Radio host | Mercedes Garcia

Mercedes Garcia, of Colima, Mexico, hosts "Radio Variedades" on KXPA-AM (1540), a Spanish-language talk show that has been running for more than nine years, as well as periodic karaoke nights at Mazatlan, a Mexican restaurant in Renton.

What's your favorite karaoke song?

... Right now I like Lucero's "Electricidad."

What's the coolest contest you've offered?

Four years ago, I raffled off my truck. But then, two years ago, I parked outside here [the studio] for two hours. The parking is one hour, and I got a ticket. So I say to my listeners, 'I always give you concert tickets, free dinners. This is not an M's ticket, it's not a movie ticket. Now I will do a contest to see if someone will pay my parking ticket.' A guy from Michoacan was the winner.

Do people find love connections on your show?

Thursdays are the day. They'll call: 'Hi, this is Maria. I'm pretty, I like sports and I'm looking for my media-naranja [literally half-orange, or "other half"]. Then these guys call and say, 'I think I'm the media-naranja. I work hard.'

What's the craziest thing you've ever done at a concert?

I threw underwear [bought for the occasion] on stage at a Vicente Fernandez concert in Portland. He was my favorite artist in Mexico. He's 70 years old, or maybe more. He picked it up and wiped his forehead.

What's the most memorable mistake you've made on the job?

After I first came here in 1991, I worked at the Holiday Inn in Renton. We had room service, and somebody asked for extra sour cream for their nachos, and by mistake I gave them butter.

Favorite movie?

"The Sound of Music." I liked Julie Andrews. She finally found love and a family.

What are you obsessed with?

Boots and hats. And sunflowers. They represent life and happiness.

Favorite family recipe?

My mom's pozole. She uses fresh lettuce and a special salsa.

What are you surprised to find here now that you used to be only able to get back home?

In my home town in Mexico, we have caņa, or sugar cane, and we mix it with tejocotes, these fruits like a jelly, and make ponche [punch] with pears and apples and a little bit of alcohol. Now you can find caņa and tejocotes all over here, in Mexican markets.

Who's your hero or inspiration?

My mom and dad. ...

— Marc Ramirez, Seattle Times staff reporter