Los Angeles and the “Latino” turf wars.
The mariachi of Boyle Heights mostly live by a golden rule: No event is a bad event.
They play for funerals and quinceañeras, foreclosures and sex change celebrations.
But Sunday’s Mariachi 5K — where some runners undoubtedly will show up in mariachi garb, big sombreros and colorful serapes — is another matter.
Neighbors initially hoped that the run, which is slated to begin and end at historic Mariachi Plaza, could serve to promote Boyle Heights and bring in new business. But now the organizer is facing a backlash from those who think the theme makes a mockery of mariachi. Opponents are threatening to shut down the race. […]
Promoter Carlos Gaspar says the trouble he’s facing has little do with his theme.
The former middle school teacher, who lives in Downey, has organized similar races (called Tacos and Beer) in Long Beach. Those events, he said, went smoothly and drew as many as 2,000 runners.
“Here, it’s all politics,” Gaspar said. “A few people … have gotten together to show that only people with power can hold events in this city.” […]
“I’m from Jalisco, where mariachi come from,” Gaspar said. “I checked with my mom and my relatives. They all thought the theme was a good idea.”
So what, Gaspar, some members of La Raza are more equal than others.
Check your non-Boyle Heights privilege, puta.
The last time I heard Boyle Heights mentioned was when Edmund Exley was wheeling Inez Soto out of the hospital.
My grandmother’s name was Inez. Suddenly, I’m feeling culturally appropriated.
It’s fun to say Jalisco out loud without any idea what goes along with it.
When I was in high school, we listened to an AM channel out of Baja California after midnight that had the call letters XPRS.
“Ecces Ep Er Essaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, Rrrrrosorrrrrrrrito! Baja! California!!”
Now that was fun to say.
might be fun to show up in a speedy gonzales costume
Which gave me an excuse to dig up this story about the legendary XERF:
Good times, eCurmudgeon.
Even up here in the Nor’East, I was able to listen to the ‘X’ stations at night [skywaves] – good times, indeed, especially with The Wolfman.