Meet The Team

James de los Santos
PublisherOur founder has come a long way from being North Bergen High School’s Paw Prints Editor-and-Chief. A compassionate community advocate with a healthy sense of humor.

MyKala Johnson
Chief Strategy OfficerThe OG “Huddie” with a background in all things strategy. A humanitarian at heart committed to both serving and uplifting the community and its people.

Ricky Gonzalez
JournalistRicky’s journey has taken him from being kicked off a Hawaiian beach to rescuing 27 dogs in West New York. Now over 3 years clean from a former gambling addiction, he’s placing his bets on uncovering Hudson County’s hidden gems. With his segment “Revealed by Ricky” on HudPost, and a love for Peruvian cuisine, Ricky is dedicated to revealing the best spots and stories that make Hudson County truly unique.

Martha Aguilar & Fernando Valencia
Love in the HudsonA dynamic power couple set to find the best date night spots in the county. From local favorite spots to less-known hidden treasures, Martha and Fernando experience it all. Each episode of Love in the Hudson is a testament to their shared love for each other and Hudson County.

Hudson Chef
Hudson Chef ShowOur locally-sourced food critic and Executive Chef, Gus, has a knack for both food history and flavor profiles. When he’s not appearing on the Food Network’s Chopped, Gus is busy eating the best Hudson County has to offer.

Eric ‘OneDay’ Saldarriaga
One Mic in the HudsonA producer & DJ out of North Bergen’s Cinderella Man Studios. With a blend of industry savvy from his time at The Source and Def Jam, Eric is keeping the local scene lit. As the Executive Producer of the ‘One Mic in the Hudson‘ series, he’s the man ensuring a thriving platform for local artists.

Pedro Garcia
Walk the BeatPedro Garcia is a stand-up comedian from Hudson County and Host of Walk the Beat. A regular at Dojo Comedy East and a frequent feature on Compound Media, he’s also the co-host of Diablo Radio. He’s likely the reason HudPost will get canceled—but hey, it’s been a fun ride.

Michael Shurin
ContributorKnown for scooping stories and investigative reporting in Hudson County and around the Garden State. Kansas City Chiefs fan long before Patrick Mahomes.

Joseph Alexander Cruz
JournalistA photographer and North Bergen native with a strong passion for storytelling and capturing the authenticities of life through his lens. Or he’s just a pretentious nerd, we can’t decide.

Jason Nunez
TalentOur go-to guy for trying new and exciting adventures all over Hudson County. Whether it’s kayaking on “Matcha Lake” or exploring the most haunted tunnel in the tri-state, Jason is the first to volunteer.

Rafael Peralta
One Mic in the HudsonBringing his expertise from running a digital agency and leveraging his experience from Live Nation, Rafael expertly blends large-scale event insights with local talent showcases, enriching the ‘One Mic in the Hudson’ series. Known for his creative flair, he is also recognized as the best-dressed member of our team.

Willy Gonza
TalentA music artist and comedian behind some of HudPost’s funniest skits. Whether sharing an IPA with Officer Peo, cheering at an NJ Devils game, or dropping verses in the studio, his presence is hard to miss. With a knack for turning everyday moments into punchlines and melodies, he brings a sharp, irreverent twist to Hudson County life.

Kristoff Chase Frey
PhotojournalistOriginally from Dallas, Texas, Kristoff now spends his free time exploring Hudson County, channeling his outsider’s perspective into exclusive local insights.

Shelly-Ann Rosa
FilmmakerA filmmaker whose brush and canvas sit inside the editing bay. As an editor with an eye for nuance, she’s always ready for action and sprints toward adventure. Shelly-Ann skillfully unpacks the stories that lie just below the horizon.

Ergil Gomez
FilmmakerA filmmaker whose goal is to examine the subtleties and humor of everyday life. He writes and produces documentaries, narratives, experimental films, and many, many more. Having lived in Hudson County for many years and still learning about his hometown, Ergil brings the community’s firsthand experience to the screens.

El Gabriel Gomez
FilmmakerA North Bergen native and a student at NJCU focused on producing independent short films that tackle our corner of the world. With a growing portfolio of work, Gabe is committed to pushing creative boundaries and contributing to the burgeoning arts scene in Hudson County.

Ty “Teewhy G” Garcia
TalentFrom the streets of Hudson County to European stages, Teewhy has worn many hats: accomplished music artist, former battle rapper facing legends, and now, a standout talent at HudPost.
