Out around town

Southwestern College Trustee Humberto Peraza announced he won’t seek reelection next year. After years as a local political staffer and school board member, Peraza says he’s refocusing his time on his family and business. Smart man. Too many get hooked on the juice and lose all perspective. Surely it’s not the end of his community involvement.

This column will be dedicated each week to covering the happenings out around town, from behind-the-scenes deals and political campaigns, to the movements of our movers and shakers.

Everyday, members of our community launch exciting new companies, take great new jobs, or tackle the tough issues we face.  Too often we don’t provide enough support or coverage to highlight those successes. We will. And other times, though, we don’t hold people accountable when they fail to live up to the responsibilities we entrust them with. We will.

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<p><strong>Dear Mexican: Some time back you discussed the Chivas soccer team. This reminded me of my time in San Francisco’s Mission District, when the traficantes would whisper, “Chiva…chiva,” (pronounced “chee-ba”), as I walked down 16th Street. At least, that’s what it sounded like. When I asked someone what it meant, they said, “stuff,” which seemed plausible enough. Now it’s baby goats? I know slang etymology is often hard to pin down, but why is heroin referred to as chiva, if that’s the right word?</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Dear Mexican: I’m not sure if this is solely an Orange County thing, but as a high school student in SanTana, I can’t help but realize that the great majority of rockabilly kids are Mexican. Why is this? Weren’t the ‘40s and ‘50s kind of a bad time for Mexicans?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><strong>Chicana con Ganas</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Dear Mexican: Why do so many cholos like the song “I’m Your Puppet” by James &amp; Bobby Purify? Is there something about this song or is it all oldies they like?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><strong>Aspiring Puppeteer</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Dear Mexican: Recently, I visited a viejecita in an assisted living home. As I’m getting on in years myself, I wondered how I would fare in such a place. Fortunately I like to eat cottage cheese, but I would like some salsa with it, or better yet, an occasional jalapeño en escabeche. Are there places for those of us who like spicy Mexican food? Perhaps you have answered this question already in Taco USA, but I have been so busy lately that I have not yet cracked the cover of my copy.</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Dear Mexican: As you’ve said before, Mexicans lack education. Why do they? Why don’t they care that a haigh-school education is not enough in this 21st century? I see exceptions to the rule, but the rule seems to be “No More School After High School.” I don’t get it. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><strong>Educated Gabacho</strong></p>

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