¡Cuando tu vas, yo ya vengo: Or, This Ain’t Our 1st Rodeo!

My mother, in her New Mexico wisdom, would always have a saying (dicho) that could succinctly describe the human condition. They ranged from “Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres,” which means, tell me who your friends are and I can figure you out,” to the infamous “Lámpara de la calle, obscuridad de tu casa,” meaning your light shines everywhere but at home.
 Many in San Diego County believe that the political history of the Hispanic community really started with homemade plywood signs at freeway on-ramps and a big smile. The history and contributions of those that came before and challenged conventional wisdom seeking election and influence are hardly ever recognized or appreciated, as though we are ashamed of our own past, afraid to tell our story for fear it might not fit in today’s imagery of the “Latino community.”
 In the spirit of our political “Cuando Tú Vas Yo Ya Vengo”, [Where you are going,I have already been], it is important to share the efforts and contributions of those that came before and created trails that led to opportunities for succeeding generations.
Pioneers- 

Peter Chacon-
<a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://laprensa-sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Peter.Chacon.JP… loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2078" title="Peter.Chacon" src="http://laprensa-sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Peter.Chacon-15…; alt="Peter.Chacon" width="150" height="150"></a> An educator, Pete Chacon was elected to the California Assembly in November of 1970; he is regarded by many as having played a significant role in the development of Bilingual Education. His primary campaign manager was Herman Baca who brought many volunteers from MAPA and various community groups, to the process, ending in an unexpected victory for Chacon.The mainstream democratic interest subsequently took charge of the general election campaign against Republican Tom Hom and Chacon was elected. He went on to serve a number of terms in the assembly.
Jess Haro-
 A lumber and export business owner, Haro was appointed to the San Diego City Council seat 8 in 1975 serving until 1978, when he was removed for a minor customs infraction. He subsequently became an activist serving as Chairman of the Chicano Federation, Board of Directors and sitting on telecommunication committee that worked to expand ownership. His initial appointment to the council seat was influenced by his background as a Marine Corp officer. He is currently still involved in various business pursuits.
Uvaldo Martinez Jr
 A Land Use planner, Uvaldo Martinez Jr was appointed to the San Diego City Council Seat 8 in 1982 serving until 1986, when he was removed for credit card abuse. He is regarded as having had the greatest potential to save many of the Logan Heights neighborhoods, given his planning experience and background. His mother Virginia Martinez, who worked for the MAAC project and very involved in community activities, was said to be a major influence on Uvaldo. His initial acceptance at the council level was said to influence by his St Augustine connections. He was last heard to be residing in the Palm Springs area.
Mexican-American Republicans in the 1970s and 80s-
 I would joke about the Mexican-American Republicans, how in the 1970s that they would have their annual convention in a phone booth and still have extra room. While their numbers were few and their party’s perspective difficult to reconcile, their commitment to advancing political opportunities for the community, was unquestioned. The Godfather of this group would be without question, the Insurance
 Innovator Oscar Padilla, who dedicated his life and resources to the furtherance of many causes, no matter what affiliation. Oscar Padilla is credited with challenging his party to be more humane and understanding. Other notables in this group include Mayor Art Madrid, Joe Casillas, Bill Dominquez, John Bareno, Pete Rios and Larry Montoya.
Ernie Azochar-
 Elected in 1969 to the Sweetwater Union High School Board of Trustees, he served three terms, opening the way for many to follow. He operated Bay front Battery in OTNC,he also trained one of San Diego most notable fighters “Ernie ‘Dido’Cuadras.”He served as Mexican-American Liaison to Assemblyman Wadie Deddeh and Congressman Lionel Van Deerlin and was involved with the MAAC project.
 He served in the civilian conservation corp. and fought in World War II.His work ethic and patriotism were shaped by the great depression of the 1930s. He was recognized in the congressional record upon his passing.
J. Louie Camacho-
<a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://laprensa-sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Louie.Camacho.J… loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2075" title="Louie.Camacho" src="http://laprensa-sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Louie.Camacho-1…; alt="Louie.Camacho" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://dev-laprensa.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Louie.C… 150w, https://dev-laprensa.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Louie.C… 245w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px"></a> Louie Camacho was elected to the National City Council in 1968 and served into the 1980s. He was a Butcher by trade, he was a native of Calexico, then moved to National City. He attended Sweetwater High School and played sports. He was said to have been classmates at Sweetwater High with the future Governor of Baja California, Roberto DeLam-adrid, a friendship that remained through the years. He was a veteran of World War ll and his work ethic was influenced by the depression. His personality and singing ability endeared him to all he met. He had a special commitment to helping young people overcome obstacles. His daughter, Thelma Camacho would become one of the original members of Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, no doubt inheriting her great talent from Louie Camacho. The City of National City named its municipal Gym after Louie Camacho. His passing was a major event in the city’s history.
Art Madrid-
 Art Madrid was elected to the La Mesa City Council in 1981 and then Mayor in 1990.
 A New Mexico Native, Madrid came to San Diego with the Marine Corp. He served as a staff member to Mayor Pete Wilson and then several years as government relations officer for Pac Bell.
 He has remained involved in local government and his commitment to service still remains strong.
Benjamin Moreno-
<a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://laprensa-sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Ben.Moreno.JPG"… loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2072" title="Ben.Moreno" src="http://laprensa-sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Ben.Moreno.JPG&…; alt="Ben.Moreno" width="137" height="165"></a> Ben Moreno was the first Mexican-American elected to the Southwestern College Board of Trustees, in its history and the first in Southern and Central California. His tenure during the 1970s was filled with student unrest and chaos. He was known to be sympathetic to student concerns and issues due in part to his involvement with MAPA and the Committee on Chicano Rights, out of National City. A native of the Otay Community, in Chula Vista, Moreno worked to have these areas better served by the College.
 He went on to a distinguished career in Aerospace. He was followed in 1986 by Augie Bareño on the Board of Trustees. Who served until 1999.
Armando ‘A.Y’ Casillas
 A.Y Casillas was elected to the Chula Vista Elementary Board of Trustees in 1969.His family the Casillas’ had been in Chula Vista for many years and they had a very large family, all of whom were civically involved. In addition, his employment at Rohr industries was helpful in his election. A quiet and dignified man A.Y.Casillas’ terms on the school board were marked with a strong concern for student achievement and fiscal accountability. He proved to be a fine public servant. The subsequent Casillas generations includes Assembly member Mary Salas, among others.
Dr Oscar Canedo-
 Oscar Canedo was elected to the National School District Board of Trustees in 1969.
 Oscar Canedo, an educator, ran his campaign on wanting to improve the quality of education offered at Kimball Elementary. He became a tireless advocate for bilingual education and teacher opportunities.
 He served with distinction and was replaced in 1979 by Augie Bareno, who joined Frank Perez as Mexican-American Board members. Frank Perez, a state employee had replaced another board member who had left in the early 1970s. Dr. Candeo served as professor of language at Southwestern College, before he retired.
MAPA-
 The organization of MAPA, more specifically the National City Chapter at one point in the 1970s, was directly responsible for the victories in the South Bay area of Supervisor Jack Walsh, District Attorney Ed Miller and Sheriff John Duffy. Without MAPA mobilizing the Mexican-American vote, which turned out to be the difference in each of these races, these names would have faded into oblivion.Sadly, it was MAPA that faded. History would prove that Miller, Duffy and Walsh had other agendas.
 Finally, we all should reflect and remember that if we don’t learn from the mistakes of the past, we will surely repeat them.

Author

Augie Bareño