MEET

John Van Zante

My title is Public Relations Director for Rancho Coastal Humane Society, but I usually go by Spokesman or “The guy who says what the dogs and cats would say if they could talk.” I was raised in Iowa, attended college in Minnesota, then embarked on a 26-year career in broadcasting. Most of my broadcasting career was on the radio, but it also included television, voiceovers, character voices, commercial, and comedy writing. Toward the end of my fulltime broadcasting career, I accepted an offer to teach broadcasting for one semester as an Adjunct Professor at Palomar College. That one semester stretched into 12 years as a part time professor. When the Federal Communications Commission began deregulation of radio, I turned my 26 years of broadcasting experience to animal shelter Public Relations. I have been at Rancho Coastal Humane Society since July 2011.

Learn more about

John

Q: Hey! Thanks for taking the time to be here. Can you start by sharing a little bit about yourself and your family? *

My family includes one adult son and two adult daughters. Four grandchildren. Four great-grandchildren. And numerous grand dogs, grand cats, chickens, and a grand duck (Yes. I have a Grand Duck. Don’t judge.)

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do? *

During my 26 years in broadcasting, people always said, “I wish I could do that!” Now, after 24 years in animal shelter PR, people still say, “I wish I could do that.” I’ve been blessed with two careers that most people would love. It’s a blessing to be able to share information and tell the stories that make life better for people and their pets.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?

I moved to San Diego 37 years ago.

Q: If you could go back in time what advice would you give yourself? *

What we do with our lives matters, even though it might not be how or when we want it to happen. Be patient. Listen. Tell the truth. And if someone wants you to violate your integrity, walk away.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years? *

I hope to retire in the next 5 to 10 years, but “I’m not very good at doing nothing.” My retirement will need to include new goals, not just to stay busy but to continue doing things with my life that help others.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

Myself. I don’t want to let others down, so I try to make myself better.

John & Our Community

Q: Ok, let's talk about our amazing community for a moment. What are a few of your local favorite spots? *

My tastes are pretty simple. Any Mexican restaurant that ends in “…Bertos” is fine. I can always find something I like at Denny’s. Pernicanos. Cafe Luna. The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met here? *

Oh, my! Between my time in broadcasting and public relations, there’s no one single person.

Q: Give us a fun fact about yourself that people may not know. *

After all the years in broadcasting, I try to follow the “12-year-old rule.” I try to speak in a way that a 12-year-old would understand. Using big words and buzzwords make it harder for people to know what you’re trying to say. Then, what’s the use? I’m actually a licensed broadcast engineer with endorsement to operate radar. No. I can’t operate radar, but I’m licensed.

Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?

Rancho Coastal Humane Society, obviously. Lions Tigers and Bears. NSEFU Wildlife Rescue. Shelter to Soldier. Helping Paws. Rock Church.

Connect with John

John

Public Relations Director

Rancho Coastal Humane Society

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