Loza met his wife Veronica at Limoneira Ranch. The couple has two children, Iliana and Isaac, who are Olivelands and Briggs school students respectively.
“I grew up in Santa Paula, and I enjoy that now I have the opportunity to give back to the community” in various ways, including a recent partnership with Harold Edwards, CEO of Limoneira Company, to fund a new sports scoreboard at Santa Paula High School. Said Loza, “I’ve been doing okay the last few years with the company, am just grateful and been trying to give back to the community a lot,” with emphasis on youth sports and charities that benefit the community.
But as with the Santa Paula Fireworks Spectacular, Loza is quick to point out, “It’s not about how it gets done, it’s all about enjoying it... and last and this year I saw the need and helped make it happen. I never turn down an opportunity to help. I grew up here,” and here he plans to stay.
Ranging far from Lazo’s home is Freska Produce’s international sources for mangos - from Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and México - offering availability 365 days a year with varieties such as Hadens, Tommy Atkins, Ataulfos, Kents and Keitts. Along with mangos Freska sources bell peppers and hot peppers in the Winter/Spring from Mexico for the last several years, products that are packed and sent to Nogales, Arizona for shipment to customers.
Although Freska is an international company, Loza said there’s no place like home, specifically Santa Paula. “Let me put it this way,” said Loza. “When I was out of college I was offered jobs out of county, away from this the city. I was always hesitant to accept those offers... I’m in love with Santa Paula and this area and if I haven’t left by now, well, I never will. This is home for me, where I wanted my kids to grow up... Santa Paula is my home.”
