Kate Linder
Celebrity Grand Marshal
Kate Linder, a regular celebrity at the Strawberry Festival and is best known for her role as Esther Valentine on “The Young and the Restless.” She has portrayed this character for 43 years and continues to be a key member of the cast of this long-running, top-rated daytime drama.
In 2008, Linder received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2022, The Hollywood Museum honored her 40th anniversary portraying Esther Valentine on The Young and the Restless with a year-long exhibit.
Kate has also held the position of Governor for the Performers Peer Group at the Television Academy and served two terms as the Governor of the Daytime Programming Peer Group. Additionally, she has been a board member of SAG-AFTRA for multiple terms.
Her feature film credits include Hysteria, Erased, Miss Meadows, Mother’s Day, Voice from the Stone, The Charnel House, Echo Boomers, Book of Leah, and A Little White Lie.
Linder enjoys the best of both worlds, balancing her time in front of the camera with a career in the skies. “Acting is my life and my source of creative satisfaction,” she asserts. Remarkably, she has maintained her pre Y&R position as a weekend flight attendant with United Airlines, as it helps to keep her grounded.
Learn more about Kate at: katelinder.com
Sylvia Mendez
Theme Grand Marshal
Sylvia Mendez is a civil rights activist of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, who is famous for the integral role she played in Mendez v. Westminster. As an eight year old, her parents attempted to enroll Ms. Mendez in a Westminster, California school. She was denied entry in the “whites” only school and was told to go to the school for Mexican children. On February 18, 1946, Judge Paul McCormick ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and a year later the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court ruling. The Mendez case effectively ended segregation as a matter of law in California.
For Sylvia Mendez, the fight for rights didn’t end with the Westminster School District—it would become a lifelong cause. Sylvia continues to advocate for civil rights today, sharing her family’s story and encouraging others to take advantage of educational opportunities. In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her role in the struggle for Mexican American civil rights.
Learn more about Sylvia on her Wikipedia page.
Emilio Rivera
Star of Collateral, On My Block and Sons of Anarchy
Emilio Rivera stars in films such as Collateral starring opposite Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise, A Man Apart starring opposite Vin Diesel, and in Nick Lyon’s Bullet opposite Danny Trejo. He also co-starred in Venom with Tom Hardy, Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot starring Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, and in Rob Zombie’s 3 From Hell. In television, Rivera is best known for playing the starring role of “Marcus Alvarez” on FX’s smash hit series, Sons of Anarchy, and reprised the role as a series regular for its spin-off, Mayans M.C., which has completed its fifth and final season. Rivera is known for his recurring roles in Amazon’s Hand of God and SyFy’s zombie apocalypse series Z Nation, portraying “Hector ‘Escorpion’ Alvarez.” Additionally, he recurred on popular shows like the hit Netflix series On My Block and BET’s The Family Business.
Emilio grew up in an impoverished neighborhood and struggled with recklessness in his youth. He turned his life around when he found his love for performing, and he started honing his craft and improv skills on comedy club stages. However, he found discipline and his true passion through the art of acting.
Follow Emilio on Instagram.
Janice LeAnn Brown
Star of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Janice LeAnn Brown stars as series lead Billie, a mischievous young wizard-in-training, in the upcoming series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, a continuation of the Emmy® Award-winning Wizards of Waverly Place.
Inspired by her brother’s acting pursuits, she decided at a young age that she wanted to pursue acting herself. Her acting career gained momentum with her first speaking role alongside Justin Long in Do You Want to See a Dead Body? and a role as Young Rainbow on the hit ABC show black-ish. Brown’s breakout role came when she portrayed the 4-year-old version of Rue, played by Zendaya, in Euphoria. Additional credits include, Endings, Beginnings, Best Foot Forward, Montross: Blood Rules and Disney Channel’s Just Roll With It. Follow Janice on Instagram.
Alkaio Thiele
Star of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Alkaio Thiele is a teenage actor, singer, and voiceover artist born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He currently stars as Roman Russo in Disney’s new television series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place alongside the hilarious ensemble cast.
He discovered his passion for acting after participating in a local musical theatre production at age eleven and he has been a proud theatre nerd ever since! Alkaio is the current voice for Spidey in Disney’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends, Janner Wingfeather in The Wingfeather Saga, Mega Man in Prime’s Secret Level, and a beloved comedic character in an upcoming Cartoon Network series. He has had the honor of playing the Artful Dodger in Oliver!, Michael Hobbs in Elf: The Musical, Sam in Love Actually Live, and Peter Pan in a fantastically silly Panto production.
Learn more about Alkaio at alkaiothiele.com or follow him on Instagram.
Taylor Cora
Star of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Taylor Cora stars as Winter, Roman’s wildly enthusiastic and outgoing best friend, in the upcoming series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, a continuation of the Emmy® Award-winning Wizards of Waverly Place.
Cora is a 14-year-old Afro-Latina American performer from the Inland Empire Area. She got her start in the entertainment industry by walking in runway fashion shows at the age of five. Inspired by her early experiences, she expressed interest in pursuing acting professionally. Within her first year of acting, she landed her debut commercial with My Little Pony and continued to secure commercials with major brands. In 2022, Cora took her next steps into the television industry by playing two different characters in two episodes of the true crime docuseries American Gangster: Trap Queens. Her role on “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” is a career milestone as it is her first series regular credit and she is thrilled to mark the occasion by bringing the self-confident and bubbly Winter to life for audiences.
Follow Taylor on Instagram.
Max Matenko
Star of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Max Matenko stars as Milo Russo, Justin Russo’s youngest son, in the ongoing series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, a continuation of the Emmy® Award-winning Wizards Of Waverly Place.
Matenko’s television credits include a recurring, multi-season role as Simon in the Platonic, and additional roles in General Hospital and This Is Us. Matenko is often described as “wise beyond his years,” and a “45 year old in a kid’s body.” He loves to interact with people of all ages, and he is unusually adept at giving out sage advice for someone his age, which is what led him to start his own YouTube channel, “The Happy Center,” where he offered advice as a “kid therapist,” when he was six years old.
Follow Max on Instagram
Adan Correa
Star of Love On the Spectrum
Adan Correa is a 27-year-old cast member on the Netflix series “Love on the Spectrum,” which follows individuals on the autism spectrum as they navigate dating and relationships. He is Mexican American, speaks Spanish fluently, has a passion for graphic design, and is proud to bring awareness to the Autism community. He has happily returned for Season 3, where he continues his journey in finding love.
Follow Adam on Instagram
Don “Nuge” Nyugen
Professional Skateboarder
Bryce Ava Wettstein
Professional Skateboarder
Bryce Ava Wettstein is a two-time Olympian and one of the brightest stars in American skateboarding. Born and raised in Encinitas, California, Bryce began skating at just five years old at her local YMCA skatepark. Now 20 years old, she has already built an impressive competitive resume, including becoming the 2022 USA National Champion, a 2021 podium finisher, and the 2019 National Champion in the Women’s Park format. She has been a proud member of Team USA Skateboarding since 2019, most recently representing the U.S. at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Beyond skateboarding, Bryce is a passionate surfer, volleyball player, musician, and student. She writes her own songs on the ukulele and is currently studying social psychology at MiraCosta College. With her joyful spirit, dynamic style, and creative mind, Bryce Wettstein continues to inspire fans around the world and push the boundaries of what’s possible in and out of the skatepark.
Walker Robinson
USA Ski Cross Athlete
Walker Robinson is a rising star in the world of Ski Cross, known for his relentless drive, exceptional talent, and commitment to excellence both on and off the slopes. In 2024, he made history as the youngest USA Ski Cross representative to compete in a World Cup event, marking his debut in Veysonnaz, Switzerland. That same year, he earned a Silver Medal in the Mixed Team Ski Cross event at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea, and placed fourth in the individual competition. His accomplishments also include podium finishes at the USA National Championships, Junior FIS Races, and the Swiss Audi Ski Cross Tour, establishing him as one of the sport’s most promising athletes. Beyond his athletic achievements, Walker is a dedicated community leader and entrepreneur. A five-time recipient of the “Pay It Forward” Volunteer of the Year award, he is passionate about giving back and inspiring the next generation. Learn more about Walker at war-productions.com.
Wing Lam
Wahoo’s Fish Tacos
Wing Lam is the eldest of the three founding Wahoo’s Fish Tacos brothers and widely recognized as the face of the iconic brand. A 37-year restaurant industry veteran, he is often in the public eye participating as a panelist/speaker at global events, in various tv commercials and often featured on Food Network shows. You can also hear him every Friday on 95.5 KLOS’ Heidi & Frank Morning Show, giving updates on his charity California Love Drop and his support of many national and local community-based events.
Wendy Burch
KTLA Newscaster
Wendy Burch is an Emmy-winning journalist, acclaimed professional writer, and inspiring motivational speaker. Southern California wakes up to her reports every morning on the KTLA Morning News. Millions more read her blogs on The Huffington Post.
With a career in journalism spanning more nearly three decades, Burch has interviewed some of the biggest news-makers of our time, delivered thousands of live television news reports: everything from breaking news—to high profile court cases—to star-studded red carpet events. Wendy is also an outspoken advocate for women struggling with fertility issues…. And she very publicly chronicled her own journey to get pregnant after the age of 40. She currently resides in Southern California and is a single-mom to her son, Brady.
Fred Kramer
KLOS Heidi & Frank Show
Frank Kramer has developed into one of American radio’s most outspoken, quick-witted, and funny talk show hosts. He has topped the airwaves, dominating the AM/FM and Podcast markets for decades. He currently hosts the top-ranking Heidi and Frank Show on 95.5 KLOS fm.
Starting his radio career on HOT 102 WLUM Milwaukee in 1993, he captivated listeners with his infectious charm and quick wit. His dynamic presence helped propel his radio career and his move to the City of Angels in 1997. Frank was part of the iconic Jamie, Frosty, and Frank Show on Star 98.7 (KYSR). In 2000, Frank continued as part of the Frosty, Heidi, and Frank Show on 97.1 The FM TALK Station (KLSX).
Since 2012, Frank has been the cornerstone of mornings on 95.5 KLOS Los Angeles. Frank and his co-host Heidi were members of the cast on the entertainment news television show DISH Nation. In 2010, Frank showcased his visionary spirit by launching the Toad Hop Network, a podcast network that revolutionized the digital landscape. With over 40 podcasts, including his own The Heidi and Frank Show and Let’s Be Frank, Frank’s forward-thinking approach to broadcasting continues to solidify his status as a trailblazer in the industry. You can catch Frank, Heidi, Johnny and Jordan, weekday mornings on 95.5 KLOS FM.
Johnny Ice
KLOS Heidi & Frank Show
Johnny Ice is a co-producer and on-air host at 95.5 KLOS fm. He hails from New York with an edgy and sarcastic attitude to match. He has been entertaining the radio airwaves, creating memorable bits and performing on-air stunts for over 20 years. He is most known for being on the Heidi and Frank Show on 95.5 KLOS, living here in Southern California since 2010.
Johnny’s home life is like a family sitcom. His dad joke personality was established even before he had his 2 young kids. Also a loving husband to his wife who is always nagging him to do some project she found on Pinterest. You can most likely catch him shopping at your local hardware store. People have given him the nickname “MacGyver” for his crazy invention he works up in his garage with the most random recycled objects.
You can catch Johnny along with Frank, Heidi, and Jordan, weekday mornings on 95.5 KLOS FM.
Jordan Fitzpatrick
KLOS Heidi & Frank Show
Jordan Fitzpatrick is an on-air producer for the Heidi and Frank Show, mornings on 95.5 KLOS FM. Fitzpatrick is a California native, and continues to call Southern California his home. He has worked and dj-ed for KLOS since 2006. He lives to promote local and timeless rock n’ roll to our local communities. His 2nd passion is playing in a Long Beach rock band. You can catch Jordan along with Frank, Heidi, and Johnny, weekday mornings on 95.5 KLOS FM.
David Peterson
Language Creator & Author
David Peterson is a language creator and author. David is best known for having created the Dothraki and High Valyrian languages for HBO’s Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Since then, he has gone on to create languages for many television series and films, including Syfy’s Defiance, Netflix’s The Witcher, Legendary’s Dune, and the CW’s The 100.
He is the author of Penguin’s The Art of Language Invention, an intensive introduction to language creation, and the creator of Duolingo’s High Valyrian course.
David moved to Garden Grove in 1987, attending Patton Elementary, Bell Intermediate, and Pacific High School. After graduating from Pacific he attended UC Berkeley, where he received bachelor’s degrees in English and linguistics, before moving on to UC San Diego, where he received a master’s degree in linguistics.
Learn more about David at artoflanguageinvention.com/.
Glenda Galvan-Garcia
Celebrity Chef
With over 25 years of culinary expertise, Glenda Galvan-Garcia has built a career creating award-winning foods found in grocery stores and restaurant chains nationwide. Now, she shares her love for Mexican cuisine and culture in her debut cookbook, The Whole Enchilada: Mexican Recipes Full of History and Fun (Planeta Publishing).
What began as a Chicano/Latino Studies research project became a heartfelt mission to celebrate her heritage and inspire future generations. An Orange County native, Glenda has called Garden Grove home for 20 years. As an executive chef, food stylist, and mom, she is passionate about preserving tradition while empowering kids to cook with confidence and pride. Whether in the kitchen or classroom, her work is a flavorful tribute to Mexican history, culture, and resilience—blending tradition and innovation, one dish at a time. Learn more about Glenda at linktr.ee/glendagg or follow her culinary journey on social media @wholeenchilada.co.
John Watanabe
K-Wave 107.9 FM and 1110 AM On -Air Personality
John Watanabe is a radio & television personality, best known internationally as professional wrestling’s “Straight Up” John Watanabe. After doing ring announcing in the Midwest, where he is originally from, Watanabe went on to become the on-camera host & play-by-play announcer for Tokyopop’s English language episodes of FMW (Frontier Martial-arts Wrestling) from Japan, which were top sellers on Billboard’s sports video chart and which aired for a decade on The Fight Network. “Straight Up” John was also the host & play-by-play announcer for the Urban Wrestling Alliance.
Watanabe has also acted in TV commercials and on stage and for the last 14 years, he has been an on-air personality at K-WAVE FM 107.9 & AM 1110, and his beautiful wife April has served alongside him at events here in Southern California, including many appearances at the K-WAVE booth at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival.
Learn more about John at straightupjohnwatanabe.blogspot.com.