MARIA GARCIA and KARLA MARTINEZ/Coachella Uninc

COACHELLA — Alicia Sanchez* lived in fear that her mother would discover her problems with marijuana.

“If I (were) to tell her the truth,” explains the 15-year-old, “we would have had a huge fight.”

There was enough tension in the Sanchez household, due to her mother’s work schedule and her unstable relationship, without adding a teen drug problem to the mix.  The last thing Sanchez wanted to do was hurt her family.

But she couldn’t keep her secret forever. She was suspended after being caught smoking marijuana at school. Her mother’s threat of drug testing her has kept her from using the drug.

“My idea (now) would be to tell them my experience and have a mature talk with (my family) about… the bad outcomes of smoking marijuana,” says Sanchez.

Is Legalization the Answer?

David Lopez,*15, saw his brother’s life turned upside down due to a drug bust in school. While Lopez has never done drugs himself, he says that smoking marijuana is part of the culture for his brother and his friends.

“It’s messed up my brother,” he says. “Putting him in trouble with police.”

His brother ended up being kicked out of school.

If marijuana were legal, Lopez believes his brother would have faced fewer legal consequences and caused less problems for his family.

“There’d be fewer problems (for) me and my family,” he says. “Having it legalized would (make) it easier.”

Mariela Alvarez,* 17, worries that if legalized, more people she loves will fall under the influence of marijuana.  She has witnessed the destructive power of the drug up close.

“It’s hard, you know you’re supposed to love and care for them (family member) but after all the harm they’ve done to us and our family because of the drugs, it’s hard to decide whether we should keep helping that person or not.”

The legal status of marijuana does not matter for teens, like Sanchez, with access to a medical marijuana card. A family friend with a marijuana card introduced her to the drug.

“I had no clue of the consequences that could come from smoking, I wasn’t thinking. Next thing you know you’re addicted, and you’re barely fifteen,” she says.

“I wish someone would’ve convinced me to stop smoking. I know firsthand it’s not a pretty road to go down on.”

*names have been to protect the minors in this story

Former vandal Jose Rodriguez spent Monday cleaning up Avenida Las Palmas in Coachella as part of the Clinton Foundation Day of Action. Photo: AURORA SALDIVAR/Coachella Uninc

AURORA SALDIVAR and BRENDA R. RINCON/Coachella Uninc

COACHELLA – Three years ago Jose Rodriguez was more likely to be found vandalizing neighborhoods rather than cleaning one up.

But on Monday’s Day of Action, organized by the Clinton Foundation and led by Chelsea Clinton, Rodriguez was one of approximately 100 volunteers who participated in the beautification of one block of Avenida Las Palmas in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

Rodriguez, 18, said he began to care about his community when he stopped “hanging out with the wrong crowd” and joined the Boys & Girls Club in nearby Mecca.

“I really love that we were able to guide him in a different direction,” said Trinidad Arredondo, a youth mentor at the club. “When we provide an opportunity to help, Jose is here and fully engaged…a lot of the time we don’t’ provide these avenues for young people to participate.”

Young people definitely made their presence felt at the Day of Action, which kicked off the third annual Clinton Foundation Health Matters Conference. The Clinton Foundation has hosted eight Day of Action events in various locations since 2002.

Rodriguez hopes the Day of Action in Coachella will inspire youth to take pride in their neighborhoods. “I think youth seeing all the work that went into getting this street cleaned, they will think twice about vandalism,” said Rodriguez, who is now a Boys & Girls Club employee.

“Everyone is getting their hands dirty”

Coachella resident Kate Sheridan, 18, spent the day helping the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition install the landscape and expand the driveway of one of the homes on Avenida Las Palmas.

“You go to the other side of the city and everybody is out shopping, older people, ‘snowbirds,’ and then you come here and everyone is getting their hands dirty,” said Sheridan, who volunteered alongside her husband, Patrick Sheridan, 20. “It’s really cool.”

Youth from throughout the Coachella Valley and across the nation showed up to lend a hand.

“I would probably be at home playing an instrument, sleeping or reading,” said Peyton Brown, 13, a student on winter break from John Glenn Middle School in La Quinta. “Everyone is here working hard. With their yards clean, it will give (the residents) a better place to relax.”

The First Tee, a Florida-based junior golf organization brought 22 youth from throughout the country to attend the Health Matters and Healthy Habits conferences this week in La Quinta. The students arrived one day early to participate in the Day of Action.

“We like to volunteer and help out in communities,” said Alyssa Rosas, 18, a student from Joliet, Illinois. “What we like to do is not only teach kids the game of golf but life skills, what they need to do to become successful.”

“We are going to make it a better place” 

Volunteering at the Day of Action was the reward for the winners of an essay contest on the importance of volunteerism at Valley View Elementary School in Coachella.

“We are here because we won the contest, but we are having a lot of fun helping out,” said Ashley Ayala, 11.

The students raked leaves and planted flowers alongside their teachers and other community volunteers, getting an up close look of a community in action.

“When a group of people come together to help each other, it warms your heart,” said Jasmin Reyes, 11.

Yadira Solis, 12, added, “Sooner or later, our kids are going to live here and our grandchildren. We are going to have to it make it a better place.”

Additional Day of Action photographs by AURORA SALDIVAR

Members of Pueblo Unido carry signs expressing the needs of their communities at their annual pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Photo: AURORA SALDIVAR/Coachella Uninc

Pueblo Unido CDC: Building Sustainability in Rural Communities

Why Their Star Shone Brightly in 2013

Pueblo Unido CDC undertook a plethora of ambitious projects in 2013, scoring victory after victory for the benefit of the unincorporated communities of the Eastern Coachella Valley (ECV). One of these victories was helping to obtain the funding for the paving of the rural mobile home parks, known as “parques polanco,” the culmination of a community’s 16-year fight for cleaner air. The $4.1 million project is slated to begin in mid-2014.

The nonprofit is living up to its mission of “responding to the needs and concerns of underrepresented rural communities of the ECV through actively engaging and fostering collaborative efforts among residents and other stakeholders to find viable solutions, leverage critical resources, and bring new opportunities to improve the quality of life for its residents.”

Sergio Carranza, executive director, reflected on Pueblo Unido’s impact in 2013.

Highlights of 2013

A priority for Pueblo Unido is improving the access to clean and healthy water for rural residents, making one of the year’s best moments “the launching of the short term arsenic treatment program, which is providing reliable drinking water to over 400 people in mobile home parks with high levels of arsenic and fluoride.”

Another key moment was being a part of the community center that Sister Gabriela Williams opened this year for the youth of the parques polancos.

“The San Jose Community Learning Center opened its doors to the youth and adults, creating access to educational and training activities,” said Carranza.

Biggest Lesson Learned in 2013

“As community organizers, we need to make sure that communication is maintained effectively at all times,” said Carranza.

Goals for 2014

“Create partnerships with private investors to increase resources for projects in the Eastern Coachella Valley,” said Carranza,” and increase organizational capacity to enhance effectiveness of programs and projects.”

-AURORA SALDIVAR/Coachella Uninc

Silvia Paz, holding her daughter, was sworn in to the Desert Recreation District Board of Directors on December 18. Photo: AURORA SALDIVAR/Coachella Uninc

Silvia Paz: Working Toward a Safe and Healthy Community

Why Her Star Shone Brightly in 2013

Silvia Paz, the new hub manager of Building Healthy Communities Eastern Coachella Valley (BHC), soared in 2013.

Her trail of glimmering success is lengthy — from a career change to being elected to public office to the upcoming expansion of her family.

Highlights of 2013

Paz was able to see to fruition AB 71 (V. Perez), legislation she worked on for over two years as district policy assistant for Assemblyman V. Manuel Perez.

“Thanks to this legislation and advocacy efforts of local groups and agencies, the State has to collaborate with our local Salton Sea Authority in planning for the restoration of the Salton Sea,” said Paz.

Additionally, Paz helped Perez secure $2 million for the Salton Sea Authority to prepare a feasibility plan. “This work has raised awareness of the environmental dangers, especially when it comes to air quality, of a do-nothing solution in the Salton Sea,” she said.

“In September of 2013, I joined the BHC team as Hub Manager. I am very excited about my new position, especially because of what BHC represents both at a statewide and regional level. In its past three years, BHC has created a statewide movement to improve health in communities that are often marginalized. In the Eastern Coachella Valley, BHC is revolutionizing the way we speak about health. Because health is not only what happens at a doctor’s office, but also the built environment we live in, BHC has evolved into an active collaborative of community and agency partners working to improve our neighborhoods, our schools, and increase prevention.

“By leveraging our partnerships we have increased access to transportation for the North Shore community, addressed policy changes for our mobile home park community, as well as begun an active campaign to ensure health access for all.”

She wrapped up the year by being elected to the Desert Recreation District Board of Directors, Division 1, which includes the Eastern Coachella Valley. “I look forward to serving the residents of Division 1 and improving access to safe recreational opportunities for our families. I extend a special thank you to all that supported me,” she said.

Biggest Lesson Learned in 2013

“If you ask, people will join and support you,” said Paz, who was humbled by community encouragement and aid as she pursued public office.

She also learned that “it’s really a matter a perspective and intention. So many of us spend so much time stressed and unhappy, but if we change our outlook on things we become a lot more appreciative of all the blessings we have.”

Goals for 2014

“As many of you know, I will start 2014 as a mother to my second child. In this spirit, my goal is to be able to advance the BHC vision to support the development of communities where kids and youth are healthy, safe and ready to learn,” she said. “More specifically, I would like to contribute to the improvements our communities want to see in housing and infrastructure, recreation, transportation and health.”

-AURORA SALDIVAR/Coachella Uninc

Adilene Gomez and her daughter were among the 1,200 Eastern Coachella Valley residents who attended WE Connect. Photo: AURORA SALDIVAR/Coachella Uninc

MARIA GARCIA, AURORA SALDIVAR & BRENDA R. RINCON/Coachella Uninc

THERMAL – Hundreds of Eastern Coachella Valley families may have something to be thankful for very soon: health insurance.

The WE Connect Health Care Enrollment and Resource Fair, held last Saturday at Coachella Valley High School, brought dozens of resources together to inform approximately 1,200 attendees about their health care options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Among them was Francisca Rubalcava, 57, who has never had health insurance. She has seen a doctor three times — once when each of her two daughters was born and once in Mexico.

“I want to find out if it’s true that one can get insurance, based on the money you have,” Rubalcava said in Spanish. Her only source of income is her husband’s Social Security checks.

Rubalcava says she is in excellent health and is more worried about her two daughters.

“I have a daughter in college, and if she gets sick, she can have somewhere to turn,” she said.

Her daughter Maria Flores, 24, helped Rubalcava fill out the applications. She also applied for herself, her husband, and her six-month old son, Alexander.

WE Connect, which has visited communities across the state, is particularly important in this region where 25 percent of residents live below the poverty line and make less than $7,000 annually.

“Having WE Connect in Coachella was significant on various levels, especially when it comes to reaching those who might not otherwise have access to reliable information on how the implementation of ACA will affect them,” said Silvia Paz, manager of Building Healthy Communities Eastern Coachella Valley. “There are over 30,000 residents in the Coachella Valley who qualify but are not enrolled for low cost or no cost insurance, like Medi-Cal, and the majority reside in the Eastern Coachella Valley.”

Adilene Gomez, 24 knows the devastating consequences of not having health care. When she suffered a miscarriage, she was denied Medi-Cal and was left with a $20,000 hospital bill.

“It’s difficult for people who don’t have a lot of work to pay for a huge medical bill, having kids and payments to do for the house and other utilities,” she said.

Gomez and her family attended WE Connect to apply for Obamacare. “There are a lot of people (at WE Connect) who can help you with paperwork and to tell you what you do or don’t qualify for, like for anyone who doesn’t own a computer or has the time for it. I think there should be a few more of events like this so people can come because some people don’t know.”

BHC Eastern Coachella Valley is dedicating efforts to ensure that those currently left out of the ACA, including the undocumented population, will soon be eligible for coverage.

“Building Healthy Communities Prevention Team received over 100 pledges to support access to medical services for the remaining uninsured,” said Paz. “aAmong those who supported the pledge were Assemblyman V. Manuel Perez, Supervisor John Benoit, and (Coachella) Mayor Eduardo Garcia.”

The free event also offered medical screenings, financial planning resources, and enrollment assistance with CalFresh, the food assistance program for low-income Californians. The first 300 attendees received free frozen turkeys.

“WE Connect signaled the first of many efforts of Building Healthy Communities to ensure access for all to medical services, including providing resources to the remaining uninsured,” Paz said.

WE Connect is part of Building Health Communities Eastern Coachella Valley’s health care enrollment efforts. The event was co-sponsored by Covered California and The California Endowment’s “Asegúrate” or “Get Covered” initiative.

The staff of Coachella Uninc. discussed the people in the community for whom we are grateful at our Thanksgiving dinner.

Editor’s Note: The staff of Coachella Uninc. recently gathered for our Thanksgiving dinner to reflect on everything for which we are thankful. While we are all grateful for our families and our health, we also realize how fortunate we are to be surrounded by people dedicated to building up the young people in our community.

The following are just a few of the people for whom we are grateful – people that our youth reporters have had meaningful personal interaction with in the past year — each representing countless others working hard everyday for the benefit of our youth.

Silvia Paz, Building Healthy Communities

As a whirlwind year of growth, and change dwindles to a close, its time to reflect with gratitude about those who have played prominent roles.  Silvia Paz, the new BHC hub manager, is unquestionably an individual who positively shaped my year.  I met Silvia over a year ago, during my internship at Assemblymember V. Manuel Perez’s office.   I was most excited to receive tasks from Silvia because she went out of her way to cultivate and stretch the breadth of my understanding.  As a young woman who grew up in a restrictive male- dominated environment, having a successful, educated woman take the time to consult my opinion meant the world. I have learned more from her example and counsel within the past year than I have in the classroom. I even owe Silvia for my current job, that my own self-reservations never allowed me to consider. Silvia has never judged my capabilities based on my lack of degree. Within a matter of minutes she placed a call to recommend me. My heart swells with pride to hold her good opinion and respect. I cannot say I have ever had anyone believe in me like that. In times when I feel thrown off track, I remember conversations with Silvia where she’s made me feel that it’s only a matter of time before I can move mountains.

I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, everyone like Silvia, who are a mentor to youth and are building a healthy community by raising up strong individuals.

-Aurora Saldivar, College of the Desert

Ray Ramirez, teacher

No words or actions can express how thankful I am for my Spanish teacher, Mr. Ramirez. He has motivated me to perfect my Spanish and writing skills. Mr. Ramirez has taught me to appreciate my Mexican culture and the importance of giving back to my community. I’m definitely blessed for a having a teacher who doesn’t mind driving two hours to Coachella in order to teach his beloved culture and Spanish.

-Karla Martinez, Olive Crest Academy

Tiffany Hargrave, teacher

I am thankful my teacher, Ms. Hargrave, because she has taught me a lot over the past year. She was my art teacher last year and taught me a lot about art that I never knew about. This year, since I applied for leadership and was accepted, she is my leadership teacher. Being in leadership is a new experience for me, and there were mostly all members from last year. But Ms. Hargrave was patient and understanding of the new member like myself. She has led us through many events and showed us that being good leaders can be fun and that we can have fun while being good role models to our peers. She has been patient, kind and really supportive on our ideas and does small changes where they need to be. She’s shown me that I can have fun but also work together with others to create something all the students can enjoy.

- Maria Garcia, Olive Crest Academy

Trinidad Arredondo, Regional Access Project Foundation

There are many people that come to mind when I ponder the question “Who am I thankful for?” While I am thankful for good health and the presence of family, friends, and colleagues, there is one person that sticks out especially to me. This year, I am especially thankful for my friend, colleague, and mentor Trinidad Arredondo. I had the pleasure of meeting Trini almost two years ago when I first joined Coachella Unincorporated. Trini has always been there for me to lend a helping hand when I am covering events or to offer ideas on what I should do next. He has pushed me to strive for more as a community advocate and as a student. For that I am thankful for Trini this holiday season.

-Johnny Flores, Jr., Xavier College Prep

Maria Smith, teacher

I never trusted a teacher in my life. I only see them for one year so I never made such a strong connection. But something changed me once I joined the Coachella Valley High School Health Academy. I actually opened up to a teacher and realize I was beyond wrong to not have done so before. My health teacher, Mrs. Smith, is always there to talk to and she won’t judge you. She does everything she can to help you. One thing I love about her is that she is very easy to talk to. Being in the Health Academy, I will have the same teachers for the rest of my high school years. I am grateful for having a teacher like Mrs. Smith to talk to and help me through thick or thin. My advice to others is don’t be afraid to talk to someone about your problems. You never know how much it will impact you.

-Victoria Contreras, Coachella Valley High School

Jocelyn Vargas, Raices

Jocelyn Vargas inspires me to become selfless by giving to others. I will always be grateful for all her hard work she had devoted to the community and all opportunities she has given me. I am grateful for impactful discussions we have that help me perceive things differently. For discussions and lessons that have shaped the person I am. She is not just an inspiration to me, but to many others who appreciate all the love she puts in everything she does. I will forever be grateful for all the laughs and tears we have shared.

Jocelyn, thank you for being my mentor and friend.

-Alejandra Alarcon, College of the Desert

CVHS student body co-presidents Katarina Vidaña and Chrystabelle Ramirez discussed their mascot with Abed Ayoub of the Arab American Anti Discrimination Committee during his recent visit. Photo: AURORA SALDIVAR/Coachella Uninc

AURORA SALDIVAR and BRENDA R. RINCON/Coachella Uninc

COACHELLA – Abed Ayoub, representative of the Arab American Anti Discrimination Committee (ADC), visited Coachella Valley High School last week to have an open conversation with the students whose mascot, the Arab, he believes perpetuates negative stereotypes.

“In meeting with the students, what we’ve seen is a developing understanding of our stance and our point of view, why this is offensive and needs to be changed,” said Ayoub, at a press conference Thursday afternoon. “The students are starting to understand the position.”

He cited the mascot’s large nose, heavy beard and depiction of the Arab as a “caricature” as his top concerns.

The ADC, based in Washington, D.C., began a national debate when Ayoub wrote a letter to  Darryl S. Adams, superintendent of Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), on November 1.

During his visit Ayoub got an up close look at the date industry, originating from the Middle East, and a tour of the heavily Latino region that includes a city named Mecca and street names such as Cairo and Baghdad.

Like the students, he developed a better understanding of the history of the school and the deep-rooted connection to the mascot. Although in his letter Ayoub asked Adams to drop the Arab name, he says he no longer wants to see the name changed.  However, he is urging the school to consider making changes to the logo – a compromise to which the student body is open.

“I feel a lot of us are more comfortable with the compromise,” said Katarina Vidaña, co-president of the student body. “We get to keep the name, which is what we take pride in. Of course some kids are sad that we have to change the logo, but we are willing to change (it) for the better.”

Vidaña represented the high school’s students at the press conference along with her fellow student body co-president, Chrystabelle Ramirez.

While Vidaña and Ramirez stated that students are willing to making adjustments to the logo, many alumni are not open to changing it in any way.

Dave Hinkle, class of 1961, is a member of a Facebook group called “Save the Coachella Valley Arab Mascot,” which has garnered nearly 3,000 members. According to Hinkle, members of that page are overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the current logo, drawn in 1957, intact.

“Number one because we are old,” said Hinkle, when asked why the alumni are so resistant to change. “We are older than the current students, we have more experience and (are) sometimes wiser.”

He added, “People just don’t feel that someone should come in and decide that a logo that’s been here for 50 years, (that there) is something wrong with it, and threaten lawsuits apparently, or supposedly to get us to change it. I don’t think that’s fair, and I don’t think other people think that’s fair.”

Richard Ramirez, a 1959 graduate of CVHS and former longtime faculty member, is in a unique position to see both the alumni and student points of view.

“You must remember that alumni are old. All of us are old because we graduated from CV 10 years ago, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago. We are kind of set in our certain habits, we are creatures of habit. We’ve been Arabs this way for such a long time and we don’t want to change,” he said.

“However, when you look at the big picture, what if someone was being offensive to the Mexican American heritage. Would we be mad? Yes, I think so, and we would want those caricatures changed. I see this process as something that isn’t harmful to this Arab culture and history.”

A New Generation of “Arabs”

“I think the younger generation lives in a new America. There is more understanding, a better understanding of other ethnicities and races,” said Ayoub.

Ayoub said the people he has met while in the Coachella Valley made him believe there is an opportunity for ongoing dialogue with the high school so that students can be a part of “a greater celebration of Arab heritage, what it means to be Arab.”

He added, “Any time you introduce cultural programs and foster understanding between two communities, it’s a positive and that’s the direction we are going.”

The voice of the youth will play an important role in the discussion, with the unique opportunity to shape the experience of their peers and future generations of Arabs.

Vidaña says it is her responsibility to voice the opinions of her classmates.

“We want their voice to be heard because, eventually, they will be alumni and their kids are going to be here,” she said.

CVUSD is acting quickly by appointing a committee — made up of a student, a parent, an alumnus, and a member of the administration — to recommend possible changes to the logo before the upcoming winter break.

There has been no mention of how the district would pay for the changes or implement any cultural programs. The ADC has already indicated they are not able to provide financial assistance.

A parent voices her concerns at a forum organized by The California Endowment at Our Lady of Soledad Church. Photo: AURORA SALDIVAR/Coachella Uninc

BRENDA RINCON and AURORA SALDIVAR/Coachella Uninc

COACHELLA – Parents made their voices heard at a forum here earlier this week organized by The California Endowment (TCE) as part of its School Success Express Tour, meant to provide an opportunity for parents around the state to have a say in how their school districts uses state education funds.

California enacted a new Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) this year that will result in more money for the neediest school districts, including Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD).  As the name implies, LCFF also gives the school districts themselves more say than in past years on how their state dollars get spent.

The forum in Coachella, like others being organized by TCE across the state, was an effort to make sure district officials take parent recommendations into account.

“We know that parental involvement is very important and impacts the success of students. We need to think about using a portion of these funds to get more parents involved,” said Jorge Ortiz, father of three students, to the approximately 150 community members present at Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church.

Ortiz added there must be increased transparency from the school district and better communication between schools and parents.

Regina Hernandez, mother of three students, believes more funding for language arts in elementary school is needed. “This is why our children don’t succeed,” she said.

Like Ortiz, Hernandez urged other parents to get more involved in their children’s education.

“Speak. We need to raise our voice. If we want good futures for our children, we want good lives, we must do what we have to do,” she said. “Do not remain quiet. We have the future of our children in our hands.”

Lydia Torres Rodriguez, another parent, said that the funds should go to updating textbooks in local schools, many of which she said are over 10 years old.

“We [also] need more teacher training, state-of-the art technology, and a focus on common core standards,” said the parent of four, referring to the new federal guidelines for measuring school performance.

Some students were also in attendance. They expressed a desire for additional student support, including more resources for undocumented students and English learners, more Advanced Placement classes, and increased school library hours.

Education is a way out of poverty for many students in this agricultural region.

“My mother works in the fields, and she doesn’t want me to end up like that… she wants me to take advantage of the opportunity being given to me to get an education,” said Itcelia Segoviano. “My mother has done so much for me, and I hope that one day she no longer has to work and that I can provide her with everything she needs.”

Ramon Leija, the coordinator of ECV Boys and Men of Color, understands full well the challenges of being a young man in the east valley.  Photo: IVAN DELGADO/Coachella Uninc

AURORA SALDIVAR/Coachella Uninc

COACHELLA — Ramon Leija clearly remembers the moment he decided to turn his life around.

It happened when he was 17-years-old and incarcerated at the Riverside County Juvenile Detention Center. His mother had come to visit him, and she was drenched in tears.

“Just seeing how I upset my mom, I realized that not only was I hurting myself, but I’m [also] hurting the people around me,” recalls Leija.

But he would have to wait three years – until the end of his sentence — to start over and begin the process of making amends with his family and community.  Now, at the age of 22, Leija is making good on the promise he made to himself, as coordinator of a mentorship program for other young men in the eastern Coachella Valley.

Leija’s new position with the Boys and Men of Color (BMOC) program will allow him the opportunity to influence young men to avoid the pitfalls that he encountered. “I want to be able to set a path and be able to reach out to these students and let them know that it is possible. It doesn’t matter where you’re coming from,” says Leija, who understands full well the challenges of being a young man in the east valley.

“Growing up in my neighborhood, I was surrounded by bad influences. Being so young and naïve, I believed that what I saw was the only way,” explains Leija, who stops just short of sharing the details of his crime. “The whole environment, the atmosphere of being busted, was one of discomfort, loneliness, isolation.”

Creating leaders, not followers

The local BMOC is part of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, a statewide coalition of youth, community organizations, foundations, and leaders. The goals of the program — funded in large part by The California Endowment through its Building Healthy Communities initiative — are to ensure that young men of color ages 15 to 19 are healthy, successful in school and work, contributing to their community, and living in safe neighborhoods.

The latter is particularly important to Leija.

“I don’t want to blame my neighborhood, but [my offenses] had a lot to do with my neighborhood and where I grew up,” he says. “Unfortunately, at that time, I was a follower.”

The local BMOC program felt like the perfect fit for Leija, but the coordinator position seemed like a long shot. Leija expected he would be overlooked for the position because of his background, but he was willing to help in any way.

“I came in looking to volunteer and came out with a paying job,” he recalls.

He jumped right into his work, holding trainings twice a week to prepare students to participate in a statewide Boys and Men of Color “enrichment camp” in Portola, California, last August.

“I felt that Coachella really stood out (at the camp),” said Leija, who received positive feedback from other groups across the state about the engagement of the eastern Coachella Valley students.

Fourteen BMOC groups from across the state participated in the workshops dealing with young men’s relationships to violence, drug use, misogyny, and disrespect in their respective communities.

“After the camp the students had a completely different perspective and sense of consciousness,” says Leija.

Now back in Coachella, Leija says his journey, and that of the young men he works with, has just begun.

“The camp was just the beginning, the spark of a movement within the Eastern Coachella Valley,” he says.

Leija plans to utilize a curriculum that will frame his conversations with the young BMOC participants around broad themes like cultural consciousness, healing and well being, manhood development, health equity, social justice and leadership.

“These students all have the right mindset,” he says, excitedly. “They just need the direction.”

Leija is also organizing lectures featuring local community leaders and planning culturally significant field trips.

Leija believes his own journey through the criminal justice system might have been avoided, had he been able to experience a program like BMOC when he was a teen.

“All I needed was one person to say ‘I believe in you’ and ‘I want to help you,’” says Leija, who attributes his current success to those who have extended a helping hand.  “I want to be the face of change, [and] mentorship is key to the process.”

Leija says the idea is for the BMOC work to proliferate, by having the same young men who are currently in the program eventually go out and recruit others to promote health and healing within the community.

“The goal coming back from the camp is to take these seven students and turn them into a team and bring the curriculum from the camp back into the community here,” he explains.

He hopes to partner with Mecca Boys & Girls Club to amplify the Boys and Men of Color message, though healing circles among other things.

“In order to get to the parents we have to get through to the students, and in turn begin to heal the community at large,” he explains.

“My punishment became a blessing”

Leija says he has been humbled by the support and mentorship he has received from community leaders in the eastern Coachella Valley as he settles into his new position.

Carlos Gonzalez, vice chair of Raices, a youth and community organization that hosts the local BMOC program, is one of those supporters.

“Ramon was very unique. He spoke from his heart. [He spoke] of his past experiences and the extent to which he cares about changing his life, getting a second chance,” says Gonzalez, who is working closely with Leija to build the Eastern Coachella Valley BMOC curriculum. “A sign of a man is when he falls, he can pick himself up. That’s what Ramon brings.”

Leija, who earned his high school diploma while in Riverside County Juvenile Detention Center, is now a student at College of the Desert. He hopes to become a firefighter, a career he says is all about giving back.

“My past is what motivated me to be the man that I am now. What began as a punishment became a blessing.”

Eastern Coachella Valley Boys and Men of Color operate out of the Raices Cultura office at 1494 Sixth Street, Coachella. For more information or to get involved please contact Ramon Leija at (760) 289-5088 or [email protected]

For information on the statewide initiative, visit the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color website.

For the past 13 years, the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition has provided the young residents of its low-income housing communities the opportunity to attend tennis camp at the prestigious Indian Wells Tennis Gardens.

In this video, Coachella Unincorporated shares a glimpse of what these young tennis enthusiasts have done twice a week for the past four weeks. Even the triple digit heat does not dampen their spirits on the court.

The Coachella Valley Housing Coalition is helps low low-income families improve their living conditions through advocacy, research, construction, and operation of housing and community development projects. CVHC has constructed nearly 4,000 homes and apartments for low-income households in Riverside County and Imperial County.

Digital Production by Aurora Saldivar and Ivan Delgado