Luis Javier Rodriguez

I've been involved lately in helping change some laws. I helped write part of the new bill by US Congresswoman Diane Watson on Community-based Gang Intervention workers, setting conditions and parameters of this street level work, which has not been done anywhere to date. I also helped write the very same gang intervention model that LA City Councilmember Tony Cardenas introduced to the LA City Council, which was approved in February of 2008 (this was in conjunction with around 40 gang intervention experts, researchers, urban peace advocates). And I'm presently in the process of working on a Comprehensive Neighborhood Arts Policy—with a number of artists, cultural spaces, and arts advocates—which we hope to present to the LA City Council some time this year. You can find out more at www.napolicy.com. The Los Angeles Times recently published an Op-Ed piece of mine on the need for arts and other services to our most troubled youth, including gang members and taggers, instead of injunctions and prison. You can access the article here.

For fifteen years, I've taken part as a teacher/poet in the Mosaic Multicultural Foundation's annual men's conferences in the Redwood Forest near Mendocino. In that time I've also participated in youth conferences, "Voices of Youth, Voices of Community," "Poetics of Peace," "Walking With," and other Mosaic projects in collaboration with Michael Meade, Mosaic's founder, and teachers such as Jack Kornfield, Orland Bishop, and Malidoma Some. I can't express how valuable these have been for my life, my artistic work, and my community activism. This past week at the Woodlands Camp in Mendocino, I brought with me my almost 21-year-old son Ruben (he'll be 21 next month) to a week-long men's conference. I'm very close with my two youngest sons, Ruben and Luis. I didn't know that there was still room to get closer. Ruben and I had a great time joined by 100 other men (from all walks of life, economic backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, and spiritual paths) who were willing to delve deep, listen, and hold the ground for all the participants. Ruben played a strong role that week. And we learned to see each other in more meaningful and respectful ways. We're already talking about my 15-year-old son Luis taking part in a few years. Both Ruben and I love and care about Luis very much. A strong community of men will be much welcomed. I want to thank all the men who took part, made sure Ruben was attended to, and who assisted all of us who underwent some difficult but necessary struggles, including the teaching staff. In the past, I've had my oldest son Ramiro take part. We were much more estranged and embattled at the time, but I know these experiences have helped us over the years, even as Ramiro underwent twelve years of incarceration in the Illinois Department of Corrections. We've gotten closer in those years, and this kind of powerful teaching, learning, creativity, and imagining has been key. Ramiro is now 34 and should be released in two more years. This experience has also helped me with my daughter, Andrea, who is 32, a single mother, and a hero for me. She's now directing a preschool program and has raised a beautiful, intelligent and talented 13-year-old named Catalina. We've had hard times, Andrea and I, but I know we love each other and somehow manage to finds ways through any hardships. Two weekends ago, my granddaughter Anastasia underwent a Womanhood Ceremony in the Mexika and Lakota native traditions in Illinois. A community of women stepped up to help her with talking circles, sweat lodge ceremonies, and the preparation for her acknowledgment as a young woman. Anastasia is now fifteen. Others wrote letters of support while members of her family--from both her father and mother's side--took part. I thank everyone for being there for Anastasia, in particular the Blazquez Family (Frank, Lou, Tanee and Frankie). Also Camila Thompson, Anastasia's grandmother, and Andrea, who both worked hard to make sure this ceremony would happen. And, of course, special thanks to Anastasia's mother, Laura, and all her family who took part--I'm truly grateful. In addition, earlier this year my other granddaughter, Amanda May, graduated from middle school in Sterling, IL. She's a great student and writer, which I found out when I spoke at her school last year. My grandson, Ricardo, who turns 17 this year, came to the graduation ceremonies with his mother all the way from Orlando, Florida. I couldn't be there, but it was quite the family reunion. In the crush of trying to survive the hard economic and political realities, we have to keep finding healing paths for our families and ourselves. Although I'm personally guided in this by indigenous spiritual practices, I'm open to other cultures and spiritual paths. There's much to learn from connecting and sharing. Presently, my wife Trini and I (and our brother-in-law, Hector Herrera) are preparing to take part in a Vision Quest in the Pine Ridge Reservation this September. This involves the making of prayer ties and doing fasts. I see this as a vital step in our entering a new stage of eldership for our community. Again, I thank Frank and Lou Blazquez for their guidance, and Lakota elder Ed Featherman for his teachings. This is a time of change, but also of healing. c/s

I wanted to inform my blog readers—loyal bunch that you are—that peace advocate Alex Sanchez and director of Homies Unidos, who is facing RICO charges related to alleged gang activities, including murder, has had his next bail hearing changed from Monday, August 17, to Monday, October 19, 2009 at 1:30 PM. Judge Manuel Real has given Alex’s attorneys time to look over evidence the federal government is using to convict Alex for life. At the last bail hearing that I attended, Judge Real seemed frustrated with the government’s inability to provide wiretaps that supposedly incriminate Alex. They claimed these wiretaps were in two different FBI facilities and that they needed time to obtain them. The judge insisted on hearing these tapes—all of them—before he could determine if bail is warranted. Alex’s lawyer made a request that those tapes be made available to the defense as well, which the Judge also granted. While this may seem like a long time for Alex to be sitting behind bars in federal detention, pushing back the bail hearing is a good development. The first judge to address this issue ended up refusing bail entirely, despite rather flimsy “evidence” f rom the government—and despite the community and family coming up with close to $2 million in promissory notes and houses for collateral. Remember to visit the We Are Alex website for more information (www.wearealex.org). I also took part in a reception for US Congresswoman Diane Watson at City Hall on August 10, organized by City Councilperson Tony Cardenas. Congresswoman Watson has introduced a bill that would help bring adequate gang intervention services to violence reduction programs. This bill was based on “A Guide for Understanding Effective Community-Based Gang Intervention” that I helped create along with about forty other gang intervention experts in Los Angeles. This guide became LA City policy in an anonymous vote by the LA City Council in February of 2009, largely through the efforts of Councilperson Cardenas. I’ve also taken this guide to many communities, most recently at Fort Bragg, CA, where gangs are becoming a growing concern. I also have to let my readers know that I’m proud to be part of a US Supreme Court Amicus Curiae brief on the Terrace Jamar Graham v. Florida and Joe Harris Sullivan v. Florida cases from the District Court of Appeals of Florida, First District. I join former juvenile offenders Charles S. Dutton and US Senator Alan K. Simpson, among others, in support of the petitioners. The issues center around a very important development—the growing convictions of juveniles to life sentences, which I’ve opposed for many years. Those of us in the brief are people who as youth committed crimes that today might have sent us to prison for life (in my case for attempted murder and assaulting police officers). But for various reasons, including being given second chances (or in some cases fourth of fifth chances), we turned our lives around, became good citizens, decent family men, and for many of us, strong and positive leaders in our communities. I believe troubled young people today should be given the same consideration and support instead of life sentences. Next Monday, I’ll travel to the weeklong Mosaic’s Men’s Conference at the Woodlands Camp in Mendocino. Sponsored by Michael Meade’s Mosaic Multicultural Foundation, I’ve been a teacher/poet in these conferences, as well as other Mosaic workshops and events, for sixteen years. We utilize story, song, dance, poetry, and living/emerging rituals as well as intense dialogue and teaching, to work through some deep, dark and difficult issues. The men are 20 from all walks of life, races, classes, and sexual orientation. We also include urban gang and other youth. This has been a vital part of the important works I do in mentoring and youth development. This year my 21-year-old son Ruben (he’ll be 21 next month) joins me at the conference. I’m honored he’s taking part. I pray my son and I—and the rest of around 100 men—have a powerfully engaging learning and teaching experience. Remember, I’m out of commission for that week—no cell phones or emails. It’s a lot of work, but being in the shadows of majestic redwood trees and among raw nature also makes this event quite healing and life-turning toward the mysteries. c/s

Last night, during some clear and wonderful weather, Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural held its 3rd annual benefit at the world-famous Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. With the production genius of Ruben Guevara, assisted by our long-time volunteer tech and bookkeeping person, Walter P. Little, the audience was treated to an amazing array of music, dance, comedy, and poetry. As always, we opened the event with a ceremony blessing offered by Tia Chucha's own resident Azteca Danza group, Temachtia Quetzacoatl. Then the funny and topical Herbert Siquenza of Cultural Clash--as our emcee--brought my wife Trini and I up to welcome the community and say a few words about arts, revival, and healing. I also read two poems. First of the acts was Kayamanan Ng Lahi, which combined various string instruments with folk dance from the Philippines. We thank Joel Jacinto of SIPA for making this a part of our benefit. The group emphasized the Spanish-Mexican influences on Filipino culture--Mexicans and Filipinos have those indigenous/Spanish historical ties. Next up was La Santa Cecilia, one of LA's most popular groups, combining Mexican/Latino traditional and contemporary sounds. The dance group involved an awe-inspiring Brazilian Samba as La Santa Cecilia played. And for the first time, the Jarocho-inspired (music from the Mexican Caribbean port state of Veracruz) ZocaloZue played in front of an audience (this also served as their CD release party) and had everyone on their feet. Cesar Castro, who was Tia Chucha's first Son Jarocho music teacher at Tia Chucha's, put together an amazing band with zapateado dance and also expanding the concepts of Son Jarocho to include Cuban, rock, and other elements. The evening was capped by the ever-popular Very Be Careful, one of the most exciting, funny, experimental, and energized Cumbia/Vallenato groups in the LA area, honoring Colombia, the birthplace of the Cumbia. Colombian folk dancers also took part near the end. By then we had people lined up on the aisles and in front of the stage dancing. This has happened every time we've had this benefit concert--people getting up and dancing under the stars. Fransini Giraldo was the director for the dancers that performed with La Santa Cecilia and Very Be Careful. I want to thank everyone who helped make this possible, Of course, the staff of Tia Chucha's who worked beyond the call of duty to help (in particular Arlene, Karina, and Stacy). Thanks to Trini, who, as always, helped make everything happen. Also Ruben and Walter for keeping the acts flowing, and working well with the Ford's tech staff. We also thank Target for placing us in their dance series and our other sponsors (Fusicology and KPFK). And Channel 36 TV for filming the show for future broadcast. In addition, we had many volunteers (thanks John Cantu for filming this again for Tia Chucha's) who helped way after everyone was gone to clean up and move boxes. And a special thanks to all the bands and dancers as well as Herbert Siguenza, who had people in stitches. Everyone came through so well and professional. Most of all I want to thank those who attended the benefit, some with children (this is a family oriented event). We had many of our old friends there, and met many new ones as well. The audiences have been large and strong for our benefits. We are so grateful for this ongoing community support. Please support the arts, especially in these hard times. The arts are essential. Tia Chucha's stands strong in helping bring full arts education, presentations, festivals, and delivery to all communities in the greater LA area. c/s

Last Saturday, July 11, I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Perla Batalla and her wonderful band for their Grand Performance set at the California Plaza. There must have been two thousand people there. As in New Mexico in April, I read my poem "My Name's Not Rodriguez" to Perla's rendition of the Mexican classic "La Llorona." My wife Trini and our two sons, Ruben and Luis, were in the seats for most of Perla's show. We also stayed for the Spanish Jazz stylings of Buika--what a performance! If you have not checked out the Grand Performances at California Plaza please do so--they include top acts from around the world, and it's free. On Monday, I addressed about thirty 3rd and 4th graders at Chandler School in Pasadena, part of the Summer Enrichment Program. These kids were especially sharp. We talked about gangs, about drugs, about how to have a fulfilled, positive and a healthy outlook on life so that gangs and drugs don't fill the empties in many of our kids. I also spoke on Thursday, July 15, to about 400 students at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, CA. They were a fantastic audience, with great questions based on reading my book "Always Running." I must say I was quite honored by the students' enthusiasm, their hugs, and deep interest. I had two lines of people in front of a table while I signed books and had photos taken. That day I also attended the second bail hearing for peace activist and community leader Alex Sanchez. Like the last time, we had a full house in court on Alex's behalf, including his family as well as his many friends and supporters. This time Judge Manuel Real was not as willing as the last judge to just accept the government's statements to deny bail. Judge Real demanded to hear all the tapes that the government claims incriminates Alex. We all want to know what those tapes contain. Apparently there is no other evidence but these tapes. We need to know on what basis the government is willing to remove Alex from his family, his work as director of Homies Unidos, and force him to face life without the possibility of parole. Alex’s reputation and the reputation of all legitimate and decent gang interventionists, peace advocates and community leaders have been put on the line in this case. We understand Alex must spend 23 hours of the day in his cell--and can only get out for a shower or a phone call, but not both. Although any defendant is supposed to be treated as innocent until proven guilty, his treatment is the exact opposite. The “We Are Alex” campaign is now moving forward. There will be a website soon. I'll try to keep everyone updated on this important case. c/s

Luis Rodriguez reading his poem "My Name's Not Rodriguez" during the singing of "La Llorona" by Perla Batalla and her band at the Border Book Festival, Mesilla, New Mexico, April 18, 2009.

Last Saturday, June 27, Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural held its fourth Celebrating Words: Written, Performed & Sung literacy & arts festival at Mission College in Sylmar, CA. Hundreds of people came, including families, young people, older people, Mexicans, Central Americans, other Latinos, African Americans, Asians, European Americans--a cross section of our city. On stage we had musicians, poets, performance, including Danza Azteca, Noxdiel, Guerrilla Queens, Mama Hazze Hip Hop, Poets of the Round Table, Mezklah, Raices y Matrices, and many more. Local vendors as well as community service organizations had booths. There was also a wonderful art exhibit. And we had free books as well as books for sale through Tia Chucha's bookstore. Below is a piece written by Frankie Firme for Latino LA! We appreciate the love. Make sure to check out Tia Chucha's Benefit event at the Ford Amphitheater on August 2, 2009 with La Santa Cecilia, zocaloZue, Kyamanan Ng Lahi, Temachtia Quetzalcoatl, Luis Rodriguez, and our host, Herbert Siguenza of Culture Clash. Go to www.fordtheatres.org for tickets ($5 for students and children, $25 for adults). ________ Thank You, Tia Chucha Celebrating Words Festival shines a light on friendship and understanding,
the sense of community and creative forces at work. By Frankie Firme, Contributing Editor Published on LatinoLA: June 29, 2009 Like a flashback in time, I recently became aware of something missing in my life, my children's life, and now my grandchildren's life... the spoken word metamorphosed into a life's lesson. I remember when I was around 8 years old, one of my younger cousins had burned her hand grabbing onto a hot iron... and my Mom and tias sitting around a table playing cards and dominoes, sharing chismes and wine, and talking about how hurt my cousin had gotten for a couple of years afterwards, but also admonishing all us kids within listening range NOT to do that. "Touch it with a wet finger first", or "make sure it's unplugged before you grab it", or lastly, "make sure nobody else has something to iron before you put it away" were additional anecdotes we received whenever this story came up during large family visits and gettogethers...something that doesn't happen anymore among this current "adult" generation now passing the 30 year mark. (too busy texting on "twitter" I guess...) This might not make ANY sense among the permanent press-wash and wear-look like you just got out of bed look generation, but ironing your clothes used to be tantamount to showering, shaving, and combing your hair .... something that comes into question for some younger guys nowadays... that now seems a lost art left to cholos, military men & women, and owners of dry cleaners. It gave a message that reflected how you cared about yourself, how others looked at you, what others thought were possibilities in you, and your willingness to be around people without fear of rejection because you know you looked good. The point here is that my last three paragraphs were a message, a lesson, a joke, a bit of history, and lastly, a bit of familiarity all put into one medium for you all to absorb and digest at your convenience... the written word. And if you can't read, I could have spoken these points to you in person like my Mom and Tias would have (GOD bless all our their resting souls) with more color and smile-provoking side statements than 20 paragraphs. Communication as a peaceful way of learning and sharing the world with one another is going the way of another soon to be lost art ~ manners and common courtesy (See Edie Adler's piece Not So Common Courtesy That being said, I feel fortunate to have joined around 1,000 people or so attending the 4th Annual CELEBRATING WORDS FESTIVAL held last Saturday afternoon at Mission College in Sylmar, courtesy of TIA CHUCHA'S CENTRO CULTURAL. A free family event co-sponsored by the L.A. City Department of Cultural Affairs and a handful of optimistic and supportive local political leaders that still see hope in the future, the day-long event featured music, dancers, poetry readings, food, refreshments, souvenirs, books and magazines for all ages, arts and crafts, community resource booths, a farmer's market, and a real chance for people to get together and communicate, while appreciating the wonder and beauty of art for it's own sake... and the sake of humanity. "Yeah! We're facing tough economic times, and government on all levels are making cuts and doing away with programs and other services that they may not see as essential... but what could be more essential than art & creativity in our lives and community?" internationally acclaimed writer, poet, lecturer, and founder of TIA CHUCHA'S CENTRO CULTURAL Luis Rodriguez said as he opened the program with a welcoming message. "It didn't take any creativity to get us into this current financial mess we're in...but it will take a lot of creativity to get us out of it, and nothing establishes and promotes creativity more than art and culture in our lives. Let's share and enjoy this today, I welcome you!" And with that, a colorful program of Native American, Azteca, hip-hop (yeah, hip-hop!), spoken poetry, and contemporary dancesand& music were magically blended together for everyone's enjoyment under a clear blue sky and cool California breezes, with fresh food cooking, happy children running around playfully, and different generations of people coming together in an almost tribal way that somehow seemed very welcoming & familiar to me. There were job booths and college recruiters, book stands offering FREE books and magazines (I scored on a free, rare copy of James Crawford's 1992 classic book "Hold Your Tongue - Bilingualism and the Politics of English Only", a book that exposed the sophistication racial bigotry had evolved into), fortune tellers, artistic painters and crafters, and people just talking to each other. "You know, it's a trip nowadays, just to walk up and greet a stranger," one of TIA CHUCHA's staff said on stage while introducing some of the performers. "I guess because of all the electronic devices, cell phones, twitter, MySpace, and text messaging junk available today, people have almost lost the art of spoken word. I say hello or good morning to somebody, for no reason at all but just to say it being courteous, and some people get uncomfortable, wondering what do I want... that's the sad reality of some people today." Like a trip back into the 1960's and 1970's when hope and individuality sprang like a gushing well from the restrictive and white controlled confine our society had become during the Cold War , here were talented poets, publicly speaking their soul and trade on stage, giving messages of life, love, hope, reality, and heartache as beautiful as a song to all that would listen, drawing enthusiastic applause. I had almost forgot what it was like to have a poet give my soul a motivating and educational shock...the kind that had encouraged my 1970's post Chicano Movimiento-Viet Nam era generation to head for college rather than the factories or produce fields that once existed in abundance in Southern California. As I sat there, eating my warm fresh tacos, rice and beans under the shade and taking it all in while beautiful music, aromas, conversation, and laughter filled the air... I felt bad that only a mere 1,000 or so people were fortunate enough to share this peace, this wholesome art, the smiles of friendship and understanding, the sense of community, and the creative forces at work on this day.... Thank you, TIA CHUCHA's.... I will be back to see you again.... and I'm bringing friends!