BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Fame is a valuable commodity. Some celebrities use it to get a reservation at a popular restaurant that for most would be impossible to get. Others use it to hawk a variety of questionable products. Then there are those like Erik Estrada who have used their celebr ity status to bring attention to worthwhile projects. In the case of the actor who became known around the world for starring in the series “CHiPs,” he is using his fame to host “Divine Renovation: Destination: New England.” The second season of the series now is available on the streaming service of UP Faith and Family. “Once you reconcile with your popularity, you can use it in a more positive, wonderful way,” Estrada says. “It has definitely been a blessing for me.” The sophomore season of the home improvement show shot entirely in Northwestern Connecticut brings together businesses, municipalities and not-for-profits to assist individuals, families and facilities in need. The mayor of Torrington, CT, was so moved by the improvements made for residents in the area that she declared June 20 to be “Divine Renovation Day.” Estrada is proud of all the work that has been done on the show. That’s the main reason he was willing to be part of the production, but he admits that there also was another factor in his decision – he is getting as much out of being part of the show as those being helped. “I have always been about community. Under the radar,” Estrada says. “It is my personal thing. This kind of show, we should have more of it on TV. “It is about how you bring the community together. You help each other with honor and respect whether it is a veteran or someone homeless. This is really good for my soul to do this.” This positive use of his fame didn’t immediately happen. Estrada recalls how the first decade of being so well known was a bit of an ordeal because his every move was documented and discussed. That eventually gave way to the more positive side of stardom and now that is what Estrada uses on a variety of projects. One of the big gifts Estrada has gotten from being part of the series is that he is constantly reminded that there are plenty of very good people in this world. He points out that “Divine Renovation” is produced on a small budget but works because members of the community donate material and are willing to do the work at no charge. “You get out in the world, and you do something good for someone, you are going to see goodness come back,” Estrada says. “I am in it, and I am not going to stop. “At the end of the day, if we didn’t get the community to help us, we couldn’t do this.” Estrada is a person of deep faith. That is why he has appeared in several faith-based movies over the years. He has found that “Divine Renovation” gives him a chance to show the power of faith in a very uplifting way. His connection to faith-based projects started in 1970 when he landed a role in the Pat Boone feature film “The Cross and the Switchblade.” That launched a lengthy film and television career for Estrada highlighted by his role as officer Francis (Frank) Llewelyn "Ponch" Poncherello in the police drama “CHiPs” which ran from 1977 to 1983. His other credits include “Earth Angel,” “Angel Eyes,” “Sealab 2021” and the Spanish-language telenovela “Two Women, One Road.” Estrada knows that the global recognition he earned came from being part of a family-oriented series. “CHiPs” was a program that could be watched by every age in a household. He has often been told by fans of the series that seeing an episode in reruns today is an instant reminder of watching the show with other members of their family. “That was one of the things that was beautiful about it and what made me more than regularly noticeable,” Estrada says. While he was rolling up more than 175 acting credits, Estrada was active in his community as he was named the international face of D.A.R.E. and has been a spokesperson for the United Way, American Heart Association and the California Highway Patrol’s 11-99 Foundation. He also was able to live out the dream he had since he was 4 of being a real police officer when he became a reserve officer for the Muncie Police Department in Muncie, IN. Estrada jokes that dream got sidetracked while he was in school when he “followed a blonde into an acting class.” UP Entertainment presents uplifting entertainment for cable, satellite and streaming platforms. Brands include UP Faith Family, UPtv, aspireTV, aspireTV+, GaitherTV+ and Cine Romántico.  ...read more read less