Today we’d like to introduce you to RUBEN TORRES.
RUBEN, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I didn’t take the traditional route. I was born in Tijuana and raised in South San Diego, what we call *Southtown*, where the collision of SoCal street-culture, hustle, crime- life, and faith shapes who we are. Growing up, I didn’t have a polished path laid out for me, we grew up not having much. I was surrounded by music, street crews, and a lot of pain. My older brother went missing, and just a year later, my mom passed away from a broken heart. That season should’ve crushed me, but instead, it fueled a deeper sense of purpose and gave me a resolve to build something that would outlast my struggles.
I began the music journey trying to be a Hip-Hop artist rapping alongside my lifelong friend Paco Mansin. Noah Bernardo Sr. of Rescue Records asked the question, “do you want to be an artist or an exec at the record label?” I wanted to be an exec, I could be 90 and still be in the industry! That started the next chapter. In the early/mid ’90s, I dove into the music industry, landing the role of VP at Rescue Records. This was my crash course in leadership, marketing, and building relationships. I was thrown into the heart of the business, working with artists like P.O.D. and Dogwood.
In the late 90s, I transitioned into video production with Fortress Entertainment. There, I worked on everything from music videos for Chicano rappers to major projects with World Championship Wrestling. I was immersed in a world of storytelling, using film and music to communicate powerful messages, and had the opportunity to work with artists such as Papa Roach, Run DMC, WC, Kurupt, Tupac’s Outlawz, and DJ Quik. I learned everything from the grind of making things happen on a budget to the power of influence and branding.
But while the music world was exhilarating, I started to feel a pull toward something deeper. I didn’t want to just be part of the industry; I wanted to use my platform and influence to serve people in a way that would make a lasting impact. That work taught me the impact of visual storytelling and solidified my belief in the power of media to influence and inspire. But again, there was a shift within me. As my faith grew, I began asking a new question: “How can I take these skills and resources and use them for a greater purpose?” what can I do with what God has given me?
That’s when Love Thy Neighbor Movement was born in 2010. My brother Charlie and I started with nothing but vision, faith, and hustle, no grants, no large funding, just a group of people determined to serve. Our mission was clear: to uplift those who were forgotten, especially the youth who had no voice. We began with toy drives in Tijuana, and it grew to so much more than we imagined. We started backpack giveaways, food distribution to seniors, supporting orphanages, and shelters in Tijuana and community cleanups in south San Diego. Even though we were a small nonprofit, we operated on passion, purpose, and community support. There was no fancy marketing—just a real desire to make a difference where it was needed most.
My love for art and Lucha Libre collided together in 2010 when I created the first Lucha art experience called” The HeART of Lucha” that featured over 100 artists from all over the world and created a fully immersive lucha experience with live lucha matches, live arts, and live bands and DJs in Barrio Logan’s art space called The Spot. We later took it to Balboa Park’s Centro Cultural De La Raza and became event larger. Since then, other art curators and promoters have emulated the concept and have done their own versions of what we started here in SD. After that came “The HeART of Loteria” and “The HeART of Boxing” that were also fully immersive cultural art experiences.
In 2014, my journey took another turn when I began doing prison outreach at Soledad State Prison. We promoted arts programs inside and judged art shows, providing incarcerated individuals with creative outlets for self-expression. I saw how art could be a powerful tool for healing and personal transformation. That’s when it clicked: people need opportunities to express themselves, especially when society has given up on them. It was a turning point in my understanding of how we could reach even the hardest-hit individuals and help them rebuild their lives.
I had also started to realize that my faith wasn’t just a personal journey, it was meant to be shared. In addition to my work with Love Thy Neighbor, I served on the Latino Community Advisory Board for SDPD Chief Nisleit and participated in the Regional Leadership Institute with the San Diego District Attorney’s office. These roles were doors God opened for me, doors I could never have walked through on my own. They gave me the opportunity to build relationships with community leaders, law enforcement, and local businesses, all while trying to bridge the gap between the community and the systems that affect it.
Over the years, I had the privilege of collaborating with people who believed in what we were doing—Beto Perez, Sonny Sandoval, Rey Mysterio, Frankie J, Andy Vargas, Joseph Lucero, and so many others. These partnerships have helped amplify the work of Love Thy Neighbor and given us access to more resources and opportunities. One of the most impactful things we’ve done is partner with Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. to donate music studio equipment to East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility. Now, the young people inside have a full-blown recording studio, giving them a way to channel their pain into creativity and hope.
At the moment I am also the Creative Director at Morris Cerullo’s Legacy Center in Mission Valley, where I get to produce events that blend faith, culture, and community impact. Even though I only worked With Morris Cerullo for a year before he went on to be with the Lord, it was there that I learned about doing things that create a Legacy, something that can continue after you are go. This man made a global impact; I’m just trying to impact my little corner of the city. And through it all, I’m organizing men’s retreats, bringing men from all walks of life together to grow in their faith and sharpen each other during difficult times. These retreats aren’t just events—they’re moments that change lives, moments where men build lasting relationships and deepen their spiritual journeys and accepting that they want to be the men that God called them to be.
Since way back in the mid 2000’s, I’ve been involved in internet radio and have hosted video interview shows like “Heavyweight Radio”, *Connected with Ruben Torres* and *The Connected Show*. Through these shows, Weve been able to connect with people from all over who are making a difference in their communities. It’s another way I’m able to use media to inspire and encourage and promote others.
Throughout this entire journey, it’s been about showing up—no matter how big or small the task. I’m passionate about using what I’ve learned and experienced to create opportunities for others, especially those who feel like they have no options. I’m not in this for the spotlight; it’s about heart work. It’s about empowering others and showing them that they are worth more than what they think they are.
And through everything, whether it’s youth programs, community events, or working alongside SDPD to build bridges, I’ve stayed true to one mission: showing up for people. I believe that every step of the journey has been divinely orchestrated, and it’s not over yet. The work continues, the impact grows, and the future is bright.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of building Love Thy Neighbor Movement has been beautiful—but let’s be real—it’s been full of bumps, battles, and straight-up miracles. People sometimes assume we’ve got big backing or that we’re tied to some major foundation. Truth is, we’ve never received a single grant. Not one government contract. Everything we’ve done, every toy drive, every backpack giveaway, every youth class, mural, or outreach, we’ve done from the ground up, with what’s in our hand.
We’re a small nonprofit in a world that favors big names and polished proposals. And that’s one of the hardest parts, watching millions of dollars get funneled into huge organizations while we’re in the trenches, doing the work with pocket change and prayer. It can get discouraging, especially when you know your impact is real, when you see the faces of the kids you’re reaching, the stories being changed.
But God has always come through. We’ve had community partners step in, businesses, churches, friends from the neighborhood—people who believe in what we’re doing and aren’t afraid to pitch in. Whether it’s a local taco shop dropping off 50 backpacks or an artist donating their time, we’ve seen support come in clutch every single time.
And I can’t say this enough: “you’re only as strong as your team”. I’m blessed to have people around me Like Ricardo Oviedo, Araceli Villa, and Sara Prieto who grind behind the scenes, no ego, no spotlight, just heart. They help make the vision reality. Without God, and the team he sends, none of this moves.
Maintaining a nonprofit isn’t easy. Fundraising is tough. The hours are long. The work is personal. But when you’re walking in purpose, you find strength in the mission. You keep going not because it’s easy, but because it matters.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been worth it. Every time we put hope in a kid’s hand, every time we show up where others won’t, that’s the reward. And we’re just getting started.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a connector, people know me for bringing others together, whether it’s for a cause, an event, or just to make things happen. I’ve spent my life in San Diego, connecting with people from all walks of life, and I’m proud of how that’s turned into real change. My work is centered on community-building, mentorship, and creating spaces where people feel valued and heard. Whether it’s through Love Thy Neighbor Movement, hosting Peace Gatherings after times of crisis, or working with SDPD to bridge gaps between law enforcement and the community, I specialize in making connections that matter. I’m not here to just check boxes, I’m here to show up for the people who need it the most.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the mural project we did with the Rey Mysterio family. That mural in Logan isn’t just paint on a wall; it’s a symbol of the connection between San Diego and Tijuana, and of our shared culture. Being a part of that project with Rey Mysterio Sr., his family, and the artists involved was a moment that reflected everything I stand for, unity, culture, and community. It was something I connected some of the pieces to, me and my boy Mad One were a piece of something bigger than us at that time in history and now its legacy.
In 2024, I was honored with “Ruben Torres Day” by the City and County of San Diego. That recognition meant a lot, but what’s more important to me is that it’s not about the recognition, t’s about knowing that what we’ve built through Love Thy Neighbor has made a real difference in people’s lives. We’ve impacted countless kids with mentorship, creative arts programs, and toy drives since 2010. We’ve provided school supplies, fed senior citizens, and organized community cleanups. The impact is there, and that’s what keeps me going.
But what I hope I’m known for is my love for God and others. I don’t do this work for accolades or recognition; I do it because I believe that God called me to be a servant. If He did it for me, He can do it for anyone. My faith is at the core of everything I do. I believe that anyone, no matter where they come from or what they’ve been through, can make a difference if they’re willing to show up and serve like Jesus did.
I’m also incredibly proud of my family. My kids have the most beautiful hearts, and their strength continues to amaze me. They’re growing up in a world that can be tough, but they show up every day with love and compassion. My wife, Rosalinda, is my rock, and I am in awe of her strength, especially in the face of her battle with cancer. We’ve been through so much together, and her resilience reminds me every day of the power of love and faith.
At the end of the day, what I do, what I’m known for, is showing up. I’m a community guy, rooted in faith, and passionate about bringing people together. I believe in the power of connection. And I’m here to tell you: if God can open the doors He’s opened for me, He can do it for you too.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’m proud that it’s real. That we never folded. We’ve impacted thousands of lives without compromising who we are. And most of all, I’m proud that my wife and kids can see this. That one day they’ll know their dad didn’t chase fame, he chased change.
I’ve spent a while dabbling in writing a book called “The Moses Factor”, hoping to be done soon. I’m writing it in hopes that it can fall in the hands of at least one person that can be reached to live a purposeful life no matter their past, no matter how unqualified they feel, no matter the pain, and no matter how unqualified they feel. Answer the call and let God do the rest!
I give Jesus all the glory. It was a fire that’s in me and I just followed the calling. Let me say this, don’t wait to be qualified. Don’t wait for a check. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Use what’s in your hand, your story, your gift, your influence. And do it with integrity. Check on your friends, love the unloved. Be the person that shows up, even when nobody’s watching. That’s where the real impact happens. Love your Neighbor; Love God, Change the world!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lovethyneighbormovement.com
- Instagram: @connectedwithrt
- Twitter: @connectedwithrt
Image Credits
Tim Henandez, Tierra Hayes, Junior Torres
