Luis J. Rodriguez

Posted By Luis J. Rodriguez on February 1, 2010

The LA City Department of Cultural Affairs provides grants to organizations and individuals to maintain arts creation, presentation, festivals, education, and delivery. It’s the main source of neighborhood arts development, sorely lacking in this city that touts itself as the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Now, in the midst of the current city budget crisis, proposals are underfoot to undercut the main way the DCA gets its funding–the one percent from the tourist tax dollars from hotels in LA. Members of the City Council’s Budget & Finance Committee has apparently signed off on this proposal, which is slated to be heard by the whole council on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 10 AM.

I urge anyone who loves the arts, in particular for whatever neighborhood arts exists, to come to this meeting and speak on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs. You can also send a letter to your councilmember to insist they oppose any cuts in the funding source for DCA and the arts. Here’s a response from Arts for LA to assist in this important effort:

URGENT CALL TO ACTION
The arts in Los Angeles are in crisis and they need your voice.
The City of Los Angeles Budget and Finance Committee has put forward a motion to eliminate the Department of Cultural Affairs’ dedicated source of revenue.

Voice your support to maintain the only dedicated revenue source for neighborhood art and culture in the City of Los Angeles.  Take two minutes and send your city council member an email. Remind your Council Member that the arts:

Make money
Attract tourists
Attract businesses
Arts, like parks, are for everyone

This motion will go before Council for a vote this Wednesday, February 3rd. Show the City Council the power of the arts community. Attend the Council meeting and provide public comment. We need to remind Council of just how important the arts are to Los Angeles.

Please forward this information to your friends and networks and post it on Facebook to encourage others to take action.  Send a Letter.

c/s

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Posted By Luis J. Rodriguez on January 15, 2010

This past weekend I was honored to be part of an important gathering of peacemakers at the Barrios Unidos headquarters in Santa Cruz, CA. The aim and purpose was to create the first real Barrio Peace Plan that would include families, youth, elders, adults, organizations, activists, but also those involved in the violence–gangs and the gente in prisons. This is unprecedented and necessary. We are in a time of change, of prophecy, of real peace. It’s about healing, alignment, consciousness, cooperation, and the liberating force of our own creative minds and spirits.

Already through the efforts of Nane Alejandrez and the Barrios Unidos organizations, connections have been made in the prisons with key leaders who also want to see peace in our time for our barrios. I’ve been making similar connections on my end with my ties in the pintas. During the weekend, more than 100 leaders and activists–including such notables as Dolores Huerta, Jose “Dr. Loco” Cuellar,” Jerry Tello, Henry Dominguez, Amanda Perez, Albino Garcia, among others, hashed out the essential ideas and points that should be included in the plan.

An elders council was created, most of whom signed a pledge to continue this work until its completion. Wonderful ideas, words, sentiments, and challenges were brought up at this gathering. We still have a long process of meeting, connecting, outreach, evaluating, and more before we’ll have this plan. This was a good and strong beginning.

I’ll keep everyone informed on this development. As many of you know, barrio violence is the worse of any in the country. In California, rival barrio gangs and prison gang associations have been responsible for thousands of deaths over the past three decades–and for many even longer, being that barrio gangs are the oldest continuous street gangs in the country. It’s also true that with suppression, gang injunctions, three-strikes-and-you’re-out laws, deportations, and such, California gangs have now spread throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and even parts of South America and Europe.

The concept that the street and prison warriors will also help bring peace is an old one, with many pitfalls and dangers, but one that can be the most capable of bringing lasting and comprehensive peace.

We also held three sweat lodge ceremonies (I took part in two, including one at 5:30 AM), indigenous drumming, chants & songs, and one evening we held a “barrio cafe” with oldies, cumbias, poetry, and even jokes. Jerry Tello and Jose “Dr. Loco” Cuellar rocked the place with piano and saxophone. Others brought in flutes and blues guitar. I threw in a few of my poems with accompaniment and we were really into la mode bohemia–Chicano style. I’ve pledged to continue this work where I’m at, but also across this state. Of course, we also agreed this needs to grow into other states, other countries, and of course, to other communities and races.

With elders, adults, mentors, youth, families, and lots of heart, intelligence, experience, and ganas, we are on the verge of the first major barrio peace effort in California—tied, of course, to forty years of actual local and statewide marches, gatherings, truces, summits, and urban peace work.

We also brought up the case of our friend Alex Sanchez, director of Homies Unidos, who’s being held in a federal facility awaiting bail hearings and possible trial on trumped up gang conspiracy charges. He’s been a longtime and genuine peace advocate.  Whatever happens to Alex can happen to any of us. We are all Alex.

c/s

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Posted By Luis J. Rodriguez on January 3, 2010

On Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams broadcast a short segment on my life and work. NBC has made that broadcast available from their website in three parts - with additional footage. The three video streams are presented here with the titles provided by NBC. If for technical reasons you cannot see the videos, simply follow the links to the NBC website.

Part 1 - Luis J. Rodriguez: New chapter for gang member turned author. Click here to view at NBC website.

Part 2 - East Los Angeles gang member and notable author Luis Rodriguez takes us to the heart of L.A.’s gang territory and discusses life in the barrio. Click here to view at NBC website.

Part 3 - Rodriguez’s son Ramiro discusses the mistakes he’s made in his life and how’s its affected his relationship with his father. Click here to view on NBC website.

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Posted By Luis J. Rodriguez on December 24, 2009

In a great display of democracy in action, the Youth Justice Coalition has been soliciting the ideas, opinions, experiences, and concerns of the community as LA County works on determining a new chief for its juvenile probation department. The community, particularly its youth, have no say- so in this process–even though it is young people, particularly black and brown, most affected by what the juvenile probation department does.

In fact, the selection process has been moving in secret. However, the county’s chief executive officer, William Fujioka, who was directed by the LA County Supervisors to oversee the selection process, by now has received hundreds of calls and emails from Youth Justice Coalition and their supporters. I know Kim McGill, director of YJC, and have met many of their youth. They are truly innovative, consistent and persistent, on making the voices of the voiceless get heard.

The YJC survey has just been completed. It is available at:

https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5438/images/12-22-09YJCActionUpdate.pdf

The main issues the survey participants showed concerns over included 1) addressing racial inequality in the system–the fact nearly everyone in the system is black and brown 2) improve conditions in the juvenile halls and youth camps 3) reduce the number of youth in lockup 4) transfer funds to community-run alternatives to lockup 5) reduce the use of incarceration for probation violations 6) Support California Senate Bill 399 to give youth serving Life Without the Possibility of Parole a second chance.

100 percent of those taking the survey agreed that LA communities should meet the candidates for chief of the juvenile probation department before a final decision is made.

They also looked strongly at possible candidates within the department, at the best criteria for chief, and other issues.

Most interestedly they asked the survey participants to pick the person they most wanted as chief. I’m honored to say that 48 percent of the participants picked yours truly. A while back Kim McGill asked me if I’d be interested. Of course, I’m too controversial and not involved in the system to be selected. But if an opportunity could exist like this I would do it. Sometimes having an outside, community-based voice with vision and experience is exactly what’s needed.

Below is what the survey revealed about why I may even be a good candidate. I thank YJC for considering me as well as all the participants who supported me.

The youth organizing team from the Youth Justice Coalition talked about our ideal Chief, and we decided that if it was our decision, we’d pick Luis Rodriguez, a leading Chicano novelist and poet, acclaimed gang intervention worker, and founder of Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural in the SF Valley.
Mr. Rodriguez said that if asked, he would serve!
Do you agree that Luis Rodriguez would make a great Probation Chief? Or do you have someone else that you’d like to nominate? Let us know your thoughts.

48% of the people who responded to the survey said that they would definitely support having Luis Rodriguez as our next Probation Chief.

Here are some of their comments:

“Even though the county CEO and Board of Supervisors will not allow community based folks to hold high positions in government. Luis would be great.”

“I believe that youth throughout the County of Los Angeles would see a much brighter future if Luis Rodriguez was our next Chief Probation Officer. By putting him into office, we would be planting the seed that could ultimately impact the lives of millions of youth in the future.”

Respondents said that Luis would –
• have wonderful ideas
• make a great Probation Chief
• make a big change for people of color
• relate to the youth and families of Los Angeles
• be the best choice for L.A.
• bring a genuine heart to the job
• be a great leader for our community
• I agree he has been an ideal role model for myself he has came from the
streets and understands the struggle. he understand what I mean to be
working class as well as why many youth becomes incarcerated. I believe
he will be the best person to rely on.

People mentioned the skills he would bring to the job including being –
• a great Gang Interventionist
• He has demonstrated a genuine interest in working for the youth.
• Mr. Rodriguez is an interesting choice. I believe his philosophy aligns with a
more collaborative approach with a focus on innovative arts interventions.
• an ideal role model for myself and other youth. He has come from the
streets and understands the struggle. He understand what it means to be
working class, as well as why many youth become incarcerated. I believe he
will be the best person to rely on.

A few people raised reservations about Luis Rodriguez’ experience –
• He’s a great writer, and a valued community leader, but reforming juvenile
justice is not a community issue, as such. In fact, there are very clear, evidenced based approaches that work, in Santa Clara County, in Missouri, etc. that need to be applied here. My suggestions: cut or decrease incarceration for probation violations, use best-practice therapy models, promote and support job training and education during incarceration, provide wrap-around support for post-incarceration kids, work with the DA to cease overcharging minors, encourage all judges to visit incarceration facilities monthly, promote more access for child advocates as long as the facilities are in such bad conditions, etc.
• As much as I respect his work, I don’t think he has the experience or background needed to manage a huge county system.
• Although Rodriguez may bring needed insights to the department, we need someone who has experience working within the system.

c/s

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Posted By Luis J. Rodriguez on December 23, 2009

This past weekend I was fortunate to take part in a special holiday event at the Barry Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar, CA. Sponsored by the LA County Public Defender’s Office, other guests included John Forte, formerly of the Fugees and a one-time prisoner for seven years; Cesar Milian of “The Dog Whisperer” TV show; LA City Councilman Tony Cardenas; Donald “Big D” Garcia and William “Blinky” Rodriguez of Communities in Schools; DJ Skee; and others. There were also singers, Aztec dancers, and other performances. I read poems and spoke about destiny, purpose, meaning, and redemption.

Nidorf Juvenile Hall is the largest juvenile lock up in the northern hemisphere. It is located only a few blocks from my house and not far from Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural. On Saturday, December 19, hundreds of wards sat on the main yard in front of a temporary stage. They were patient for hours, attentive to speakers and acts. These youth were also given meals of sandwiches that one person told me was the best food they ever had. Maximum security youth in secured lockup facilities were not allowed on the yard, but were able to see the event on TV. Several of us also entered these facilities to talk to these young people. I even got to hear amazing poems in a special writers group, thanks to Inside Out Project. We even went among the different groups on the yard, talking to the young people, including a section of young women in a corner. One of them made it a point to tell me she was a poet. I signed many papers and one guy’s shoes while I was there.

This event led to a concert at the world famous Roxy Theater on the Sunset Strip Sunday night. Called “Babies Behind Bars,” the concert was to benefit Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural, A Place Called Home, Youth Justice Coalition, and Youth Mentoring Connection. Featured on the bill were John Forte; Freddie Gibbs and DJ Skee; Broken Ornament with Zak De La Rocha’s cousin, Mike De La Rocha; Terra Incognita; and Bricks. My daughter Andrea and my wife Trini accompanied me to this wonderful event, full of ideas, politics, action, and music.

It’s important that we not forget these young people behind bars. Many of them in the maximum security units were 14 and 15 years old and awaiting to serve life sentences. This is a waste of humanity that we need to move away from as soon as possible. We simply cannot let our children rot in stale prisons for their whole lives. They need help. They need guidance. They need resources. They need hope. They need love.

c/s

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Posted By Luis J. Rodriguez on December 15, 2009

San Andres Cholula is a neighborhood in the Cholula section of Puebla, Mexico. In 1990 this municipality had 54,000 people (that same year, Puebla had more than a million people). San Andres Cholula is also known for having one church for every day of the day, although I understand it may actually be seventy (trust me, you see elaborate churches on almost every block). The second most important private university in Mexico is located there: The University of the Americas.

This is also the home of my carnal Alex, my brother not by blood but by friendship. Alex says I’m his only family and I understand. He’s a 40-year-old tattoo artist with one of the best tattoo/piercing shops in Mexico: La Calaveras. His wife, Gaby, is an English teacher, an artist herself, and has plans to create a school for children. They are a wonderful couple, and were most helpful to me during my three days in Puebla. It turned out I got a two-day stomach flu the day I landed there. Alex and Gaby gave me herbal medicine, a great rubdown and chicken soup.

I got well enough that on the last day we visited the Great Pyramid of Cholula, known as the Teocalli de Cholula (also called Tlachihualteptl–”artificial mountain”). This is the largest pre-conquest pyramid in the Western Hemisphere by volume. In fact its base is larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.

The pyramid was built in layers over ten centuries. Archaeologists have been able to excavate five miles of tunnels so far (there may be many more miles of tunnels under the structure). The story goes that Cortez and his soldiers massacred up to 10,000 people in Cholula, then built a church on top of the pyramid. He wanted to build a church for each of the 400 indigenous shrines (perhaps the basis for “a church for every day of the year”). The church on top of the pyramid was completed in 1594 and is called “The Church of Our Lady of Remedies.” It is now a major pilgrimage site.

The native Mexika people of Cholula covered the pyramid in mud and dirt to keep its powers and secrets from the Spanish. Today most of the pyramid looks like a large mound overlooking the municipalities of San Andres, San Pedro and Santa Isabel. The church is brightly lit at night. Only one side of the pyramid’s base is visible. There is also another side of plazas, ceremonial centers, and other structures.

Gaby told me that when she was a child, her mother told her about a hidden duck in the pyramid. At one section of the plaza area, Gaby then clapped her hands and the echo created a sound that sounded like a duck quacking. In fact, this plaza was created so that the sounds spoken at one end could be carried outwards like a giant microphone. The leader of the people, known as Great Speaker, would address thousands of the tribe in a plaza this way. An amazing scientific achievement.

We also got to see Totonac natives from Veracruz performing as “voladores,” the dancers on a high pole that twirl around and around from the top until they reach the ground. I’ve seen them in Taxco, Mexico as well as Olvera Street in Los Angeles. Quite a feat.

I returned to the United States on December 10 (only to leave the next day for the Bay Area until December 13). Again, I had a great time in Mexico. I hope to return soon. I’ll also see my “brother” Alex and his wife Gaby whenever I can. They are truly family.

c/s

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