He's an American treasure! Our KNX Hero of the Week, the courageous, witty and compassionate Joe "Peppy" Sciarra of Arcadia! Photo: Joe Sciarra, recently speaking at the Field of Glory ceremony, captured by Steven Castro of Eagle Photography.

She's giving kids equitable opportunities to learn and grow through the art of music and theatre! And, she's inspiring people of all ages to be great. Meet Debora Wondercheck of Arts and Learning Conservatory in Orange County! (Photo: Debora Wondercheck, conducting a live performance, courtesy of ALC.)https://www.artsandlearning.org…

She’s dedicated her life to protecting our oceans, and the animals and people who rely on it to live. Meet Valarie Van Cleave of Orange County, who’s spearheading efforts to preserve our planet’s largest resource!Photo: Valarie Van Cleave with Oceana's Sea Change Summer Party (courtesy of Valarie Van Cleave)…

Meet Boxing Coach and Sports Performance Specialist, Aldair Perez! He reached out to an OC mother after hearing about how her son was getting bullied at school. It started with a free class to teach him some self-defense skills, but the teenager is now in regular training, gaining his power and confidence back!Photo: Aldair Perez and 14 year-old Th…

From fashion to friendship - Melanie Lewis is a person you want on your side! Her positivity radiates in everything she does, especially in her work with The Pink Journey Foundation!

Meet Arden Pala of Sports4Kids! Our KNX Hero of the Week is making a big impact with his non-profit, which provides free sports clinics for schools that can't afford sports programs! Photo: Arden Pala, courtesy of Sports4Kids Connect at http://www.sports4.org

Anne Minder is inspiring kids through the science of flight! She’s a leader with years of corporate training experience, a tireless volunteer, and she’s very passionate about STEM! Click the link above to hear Anne chat with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan, about a special STEM Day program hosted by the Torrance Airport, for local high school studen…

Meet our incredibly talented KNX Heroes of the Week! 17 year-old Saara Dang and 16 year-old Rohan Soni have created a special space for kids dealing with chronic and mental illness. Inspired by Saara’s younger brother, who was diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease, the Orange County high school students created a documentary film that highlights …

Jenna Grabow and her soon to be sister-in-law, Anna Lundmark, are changing the landscape when it comes to employment for people with autism! After struggling to find a job post-graduation, Jenna teamed up with Anna to create their own company. It’s called “Beauty by Jenna” and one of their missions is to hire dozens of skilled and talented people w…

This summer, 18 year-old Kai Yamamoto of Long Beach was named a recipient of the nationwide 2024 Girl Scout Gold Award, for her incredible educational project! It's aimed at at building an anti-racist future and developing more respect and empathy for those of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. The project was so impressive, California S…

Mike Learakos is a former restaurateur with over 30 years in the food industry, and a long-time volunteer supporting thousands of people across SoCal. Mike is also the CEO of Abound Food Care based in Orange County, and his team works hard to eliminate food waste! September is Hunger Action Month, so Mike tells KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan that n…

Leading her community with leaps and bounds, Chloe Gruenberg is not your typical high school student! She’s an accomplished ballerina, she teaches technique to young students in Orange County, and she’s also a dedicated volunteer with over 300 hundred of hours of service! She's involved with RAD, Special Camp and so much more... click the link to h…

It's one of the toughest things in life - transitioning onto a new path. For many members of the military, it can be extremely overwhelming when searching for the right career after years of service. So, this is where Adam Van Dyke steps in to help. And it's not just simple guidance - he volunteers his time, making sure his clients are set on the r…

https://www.beyondblindness.org/ Photo: Angie Rowe, CEO of Beyond Blindness (center) Photo Courtesy of Noel Besuzziद्वारा Audacy

Photo: Bill Bracken, courtesy of Bracken's Kitchen Connect at https://www.brackenskitchen.orgद्वारा Audacy

FixNation is a non-profit clinic in LA County that offers free spay and neuter services to the thousands of homeless, stray, and community cats across the metro. They also provide additional services, community support and low-cost options for people with pets. Founded by local cat-lovers Karn Myers and her late husband Mark Dodge. Click the link t…

Addie Matthews of Mission Viejo is impacting lives in a big way! A year ago, she volunteered as a camp counselor for https://radcamp.org, a SoCal non-profit that offers camps for kids and adults who are differently-abled, or have special needs. This year, Addie decided that she would not only volunteer again, but she would fundraise and help pay th…

Spreading kindness and compassion, while nurturing a community! Through the non-profit https://www.cropswapla.org, founder Jamiah Hargins is helping fight food insecurity across SoCal and the world! He's inspiring urban gardeners, creating access for affordable, nutrient-rich food... and motivating our youth through leadership! Hear Jamiah talk abo…

CPR training in a class at school helped Downey High School senior, Isaac Delgadillo save the life of a collapsed umpire during a recent baseball game! Isaac knew just what to do, when the man fell to the ground behind home plate. His quick action made all the difference! Hear Isaac share his story with KNX Hero's host Heather Jordan, by clicking t…

Nicki Clark knows how tough it can be to attend school while homeless. When she was a teenager, unexpected circumstances forced her and her mother out of their home and into the streets, starting a new life and with new struggles. School was always super important, so now as an adult, Nicki is giving back to kids in a similar situation. She's an aw…

Carol Gibson is making a difference in the lives of low-income seniors all across Southern California! Medical experts and health professionals have documented that music and art can benefit an aging person in many ways, but not all facilities or senior living centers can afford programs that provide these activities. So, Carol and her team of volu…

Every year, the Kevin Armstrong M.D. Memorial Sports Foundation distributes hundreds of pairs of shoes to deserving kids in Santa Ana, to help keep them active for the spring and summer. There's nothing better than a new pair of kicks to build confidence in a young person! KAMSF Vice President Karen Armstrong checks in with Heroes Host Heather Jord…

For nearly two decades, Chef Bruno Serato has been feeding our SoCal community, and communities around the world. Reaching an incredible milestone, Chef Bruno speaks with Heroes Host Heather Jordan about serving his 10-millionth meal with his non-profit, Caterina's Club. Chef Bruno also reveals how he felt getting chosen as a recipient for the 2024…

Track meets, team building and tassles! We check in with L'Mio Edwards, who's in the middle of an exciting track season with Claremont High School. She's also building her non-profit "Team L'Mio" and the senior is getting ready for graduation! Hear the latest with Host Heather Jordan, by clicking the link! Connect at https://teamlmio.com Photo: L'M…

There are times in life when we need a strong support system. For some people, however, that can be hard to find. With a mission to make a difference, retired Superior Court Judge Songhai Armstead is leading the way with JCOD, the new Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department with LA County! The Los Angeles native is a longtime advocate for the u…

Fighting hunger, preventing food waste and cultivating community! Former KNX Hero of the Week Natalie Flores-Blackner chats with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan about their new program called Fruity Fridays, that gives homeowners with fruit trees a way to donate their abundant produce! Natalie also talks about the incredible growth of Nourish LA, si…

From Hawaii to the Hudson Bay, to the coast of Croatia... our KNX Hero of the Week is making a big statement, when it comes to keeping our oceans and waterways healthy! 18 year-old Edie Markovich of Los Angeles is the founder of Outswimming Hunger, and she's partnering with organizations that are making a difference in our communities! Hear her sha…

Driver Austin Varco and his Race4Autism campaign is gearing up for an exciting 2024, kicking things off with Austin's debut at the NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Series at Irwindale Speedway. Racing to the finish line with former KNX Heroes "Special Needz Coffee" as one of his sponsors, Austin is making a big impact in the ASD community! Hear the lates…

A passion project for 13 year-old RJ Hermes is making a big impact on local shelter dogs and their future forever-families! The creative mind behind the "Operation Pawesomeness" campaign - RJ has collected over 350 items for our canine friends, like dog beds, collars, treats and more! Hear RJ share his story with KNX Hero's host Heather Jordan by c…

A true example of bravery and heroism! When doctors at Keck Medicine of USC determined Saul Casillas and Kathya Rocha matched with each other's sibling who needed an organ transplant, they didn't hesitate to donate! Click the link to hear this incredible - and rare - journey of love, compassion and triumph! Photo: Jim Kim, MD, transplant surgeon wi…

The Tesoro High School Junior is making a big difference in the SoCal community, inspiring young girls and teens with scoliosis! Brooke Walker knows how tough it can be during treatment or surgery, herself undergoing a multi-level back fusion two years ago. After her recovery, Brooke turned to mentorship and volunteering, and now leads the Orange C…

It's all about giving back to the community and changing the lives of young people, for Eric Horn! During the week he serves Los Angeles as a police officer, and on the weekends he inspires hundreds of kids with the NE Little League! Eric is not only a coach, he's the president of the league, helping provide a stable and positive environment for fa…

Trauma can hold us back in many ways. As a way of healing from a horrific rape while in college, Summer Willis decided to conquer the darkness that surrounded that moment. At the age of 29, she bravely decided to make a stand, and raise her voice for herself and others. Her mission is to advocate for survivors of rape and raise funding for support …

Benjamin Levy and his wife, Trang, were in the right place at the right time when a brush fire started burning next to some train tracks. Without hesitation, Benjamin flagged down an oncoming train, found a fire extinguisher and helped save the area until firefighters could arrive. Truly heroic actions! Listen to Benjamin tell the incredible story …

Meet Katina Holliday! She's the CEO and founder of Holliday's Helping Hands, based in Carson, CA. It's an organization that improves the quality of life for disenfranchised individuals through love, faith and giving second chances. With seven locations and two more about to open, her non-profit is making a BIG difference in our SoCal community! Hea…

The Jessie Rees Foundation is supporting families fighting childhood cancer all around the world! Based in Orange County, the non-profit's mission is to never, ever give up - or the term “NEGU®” - which was young Jessie's motto as she courageously battled terminal cancer. After she passed in early 2012, her family continued her legacy and the found…

Santa Margarita High School senior Rachel Phillips is changing the lives of young people with Down syndrome, through her volunteer work and leadership! She's involved in programs with the National Association of Down Syndrome and Gigi's Playhouse, and she's also the creator of the SMHS club "Buddies Beyond Boundaries". Hear Rachel chat about it wit…

Quick action, quick thinking and not giving up! Site foreman Chris Goetze saved the life of contractor Larry Brown, after an accident on the job. Hear Chris and Larry share their inspiring story with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan! Photo: Chris Goetze, VP of MG Plumbing, and private contractor Larry Brown Photo courtesy of Chris Goetze…

It can get cold at night in Southern California, making it nearly unbearable for thousands of people who live without a permanent roof over their head. So, Peyton Hitzler is trying to help, one coat at a time! She started Coco's Coats five years ago, collecting warm clothing to give to those in need. She's already helped more than 500 people stay w…

Shaurya Bairaria is a rising star in Southern California! The Canyon Crest Academy junior is the creator of the SoCal non-profit, "Tennis Without Borders." A few years back, Shaurya was sidelined from competitive tennis for nearly a year with an athletic injury. When he stepped back on the court, he realized how much joy the sport of tennis brings,…

There are over 3,000 children in the foster system in Orange County, with thousands more in Los Angeles County and all across Southern California. Community change-maker Debby Thrailkill is creating smiles and bringing comfort to many of these kids, with the "My Own - A Case for Kids" project. Debby collects and distributes suitcases filled with cl…

Heroes helping heroes... heroes delivering babies! In 2023, we honored some incredible people from Southern California, who made a big difference in our community! Heroes host Heather Jordan looks back at some of our most inspiring stories! Photo: Manhattan Beach Fire Department and the Phillips family, after the unexpected birth of their newborn b…

From llamas to sea lions... several of our KNX heroes of 2023 came face to face, or face to snout, with an animal! In some cases, our human heroes saved an animal... in other cases, a four-legged friend helped save people! Click the link to hear KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan recap the year! Photo: Ron Barrett, saving an injured sea lion along the …

California is home to some AMAZING young people, who are going above and beyond to make a difference! This year, our young KNX Heroes were all about serving others... click on the link to hear KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan recap their incredible stories! Photo above: Theo Schwartz and CJ Stanback with the Reading Rovers Program, courtesy of the Pa…

Dr. David Gazzaniga is a sports medicine doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, and he's also the head physician for the LA Chargers! During football season, he and his colleagues run a free, no insurance needed health clinic in Orange County for injured high school football players! Not only does it help families who struggle financially, but it als…

Ten feet of snow. Trapped cars and homes that were completely covered. Closed roads and freezing temperatures. When a blizzard hit the California mountain town of Crestline earlier this year, Danielle Follweiler and her husband jumped into action to help save dozens of lives. She shares her story with KNX's Heather Jordan! Photo: Danielle and Jerem…

#Bravery Ron Barrett is a field rescue volunteer with the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute, and he was called in to help when a 400-pound sea lion was found with a knife in its snout! It was a risky rescue, but Ron's experience and skill allowed him to successfully remove the knife without any additional injuries! Click the link to hea…

#Inclusion 17 year-old Anisha Bhatnagar is helping students at Woodbridge High School in Irvine have the resources and opportunities to take part in the Science Olympiad! Clubs can get expensive, so as a fundraising project, Anisha created a special camp for kids with a full curriculum and science experiments. It was super successful, and Anisha wa…

Move Through Motivation is a movement aimed at spreading compassion, positivity, and resiliency throughout the community! "One person can’t move a mountain…but together we can." Co-founder Matt Olson talks with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan about the benefits of being active and how exercise can help heal, especially when it comes to our veterans …

Dr. Katie Nenneker and her team serve LA and Ventura Counties, helping farmers and pet owners with all types of large animals! Llamas, horses, cows, sheep, chickens... you name it! She and her husband Greg also run the Nenn Foundation, which is designed to help people who need a little help paying the vet bill. They also want to build an animal hos…