Meet Ruben J. Carbajal (Sonny)
Meet Ruben J. Carbajal (Sonny)If you won $96,000 from the lottery, what would you do with it?
I would definitely give part of it to my two sisters’ college funds, to my parents, and my grandparents. I would save some for school and rent, and buy a nice suit or two. The rest of the money would be put in an investment-type account.
Who’s someone in your life that’s not blood-related, but who you would consider to be family?
My best friend, Johnny Gil. I met him when I was in Kindergarten and we have been best friends since, attending the same schools since then. He’s my brother.
What was your neighborhood like when you were growing up? What’s that neighborhood like now?
I grew up in Westchester, CA (close to LAX) and the block was filled with other kids my age who liked to play games and have fun. We would play hide-n-seek, baseball, football, soccer, capture the flag, or just ride our bikes up and down the street. It was very lively. Now, it is definitely quieter and less busy, as the kids, such as myself, grew up and left to college or left the neighborhood.
What’s your favorite photo from your childhood? What’s your family’s favorite photo?
My favorite photo is my tee-ball picture from 1997. I had pink-eye, but still showed up to take my picture. I look great. My family’s favorite photo is probably one on our trip to Hawaii.
Tell me about someone in your life that made sacrifices for you to succeed.
My mom and my dad made sacrifices early in my childhood to help me be a healthy and happy baby. For example, they once won $20 on a lotto scratcher and bought me new shoes, instead of spending it on something for themselves.
If you met any of these characters on the street, who would you share a pint with and who would make you turn and walk away? And why?
Unfortunately, Sonny is 16 and still in high school, and I would not enjoy getting in trouble for alcoholic distribution to a minor. But if he were of age, I would gladly share a beer with him! I believe he and I would be good friends.
What excites you about this story and why should people come see it?
This story is incredibly real and relatable. Each character has so much going on in their head and they have so much to lose, but at the same time, they don’t have much. People need to see this show to witness a modern-day tragedy about a group of loving people who are affected by gentrification. Anyone, no matter what race or financial classification, can benefit from this very real and touching story.
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