I’m a Flea Market Junkie

Ocean Park Community Center Director John Maceri Doesn’t Want the Homeless to Lose Hope

John Maceri is the executive director of Ocean Park Community Center, a Santa Monica-based social services agency. Before participating in a UCLA/Zócalo panel discussion about overcoming homelessness in cities, he talked in the Zócalo Green Room about his various facial-hair styles, Real Time With Bill Maher, and deburring gaskets.

Q:

What’s the best place in Santa Monica to go on a date?


A:

There are several good places. I’d have to say The Lobster.


Q:

What’s one sport you wish you played as a kid?


A:

Growing up, I was a swimmer. I wish I would’ve played tennis, because it’s a very competitive sport, and it’s very physical.


Q:

What relaxes you?


A:

Playing with my dog and going to flea markets.


Q:

What’s the strangest job you’ve ever had?


A:

When I was in high school, I worked for a very short time in a factory deburring gaskets. I used to have to hold them with tweezers and grind out rough spots.


Q:

What’s the most important piece of advice you would give someone who’s homeless and wants to get off the street?


A:

Don’t lose hope.


Q:

I’ve seen pictures of you clean-shaven, with a mustache, and with a full beard. What determines your facial-hair style?


A:

I grow more facial hair to hide more wrinkles.


Q:

What’s in your front yard?


A:

Palm trees and grass.


Q:

Which would you rather go to: a great concert or a great museum?


A:

Great museum. I love history, and I’m somebody who enjoys learning. I’m fascinated by how we preserve culture.


Q:

Where are you at 9 p.m. on a typical Friday?


A:

Usually at home, watching Real Time With Bill Maher.


Q:

Do you have a hidden talent?


A:

I don’t know if this is a talent, but I’m a flea market junkie, so I’m really good at spotting interesting things from a distance.


*Photo by Aaron Salicdo.