A new foods teacher has been added to our staff! We asked our newest foods teacher, Carlos Chavira, some questions to get to know a little information about him. He is from Santa Maria, California. Originally, Chavira was a probation officer when he obtained degrees in Human Services Counseling and Criminal Justice. At another point in time, Chavira was a U.S. Army Airborne Paratrooper in the 882nd Airborne.

Chavira’s favorite food to make and eat is Korean Bulgogi. When asked what he wants to do to further with the foods program, Chavira said he wants to see the culinary program develop and evolve: “You have to want to cook… You have to appreciate others’ cultures and have a desire and passion for cooking; then cooking becomes easier and enjoyable.” Chavira has a huge desire for cooking as he and his family own the locally famous Flaco’s Tacos. He named Flaco’s Tacos after his son Chaz (Flaco). He is also part of the Taft High Alumni as well as the TUHS Hall of Fame committee. As Chavira reflected on his lifetime and the several jobs he’s had, he says that being a foods teacher at Taft High is a great choice and that he is happy to be here.