The VoyageLA interview highlights the inspiring journey of Ricky Ricardo Villa, the founder and director of Casa Sur Hacienda, and how his life experiences shaped the creation of a community-centered venue in Southern San Diego, California. The piece explores Ricky’s cultural roots, his professional trajectory across Mexico, New York, and California, and the mission behind establishing a space that blends wellness, culture, creativity, and social impact.

Humble Roots & Early Values

The article begins with Ricky’s childhood in Mexico City, where being part of a large family instilled values of resilience, unity, and education. These early experiences deeply influenced his understanding of community, empathy, and service.

Two Decades in New York City

Before founding Casa Sur Hacienda, Ricky spent nearly 20 years living and working in New York City. His professional background spans:

Media and arts

Finance and corporate roles

Higher education at New York University

Wellness and fitness industries (Equinox, New York Sports Club, DanceSport)

Latin and Ballroom dance performances at Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Festival

This diverse path shaped a multidimensional perspective on leadership, creativity, and community building.

A Call to Create Space for Belonging

The interview emphasizes how Ricky was inspired by intentional communities, ecovillages, and artist-in-residence programs in New York and Vermont. Motivated by these models, he eventually relocated to San Diego to develop a hybrid retreat-style community hub that supports personal growth, professional development, and cultural collaboration.

The Birth of Casa Sur Hacienda

VoyageLA describes Casa Sur as:

A quarter-acre hacienda-style home in the South Bay region

Designed for retreats, gatherings, wellness practices, workshops, cultural events, networking, and artist residencies

A bilingual, binational environment serving both U.S. and cross-border communities

A space rooted in connection, accessibility, and social good

The article highlights the welcoming energy of the hacienda, frequently described by guests as peaceful, intimate, expansive, joyful, and deeply grounding.

Commitment to Community Impact

A major theme in the feature is social impact. Under Ricky’s leadership, Casa Sur Hacienda has hosted nearly 100 community-driven events supporting:

Immigrant families

Ukrainian families of prisoners of war

Orphanages in Tijuana

Youth facing social-emotional challenges

Latina and minority-owned businesses

Mental-health initiatives

Families coping with loss

Local nonprofits, civic organizations, and community leaders

VoyageLA positions Casa Sur as a bridge-building hub in the San Diego South Bay — uniting nonprofits, small businesses, grassroots initiatives, and cultural groups for meaningful collaboration.