Órale Boyle Heights

My guest this episode is one of the co-owners of Cruzita's Deli & Cafe, Celina Lopez. I had a great time chopping it up with Celina, reflecting on Cruzita's 10 year anniversary, their plans to expand the space, and learning about their journey to bring healthy and delicious food options to the Huntington Park community. Follow Cruzita's on Instagram at @cruzitasdeliandcafe and stop by for a sandwich next time you are in the neighborhood. Visit their website to check out their full menu.  

I'm back! The two year hiatus is over, I am officially bring back the show. Listen as I share how a break of a few weeks turned into two years. Looking forward to getting back into the flow things and bringing y'all new episodes at least once a month.  Sponsor an episode by sending some coin my way via Venmo (@Erick-Huerta-1) or via Zelle (animemanz@gmail.com). Any amount is appreciated. Don't forget to include a message or shout out that I will include in the next episode I record.

My guest this episode is Oscar Rodriguez Zapata. I met up with Oscar to learn about their love for photography and their work documenting Virgen de Guadalupe murals in different communities. We talk about their journey into photography, their experience growing up in South East LA, and how they began documenting murals. Versos pa la Lupita, featuring photographs by Oscar and poetry by Xitlalic Guijosa-Osuna opens on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Espacio 1839. You can follow Oscar on Instagram @rodrioscr and you can see his pictures of Virgen Mary murals at @_lavirgencita. 

My guest this episode is Christopher Cruz. I sat down with Chris to talk about their work in documenting their grandfather's, Manuel Gomez Cruz' contributions to the culture back in the day with their murals and activism. We also talked about Chris' own journey growing up on the Eastside, becoming politicized, and how their passion for photography continues to evolve with various projects. You can follow Chris on Instagram at @EastLosHeart and you can read the essay the wrote about their grandfather here. 

My guest this episode is Jessica Perez. I caught up with Jessica to talk about how they got their start as a journalist, starting the community blog MisNeighbors, mentoring youth as part of their work with the Boyle Heights Beat, to working in the L.A. Times. You can follow Jessica on Twitter at @JessicaPerezLA2. You can check out old neighborhood blog post on www.MisNeighbors.wordpress.com.   

My guest on this episode is Lena Williams. They are the Program Manager at People for Mobility Justice, owner of Lena's Puppy Love, and owner/worker at Ride On! Bike Co-Op. We talked about their love for riding their bike, being profiled by the police while riding in South L.A., the connection/love they have with the animals they look after and their owners, and reminiscing about growing up in Orangeburg South Carolina. You can follow Lena on Instagram at @soulluvher. Picture of Lena for the episode art by @yungpainkiller. 

My guest this episode is Ely of Earthy Corazon. I met up with them at their shop in City Terrace to talk about their journey into becoming a small business owner, the intention that goes into everything they make, and the support she has received from her community to make the shop a reality. You can follow them on Instagram at @earthycorazon. Visit their website at www.earthycorazon.com. The shop is located at 4015 City Terrace Drive. 

My Guest this episode is Fernando Carrillo. I talk to Fernando about their growing up in Koreatown/Historic Filipinotown in the 90s, falling in love with low riders at a young age, and their love BBQ. You can follow Fernando on Instagram at @ragtopfernsbbq.

My guest this episode is artist Teresa Flores. We got to talking about their journey into the art world via Fresno California, some of their recent work, including an essay in Alta Journal, a show at Espacio 1839, and the Experimental Quesadilla Lab. You can follow them on Instagram at @NotTeresa. Their website is www.teresafloresstudio.com. Follow the experimental quesadilla lab on Instagram at @ExperimentalQuesadillaLab. You can read Teresa's Alta essay here. 

My guest this episode is artist and Super Lucha Cats creator, Javier Solórzan. Our conversation touched on how Javier has grown as an artist over the years, growing up in Bell Gardens, their love for comic books, lucha libre, and the creation of their comic book, Super Lucha Cats. You can follow Javier on Instagram and Twitter as @luchacat. Their website is www.etsy.com/shop/luchacat.

My guest this episode is Francisco Escamilla, otherwise known as the Bus Stop Prophet. We talk about their experience growing up in Wyvernwood in the 80s, finding themselves through their poetry, and working with youth through Street Poets Inc. You can follow Bus Stop on Instagram at @BusStopProphet. 

My guest this episode are Alex and Elvia, the Evil Cooks. We talk about their journies into the culinary arts, how they were inspired to start their own pop-up kitchen, the inspiration behind some of their most popular tacos, and starting their own podcast, The Darkside of the Cooks. You can follow them on Instagram at @evil_cooks. You can follow their podcast on Instagram at @darksideofthecooks and listen to their show on Spotify.   

My guest this episode are Elisa and Leo, owners of Picaresca Barra de Cafe. We talked about their journey into the world of specialty coffees, their experiences learning the ins and outs of working at coffee shops, roasting, and how they came to open their cafe in Boyle Heights. You can follow them on Instagram at @picaresca.cafe. They are located at 1300 S Soto St #9, Los Angeles, CA 90023, and their hours are Mon-Sat: 7 am - 3 pm. Sun: 8am- 3pm. Closed on Tuesdays. 

My guest this episode is Ollin, co-owner of the Esquina Bicycle shop. We talk about their experience opening up their bike shop in the middle of a pandemic, the challenges that come with being a small business, supply chain delays, and striving to provide quality service to the community. You can follow Esquina on Instagram at @Esquina.bicycleshop and visit their website at www.esquina.la.  

My guest this episode is Mariah Castañeda. Mariah is a journalist, producer, and host of "Smoke Screen: The Sellout," a podcast produced by Neon Hum Media in partnership with L.A. Taco. The Sellout chronicles the rise and fall of the political career of Jose Huizar. Mariah and I discuss the origins of the show, their experience interviewing community members, and the current state of politics in L.A. Catch "The Sellout" wherever you listen to podcasts. You can follow Mariah on Twitter at @papayathemariah.    

My guest this episode is Carlos Aguilar. Carlos is a film critic and freelance writer. We talk about how his love for movies was instilled in him at a young age by his mom, their experience moving to the U.S. from Mexico City as a teenager, and how he started his career as a critic after graduating college. You can follow Carlos on Twitter at @Carlos_Film. 

My guest this episode are Kenneth and Mariana Lui. Kenny and Mariana are indy films makers that write, direct, and produce their own short films. They recently made their feature film debut with Artists in Agony, a satirical faux-documentary on the fictional world of assassination art. We talked about their love and passion for making films, what inspired it, and their collaborative process as a husband and wife team. To learn more about the film, visit www.artistsinagony.com. You can follow Kenneth on Instagram at @acrazymaker, Mariana at @arrozc0nleche, and their film studio @mental.pictures.productions. To learn more about Kenneth's previous works, visit his website www.kennethlui.com.  

My guest this episode is Erwin Recinos. Erwin has been a regular contributor to L.A. Taco for more than 10 years. We talk about how they got connected to the taco, growing up in South East L.A., their passion for photography, and reflecting on their documentation of the L.A. gallery/art scene. You can follow them on Instagram at @_losojos_ & at @_erwinr_. You can follow them on Twitter at @losojosdemuerte. You can check out their different projects here.  

My guest this episode is Doña Junta. We reminisce about the olden days of blogging and talk about their experience growing up in Harbor City, nurturing their passion/love for architecture, and starting the podcast Beyond the Facade. You can follow Doña Junta on Instagram at @swapmeet_chronicles and you can listen to Beyond the Facade on your favorite podcast listening platform or by clicking here.   

My guest this episode is mark! Lopez. We talk about their love for King Taco, continuing the work of his family and the Madres del Este de Los Angeles Santa Isabel, growing up in a community of activists, how environmental justice is actually environmental white supremacy, and his work at East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice. You can read mark!'s thesis, The Fire: Decolonizing “Environmental Justice" here. Follow East Yard on Instagram at @EYCEJ.    

My guest this episode is Marlene Aguilar. We talked about their journey in becoming a cook/cocinera, being a food justice promotora, how their relationship with food has changed over the years, and the origins of their meal prep service. You can follow them on Instagram @Irekuarhikua.     

My guest this episode is Nico Avina, co-owner of Espacio 1839. Like most non-essential businesses, Espacio had to close in March when the pandemic hit. We talk about how the store managed to survive with the support of community members and artists, the family coming together to make face masks, and the steps they took to reopen the store after being closed for months. You can follow Espacio 1839 on Instagram at @espacio1839. Visit their website at www.espacio1839.com.

My guest this episode is Lexis-Olivier Ray. Lex is an artist and writer covering police violence, people experiencing houselessness, cannabis culture, and other issues in L.A. Lex and I talked about his passion and love for photography, storytelling, and writing for L.A. Taco. You can follow Lex on Twitter and Instagram at @ShotOn35mm. Visit his website, www.lexisolivierray.com, and support this work. Photo courtesy of Brian Feinzimer.  

My guest this episode is Rodolfo Barrientos. Rudy is the owner and chef of the food truck, Gracias Señor. Rudy and I talked about his experience growing up undocumented, balancing his school/work responsibilities, and how he came to own his own lunch truck. You can find the Gracias Señor truck parked on Sunset Blvd, between La Cruz Drive and Carey st every day from 11 am to 2 pm, except on Wednesdays in the Pacific Palisades. You can follow them on Instagram at @graciasenor.  

My guest this episode is Laura Enriquez. We talked about her journey to researching, writing, and publishing her first book, Of Love and Papers: How Immigration Policy Affects Romance and Family. The book is available through most booksellers and you can download a free version of the book here. If you'd like to get in contact with her, you can visit her website. 

My guest this episode is Jorge Cáñez, better known as Peatónito. We talk about his journey as a transportation and pedestrian advocate in Mexico, the creation of his character Peatónito, and his research on Vision Zero in L.A. You can follow Jorge on Twitter at @Peatónito. You can read the policy brief based on his thesis here.

My guest this episode is Andi Xoch. In June, I profiled Andi on their Instagram account, Latinx with Plants. You can read the story on LA Taco here. In this episode, I catch up with Andi to reflect on how the profile on LA Taco and The LA Times increased her followers, people's reactions to the stories, and their plans for the future. You can follow the account on Instagram at @Latinxwithplants Andi's Venmo account is @Andi_Xoch Background music by Mabanua. 

My guest this episode is poet and writer Astrid. We got to talking about our quarantine lives, her passion for poetry, contributing to L.A. Taco, and working on publishing her first poetry book. You can follow Astrid on Instagram at @PoetAstrid.

I was a guest on the Ey foo, you a rocker podcast back in March. This is a repost of that show. Shout out to the foos Alex, Vlad, and Eldrick for having me on to talk about my experience being a rocker foo and my love for wrestling. Follow them on Instagram at @eyfooyouarocker and subscribe to their podcast. 

*On Friday, July 15th, 2022 Daniel transitioned from this world after having a heart attack. He'll be deeply missed by all the homies, communities, and lives he brought joy to with his presence, wit, humor, and rawness. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to interview them right before the pandemic hit and that a part of them will continue to live on through this space.*     My guest this episode is Daniel Morales Leon. We talked about Daniel growing up in South Central, his love for literature and poetry, living at La Mina, and showing the Tlacolulokos around town during their artist residency. You can follow Daniel on Instagram at @geehop213 to learn more about his upcoming tours. You can follow the Tlacolulokos on Instagram at @tlacolulokos.    

My guests this episode are Viva Padilla, Founder/Editor in Chief of Dryland and Nikolai Garcia, Associate Editor. We talked about how Viva's love for literature and experiences in the publishing world led to the creation of Dryland, the transition from publishing online in the beginning to a physical book, and the need for independent publications in communities like South Central L.A. Follow Dryland on Instagram at @pontelaspilaspress and on Twitter at @Drylandlitla. For more details on submitting works, visit their website www.drylandla.org You can follow Viva on Instagram and on Twitter at @anotchka. You can follow Nikolai on Instagram and Twitter at @HelloKommie. 

My guest this episode is Nikolai Garcia. He is a poet from South Central L.A. and we met up at his favorite bar, Hanks, to discuss his new poetry chapbook, what it was like growing up in the hood, his journey to becoming one of those great L.A. poets. You can follow Nikolai on Instagram and Twitter at @HelloKommie.  Follow DSTL Arts on Instagram and Twitter at @DSTLArts. Details for upcoming events: Book release for Jenice Miller on 1/11/20 starting at 2 pm at Patria Coffee Poetry Night at the East L.A. Library Chicano Resource Center on 1/17/20 at 7 pm Saturday Afternoon Poetry at the Santa Catalina Library in Pasadena on 1/18/20 from 3 to 5 pm

My guest this episode is Jesine Miller.  We met up at Patria Coffee in Compton for a redo since the first interview wasn't recorded :( We talked about her experience growing up in the Panamanian community of L.A., familial responsibilities, becoming an urban planner, and working on her first chapbook of poetry. You can follow Jenise on Instagram and Twitter at @jenisepalante and her web site is www.planerpoet.com. The cover to her chapbook was designed by Mel Depaz, follow her on Instagram at @meldepaz. Follow DSTL Arts on Instagram and Twitter at @DSTLArts. Details for upcoming events: Book release party will be on 1/11/20 starting at 2 pm at Patria Coffee Jenise & Nikolia will be reading in Pasadena at the Santa Catalina Library on 1/18/20 from 3 to 5 pm Jenise will be hosting a writing workshop at Patria Coffee on 2/29/20 from 12 to 2 pm

My guest this episode is Memo Torres. We met up at my house because of a scheduling hic-up at Radio Espacio. We talked about the journey he started earlier this year joining L.A. Taco and becoming an instagram food personality. You can see what he is eating on instagram at @el_tragon_de_los_angeles and on twitter at @el_tragon_de_LA.  

My guest this episode is Jonathan Romero. I met up with Jonathan at a coffee shop to talk about his experience growing up in South Central Los Angeles, going to college Kamalazoo, going from appreciating Jordans to appreciating life, and his experiences thus far as a Masters student at USC. You can follow him on Twitter at @_JonathanRomero and on Instagram as @jonathanmromero.

My guest this episode is artist Mario Ybarra Jr. I met up with Mario at his studio in Wilmington and got to talking about what it was like growing up there, his path to becoming an artist, co-founding Slanguage. You can follow Mario on Instagram at @mario_ybarra_jr and on twitter at @marioybarrajunior. You can follow Slanguage on Instagram @slanguagestudio.  

My guest this episode is Branda Yancor. In this episode, Brenda and I got to talking about their experience growing up in South East L.A., riding a bicycle from L.A. to Guatemala, becoming an Outdoor Educator, and starting her own business. You can connect with Brenda via her website www.rhondastrailkitchen.com or via email: RhondasTrailKitchen@gmail.com 

On this episode of Órale Boyle Heights, I got the bright idea of recording while I was celebrating my born day. What followed are fun and random conversations throughout the night. From deciding that the Karate Kid is an official 'hood' movie to me taking sanctuary from ICE at Placita Olvera. The conversations were loud, messy, and a lot of fun. 

My guest this episode is Areli Morales. We met up at a bar after work to talk about her experience growing in Venice and seeing it change over the years, her journey to becoming a bicycle/transportation advocate and being proud of her Oaxacan heritage. You can support Areli with a donation to her Climate Ride fundraiser here, follow her on Instagram at @rrrle, on Twitter at @rrrleLA, and sign up for the OaxaCalifornia bike ride here.

My guest this episode is Catherine Hernandez. We got to talking about her experience growing up in South Central, her journey to becoming an architect, and how you'll possibly die if you are riding the Metro Red Line in Downtown L.A. during a major earthquake. You can follow Catherine on Instagram at @hoodarchitect. 

My guest this episode is Armando Velez. We got to talking about his journey as a Director of Photography, representation in Hollywood when it comes to production roles, being a cameraman for reality tv shows, traveling the world, and becoming a dad. Keep up with Armando via his Instagram [@MandoVizion16](https://www.instagram.com/mandovizion16/).

My guest this episode is writer Cesar Hernandez. We got to talking about his experience growing up in South East Los Angeles, the struggle of having to work for a living, and how he started his current path as a budding journalist and food writer. You can [follow Cesar's work here](https://www.lataco.com/author/chesar48gmail-com/) and you can follow him on Instagram as [Fukufoodz](https://www.instagram.com/fukufoodz/).

My guest this episode is artist Wenceslao Quiroz. We got to talking about his experience growing up in Boyle Heights, becoming an artist, and his passion for the arts. Keep up with him on Instagram at [@wenzq](https://www.instagram.com/wenzq/) and on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/WenzGallery/).

My guest this month is writer Nylsa Martínez. We got to talking about her experience growing up in Mexicali Mexico, her passion for writing, balancing said passion with the responsibilities of life, going back to school, and reminiscing about ska bands from the 90s. You can check out some of her published works via [GoodReads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4149368.Nylsa_Mart_nez).

My guest this episode is Urban Planner James Rojas. We got to talking about how his experience growing in Boyle Heights/East Los Angeles influenced him as a planner, seeing the world during his time in the military, and how he wrote the book on Latino Urban Planning. You can learn more about his work and his workshops by visiting [www.placeit.org](http://www.placeit.org/index2.html) and [www.enactedenvironment.com](http://www.enactedenvironment.com/).

My guest this episode is Alessandro Negrete. We got to talking about his experience growing up in Boyle Heights, being undocuqueer, and being part of the BH Neighborhood Council. He is running for reelection in 2019 and you can follow his campaign on Instagram at [@Alessandro4BH](https://www.instagram.com/alessandro4bh/). You can learn more about East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice by following them on Instagram at [@EYCEJ](https://www.instagram.com/eycej/).

My guest this episode is Jesus Cortez. We got to talking about his experience growing up in Anaheim, being an undocumented immigrant, navigating higher education, being part of the Dream Act movement, and how at least he tried. You can follow him on Instagram at [@staytrue_ahm](https://www.instagram.com/staytrue_ahm/).

My guest for this is episode is Adonia Lugo, who is an urban anthropologist and mobility justice strategist based in Los Angeles. We got to talking about her experience growing up in San Juan Capistrano, growing up biracial, being part of the LA bicycle scene for a few years, being part of the committee to start Ciclavia, and more. She recently published Bicycle/Race: Transportation, Culture, & Resistance, her memoir about racial justice and sustainable transportation. You can buy the book through her website [www.urbanadonia.com](http://www.urbanadonia.com/p/about_22.html) and you can follow her on Instagram at @urbanadonia.  P.S. Her cat Borrego is really cute.

This is a remote recording of Órale Boyle Heights with my guest, Laura Navar. Laura has a tremendous passion for the outdoors and is a fierce advocate in protecting these sites. We got to talking about how she developed said passion for the outdoors, becoming fast friends over tacos, bicycles, and how she continues to fight for the environment through her work at the National Parks Conservation Association. You can keep up with her work on her Instagram: [@sweetgrassbh](https://www.instagram.com/sweetgrassbh/)

Órale Boyle Heights is recorded at Espacio 1839 in Boyle Heights in front of a live studio audience. My second guest this month is photographer Rafael Cardenas. We got to talking about his journey as a self-taught photographer and his experience putting together his most recent exhibitions at the Vincent Price Museum and at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes. You can learn more about his past body of work on his website, www.Rafa.LA You can keep up with his latest projects on Instagram at @rafa.la. His current show, Landscapes and Dwellers is on view at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes through March 25th, 2019.

Órale Boyle Heights is recorded at Espacio 1839 in Boyle Heights in front of a live studio audience. My guest this month is blogger and social media personality, [The Militant Angeleno](http://militantangeleno.blogspot.com/). We got to talking about some of his experiences growing in Los Angeles, love of the Dodgers, and his passion for clapping back at those who stereotype the city, its culture, and communities. You can follow him on Twitter at [@militantangleno](https://twitter.com/militantangleno). This was one of two episodes I recorded on Friday 9/14 as part of my one year anniversary of producing this podcast.