Barry Manilow Has Always Been There for Me

News Editor Toni Momberger Knows a Thing or Two About Real Estate

Toni Momberger is the editor of Redlands Daily Facts, a daily newspaper in Redlands, California. Before participating in a panel discussion on community art programs, she talked in the Zócalo green room about Star Wars, singing Janis Joplin, and kicking ass at Balderdash.

Q:

Who’s your favorite Star Wars character?


A:

Chewbacca.


Q:

What’s the funniest name someone has called you based on your last name?


A:

Oh, it’s too easy.


Q:

You used to be a real estate editor. What’s some good real estate advice?


A:

Own rentals. Keep that monthly cash flow coming out.


Q:

When’s the last time you were really frustrated?


A:

This morning. We had two local news items to cover, but I had no reporters to put on them. Finally I got someone, but she couldn’t reach the contacts. It’s just day-by-day.


Q:

When’s the last time you saw snow in person?


A:

I think it was on the way to Boulder, Colorado, two summers ago.


Q:

You went to school in Boulder. Where’s the first place you go when you visit there?


A:

Sushi Zanmai.


Q:

What’s the last board game you played?


A:

Balderdash. And let me tell you, I kicked serious ass.


Q:

What’s your go-to karaoke song?


A:

Q:

What’s one thing you can’t live without?


A:

My swimming pool.


Q:

What advice would you give to the 15-year-old version of yourself?


A:

Own it. You’re different, so just be different. Allow yourself to be who you are, because at some point people are going to respect it.


Q:

Do you have any guilty music pleasures?


A:

Barry Manilow. I’ve always listened to Barry. Yesterday, I listened to Barry.


*Photo by Anthony Arcinas.