Deborah Martinez is deputy director of the Fresno County department of social services. Before participating in a panel on the Affordable Care Act in Fresno, she talked about what she’d do if she had an extra hour in her day, the best advice she’s ever received, and her favorite music to dance to in the Zócalo green room.
How did you get into trouble as a child?
I’m the oldest of eight, so generally it was because I was being too bossy—so kind of a predecessor of what I do now.
What music do you like to dance to?
I like country music, I like Mexican music, I like Christina Aguilera. I like just about everything. I’m not into reggae or jazz too much, but blues are good.
If you had one more extra hour in the day, what would you do with it?
Unfortunately I’d spend it working. I need more time in the day. I’d love to have an extra hour, but it would be for work.
What is your most prized material possession?
I just got a new car—a 2013 Buick Encore. I love it. I call it my favorite payment.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To slow down. I tend to speak very, very quickly, and people tend to think of it as being nervous, but actually my thought processes move a little quicker than other people can absorb. Every time I’ve been reminded it’s helped. I was reminded coming over here: Remember, slow down.
What comforts you?
My husband. He calms me down, brings me back down from my peak of anxiety or stress. So he comforts me. My son does.
What do you love to hate?
That’s a hard one—generally hating something’s not a good thing. I guess some sort of guilty pleasure reality shows that you kind of hate in a strange way—it’s horrible, people are doing things they shouldn’t do on camera, people are making terrible mistakes that affect children. But like-hating something bad like that, I guess.
Where would we find you at 10 a.m. on a typical Sunday morning?
Watching my nephew play for the band at his church or, frankly, getting much-needed sleep from the long week I’ve had. That’s the time I generally wake up and start doing laundry.
Who’s the one person, living or dead, you’d love to have a beer with?
I lost my daughter at 14 years old, so not that I’d have a beer with her. But I can’t imagine answering that question without bringing her in.
What’s your favorite condiment?
I like cilantro dressing for fries. There’s a cilantro dressing that’s got a ranch and green chili kind of a feel to it. I like pickles. I like things that are kind of spicy or unique.