798 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

Trip to the Kangaroo Court: Southwest --Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, El Paso 1983

I was commanded by the high muckety mucks of the American GI Forum to attend the 1983 national conven­ tion at El Paso, Texas so they could have a Kangaroo Court and throw me out of the organization. n the orders of Joe Cano, national chair man; and Louis Tellez, national executive 0 secretary; both very sad excuses for offic- ers of a national organization purporting to be a civil rights group, but that is another story, for another chap­ ter elsewhere. I decided to take the scenic route to El Paso. It might be the last chance we would ever have to see parts of this country that we had never seen. Most of our long trips involved going to and from the Ameri­ can GI Forum national convention, and if they were going to throw me out, this might be the last long trip of our lives. I had always wanted to drive across the desert from Reno to Salt Lake City, and here was the opportunity. I could tell by looking at maps that there was very little or nothing between Wendover, Utah and Salt Lake City but fl at ground, salt, and sagebrush. And in some areas, not even sagebrush. A thought which crossed my mind as I looked across the desert after leaving Wendover was that it might be very easy for a person with criminal intentions to 0o-e t the idea that way out here in the desert, he could just about do anything to anyone and get away with it. No signs of civilization anywhere. You could easily get the idea that SACRAMENTO if you had a gun, you could command people to do your Whenever we are going on a long trip, I get anxious bidding, and there wasn't a helluva lot they could do to get underway, so for this one, we decided to leave San about it. By the time they called law enforcement au­ Jose on Friday night, drive to Sacramento and get an thorities and they could come to the scene, you would be early start the next morning. hundreds of miles away. A crazy thought. I was also trying to time my driving so that we Taking the long way around also gave me a lot of could cross the desert between Wendover, Utah and time to think about what was happening to me, and why. Salt Lake City in the early part of the day. It didn't I decided to keep a daily log of times we began the work out that way. I greatly underestimated the day, the mileage on the car, and money we spent for gas. distances across Nevada. I was going to submit a claim to my insurance company After staying at a Motel 6 in Sacramento, we got up for these expenses, and hope for the best. very early and were on our way at 4:20 AM. CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 799

! said a silent prayer. I had had David Rodriguez look getting hotter! No kidding! After we bought a cheapie over my '79 AMC Concord, do what had to be done to plastic visor we got back on the highway and on past it, so I could make it safely to El Paso and back without Winnemucca, to Elko. having to worry about car problems. ELKO, NEVADA I purchased an extra set of fan belts and extra radiator We arrived in Elko about 6 PM, drove around town hoses, packed two containers of anti-freeze and one of for a little while, just seeing the place, and then found a fresh water. We also had a large ice chest and reminded room at the Thunderbird Lodge. Then we went into the Gloria that we must always have Jots of fresh water with casino, got a bite to eat and I went to bed, dead tired. us. It is no fun being stranded out in the desert without Gloria went to try her luck in the casino. water. I've never experienced it, but the AAA literature At 5:00 AM the next morning we headed further east, barreling toward Wells. I tried start­ ing conversations with Gloria, but she wasn't interested. I commented on the scen­ ery, the speed of the trucks whizzing past us, but got nowhere. She just wanted some shut-eye. "Where are we going to have break­ fast?" she asked. "Let me know the next time you see a place that you like," I said, sarcasti­ cally because there was nothing on the highway except telephone poles, an oc­ casional railroad track, some sagebrush, and nothing else. We finally stopped at a tiny casino in Wells to have breakfast. Trying to start up a conversation with the dumpy waitress who served us, I asked her how far it was I read all the time harps on that constantly. to the Nevada state line. Be prepared. Have water ... and food .. with you "Damm if I know, honey," she replied, "I've only all the time when you are driving the desert. Also, been in this town two days, and when I get paid, I'm some warm clothes, no matter if it is 115 degrees in mavin' on!" the daytime. It can get colder than hell on the desert We reached Wendover at 7:05 in the morning, at night. gassed up, and pressed eastward across the Utah salt That was probably the only time the Sierras are flats. going to roll through Reno without stopping. I thought At lots of places across the desert you could see I was going to have to fight Gloria to go through without where motorists had gotten off the highway and sped off a stop at one of the casinos. I thought for certain that she across the desert, joyously driving without regard for was going to make up an excuse to go in and gamble for anything. There isn't anything to hit, except an occa­ a few minutes. No such problems. We were roaring east sional sagebrush plant, and if you've had a couple of on U.S 80 when we stopped to gas up in Sparks, Nevada beers to break the monotony of that drive, you probably at 8:25AM. Then we got back on U.S. 80 and hauled ass wouldn't worry too much about colliding with sage­ for Winnemucca and parts unkown. brush. We stopped for a picnic lunch outside a little school I have never in my life seen trucks hauling ass as fast in Lovelock at 10:15 AM. Then we spent some time as they seemed to be going across those Utah salt flats. searching for a hardware store to buy Gloria a sun visor I tried keeping up with one Greyhound bus, but I swear because she was complaining that it was hot ... and he was hitting 85 and I didn't want to drive my car that 800 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA fast. It was still a long way to El Paso, where I would next breakfast in a small country cafe on the highway, checked see my mechanic, David Rodriguez. the oil on the car, and hit the road. We hit Salt Lake City at 11:40 AM, spent some Some of the most beautiful country I have ever time driving around town, saw the Mormon Taber­ seen. Rock formations are very inspiring. Some of nacle, home of the Latter Day Saints, and headed them shaped like battleships, airplanes, trees, etc. south to Provo. Every hilltop provided a new awe-inspiring vista. We gassed up in Provo at 1:00PM. We went by to Sometimes you can see for miles and miles. see Brigham Young University (Bring 'em Young! we Between Salina and Green River there is NOTH­ used to say in high school). What a beautiful setting for ING. Maps indicate that no gasoline is available for at a university. least 100 miles. Be prepared. Someday we want to go see a football game in their We rolled through Green River, and on to Grand stad ium, with the Wasatch Mountains in the back­ Junction, Colorado, near the headwaters of the Rio ground. A beautiful sight! Grande River. Beautiful country. Went through We got off the beaten path somewhere south of Montrose, Colorado, my friend Tony Gallegos' home Provo, struck town. out across the Had a picnic lunch in country on a the city park. It is Tues­ much less trav­ day, a week day, and still eled highway. there are lots of people We stopped in rafting on the Arkansas tiny Nephi, Utah River. We tend to forget to use their city that this part of America park for a lun­ is a very popular vaca­ cheon of balo­ tiondestination. We were ney sandwiches listening to some soft and milk. Then music tapes, including c o n t i n u e d "Springtime in the southeasterly across the rolling countryside. Rockies" as we rolled on toward Gunnison, and then There was a lot of funny weather happening out on beyond to Monarch Pass. the desert. There were signs out there cautioning motor­ At an elevation of 11 ,312 feet, it is one of the highest ists to beware of flash floods. At one point, we watched mountain passes in the United States. My '79 AMC a very dark cloud approaching. It had a solid gray area Concord was huffin' and a puffin' in front of a line of underneath it, and I told Gloria, "Look, that gray area traffic that must have stretched back at least a half mile. must be rain. We better find some high ground and park But you don't dare pull over and let them by, for a few minutes." because it would be very difficult to get up a head of e parked on a high point in the road and steam from a standing start and get back in the line watched a dark, black cloud approach. of traffic. My driving courtesy went straight to hell W Soon it was raining like hell, then water on that mountain because those hills are steep, amigo! washed down from the hills, and across the road we had We made the mistake of getting off the main high­ been driving on. way because the highway signs convinced us that we Then, as suddenly as it started, it stopped. But, let me had to go over the Royal Gorge bridge, highest suspen­ rell you, I gained a lot of respect for those signs that warn sion bridge in the world You get off the highway and you about flash floods! think the bridge is just around the next turn. After about Then, on to Salina, where we arrived at 4:15PM. 35 minutes of very slow stop and go driving, we finally SALINA, UTAH saw the bridge. Then the toll gate. Took a look and Stayed overnite. Arrived, showered, went to bed. decided not to pay the $8 that it costs to cross over it. Got up at 5:30 the next morning, it was still dark. We had Gloria is very afraid of heights anyway. Then they CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 801 told us that we would have to park and walk across golf with the guys the next day, so I was gonna sleep in because there were too many cars on the other side El Paso no matter what. already. Forget it! EL PASO, TEXAS We passed through Canon City, home of the Colo­ Arrived in El Paso at 8:30PM. It was just getting rado State Penitentiary. I remember seeing a movie dark. Man, I was tired. I don't know how far it is from years ago about some convicts that escaped from there Pueblo, Colorado to El Paso, Texas ( 630 miles, approxi­ and then suffered lots of cold nights in the snowy mately) but that evening it seemed like a million miles. mountains evading the state troopers that were looking Went to play golf on Wednesday morning.lt was the for them. worst golf course on which ANY American GI Forum PUEBLO, COLORADO tournament has ever been held, I am sure. It wasn't as We stayed in Pueblo, at a very nice motel about 10 good as The Ghetto back in San Jose used to be. Very miles west of town. We had seen the motel on the way bad. It was a mistake all the way. into town, but decided to go on into town and see what I went into the clubhouse to buy some Miller was available. Then we drove back to the motel, got a Beer, and the course did not sell Miller. (They were room, laid down for a few minutes, and decided to go sponsoring the tournament that day, and they had looking for dinner. Went into town in the early evening trucks of Miller Beer on the golf course. Why was I and found a nice Mexican restaurant and some good buying beer?, because an Alcoholic is always pre­ home cooking. We got a good night's rest. It was very pared.) quiet out there. We only played nine holes, then went to a Miller At 6:20AM the next morning we went back to sponsored barbeque and more ice cold beer. On top of Pueblo and caught the highway south to Walsenberg, that, I broke my trusty 3-iron. about 45 minutes south, where we stopped for breakfast. On Thursday morning, they held my Kangaroo Mexican food again. Court. No details here. That is covered elsewhere. Sometime early that morning we crossed over the As soon as the .. hearing .. ended, Gloria and I made state line into New Mexico, stopping in Raton at 9:40 tracks back to San Jose. I did not want to stay in El Paso AM for gas. I wouldn't want to live in a town named and near those GI Forum high muckety mucks who tried raton (Rat, in Spanish) It was very warm. to throw me out of the organization. Piss on 'em! Told the attendant inside his air conditioned On the way back, we stopped in Las Cruces, New station that someone had spilled gas on the concrete. Mexico for lunch. Was dying for a tuna sandwich. After He said, "Raht on! Thanks, man!" one and a glass of milk, decided to have another one. Did he go out and check on it, and wash it down? Gloria thought I was crazy, but it was one helluva good No. tuna sandwich. Lots of celery. Yum yum! "Raht on, Raton!" DEMING, NEW MEXICO Continuing south, we rolled through Las Vegas, We arrived in Deming, New Mexico at 6:20PM and Santa Fe, and into Albuquerque. Had been there before. decided to stay there overnite. Very depressed. Did not Not my favorite town. Not the culture capital of the feel like driving today. world. Anyway, this is the hometown of the Benitez girls What I remember about New Mexico was that who used to go toWoodlake in the summer time to visit every highway we got on seemed to be in the process with my compradre Ed Leon and I wanted to stay there. of being reconstructed completely. We found a motel, checked in, and immediately A huge cloud directly over the highway accompa­ jumped into our swim suits and into the pool. We went nied us south. I adjusted my speed to that of the cloud and in the swim pool, read for a while, went out to eat a the car cooled down quite a bit. It felt good to be driving Mexican dinner. in the shadows of that cloud after the heated weather we Then we went back to the motel, and back to the had experienced the past two days. swim pool. We wondered why there was no one else out Then on to Socorro and Truth or Consequences at 6 there with the weather as warm as it was. PM, and pressing on toward El Paso. I wanted to play Very shortly, we got our answer, a very fierce 802 CON SAFOS -- A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LI FE IN CALIFORNIA thunderstorm drove us away from the swim pool and IT WAS HOT! into our room. I have never heard thunder that loud There is not a damned thing of any consequence anywhere else. The Gods were angry that night, between Gila Bend and Yuma. Let me tell you, friend, amigo! you do not want to have car trouble on U.S. 8 between We cleared Denting at 6:30AM on Friday morning, Gila Bend and Yuma. The buzzards will get to you headed west toward Lordsburg, over the Arizona state before Triple A or the highway patrol finds you. That's line and Bowie, Wilcox, and into Tucson. guaran-darnned-teed, partner! TUCSON, ARIZONA Shortly after 10:20 AM, we passed Yuma, Ari­ Stopped to visit the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base zona and crossed the state line into California. air museum on the outskirts of town. They have hun­ Winterhaven is the first town on the California side. dreds of WW II air- What a relief to cross the Colo- planes, and some jets. rado River into California. AI o some German, Home sweet home. Italian, and Japanese Them fuckin' Texans can't get planes from that era. me now, I thought, I'm home I love looking at WW among friends. Don't know why II vintage warplanes. that thought crossed my nlind then, I want to go back to .._ ..,. but it did. I always feel like I'm that place someday ~" ,....,...... , back in the civilized world upon \ " . ,, when it is not so ¥ returning to California from a trip damned hot. Also to anywhere else. went to see the Uni­ EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA versity of Arizona. At about 5:30 PM we arrived Doesn't appeal to me inElCentro.Stayedovemite. Very, as the place I would want to go to school. very hot. Went to a Best Western Motel. Had to walk I've always thought of Arizona and New Mexico over crickets to get into the office. There were crickets as backward parts of our country, like a land that all over the place. On the shower curtain, in the toilet progress forgot. bowl, under the sheets, in the coke machine. I mean, all I don't expect innovative things to happen there. over. They seem to spend so much time remembering the past After Gloria turned back the covers on her bed th at they don't appear to be too concerned about the and saw a cricket scrambling across the sheet, I future. decided to sleep on top of the bed, thank you. I could On Saturday morning we left Tucson at 7:05 AM not get to sleep, kept thinking about cockroaches and headed toward CasaGrande, where Ike Hernandez, walking over me and possibly getting into my mouth. my good friend in San Jose, grew up. Forget it! We stopped at a place called Flo's for breakfast, We got up at 2:30 in the morning to go to a Drug and damned if the waitress didn't look exactly like Store just to get out of the heat. It was 102 degrees then! the Flo character in the Mel's diner who used to be on Have you ever eaten an ice cream cone at 3:00AM? television show "Alice." That show had an Arizona Well, we did. locale, maybe they modeled it after her. One of life's When we got back, I decided to pack and get the hell little pleasures is finding places like this. out of Hell Centro. We were on the road by 5:45AM. I At 8:20AM, we were back on U.S. 8, bound for Gila do not like driving at night, especially over unfanliliar Bend . It was 115 degrees when we stopped at a gas roads but I did not want any more of El Centro. station to gas up and buy some ice for our ice chest. The Going over the mountains into San Diego County, guy didn't even come out of the station to give me the ice. they caution you to turn off your air conditioner to He handed me the key. I could have taken 200 Jbs. of ice save wear and tear on your car. I don't believe but I don't think he would have given a rat's ass. anybody does it though, judging by the number of CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 803 cars that were boiling over on the side of the road. basketball. Then back to Wilshire Boulevard, west to the Every half mile or so, there are large drums of water Pacific Coast Highway, and northbound toward Oxnard. for auto radiators. That, I had never seen before. We had decided to stay in Buellton and we got there Man, it felt good to get back to the part of California about 5:30PM. where there are trees, green grass, flowers, etc. San BUELLTON, CALIFORNIA Diego never looked lovelier. We drove north along the Thenextmorning,at6:35AM, we were on U.S.lOl coast, catching the ocean breezes for a while until we got headed north to San Jose. I have always enjoyed this to Oceanside, then headed for the U.S. 5 Freeway. drive along highway 101 between Buellton and King At Los Angeles we got off the freeway and drove City. The road meanders over rolling foothills. It is very along Whittier Blvd, into downtown L.A. and out peaceful, very few billboards, usually not very heavy Wilshire Blvd to the Farmers Market. We got a bite to traffic, and every bump in the road puts you closer and eat, then window shopped for a while before going back closer to home. I actually feel like I am home when we to our car. We motored west on Wilshire Blvd., past cross the little bridge just south of Gilroy where the Beverly Hills, the UCLA campus where we stopped at WELCOME TO SANTA CLARA COUNTY sign is. the Student Union to buy some UCLA souvenirs, some Weare home. pens with the UCLA logo, a blue loose leafbinder, some The long ordeal was over. • • • • • plastic report covers, and the UCLA media guide for

MILES DRIVEN PER DAY- SAN JOSE TO EL PASO El Paso Trip Startin2 Point End of The Day Total Miles Mileage August4-15, 1983 San Jose, Calif. Sacramento 144 I was commanded by the American GI Fo­ Sacramento Elko, Nevada 425 rum to appear at an Impeachment Hearing in El Elko Salina, Utah 394 Paso, Texas during the 1983 National Conven­ Salina Pueblo, Colorado 499 tion. In spite of our efforts to get them to honor Pueblo El Paso, Texas 668 the legal ruling that hearings and trials must be El Paso Deming, New Mexico 123 held in the venue in which the alleged offense Deming Tucson, Arizona 270 occurred, the GI Forum National Office insisted Tucson El Centro, Calif. 298 on our appearance at El Paso. Just for the hell of El Centro Buellton 387 it, I kept track of mileage on my car. As soon as Buellton San Jose 259 the hearing was over, and all the GI Forum high muckety mucks were satisfied that by signing a Mickey Mouse .. agreement., they were nailing me to the cross to make Joe Cano, AI Hernandez, Flores First Hispanic Louis Tellez, Dan Campos, Juan .. El Nopalito .. NFL Coach Hipolito, Arnold Rivas, Serapio Lopez, and Gil Rodriguez happy, we got the hell out ofEl Paso. In 1978, Tom Flores of Sanger, Cali­ Z-o-o-o-m! fornia became the first Hispanic ever to coach an NFL team when he ac­ cepted the job offered by the Raid­ T-Shirt ers. Teams led by Flores won two On a snugT-Shirt, worn by young Super Bowl titles. He later became girl at Serra-Bellarmine baseball General Manager of the Seattle game, San Mateo, 2004: Seahawks, another NFL first. SUCK 00 THESE 804 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

*-~ . ~ ...... • r. ... • r " • '

Saddam

Our Tanks and Saddam's At the General George Patton Museum near Indio in southern California, Gloria Sierra com­ pares the U.S. Army's war tanks with those Saddam Hussein threatened to use in "The Mother of all Battles" during Desert Storm. So you don't have to be embarrassed, don't ask which are tl1e b est. Gloria votes for ours. "Theirs tend to disappear," she said.

Massachusetts Mail February 22, 1971

Dear Mr. Sierra: One of the Amherst Junior High School spanish classes in Massachusetts is doing some research on the Chicano society, and we don't have as much information as we would like to have. We would very much appreciate it ifyou would send us any informa tion possible, such as pamphlets, magazines, maps, etc., that would h elp us finish our project. Thank you for your time and efforts. Please send information to: Andrea Sepanek, Leverett Rd., Shukesbury, MA 01072. Sincerely, --Andrea Sepanek (student at Amherst Jr. High)

I replied to her letter a few days later: Dear Miss Sepanek: THE FORUMEER has no pamphlets. magazines, etc. to send you and the students at Amherst Jr. High. We wish we did. However. we do publish a newspaper (copy enclosed) on the 15th of each month. Subscriptions can be purchased for $12 per year (25 copies mailed to one address). We hope we can be of more help to you. Thank you for writing. --David Sierra, Editor, THE FORUMEER CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 805

which ruled against him being listed as an incum­ City Council Elections bent. Mineta went four rounds for Cabrera. The betting May 1971 from this corner is that he will again go about four I wrote an editorial in THE LEADER of May rounds for someone from the Chicano community and 1971, commenting on the San Jose City Council then throw up his hands and do what he probably intends elections: to do anyway, that is, do to the Chicano community what The recent city council elections were a disappoint­ the Hueros have been doing to us politically for all these ment. After all these years our people have still not get years -- Fornication without Representation. their thing together and formed a cohesive group to work --ETS • • • • • for the election of one of our own to the city council. It is really amazing how many lambiones were dedicatedly working for other candidates in the city council race and insisting they did not have the time to help out one of our own Chicanos. e am convinced that there are so-called My First Campaign Mexican Americans in our community W who do NOT want a Chicano to be elected For Chairman to the council, maybe for fear that an official spokesman at city hall would lessen whatever little influence they May 1967 happen to have with the policymakers downtown. After joining San Jose GI Forum in 1964 when Bill Also there were those individuals who came out Lopez was Chairman, I worked under Pat Vasquez who very willingly and supported OUR candidate harder succeeded Lopez when he suddently resigned in the than any Chicano ... Jack Ellwanger, Martha Santini, middle of his term. Then I decided to run for the Chair James Ono, Dan McCorquodale, and many many oth­ in 1967. ers. I had some business cards printed: It was gratifying to meet and work alongside many individuals who are sincerely and dedicatedly trying to get one of ours into the San Jose City Council. DAVE SIERRA FOR CHICANO APPOINTMENT? CHAIRMAN Rumors have been flying around since the election SAN JOSE CHAPTER that newly elected Mayor Norman Mineta is for appoint­ ing a Chicano to the city council. Some of the other councilmen also have come out "No vengo a ver si puedo, in favor of the idea. Councilman Joe Colla, his head si es porque puedo vengo ... " firmly stuck in the sand, doesn't even want to discuss the idea. The Action Chapter Needs We remember Norman Mineta saying he went four An Action Chairman rounds for Dr. Cabrera the last time a Chicano was being considered for appointment, then switched to the carpet­ bagger John Lisher. David Goglio, unsuccessful candi­ At the March meeting I passed out leaflets letting date for Mayor, told San Jose Chapter at the March San Jose members know that I was running. meeting to watch very closely the appointment which My flyer said: We must elect leaders who are famil­ would be made in case Mineta won the mayoralty race. iar with the problems, and have some concept about He implied that Mineta would again come back their solution, who know the importance of regular with John Lisher to the City Council, a man the attendance at functions, who have previously demon­ Chicanos eliminated from the last race via a lawsuit strated a willingness to participate, and who have some 806 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA idea of the responsibilities involved. TIES OF THE OFFICE AND CAN DISCHARGE Another paragraph concluded: I would be pleased to THEM. discuss my qualifications with you before or after the (I thought I made my points very clear to the com­ April 7th meeting. mittee, but felt that the majority of the members knew The San Jose GI Forum Nominating Committee Eddie Torres better than I and that would be a detriment consisted of Bob Rodriguez, Chairman; and Joe G. to my campaign.) Lopez, Rudy Valente, and Pat Vasquez, Chapter At the April meeting I distributed a yellow sheet Chairman. listing some of my qualifications: n Wednesday, May 3, 1967, I appeared • Chairman of Publicity Committee, 1967 corona­ before them to make my case: ... I believe tion ball 0 that I am well qualified for the position ... • Newsletter editor for past 18 months demonstrated my interest by participation in all business • Elected to Civic Affairs Committee at frrstmeet­ and social endeavors of the chapter ... Worked as mem­ ing I attended ber of Membership Committee, chaired the Publicity • Responsible for producing Membership Roster Committee, edited our local newsletter, served as Cor­ & Telephone Director for members responding Secretary, represented SJ Chapter in char­ • Appointed State Historian by State Chairman tering South San Jose Chapter, and even held one Dan Campos basketball practice. • Attended Regional meetings in El Cerrito, Oak­ At present am preparing THE BEST CHAPTER land, Fremont, Santa Clara, and San Jose. REPORT to be submitted to the 1967 State Conven­ • Attended State Board meetings in Tulare in 1965 tion, and a SJ Chapter advertisement for the state and 1967. convention program. • Assistant editor of THE FORUMBER. I am a positive thinker. Do not accept mediocre • Attended state conventions in Palo Alto and results. Will appoint committee chairmen and let them Santa Barbara, actively supporting our candi­ select their own committees. Will appoint a veteran to date for State Chairman. represent us at the United Veterans Council metings. • Attended local chapter board meetings even Will invite interesting speakers to our meetings, and though not a board member. let other chapters in the area know, so, hopefully, they At the May meeting, I distributed another yellow will attend our meetings. sheet entitled: PARA ESOS QUE LES GUSTA EL Will listen to anyone's money making ideas. CHISME ••• Investigate possibility of forming a San Jose GI In it, I listed some of my faults in case my opponent Forum Scholarship Foundation to get money from decided to attack my character instead of my GI Forum business and industry for scholarships. record: Intend to make our newsletter the very best. ave Sierra, running for Chairman, hasn't Will cooperate in forming new chapters in the area. been a Saint. If you are going to vote in this Will propose to the state that the Regional Chair- D election on the basis of personal matters man be elected at the Regional level instead of at the and NOT on involvement in GI Forum affairs, dedica­ state convention, to stimulate attendance at regional tion to the organization, and ability to do the job, here are meetings. some things you may want to know about David: Will make concentrated effort to increase membershp • Denied drivers license first time applied, Los by appointing an active, involved membership chair­ Angeles, 1954. Couldn't park a 1950 Ford. man. • Evicted from York Club, 73rd & Western, Los Believe that the basic issues of this campaign will Angeles, for inferring that M.C. was a fruit. be: WHO HAS BEEN ACTIVE, and who hasn't ... Who • Called S.O.B. by barmaid at local bar six is capable and WHO IS MORE CAPABLE ... WHO months ago when inferred that she was a thief WANTS THE JOB and who is being pushed into it ... for taking my friend's one dollar bill off the and WHO UNDERSTANDS THE RESPONSffiiLI- bar. CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 807

• Collected state unemployment compensation ofmen, and I am no exception. The Chairman has argued when not working for six months in 1960. violently with the Vice Chairman, the Region Chairman • Sang dirty songs at beach party, July 1954. has insulted the Founder, and the State Chairman has • Played golf at 6 AM after being out all night, argued with the Vice Chairman, and so on. drinking and dancing at Pittsburg GI Forum ALL I'VE EVER DONE is take on the Mayor of installation of officers. Pico Rivera, the National Chairman, a San Jose City • Did not visit any schools during Public Councilman, and the Governor of California! Schools Week. y opponent claims to have participated in • Stares at girls wearing mini-skirts. national conventions, state conventions, • Buy every issue of PLAYBOY magazine. Do M board of directors meetings, regional not read the stories. meetings, and local functions. In the PAST YEAR, I did n election night, Nominating Committee not see him at any meetings of the San Jose board of Chairman Robert V. Rodriguez gave his directors. 0 report. He reported that Eddie Torres and I did not see him at any meetings of the state board David Sierra were candidates for Chairman; that of directors. Abelardo Martinez and AI Pelayo sought the office of I DID see him at ONE regional meeting ... LAST Vice Chairman; and Moses Pimentel was running for SUNDAY! Treasurer. Eddie Barron was running for Sgt. at Arms With that much EXPERIENCE, he claims to be but did not appear before the NomCom because of a QUALIFIED TO REPRESENT YOU. scheduling conflict. If you noticed my opponent's resume says he was The nominating committee made NO RECOM­ active from 1960 to 1964. Where has he been for the past MENDATIONS FOR ANY OF THE OFFICES, a three years? ON A SECRET MISSION? total cop-out, in my estimation. What is the point of LAST SUMMER he showed up at a chapter meeting a nominating committee if you interview candidates and was INTRODUCED AS A GUEST. NOW, he is and then don't make recommendations to the body? back ... running for chairman! Supporting my candidacy were Ernie Gallego and He does have one advantage: His campaign man­ Ed Camunez. Pete Gonzalez and Ernie Vasquez spoke ager, Pat Vasquez, got to listen while I made my presen­ for Mr. Torres. tation to the Nominating Committee. I am sure he picked It was customary to ask candidates for office to step up some ideas!! out of the room while the members voted. I made a In the next few weeks the San Jose Chairman is motion, .. We're big boys now, .. to allow the candidates going to have to do the following: to remain in the room during the voting. It was seconded • Make out the 1967-68 budget, by Fred Vazquez. The motion passed, and that is how we • Appoint or elect delegates to the state conven- did it. When my turn came to speak I gave the following tion, speech: • Appoint chairmen of all standing committees, Good evening! I am running for Chairman ofSan • Fill out forms for the State Office by May 31st, Jose Chapter because I believe that I am qualified to • Hold a board of directors meeting, hold the office! • Sell about $200 worth of ads to finance our The Chairman of San Jose Chapter must be familiar newsletter. with the PROBLEMS of the local chapter and have ( ••• and I'm sure Pat hasn't told you about this SOME IDEA of how to SOLVE them. project, Eddie!) He must ATIEND FORUM FUNCTIONS regu­ • Secure speaker for the June meeting, larly! • Put out the June newsletter, HE MUST HAVE SOME IDEA OF THE RE­ • Lead San Jose delegation to the state convention. SPONSffiiLITY. If I am elected Chairman, this chapter isn't going to HE MUST BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE. stand still while I call the past chairman and find out Past San Jose Chairmen have been a fighting bunch what to do next! 808 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

In the past year: I attended board meetings of this A VOTE FOR DAVID SIERRA is a vote for a chapter even when I wasn't a board member. candidate who knows what the job is about, WHO I handled the publicity for the most successful Coro­ WANTS THE JOB, and who HAS THE ABILITY to nation Ball we've ever had. keep San Jose Chapter where it belongs ... NUMBER I represented San Jose Chapter in organizing South ONE! San Jose Chapter, chartering with 50 members ... a THANK YOU. national record! Dan Tellez jumped into the race at the last minute. IF ELECTED CHAIRMAN: The minutes of the meeting do not reflect who supported I intend to put the NEWSLETTER back into the Mr. Tellez's candidacy. hands of those who can do a good job with it. The vote: Chairman David Sierra 17, Eddie Torres I have already looked into the possibility of hav­ 11, Dan Tellez 7. ing our '68 Coronation Ball at the County Fair­ Vice Chairman: AI Pelayo 20, Abelardo Martinez grounds, in a room holding over 1000 people. 17 We are looking into the possibility of hosting a Recording Secretary: Fred Vazquez 19, Jesse NATIONAL CONVENTION in San Jose. Delgado 17 I am not running on a slate with anyone. I intend to Corresponding Secretary: Jesse Delgado 24, work with whomever you elect to the board of directors. Sebastian Adame 12 I have not pledged my support to anyone running Treasurer: Moses Pimental by acclamation. for office and have not made any deals whatever! Chaplain: Mel Graham by acclamation. I believe that every man should run on his own Sgt. at Arms: Oliver Gonzales 23, Eddie merits!! Barron 13. I have discussed the history of San Jose Chapter with I won. ALL PAST CHAIRMEN in the past three months and have some idea of their successes, their failures, and The Outstanding Member nominees were: David their hopes for the future. Sierra, Sebastian Adame, Dan Tellez, AI Pelayo, and Pete Gonzalez. --ETS • • • • •

Giants witnessed also the most flagrant display of UN sportsmanship ever seen by these eyes in any sport­ JUAN ing arena anywhere. A number of things contributed to the free-for-all which erupted in the third inning. First of all, the Dodgers made the mistake of winning the opening game MADichal of the four game set on Thursday. on Drysdale and Lou Johnson clobbered home runs to whip the Giants at their own D game. After Tom Haller hit a two run shot Hits One! to tie the game with two out in the bottom of the ninth, San Francisco fans headed for the exits, figuring that the This article appeared in the Sept. 5, 1965 edition ofEL next Giants batter would also clobber one and the Giants EXCENTRICO after a four game series between the would win the game, 6-5. Los Angeles Dodgers and SF Giants. Alas, Dodger pitching held the Giants in check as it has done in the past and will continue to do in the future, On Sunday, Aug. 22, 1965, baseball patrons at and in the top of the 15th inning, Lou Johnson unloaded Candlestick Park assembled to witness a billed Koufax­ a two run homer to put the Bums in front, 7-5, and the Marichal pitching duel closing a four game series be­ other run they added later was but frosting on the cake. tween the league leading Dodgers and their arch rival Curses, said the Giants fans, how can these singles CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 809 hitting Dodgers be ramming that ball over the wall, and Marichal by baseball commissioner Warren Giles was a in our own park before our own fans??? gutless and far from adequate penalty for the act Marichal The Giants took things into their own hands the committed. next day by jumping on the L.A pitching for a S-1 I admire Marichal's courage and the willingness to victory. They got the HR fever that day. fight for what he thinks is right. The ability to defend his Saturday, it was back to the old routine. Air-tight personal property and dignity belongs to every man in a pitching by the Bums and then home runs by John free country. Roseboro and Wes Parker did the Giants in again. Just one suggestion: If Marichal is so willing to Curses, being beaten is bad enough but beaten by the attack American citizens, defending his rights, why Dodgers with home runs is enough to cause an old doesn't he go to the Dominican Republic this winter Giants pitcher to wish he was casting for the New York and fight the United States Marines who are occupy­ Mets. Or the Toledo Mud Hens. ing his country??? --ETS • • • • • unday was the big one. The Dodgers had a 2-1 lead in the series, with big Sandy SKoufax, baseball's top hurler, due to pitch for Los Angeles. The big crowd was there only Medal of Honor because the Giants had countered with ace Juan Marichal, one of baseball's best righthanders, if not the best. Letters Anyway, back to the details. The Bums jumped right November 10, 1977 on their old tormenter, Marichal, for one run in the first In November, 1977, The San Jose MER­ and one run in the 2nd inning. Marichal does not like to CURY ran an article about Congressional have runs scored on him, especially by the Dodgers, Medal of Honor winners which made no men­ fans. Or the Phillies. tion of any Hispanic recipients. I wrote them Remember that game three weeks ago in San the following letter, which they printed in the Francisco when third baseman Richie Allen tagged a editorial page: three run homer and Juan had words with the um­ MEDAL WINNERS pire. The ump gave Madichal a "Amigo, don't look Editor: Your recent articles on U.S. Con­ at me. I didn't pitch that gopher ball, I just call 'em gressional Medal of Honor winners and their fair or foul!" exploits were welcomed by those of us who Juan sent Maury Wills and Ron Fairly sprawling in believe in paying tribute to those who honor­ the dirt with dustoff pitches and when he came to bat ably seiVe their country in wartime. Dodger catcher John Roseboro decided to breeze a However, we found it disappointing that return throw by Juan's ear to see if he could take it as well you chose not to elaborate on the contribu­ as dish it out. It turned out that he can not, fans. tions of the Spanish speaking, who collec­ uan showed his true colors by hitting Roseboro tively won more medals of honor than any with the bat. On the head. That's where it other ethnic group during the nation's past Jstarted. Lou Johnson came sprinting in from left field and throwing with both fists. The thought that three major wars. Those of us privileged to circulate Mexican hit me at that point was: Too bad Don Drysdale is on a blood in our veins would have welcomed your plane bound for New York. I'm sure he would have liked newspaper's telling of the contributions made to pay his respects to Juan also. by such as Cleto Rodriguez, Rodolfo Fans, I'm in favor of competition, any kind, between Hernandez, now a veterans counselor; Eddie these two old rivals. I don't care if it's baseball, boxing, tiddlywinks, or Hit-a-Head, and I'm sure the Dodgers Gomez (for whom a room in the Gene Epply Boys Club, Omaha, Neb. is named); Eugene like it too. But, amigo, let me get a bat too! Obregon (for whom a school is named in Pico Actually ,I believe the suspension and fine handed (Cont. on Pg 810) 810 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

while he was on the mound. A changeup. John Lira followed with more stuff. A drop off a changeup. Reunion My compadre played shortstop in short left field and off what I saw (he struck out) he could not make the team at Miss Jemimah's School for Girls. Ball Game Mingo Rodriguez played first base with the finesse of a water buffalo on stage at Carnegie Hall. EDITOR'SNOTES:Iwasinvitedbymycompadre Frank Estrella tried third base and fielded the Raymond Garcia to be a guest at the Garcia-Rodriguez­ only ground ball hit to him with his lower lip and Delgado-Molina family reunion in San Jose on July 4, right cheek. 1963. The outfielders should have wore helmets. They There was a softball game. Below is my article on caught as many fly balls as the umpire. that contest which appearedinEL EXCENTRICO maga- The only double play came when a runner going zine: from first to second fell on his face after slipping on a cup GARCIA, RODRIGUEZ, of beer belonging to the second baseman and the batter DELGADO, MOLINA FAMILffiS ran for the beer cooler instead of frrst base. REUNION ON JULY 4TH Manuel Delgado tagged a runner going from first One of the most pleasant afternoons we have spent to second and fired the ball to first, trying for the in a long while was on July 4th at Senter Park, San Jose, double play, only to discover that the batter had for a reunion of the families mentioned above. walked and the runners on base were just advancing DS. was the umpire (the only honest man on the according to the rules. premises?) for the softball game which pitted Garcia­ Other than the fact that the backstop had a hole in it Rodriguez against all comers. and the grass needed mowing, playing conditions were None of the players are being pursued by any major ideal. For beer drinking. • • • • • league team. Paul Gary used only one of his pitches

Medal of Honor Letters Spanish speaking Americans are overdue in (Cont. from Pg 809) your newspaper. Rivera); Macario Garcia (who joined the U.S. --DAVID SIERRA Army in 1942 while a Mexican national); Jose Chairman, San Jose GI Forum Jimenez (a U.S. Marine who was a Mexican A few days later, I received the following citizen when he joined, a Mexican citizen when note from my sister, Mary: he died, and a Mexican citizen when he was Nov. 15, 1977 honored with the U.S.'s highest award for Dave: valor. Want to congratulate you on the very well We have in our files a complete list of all written letter to the Editor which appeared in Medal ofHonorwinners since 1863, including Friday's SJ Mercwy-News re Mexican-Ameri­ the history of the medal, etc. can Medal of Honor winners. It needed to be Please receive our letter in the spirit in said and I'm glad you were the one who said it. which it was written, that is, to offset your Viva Mexico! --MARY • • • • • • recent series of articles on "illegal aliens" which to us appear to blame this society's Segregated Schooling employment, economic, and social ills on our In 1930, Mexican Americans won their first ethnic group. segregation lawsuit, Mendez v. Westminster Articles focusing on the contributions of School District in Orange County, Calif. CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 811 "Joe Done It" These vernal h eroics came to pass In a battle waged on ground and grass "Just one more out!" the others mocked In diamond conflict both were locked.

But, just like in the movies and on TV everyone knows, what must be must be So, JOE RODRIGUEZ to the plate to keep his rendezvous with fate.

A trusty Louisville in his hand making the home team's final stand His bat flashed 'round and towards the sky a hard hit ball was seen to fly. JOE RODRIGUEZ And round the bases his swift feet flew C.S.J. Outfielder and the game was even, tied, and new So, once again Joe's gone and done it joyed many conversations over cold beer even And SAN JOAQUIN'S gone on and won it. when he was playing against us. He made And he still questions with a leery glance, honest analyses of individual players and "How did you like THAT batting stance? teams. He became one of my favorite players in the league. EDITOR'S NOTES: As I wrote in EL After their team folded, he came to play EXCENTRICO magazine on more than one with Club San Joaquin. On July 31, 1960, his occasion, it is the people that you meet while heroics moved me to poetry. engaged in athletic competition that is the Eat your h eart out. Grantland Rice! essence of sports. --E. David Sierra You do your best against his best and when the game is decided, you congratulate him or he congratulates you. Joe Rodriguez started playing in the U.C.C. Dr. Tomas Rivera League with our rivals, The Genies. We en- BELIEVE IT OR NOT! -- The first endowed chair named for an American Hispanic (Dr. Tomas Rivera, who died while serving as Find Work Chancellor of University of Califor­ "Go out in the world, find work nia, Riverside,in 1984) was named that you love, learn from your in the Spanish and Portuguese De­ mistakes, and work hard to make partment at the University ofTexas a difference. " in 1990. The department had ear­ --Maurice R. Greenberg lier refused to hire him to teach there. 812 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

Resignation San ..Jose Gl Forum Board of Directors, 3.6.87 ELISEO T. SIERRA 44 N. Jackson Ave. SanJose, CA95116

Mr. Victor Garza former Chairman Frank Caballero, for your Chairman of the Board confidence and support during some very San Jose GI Forum difficult times in 1983. 1680 Alum Rock Ave. David Sierra is not leaving San Jose GI San Jose, CA 95116 Forum. I have accepted a position as Office Manager and Court Liaison at Vida Nueva, Dear Mr. Chairman: our alcohol recovery home. Vida Nueva is With mixed emotions, I tender plY res­ an excellent project, and I expect to work ignation as Corresponding Secretary and diligently to make it even better. as a member of the board ofdirectors ofSan I will, at your pleasure, continue edit­ Jose GI Forum, effective at the conclusion ingthe chapter newsletter. Como siempre. ofthe March 6th general membership meet­ I thank you, Mr. Chairman, profusely ing. and personally, for tolerating my I am saddened at leaving a board on idiosyncracies and emotional outbursts. which I have served, on and off, for the past Your patience has been very much appre­ nineteen years. I have tremendously en­ ciated. You are a beautiful person, brother, joyed serving the men and women of this and we love you. great organization. They are quality people. Again, thank you for the past. We look I thank them for the confidence they have forward to a bright future. expressed in me on every occasion in which I have run for election. --E. DAVID SIERRA I especially want to thank all ofyou, and March 6, 1987

Bilingual Education Mandated Bilingual education was first federally mandated in 1968 after pas­ sage by Congress of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title VI, on Jan. 2, 1968. The law states that children who speak lan­ guages other than English must be instructed in two languages and teachers must be trained, material developed and research conducted to assist children make a rapid transition from their native language to English. CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 813

Frank Gifford, Bakersfield ...... Football KJEO's Top 25 Leamon King, Delano...... Track Lon Spurrier, Delano ...... Track San Joaquin Valley Rosie Pitman, Woodlake ...... Softball Mike Garcia, Orosi ...... Baseball Athletes Lyndon Crow, Corcoran ...... Football Bill Sharman, Porterville ...... Basketball In June 2000, KJE0-47, a Fresno television station Sim Inness, Tulare ...... Track & Field aired a one hour program extolling the virtues of what Ron Robinson, Woodlake ...... Baseball Ancil Robinson, Selma ...... Track & Field they called "The Central Valley's Greatest Athletes of Elmer Willhoite, Merced ...... Football, Track the 20th Century." The list was published in the Fresno Charlie Seaver, Fresno...... Golf BEE the next day and included the following: Leon Patterson, Taft ...... Track & Field 1. Bob Mathias, Tulare ...... Track Ruben Rodriguez, Woodlake ...... Football 2. Rafer Johnson, Kingsburg ...... Track Jerry White, Corcoran...... Track 3. Tom Seaver, Fresno ...... Baseball Dale Messer, Lemoore...... Football 4. Dutch Warmerdam, Hanford ...... Track Jack Hannah, Visalia ...... Baseball 5. Darryle Lamonica ...... Football Fibber Hirayama, Exeter ..... : Football, Baseball 6. Bill Vukovich, Clovis ...... Auto Racing Ledio Fanucchi, Fresno Central...... Football 7. Henry Ellard...... Football Burr Baldwin, Bakersfield ...... Football 8. Tim McDonald...... Football Vera Miller, Fresno ...... Softball 9. Tom Flores, Sanger ...... Football Don Mosebar, Visalia ...... Football 10. Jim Maloney, Fresno ...... Baseball 11. Randy Williams ...... Track I felt that surely Frank Gifford, an All American at 12. Ruth Lawanson ...... Volleyball USC and an offensive and defensive standout for the 13. Tommie Smith, Lemoore ...... Track 14. Jimmy Johnson, Kingsburg ...... Football New York Giants in the NFL earned a shot on that list. 15. Les Richter, Fresno ...... Football Also Leamon King, Olympic sprinter from California; 16. Lorenzo Neal ...... Football Mike Garcia of the '52 Cleveland Indians, a 20-game 17. Charle Young, Fresno ...... Football winner; Lyndon Crow, an All Pro defensive back for 18. Amanda Scott...... Softball the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams; Sim 19. Frank Chance ...... Baseball 20. Young Corbett ...... Boxing Innes, 1952 Olympic discus champion; Ancil Robinson, 21. Jackie White ...... Basketball one time world record holder in the 120 yard high 22. Dave Henderson, Dos Palos ..... Baseball hurdles; Charlie Seaver, state golf champ; and Vera 23. Dick Ellsworth, Fresno ...... Baseball Miller, one of the top softball pitchers in the world when 24. Rex Hudler...... Baseball she played for the Fresno Rockets. • • • • • 25. Rod Perry ...... Football

I disagreed with their ranking of Mathias as the best of the best. I give the nod to Rafer Johnson. In high school, he First Settlement led his team to more championships than did Mathias. In 1560, the Spaniards founded Both won Olympic decathlon gold medals, but Johnson Santa Elena in what is now South scored more points. Mathias played football and com­ Carolina, becoming the first settle­ peted in track at Stanford. His team played in the Rose Bowl. Johnson played basketball at UCLA and he led ment in what is now the United the Bruins to an NCAA track and field championship. States. Santa Elena and Saint Au­ Mathias quit Stanford to join the Marines. Johnson gustine, Florida preceded graduated, being elected UCLA student body president Jamestown (founded 1607) by the in his senior year. British and the arrival of the May­ Being the Monday morning quarterback (and aspir­ flower (1620). ing sportswriter) that I am, I immediately began making my own list, which includes: 814 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

paying his debt to the city. The tariff had now gone up The Parking Ticket to $4.00 because the man had failed to pay within ten days as the law states. January 1961 A Policewoman's search of Police files for the now EL EXCENTRICO Magazine infamous ticket, proved unfruitful. As a consequence, --E. David Sierra the "victim" again was denied the privilege (Yes, I must They say that a person is not truly contented unless label it a privilege) of paying a ticket because once he is complaining about something. I concur with that again, the people who should have a copy of the ticket, line of reasoning because whenever a man is compla­ DIDN"T, and wouldn't take a citizen's money. cent, he is not getting anywhere. He is standing still, "This is the second time I've tried to pay this living in a rut, and not contributing anything toward damn thing," he muttered to himself, "Now, to hell improving himself, his community, nor his race. The with it!" human race. Three weeks later a sharp rap at the door awakened So, to start the new year off on the WRONG foot, the victim from a deep slumber.lt also disrupted a dream here·s our first gripe of the year. It shan't be the last one. in which he was coming to bat, pinch hitting for Norm nJune 10, 1960amanparkedhiscarfor Larker. Sam Jones was on the mount for the hated two hours on St. John Street between 1st Giants, looking for his 30th win. 0 and 2nd. Needless to mention, when he The count was three and two, Charley Neal at third, returned, the ever efficient San Jose Police Dept. had Maury Wills at second, and big Frank Howard on first. decorated the windshield with a small piece of paper It was the last day of the league season, with the pennant autographed by one of "San Jose's Finest." at stake, the game was tied .... And, rightly so, for the automobile was parked, KNOCK! over-parked, in direct violation of the city's parking KNOCK I regulations. KNOCK! Wishing to comply with his social responsibilities "Are you Eliseo T. Sierra?" the officer asked. and to uphold his standing as a law-abiding citizen, the "Yes, Officer!" I replied. I always address police- "victim" appeared at the City Clerk's office a few days men as officer. They like it. later, to pay the ticket. "Seven dollars!" he said simply, shoving a receipt at But, now bear with me as I unfold the tale of a me. ticket that could not be paid because unbelievable as "My, how you've grown," I thought, though didn't it may seem, THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE say anything because there is one thing that I have WOULD NOT ACCEPT PAYMENT FOR THE learned in life and that is never to get wise when a TICKET!! policeman is present. It doesn't pay. They have already They informed the "victim" that inasmuch as THEY heard ALL the wisecracks. had no record of his ever having gotten the ticket, they "But why should I have to pay seven dollars for a would not accept payment. The man told the woman ticket that was originally only two dollars?" I asked in a behind the counter, "Oh, that's okay with me. If you have soft voice somewheat like a loving wife asking her no record, I have no record of it either! Adios!" beast, "How was it at work today, darling?" If you believe that this episode ended thusly, how Taking my money, the officer replied, "I do not naive you are, dear reader. Two weeks later, around the know. You'll have to see the Judge about that." middle of July, a notice arrives in the mail informing the Three days later, two different police officers and a "victim" that because he has FAILED TO PAY THE plainclothesman listened to the "victim's" tale of woe TICKET, he can NO LONGER pay it to the City Clerk. and again it was the same story. "You'll have to tell it to The matter is now in the hands of the San Jose Police the Judge." Dept. Dum de dum dum! Now, I ask the reader a question: Should a man take Sevendayslaterthe "victim" appeared at the PoLICE time off from work to go to court and get his money Dept. with two reliable witnesses with intentions of back? ($5 of it at least). CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 815

Of course it would be financially unwise because of that he also takes in his share of football the time lost from work. games. Is it right for conditions to exist whereby a poor Leo was in Pasadena last New Year's Day man is unable to appear in court to tight for his rights to see his alma mater clash with the Washing­ because he CANNOT AFFORD TO? ton Huskies. "It was a sad situation," he says, This problem cries for rectification, but how does a shaking his head. person go about putting the wheels in motion to see that He expects to play one more season for the his city, one that prides itself in its tremendous growth, 49ers and makes no bones about wanting to but still"bush league" in that respect, establishes a Night make his last pro game an NFL championship Court. game. NIGHT COURT is the answer and I firmly be­ Leo the Lion considers Jimmie Ringo of lieve that someone should give it a bit of attention. the Green Bay Packers the toughest Hne­ P.S. All those people have to do is keep misplacing man in the professional game, but the man their duplicates of traffic tickets, and one day soon this he would rather 'outplay' on any given city will become the richest community in the nation. Sunday afternoon is Big Daddy Lipsomb, Helluva way to make money! --ETS • • • • • considered by football experts the top Hne­ man in the NFL. omellini readily admits that if he weren't playing for San Francisco, Leo Nomellini, N he would like to play for the new Minnesota Vikings. an interview QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Q: ''What is the biggest thrill you get out of March 20, 1961 playing football?" Richard Diaz, El Fotografo de Las Estrellas, A: ''WINNING!" arranged for me to interview Leo Nomellini Q: "What is the highest honor you when the big 49ers All Pro tackle was wres­ have ever gained from playing foot­ tling as a team with Big Daddy Lipscomb ofthe ball?" Baltimore Colts at San Jose Civic Auditorium. A: "Being chosen to play in the Pro This is what I wrote in EL EXCENTRICO Bowl nine out of eleven years the on March 20, 1961: e got a chance to speak to LEO game has been played." NOMELLINI, the San Francisco When we spoke to him, Leo seemed sure W 49ers' rugged defensive tackle that the 49ers would do much better (they three weeks ago when he was in town to team finished 2nd in '60) next year with John with BIG DADDY LIPSCOMB in a wrestling Brodie quarterbacking the "shotgun" offense match at Civi Auditorium against Ben Sharp installed by coach Red Hickey late in the 1960 and Ed Miller. campaign. Leo is a huge 6'2 and 255 lbs. and wears a 'We've got a good bunch of rookies, power­ size 52 coat. He graduated from the University houses," he says. of Minnesota in 1950 and now lives in Palo EDITOR'S NOTES: Nomellini was born in Alto with his wife Ruth and three children, two Lucca, Italy. Did you know that he PLAYED in boys and one girl. the first college football game he ever saw? At NomeUini cUmbs into the square ring the University of Minnesota. about three times a week, in San Francisco, Be said that he was earning $11,000 per Stockton, and San Jose. His hobbies are year playing for the Niners and that he had hunting and fishing though it is evident made All Pro in nine of his eleven years in 816 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA the league! (Some guys are making more than that PER QUARTER now!). Alanis needs a Drink The famed Leo the Lion is in the Profes­ On a beautiful Saturday in November 1969, Gloria sional Football Hall of Fame. --ETS • • • • • and I were in Santa Maria for an American GI Forum state board meeting, when I was called to the desk of the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and told that I had a telegram. The message was from Fred Alanis, my Western Union Five Hundred buddy from San Jose. His message was: TAYED OVERNIGHT AT MOTHER IN cycles at our motel LAWS HOUSE IN MILPITAS. DIDN'T Gloria and I had taken a room in a large motel off SWAKE UP UNTIL 4:30AM. STARTED U.S. 5 north of Eugene, Oregon. We were in the north­ FOR SANTA MARIA IN 52 FORD. BROKE west to watch the San Jose State Spartans play the DOWN IN COYOTE. KNOW YOU WILL REPRE­ Oregon University Ducks at Autzen Stadium. SENT MY INTERESTS IN THE VERY HIGHEST fter checking into the motel at about 1:30 in TRADITION OF THE FORUM. MIKE AND I the afternoon, we spent the rest of the ATTENDING FREMONT INSTALLATION TO­ A afternoon motoring around the area, going NIGHT. REGARDS TO LARRY. as far north as Corvallis to take a look at Oregon State The following Monday, at work, I received University; to Springfield and other little towns around the following message: Eugene. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT Returning to our motel just as the sun was going DUE IN MY OFFICE ON MONDAY, NOV. 3,1969 down, we were shocked to see hundreds of motorcycles HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED. IMPERATIVE YOU in the parking lot of the motel. MEET WITH ME AND MY STAFF AT 4 PM "Oh, oh, do you see what I see?" I said to Gloria. TODAY IN THE GARCIA BUILDING, SUITE "Oh NO!" she said, aghast at the number of 1169, 3RD AND SAN FERNANDO STREETS, SAN bikes, "Are they Hell's Angels?" JOSE, CALIFORNIA. FAILURE TO COMPLY "I don't know," I replied, "but if they are, we are WILL LEAVE ME NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE going to stay somewhere else!" BUT TO REPORT THIS CASE TO MR. MARIO We drove slowly around the parking lot. Not many VAZQUEZ AND ASSOCIATES. people out in the lot and those that were did not look like --FRANCISCO ALANIS outlaw motorcycle riders. I decided to go into the office TRANSLATION: Could not go to state and check it out at the desk. board meeting. Let's have a beer at Jimmie's ''Hi!" I said to the young lady behind the desk, barber shop, Monday, 4 PM, after work, so you "What's going on around here. There must be a thousand motorcycles in the parking lot!" can give me all the gossip. • • • • • ''The Mom and Pop Motorcycle Clubs ofAmerica are here for their annual state convention," she said. That young lady will never know how relieved we National Hispanic were to hear those words. We went to our room and had a good night's sleep. • • • • • University Educator Roberto Cruz founded the First Schools National Hispanic University in 1983 in The first schools in the United States were San Jose, Calif. NHU graduates have a established by the Spaniards at missions higher than average job placement rate in Florida, Georgia and New Mexico. than students attending public schools. CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 817

horn.) "Echamos dos mas Carta Blancas, Jorge!" Vista Editor's Going over events which they had recently experi­ enced or read about in the local press or seen on televi­ sion, each would suggest ways in which an interrogator First Message might have probed more deeply into an interview or how a particular story might have been better handled, or EDITOR'S NOTE: Sometime in the early 1980's, how newsmen could get more definitive answers to my friend Jack Ellwanger and I got it into our heads that probing questions asked of local, county, and state we were going to start up a magazine for upwardly legislators. mobile Chicanos. We had the enthusiasm for the under­ "I could no better than that! " was an oft-repeated taki ng, but as usual, we Jacked the most vital ingredient phrase in those conversations . ... DINERO. Inevitably came the question ... "Why don't you?" He tried to find some people who would risk their Then, "Whyinell don't WE?" money in the venture, but we didn't have much luck. Jorge, dos mas! e did a lot of dreaming. I envisioned our We decided to begin dreaming about the type of lead article for the first issue: JOE KAPP, magazine that would interest people ofour age group, W A Chicano Coach for the Golden Bears. with similar likes and dislikes, and which would be Also articles like, Do You Know the U.S. Tax Laws Like informative, interesting, and affordable. an I.R.S. Agent?; Looking Ahead: We Pick the Winners No one seems to know exactly when it was that we in the '82 Elections; and Musica es Cultura: Two Old moved from the dreaming stage into the actual planning Favorites. of this publication. Our first concern was a name for our But,just in case it happened, I was ready with my new mag. Then we addressed the problems of distribu­ first Editor's Message entitled: tion, advertising, staffing, publishing costs, etc. Hola, Amgios! Some of our friends advised us to forget it. Others The magazine you are perusing is a new venture in fell asleep as we babbled on enthusiastically about our publishing. It began to take shape more than twenty-two idea. A very few encouraged us, contributed ideas, and months ago in the minds of two good friends who meet offered their assistance in bringing our idea to fruition. occasionally in some of the more colorful workingmen's We see VISTA as a monthly publication which saloons in the San Jose area to discuss current events , will cater to the interests of not only upwardly mobile and to enjoy each other's company. Chicanos, but those interested in what Chicanos are Both of them had dabbled in journalism. Actually, about ••. the dreams to which we aspire ..• our culture one of them more than dabbled, having been at one time and language and our music, and the interests of our a reporter for a large metropolitan daily and a stringer for particular segment of the nation's largest minority one of the big wire services. group. The other for a time edited the publication of a e expect to give you a magazine that you national veterans organization, resigning by unceremo­ can enjoy reading one that you will rec niously dumping a bushel of unpublished materials on W ommend to your friends, neighbors, and the organizational head's lap. business associates, and one that will enhance what you Both at one time attempted to write the next great already are ... an individual aware of, and concerned American novel. One of them actually wrote a book about, what is transpiring in the world around you. and sent it off to a publisher. The other quit his We are not going to pretend that we can feed paper attempt when he realized that you cannot eat type­ into one end of a printing press, wave a magic penca de WI"\tten pages, and the fact that his friends told him nopal over the ink rollers and out the other end will "REMEMBER TillS DAY" was a good title did not emerge a first class publication. It is NEVER that put one thin dime in his jeans (nor did his favorite simple. bartender honor praise as legal tender for a short One very vital ingredient in this undertaking is La (Cont. on Pg 818) 818 CON SAFOS -- A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA Bob Mathias, Tulare Track Star Bob Mathias, Tulare High School class of of 1948, was one of the best prep athletes in American hi story. As a senior he led his team to the league championship in Robert football. In track he was the only competitor for Tulare Mathias in the 1948 California State High School Track and Field Championships and finished second to Jefferson H.S. ofLo s Angeles. Tulare had Sim Innes, their 6'5, 245 / Tulare lb. discus thrower, unable to compete because the discus H.S. was not thrown in the state meet at that time. It is safe to say that Tulare, had Innes been allowed to compete in his Kiski specialty, would have won the state meet with but two Prep athletes. Mathias won the United States decathlon champion­ Stanford ship the first time he ever entered the event. The 17-year Vista Editor's Message (Cont. from Pg 8 1 7) old won the 1948 Olympic Decathlon gold medal in gente. YOU. We need you. We hope that you will London, the youngest track & field gold medalist ever. contribute to our magazine by writing to the editor. Send Four years later,at Helsinki, Finland, he won it again, the us your opinions. Tell us what you like about the first time any athlete had ever won the decathlon in magazine. Tell us what you don't like. Correct us if you succeeding games. catch us making errors, or understating or overstating a How many American sports fans remember that point. Mathias enrolled at Kiskiminetas Prep School in Feel free to recommend articles about interesting Pennyslvania before goin g on to star in football and people who have done interesting things. Feel free to track at Stanford University? contribute articles, photographs, etc. Send us that In the last meet of the 1949 track season, compet­ poem or song you composed for your chavala cuando ing for Kiski against the Pittsburgh University frosh, te Llevaban a huevo al servicio back in the early 40's. he won six of the seven events he entered. The Kiski Apprise us of coming events that you think we may mile relay team finished second to Pitt. want to cover. Let us know when you learn of someone's The Pitt meet closed out the Kiski Prep track season. newsworthy achievement. Tell us when someone helps During other track meets that season Mathias bettered Chicanos attain their goals, and let us know when his Olympic distances in the broad jump and javelin. someone stifles our progress in education, civil rights, At the graduation ceremonies on Sunday, June 5, athletics, etc. 1949 he was presented a small statue depicting him We hope you will be patient with us as we iron out throwing the discus. It paid tribute to the "youth who had the bugs in the first few issues of VISTA. Then, cm1 el done the most for Kiski. pennisiode nuestro Dios Todopoderoso ... yhaciendole Between his gold medals, Mathias went 90 yards on jestos a Ia llm·ona .. . we hope to edit and publish a a kickoff return which beat USC and put Stanford in the magazine that will entertain you, inform you, and aid Rose Bowl. He played the lead in The Bob Mathias Story you professionally, culturally, and educationall y .. . and in Hollywood. In 1967 he was elected to the U.S. House leave you laughing while we get onto the task of next of Representatives and served four terms. • • • • • month's issue. --ETS • • • • • CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 819 Fred Vazquez Retires

My good, good friend Fidelia (Fred) Vazquez was retiring from the U.S. Postal Service after having worked at the Jackson A venue office for more years than any of us could remember. His fellow postal workers decided to make it a memorable event for Fred. Don't ask me where I got the photos shown here and I won't have to tell you any lies. Suffice to say that they came from a good friend of both of us. In the photo, Fred appears pleased that his fellow postmen have figured it out that he likes girls. It was a lot of laughs for everyone who was present, according to my friends at the post office. Fred commented, ''I'd like to hang the guy who bought the balloons. We didn't NEED them!" Fred was so M-bare-assed by this gesture of his fellow workers that he moved back to Del Rio, Texas. He never worked for the post office again . (I'da done the same thing, Fred.) • • • •

GI Forum Politics: copy to me: Godinez Letters Dear Mr. Cortez: A copy of the above letter was mailed to me (Reg. 4 Re: Directive 70-5 Chairman, not Reg. 3 as stated in the correspondence) Sept. 1, 1970 from Mr. David Sierra, Chairman of the San Jose Chap­ The office of State Chairman Louis Cortez ter. The original letter was sent to you and copies were mailed me Directive 70-5, directing us to call mailed to Chapter Chairman, State Forum Officers, and the National Chairman. off the demonstrations against Judge Gerald he Region IV office and the Santa Maria Chargin in San Jose, for unspecified reasons. Chapter Chairman are very upset and San Jose GI Forum members wanted to discuss the T disturbed by the apparent attempt to directive. They asked me about it at the chapter meeting cause conflict within the American GI Forum in and I said I did not know. I felt it imperative to contact California. In a time of stress in the Mexican Ameri­ the State Chairman and invite him to speak at our next can community when leadership and unity is im­ meeting to explain to the members what was going on. perative, it seems apparent that there are certain Copies of the letter were circulated to other chapters in individuals who would try to cause division within case some members wanted to come to San Jose and our organization. listen to State Chairman Cortez's explanation. As to the State Office Memorandum 70-5, the Re- Frank Godinez, Region IV Chairman, from Santa gion IV Chairman and Santa Maria Chapter Chairman Maria, saw evil purposes in my letter being sent support the directive in that the demonstrators' safety across the state and wrote to Louis Cortez, with a 820 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA cannot be guaranteed as evidenced by the recent Chicano Vietnam Moratorium March wherein riot and injury Rebecca Lobo occurred. In 1995, Rebecca Lobo of Connecticutt The directive was confined to the State of California University was the first Hispanic woman (not "other points throughout America" as stated in the player selected as the All American Cen­ Sierra letter). ter in NCAA Women's Basketball. The The change of sites of the State Bord of Directors 6'4" native of Southwick, Mass., led her meeting to Oceanside, California is not sufficient reason team to a 35-0 record and the national to cause division within the GI Forum Chapters in the championship, and was named the state. NCAA Final Four's Most Valuable Player. he request to call the State Chairman to a Lobo was also named Big East Confer­ local chapter meeting and confront him is ence Player of the Year and Scholarship T nothing more than a slap at the structure of Athlete of the Year twice. In 1996, she the American GI Forum in California. Courtesy would led the U.S. Olympic Women's Basket­ call for a local chapter to approach the State Office and ball Team to an undefeated record and present their views. The sending of copies of the Sierra the Olympic Games Gold Medal. letter throughout California to embarrass the State Chair­ man was uncalled for and should be recanted. The crucial point is that Forumeers throughout California should unite behind our State Chairman your reply to a copy of a letter to Mr. Cortez which I in these critical times. As this letter (sent only to the mailed you. State Office and Chapter involved) is now a matter of First, my letter to Mr. Cortez was prompted by a San record, it is hoped that these views can be utilized to Jose Chapter motion which was passed at our member­ reconstruct the State Forum back to its original ship meeting directing me, as Chapter Chairman, to position of UNITY. write Mr. Cortez and voice the chapter's dissatisfaction Fraternally, at the anti-Chargin demonstrations being called off on --FRANK GODINEZ, the eve of the demonstrations. Region IV Chairman I did not decide to question Mr. Cortez's authority, Santa Maria, Calif. the SAN JOSE CHAPTER did, and as Chapter Chair­ JESSE SANCHEZ, man I am directed to communicate the chapter's wishes Santa Maria Chairman to the State Chairman. I complied with that request. cc: David Sierra, econd, if you were paying attention at the Chairman, San Jose GI Forum State Convention you probably heard San EDITOR'S NOTE: Naturally, I responded to the S Diego Chapter and San Jose Chapter bid asinine assumption that I was trying to embarrass the for the right to hold the "next" State Board Meeting State Chairman. Over 90% of my chapter members had of the California GI Forum. San Jose, by vote of the voted for Mr. Cortez. I knew that. They were also the convention delegates assembled on the floor, won the ones who voted for me to invite him to our meeting. right to host the "next" state board meeting. When you are a GI Forum Chapter Chairman, and an Third, the State Chairman notifies us verbally that outspoken one, it doesn't take too much to rile people up, the meeting is going to Oceanside. Why? Don't deci­ but I accepted the responsibility. My first observation sions made by the convention delegates at their annual when I read Godinez's letter, was to ask my wife: "I state convention mean anything? If not, why not dis­ wonder what part of Texas he's from?" pense with the state convention and save ourselves all This is the letter I wrote to the angry Mr. Godinez: the expense of traveling ... and the rhetoric. DEAR FRANK: Your comment that "it seems apparent that certain I would like to make some comments on a copy of individuals would try to cause division within our orga­ your letter to State Chairman Louis Cortez which was nization" is uncalled for, Frank, if it is referring to me CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 821 and I think that it is. inform Mr. Cortez that as local chapter chairmen we I would notify you that two weeks after the state disagreed with Memorandum 70-5. convention, when it appeared that Mr. Cortez was in no Louis Cortez threw a punch at me and told me to hurry to open the state office, Mr. Fred Alanis, Chair­ get the hell out of the State Office and never come man of South San Jose GI Forum; Mr. Ignacio Campos, back! (As if the State Office was IDS PERSONAL Vice Chairman, San Jose Chapter; and myself, WITH PROPERTY!). I informed Mr. Cortez at that time MR. CORTEZ'S CONSENT, rented an office, got paint that regardless of what he had done we could con­ donated and repainted the two-room office entirely. tinue to work together and we shook hands. Individuals causing division, Frank? Not hardly. Not wishing to open a new wound, but only to The point that I made in my letter to Mr. Cortez illustrate a point: Did you get a directive from the State that the Chargin demonstration was planned "at Office asking Forumeers to donate money and food to other points throughout America'' is not a figment of Project Celia CC? my imagination, Frank, as vivid as that imagination Did you think that the goal of $1,000,000 (one may seem at times. million dollars!!) to be collected by Sept. 25th was a e refer you to the Resolutions passed at reasonable one? Or do you get the idea that someone the American GI Forum National Con is playing Mickey Mouse? W vention at Flint, Michigan, which Mr. The point is: After the Million Dollar Request came Cortez attended. Resolution No. 11 (see your October out, can I assume that maybe the State Chairman is not FORUMEER which you should receive about the lOth thinking rationally? Or should I follow blindly and ask of October) implicitly resolves that the American GI each member that he is supposed to raise approximately Forum nationally is committed to the Chargin demon­ $2,300 so that San Jose Chapter can reach its goal of stration. approximately $50,000 by the due date? Who is kidding Again, if the California State Chairman can cancel a whom, Frank? demonstration (and that decision was made sometime Anyway, I don't want to take up too much of your between Saturday morning and Monday evening, Au­ time. Rest assured of one thing, Frank, we are NOT gust 29-August 31, what is the sense of going to the trying to cause disunity in the American GI Forum. national convention and presenting, making, and pass­ We are only doing what WE think is right. Time ing resolutions? will prove who was right If Mr. Cortez is wrong, it The reason that we wrote Mr. Cortez and asked won't be the first time a California State Chairman him to come to the San Jose Chapter meeting is that, made a mistake. And that goes for me too! as you probably know, I was the only delegate from Sincerely, San Jose NOT voting for Mr. Cortez. The other --DAVID SIERRA, members who were delegates all voted for him. They Chairman, San Jose GI Forum • • • • • MAY think that I am being vindictive when they asked questions at the meetng and I answered them as I did. Donna de Varona I want them to HEAR AND SEE FOR THEM­ At the 1964 Olympics, the former UCLA SELVES how Mr. Cortez thinks on these issues. And star was the first Hispanic American to why not? When we want to hear about police, we listen win an Olympic Games swimming gold to police officers; when we want to hear about politics, medal, with victories in the 400-meter in­ we listen to politicians. Isn't that good sense? dividual medley and the 4x100 freestyle Your coment that "courtesy would call for a local relays. She was selected as the Most chapter to approach the state office and present their Outstanding Female Athlete in the World views" is good sense. by United Press International and by the Want to know the truth? Gene Garza of Northern Associated Press. She is a member of the Santa Clara Valley, Fred Alanis of South San Jose, International Swimming Hall of Fame. David Sierra of San Jose, and Mike Ybarra Sr. of Santa Clara (Region IX Chairman), went to the State Office to 822 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

after the game: "What do you think of Fernandez now, Freddie?" Genies Club 35, The answer: "I can't wait for the second game!" Quoting Joe Rodriguez: "You guys had a better team than we expected." San Joaquin 20 Alex Ramoz, CSJ tailback: "Them guys can be had, daddy!" EL EXCENTRICO Magazine One comment: Letting CSJ walk over for the Nov. 2, 1958 extra point after the last teedee was a very juvenilistic by E. David Sierra antic and has no place whatsoever in a rivalry of this magnitude. We hope whoever planned it got their kicks and that he feels real proud of himself. San Joaquin & Riviera Remember! UCC LEAGUE Battle to 25-25 Tie FOOTBALL SCORES San Joaquin 25, Riviera 25 lub Riviera surprised the CSJ Genies 47, Riviera 18 team and made the All Stars San Joaquin 54, Capri 7 rally to earn a 25-25 tie in the season Capri 20, Riviera 4 openerC for both teams. Alex Ramoz and Dan Vasquez Genies 35, San Joaquin 20 tallied for CSJ and Ron Gonzalez, Ben Montes, and Ray Sunday, November 9th at Columbus Park: Bravo did the damage for Riviera. Ralph Jacobo was a San Joaquin vs. Riviera, 12 o'clock defensive giant for Riviera. Genies vs. Capri, 2 o'clock GENIES BEAT CSJ 35-20 Thassal for this time, DAVE • • • • • The UCC League football season is underway! The season is at the halfway mark and the power-laden War Heroes Genies have established themselves as the team to beat. In 1918, Pvt. MarceUno Serna of Al­ On Sunday, Nov. 2nd they defeated a strong Club buquerque, New Mexico was awarded the San Joaquin team 35-20 in a game that both teams had Distinguished Service Cross for his ac­ eagerly anticipated since last December. tions during World War I. On Sept. 12, CSJ threw a scare into the musclemen in the 1918, he singlehandedly captured 24 opening minutes of the play when they marched 60 German soldiers. He was not recom­ yards to a touchdown with the opening kickoff. mended for the Congressional Medal of railing 6-0 the Genies retaliated on powerful Honor because he could not read or write smashes by Joe Vasquez & Alvin Valadez. English well enough to sign reports. T The drive culminated with Joe Rodriguez In May 1943, Pvt. Jose P. Martinez sweeping end for the touchdown. The PAT was good of Colorado was the first Hispanic to be and the Genies were never headed. awarded the Congressional Medal of The final score is a true indication of the relative Honor In World War II. He led his out­ strength of both teams and though the All Stars tried numbered platoon in fighting Japanese vainly to stem the tide of a hard charging Genie line and soldiers in their trenches in the Aleutian to stop the power slants of Joe Vasquez, the losers Islands and was mortally wounded. A walked off the field knowing that they'd done their very Disabled American Veterans Chapter in best and it wasn't enough. Colorado and an American Legion Post Credit must certainly go to center Fred Asebes who in California are named in his honor. gave the talented Joe Fernandez all the competition he wanted in that line. The question was put immediately CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 823

Ronnie Knox

18 -- Ron Knox -- LH 6:1, 195, Jr. Hero or Hoax? Santa Monica HS (Theater Arts)

by E. David Sierra at every school where Ronnie played, including the Back in the mid-50's, UCLA had some of the best University of California, always made it his business to football teams in its history. Also, some of its best advise coaches on how to play his boy. Also, he was not a bit bashful about talking to the press about his sugges­ players ever. Among them was a young man named Ronnie tions to Ronnie's coaches. But we are getting ahead of Knox, who stirred up controversy wherever he played our story. because of the habits of his meddlesome stepfather 1952 SOUTHERN C.I.F. Harvey Knox. CHAMPS, BEVERLY HILLS The elder Knox appointed himself an "unofficial Ronnie's gridiron career began at Beverly Hills advisor" to whichever coach happened to be Ronnie's High. Harvey owned a classy haberdashery shop which catered to the elitists in that ultrarich community, and mentor at the moment. These are my previously unpub­ Ronnie attended the local high school, guiding the lished comments on young Knox, the player: uch has been written, pro and con, about Knights to an undefeated season and the California this talented youngster from Santa Interscholastic Federation southern section champion­ M Monica, California. Most of it has been ship in 1952. "con" because many people, for various reasons, har­ Graduation badly depleted the Bev Hi ranks after bored resentments against him, perhaps because his their very successful season and not wanting to chance loudmouthed stepfather, Harvey Knox, had the audacity his boy quarterbacking a loser, Harvey bought a horne in Malibu in the Santa Monica High School district so to suggest to the legendary Pappy Waldorf how to use his talented stepson's skills on the football field. Ronnie could play for a team expected to be one of the In 1954, Harvey pulled Ronnie out of Cal and better prep elevens in southern California. Ronnie en­ enrolled him at UCLA after Bears coach Pappy rolled at Santa Monica High to await the 1953 football Waldorf refused to shift Paul Larson, the national season. collegiate ground-gaining champion to halfback to Needless to mention, SaMoHi fans and coaches make room for his boy at quarterback. were glad to have the talented youngster as his Harvey, as a self-appointed "football assistant coach" gridiron feats had already brought him All C.I.F. 824 CON SAFOS --A CHICANo•s JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA and All State honors. In 1953, with Knox at quarterback and Jon Douglas, destined to be a very good quarterback in Stanford's Alberto Salazar future at left half, Santa Monica moved effortlessly In 1979, Alberto Salazar became the through their Bay League opponents and into the south­ first U.S. Hispanic to win the New York em C.I.F. playoffs. Marathon. 1953 SOUTHERN C.I.F. CHAMPS, SANTA MONICA VIKINGS In the CIF finals at Los Angeles Coliseum, Ronnie Knox threw three touchdown passes as his Santa Monica Rankin took the pass and rambled untouched into High Vikings defeated South Pasadena 21-19 before the Stanford end zone. 25,000 fans. He was named the outstanding player in the After six years ofdefeats, California's Freshmen game and after the ball game, was seen discussing his had defeated Stanford! football future with coach Frank Leahy of Notre Dame. The Cal Frosh coach was furious! From that day The 6: 1, 195 quarterback was courted by many of the forth, Knox's days at Berkeley were numbered. Stories major collegiate football powers of the day. of the incident filtered back to coach Pappy Waldorf, the CALIFORNIA NORTH-SOUTH GAME, Wise Walrus of Strawberry Canyon, and everyone knew MOST VALUABLE PLAYER that Knox wasn't going to pull that sort of stunt with a In July of 1954, Knox threw three touchdown passes coach who had taken the Cal Golden Bears to three as his South team beat the North 21-0 in the annual consecutive Rose Bowls. Time would tell. North-South High School Football Classic played be­ bile Knox was passing, running, and fore 65,000 fans in Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. punting the Cal Cubs to victory after U.S. EAST-WEST CLASSIC, W victory, varsity quarterback Paul Larson MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER was running wild against their varsity opponents. Cali­ Later that summer he was invited to play in the fornia didn't have a very good team but Larson nonethe­ annual Wigwam Woodmen of the World All America less ran and passed for over 1,100 yards in the 1953 Game in Crump Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee. In a season. game which also featured such future collegiate greats GREAT HOPES IN '54 as Alan Ameche of Wisconsin and Howard Cassady of As the 1954 season approached, Bears fans looked Ohio State, Ronnie Knox was awarded a 6-foot trophy forward to a California varsity football team with Paul as the game's outstanding player even though his West Larson and Ronnie Knox alternating at quarterback. But team lost to the East 14-12. it was not to be. Harvey Knox suggested toWaldorf that CAL FROSH, VICTORY OVER STANFORD he move Larson to halfback and give his offense "more nrolling at UC Berkeley in September 1954, punch" with Ronnie at QB. Waldorf intended to alter­ Ronnie quickly became the Cal Frosh start nate them as Larson was a senior and then Knox would E ing quarterback, play-caller, and punter. take over as QB in his junior year. In the Cal Cubs' crucial game against the arch-rival After it became obvious to Harvey that Stanford Papooses, Knox called time out late in the his dreams of having Ronnie as the starting fourth quarter as all the Cubs plays were failing to dent quarterback at California as a sophomore the Stanford defense. Gathering his teammates around him, Knox weren't going to materialize, he suddenly had diagrammed a play which he felt would work for a Ronnie withdraw from UC Berkeley. touchdown. The Cal Cubs came eagerly out of the They both went back to Santa Monica to mull things huddle, Knox stepped confidently under center and over for a while. First, there was the offer from Notre began barking his signals. Fading back to pass, he Dame to consider, and then there were scholarship threw unerringly to split end Bill Rankin who had offers from most of the nation's better college teams. run Knox's diagrammed pattern to perfection. KNOX ENROLLS AT UCLA CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALI FORNIA 825

They decided on UCLA, back in Ronnie's home area. Ronnie appeared at the UCLA Registrar's Office Hispanic Education and applied for admission. At that time, with coach Red In 1968, historian Rodolfo Acuna Sanders at the helm, the Bruins were in the midst of some founded the first Chicano Studies pro­ of their best football years ever. The 1953 Bruins team gram in the United States at Califor­ had gone to the Rose Bowl and lost a 28-20 thriller to nia State University, Los Angeles. Michigan State after leading 14-0 at halftime. In 1970, UCLA established the first The 1954 team was destined to trample San Chicano Research Center in the United Diego Navy 67-0, Stanford 72-0, and rival University States. of Southern California 34-0. If there was one thing On April 2 , 1971, Dganawidah­ they didn't need, it was aT-formation quarterback Quetzalcoatl Univeristy (DQU) was es­ for their single wing formation style offense. tablished near Davis, Calif. The Bmins had All American Primo Villanueva, Sam Brown, Doug Bradley, and Gerry McDougall at tailback. Another All American Bob Davenport was the starting fullback; with 6:0", 215 speedster Doug Peters, The Aggies were being hailed as one of the fin~st and 6:0, 230 lb. Don Shinnick in reserve. Shinnick went sophomore-laden teams in Southwest Conference Ius­ on to NFL stardom as a linebacker with the Baltimore tory. Ken Hall, the national high school all-time leader Colts. in rushing; Bobby Joe Conrad, later to star for the St. QUARTERBACKING THE Louis Cardinals in the NFL; and 1957 Reisman Trophy UCLA SCOUT TEAM winner John David Crow, also slated for pro football evertheless, need him or not, Ronnie Knox greatness, were the stars. Before ending their college was now a Bruin. Ineligible in 1954 be careers, these A&M youngsters would defeat the Texas· N cause he had transferred from California, Longhorns in Austin for the first time in their school's Knox scrimmaged against the rugged Bruin varsity all history and would win the Southwest Conference cham­ year long as UCLA prepared to meet their weekly pionship. opponents. Doug Bradley started at tailback for UCLA and All American fullback Bob Davenport said, "He's failed to move the Bruins in their first series of downs. one of the toughest tacklers I ever tried to run over!" Knox came off the bench, punted 52 yards, and returned Running the opponents' plays against the UCLA to the bench. varsity, Knox continually passed for yardage over a When UCLA regained possession of the football UCLA secondary defense that was one of the nation's on their own 35 yard line, coach Red Sanders sent in best. Prior to the California game, one of the UCLA the controversial Knox who lined up at tailback in assistant coaches said, "We're ready for Paul Larson. He the vaunted UCLA single wing formation. On the can't be any better than Knox and we scrimmaged second play from scrimmage, he lofted a pass di­ against Ronnie all year." rectly into the arms of wingback Chuck Holloway in He was wrong. Larson ran and passed for over 200 the A&M end zone. Defender John David Crow, as a yards, but UCLA won the game 27-6. freshman, had intercepted 8 enemy passes and re­ After walloping Southern California 34-0, UCLA turned them all for touchdowns! Knox challenged was unable to accept a Rose Bowl invitation because the him and beat him! Bruins could not go two years in a row. USC was beaten In the second period, Knox again dared to transgress by Ohio State in that year's Rose Bowl game. Crow's territory, this time hitting wingback Jim Decker THREE TOUCHDOWNS vs. with a 45 yard aerial for another Bruins touchdown. A&M, JOHN DAVID CROW Late in the third quarter, Knox again passed to The Bruins opened their 1955 season in the Los Holloway for a touchdown, again over the head of the Anoeles Memorial Coliseum against a hi ghly touted b multi-talented John David Crow. Texas A&M eleven coachedby the fabled Bear Bryant. 826 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

In the fourth quarter, Knox came in only to punt. Averaging 49 yards per kick, he took an early lead in t~e Founding Fathers kicking department, nationwide. Needless to say, also m In 1776, Jose Moraga, Lieutenant in passmg. Juan Bautista de Anza's colonizing ex­ UPSET BY MARYLAND pedition to Alta California, founded the Miahty Maryland was next. The game was played City of San Francisco. in the ~ain at Baltimore. In the second quarter, with In 1777, Felipe de Neva founded San Jose UCLA on their own 25 and fourth down and 55 yards to and in 1781 he founded Nuestra Senora go, Knox delivered a high soaring punt which went 65 la Reina de Los Angeles de Porcincula, yards in the air. It got UCLA momentarily out of a hole. better known as Los Angeles. ate in the fourth period, with Maryland leading 7-0 on a 16 yard sprint by half L back Ed Vereb, UCLA drove to the Mary- land tive yard line, with Knox and Doug Bradley The game was hard fought and UCLA held a 14-0 alternating at tailback. On third down and goal to go lead at halftime, as in the game two years prior. Michi­ at the Maryland three, Knox called a dive into the 1:>aan State stormed back to tie the score, 14-14, in the center by fullback Doug Peters. Peters took the third period. direct snap, vaulted over the Terrapin forward wall, Late in the fourth quarter, UCLA had a first past All American linebacker Bob Pellegrini, and down on their own 20. Knox, unwilling to settle for fumbled! the tie, was hurling long 65 and 70 yard passes Pellearini recovered in the end zone for the Terra- l:> downfield, trying to win it for the Bruins. With 4th pi ns. Maryland had upset the mighty Bruins. down and 45 seconds remaining, Knox went into Some Los Angeles sportswriters blamed the loss on punt formation and boomed a spiral 55 yards Ronnie Knox, much to Harvey Knox's chagrin. downfield. One of Harvey's quotes after the Maryland game n overager Bruin was called for h~ttin g ~he was that if the sportswriters didn't have enough sense to Michigan State back, who was s1gnalhng come in out of the rain, they probably didn't make much for a fair catch on the MSU 40 yard line. sense doing anything else! He suggested that a number A Michigan State took over, 1st and 10, on the UCLA 45 of them try other ways of making a living. yard line. FOUR TOUCHDOWNS vs. UC BEARS After two plays the ball rested on the Bruins 30. Ronnie Knox got hi s chance to punish Pappy From there, end Dave Kaiser booted a 41 yard field goal Waldorf and California in the sixth game of the season with 17 seconds remaining to win it, 17-14, for Michi­ when the Bears ventured south to meet UCLA in the Los gan State. Angeles Coliseum. Ronnie threw four touchdown passes, Again, according to the Los Angeles news media, average over 50 yards on 3 punts, and paced UCLA to a it was Ronnie Knox's fault that the Bruins had smashing 47-0 victory. faltered. Knox was banged up in the Washington game but The fact that Knox was a football sophomore al­ the Bruins prevailed as Jim Decker kicked a field goal though a senior in the classroom, had played outstanding for a thrilling 17-14 victory in the last 27 seconds over football on an outstanding team all season, and who had a determined Husky eleven. punted brilliantly all year, didn't enter the critics' minds. Whipping USC 17-7 and ending USC standout Jon All they knew was that UCLA had failed to go unde­ Arnett's collegiate career without his ever scoring on feated and Knox became their whjpping boy. Again. UCLA, the Bruins won the Pacific Coast Conference ONE SEASON OF COMPETITION championship and a bid to play in the Rose bowl. Their In 1955, his only complete collegiate football sea­ opponent, for the second time in three years was Duffy son, Ronnie Knox helped the UCLA Bruins to a 9-2 Daugherty's Michigan State Spartans. record, first place in the Pacific Coast Conference, and THE 1955 ROSE BOWL a 4th place national rating by UPI and AP. CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 827

Playing as a single wing tailback, he led the Bruins in passing, completing 36 of 63 passes, for 526 yards, Vicente Ximenes and 6 touchdowns. He also led the Bruins in punting, with 23 kicks for 942 yards, and 41.0 average per kick. Do you know who holds the record for the long­ Letter est punt ever kicked at Pacific Memorial Stadium in Sept. 25, 1967 Stockton? Ronnie Knox, UCLA, 1955,83 yards. This Vicente T. Ximenes, Chairman of the Inter-Agency is not a UCLA school record because in 1944 Bob Committee on Mexican American Affairs, and a Com­ Waterfield punted one for 91 yards vs. March Air Force missioner of the United States Equal Employment Op­ Base. portunity Commission, had been urged by a letter I DRAFTED BY RAMS wrote him to get involved in problems that people in onnie Knox was drafted by the Los Angeles south Texas were having with the Texas Rangers. Rams, but after he announced that he would e had written me that The Texas Rangers R forsake pro football to follow in the foot- are not within our province of concern or steps of his mother and go into the movies, the Rams something like that. I continued to wonder traded their draft rights to the Chicago Bears. Knox H just what in hell the Inter-Agency Committee on Mexi­ signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer but got a clause can American Affairs was SUPPOSED TO DO. Just inserted in his contract that he could play professional help the President get re-elected? I was angry that football ..... in Canada. nothing seemed to be getting done about the problems PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL and those Chicanos in the upper echelons of govern­ He signed with Calgary, but was traded to Hamilton ment, didn't appear to be speaking out about the prob­ in mid-season, winning six of their final seven games, lems. I was to learn later that people in one government finishing 2nd in the league standings. In 1957, he signed agency don't raise hell about problems in another agency, with the Chicago Bears for one season. He played the lest that agency began to question problems in the other 1958 and 1959 seasons with Toronto in the Canadian agency. In short, don't scratch my nalgas and I won't Football League. scratch yours. EDITOR'S NOTES: Was Ronnie Knox an out­ In late September 1967 I received the standing football player? Was he handicapped by a doting father, and his inability to please a hardened Los following letter from Ximenes: Angeles press? Did he ever play anywhere where his Dear Mr. Sierra: teams did not win? Did he have anything to do with their I wish to further inform you, in regard to the article success? that appeared in the INSIDER'S NEWSLETTER, that I believe that Ronnie Knox would have been a far we have asked the editor of the publication to give us the more popular football player if his father had stuck to his name of the person that interviewed me and attributed haberdashery business and left the football coaching to statements to me. The editor has refused to do so, merely indicating that the statements were correct. the football coaches. --ETS • • • • • I find it rather ridiculous to be defending myself to a member of the G.I. Forum, since my views and actions have been well known to everyone for many years. Not only does your letter make statements First on L.A. City Council which are uncalled for, but you made no attempt to In 1987, Gloria Molina became the first call me prior to your placing that article in the G.I. Hispanic woman elected to the Los An­ Forum Bulletin. geles City Council. In 1991, she was At any rate, I am sending you a copy of part of a elected to the L.A. County Board of Su­ speech I made in McAllen, Texas, which is in the heart pervisors, the first Hispanic woman of the Rio Grande Valley. I have been there many times since 1875 to setve in that office. and know. better than most. just what should or should (Cont. on Pg 828) 828 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA Sleeping Through College Journalism classes with Mac

---E. David Sierra new semester, "I don't mind if you call me Mac as long as you smile when you say it!" We were known as "The Tired Three" in Mr. Leon Del Barto was the typical All American boy, tall, McFall's journalism classes at Collier College. The slim and well poised, and an air of assurance, profi­ triumvirate included ex-San Fernando High cheerleader cient in his studies. His pride was being a member of and vice president Vince Del Barto; Freddie Foster, the Delta Gamma Fraternity, reputedly Collier's most black-jacketed sports story specialist from Redondo intellectual collection of fraternity men. Beach; and yours truly, the aspiring sportswriter from Vince's serious moments were few and far between deep in the San Joaquin Valley. and talking to him you had to stay alert. His jokes all Mr. McFall was affectionately called Mac by all his centered around his ability to sidetrack the issue at hand students and as he explained at the beginning of each and you would find yourself talking about Fernando High's fine 1954 football team when you expected to converse on the morrow's lesson. Del Barto's stock reply Xim.enes Letter to any question put to him was, "Yea, yea, all that stuff. (Cont. from Pg 827) Yea!" not be done. He delighted in telling people about Johnny Hermann I suggest that you read this part of my speech to the who was then playing end for a UCLA Bruins eleven members of the San Jose Forum on the matter of the Rio which was ranked at the top of the NCAA standings. Grande Valley. oster was his exact opposite. You could As for the statements in your letter, I will want to look at him from any angle and explore all take them up with you personally the next time we F avenues pertaining to people and their meet. behavior and never arrive at a defmite reason for his Sincerely, being enrolled at Collier. VICENTE T. XIMENES, Commissioner On those rare occasions when we chanced to be in EDITOR'S NOTE: I had to wonder about Vicente his company and that of a cold beer, he didn't say too Ximenes and his commitment to the American GI Fo­ much. He just clutched his bottle, smoke his cigarette, rum. For instance, he mentioned the "G.I. Forum Bulle­ and laughed at your jokes. But he had the demeanor of tin." a person you wouldn't want to mess with in a dark alley. Didn't he KNOW that three years prior in 1964 We were at a fraternity rush party one time when one we had chan2ed the name to THE FORUMEER? of the fraternity guys came running into the room and I thought his final sentence, As for the statements in said that a bunch of high school kids were downstairs your letter, I will want to take them up with you person­ intent on crashing the party. Foster was the first guy ally the next time we meet, sounded like he was gonna down the stairs. No gate crashers made it into the room. punch me out. So, I decided to look him up at the 1968 Never in the two years that he was in Mac's convention. I introduced myself to him in a hallway classes did he wear anything but levis and a white tee outside the Texas delegation's hospitality room. Both of shirt. us had had more than one drink. But I decided to kill him On those occasional cool misty days of winter his with kindness. We spoke cordially. He explained the broad back was covered by the jet black leather jacket goals of his agency, but never alluded to the letters we that was his trademark. A crop of dirty blonde hair was had exchanged. We shook hands and went looking for cut in the D.A. mode that was popular with the young our next drink. --ETS • • • • • men in southern California. CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 829

All the fun started in Mac's classes any time Foster or Del Barto asked a senseless question and Mac fumed at the put-on stupidity of his neophytic writers. Once, Richie Valens just to get in on the act, we dared to tell Mac how to run In 1958, Richie Valens (born Ricardo The Review, our school newspaper. Valenzuela) became the first Mexican "Mr. Hill!", he bellowed, "Don't try to tell me how to American rock star with his recording of run The Review. I was working on a newspaper 30 years "Come On, Let's Go!" In October, 1958 before you were born! I've worked on papers that had a he was the frrst Mexican American rock circulation of over 500,000 during the depression! I've star featured on American Bandstand in seen newspaper plants that make this college campus Philadelphia. His other famous record­ look like an outhouse in the Ozarks! ings, "La Bamba" and "Donna" both "I've seen editors so particular that if you didn't climbed into the top ten in Dec. 1958. punctuate correctly, spell correctly, and write -30- at the Valens was killed in an Iowa plane crash. end of every article, you were fired on the spot! "I've covered floods in Florida, tornadoes in Texas, murders in Michigan, a wreck in Washing­ than on homework. Everyone kidded that if you didn't ton, and divorces in Delaware!" succeed in your chosen career they could always go to The whole class erupted in laughter. work as a coffee taster for one of the major coffee e paused momentarily and walked around distributors. his desk, every student's eyes glued to the Mac had a sense of humor unequalled by any other H thin, bespectacled man. Pointing a finger at teacher we ever studied under and once he got wound up, me, he continued: "Mr. Hill, I've been through the mill, a speech was sure to follow. He would outline in detail do you understand that? I'VE BEEN THROUGH THE the hardships he suffered trying to work his way up in the DAMNED MILL!" fourth estate. It was always interesting, at least to me, to "I've sailed all seven seas, visited every continent on hear him relate his experiences. the face of the globe, and have run for the state senate in ince always managed to get his two cents Ohio! I've sat in bars and drank wine longer than you've into every slight disagreement between sat in a classroom and you, a young whippersnapper V Mac and any of the students. And how fresh out of high school, tries to tell me how to run a did Foster react to our verbal altercations with the newspaper! instructor? ••• he was often fast asleep before the "Hell, the ink's not even dry on your grade school arguments developed! diploma! And you try to tell me how to run a paper!" "Field Trip!" Mac shouted in his high, rasping voice. "Wait a minute, Mac, wait a minute!" I interjected, Foster jumped from his seat and searched frantically in "I'm not talking about how old you are and what bridge his pocket for a pencil. When a class was going on a field you slept under during the depression. I'm not question­ trip the next day, a paper would be circulated about the ing your knowledge of the English language and I'm not room and anyone wishing to be excused for the day embarking on a journey around the world! signed the sheet. The names were printed in the next All I said was that in high school our paper came day's bulletin to let all teachers know who was excused out weekly as does the college organ. Now, what I for the day. want to know is, why not come out more often so that "PASS IT TIDS WAY!" Foster bellowed above we don't have to spend so much time in the student the laughter of the entire class. It was hard to deter­ union sipping coffee? It gets awful tiresome drinking mine whether Foster was carrying his little joke too coffee four days a week!" far or if he actually was concerned about getting left Every time someone mentioned coffee in the union, out of a field trip. Mac would break out laughing and we knew that every­ He was a man of few words and not many of the thing would be okay. It was a standing joke around the students had ever exchanged much more than the time of college that students spent more time on coffee breaks day with him. 830 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

Foster would walk into the classroom, take a seat as "Mr. Del Barto is either going to wind up being close to Mac's desk as he could get, prop the chair back President of this college, or doing a rope dance in the against the wall, and fold his arms on his chest. In Arizona desert!" Mac said second, he'd be fast asleep. That was his art. McFall could get furiously angry in an instant but the Every time Mac asked him a question he'd answer, wonderful thing about him was that he harbored no "Yea, Mac!" or "No, Mac!" grudges and would easily for­ Like the time Mac get the disagreements took asked him what year the Nancy Lopez place. That kept many a hell­ Rosetta Stone was discov­ raising young journalist en­ In 1978, Nancy Lopez became the ered. Foster didn't move. rolled at Collier College. first Chicana to win the Ladies Pro­ His head lay against the Mac was trying to impress fessional Golf Association Tourna­ wall, his entire body gently the young ladies that they had ment. As an 18-year old high school moving with every breath to be tough if they wanted to get senior, she placed second in the U.S. he took, completely at the story, because every reporter Women's Open. She also set a new peace with the world. in a metropolitan area is trying record for earnings by a rookie, "FOSTER!" Mac to scoop all the others.lt means $189,813. shouted, "What year was the promotions, more money, and Rosetta Stone discovered?" offers from more prestigious Foster's head came up newspapers. slowly and one eye opened slightly, "Yea, Mac!" he said "What would you do, Miss Honeycutt," he asked softly. one of the class beauties, "If you were trying to elbow "I KNOW it was some year, dammit!" Mac your way close to a celebrity to ask a question and some roared, losing his composure for the moment, "But male reporter, elbowed you in the chest and said, "Move WHICH year?'' back, bitch, don't crowd! What would you do?" "Hell, Mac," Foster opined, "If it had been lost all Miss Honeycutt thought about it for a while, then that time, maybe they didn't need it. It should have responded, " ..... I'd ..... I'd kick him in the shins!" stayed lost! "Wearing those flimsy shoes?" Mac questioned. "Mac, if you missed it ... you missed it ... don't sweat Disappointed that she had not given the right it," Foster said, lightheartedly dismissing the matter. answer, and that Mac was still glaring at her de­ Then he added, "Mac, if you live long enough, manding more, she volunteered, "Well •••• l'd wear maybe it will come around again so you can take some my brother's combat boots!'' pictures!" The class erupted with laughter. Mac turned his back The classroom was filled with the students' laughter, on the class and gazed out the window. When he faced with Del Barto's guffaw predominant above all. Vince the class again, he had a handkerchief in his hands, arose from his chair and walked confidently toward the dabbing at his eyes, and covered his mouth so Honeycutt front of the room. wouldn't see how hard he had been laughing. "Later, Mac!" he addressed the professor as he One day he gave us an assignment. A prominent strode by his desk. conductor had come to Los Angeles to conduct the L.A. "Come back here, Mr. Del Barto!" Mac hollered. symphony orchestra as a guest conductor. He was assas­ At that precise moment, the bell rang! Del Barto had sinated. NOW, he said, write the story, and put it on my his timing down to a science! desk in 20 minutes. SLAM! The door closed directly before Mac's unbe­ I wrote: lieving eyes. Slowly he turned away from the door and Death came to L.A. today at dawn, faced the class, asking no one in particular, "What are And claimed the life of Eric Vaughn you to do with a guy like that?" The man who went on the killing spree, "Follow him!" someone yelled from the back of Was Ruben Treadway, 23. the room, and the laughter continued. (Cont. on Pg 831) CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 831 Joe Joe the Klown keeps 'e1n. Laughing! Aram Vardanian has many fond memo­ AV, our 75 years young member, whose profes­ ries of growing up in picturesque New Brit­ sional name is JOE JOE THE KLOWN has been keep­ ain, Connecticutt, but none is more relished ing people laughing since his school days in New than thechillymorninghegotupat4:00A.M. Britain. He decided very early in life that he wanted to be an entertainer. and stealthily left the fam- After finishing high school, ily home to go down to the A V went into the US Navy railroad station. Why? The shortly after World War II started. circus was coming to town! He served aboard a half dozen You ng Aram was utterly fas­ s hips, saw action off cin ated with the show. He fol­ GuadaJcanal, and helped take the lowed the trucks, wagons, and the U.S. 2nd Army into North Af­ large animals as they paraded to a rica. To ease the boredom of day large field outside of town. He after day at sea, he and two hung around and eventually got buddies got together and put on himself hired to help put up the "acts" to entertain their friends. big tent! He was excited, because They were an instant success! he was getting a free pass! He was On a warm spring day in going to see the show! Free! 1946, his ship docked in San "I was always considered a Francisco and there he met the funny guy," he says, "I used to give my teachers a bad girl of his dreams. He played time by telling jokes, doing tricks, and doing silly jokes on her, and she laughed. She seemed to enjoy his thi ngs. Anything to evoke laughter from my school­ silly antics, his magic acts, and the jokes which rolled off mates. They enjoyed it, and I enjoyed doing it!" he his tongue incessantly. They were married in 1947. remembers. (Cont. on Pg 832)

Sleeping thru College Fred reclined in his chair in the usual position, chaired propped up against the wall, arms folded on his (Cont. from Pg 830) chest, head bowed, in a deep slumber. And now be-hoppers dance with glee "Foster! " Mac shouted. cause there will be no symphony. "FOSTER!" The LastJew lines this poem will lack, Foster snored on, unaware that he was being paged. Cause I'm off to a cup of coffee, Mac! "Foster, wake up!" Mac commanded. Freddie opened his eyes reluctantly, yawned, and I was finished in ten minutes, gathered up my book aimed a warm smile at Mac. The class roared with and papers, and left the room, depositing my work on his laughter. desk. "Foster, someday this building will go up in flames The next day he read some of the papers, saving and you'll burn with it!" Mac intoned. mine for last. Everyone got a good laugh, especially "Never happen, Mac," Foster argued assuredly, "The Mac. But the old coot gave me an "A", bless his Dean of Men will come save me. I'm always a month Scottish heart! behind in tuition ! ! ! " There was the time that Mac was lecturing us on the EDITOR'S NOTES: A bunch of goof-offs? Yes. long hours of hard work it takes to become a top flight But at least one of us made something of himself in life. journalist. He had been talking for about ten minutes Vince became United States Director of the Census in when he stopped abruptly and glared at Foster. the Richard M. Nixon administration. --ETS • • • • • 832 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

and after two years, decided to do a solo act. He would Joe Joe the Klown enter parades and put on his clown act wherever people (Cont. from Pg 831) gathered who wanted to be entertained, who wanted to When he mustered out of the service, newlyweds laugh, and who wanted to be fooled by the wizardry of went back to the serenity of Connecticutt. Eventually his magic. they decided to come west in search of better job Later A V joined the World Clown Association and opportunities. While he worked at odd jobs she began is now a lifetime member. preparing for their first child which would soon be born. AV has six decorated bicycles and numerous Later, he found work as a laborer building houses, and floats that he enters in parades all over northern then found full-time work at Fiberglas in 1950. He California. He has won over 50 trophies for his stayed for 37 years, retiring in 1987. involvement in keeping people laughing, something t Fiberglas he used to entertain at holiday he really enjoys doing. parties and other company socials. He would At the tender age of 75, Joe Joe The Klown is still A play tricks on his fellow workers or show driving his decorated van the length and breadth of the them some magic tricks that he knew. Everyone laughed. Santa Clara Valley bringing joy to the hearts and minds The word got around. "That A V guy can make people of thousands of people every year. He does birthday laugh. He's fun to be around. Invite him to your next parties, walkarounds, picnics, grand openings, party!" And he grew famouser and famouser. He did fundraisers, magic shows, street fairs, and many other imitations of the Pink Panther and played Santa Claus at events. He has participated in more Cinco de Mayo and Christmas parties. The plant manager liked his clowning 16th of September parades than any of us can remember. around so much that he bought him a new suit.Just A member of San Jose Chapter, American GI Fo­ before he retired from Fiberglas he joined the Clowns rum, Joe Joe lives in Santa Clara with his wife. Call Around club, wanting to associate with other people (408) 244-2155 to find out more about this great enter­ with the same interests. tainer, and how you can arrange to have him come to Later he joined the Golden Gate Clown Association, your next gathering. --ETS • • • • •

Brave and the Mad There are two kinds of people who walk alone against the tide of majority opinion. One is brave and has enormous integrity. The other is mad and walks into disaster. --Karen Silver, TIME mag, 4.7.03

The Lord Gonna Leave you in Tulare! A minister in a small church in the San Joaquin Valley town of Tulare was always warning his congregation that unless they lived a religious life, obeying the ten com­ mandments, and contributing generously to the life of the church, they were doomed to an etemity of fire and damnation when they passed away. One Sunday he ended his sermonizing by telling his flock, ''The Lord is looking down on you from Heaven. He knows where you are, what you say, and what you do all the time. He keeps track of you. You can't fool him. You can't hide from him. You can't lie to him. He knows. And when your time comes, he will give you what you deserve, a place in the Kingdom of God or send you somewhere else. If you're really, really bad ... when you die ... my, my, The Lord MAY Leave you in Tulare!" (I don't remember where I read this story many, many years ago. Sports Illustrated? Reader's Digest?) CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 833

The fourth game began on an ominous note as TombstoneTex Vasquez and Sierra watched Tombstone Tex Garcia attack the balls with all the cunning and experience of a For some reason or other, Pat Vasquez had invited veteran of the Juarez pool halls. Forsaking beer alto­ Humberto Garcia and I to his home for dinner. After dinner, we repaired to his den to play pool. Pool is not my gether now, Garcia cleaned the table while Vasquez and game. Sierra discussed what they were going to do when it I would never admit to having had enough leisure became their tum to wield the cue stick. The opportunity never came: time in my youth to become talented at that game. If you're good at pool, you've either spent a lot of time Sierra 2 Vasquez 2 Garcia 1. in pool halls, or you're a naturally talented athlete. I The sixth game was all Garcia as he again cleaned up am neither. before the opponents could even chalk their cues and open another Burgie. Because Editor Humberto Garcia and Assistant Sierra 2 Vasquez 2 Garcia 2. Editor David Sierra had the power of the press and had A few moments of meditation preceded the 7th and put away more than a few beers, we decided that this final match of the evening. The showdown! The mo­ would be for the championship of the whole State of ment of truth! Vasquez relaxed by favoring his oppo­ California. nents with that patented silly grin which looks like a little So we went at it. This account is from the August boy who just got caught with his finger in the cookie jar. 20, 1964 edition of EL EXCENTRICO Magazine. Garcia rolled up his sleeves, his eyes saying, "It Humberto Garcia Wins won't be long now, pigeons!" Sierra just let sweet visions of victory dance gaily in State Pool Title ! his mind. In a match which was finally settled in the wee hours ell bred gentlemen from the civilized of the A.M. on Sunday, August 15th, 1964, Humberto cultures of the west coast have no busi (Tombstone Tex) Garcia of San Jose won the California W ness consorting with long-armed, oppor- State Mexican-American Pool Championship in a thrill­ tunistic pool sharks taught and trained on the Texas ing match with Patricio (Hammer Cue) Vasquez and border. Eliseo David Talavera (Vengan, Sapos!) Sierra, both of Individuals who frequent establishments where pool whom represented the Screen Actors Guild of Holly­ is played definitely have an advantage over gentlemen wood. whose habitat is the opera house, the polo field, and the The match began pretty much as predicted as art museum! Sierra sank the first six balls he tried, three of them Little need be said of the deciding game. H. Garcia on the break. Shooting with the reckless abandon managed to win. There was one anxious moment. V.S. that has come to characterize his game, Sierra took Sierra sank what appeared to be a most difficult shot. a commanding lead early in the game and went on to Elated with joy, he turned to Vasquez for the compli­ take the first game easily. ment which that gentleman would surely grant. Unable to match the blistering pace being set by V .S. "Burgie bottle in the comer pocket," Pat grinned. Sierra, Garcia and Vasquez, obviously out of their Curses! Curses! Curses! element, watched glumly as Sierra again went on to win --ETS • • • • • that game. Sensing that his title aspirations were rapidly going down the drain, Hammer Cue Vasquez responded to the challenge and sank three fast balls while the opponents Fernandez Sets Speed Record were voicing an official complaint to the referee over the In September 1956, Korean war ace Manuel J. hot beer served by Mr. Vasquez. Fernandez set a world record of 666.661 miles Patricio wen on to take the third game and make per hour in his F-1 OOOC Super Sabre in the the score at this point: Bendix Trophy Airplane Race. Sierra 2 Vasquez 1 Garcia 0. 834 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

It's All Over! Sandy Koufax Don Drysdale

EDITOR'S NOTES: When I was a red-hot Los The Dodgers refused to crack under the pressure and Angeles Dodgers fans, I wrote a number of articles fashioned a win skein of their own. Unlike the Dodgers, about the team in EL EXCENTRICO Magazine. The the Giant players folded under the pressure and were articles provided ammunition for the outnumbered unable to keep up the pace which put them in first place. Dodger fans of northern California who read the maga­ Basically, I think the downfall of the Giants came zine, and they also incensed the SF Giants fans. At the about as a result of a pitching staff which finally came very least, it kept them interested. down to earth after playing over their heads for three/ NOW IT CAN BE TOLD: We had contacted the fourths of the season; the inability of Juan "Batman" Dodgers front office, met with public relations direc­ Marichal to win the big ones going down the stretch (he tor Tuck Stainback, and arranged to receive press was 3-4 after the Roseboro incident) and Jim Ray Hart, releases from the team, just like any other great big Hal Lanier, Masanori Murakami, Tito Fuentes, Jesus sports reporter in the country. We had to promise Alou and all the pitchers yielding to the pressure. not to publish any of the information until the release The fact that the Giants were pulling a Philadel­ date. We agreed to that. phia was evident when Milwaukee rocked Marichal Those Giants fans who placed bets with me on when for 9 runs in four innings, rookie Larry Jaster (who certain players would sign their contracts, and for how dat, Willie?) beat them down the stretch, the 17-2 much .... It wasn't REALLY guessing on my part. Dum stomping administered by the Reds, etc., etc., etc. Dee Dum Dum! .. .. Now it can be told .... 40 years later. Los Angeles won the pennant with pitching, pitch­ This is the article I wrote after the 1965 season: ing, pitching, home runs, and speed. Cincinnati scored but 2 runs in three games against the Bums when the It's All Over -- chips were on the table. Lou Johnson hit extra inning The Los Angeles Dodgers compounded the frustra­ home runs in two games (vs. the Giants and Reds) to win tion already evident in the lives of Giants fans every­ for the Dodgers. Dodger speed continually provoked where by corning out of the runnerup slot with 16 wins errors which resulted in runs, runs, and more runs. in their last 17 games to edge the Frankfurters for the Giants fans were lulled into a false sense of security national league pennant. by the winning streak, most of it against Houston and Giants fans had the sweet smell of success in their Chicago (although it did include a two game sweep of nostrils for about two and one-half weeks as the Giants the Dodgers in the last series of the year between the two forged ahead in the tension-packed race by winning 14 teams). straight to take the lead from the hated Los Angelenos. While the fans of the hard hitting (?) Giants did a CON SAFOS -- A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALI FORNIA 835 slow burn, the Dodgers continued to score 1 run and win Ant0 n i 0 A g u i I a r & 1-0 when it took 1 run to win, and 2 runs when it took 2 runs. Anyway, back at the ranch, the Dodgers have San Jose Friends nailed down their 2nd pennant in the past three years; third in the last six years; 5th in the last ten years. That's not bad for a team that only has two pitchers and a base-stealer. --ETS • • • • •

San Jose Forum Closes Vets Out· reach Program

Feb. 21, 1986 This article is taken from the March 1986 issue of THE LEADER, and explains the details of San Jose GI Forum closing its Veterans Outreach Project on Feb. 21, 1986. The article read: ANTONIO AGUILAR. right, Mexican singer and (SAN JOSE)--The board of directors of San Jose GI film star, with Pete Gonzalez. San Jose GI Forum Forum voted unanimously to shut down the 13-year-old Chairman, left. and David Sierra, editor, THE Veterans Outreach Project, effective Feb. 28, 1986. LEADER. at Fiesta De Navidad en Mexico at SC he program was not meetings very rigid County Fairgrounds. (Richard Diaz Foto). contractual obligations m~ndated by JTPA, T and with no prospects of Improvement ac- room an opportunity to be heard on the issue. cording to staff, left us with no alternative said Chair­ The members ofthe board were unanimously against man Victor Garza. incurring any further debts. In the end, a motion was At an emergency board meeting on Monday, made, seconded, and passed to ratify the decision of the Feb. 3 the board heard a very dismal report from board, thus bringing to an end a program which began in V.O.P. Director of Programs Margie Subega. After November 1972 and grinds to a halt on Feb. 28, 1986. extensive discussion by both board and staffpeople The board met again on Wed., Feb. 12 and voted the staff advised that we shut down the program. unanimously to terminate all V .O.P. staff (Abel Cota, A payment plan for monies owed to JTPA has been Margie Subega, Marsha Sabori) as of Feb. 21. The worked out with the agency and a $5,000 draft has GI Forum will continue to operate the Vida Nueva already been sent to that office with the full amount to be alcoholic recovery home with Sid Haro as director. paid by June 30th. On Tues., Feb. 18, the board met with San Jose TO THE MEMBERS attorney Sid Flores to discuss ways of effectuating a At the chapter meeting on Fri., Feb. 7th, Chm. Garza working relationship between La Raza Lawyers Asso­ told members of the board's decision. Some criticized ciation and San Jose GI Forum. the board for acting hastily in shutting down the pro­ In two other board meetings in Feb., Chm. Garza and gram. Others chastised the board for waiting so long to the board explored other proposals for funding. San Jose shut down a failing proposition. Lots of disappointment GI Forum wishes to continue serving veterans. was expressed, with Chm. Garza giving everyone in the ETS • • • • • 836 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA Woodlake High Honors Leo Robinson, its Winningest Coach in History On Friday, Sept. 10, 2004, Woodlake High School dedi­ cated their football field to Leo Robinson, their legendary foot­ ball and baseball coach who coached his teams to more vic­ tories than any other coach in school history. Robinson died on Nov. 3, 2002. Robinson coached the Woodlake Ti­ gers varsity football team from 1962 to 2002 and had a winning record of 290 wins, 127losses, and 11 ties. His teams won 18 league titles and 6 sectional championships. a bust of the Tigers coach and a listing of his Robinson also coached the Tigers varsity records. baseball team to a 367-202-8 record in 27 Leo Robinson Field on the campus of years. Woodlake High School will forever remind Ti­ He holds the record for most football vic­ gers fans of the contributions of Leo Robinson tories by a high school coach in the San to their h eralded athletic history. • • • • • Joaquin Valley and is ranked No. 3 in Cali­ fornia prep history. Robinson was born on Sept. 21, 1935 in Hispanic Firsts Porterville, Calif. He played football and gradu ­ a ted from Porterville HS, played two years at Porterville JC, and won an athletic scholar­ Dr. Julian Nava ship to Fresno State University. In 1980, Dr. Julian Nava, former profes­ After leaving FSU in 1958 he accepted a sor at California State Univbersity position as varsity baseball coach at Woodlake Northridge, became the first Mexican and four years later took on the additional American to be appointed United States responsibilities of varsity football coach. Ambassador to Mexico, by President Participating in the ceremonies were Frank Jimmie Carter. Ainley, WUHS Athletic Director who recalled Coach Robinson's old saying, "Let's get the Dr. Mari-Luci Jaramillo dad-gum job done" and for 40 years his Ti­ In 1977, Dr. Mari-Luci Jaramillo, edu­ gers did just that. Also speaking were Jenni­ cation professor at New Mexico Univer­ fer Earle , principal of WUHS from 1987 to sity, was the first Hispanic woman 1997, and Coach Robinson's son, Ron, who named a U.S. Ambassador. She was as­ played for his father and played major leagu e signed to Honduras by President Jimmie baseball with the Cincinnati Reds. Carter. The m emorial to coach Robinson includes CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 837 The Leo Robinson Legacy

Won & Loss Record Football 290-127-11 18 League Championships 6 Sectional Titles Baseball 367-202-8 Woodlake Union High School

WUHS Tigers 11th in WUHS Tigers win Valley Football Wins '80 Valley Title According to an article in the Fresno BEE in early oodlake High's Ron Robinson September 2003, the winningest high school football again demonstrated why he is reams in the central San Joaquin Valley since 1922 to the Wthe San Joaquin Valley's most end of the 2002 season are: trumpeted major league baseball prospect 1. Bakersfield ...... 650 as he finished off his high school career 2. Dos Palos ...... 546 with a sterling three-hit 1-0 victory over 3. Tehachapi ...... 467 San Joaquin Memorial, giving the Tigers 4. Fresno High ...... 452 and his father Leo Robinson the 1980 San 5. Clovis ...... 436 Joaquin Valley Sequoia-Sierra Division base­ 6. Tulare ...... 429 ball crown. 7. Selma ...... 427 The Tigers, ranked 8th in the San Joaquin 8. Sanger ...... 419 Valley, were undefeated in East Sierra League 9. Kingsburg ...... 417 play, and 24-3 on the season. 10. Porterville ...... 402 On a very hot afternoon at Kingsburg High 11. Woodlake ...... 389 School, the 6-foot-4, 200 pounder did not Of Woodlake's 389 wins, 290 were won in the 41 have his good fastball, but went to the other years that Coach Leo Robinson was head man of the pitches in his repertoire to throttle the Pan­ Tigers. thers for his third win in nine days. Bakersfield is the winningest high school football Capping off his prep career with a 45-8 team in California history, followed by Long Beach record, Robinson struck out the s ide in the Poly High with 614 victories as of September 2003. first two innings, finishing with nine K's, (Cont. on Pg 838) 838 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

one person. anyway. If it's gonna be me, tine. If it's GI Forum Politics: not gonna be you, that's tine too. But it still comes down to one person.'' Resignation -- The newsletter was never mailed, but I took about 35 copies to the May meeting so that the members could Editor, THE LEADER read it if they wanted to. May 1999 At the May meeting, under correspondence, Re­ For May 1999 I had prepared what I thought was one cording Secretary Violeta Perez read the letter of of the better issues I had ever done of THE LEADER, resignation that I had hand-carried to Chairman San Jose GI Forum's newsletter. David Rodriguez. I handed it to him about 20 The printer printed it, I added the name labels, and minutes before the meeting started. took it to the San Jose GI Forum office so that Lydia Just before she read the letter, Chairman Rodriguez Maduefio could take it to the post office, as usual. mentioned to the members that he had a copy but that he few days later, Abel Cota came to Vida had not read it. Since it is not my habit to write love Nueva to see me. He said that I was letters to David Rodriguez, I believe that he already A conducting a vendetta against Chapter knew what I was writing to him about ... and he didn't Chairman David Rodriguez and that the newsletter much give a damn. could not be mailed the way it was. Followine is my resimation letter: "The board members don't like it, because there's a May 1, 1999 lot of people that read the newsletter that are not mem­ David Rodriguez, Chairman bers of the chapter. It's alright for the members, but we Dear Mr. Chairman: don't want the public reading that," he said, without The May 1999 edition of THE LEADER was deliv­ explaining what THAT was. ered to the GI Forum office on Tuesday, April20, 1999. "Abel," I told him, "I don't like censorship. If As of Saturday, May 1, we have not received our copy that newsletter isn't mailed, then I will submit my in the mail so we assume it was never mailed. resignation. Ultimately. the decision comes down to (Cont. on Pg 839)

batters to end the inning. Tigers win '80 Title SJM coach Franich said, "He's their team. He's the (Cont. from Pg 837) Woodlake team... walked two, and left six Memorial runners Robinson said, .. This game's a lot sweeter than a no­ stranded. This was his sixth shutout of his hitter because it's a valley championship. I'm glad I senior season, finishing with a 14-1 record. could give a valley championship to my dad ... Robinson and Memorial junior Tony Montanez • •• hooked up in a pitching duel, and the Tigers star used Ron Robinson turned down a full ride baseball Robinson's bat and speed to lead clinch the victory. The scholarship to Fresno State University to sign with the curly-haired redhead made first base on an infield hit in Cincinnati Reds. On June 3, 1980, the redhead was the the fourth inning, stole second base when SJM catcher 19th player selected in the Major League Free Agent Paul Cameron's throw went into the dirt and Robinson Draft. hustled to third base. With the infield drawn in by SJM He had an overall record of 45 wins and 32losses in coach John Franich, Craig Ainley whistled a line drive seven seasons with Cincinati (National League) and one past the second base and Robinson hurried across home with Milwaukee (American League). He was also cred­ plate for the game's only run. ited with 19 saves as a relief pitcher. In one of his major Memorial had runners on third and first in the league starts, he came within one out of pitching a second inning and on third in the sixth frame, but perfect game. each time Robinson struck out the next two Panthers -- ETS • • • • • Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Six Chicanas vie Parade on May 2 Miss San Jose Our Fiestas Patrias Coordinator, Maggie Maduefio, again requests all members of San Jose Gl Forum GI Forum and their friends to lend their services on Sunday, May 2 Beauty as we put on the WWW.SJGIF.ORG MAY 1999 Cinco de Mayo Pageant, Fiesta & Pa­ May29 rade in down­ - ~"<>e; town San Jose. Leader The 39th annual Miss San Jose GI Fo­ Call 923-1646 •OFFICIAL NEWSLETIER OF SAN JOSE CHAPTER, AMERICAN Gl FORUM rum Beauty Pageant to volunteer. unfolds on Sat., May 29 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, down­ town San Jose. For the first time in our history, the ·~ . event will be a pageant-dinner, with no dance after the pageant. (Cont. on Pg. 4) f4i jJfi-fL/1 1/J,fi tJJA5 . .c) April meeting ~t-Hd 2 P- ~J 1,4,u , sJ•s briefest ... 38 minutes. e The Friday, April2 meeting ofSan Jose GI Forum was the shortest one in our history. &. I. s The session began at 7:40PM and was over by 8:1 8PM. tL£ 5 iff).!~ After the official prayer and salute to the flag, the Chairman called for a minute of :; -$ f ;? ;ttJIL , si Jence for the American prisoners of war in Yugoslavia. East Side H.S. UI~UI\#l ~~~~ '+'"'"' •••• n.--.-n AI Villalobos called for a moment of silence for relatives of San Jose GI Forum bond for new school, improvements members who had passed away very re­ Joe Coto, Superintendent, East Side Union High School District, has announced cently. ROLLCALL that the board of trustees have voted to place a bond issue of$80 million on the May 4, Then the Chairman called the roll of 1999 ballot. officers: The bond would provide $20 million "David Rodriguez, Chairman, Present; to fund a new high school in the Evergreen Robert Guerra, Vice Chairman, Present; t\t1 Chapter area, scheduled to open in 2002. There­ Violeta Perez, Rec. Secty., Absent; t'll Meeting maining monies are to improve and mod­ Marta Martinez, Corr. Secty., Absent; ernize existing schools. Billie Contreras, Treasurer, Absent; "We want to have 20th century facili­ Friday, MAY 7, 1999 7:30P.M. AI Villalobos, Chaplain, Present; ties for our students," said Supt. Coto, "We 1600 Las Plumas San Jose Lalo Herrera, Sgt. at Arms, Present." know that a positive environment can en­ Speaker: RESIGNATION hance learning so we want to create the The Chairman mentioned that Billie NO SPEAKER optimal learning centers so our students Contreras has resigned as Chapter Trea- ELECTIONS ONLY have every opportunity for success." surer. (Cont. on Pg. 2) SAN JOSE CHAPTER, AMERICAN Gl FORUM THE LEADER

'-sJ•s briefest ••• San Jose 38 minutes. Gl Forum (Cont. from Pg. I) Building The Chairman then asked member AI Castellano if he would take the minutes of Fotos the meeting. Mr. Castellano refused. Then by he asked David Sierra to take the minutes. Mr. Sierra refused, "Mr. Chairman, I am tak­ Frank ing notes for the newsletter." Caballero VIDA NUEVA REPORT A short while later, under Committee Reports, he asked Mr. Sierra to give the Vida Nueva Report. Affairs Committee Report. Castellano men- NO ACTIVITY REPORTS David read a memorandum given to all tioned how much he has enjoyed being Civic Castellano reminded the Chairman that Vida Nueva employees by Executive Sec­ Affairs Chair, but indicated that he does not we have not been getting reports on our ac­ retary Abel Cota on March 18 which reads: wish to continue to serve as Civic Affairs tivities. Again the Chairman cited that it was "This memo is to inform the Vida Chairman. Good Friday and that he has no control over Nueva staff that any concerns are to be He introduced attorney Tony Estremera who wants to go to church. brought to the Vida Nueva Director's at­ and welcomed him to San Jose GI Forum A female member asked why these tention and not above and beyond, sue~ as our newest member. people did not submit written reports to the as to the attention of the GI Forum Board GRAND MARSHAL chair. of Directors. Ifthis continues to occur you Castellano asked the Chairman about The Chairman started to give an expla- will be terminated immediately." the Grand Marshal of the Cinco de Mayo nation and mentioned that he had been a --Abel Cota, Executive Director Parade, just 5 weeks away. None selected member for 26 years. Someone in the back "Since I want to keep my job, Mr. Chair­ yet. challenged the number of years. The chair- man, I cannot give a report on Vida Nueva," BARRIO CONFERENCE REPORT man shot back that the member ought to take Mr. Sierra said. AI Villalobos gave a report on there- his head out of his ass. CIVIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE cent Barrio AlcohoUDrugs Conference At that point two female members AI Castellano then gave a brief Civic sponsored by Vida Nueva on April!. He walked out of the meeting. "You don't have served as director of the monitors who any respect for our members," said one of aided the Corrections Department offic- them as she exited the room. THE LEADER crs in keeping order. Assisting Mr. THE LEADER editor called for a point Official Newsletter of Villalobos were: AI Castellano, Rose of order, reminding the Chairman that the San Jose Chapter, American GI Forum -SINCE 1959 - Flores, Mary Gallego, Lucretia Garcia, U.S. Supreme Court had ruled years ago that Santa Clara County's Oldest Pete Gonzalez, Rosa Hernandez, Lalo politicians do not have to tell the truth, and Spani sh-English Publication Herrera, Gus Lerma, Maggie Madueiio, to continue with his report. E. David Sierra, Editor Violeta Perez, Patricia Rizzo, and Susana Chairman: "What report?" This newsletter is printed solely for the in­ Villalobos, aU of whom were thanked pro- AN INVITATION formation, education, and entertainment of fusely by Mr. Villalobos. Marcelo Jasso invited members of Old the San Jose Chapter, American Gl Forum, New Business: None. Number One to a barbeque at hi s brother's a non-profit organization. No reproduction NOMINATION OF OFFICERS home in Modesto on Thursday, June 17, the without written permission allowed. Please The Chairman asked if anyone in the day before the State Convention. He wi ll send materials to Editor, THE LEADER, room was interested in running for offi ce make a more detailed report at the May 1680 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose, CA 95116. SAN JOSE Gl FORUM next month. No one indicated they are in- meeting. 1998 OFFICERS 1999 terested. HOSPITALITY ROOM David Rodriguez ...... Chairman MISS SJ GI FORUM PAGEANT Chairman David Rodriguez said he had Robert Guerra ...... Vice Chairman AI Castellano asked about the Queen been contacted by Modesto Chapter about Violeta Perez ...... Rec. Secty. Coronation Ball and who is handling the us hosting the state convention hospitality Marta Martinez ... Corresp. Secty. tickets. The Chairman indicated that he did room. There was brief discussion on that, ...... Treasurer not know. with the main question: "Can we afford it?" A1 Villalobos ...... Chaplain The Chairman reminded us that it was No one seemed to have any answers. No Lalo Herrera ...... Sgt. at Arms Good Friday and many of the people who decision was made. Meeting adjourned at are called on to make reports were in church. 8: 18PM. --ETS. 03.lS3n03l::! 381/\1::!38 SS3l::!OOV

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 1999 ~ SANJOSE t':I..b Gl FORUM MEMBERSHIP MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MTG. 1st Friday of Month 3rd Thursday of Month 7:30PM 7:00PM C.T.C. 1680 Alum Rock Ave. A tip of our 1600 Las Plumas Ave. Gl Forum Cap to CF: "Aren't these Maria Edwards pipes going to be in (Austin, Texas) the way when who saw a need people want to use and stepped in the bathroom?" to help. FRANK: "There's We commend her gonna be a wall for serving as here, CF. Trust me, Interim National when they finish Executive Secretary. you won't see any Thank you, Lady! of these pipes." CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 839

Resignation, Editor THE LEADER, effective immediately. Sinceramente, (Cont. from Pg 838) --DAVID SIERRA Your executive director informed me that mem­ EDITOR'S NOTES: Board members Lalo Herrera bers of the board were critical of the article I wrote and Violeta Perez stated at the meeting that they had covering the last chapter meeting on April2, 1999. I never been contacted about mailing or not mailing that believe it was an accurate report of what transpired issue. at that meeting. There was no editorializing in the Mr. Cota was playing censor. I knew then that my report. I stake my reputation for honest reporting on resigning was the right thing to do. its contents. My thoughts on Censorship: Ultimately, all deci­ I believe that the rank and file members of San Jose sions made by groups ofpeople come down to one man's GI Forum are entitled to know what happens at their idea of what is proper or improper. chapter meeting. If you and the board members do not If I am the designated editor, then my judgment tell them. and you will not allow me to tell them. then should be trusted on what is proper to be printed in that you are suppressing the truth. newspaper and what isn't. If you don't trust me, say so, Mr. Chairman, if you or any board members are and I will resign. ashamed of what is happening at the board meetings NOW ••• you have a new editor. Who's going to and the chapter meetings, there is a very simple tell HIM that something is improper? Isn't the deci­ solution • .Just guit doine it. sion STILL BEING LEFT TO ONE PERSON? I feel very certain that I enjoy the respect and If so, all you are saying is that you trust him more confidence of the rank and file members of San Jose GI than you trust me. You have just given TOTAL CON­ Forum for the manner in which their newsletter has been TROL of everything that we do to one person, again. I edited. However. I will be a good Mexican and go DON'T LIKE IT, but I can live with it ... if you can. guietly. --ETS. • • • • • Please consider this my resignation as editor of

Letters • • • to and from • • • From ... Greg Coronado, Sr. From ••• Roderick Carter Hon. David Sierra Editor-in-Chief "Editor Magnificent" THE FORUMBER 724 Harrison St. 990 Elm Street San Jose, Calif. 95125 San Jose, CA 95110 Dear Dave: You have always had my vote of Dear Sir: I firmly believe that battles for justice are confidence, and after reading the October issue of THE not fought exclusively on home ground, but in the Halls FORUMEER, I see no reason to change. of Congress and in the Supreme Court. Support for the You guys are really on the ball, the way you keep up Mexican-Americans will more likely come from East­ with everything that has to do with the organization ern Urban Liberals than from Western Conservatives. I really amazes me. I don't see how you do it. Of course, intend to do my part out here and need your help in some things come easy for some people. compiling information. Yours in the Forum, I, a Mexican American, am currently undertaking a --Greg Coronado, Sr. project on Mexican-American Culture- sponsored by Calexico, CA 12.2.1968 the City University of New York. This will culminate in *** a symposium, structured primarily toward theater, on 840 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA

April 25th at the Commodore Hotel in New York. --WALTER F. MONDALE Several other "ethnic" theater perspectives will be rep­ Washington, D.C. 20510 resented. The historical and contemporary social/artis­ *** tic values of each will be examined. From ••• Dan Tellez o be perfectly frank, relatively little was Dear Mr. Sierra: You are invited to be a guest of known about Chicano Theater or the honor at a special SER Recognition Luncheon honoring T sources that contributed to it. It was go- individuals whose efforts have made possible our present ing to be omitted altogether. I pressed for its inclu­ successful operation. sion, since I believe it to be of great social importance. The affair will be at Lou's Village, 1465 W. San My topic will be "Theater of the Disenfranchised." Carlos, San Jose, and will kick off with no-host I am particularly interested in securing scripts of cocktails at 11:30. Lunch will be served promptly at various plays or any sort of historical references to past 12:00. theatrical activity. There is a good possibility of produc­ ity Manager, Mr. Thomas A. Fletcher, will tion here in New York. be the main speaker. The local SER Center I have just read LA RAZA (The Mexican Ameri­ C Director, Jose Martinez, will talk briefly on cans) by Stan Steiner. Your journal was listed as a source the accomplishments which you and a handful of other in this comprehensive study. I was elated in reading dedicated people have helped to bring about. about the movement for cultural survival and justice Please call Mr. Martinez or his secretary and verify being waged by you and other Chicano groups in the whether you can attend. southwest. If you haven't yet read Mr. Steiner's book, I Your efforts on behalf of SER are sincerely ap­ think you will find it quite good. preciated by our present Board, and I hope that you I would like a copy of your publication, a listing of can be present to receive due recognition. any information whatever you might have on Chicano Cordially, Theater and the mail order subscription price to your --Dan TELLEZ, publication. I have funds to subscribe to several of these SER Chairman of the Board journals for our archives. This is going to be my area of 249 So. Second St., study and, I suspect, politics. San Jose, CA 95113 10.26.70 If you haven't any information structured spe­ cifically toward the theater, give me any information From ••• Louis P. Bergna you have on politics, crafts, cultural centers ••• in Dear Mr. Sierra: I agree wholeheartedly with your short, culture. I would appreciate anything you can letter of Sept. 23, 1970 and my personnel have always furnish. been so instructed. If you have any examples of our Entiendo ambos idiomas. He sido maestro de espafiol making any distinctions in the prosecution of cases hace diez afios. Hoy dia me encuentro siguiendo cursos along ethnic lines or for any other than factual reason, I'd y trabajando en teatro. be most interested in learning of same. --RODERICK R. CARTER nclosed is a copy of Mr. Ybarra's letter to me The Repertory Theater of along with my reply which is self-explana Lincoln Center, Inc. tory. Please keep in mind that my office isn't 150 W. 65th St., E a law enforcement office in the strict sense of the phrase. New York, NY 10023 I, for example, am not a peace officer under California 3.15.70 law. We advise the police as to the law and try their *** cases. They "enforce the law," as that phrase is com­ From ..• Walter Mondale monly used, and bring their facts to/or cases to us for Dear Mr. Sierra: Thank you for your recent mes­ prosecution. sage. Enclosed is the material which you requested. I am I was just as amazed as you evidently were to read happy to have had this opportunity to be of help to you. that this activity "was to be allowed in Alameda County." With best wishes, Subsequent news releases satisfied my amazement. CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 841

This is State law and is applicable throughout California patient, it takes time, and depends on an opening. as you know. Best of luck, Yours truly, --RALPH REYES, --LOUIS P. BERGNA, Realtor-Appraiser District Attorney, 2059 Cherry Ave., Santa Clara County 9.28.70 San Jose, CA 95125 7.7.77 *** *** From ... Benito Garza From ... Gerald R. Graham ear Dave: The members of Los Amigos Dear Mr. Sierra: We are happy to inform you that Golfing Club take great pleasure in invitring once again we will be able to make a $500 contribution D you and your colleagues of EL to the chapter's Christmas Basket Fund for 1967. EXCENTRICO magazine to be our Guests of Honor at Please express our thanks to the members for their our forthcoming 2nd annual semi-formal dance, at the efforts in this very worthwhile community project. Hawaiian Gardens terrace room, on March 7, 1964, at 9 Sincerely, PM. --GERALD R. GRAHAM, A table has been reserved for you and the writers Executive Vice President of El Excentrico magazine. Reed & Graham, Inc. 10.19.67 Enclosed you will find a complimentary bid. We *** will be honored with your presence. Please let us know From •.• Ken Blase if you will be with us at our annual celebration. Dear Mr. Sierra: Thanks for contributing to the Yours truly, communications workshop last Saturday. I'm glad I had --BEN GARZA, President, the chance to meet you there. Los Amigos Golfing Club 2.5.64 Each year KX-RX samples the opinions of elected *** leaders, community leaders, and lay persons. We want From ... Fred LaCosse to know what's bugging you! When the answers are in, Dear Mr. Sierra: Bob Hosfeldt, who is the Gen-eral we learn what seems to be the big needs and problems. Manager of the station, and I would like to meet with you From that information we will be able to make program at your convenience regarding the problems and needs decisions to best serve the community. of the Chicano community. We would be happy to meet Thanks for helping out ••• and I hope to see you in at your office or here at KNTV, Channel 11, whichever about one year at our second annual communica­ is convenient for you. tions workshop. I would appreciate it if you would give me a call so Best regards, that we may set up a time to meet. If I happen to be out --KEN BLASE, KX-RX, of the office when you call, please ask for Margaret, our P.O. Box 157, San Jose, CA News Department Secretary. She will arrange a meeting 7.15.71 time and place with you. *** Looking forward to hearing from you at your earliest From .•• Earle P. Crandall convenience. Dear David: Thanks for your letter explaining your Cordially, thoughts on how to proceed on a political action pro­ --FRED LA COSSE, gram. I think we should not do it in conjunction with News Director, Fletcher's Seminar. Let him have full time. KNTV Channel 11 7.20.71 My discussion would be more on process and proce­ *** dures rather than on issues since these are now outside From ... Ralph Reyes of my realm of activity. My comments would not now be politically oriented ... would be more objective and more Dave: I contacted the S.J. Draft Board today. They'll analytical. submit your name for membership on the draft board. Be I'll be waiting to hear from you. Also, if interest 842 CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA is lacking, don't feel obligated to go ahead with it. Such contention was overruled by the trial court Also, also, maybe you will want some .. live .. legis­ and we have appealed that issue. We are awaiting the lators -- either elected or candidates past tense, to get a decision of the appeal court and meanwhile the variety of views. criminal trials have been held in abeyance. Vaya con Dios, Please write us whenever we can be of service. -- EARLE P. CRANDALL, Very truly yours, Former Assembly Member 3.3.71 --MARIO OBLEDO, *** General Counsel, From ... Robert J. Keyes Mexican American Dear Mr. Sierra: Your letter to Governor Reagan of Legal Defense and Oct. 13 concerning your position on California Rural Educational Fund 2.9.70 Legal Assistance has been received. *** ince this program is funded by anti-poverty From ••• Earle P. Crandall grants, I have taken the liberty of forwarding Dear David: My position on the Chargin affair is S your letter to Mr. Theron Bell, Director, State that I strongly condemn the judge's statements as re­ Office of Economic Opportunity, for his attention. vealed in the transcript of the record, but at the same time Thank you for making your views known to the I have insufficient evidence regarding the judge's over­ Administration. all decisions to warrant a vote for his impeachment at Sincerely, this particular time. --ROBERT J. KEYES, t is my understanding, even though Rule 902 Asst. to the Governor for Community Relations (Confidentiality of Proceedings) prevents re 10.26.67 I leasing information by the Commission on Judi- *** cial Qualifications, that the case is still pending before From ... Mario Obledo the Commission. Dear Mr. Sierra: The Docket Report should have In my opinion, this Commission should complete its some cases listed under title 14. However, there is work, which it will do under the rigid rules under which nothing to list on Titles 11 through 18 except for the it operates (a copy of which is attached), before the above mentioned Title 14. question of impeachment can be acted upon with any The Cansino v. Economic Opportunities Develop­ degree of intelligence by the Assembly. ment Corp. is in the discovery stage and it is definite that It is clearly understandable to me that the Mexican we will not go to trial on the matter until sometime in American Community is outraged by the judge's state­ May 1970. ments and that their impatience is expressed in the Cansino was, we contend, discharged because of Garcia resolution. statements he made in regards to The Alamo. I can empathize fully with these points, but my The E.O.D.C. contends his work performance was sense of justice dictates that I must withhold judg­ not up to standard and therefore was discharged. Curi­ ment until the judge's case has been fully investi­ ously enough, the evaluation of his work took place gated through due process to which he as a person, as immediately after his public statements. weD as a judge, is fully entitled. The Texas Council of Churches v. Allee was an Sincerely yours, injunctive suit against the Texas Rangers which is --EARLE P. CRANDALL, pending awaiting adjudication of the constitutionality of Assembly, 25th District 2.1 0. 70 • • • • • the Texas Picketing Law by a 3-Judge Federal Court. The Castro v. Superior court case is pending in Los Angeles. Castro was charged with various criminal First Mission offenses arising out of the East Los Angeles School Mission San Diego, the first of 21, was Walkouts. We challenged the constitutionality of the established by Father Junipero Serra on grand jury makeup. July 3, 1769. CON SAFOS --A CHICANO'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN CALIFORNIA 843 Sarah Barela Letter July 1977 You know when you meet someone and take a Bl Chuco liking to them instantly? Such a person, for me, was Sarah Barela, one of the many good Mexicans from Colorado. She lived in Denver and I always felt I had a good friend there. She was one of those about whom Chicanos say, "No tiene pelo en Ia len2ua" ... Not afraid to speak her mind. There were others, of course, Jim Maestas, Paul Martinez, Frankie Gallegos, John Padilla, etc., but I always looked at Sarah as the Kingpin in the Rockies. She wrote me this letter as the national office prepared to accept bids for publishing THE FORUMEER at the Albuquerque national conven­ tion Dave: I received your letter and I hope this reaches you before you leave to New Mexico. Denver is not going to bid on THE FORUMEER because we feel that it should stay in California with you as Editor. According to John Padilla from our chapter he made the motion to have bids on THE FORUMEER in order to block the attempt at the Mid-Year, and take the issue to the entire delegation at the convention. Most of the Colorado delegates don't want THE FORUMEER in Texas and if cost is the "real" issue, we want to find out why the National is hurting for money after we gave them over $ 17,000 from the last national convention. We feel the issue is more budgeting, de­ crease of membership, and personal grind as always with California. See you in Albuquerque and you can count on my support and Colorado's to keep THE FORUMEER in San Jose. Your friend, SARAH BARELA • • • • AL RODRIGUEZ, who was Owner-Manager of Radio KAZA in San Jose, all reeted out for a costume party. He and his lady are sport­ Anthony Quinn ing 1940's threads. Rodriguez will be remem­ In 1952, Anthony Quinn became the first bered for his very supportive assistance of Hispanic to win the Academy Award for Chicano non-profit organizations and finan­ Best Actor. for his portrayal of Emiliano cial support of Chicano aspirants for political Zapata in the film VIVA ZAPATA! office. (Richard Diaz Foto).