I grew up in Livermore as the oldest of 8 kids. We all graduated from Granada High School. My wife Cindy, a LHS grad, and I have raised our 3 kids here as well, the 2 oldest are also GHS grads and the youngest is in 9th grade there. My parents owned a couple of businesses in town, Rich Cortez Appliance Repair and Not Just Yogurt, which many residents will remember. Cindy’s Dad was a PE teacher and Coach in San Ramon and at Saint Mary’s College. After teaching PE and Coaching Volleyball at Amador Valley for 17 years, I came back to Granada 10 years ago to continue teaching PE and coaching volleyball as well as teaching Sports Psychology classes. So I would say that we are absolutely a Livermore family through and through. I love trying to make a positive difference in people’s lives, particularly working with young people and motivating them to take care of themselves. In addition to teaching I run my longtime business, Cortez Volleyball Camps and Clinics, which specializes in youth volleyball training and development.
Q: What are some fun activities to do in Livermore?
Wakeboarding at The Delta; Mountain Biking; Shows at The Bankhead
Q: What makes the Livermore community so special?
This community is family friendly and a great place to raise children.
Q: Please tell us about where you work and what you love about what you do?
I teach PE and coach volleyball at Granada High School. I enjoy working with my colleagues and educating our young people.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
El Charro and Uncle Yu’s
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Most of my life. The past 27 years at PUSD and LVJUSD.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My wife Cindy.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Lord of The Rings. Seinfeld.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Get up and exercise! Go help somebody else!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
LLNL
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
For me, this is home. Always has been.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
As competitive as I am, most people don’t know that I care more about improvement than about winning.
Q: What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving
Q: Who inspires you?
My parents, both in their 80’s and still active as ever.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Fun, Friends
What is the best way to get a hold of you?
richcortez@lvjusd.org ; 925-487-3499 Cortez Volleyball Camps & Clinics
