Hosted 10 HIV/AIDS Summits at City of Hope Hospital

Received the prestigious Ellis Island Award in the historic Great Hall that welcomed his grandparents to the US when they immigrated from Italy a century ago

Created the Scholars Program at UC College of Law San Francisco for California residents who graduated from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the American University in Armenia

An MBA scholarship bears his name at the UC San Diego Rady School of Management for students from HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions

Believes that weapons of war have no place in our communities and on our streets and encourages Congress to renew the FAWB permanently

Taught Values Based Political Leadership at USC

Wrote three mystery novels during the Covid-19 lockdown

Is dyslexic 

Wrestled, played football and tennis in high school

Has been on international delegations to Armenia, Korea, Japan and Israel

Wrote and produced an independent feature film

Named a section of the 134 Freeway the Barack H. Obama Highway

Was raised and inspired by his single mom, Barbara

Likes Godfather 1 over Godfather II

Favorite comedy is A Fish Called Wanda

Has watched all 69 episodes of Columbo with his daughter Isabella

Banacek with George Peppard is his favorite classic TV show with the original Star Trek a close second and It Takes Thief 3rd

Death Note, One Punch Man and Banshee are his guilty pleasure contemporary shows

Chemical Heart is his favorite young adult movie with A Silent Voice his favorite Anime film

Hopes someone someday makes a live action version of Jonny Quest 

Has lost 160 pounds in the last two years

Is a closeted standup comedian and loves live theater

Is a proud Girl Scout dad and was a member in good standing of Troop 981

Proud of Isabella and Sofia for earning their Girl Scout Gold Awards

Is an avid bike rider

Biked 6000 miles and was in the top 2% on STRAVA for 2022