The Chicano community mourns the loss of its champions for our cause through life celebrations, tributes, memorials and Dia de los Muertos altars. Many notables and non public figures have passed on throughout the fifty plus years since the birth of the ELA Chicano movement and many more will soon follow. Activists, academics, professionals, artists, business owners and community members - young and old - have contributed to the vastness of our cultural collective. Each and every one deserving of recognition and appreciation for their involvement, passion and pride in their Chicano/a/x identity. This time we are gathering to celebrate the life and legacy of Eddie Ayala who passed away at the age of 63 the day after Dia de los Muertos, 2023. I met Eddie Ayala at the tail end of the 1970's East LA backyard party scene where local Chicano music icons rocked cover songs and our socks off for a mere $1 entrance fee. Although entertaining and audience drawing there was a need for...
I've done it again. I ran yet another car into the ground. I had this latest tank of a beauty for five years and she has served me well getting me to and from work and a few places in between. This baby had class. Made me feel like a lady behind the wheel. Got it for a steal at $700. Not bad for a 1994 Volvo 960 but with it's age and the low price it came with high mileage and plenty of problems. For the first few years there were the basic repairs expected for a car of that age. The radiator went as did the brakes and water pump. In the last couple years others things started going. The sunroof jammed slightly open, the gas gauge didn't work, head lights worked intermittently, the driver side visor came off in my hand when adjusting it and the final straw was the DING DING DING of the seat belt/open door alert that didn't stop for months on end. Yes, I am insane. I left it like that even though I didn't have a working radio to drown out the sound. I got used to it but anyone who tagged along for a ride went nuts. After spending upwards of a few thousand dollars in repairs I finally blew the transmission. That was it! I knew it was time to say adios to the tank. Off she went to the scrap yard for $300. I don't know when or if I'll get another car. I don't want the headache of buying used but at the same time don't want to buy a brand spanking new auto either. The thought of monthly payments, high registration and insurance makes my stomache turn. Think I'll invest in a monthly Metro TAP card and see how that goes. Of course, I'll be renting cars now and again because I need to hit the streets for my regular drives through the connecting neighborhoods. I think that is the one thing I am going to miss the most...for now.