Meet Your Neighbor In Granada Hills: Roderick Singleton

Hey Northridge-Chatsworth! Want to get to know one of your neighbors better? Here is a brief interview with Granada Hills area resident Roderick Singleton. If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed, click here to fill out the interview form. And thanks as always for reading the Patch.

What is your history in your community?
I was born in Mobile, AL. Came to California when I was one, and attended Miller School in Burbank (K-6 grade). My family moved to Simi Valley, city of Simi & I finished middle school and passed high school at Simi High in 1971. I currently live in Granada Hills, I consider myself a true California surfer boy. PS: I don't surf, I wish I could!

What is your current job or role in the community?
As I am retired, I only keep up with current affairs mostly from TV (fake news, mostly) And of course the internet.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that few people know.
I try not to be too serious and get someone to just laugh at things, but I know that many things are real serious, so it's a balancing act. I love watching old movies and then acting like I'm the greatest critique of them all in my reviews. I like meeting new people and to hear of their life stories.

What are your favorite things about living in your community?
My favorite places to eat (take out or delivery, during this virus): Del Taco for the best hamburgers, Taco Bell great taco salad, Popeyes great spicy chicken. Best place to watch the sunset, Porter Ranch is maybe 10-15 minutes from my place. Great views of the sun going down and loads of city lights down below, it’s perfect.

What's your favorite restaurant in town, and what do you order there?
Presidente Restaurant, 11451 Sepulveda Blvd, Mission Hills. It’s five minutes from my place and has the best Mexican food south of the border. Oh it's delicious. I always love and order the enchiladas with the sides, or the flaming sizzling fajitas. They are great to order as a dinner.

What do you think are the biggest local issues facing your community?
Right now the dumb virus, people should be more careful. And if you have trouble wearing a mask, do yourself and me a favor: stay home and order delivery.

What's a good life hack for navigating your community?
Just stay calm and keep cool, above all do not get angry because people are gonna make mistakes.

Do you have any goals or hopes for the future of your community? Tell us about them.
To stay alive as long as possible, but only if I'm in reasonable health.

If you've learned one thing for sure in life, what is it?
If someone yells at you, just keep cool and don't yell back (walk or drive away asap.)

Anything else you'd like to say?
I will always try my best to offer good advice, but if I say something about anything that is second hand news, I will say so and that I have no proof that it's true.