WMSD Past Feature (May):
Lisa Montes – “Did you know- Solana Beach’s first community was Mexican- American!”
Have you ever wondered why so many Mexicans and Mexican Americans ended up in Solana Beach? Were you even aware that there is a large Latino population in a community named Eden Gardens? This Podcast will familiarize you with this community and the people who established it. First, clear your head of what you know about I-5. During this time, you are in the middle of citrus and avocado fields. There is a demand for agriculture workers but where will they come from?
The farmers placed ads in the newspapers asking for people to come and work in this environment. Some came from northern California, others as far away as Bisbee, Arizona to work and make the first community in Solana Beach.
My friend Lisa Montes was born and raised in this community. Her mother had also been born in Eden Garden and her father came from Bisbee, Arizona. Her parents were the first couple married at St. Leo’s Mission. Lisa remembers playing in the arroyo (creek) and her imagination ran wild as they built forts, canoes or ate the grapes found there. Lisa was so fortunate in that many of the neighbors were aunts, uncles or cousins. The families supported each other and helped build that community. She remembers that at Christmas Santa would parachute onto a field behind St. Leo’s mission. The kids all waited with excitement to see who would be the first to spot the plane bringing Santa. The church played a major role in the social activities of that community with three-day fiestas being not only a fundraiser but a social event for the community. TV legend Desi Arnez, who had a home in Del Mar, was one of the regular performers at these events.
As Lisa got older, she realized the value of the history of her community. She volunteers at the History Center and is currently the curator of the History Center. She witnessed the creation of the “Tree of Life,” dedicated to the original 13 families that established la Colonia. Inside the community center there is a Veterans wall and outside as you enter the park you will see the tribute to the various branches of the service. Lisa’s heart will always be in Eden Gardens as they face today’s issues that affect the first Solana Beach Community.
WMSD Past Feature (February):
Bea Zamora and Dr. Mario Aguilar: Dancing through Life
Bea Zamora and Dr. Mario Aguilar are two community members who have contributed to the Latino community for well over 40 years. Their involvement in the movement goes back to their college days. Bea grew up in Los Angeles and Mario in San Diego. At Hoover High School, Mario was president of COPA (Chicanos Organizing for Atzlan).
In order to continue receiving her father’s death benefits her mother told her she had to enroll in college. So that was Bea’s next move. She enrolled in Mt. San Antonio Community College. They both have encouraged not only their own children but other young people to attend college. Their own children have been involved in Danza since they were young. Today their grandson is also involved in Danza.
In 2017, they formed a 501(c)3 with the goal of educating and preserving the culture and traditions of indigenous mestizo livening both Mexico and the United States.
After viewing this podcast you will not only know more about Bea and Mario but you will feel so much pride because they are members of the community.
