Loading...
Identifier
CortesRuben_2012_CRP
Description
Mr. Ruben Cortes describes his life as a Latino growing up in Salinas, California during the 1970s and 1980s. He was the son of two farm workers who often worked seasonal shifts in the fields to provide for their family. Watching his parents work hard rubbed off on him, making him a great student at all the schools he attended in the North Salinas area and on to San Jose State University. Mr. Cortes begins with a brief summary of how his family came to Salinas. He tells the story how his dad was going to move to Oregon or Washington in search for work, but his aunts husband persuaded him to come work in Salinas. When he came to Salinas he enjoyed it and eventually moved the family there. He also explains the responsibilities he had being the oldest boy in a house of seven children. He recalls having to babysit and maintain household activities while parents worked long hours. Ruben discusses the difficulties of being a business owner in the Chinatown area. He describes how a lot of his clients are intimidated by the area resulting in less business. He says it is hard to maintain a hotel and a car dealership while still being a volunteer on the Chinatown renewal board. He depicts his life in Salinas stating that he has high hopes for the city. He would like to see more business and job opportunities throughout the community so it will keep the younger generation out of the street and give them something positive to look toward to. Ruben spent most of his youth reading books from the local book truck in preparation to better his life and become successful, he wants that to serve as an example to young people explaining to them that if you work hard to accomplish your goals they will eventually come true. Ruben focuses mainly on the present-day Chinatown community and what improvements he would like to see made. He also provides his perspectives on ongoing issues within the community. Ruben talks about the relationship he has with the community where his business resides stating that he gains personal relationships with people that he never thought he can relate to. Ruben pays respects to his community by providing beds for the hornless through the county of Monterey. Ruben also talks about Latinos in the community, and how he believes a lot more Latinos should get involved in the Chinatown renewal project. He also expresses gratitude toward CSUMB for inspiring him to join the project by cleaning up the neighborhood and promoting change within the community.
Interview Date
10-22-2012
Interviewer
Evander Blakely
Geographic Coverage
Salinas (Calif.)
Subjects
Chinatown (Salinas, Calif.); Mexican American families; Agricultural laborers; Culture shock; Labor movement; Mexican American business enterprises; Homelessness
Type
Moving Image
Genre
Oral histories
Digital Format
video/mp4
Language
eng
Digital Collection
Chinatown Renewal Project
Repository
Archives & Special Collections of California State University, Monterey Bay
Disclaimer
These oral histories express the personal views, memories, and opinions of the interviewee. They do not represent the policy or views of California State University, Monterey Bay.
Recommended Citation
Cortes, Ruben and California State University, Monterey Bay, "Interview with Ruben Cortes" (2012). Chinatown Renewal Project. 51.
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/ohcma_chinatown/51
Rights Statement
