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.
About John Van Zante
Q: Please tell us a little bit about 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: What advice would you give to people?
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.
John Van Zante & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
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: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Moved to San Diego 37 years ago.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Oh, my! Between my time in broadcasting and public relations, there’s no one single person.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There is always something to do. I enjoy telling my friends back east that we can visit all four seasons in one day during winter in San Diego.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
No one person comes to mind, but lunch would be on the patio at a whole-in-the-wall taco shop.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Jojo Rabbit. Die Hard. Miracle on 34th Street. Dances with Wolves. Gran Torino.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
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 would you rate a 10 out of 10?
God.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Myself. I don’t want to let others down, so I try to make myself better.
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.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
My parents and I talked about this many times. Philippians 3. I don’t mean to say that I’ve already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Scripps Ranch
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Quiet and country-like, but still close to everything we need.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
A restful Saturday with dinner out of times with my family on Sunday.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe. Warm. Dry.
