CHRIS LOWE
Chris is an Orange County native and has always been an active member of the community. Whether it is serving as Mayor of Placentia or expanding the magic at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Chris is enthusiastic about contributing to social causes that benefit children and education.
Chris began his career in politics working for Governor Pete Wilson in the State Capitol. Serving in that capacity, he helped the Governor bring forward the class size reduction initiative and the state mentoring program. After serving in the Wilson administration, Chris ran successfully for the Placentia City Council. He then served as Mayor for two years during the city’s 75th anniversary and authored a children’s history book for 3rd graders.
Writing "Elephant Rides for Free," a children's history of Placentia, led Chris to start and manage his own publishing company, Tesoro Publishing. Through Tesoro's operations, he has facilitated the writing of 3 history books for children with one more in production. All of these books are designed to supplement California's elementary school social studies curriculum and over 100,000 books have been donated to students through the generosity of Orange County corporate and community sponsors.
After serving as Mayor of Placentia, Chris started with The Walt Disney Company managing government relations for the Disneyland Resort. In 2016, Chris had the opportunity to spend 3 months in China preparing for the grand opening of the new Shanghai Disney Resort. Through his efforts, he led the company to donate $3 Million to support children's hospitals all across mainland China.
Chris has 3 sons and he wrote "Ruty the Rhino" as a gift to them with an important lesson he hopes they will retain. "My hope is that you realize how truly special you are."
DAN ALMANZAR, ILLUSTRATOR
Dan has been drawing all his life.
Dan has been an artist and illustrator for The Walt Disney Company for over 19 years. He has also done freelance art work for the University of Southern California (USC), Nickelodeon, Sketchers shoes, comic books and anyone who might need a skilled and inventive illustrator.
Not only did he illustrate "Ruty the Rhino," but he also helped Tesoro Publishing by illustrating Stan Oftelie's "Nothing Rhymes with Orange," a children's history of Orange County.
Dan's artwork has been displayed - and sold - in many Southern California art galleries.