La Voz de Aztlan, October 8 1987
Item
Title
La Voz de Aztlan, October 8 1987
Creator
Associated Students of Fresno State
Relation
La Voz de Aztlan (Daily Collegian, California State University, Fresno)
Coverage
Fresno, California
Date
10/8/1987
Format
PDF
Identifier
SCUA_lvda_00172
extracted text
,
October 8, 1987
Daily Collegian-Special Edition
El Corrido de Zacky Farms
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz editor
A recent election held at Zacky Farms
Inc., a chicken procesing plant in Fresno
to recognize tlie United Food and Commercial Workers union (U.F.C.W.) as
their bargaining agent to spearhead
negotiations for their unionizing efforts
with owner, Bob Zacky won approval of
the 682 hourly workers: 395-185.
Almost immediately Zacky Farms, on
August 7th filed a grievance with the
National Labor Rela,tions Board to have
the vote for unionizing nullified claiming
that the U.F.C.W. had used unfair and
illegal organizing methods.
Many testimonials from employees
who reported instances of blatant disregard for them, such as, employees
Photo by Robert Salazar
First Hispanic department head for County of Fresno
injured on the job being threatened with
dismissal if they reported these job
related accidents, the disallowment of
employee r-: quests to use the restroom,
and the timely appearance of La Migra
officers whenever employee unrest and
dissention to these injustices were voiced
are but a few of the accusations that
have been lodged against Zacky Farms
Inc., and are what led to this recent
unionization election.
It was these atrocities, as well as the
companies obvious position to stall the
process for as long as possible, that led
many vocal labor leaders, such as
Marcelo Salcido, President of U.F.C.W.
Local #126 to say, "WE won fair and
square and he (Bob Zacky) spits in our
face." Men like Salcido work hard
utilizing all their experience in their
struggle to garner equal rights for all
workers, as they work within the
political
process.
They
provide
resources of information and education
to the masses so they can rally in
support of the wronged.
Others like balladero, Lalo Guerrero
revert back to one of the oldest and
most effective forms of aural communication known to man, and indigenous to
our Mexican culture, music: specifically,
Corrido (The Ballad)-a narrative composition in rhythmic verse sung to relay
feelings, news, or other significant
occurrences.
Hence a modern day ballad is born, El
Corrido de Zacky Farms , to inform La
Gente of the situation and expoitations
be levied on our people at Zacky Farms
plant in Fresno, appealing for help and
support.
According to Dr. Manuel Pena,
professor of Chicano-Latino Studies at
CSU Fresno, in his research paper
Folksong and Social Change: Two
Corridos
as
Interpretive
Sources
regarding the thesis 'developed from the
text, The Mexicano Corrido as a Source
for the Interpretive Study of Modern
Mexico written by Merle E. Simmons,
"The corrido functioned historically as a
barometer of Mexican workers' attitudes
toward events affecting their lives. The
corrido served to sustain morale, arousing loyalty and devotion, for the causes
that the masses saw as important to
their survival."
Dr. Pena offers a similiar assessment
with respect to the development of the
corrido among Mexicans in the United
States. "Here, too, the corrido has functioned as a collective diary expressing
symbolically the people's reactions to
events vital to their self-interests. Referencing his article again, Dr. Pena,
denotes the difference between the older
versus the modern day co1ridos, "In that
the mood is different in the newer ones
as most older corridos denote the people
as being victims of exploitation or
injustices, while the newer ones reflect
more an attitude of victories in La Razas
continuing effort to assert their social
and economic sovereignty. The new
corridos reflect this fact, however, Dr.
Pena goes on to illustrate and stress the
point that [The older corridos have not
died out. Rather they continue to exist
side by side with the newer ones.
Particularly since the advent of El
Moviemiento, where they have enjoyed
a kind of resurgence although they do
not fulfill the same function of the past.]
He further asserts, "That even in the
new corridos, some of the old symbols
are still present, particularly the rinches.
But the shift cannot be ignored and I
suggest, states Pena, that Chicanos
having developed a more effectively
organized political machinery to challenge Anglo supremacy, rely less on
their corridos to uplift a battered cultural
image and more to rally support for
active political causes."
"This reasoning,"states Pena," is self
evident: a corrido is more likely to elicit
an active response, (ie. outrage or group
See Conido
pg 4
Jose Villarreal: Fresno County's
First Hispanic Department Head
his calling. Subsequently, upon graduation, he enrolled at the Santa Clara
La Voz staffwriter
State law school.
Law school is a real challenge for
''You will get there," said Jose
Villarreal, the newly appointed Director most people, but add to this a full time
of the Public Defenders' office for the job and the responsibility of supporting
County of Fresno, about goals and am- a family with four kids and it becomes
bitions. "It's a question of being positive a major struggle as was the case for
and being optimistic." As this advice is Villarreal. "It was crazy," said Villarreal
corning from a man who knows what it about his law school years. Adjusting to
is to charge at life's challenges, take the law school enviroment and learning
the legal language was difficult for him,
notice.
Born in Mexico, Villarreal, at age ten, but he was persistent enough to stick it
immigrated along with bis family to the out, fighting and working hard. He said
U.S., originally settling in Texas. He that the most important asset during
spent his early years traveling with his these times was the strong support from
family between Texas and California, as his family.
After law school Villarreal and his
migrant farm workers. It was this that
brought him to the Santa Clara Valley, family moved to the Fresno·area, where
where he graduated from San Jose he obtained a position with the Fresno
High School and went on to college.
Employment and Training Commision.
At San Jose State he had planned tc, Because of his administrative backgo into teaching, but as a result of his ground he was working as a personnel
involvement with student activities and manager.
his work with the Model Cities Program
However, once
he passed
the
, he discovered that the field of law was California bar he joined the Public
By Manuel Nieto
Defenders' office, initially intending to ion programs. "Most of us don't understay only six months. "I was going to get stand what our basic constitutional
some experience, as for as appearing in rights are," and part of our job is to make
court, going to tric,i and doing some sure the community understands those
litigation work," said Villarreal. But once rights," said Villarreal.
in, his point of view changed, instead of
About a career in law for other
six months he stayed six years, and this Chicap.os, Villm:real said,"The field is
past July was appointed to the position wide open. Private firms and public
of Director for the Public Defenders' agencjes are beginning to recognize the
office.
value of minority and women attor. What does this mean for Villarreal? It neys," and suggested, " That the first
means that now he is able to implement step is to ask questions." His advice is not
his own ideas that he feels are pertinent to be discouraged. "Persist," he emphafor managing the office of the Public sized." "If that's your dream go after it-it
Defender. He wants to improve the can happen-, I know that it happened to
image of the Public Defenders' office me and I'm glad to be here."
and maintain the high quality service,
There is no question: Jose Villarreal is
while staying within the confines of the a man with a positive and optimistic
budget. He oversees a staff a 70 people, attitude. He is living proof to the premise
including 45 attorneys, and has already of believing in oneself, and definitely
implemented an idea for better staff worthy to serve as role· model for many
training. He feels that the Public Defen- other Chicanos with ambitious dreams
ders' office should provide the most to follow. To the staff at La Voz , Jose
adept representation possible for its Villarreal, is another of those diamonds
clients. He also wants to see the Public sparkling in the brown sand. CongraDefenders' office g~t into public educat- tulations Jose!
LaVoz
Page2
arts and humanities. Chicanos have
come of age in the realm of the silver
screen.
The movie begins finding Ritchie
Valens, laudably portrayed by Lou
Diamond Phillips, living and laboring in
a migrant farm labor camp-a stereotypical scene of where some think many
Chicanos work and live- swamping
crates of fresh picked fruit for drying
when his brother, Bob, played by Esai
Morales, rejoins the family after having
spent the last year in jail. Their father
died a couple of years earlier and since
then the family had been forced to do
migrant farmwork to survive, living
outdoors in tents. Bob eager to gain his
mother's love, admiration, and appreciation gives his mom money to rescue
them from this plight and return to the
barrio and a home. His mother reluctantly accepts the money only after Bob's
persistence and after she has degraded
him by insisting that when they do
return it will be with money earned
righteously and not with dishonest
funds.
Ritchie's life centers on attaining his
dreams. He has a typical American success dream of becoming a rock and roll
star, buying a house for his mother, an~
having a nice car. Ritchie's family is also
several other films including "Zoot Suit", a priority for him. His madre (Rosanna
does a remarkable job in the production de Soto) is a single parent raising three
ByRandallF. Guerra
of this film. He keeps the audience · other young girls besides. Her love and
La Voz editor
involved by pulling on their emotional ambitions for Ritchie are obvious as she
strings and feelings, then leads th~m on helps as r.mch as she can towards
"La Bam"ba ", is a tremendoµs film and
a must for everyone to see, irregardless a ro1ler coaster ride where several Ritchie reaching his goals. Unfortunateof one's ethnicity. The film is a powerful already know how it will end, but who ly, this same devotion to only one child
and inspirational American success can not help but weep at the tragic end showing one-sidedness and favoritism
story produced by Luis Valdez, about on account of their emotional entangle- often handicaps the other children as
Richard Valenzuela, AKA "Ritchie ment and involvement with the circum- they feel incapable of succeeding as they
Valens" who struggled out of the barrio stances, plot, and characters as the feel they must lack whatever perso1i.al
to musical fame only to have his life end portrayal of each is so real, common, characteristics their parents see in the
tragically in an airplane crash; a scen- · and familiar to so many of them.
chosen one to make it. This favoristic
Valdez is to be commended for such a attitude is as if to say that to expect more
ario that had haunted him ironically
since the loss of a childhood friend. His moving tribute to a young Hispanic that than one of their children to succeed
brief career lasted only eight months, was long overdue, and for showing the would be asking God for the impossible.
but in that short time he accomplished audience with his dramatization of This causes Bob, Ritchie's older half
Valen's life using aspiring Chicano brother, to · feel very neglected and
his long life dreams and goals.
Director Luis Valdez, who established actors and actresses that we do have unloved, and he then rebels by becoming
El Teatro Campesino here in the San talent for La Raza to be proud of and rebellious, callous, angry, jealous, and
Joaquin Valley, and who has produced project as role models in the professional not willing to accept what he describes
as " Only getting leftovers." Bob's supposed father was never around for him
JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE
and had even told him that he was not
his father while at the same time telling
Ritchie that he would be the one going
When things get you down and your attitude is poor
places. Bob was more of a hardened.
Strive to be positive just a little bit more.
type exhibiting a lot of the stereotypes
.When problems arise and life seems a chore
and labels given Chicano men as being
Work and give thanks just a little bit more.
macho, indifferent, into drugs and
You don't always have complete and total control
alcohol, abusive, and out of control. All
· Over events that occur as you strive for your goal.
attempts at trying to show his love and
feel loved he either squanders or
But you must realize life isn't so bad
Movie review
La Bamba
For it's your decision to be happy or sad.
When someone stumbles and they're down on the floor
Offer encouragement just a little bit more.
When you feel unloveaand lonely clear to the core
Love those around you just a little bit more.
When others are glum and your routine is a bore
Laugh about your lot just a little bit more.
For the blessings of life you're longing for
All can be yours if you give just a little bit more..
Mark H. Sanborn
;--------------~----------------------------~------------'
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In order for us to maintain our schedule of publishing
bi-monthly we need your support. Our associated student
body has funded us for printing and salaries for only 4
issues this semester. We plan to publish 7 more times, but
without help this will be impossible. Please complete the
sucription form and return with your eheck payable to La
Voz De Aztlan c/o C.S.U. FRESNO, Mail stop #42 Fresno,
Ca. 937 40-0042
Enclosed is my check for $10.00. Please send me the
upcoming 1987 issues of La Voz.
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blunders, such as his effort to develop
his artistic ability, or his drunken appearance and the ensuing fight that wrecked
Ritchie's big night at the Legion Hall. He
is taken lightly by everyone except
Ritchie whom he extremely loves all the
while harboring a lot of jealousy over
Ritchie's success, which in turn spurs a
lot of harshness towards him. Bob
depicts more Mexicanismo than his
family and even has a strong identification with his roots and the Mexican
culture and folklore. This comes to light
when his attempt to solve what he
believes to be Ritchie's problem, not yet
having sex, ends up with them meeting
his spiritual father who gives Ritchie a
protective necklace and says "To live is
to sleep, and to die is to awaken." This is
all new to Ritchie, whose nickname is
"Hi-Tone", which is a s1ang expression
towards Hispanics who are acting too
superior or too anglocized. Ritchie
represents of alot of third and fourth generation Hispanics who know little of
their ancestry, and who "I no speako the
espanol" as Ritchie replies in response to
the- curandero's question. Ritchie was
well liked at school, and even has an
Anglo girlfriend, another commonality
of many young modern day Chicanos.
The only prejudice that was expressed
was that from his girlfriend's father who
didn't want her seeing him because of
his ethnicity.
A person who played an invahiable
and instrumental part in Ritchie's career
was his manager, the owner of Delphi
Records, Bob, whom he trusted enough
in order to accomplish his dream even to
the point of changing ,his real name
from Richard Valenzuela to his stage
~ame, Ritchie Valens. Bob~o as ru·tchie
affectionately called him, played a dynamic and instrumental part in Valen. zuela's career. He portrays the part of
many Anglos who are conscientious and
sensitive to our cultures' needs, as in his
efforts to speak Spanish to Ritchie and
his mom upon introducing himself to
them. While this is again stereotypical
and presumptious that they did . not
speak English, it is a sincere effort to
communicate on terms and at the level
he felt they would feel comfortable. Bob,
is an example of an Anglo who does not
try and exploit us or capitalize selfishly
on our naivete and inexperience in the
competitive economic arena.
See Bamba
pg4
=..,...,...,...,..,.,.
Page3
LaVoz
Access to higher education-E.O.P.
By Rhonda Tafoya
La~
.
oz staffwnter
The
Educational
Opportunity
Program (E.O.P.) admits minority students who, because of low_grades, SAT
scores, or lack of funds, could not go
through regular admission, but show
motivation and potential for success.
These students are from economically
and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds and would find it hard to go
through school without the- special
admission, financial aid, or support
services that E.O.P. offers.
_
To be admitted through E.O.P., a
student must prove that he/she is from a
historically low income and disadvantaged background and be a resident of
California. Students must show a
minimum of skills and average to above
average grades. "SAT scores are not
r~quired," says Robert Hernandez,
Director of E.O.P., "because those who
apply to E.O.P. do not generally do well
on such tests." The students must provide two lett~rs of recommendation and
then meet with one of the E.O.P. counselors for a~ i~terview to. view t~e
students motivation. A com~ttee, typically made up of the E.O.P. director and
--------------
"It's hard to choose
dm• d"
Who is a 1 tte ' ,
--Hernandez
______________
faculty, review the applications. Unforunately, there are only a certain number
of students that can be admitted. "It's
hard to choose who is admitted and who
isn't," says Hernandez, 'because you
want them all to have a chance."
s·mce 1967, E.O.P.
· ·
has grown m size
and in what it offers its students. It first
started as a pilot program 20 ye:'11'8 ago,
says Hernasndez. The expenmental
pro~am, _entitled Pr~ject 17, admitted
17 mm?rtiy stu~ents mto Fresno State;
not until 1969 did E.O.P. become official
an~ by then most CSU campuses had
their own program.
The students who were admitted
through Project 1 7 were basically on
their own without any of the support
services that are offered today. Students
can be matched with tutors for help in
dfficult classes, and can attend workshops on how to write term papers.
A relatively new program for E.O.P.
students is Summer Bridge, a-four week
program that helps the transfer form
hig~ school, or community college,
easier. For four weeks, students stay in
the dorms, attend classes, orientations,
and aquaint themselves with the cam-
pus and its facilities. Summer Bridge
gives the students a chance to meet
faculty and other students. Apparently,
Summer Bridge does work because
those who attend Summer Bridge are
more likely to be successful , in general,
they have a higher gpa, completed more
units of credit per semester, dropped out
less, and graduated at a higher rate than
non-bridge students.
Once a week, during the freshman
year, students meet with an assigned
peer advisor. Their advisor records the
students grades~ helps them to select the
next semesters classses, and answer questions the student might have.
E.O.P. students stay on file as such
until they graduate. In the event a
student is thinking of going to graduate
school, E.O.P. can also help them apply.
Some E.O.P. students, like Robert
Hernandez, have come back to help
other E.O.P. students..
CALENDAR/O
October 9 & 10
October 10th
October 12th
October 16th
November 5th
Ernesto Galarza symposium sponsored by Radio
Bilingue at Ted C. Wills center. 7pm-9pm
Special Saturday Chicano-Latino series begins.
Chicanos in Education. 7am-5pm
Dia de La Raza. CSU Fresnop free speech area. ~ood
fair,entertainment, and a show of unity.
U.F.W. benefit to be held at Del Rey Park, Del Rey.
Featured guests include boxer, Carlos Palomino and
Director , Luis Valdez producer of Zoot Suit and La
Bamba.
Law Day at CSU Fresno . sponsored by Chicanos in
Law. Regular meeting time Tuesdays at 4pm-6pm.
Wally
875-3147
Santos
646-2857
r=§
§
~
MUSIC OF
ettlfll1Attl1A~ tNe.
SHANTEZ §·
MERCADO & TORTILLA FACTORY
Danny
591-6814
fresno. California
CHRIS VALDEZ
GABRIELE VALDEZ
Gil
591-8263
~~..J>
q)_
VALDEZ VIDEO
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MAIN OFFICE (209)233-856
WAREHOUSE (209)298-9579
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Richard
638-7275
1435 fresno ~lreel
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FRESNO, CA. 9J701
D.J.
DANNY MALCOLM
(209) 875-3583
~~
• WEDDINGS
• DANCES
• PARTIES
• SHOWS
2512 5th St. Apt. 110
Sanger, CA 93657
JOHN SOTO
Owner
Venhn Huer1a, BSN, MPH
~'tecutive Director
2790 South Elm AWlnU9 • Fresno. CA 93706
Ph. (2<&) 233-6747
(209) 264-5560
(209) 233-5957
Page4
LaVoz
Corrido
mobilization) if it depicts a helpless
victim, rather than a potent, larger-thanlife hero. In a sense, the two types of
corridos are antithetical-one reflecting
pent-up frustation and powerlessness;
the other active resistance."
While El Corrido de Zacky Farms is
an appeal to nuestra gente for support
and solidarity, it does not show us to be
powerless or without recourse. Rather it
gives us the facts about the injustices
being imposed aga:.nst our brothers at
Zacky Farms, who are indeed victims,
but at the same time, asks us to rally to
their cause by providing support.
In this regard it exhibits qualities of
both types of corridos mentioned by Dr.
Pena: the "victim" and the "hero." It
serves as a focal address point for all of
us to serve notice that this type of
oppressive and exploitative behavior on
the part of Zacky Farms will not be
tolerated.
The corrido may never be used to the
extreme it once was in regards to its
value as a primary source of communication as increased literacy and
modern communications mediums like
television and radio serve the entire
civilized world, but for La Raza they will
always be constant reminders of our
folk nature, our culture, our accomplishments, victories, and frustrations,
preserved forever in our history in the
minds of balladeros and the lips of the
corridistas.
Finally as Dr. Pena concludes in his
article, " Though the advent of modern
commurucat1on may nave sounaea tne
death knell for corridos in Mexico
according to Simmons, in the United
States though there may be lulls during
which new corridos become scarce,
conditions that arise which foster
dynamic balladry and/or songs of
protest, are still with us."
The Ballad of Zacky Farms
H ermanitos de mi raza,
Aqui les vengo a cantar de las cosas
Que nos pasan en Fresno con Zacky
Farms. Ya es tiempo de unirnos a la
Union U. F. C. W. para protejernos
todos antes que nos lleve el Diablo.
Little brothers of my race, I've come
here to sing to you about the things
which are happening to us in Fresno
at Zacky Farms. It is time for us to
unite with U.F. C. W. in order to
protect ourselves before the devil
takes us.
Zacky Farms son muy gallinos y les
sobra mucho pico. A costillas de
nosotros, ·cada dia se hacen mas
ricos. Existimos mejor sueldo,
respecto, y dig_nidad, seguridap, de
trabajo la Unwn nos conseguira.
Zacky Farms nos toca el "tone" y
nosotros lo bailamos.
Zacky Farms are a bunch of
chickens, and they've got a lot of
bec,k. From our ribs each day they
grow richer. We demand better pay,
respect, and dignity, the Union will
obtain job security for us. Without
Union representation, we can not
progress. Zacky Farms will play the
tune to which we will all dance.
Desia Salseda Macias, Zapata lo dijo
un dia, ''Vale mas morir de pie y no
vivir de rodillas." Nose dejen
enganar, que no les laven el coco. El
que no engresa a la Union es
covarde, o esta loco.
No tengan miedo paseanos lo que
Zacky Farms les diga. No ofendaron
el congaro y les van echar la Migra.
Les suplicamos a todos en espanol y
en ingles organisamonos hermanos
solo a que decir "YES': "SI"!
It was said by Salsedo Macias,
Zapata said it one day, "Better to die
on me feet, and not live my life on my
knees." Do rwt let them trick you,
don't let them brainwash you. Those
who do not join the Union, they are
cowards or they are crazy.
Don't be afraid, countrymen of what
Zacky Farms tells you. Don't be
threatened that they will report you
to the Immigration. We beg of all of
you, in Spanish and in English, let
us organize my brothers all you have
to say is ''YES", "SI"!
Bamba
HELP WANTED
This movie is very moving and
Valdez makes it easy to emphatize and
relate to Richie and those around him.
As my father, Frank J. Guerra related to
me as we were discussing the film, "It
brought back flashback after flashback."
He hi~self had been part of the 1950's
scenario living in a farm migrant camp
in tents and a victim of the often unspoken prejudice that existed.
In closing, I find it very inspirational
to see a young person fulfill hls goals
and dreams through perserverance and
hard work. Sometimes a movie presented in this fashion can do more to
~
·La Voz is now taking applications for a
cartoonists, staff writers and advertising
representatives. If interested stop by the
Keats Campus Building and fill out an
application.
ELAINE
~
733-23E39
~uo
.::Mu,s.fo fo'l.
inspire the young Raza th,an other hard
core movies that focus so much on the
adversity and negativity towards . our
ethnicity. Hopefully if nothing else this
movie will go a long way in educating
the non-minorities that we Raza have
dreams, goals, and ambitions just like
they do. For the time being our succe~s
stories are fewer as their are not alot of
us who have managed to trfillscend the
social barriers, but in time this wirt
change. Which reminds me of a saying
that my father also taught me which is: "
No quiero que Dios me de, no masque
me ponga don de haiga." Translated this
means," I don't want God to give it to
me, just to put me where it is made."
Cliempo
cf!.ll
cDcca,s.lon,s.
VISALIA.
_c/
~
CA.
STANLEY
732-52'79
ffmmL9'l.a.tion Con~uftant
Traducciones,lmpuestos,Cart.as
Tenedor De Lb'06
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Juanit.a Ramirez
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Casa [209) 875-7934
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Brochures
Booklets
Forms
Etc.
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PHOTECA PRINTING
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October 8, 1987
Daily Collegian-Special Edition
El Corrido de Zacky Farms
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz editor
A recent election held at Zacky Farms
Inc., a chicken procesing plant in Fresno
to recognize tlie United Food and Commercial Workers union (U.F.C.W.) as
their bargaining agent to spearhead
negotiations for their unionizing efforts
with owner, Bob Zacky won approval of
the 682 hourly workers: 395-185.
Almost immediately Zacky Farms, on
August 7th filed a grievance with the
National Labor Rela,tions Board to have
the vote for unionizing nullified claiming
that the U.F.C.W. had used unfair and
illegal organizing methods.
Many testimonials from employees
who reported instances of blatant disregard for them, such as, employees
Photo by Robert Salazar
First Hispanic department head for County of Fresno
injured on the job being threatened with
dismissal if they reported these job
related accidents, the disallowment of
employee r-: quests to use the restroom,
and the timely appearance of La Migra
officers whenever employee unrest and
dissention to these injustices were voiced
are but a few of the accusations that
have been lodged against Zacky Farms
Inc., and are what led to this recent
unionization election.
It was these atrocities, as well as the
companies obvious position to stall the
process for as long as possible, that led
many vocal labor leaders, such as
Marcelo Salcido, President of U.F.C.W.
Local #126 to say, "WE won fair and
square and he (Bob Zacky) spits in our
face." Men like Salcido work hard
utilizing all their experience in their
struggle to garner equal rights for all
workers, as they work within the
political
process.
They
provide
resources of information and education
to the masses so they can rally in
support of the wronged.
Others like balladero, Lalo Guerrero
revert back to one of the oldest and
most effective forms of aural communication known to man, and indigenous to
our Mexican culture, music: specifically,
Corrido (The Ballad)-a narrative composition in rhythmic verse sung to relay
feelings, news, or other significant
occurrences.
Hence a modern day ballad is born, El
Corrido de Zacky Farms , to inform La
Gente of the situation and expoitations
be levied on our people at Zacky Farms
plant in Fresno, appealing for help and
support.
According to Dr. Manuel Pena,
professor of Chicano-Latino Studies at
CSU Fresno, in his research paper
Folksong and Social Change: Two
Corridos
as
Interpretive
Sources
regarding the thesis 'developed from the
text, The Mexicano Corrido as a Source
for the Interpretive Study of Modern
Mexico written by Merle E. Simmons,
"The corrido functioned historically as a
barometer of Mexican workers' attitudes
toward events affecting their lives. The
corrido served to sustain morale, arousing loyalty and devotion, for the causes
that the masses saw as important to
their survival."
Dr. Pena offers a similiar assessment
with respect to the development of the
corrido among Mexicans in the United
States. "Here, too, the corrido has functioned as a collective diary expressing
symbolically the people's reactions to
events vital to their self-interests. Referencing his article again, Dr. Pena,
denotes the difference between the older
versus the modern day co1ridos, "In that
the mood is different in the newer ones
as most older corridos denote the people
as being victims of exploitation or
injustices, while the newer ones reflect
more an attitude of victories in La Razas
continuing effort to assert their social
and economic sovereignty. The new
corridos reflect this fact, however, Dr.
Pena goes on to illustrate and stress the
point that [The older corridos have not
died out. Rather they continue to exist
side by side with the newer ones.
Particularly since the advent of El
Moviemiento, where they have enjoyed
a kind of resurgence although they do
not fulfill the same function of the past.]
He further asserts, "That even in the
new corridos, some of the old symbols
are still present, particularly the rinches.
But the shift cannot be ignored and I
suggest, states Pena, that Chicanos
having developed a more effectively
organized political machinery to challenge Anglo supremacy, rely less on
their corridos to uplift a battered cultural
image and more to rally support for
active political causes."
"This reasoning,"states Pena," is self
evident: a corrido is more likely to elicit
an active response, (ie. outrage or group
See Conido
pg 4
Jose Villarreal: Fresno County's
First Hispanic Department Head
his calling. Subsequently, upon graduation, he enrolled at the Santa Clara
La Voz staffwriter
State law school.
Law school is a real challenge for
''You will get there," said Jose
Villarreal, the newly appointed Director most people, but add to this a full time
of the Public Defenders' office for the job and the responsibility of supporting
County of Fresno, about goals and am- a family with four kids and it becomes
bitions. "It's a question of being positive a major struggle as was the case for
and being optimistic." As this advice is Villarreal. "It was crazy," said Villarreal
corning from a man who knows what it about his law school years. Adjusting to
is to charge at life's challenges, take the law school enviroment and learning
the legal language was difficult for him,
notice.
Born in Mexico, Villarreal, at age ten, but he was persistent enough to stick it
immigrated along with bis family to the out, fighting and working hard. He said
U.S., originally settling in Texas. He that the most important asset during
spent his early years traveling with his these times was the strong support from
family between Texas and California, as his family.
After law school Villarreal and his
migrant farm workers. It was this that
brought him to the Santa Clara Valley, family moved to the Fresno·area, where
where he graduated from San Jose he obtained a position with the Fresno
High School and went on to college.
Employment and Training Commision.
At San Jose State he had planned tc, Because of his administrative backgo into teaching, but as a result of his ground he was working as a personnel
involvement with student activities and manager.
his work with the Model Cities Program
However, once
he passed
the
, he discovered that the field of law was California bar he joined the Public
By Manuel Nieto
Defenders' office, initially intending to ion programs. "Most of us don't understay only six months. "I was going to get stand what our basic constitutional
some experience, as for as appearing in rights are," and part of our job is to make
court, going to tric,i and doing some sure the community understands those
litigation work," said Villarreal. But once rights," said Villarreal.
in, his point of view changed, instead of
About a career in law for other
six months he stayed six years, and this Chicap.os, Villm:real said,"The field is
past July was appointed to the position wide open. Private firms and public
of Director for the Public Defenders' agencjes are beginning to recognize the
office.
value of minority and women attor. What does this mean for Villarreal? It neys," and suggested, " That the first
means that now he is able to implement step is to ask questions." His advice is not
his own ideas that he feels are pertinent to be discouraged. "Persist," he emphafor managing the office of the Public sized." "If that's your dream go after it-it
Defender. He wants to improve the can happen-, I know that it happened to
image of the Public Defenders' office me and I'm glad to be here."
and maintain the high quality service,
There is no question: Jose Villarreal is
while staying within the confines of the a man with a positive and optimistic
budget. He oversees a staff a 70 people, attitude. He is living proof to the premise
including 45 attorneys, and has already of believing in oneself, and definitely
implemented an idea for better staff worthy to serve as role· model for many
training. He feels that the Public Defen- other Chicanos with ambitious dreams
ders' office should provide the most to follow. To the staff at La Voz , Jose
adept representation possible for its Villarreal, is another of those diamonds
clients. He also wants to see the Public sparkling in the brown sand. CongraDefenders' office g~t into public educat- tulations Jose!
LaVoz
Page2
arts and humanities. Chicanos have
come of age in the realm of the silver
screen.
The movie begins finding Ritchie
Valens, laudably portrayed by Lou
Diamond Phillips, living and laboring in
a migrant farm labor camp-a stereotypical scene of where some think many
Chicanos work and live- swamping
crates of fresh picked fruit for drying
when his brother, Bob, played by Esai
Morales, rejoins the family after having
spent the last year in jail. Their father
died a couple of years earlier and since
then the family had been forced to do
migrant farmwork to survive, living
outdoors in tents. Bob eager to gain his
mother's love, admiration, and appreciation gives his mom money to rescue
them from this plight and return to the
barrio and a home. His mother reluctantly accepts the money only after Bob's
persistence and after she has degraded
him by insisting that when they do
return it will be with money earned
righteously and not with dishonest
funds.
Ritchie's life centers on attaining his
dreams. He has a typical American success dream of becoming a rock and roll
star, buying a house for his mother, an~
having a nice car. Ritchie's family is also
several other films including "Zoot Suit", a priority for him. His madre (Rosanna
does a remarkable job in the production de Soto) is a single parent raising three
ByRandallF. Guerra
of this film. He keeps the audience · other young girls besides. Her love and
La Voz editor
involved by pulling on their emotional ambitions for Ritchie are obvious as she
strings and feelings, then leads th~m on helps as r.mch as she can towards
"La Bam"ba ", is a tremendoµs film and
a must for everyone to see, irregardless a ro1ler coaster ride where several Ritchie reaching his goals. Unfortunateof one's ethnicity. The film is a powerful already know how it will end, but who ly, this same devotion to only one child
and inspirational American success can not help but weep at the tragic end showing one-sidedness and favoritism
story produced by Luis Valdez, about on account of their emotional entangle- often handicaps the other children as
Richard Valenzuela, AKA "Ritchie ment and involvement with the circum- they feel incapable of succeeding as they
Valens" who struggled out of the barrio stances, plot, and characters as the feel they must lack whatever perso1i.al
to musical fame only to have his life end portrayal of each is so real, common, characteristics their parents see in the
tragically in an airplane crash; a scen- · and familiar to so many of them.
chosen one to make it. This favoristic
Valdez is to be commended for such a attitude is as if to say that to expect more
ario that had haunted him ironically
since the loss of a childhood friend. His moving tribute to a young Hispanic that than one of their children to succeed
brief career lasted only eight months, was long overdue, and for showing the would be asking God for the impossible.
but in that short time he accomplished audience with his dramatization of This causes Bob, Ritchie's older half
Valen's life using aspiring Chicano brother, to · feel very neglected and
his long life dreams and goals.
Director Luis Valdez, who established actors and actresses that we do have unloved, and he then rebels by becoming
El Teatro Campesino here in the San talent for La Raza to be proud of and rebellious, callous, angry, jealous, and
Joaquin Valley, and who has produced project as role models in the professional not willing to accept what he describes
as " Only getting leftovers." Bob's supposed father was never around for him
JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE
and had even told him that he was not
his father while at the same time telling
Ritchie that he would be the one going
When things get you down and your attitude is poor
places. Bob was more of a hardened.
Strive to be positive just a little bit more.
type exhibiting a lot of the stereotypes
.When problems arise and life seems a chore
and labels given Chicano men as being
Work and give thanks just a little bit more.
macho, indifferent, into drugs and
You don't always have complete and total control
alcohol, abusive, and out of control. All
· Over events that occur as you strive for your goal.
attempts at trying to show his love and
feel loved he either squanders or
But you must realize life isn't so bad
Movie review
La Bamba
For it's your decision to be happy or sad.
When someone stumbles and they're down on the floor
Offer encouragement just a little bit more.
When you feel unloveaand lonely clear to the core
Love those around you just a little bit more.
When others are glum and your routine is a bore
Laugh about your lot just a little bit more.
For the blessings of life you're longing for
All can be yours if you give just a little bit more..
Mark H. Sanborn
;--------------~----------------------------~------------'
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bi-monthly we need your support. Our associated student
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without help this will be impossible. Please complete the
sucription form and return with your eheck payable to La
Voz De Aztlan c/o C.S.U. FRESNO, Mail stop #42 Fresno,
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upcoming 1987 issues of La Voz.
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blunders, such as his effort to develop
his artistic ability, or his drunken appearance and the ensuing fight that wrecked
Ritchie's big night at the Legion Hall. He
is taken lightly by everyone except
Ritchie whom he extremely loves all the
while harboring a lot of jealousy over
Ritchie's success, which in turn spurs a
lot of harshness towards him. Bob
depicts more Mexicanismo than his
family and even has a strong identification with his roots and the Mexican
culture and folklore. This comes to light
when his attempt to solve what he
believes to be Ritchie's problem, not yet
having sex, ends up with them meeting
his spiritual father who gives Ritchie a
protective necklace and says "To live is
to sleep, and to die is to awaken." This is
all new to Ritchie, whose nickname is
"Hi-Tone", which is a s1ang expression
towards Hispanics who are acting too
superior or too anglocized. Ritchie
represents of alot of third and fourth generation Hispanics who know little of
their ancestry, and who "I no speako the
espanol" as Ritchie replies in response to
the- curandero's question. Ritchie was
well liked at school, and even has an
Anglo girlfriend, another commonality
of many young modern day Chicanos.
The only prejudice that was expressed
was that from his girlfriend's father who
didn't want her seeing him because of
his ethnicity.
A person who played an invahiable
and instrumental part in Ritchie's career
was his manager, the owner of Delphi
Records, Bob, whom he trusted enough
in order to accomplish his dream even to
the point of changing ,his real name
from Richard Valenzuela to his stage
~ame, Ritchie Valens. Bob~o as ru·tchie
affectionately called him, played a dynamic and instrumental part in Valen. zuela's career. He portrays the part of
many Anglos who are conscientious and
sensitive to our cultures' needs, as in his
efforts to speak Spanish to Ritchie and
his mom upon introducing himself to
them. While this is again stereotypical
and presumptious that they did . not
speak English, it is a sincere effort to
communicate on terms and at the level
he felt they would feel comfortable. Bob,
is an example of an Anglo who does not
try and exploit us or capitalize selfishly
on our naivete and inexperience in the
competitive economic arena.
See Bamba
pg4
=..,...,...,...,..,.,.
Page3
LaVoz
Access to higher education-E.O.P.
By Rhonda Tafoya
La~
.
oz staffwnter
The
Educational
Opportunity
Program (E.O.P.) admits minority students who, because of low_grades, SAT
scores, or lack of funds, could not go
through regular admission, but show
motivation and potential for success.
These students are from economically
and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds and would find it hard to go
through school without the- special
admission, financial aid, or support
services that E.O.P. offers.
_
To be admitted through E.O.P., a
student must prove that he/she is from a
historically low income and disadvantaged background and be a resident of
California. Students must show a
minimum of skills and average to above
average grades. "SAT scores are not
r~quired," says Robert Hernandez,
Director of E.O.P., "because those who
apply to E.O.P. do not generally do well
on such tests." The students must provide two lett~rs of recommendation and
then meet with one of the E.O.P. counselors for a~ i~terview to. view t~e
students motivation. A com~ttee, typically made up of the E.O.P. director and
--------------
"It's hard to choose
dm• d"
Who is a 1 tte ' ,
--Hernandez
______________
faculty, review the applications. Unforunately, there are only a certain number
of students that can be admitted. "It's
hard to choose who is admitted and who
isn't," says Hernandez, 'because you
want them all to have a chance."
s·mce 1967, E.O.P.
· ·
has grown m size
and in what it offers its students. It first
started as a pilot program 20 ye:'11'8 ago,
says Hernasndez. The expenmental
pro~am, _entitled Pr~ject 17, admitted
17 mm?rtiy stu~ents mto Fresno State;
not until 1969 did E.O.P. become official
an~ by then most CSU campuses had
their own program.
The students who were admitted
through Project 1 7 were basically on
their own without any of the support
services that are offered today. Students
can be matched with tutors for help in
dfficult classes, and can attend workshops on how to write term papers.
A relatively new program for E.O.P.
students is Summer Bridge, a-four week
program that helps the transfer form
hig~ school, or community college,
easier. For four weeks, students stay in
the dorms, attend classes, orientations,
and aquaint themselves with the cam-
pus and its facilities. Summer Bridge
gives the students a chance to meet
faculty and other students. Apparently,
Summer Bridge does work because
those who attend Summer Bridge are
more likely to be successful , in general,
they have a higher gpa, completed more
units of credit per semester, dropped out
less, and graduated at a higher rate than
non-bridge students.
Once a week, during the freshman
year, students meet with an assigned
peer advisor. Their advisor records the
students grades~ helps them to select the
next semesters classses, and answer questions the student might have.
E.O.P. students stay on file as such
until they graduate. In the event a
student is thinking of going to graduate
school, E.O.P. can also help them apply.
Some E.O.P. students, like Robert
Hernandez, have come back to help
other E.O.P. students..
CALENDAR/O
October 9 & 10
October 10th
October 12th
October 16th
November 5th
Ernesto Galarza symposium sponsored by Radio
Bilingue at Ted C. Wills center. 7pm-9pm
Special Saturday Chicano-Latino series begins.
Chicanos in Education. 7am-5pm
Dia de La Raza. CSU Fresnop free speech area. ~ood
fair,entertainment, and a show of unity.
U.F.W. benefit to be held at Del Rey Park, Del Rey.
Featured guests include boxer, Carlos Palomino and
Director , Luis Valdez producer of Zoot Suit and La
Bamba.
Law Day at CSU Fresno . sponsored by Chicanos in
Law. Regular meeting time Tuesdays at 4pm-6pm.
Wally
875-3147
Santos
646-2857
r=§
§
~
MUSIC OF
ettlfll1Attl1A~ tNe.
SHANTEZ §·
MERCADO & TORTILLA FACTORY
Danny
591-6814
fresno. California
CHRIS VALDEZ
GABRIELE VALDEZ
Gil
591-8263
~~..J>
q)_
VALDEZ VIDEO
buy • sell • lease
MAIN OFFICE (209)233-856
WAREHOUSE (209)298-9579
I
Richard
638-7275
1435 fresno ~lreel
j. ®It.
e~
q)~j~
1029 E. BELMONT
FRESNO, CA. 9J701
D.J.
DANNY MALCOLM
(209) 875-3583
~~
• WEDDINGS
• DANCES
• PARTIES
• SHOWS
2512 5th St. Apt. 110
Sanger, CA 93657
JOHN SOTO
Owner
Venhn Huer1a, BSN, MPH
~'tecutive Director
2790 South Elm AWlnU9 • Fresno. CA 93706
Ph. (2<&) 233-6747
(209) 264-5560
(209) 233-5957
Page4
LaVoz
Corrido
mobilization) if it depicts a helpless
victim, rather than a potent, larger-thanlife hero. In a sense, the two types of
corridos are antithetical-one reflecting
pent-up frustation and powerlessness;
the other active resistance."
While El Corrido de Zacky Farms is
an appeal to nuestra gente for support
and solidarity, it does not show us to be
powerless or without recourse. Rather it
gives us the facts about the injustices
being imposed aga:.nst our brothers at
Zacky Farms, who are indeed victims,
but at the same time, asks us to rally to
their cause by providing support.
In this regard it exhibits qualities of
both types of corridos mentioned by Dr.
Pena: the "victim" and the "hero." It
serves as a focal address point for all of
us to serve notice that this type of
oppressive and exploitative behavior on
the part of Zacky Farms will not be
tolerated.
The corrido may never be used to the
extreme it once was in regards to its
value as a primary source of communication as increased literacy and
modern communications mediums like
television and radio serve the entire
civilized world, but for La Raza they will
always be constant reminders of our
folk nature, our culture, our accomplishments, victories, and frustrations,
preserved forever in our history in the
minds of balladeros and the lips of the
corridistas.
Finally as Dr. Pena concludes in his
article, " Though the advent of modern
commurucat1on may nave sounaea tne
death knell for corridos in Mexico
according to Simmons, in the United
States though there may be lulls during
which new corridos become scarce,
conditions that arise which foster
dynamic balladry and/or songs of
protest, are still with us."
The Ballad of Zacky Farms
H ermanitos de mi raza,
Aqui les vengo a cantar de las cosas
Que nos pasan en Fresno con Zacky
Farms. Ya es tiempo de unirnos a la
Union U. F. C. W. para protejernos
todos antes que nos lleve el Diablo.
Little brothers of my race, I've come
here to sing to you about the things
which are happening to us in Fresno
at Zacky Farms. It is time for us to
unite with U.F. C. W. in order to
protect ourselves before the devil
takes us.
Zacky Farms son muy gallinos y les
sobra mucho pico. A costillas de
nosotros, ·cada dia se hacen mas
ricos. Existimos mejor sueldo,
respecto, y dig_nidad, seguridap, de
trabajo la Unwn nos conseguira.
Zacky Farms nos toca el "tone" y
nosotros lo bailamos.
Zacky Farms are a bunch of
chickens, and they've got a lot of
bec,k. From our ribs each day they
grow richer. We demand better pay,
respect, and dignity, the Union will
obtain job security for us. Without
Union representation, we can not
progress. Zacky Farms will play the
tune to which we will all dance.
Desia Salseda Macias, Zapata lo dijo
un dia, ''Vale mas morir de pie y no
vivir de rodillas." Nose dejen
enganar, que no les laven el coco. El
que no engresa a la Union es
covarde, o esta loco.
No tengan miedo paseanos lo que
Zacky Farms les diga. No ofendaron
el congaro y les van echar la Migra.
Les suplicamos a todos en espanol y
en ingles organisamonos hermanos
solo a que decir "YES': "SI"!
It was said by Salsedo Macias,
Zapata said it one day, "Better to die
on me feet, and not live my life on my
knees." Do rwt let them trick you,
don't let them brainwash you. Those
who do not join the Union, they are
cowards or they are crazy.
Don't be afraid, countrymen of what
Zacky Farms tells you. Don't be
threatened that they will report you
to the Immigration. We beg of all of
you, in Spanish and in English, let
us organize my brothers all you have
to say is ''YES", "SI"!
Bamba
HELP WANTED
This movie is very moving and
Valdez makes it easy to emphatize and
relate to Richie and those around him.
As my father, Frank J. Guerra related to
me as we were discussing the film, "It
brought back flashback after flashback."
He hi~self had been part of the 1950's
scenario living in a farm migrant camp
in tents and a victim of the often unspoken prejudice that existed.
In closing, I find it very inspirational
to see a young person fulfill hls goals
and dreams through perserverance and
hard work. Sometimes a movie presented in this fashion can do more to
~
·La Voz is now taking applications for a
cartoonists, staff writers and advertising
representatives. If interested stop by the
Keats Campus Building and fill out an
application.
ELAINE
~
733-23E39
~uo
.::Mu,s.fo fo'l.
inspire the young Raza th,an other hard
core movies that focus so much on the
adversity and negativity towards . our
ethnicity. Hopefully if nothing else this
movie will go a long way in educating
the non-minorities that we Raza have
dreams, goals, and ambitions just like
they do. For the time being our succe~s
stories are fewer as their are not alot of
us who have managed to trfillscend the
social barriers, but in time this wirt
change. Which reminds me of a saying
that my father also taught me which is: "
No quiero que Dios me de, no masque
me ponga don de haiga." Translated this
means," I don't want God to give it to
me, just to put me where it is made."
Cliempo
cf!.ll
cDcca,s.lon,s.
VISALIA.
_c/
~
CA.
STANLEY
732-52'79
ffmmL9'l.a.tion Con~uftant
Traducciones,lmpuestos,Cart.as
Tenedor De Lb'06
w,es A Sabado 9 A 6 PM.
Juanit.a Ramirez
ELQUETZAL
P.O. Box 186
Qficina[209)875-7296
Senger, CA 93657
Casa [209) 875-7934
2640 Jensen Ave.
Es<1JinaDela
Cale Jensen y Bethel
David Saldana
Maria Diaz
Stationery
Brochures
Booklets
Forms
Etc.
~ine·
mex1caR Food
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44 Sha~ Ave., Clovis Phone: 298-6271
PHOTECA PRINTING
4489 E. Tulare Fresno, CA 93702 _ (209) 252-6617
,
October 8, 1987
Daily Collegian-Special Edition
El Corrido de Zacky Farms
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz editor
A recent election held at Zacky Farms
Inc., a chicken procesing plant in Fresno
to recognize tlie United Food and Commercial Workers union (U.F.C.W.) as
their bargaining agent to spearhead
negotiations for their unionizing efforts
with owner, Bob Zacky won approval of
the 682 hourly workers: 395-185.
Almost immediately Zacky Farms, on
August 7th filed a grievance with the
National Labor Rela,tions Board to have
the vote for unionizing nullified claiming
that the U.F.C.W. had used unfair and
illegal organizing methods.
Many testimonials from employees
who reported instances of blatant disregard for them, such as, employees
Photo by Robert Salazar
First Hispanic department head for County of Fresno
injured on the job being threatened with
dismissal if they reported these job
related accidents, the disallowment of
employee r-: quests to use the restroom,
and the timely appearance of La Migra
officers whenever employee unrest and
dissention to these injustices were voiced
are but a few of the accusations that
have been lodged against Zacky Farms
Inc., and are what led to this recent
unionization election.
It was these atrocities, as well as the
companies obvious position to stall the
process for as long as possible, that led
many vocal labor leaders, such as
Marcelo Salcido, President of U.F.C.W.
Local #126 to say, "WE won fair and
square and he (Bob Zacky) spits in our
face." Men like Salcido work hard
utilizing all their experience in their
struggle to garner equal rights for all
workers, as they work within the
political
process.
They
provide
resources of information and education
to the masses so they can rally in
support of the wronged.
Others like balladero, Lalo Guerrero
revert back to one of the oldest and
most effective forms of aural communication known to man, and indigenous to
our Mexican culture, music: specifically,
Corrido (The Ballad)-a narrative composition in rhythmic verse sung to relay
feelings, news, or other significant
occurrences.
Hence a modern day ballad is born, El
Corrido de Zacky Farms , to inform La
Gente of the situation and expoitations
be levied on our people at Zacky Farms
plant in Fresno, appealing for help and
support.
According to Dr. Manuel Pena,
professor of Chicano-Latino Studies at
CSU Fresno, in his research paper
Folksong and Social Change: Two
Corridos
as
Interpretive
Sources
regarding the thesis 'developed from the
text, The Mexicano Corrido as a Source
for the Interpretive Study of Modern
Mexico written by Merle E. Simmons,
"The corrido functioned historically as a
barometer of Mexican workers' attitudes
toward events affecting their lives. The
corrido served to sustain morale, arousing loyalty and devotion, for the causes
that the masses saw as important to
their survival."
Dr. Pena offers a similiar assessment
with respect to the development of the
corrido among Mexicans in the United
States. "Here, too, the corrido has functioned as a collective diary expressing
symbolically the people's reactions to
events vital to their self-interests. Referencing his article again, Dr. Pena,
denotes the difference between the older
versus the modern day co1ridos, "In that
the mood is different in the newer ones
as most older corridos denote the people
as being victims of exploitation or
injustices, while the newer ones reflect
more an attitude of victories in La Razas
continuing effort to assert their social
and economic sovereignty. The new
corridos reflect this fact, however, Dr.
Pena goes on to illustrate and stress the
point that [The older corridos have not
died out. Rather they continue to exist
side by side with the newer ones.
Particularly since the advent of El
Moviemiento, where they have enjoyed
a kind of resurgence although they do
not fulfill the same function of the past.]
He further asserts, "That even in the
new corridos, some of the old symbols
are still present, particularly the rinches.
But the shift cannot be ignored and I
suggest, states Pena, that Chicanos
having developed a more effectively
organized political machinery to challenge Anglo supremacy, rely less on
their corridos to uplift a battered cultural
image and more to rally support for
active political causes."
"This reasoning,"states Pena," is self
evident: a corrido is more likely to elicit
an active response, (ie. outrage or group
See Conido
pg 4
Jose Villarreal: Fresno County's
First Hispanic Department Head
his calling. Subsequently, upon graduation, he enrolled at the Santa Clara
La Voz staffwriter
State law school.
Law school is a real challenge for
''You will get there," said Jose
Villarreal, the newly appointed Director most people, but add to this a full time
of the Public Defenders' office for the job and the responsibility of supporting
County of Fresno, about goals and am- a family with four kids and it becomes
bitions. "It's a question of being positive a major struggle as was the case for
and being optimistic." As this advice is Villarreal. "It was crazy," said Villarreal
corning from a man who knows what it about his law school years. Adjusting to
is to charge at life's challenges, take the law school enviroment and learning
the legal language was difficult for him,
notice.
Born in Mexico, Villarreal, at age ten, but he was persistent enough to stick it
immigrated along with bis family to the out, fighting and working hard. He said
U.S., originally settling in Texas. He that the most important asset during
spent his early years traveling with his these times was the strong support from
family between Texas and California, as his family.
After law school Villarreal and his
migrant farm workers. It was this that
brought him to the Santa Clara Valley, family moved to the Fresno·area, where
where he graduated from San Jose he obtained a position with the Fresno
High School and went on to college.
Employment and Training Commision.
At San Jose State he had planned tc, Because of his administrative backgo into teaching, but as a result of his ground he was working as a personnel
involvement with student activities and manager.
his work with the Model Cities Program
However, once
he passed
the
, he discovered that the field of law was California bar he joined the Public
By Manuel Nieto
Defenders' office, initially intending to ion programs. "Most of us don't understay only six months. "I was going to get stand what our basic constitutional
some experience, as for as appearing in rights are," and part of our job is to make
court, going to tric,i and doing some sure the community understands those
litigation work," said Villarreal. But once rights," said Villarreal.
in, his point of view changed, instead of
About a career in law for other
six months he stayed six years, and this Chicap.os, Villm:real said,"The field is
past July was appointed to the position wide open. Private firms and public
of Director for the Public Defenders' agencjes are beginning to recognize the
office.
value of minority and women attor. What does this mean for Villarreal? It neys," and suggested, " That the first
means that now he is able to implement step is to ask questions." His advice is not
his own ideas that he feels are pertinent to be discouraged. "Persist," he emphafor managing the office of the Public sized." "If that's your dream go after it-it
Defender. He wants to improve the can happen-, I know that it happened to
image of the Public Defenders' office me and I'm glad to be here."
and maintain the high quality service,
There is no question: Jose Villarreal is
while staying within the confines of the a man with a positive and optimistic
budget. He oversees a staff a 70 people, attitude. He is living proof to the premise
including 45 attorneys, and has already of believing in oneself, and definitely
implemented an idea for better staff worthy to serve as role· model for many
training. He feels that the Public Defen- other Chicanos with ambitious dreams
ders' office should provide the most to follow. To the staff at La Voz , Jose
adept representation possible for its Villarreal, is another of those diamonds
clients. He also wants to see the Public sparkling in the brown sand. CongraDefenders' office g~t into public educat- tulations Jose!
LaVoz
Page2
arts and humanities. Chicanos have
come of age in the realm of the silver
screen.
The movie begins finding Ritchie
Valens, laudably portrayed by Lou
Diamond Phillips, living and laboring in
a migrant farm labor camp-a stereotypical scene of where some think many
Chicanos work and live- swamping
crates of fresh picked fruit for drying
when his brother, Bob, played by Esai
Morales, rejoins the family after having
spent the last year in jail. Their father
died a couple of years earlier and since
then the family had been forced to do
migrant farmwork to survive, living
outdoors in tents. Bob eager to gain his
mother's love, admiration, and appreciation gives his mom money to rescue
them from this plight and return to the
barrio and a home. His mother reluctantly accepts the money only after Bob's
persistence and after she has degraded
him by insisting that when they do
return it will be with money earned
righteously and not with dishonest
funds.
Ritchie's life centers on attaining his
dreams. He has a typical American success dream of becoming a rock and roll
star, buying a house for his mother, an~
having a nice car. Ritchie's family is also
several other films including "Zoot Suit", a priority for him. His madre (Rosanna
does a remarkable job in the production de Soto) is a single parent raising three
ByRandallF. Guerra
of this film. He keeps the audience · other young girls besides. Her love and
La Voz editor
involved by pulling on their emotional ambitions for Ritchie are obvious as she
strings and feelings, then leads th~m on helps as r.mch as she can towards
"La Bam"ba ", is a tremendoµs film and
a must for everyone to see, irregardless a ro1ler coaster ride where several Ritchie reaching his goals. Unfortunateof one's ethnicity. The film is a powerful already know how it will end, but who ly, this same devotion to only one child
and inspirational American success can not help but weep at the tragic end showing one-sidedness and favoritism
story produced by Luis Valdez, about on account of their emotional entangle- often handicaps the other children as
Richard Valenzuela, AKA "Ritchie ment and involvement with the circum- they feel incapable of succeeding as they
Valens" who struggled out of the barrio stances, plot, and characters as the feel they must lack whatever perso1i.al
to musical fame only to have his life end portrayal of each is so real, common, characteristics their parents see in the
tragically in an airplane crash; a scen- · and familiar to so many of them.
chosen one to make it. This favoristic
Valdez is to be commended for such a attitude is as if to say that to expect more
ario that had haunted him ironically
since the loss of a childhood friend. His moving tribute to a young Hispanic that than one of their children to succeed
brief career lasted only eight months, was long overdue, and for showing the would be asking God for the impossible.
but in that short time he accomplished audience with his dramatization of This causes Bob, Ritchie's older half
Valen's life using aspiring Chicano brother, to · feel very neglected and
his long life dreams and goals.
Director Luis Valdez, who established actors and actresses that we do have unloved, and he then rebels by becoming
El Teatro Campesino here in the San talent for La Raza to be proud of and rebellious, callous, angry, jealous, and
Joaquin Valley, and who has produced project as role models in the professional not willing to accept what he describes
as " Only getting leftovers." Bob's supposed father was never around for him
JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE
and had even told him that he was not
his father while at the same time telling
Ritchie that he would be the one going
When things get you down and your attitude is poor
places. Bob was more of a hardened.
Strive to be positive just a little bit more.
type exhibiting a lot of the stereotypes
.When problems arise and life seems a chore
and labels given Chicano men as being
Work and give thanks just a little bit more.
macho, indifferent, into drugs and
You don't always have complete and total control
alcohol, abusive, and out of control. All
· Over events that occur as you strive for your goal.
attempts at trying to show his love and
feel loved he either squanders or
But you must realize life isn't so bad
Movie review
La Bamba
For it's your decision to be happy or sad.
When someone stumbles and they're down on the floor
Offer encouragement just a little bit more.
When you feel unloveaand lonely clear to the core
Love those around you just a little bit more.
When others are glum and your routine is a bore
Laugh about your lot just a little bit more.
For the blessings of life you're longing for
All can be yours if you give just a little bit more..
Mark H. Sanborn
;--------------~----------------------------~------------'
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without help this will be impossible. Please complete the
sucription form and return with your eheck payable to La
Voz De Aztlan c/o C.S.U. FRESNO, Mail stop #42 Fresno,
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upcoming 1987 issues of La Voz.
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blunders, such as his effort to develop
his artistic ability, or his drunken appearance and the ensuing fight that wrecked
Ritchie's big night at the Legion Hall. He
is taken lightly by everyone except
Ritchie whom he extremely loves all the
while harboring a lot of jealousy over
Ritchie's success, which in turn spurs a
lot of harshness towards him. Bob
depicts more Mexicanismo than his
family and even has a strong identification with his roots and the Mexican
culture and folklore. This comes to light
when his attempt to solve what he
believes to be Ritchie's problem, not yet
having sex, ends up with them meeting
his spiritual father who gives Ritchie a
protective necklace and says "To live is
to sleep, and to die is to awaken." This is
all new to Ritchie, whose nickname is
"Hi-Tone", which is a s1ang expression
towards Hispanics who are acting too
superior or too anglocized. Ritchie
represents of alot of third and fourth generation Hispanics who know little of
their ancestry, and who "I no speako the
espanol" as Ritchie replies in response to
the- curandero's question. Ritchie was
well liked at school, and even has an
Anglo girlfriend, another commonality
of many young modern day Chicanos.
The only prejudice that was expressed
was that from his girlfriend's father who
didn't want her seeing him because of
his ethnicity.
A person who played an invahiable
and instrumental part in Ritchie's career
was his manager, the owner of Delphi
Records, Bob, whom he trusted enough
in order to accomplish his dream even to
the point of changing ,his real name
from Richard Valenzuela to his stage
~ame, Ritchie Valens. Bob~o as ru·tchie
affectionately called him, played a dynamic and instrumental part in Valen. zuela's career. He portrays the part of
many Anglos who are conscientious and
sensitive to our cultures' needs, as in his
efforts to speak Spanish to Ritchie and
his mom upon introducing himself to
them. While this is again stereotypical
and presumptious that they did . not
speak English, it is a sincere effort to
communicate on terms and at the level
he felt they would feel comfortable. Bob,
is an example of an Anglo who does not
try and exploit us or capitalize selfishly
on our naivete and inexperience in the
competitive economic arena.
See Bamba
pg4
=..,...,...,...,..,.,.
Page3
LaVoz
Access to higher education-E.O.P.
By Rhonda Tafoya
La~
.
oz staffwnter
The
Educational
Opportunity
Program (E.O.P.) admits minority students who, because of low_grades, SAT
scores, or lack of funds, could not go
through regular admission, but show
motivation and potential for success.
These students are from economically
and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds and would find it hard to go
through school without the- special
admission, financial aid, or support
services that E.O.P. offers.
_
To be admitted through E.O.P., a
student must prove that he/she is from a
historically low income and disadvantaged background and be a resident of
California. Students must show a
minimum of skills and average to above
average grades. "SAT scores are not
r~quired," says Robert Hernandez,
Director of E.O.P., "because those who
apply to E.O.P. do not generally do well
on such tests." The students must provide two lett~rs of recommendation and
then meet with one of the E.O.P. counselors for a~ i~terview to. view t~e
students motivation. A com~ttee, typically made up of the E.O.P. director and
--------------
"It's hard to choose
dm• d"
Who is a 1 tte ' ,
--Hernandez
______________
faculty, review the applications. Unforunately, there are only a certain number
of students that can be admitted. "It's
hard to choose who is admitted and who
isn't," says Hernandez, 'because you
want them all to have a chance."
s·mce 1967, E.O.P.
· ·
has grown m size
and in what it offers its students. It first
started as a pilot program 20 ye:'11'8 ago,
says Hernasndez. The expenmental
pro~am, _entitled Pr~ject 17, admitted
17 mm?rtiy stu~ents mto Fresno State;
not until 1969 did E.O.P. become official
an~ by then most CSU campuses had
their own program.
The students who were admitted
through Project 1 7 were basically on
their own without any of the support
services that are offered today. Students
can be matched with tutors for help in
dfficult classes, and can attend workshops on how to write term papers.
A relatively new program for E.O.P.
students is Summer Bridge, a-four week
program that helps the transfer form
hig~ school, or community college,
easier. For four weeks, students stay in
the dorms, attend classes, orientations,
and aquaint themselves with the cam-
pus and its facilities. Summer Bridge
gives the students a chance to meet
faculty and other students. Apparently,
Summer Bridge does work because
those who attend Summer Bridge are
more likely to be successful , in general,
they have a higher gpa, completed more
units of credit per semester, dropped out
less, and graduated at a higher rate than
non-bridge students.
Once a week, during the freshman
year, students meet with an assigned
peer advisor. Their advisor records the
students grades~ helps them to select the
next semesters classses, and answer questions the student might have.
E.O.P. students stay on file as such
until they graduate. In the event a
student is thinking of going to graduate
school, E.O.P. can also help them apply.
Some E.O.P. students, like Robert
Hernandez, have come back to help
other E.O.P. students..
CALENDAR/O
October 9 & 10
October 10th
October 12th
October 16th
November 5th
Ernesto Galarza symposium sponsored by Radio
Bilingue at Ted C. Wills center. 7pm-9pm
Special Saturday Chicano-Latino series begins.
Chicanos in Education. 7am-5pm
Dia de La Raza. CSU Fresnop free speech area. ~ood
fair,entertainment, and a show of unity.
U.F.W. benefit to be held at Del Rey Park, Del Rey.
Featured guests include boxer, Carlos Palomino and
Director , Luis Valdez producer of Zoot Suit and La
Bamba.
Law Day at CSU Fresno . sponsored by Chicanos in
Law. Regular meeting time Tuesdays at 4pm-6pm.
Wally
875-3147
Santos
646-2857
r=§
§
~
MUSIC OF
ettlfll1Attl1A~ tNe.
SHANTEZ §·
MERCADO & TORTILLA FACTORY
Danny
591-6814
fresno. California
CHRIS VALDEZ
GABRIELE VALDEZ
Gil
591-8263
~~..J>
q)_
VALDEZ VIDEO
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MAIN OFFICE (209)233-856
WAREHOUSE (209)298-9579
I
Richard
638-7275
1435 fresno ~lreel
j. ®It.
e~
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FRESNO, CA. 9J701
D.J.
DANNY MALCOLM
(209) 875-3583
~~
• WEDDINGS
• DANCES
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2512 5th St. Apt. 110
Sanger, CA 93657
JOHN SOTO
Owner
Venhn Huer1a, BSN, MPH
~'tecutive Director
2790 South Elm AWlnU9 • Fresno. CA 93706
Ph. (2<&) 233-6747
(209) 264-5560
(209) 233-5957
Page4
LaVoz
Corrido
mobilization) if it depicts a helpless
victim, rather than a potent, larger-thanlife hero. In a sense, the two types of
corridos are antithetical-one reflecting
pent-up frustation and powerlessness;
the other active resistance."
While El Corrido de Zacky Farms is
an appeal to nuestra gente for support
and solidarity, it does not show us to be
powerless or without recourse. Rather it
gives us the facts about the injustices
being imposed aga:.nst our brothers at
Zacky Farms, who are indeed victims,
but at the same time, asks us to rally to
their cause by providing support.
In this regard it exhibits qualities of
both types of corridos mentioned by Dr.
Pena: the "victim" and the "hero." It
serves as a focal address point for all of
us to serve notice that this type of
oppressive and exploitative behavior on
the part of Zacky Farms will not be
tolerated.
The corrido may never be used to the
extreme it once was in regards to its
value as a primary source of communication as increased literacy and
modern communications mediums like
television and radio serve the entire
civilized world, but for La Raza they will
always be constant reminders of our
folk nature, our culture, our accomplishments, victories, and frustrations,
preserved forever in our history in the
minds of balladeros and the lips of the
corridistas.
Finally as Dr. Pena concludes in his
article, " Though the advent of modern
commurucat1on may nave sounaea tne
death knell for corridos in Mexico
according to Simmons, in the United
States though there may be lulls during
which new corridos become scarce,
conditions that arise which foster
dynamic balladry and/or songs of
protest, are still with us."
The Ballad of Zacky Farms
H ermanitos de mi raza,
Aqui les vengo a cantar de las cosas
Que nos pasan en Fresno con Zacky
Farms. Ya es tiempo de unirnos a la
Union U. F. C. W. para protejernos
todos antes que nos lleve el Diablo.
Little brothers of my race, I've come
here to sing to you about the things
which are happening to us in Fresno
at Zacky Farms. It is time for us to
unite with U.F. C. W. in order to
protect ourselves before the devil
takes us.
Zacky Farms son muy gallinos y les
sobra mucho pico. A costillas de
nosotros, ·cada dia se hacen mas
ricos. Existimos mejor sueldo,
respecto, y dig_nidad, seguridap, de
trabajo la Unwn nos conseguira.
Zacky Farms nos toca el "tone" y
nosotros lo bailamos.
Zacky Farms are a bunch of
chickens, and they've got a lot of
bec,k. From our ribs each day they
grow richer. We demand better pay,
respect, and dignity, the Union will
obtain job security for us. Without
Union representation, we can not
progress. Zacky Farms will play the
tune to which we will all dance.
Desia Salseda Macias, Zapata lo dijo
un dia, ''Vale mas morir de pie y no
vivir de rodillas." Nose dejen
enganar, que no les laven el coco. El
que no engresa a la Union es
covarde, o esta loco.
No tengan miedo paseanos lo que
Zacky Farms les diga. No ofendaron
el congaro y les van echar la Migra.
Les suplicamos a todos en espanol y
en ingles organisamonos hermanos
solo a que decir "YES': "SI"!
It was said by Salsedo Macias,
Zapata said it one day, "Better to die
on me feet, and not live my life on my
knees." Do rwt let them trick you,
don't let them brainwash you. Those
who do not join the Union, they are
cowards or they are crazy.
Don't be afraid, countrymen of what
Zacky Farms tells you. Don't be
threatened that they will report you
to the Immigration. We beg of all of
you, in Spanish and in English, let
us organize my brothers all you have
to say is ''YES", "SI"!
Bamba
HELP WANTED
This movie is very moving and
Valdez makes it easy to emphatize and
relate to Richie and those around him.
As my father, Frank J. Guerra related to
me as we were discussing the film, "It
brought back flashback after flashback."
He hi~self had been part of the 1950's
scenario living in a farm migrant camp
in tents and a victim of the often unspoken prejudice that existed.
In closing, I find it very inspirational
to see a young person fulfill hls goals
and dreams through perserverance and
hard work. Sometimes a movie presented in this fashion can do more to
~
·La Voz is now taking applications for a
cartoonists, staff writers and advertising
representatives. If interested stop by the
Keats Campus Building and fill out an
application.
ELAINE
~
733-23E39
~uo
.::Mu,s.fo fo'l.
inspire the young Raza th,an other hard
core movies that focus so much on the
adversity and negativity towards . our
ethnicity. Hopefully if nothing else this
movie will go a long way in educating
the non-minorities that we Raza have
dreams, goals, and ambitions just like
they do. For the time being our succe~s
stories are fewer as their are not alot of
us who have managed to trfillscend the
social barriers, but in time this wirt
change. Which reminds me of a saying
that my father also taught me which is: "
No quiero que Dios me de, no masque
me ponga don de haiga." Translated this
means," I don't want God to give it to
me, just to put me where it is made."
Cliempo
cf!.ll
cDcca,s.lon,s.
VISALIA.
_c/
~
CA.
STANLEY
732-52'79
ffmmL9'l.a.tion Con~uftant
Traducciones,lmpuestos,Cart.as
Tenedor De Lb'06
w,es A Sabado 9 A 6 PM.
Juanit.a Ramirez
ELQUETZAL
P.O. Box 186
Qficina[209)875-7296
Senger, CA 93657
Casa [209) 875-7934
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Es<1JinaDela
Cale Jensen y Bethel
David Saldana
Maria Diaz
Stationery
Brochures
Booklets
Forms
Etc.
~ine·
mex1caR Food
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PHOTECA PRINTING
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October 8, 1987
Daily Collegian-Special Edition
El Corrido de Zacky Farms
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz editor
A recent election held at Zacky Farms
Inc., a chicken procesing plant in Fresno
to recognize tlie United Food and Commercial Workers union (U.F.C.W.) as
their bargaining agent to spearhead
negotiations for their unionizing efforts
with owner, Bob Zacky won approval of
the 682 hourly workers: 395-185.
Almost immediately Zacky Farms, on
August 7th filed a grievance with the
National Labor Rela,tions Board to have
the vote for unionizing nullified claiming
that the U.F.C.W. had used unfair and
illegal organizing methods.
Many testimonials from employees
who reported instances of blatant disregard for them, such as, employees
Photo by Robert Salazar
First Hispanic department head for County of Fresno
injured on the job being threatened with
dismissal if they reported these job
related accidents, the disallowment of
employee r-: quests to use the restroom,
and the timely appearance of La Migra
officers whenever employee unrest and
dissention to these injustices were voiced
are but a few of the accusations that
have been lodged against Zacky Farms
Inc., and are what led to this recent
unionization election.
It was these atrocities, as well as the
companies obvious position to stall the
process for as long as possible, that led
many vocal labor leaders, such as
Marcelo Salcido, President of U.F.C.W.
Local #126 to say, "WE won fair and
square and he (Bob Zacky) spits in our
face." Men like Salcido work hard
utilizing all their experience in their
struggle to garner equal rights for all
workers, as they work within the
political
process.
They
provide
resources of information and education
to the masses so they can rally in
support of the wronged.
Others like balladero, Lalo Guerrero
revert back to one of the oldest and
most effective forms of aural communication known to man, and indigenous to
our Mexican culture, music: specifically,
Corrido (The Ballad)-a narrative composition in rhythmic verse sung to relay
feelings, news, or other significant
occurrences.
Hence a modern day ballad is born, El
Corrido de Zacky Farms , to inform La
Gente of the situation and expoitations
be levied on our people at Zacky Farms
plant in Fresno, appealing for help and
support.
According to Dr. Manuel Pena,
professor of Chicano-Latino Studies at
CSU Fresno, in his research paper
Folksong and Social Change: Two
Corridos
as
Interpretive
Sources
regarding the thesis 'developed from the
text, The Mexicano Corrido as a Source
for the Interpretive Study of Modern
Mexico written by Merle E. Simmons,
"The corrido functioned historically as a
barometer of Mexican workers' attitudes
toward events affecting their lives. The
corrido served to sustain morale, arousing loyalty and devotion, for the causes
that the masses saw as important to
their survival."
Dr. Pena offers a similiar assessment
with respect to the development of the
corrido among Mexicans in the United
States. "Here, too, the corrido has functioned as a collective diary expressing
symbolically the people's reactions to
events vital to their self-interests. Referencing his article again, Dr. Pena,
denotes the difference between the older
versus the modern day co1ridos, "In that
the mood is different in the newer ones
as most older corridos denote the people
as being victims of exploitation or
injustices, while the newer ones reflect
more an attitude of victories in La Razas
continuing effort to assert their social
and economic sovereignty. The new
corridos reflect this fact, however, Dr.
Pena goes on to illustrate and stress the
point that [The older corridos have not
died out. Rather they continue to exist
side by side with the newer ones.
Particularly since the advent of El
Moviemiento, where they have enjoyed
a kind of resurgence although they do
not fulfill the same function of the past.]
He further asserts, "That even in the
new corridos, some of the old symbols
are still present, particularly the rinches.
But the shift cannot be ignored and I
suggest, states Pena, that Chicanos
having developed a more effectively
organized political machinery to challenge Anglo supremacy, rely less on
their corridos to uplift a battered cultural
image and more to rally support for
active political causes."
"This reasoning,"states Pena," is self
evident: a corrido is more likely to elicit
an active response, (ie. outrage or group
See Conido
pg 4
Jose Villarreal: Fresno County's
First Hispanic Department Head
his calling. Subsequently, upon graduation, he enrolled at the Santa Clara
La Voz staffwriter
State law school.
Law school is a real challenge for
''You will get there," said Jose
Villarreal, the newly appointed Director most people, but add to this a full time
of the Public Defenders' office for the job and the responsibility of supporting
County of Fresno, about goals and am- a family with four kids and it becomes
bitions. "It's a question of being positive a major struggle as was the case for
and being optimistic." As this advice is Villarreal. "It was crazy," said Villarreal
corning from a man who knows what it about his law school years. Adjusting to
is to charge at life's challenges, take the law school enviroment and learning
the legal language was difficult for him,
notice.
Born in Mexico, Villarreal, at age ten, but he was persistent enough to stick it
immigrated along with bis family to the out, fighting and working hard. He said
U.S., originally settling in Texas. He that the most important asset during
spent his early years traveling with his these times was the strong support from
family between Texas and California, as his family.
After law school Villarreal and his
migrant farm workers. It was this that
brought him to the Santa Clara Valley, family moved to the Fresno·area, where
where he graduated from San Jose he obtained a position with the Fresno
High School and went on to college.
Employment and Training Commision.
At San Jose State he had planned tc, Because of his administrative backgo into teaching, but as a result of his ground he was working as a personnel
involvement with student activities and manager.
his work with the Model Cities Program
However, once
he passed
the
, he discovered that the field of law was California bar he joined the Public
By Manuel Nieto
Defenders' office, initially intending to ion programs. "Most of us don't understay only six months. "I was going to get stand what our basic constitutional
some experience, as for as appearing in rights are," and part of our job is to make
court, going to tric,i and doing some sure the community understands those
litigation work," said Villarreal. But once rights," said Villarreal.
in, his point of view changed, instead of
About a career in law for other
six months he stayed six years, and this Chicap.os, Villm:real said,"The field is
past July was appointed to the position wide open. Private firms and public
of Director for the Public Defenders' agencjes are beginning to recognize the
office.
value of minority and women attor. What does this mean for Villarreal? It neys," and suggested, " That the first
means that now he is able to implement step is to ask questions." His advice is not
his own ideas that he feels are pertinent to be discouraged. "Persist," he emphafor managing the office of the Public sized." "If that's your dream go after it-it
Defender. He wants to improve the can happen-, I know that it happened to
image of the Public Defenders' office me and I'm glad to be here."
and maintain the high quality service,
There is no question: Jose Villarreal is
while staying within the confines of the a man with a positive and optimistic
budget. He oversees a staff a 70 people, attitude. He is living proof to the premise
including 45 attorneys, and has already of believing in oneself, and definitely
implemented an idea for better staff worthy to serve as role· model for many
training. He feels that the Public Defen- other Chicanos with ambitious dreams
ders' office should provide the most to follow. To the staff at La Voz , Jose
adept representation possible for its Villarreal, is another of those diamonds
clients. He also wants to see the Public sparkling in the brown sand. CongraDefenders' office g~t into public educat- tulations Jose!
LaVoz
Page2
arts and humanities. Chicanos have
come of age in the realm of the silver
screen.
The movie begins finding Ritchie
Valens, laudably portrayed by Lou
Diamond Phillips, living and laboring in
a migrant farm labor camp-a stereotypical scene of where some think many
Chicanos work and live- swamping
crates of fresh picked fruit for drying
when his brother, Bob, played by Esai
Morales, rejoins the family after having
spent the last year in jail. Their father
died a couple of years earlier and since
then the family had been forced to do
migrant farmwork to survive, living
outdoors in tents. Bob eager to gain his
mother's love, admiration, and appreciation gives his mom money to rescue
them from this plight and return to the
barrio and a home. His mother reluctantly accepts the money only after Bob's
persistence and after she has degraded
him by insisting that when they do
return it will be with money earned
righteously and not with dishonest
funds.
Ritchie's life centers on attaining his
dreams. He has a typical American success dream of becoming a rock and roll
star, buying a house for his mother, an~
having a nice car. Ritchie's family is also
several other films including "Zoot Suit", a priority for him. His madre (Rosanna
does a remarkable job in the production de Soto) is a single parent raising three
ByRandallF. Guerra
of this film. He keeps the audience · other young girls besides. Her love and
La Voz editor
involved by pulling on their emotional ambitions for Ritchie are obvious as she
strings and feelings, then leads th~m on helps as r.mch as she can towards
"La Bam"ba ", is a tremendoµs film and
a must for everyone to see, irregardless a ro1ler coaster ride where several Ritchie reaching his goals. Unfortunateof one's ethnicity. The film is a powerful already know how it will end, but who ly, this same devotion to only one child
and inspirational American success can not help but weep at the tragic end showing one-sidedness and favoritism
story produced by Luis Valdez, about on account of their emotional entangle- often handicaps the other children as
Richard Valenzuela, AKA "Ritchie ment and involvement with the circum- they feel incapable of succeeding as they
Valens" who struggled out of the barrio stances, plot, and characters as the feel they must lack whatever perso1i.al
to musical fame only to have his life end portrayal of each is so real, common, characteristics their parents see in the
tragically in an airplane crash; a scen- · and familiar to so many of them.
chosen one to make it. This favoristic
Valdez is to be commended for such a attitude is as if to say that to expect more
ario that had haunted him ironically
since the loss of a childhood friend. His moving tribute to a young Hispanic that than one of their children to succeed
brief career lasted only eight months, was long overdue, and for showing the would be asking God for the impossible.
but in that short time he accomplished audience with his dramatization of This causes Bob, Ritchie's older half
Valen's life using aspiring Chicano brother, to · feel very neglected and
his long life dreams and goals.
Director Luis Valdez, who established actors and actresses that we do have unloved, and he then rebels by becoming
El Teatro Campesino here in the San talent for La Raza to be proud of and rebellious, callous, angry, jealous, and
Joaquin Valley, and who has produced project as role models in the professional not willing to accept what he describes
as " Only getting leftovers." Bob's supposed father was never around for him
JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE
and had even told him that he was not
his father while at the same time telling
Ritchie that he would be the one going
When things get you down and your attitude is poor
places. Bob was more of a hardened.
Strive to be positive just a little bit more.
type exhibiting a lot of the stereotypes
.When problems arise and life seems a chore
and labels given Chicano men as being
Work and give thanks just a little bit more.
macho, indifferent, into drugs and
You don't always have complete and total control
alcohol, abusive, and out of control. All
· Over events that occur as you strive for your goal.
attempts at trying to show his love and
feel loved he either squanders or
But you must realize life isn't so bad
Movie review
La Bamba
For it's your decision to be happy or sad.
When someone stumbles and they're down on the floor
Offer encouragement just a little bit more.
When you feel unloveaand lonely clear to the core
Love those around you just a little bit more.
When others are glum and your routine is a bore
Laugh about your lot just a little bit more.
For the blessings of life you're longing for
All can be yours if you give just a little bit more..
Mark H. Sanborn
;--------------~----------------------------~------------'
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•
In order for us to maintain our schedule of publishing
bi-monthly we need your support. Our associated student
body has funded us for printing and salaries for only 4
issues this semester. We plan to publish 7 more times, but
without help this will be impossible. Please complete the
sucription form and return with your eheck payable to La
Voz De Aztlan c/o C.S.U. FRESNO, Mail stop #42 Fresno,
Ca. 937 40-0042
Enclosed is my check for $10.00. Please send me the
upcoming 1987 issues of La Voz.
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blunders, such as his effort to develop
his artistic ability, or his drunken appearance and the ensuing fight that wrecked
Ritchie's big night at the Legion Hall. He
is taken lightly by everyone except
Ritchie whom he extremely loves all the
while harboring a lot of jealousy over
Ritchie's success, which in turn spurs a
lot of harshness towards him. Bob
depicts more Mexicanismo than his
family and even has a strong identification with his roots and the Mexican
culture and folklore. This comes to light
when his attempt to solve what he
believes to be Ritchie's problem, not yet
having sex, ends up with them meeting
his spiritual father who gives Ritchie a
protective necklace and says "To live is
to sleep, and to die is to awaken." This is
all new to Ritchie, whose nickname is
"Hi-Tone", which is a s1ang expression
towards Hispanics who are acting too
superior or too anglocized. Ritchie
represents of alot of third and fourth generation Hispanics who know little of
their ancestry, and who "I no speako the
espanol" as Ritchie replies in response to
the- curandero's question. Ritchie was
well liked at school, and even has an
Anglo girlfriend, another commonality
of many young modern day Chicanos.
The only prejudice that was expressed
was that from his girlfriend's father who
didn't want her seeing him because of
his ethnicity.
A person who played an invahiable
and instrumental part in Ritchie's career
was his manager, the owner of Delphi
Records, Bob, whom he trusted enough
in order to accomplish his dream even to
the point of changing ,his real name
from Richard Valenzuela to his stage
~ame, Ritchie Valens. Bob~o as ru·tchie
affectionately called him, played a dynamic and instrumental part in Valen. zuela's career. He portrays the part of
many Anglos who are conscientious and
sensitive to our cultures' needs, as in his
efforts to speak Spanish to Ritchie and
his mom upon introducing himself to
them. While this is again stereotypical
and presumptious that they did . not
speak English, it is a sincere effort to
communicate on terms and at the level
he felt they would feel comfortable. Bob,
is an example of an Anglo who does not
try and exploit us or capitalize selfishly
on our naivete and inexperience in the
competitive economic arena.
See Bamba
pg4
=..,...,...,...,..,.,.
Page3
LaVoz
Access to higher education-E.O.P.
By Rhonda Tafoya
La~
.
oz staffwnter
The
Educational
Opportunity
Program (E.O.P.) admits minority students who, because of low_grades, SAT
scores, or lack of funds, could not go
through regular admission, but show
motivation and potential for success.
These students are from economically
and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds and would find it hard to go
through school without the- special
admission, financial aid, or support
services that E.O.P. offers.
_
To be admitted through E.O.P., a
student must prove that he/she is from a
historically low income and disadvantaged background and be a resident of
California. Students must show a
minimum of skills and average to above
average grades. "SAT scores are not
r~quired," says Robert Hernandez,
Director of E.O.P., "because those who
apply to E.O.P. do not generally do well
on such tests." The students must provide two lett~rs of recommendation and
then meet with one of the E.O.P. counselors for a~ i~terview to. view t~e
students motivation. A com~ttee, typically made up of the E.O.P. director and
--------------
"It's hard to choose
dm• d"
Who is a 1 tte ' ,
--Hernandez
______________
faculty, review the applications. Unforunately, there are only a certain number
of students that can be admitted. "It's
hard to choose who is admitted and who
isn't," says Hernandez, 'because you
want them all to have a chance."
s·mce 1967, E.O.P.
· ·
has grown m size
and in what it offers its students. It first
started as a pilot program 20 ye:'11'8 ago,
says Hernasndez. The expenmental
pro~am, _entitled Pr~ject 17, admitted
17 mm?rtiy stu~ents mto Fresno State;
not until 1969 did E.O.P. become official
an~ by then most CSU campuses had
their own program.
The students who were admitted
through Project 1 7 were basically on
their own without any of the support
services that are offered today. Students
can be matched with tutors for help in
dfficult classes, and can attend workshops on how to write term papers.
A relatively new program for E.O.P.
students is Summer Bridge, a-four week
program that helps the transfer form
hig~ school, or community college,
easier. For four weeks, students stay in
the dorms, attend classes, orientations,
and aquaint themselves with the cam-
pus and its facilities. Summer Bridge
gives the students a chance to meet
faculty and other students. Apparently,
Summer Bridge does work because
those who attend Summer Bridge are
more likely to be successful , in general,
they have a higher gpa, completed more
units of credit per semester, dropped out
less, and graduated at a higher rate than
non-bridge students.
Once a week, during the freshman
year, students meet with an assigned
peer advisor. Their advisor records the
students grades~ helps them to select the
next semesters classses, and answer questions the student might have.
E.O.P. students stay on file as such
until they graduate. In the event a
student is thinking of going to graduate
school, E.O.P. can also help them apply.
Some E.O.P. students, like Robert
Hernandez, have come back to help
other E.O.P. students..
CALENDAR/O
October 9 & 10
October 10th
October 12th
October 16th
November 5th
Ernesto Galarza symposium sponsored by Radio
Bilingue at Ted C. Wills center. 7pm-9pm
Special Saturday Chicano-Latino series begins.
Chicanos in Education. 7am-5pm
Dia de La Raza. CSU Fresnop free speech area. ~ood
fair,entertainment, and a show of unity.
U.F.W. benefit to be held at Del Rey Park, Del Rey.
Featured guests include boxer, Carlos Palomino and
Director , Luis Valdez producer of Zoot Suit and La
Bamba.
Law Day at CSU Fresno . sponsored by Chicanos in
Law. Regular meeting time Tuesdays at 4pm-6pm.
Wally
875-3147
Santos
646-2857
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MUSIC OF
ettlfll1Attl1A~ tNe.
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Page4
LaVoz
Corrido
mobilization) if it depicts a helpless
victim, rather than a potent, larger-thanlife hero. In a sense, the two types of
corridos are antithetical-one reflecting
pent-up frustation and powerlessness;
the other active resistance."
While El Corrido de Zacky Farms is
an appeal to nuestra gente for support
and solidarity, it does not show us to be
powerless or without recourse. Rather it
gives us the facts about the injustices
being imposed aga:.nst our brothers at
Zacky Farms, who are indeed victims,
but at the same time, asks us to rally to
their cause by providing support.
In this regard it exhibits qualities of
both types of corridos mentioned by Dr.
Pena: the "victim" and the "hero." It
serves as a focal address point for all of
us to serve notice that this type of
oppressive and exploitative behavior on
the part of Zacky Farms will not be
tolerated.
The corrido may never be used to the
extreme it once was in regards to its
value as a primary source of communication as increased literacy and
modern communications mediums like
television and radio serve the entire
civilized world, but for La Raza they will
always be constant reminders of our
folk nature, our culture, our accomplishments, victories, and frustrations,
preserved forever in our history in the
minds of balladeros and the lips of the
corridistas.
Finally as Dr. Pena concludes in his
article, " Though the advent of modern
commurucat1on may nave sounaea tne
death knell for corridos in Mexico
according to Simmons, in the United
States though there may be lulls during
which new corridos become scarce,
conditions that arise which foster
dynamic balladry and/or songs of
protest, are still with us."
The Ballad of Zacky Farms
H ermanitos de mi raza,
Aqui les vengo a cantar de las cosas
Que nos pasan en Fresno con Zacky
Farms. Ya es tiempo de unirnos a la
Union U. F. C. W. para protejernos
todos antes que nos lleve el Diablo.
Little brothers of my race, I've come
here to sing to you about the things
which are happening to us in Fresno
at Zacky Farms. It is time for us to
unite with U.F. C. W. in order to
protect ourselves before the devil
takes us.
Zacky Farms son muy gallinos y les
sobra mucho pico. A costillas de
nosotros, ·cada dia se hacen mas
ricos. Existimos mejor sueldo,
respecto, y dig_nidad, seguridap, de
trabajo la Unwn nos conseguira.
Zacky Farms nos toca el "tone" y
nosotros lo bailamos.
Zacky Farms are a bunch of
chickens, and they've got a lot of
bec,k. From our ribs each day they
grow richer. We demand better pay,
respect, and dignity, the Union will
obtain job security for us. Without
Union representation, we can not
progress. Zacky Farms will play the
tune to which we will all dance.
Desia Salseda Macias, Zapata lo dijo
un dia, ''Vale mas morir de pie y no
vivir de rodillas." Nose dejen
enganar, que no les laven el coco. El
que no engresa a la Union es
covarde, o esta loco.
No tengan miedo paseanos lo que
Zacky Farms les diga. No ofendaron
el congaro y les van echar la Migra.
Les suplicamos a todos en espanol y
en ingles organisamonos hermanos
solo a que decir "YES': "SI"!
It was said by Salsedo Macias,
Zapata said it one day, "Better to die
on me feet, and not live my life on my
knees." Do rwt let them trick you,
don't let them brainwash you. Those
who do not join the Union, they are
cowards or they are crazy.
Don't be afraid, countrymen of what
Zacky Farms tells you. Don't be
threatened that they will report you
to the Immigration. We beg of all of
you, in Spanish and in English, let
us organize my brothers all you have
to say is ''YES", "SI"!
Bamba
HELP WANTED
This movie is very moving and
Valdez makes it easy to emphatize and
relate to Richie and those around him.
As my father, Frank J. Guerra related to
me as we were discussing the film, "It
brought back flashback after flashback."
He hi~self had been part of the 1950's
scenario living in a farm migrant camp
in tents and a victim of the often unspoken prejudice that existed.
In closing, I find it very inspirational
to see a young person fulfill hls goals
and dreams through perserverance and
hard work. Sometimes a movie presented in this fashion can do more to
~
·La Voz is now taking applications for a
cartoonists, staff writers and advertising
representatives. If interested stop by the
Keats Campus Building and fill out an
application.
ELAINE
~
733-23E39
~uo
.::Mu,s.fo fo'l.
inspire the young Raza th,an other hard
core movies that focus so much on the
adversity and negativity towards . our
ethnicity. Hopefully if nothing else this
movie will go a long way in educating
the non-minorities that we Raza have
dreams, goals, and ambitions just like
they do. For the time being our succe~s
stories are fewer as their are not alot of
us who have managed to trfillscend the
social barriers, but in time this wirt
change. Which reminds me of a saying
that my father also taught me which is: "
No quiero que Dios me de, no masque
me ponga don de haiga." Translated this
means," I don't want God to give it to
me, just to put me where it is made."
Cliempo
cf!.ll
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VISALIA.
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CA.
STANLEY
732-52'79
ffmmL9'l.a.tion Con~uftant
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