all parts of Modesto to help in anyway possible. Modesto does a great job in making sure they’re opportunities for anyone with any skill to help.
MV: What is something you have learned about Modesto that most people don’t know?
AS: There is so much to do, see, and shop. From great events like X-fest, MAMAs, and fun charity events. Cool movies at the State Theater, plus so many shops that you can only find in Modesto that get people from outside of town coming in.
MV: What is your dream job?
AS: I have it. When I was 5 years old living in the poor side of Turlock. I always wanted to be a TV reporter. Then when I was 12 I saw this show called GOOD DAY SACRAMENTO, and I saw how fun they were and are. I knew that was the show for me
MV: Who would you most like to interview?
AS: I’m a big WWE fan. Wrestling has been in my life from day one. I’d love to interview Stone Cold Steve Austin.
MV: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
AS: Not a resolution, but keep working hard, and staying positive. Knowing that you only live once and no promise for tomorrow, I do my best to love and live life.
MV: What would you like to see Modesto do differently in 2013?
AS: I’d love to see more kids and teen programs for Modesto. I know the boys and girls club is starting back up, that would be awesome. If we help out kids with positive programs they will grow up to be positive people for the area.
MV: Describe the perfect Alan Sanchez Modesto day.
AS: Going to downtown Modesto sitting at one of our local cafes, jamming some music on my I phone. Have a chai tea while talking to my long time buddy and local video photographer Dan Zampa.
MV: Our legendary question: Beatles or Stones? AS: BEATLES!!! I have dozen and dozens of their song all over my IPod
Watch Alan Sanchez daily on Good Day Sacramento CW31
Friend Alan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/teamalan<http://www.facebook.com/teamalan>
Follow Alan on Twitter: @alansanchez
Check out his Intsagram #alansancheztv
