Chevy’s Traverse is for Mexicans who don’t need a huge-ass Suburban but still want something sleek

I get along well enough with my neighbors, but we really don’t talk. That’s why it was surprising to me when I got a knock on my door one night from the lady across the street.

She had never talked to me before, even though she and her family have lived in my hood for years. But now, la vecina was all smiles and excitement.

“So is that a Chevrolet Traverse in front of your house?” she asked. Why yes, it was!

“Did you buy it?”

Nope, it was a test drive.

“When you’re done with it, can you let me know what you thought?” she said. “Because I want to get one, but my husband wants to go with a Toyota.

Better conversation than her asking me to not play Los Bukis so loud, amirite?

Mas…Chevy’s Traverse is for Mexicans who don’t need a huge-ass Suburban but still want something sleek

Dave Alvin, Flaco Jimenez, David Hidalgo y Los Cenzontles: ‘Hey, Baby, It’s the Fourth of July’


Roots rock singer/guitar slinger and East Los homie (Downey) Dave Alvin sings a classic ode to America, folky roots, broken hearts, independence and Mexican kids shooting fireworks Hey, baby, it’s the Fourth of July! Alvin is backed in this version by Los Cenzontles, Tex-Mex accordion superstar Flaco Jimenez and David Hidalgo of Los Lobos.

Here’s the original music video, so old it’s in black and white!

Mas…Dave Alvin, Flaco Jimenez, David Hidalgo y Los Cenzontles: ‘Hey, Baby, It’s the Fourth of July’

Around Our Town: Puro Party Picks for Father’s Day Weekend 2018

fathersdaychurchsignFather and Son Chile-Eating Contest: Quién es más macho? The East Pocho Optimists Club once again sets up shop at Fernando Valenzuela Field for their annual chile-eating contest, which pits father-son teams against each other to see who can ascend the Picante Podium of Pain. The winning team wins even more chiles! Sunday, noon.

Bronche: Angry Bull cocktails (Red Bull, tequila, orange juice) are just $3 and dads get all the Mexican Meatloaf Sliders they want for free on Father’s Day at TGI Viernes in the Rancho Pocho Mall. Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM. Mention my name, Chale Knickerbocker, for a blank stare.

Mas…Around Our Town: Puro Party Picks for Father’s Day Weekend 2018

NYC profe visits East Los, eats tacos, takes photos, buys Doyers shirt

From #PueblaYork to #OaxaCalifornia

I live in NYC, and I have to admit, it had been a long time since I spent time in L.A., close to a decade.

In 2008, I visited my tía abuela who lived in Orange County. She drove me up to L.A. to see Olvera Street and a quick drive through Boyle Heights. It’s been a decade since then, and this summer I had a few days and a rental car, so I saw some things. I had some taco literacy work to do, but more than that, I wanted to learn more about the gente, to visit some places that have been mythologized for me, a Chicano from rural Arizona.

Califas, as I heard y’all refer to yourselves, I had come to get to know you better.

Mas…NYC profe visits East Los, eats tacos, takes photos, buys Doyers shirt