Staff Spotlight: Gabe The Sasquatch, Mayor of the San Gabriel Mountains

The ActiveSGV team is made up of many unique individuals, but the most unique of us all is also the most elusive... our dear friend and Mayor of the San Gabriel Mountains: Gabe the Sasquatch! He only ventures from his beautiful mountain home about two times a year (shout out #626GoldenStreets!) but he remains a motivated leader and inspiration for our organization! This month, in honor of 626 Golden Streets, we sat down with the legend to find more about him! 

1. How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?
I didn’t. ActiveSGV works for me. I’m currently Mayor of the San Gabriel Mountains, a position I’ve held for the past four decades (we don’t have term limits, and the average life expectancy of a sasquatch is 137 -- #FunFact #Science). Needless to say, when the inaugural 626 Golden Streets was announced way back in 2015 the organizing team needed a lot of help getting the word out, and sought out a big name with a strong connection to the SGV. Some people say I’m kind of a big deal. And I’m 6’9”!
2. What do you like most about ActiveSGV?
They tend to lean toward a very vegan-friendly lifestyle, which I appreciate greatly. Sasquatchi tend to get a bad rap (people always say we're gonna eat them??!) but we're vegan! And the amazing, multi-city, all-species-friendly open streets events, obviously!  
3. Favorite and/or memorable ActiveSGV experience
This is a tough one as there are so many. I once wrestled the Mayor of Duarte and temporarily assumed his position presiding over a Council meeting. I’ve also driven an electric Foothill Transit Bus in a holiday parade, led an award winning marching band, and saved a kitten from a reckless driver during my time as official spokesperson for 626 Golden Streets.
4. If a friend from out of town were to visit, which place in the SGV would you take them to and why?
This is a rhetorical question, right? My home, aka the SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS NATIONAL MONUMENT!
5. What you're listening to/ reading/ watching/ digging right now:
A life changing book called the High Cost of Free Parking, by UCLA Professor Donald Shoup. If you don’t have time to read the full book, at least check out this video on the issue from Vox.

More about Gabe: www.626goldenstreets.com/gabe-the-sasquatch.html
Public Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GabetheSasquatch/