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1995 interview with Simona (Sammy) Castillo part 1. Reflects on her life and the life of her father who was one of the first Mexican workers in East Highland. For 66 years her dad worked at East Highland Ranch. He lived in Colton, her mother in Bryn Mawr before marrying. Parents arrived in the region c. 1884 from Mexico by way of El Paso. Sammy reflects on her childhood in East Highland followed by her graduation from the University of Redlands and her 42 years as a nurse which she cherished. The audio continues for two minutes after the transcript indicates the interview has ended.
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1999 interview with Joe Arredondo April 30, 1999, focusing specifically on water as Arredondo is the water man for the Greenspot Mutual and Greenspot Mutual Well in addition to being the treasurer and secretary for the water companies. He describes how he diverts the water, the process of shares, the use of Mundi water during dry years, and the growing cost of maintaining the pipes. He discusses the division of water between cities like Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Colton, as well as Riverside and Orange County.
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1997 interview with Joe Arredondo, editors note: Part 1 of the interview was lost due to equipment failure. Joe Arredondo discusses citrus picking crews and the state of the citrus industry and citrus properties at the moment (1990s). The conversation turns to water rights and the possibility of Highland or Redlands annexing Greenspot, they discuss zanjeros, well water, and the construction of larger water pipes in the region. Evelyn Pedro reminds Arredondo about his involvement in the Progretista and he describes his negative experience with the organization.
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Mary Bermudez and friends working in a citrus packing house. They are standing in front of a conveyor belt laden with citrus and behind them are boxes stacked high to the ceiling. All of them are wearing semi-formal and casual dress attire. This image is featured in the 2008 Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society Calendar. See “relation” to learn more.
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The photo is from the set of the Disney movie Los Tres Caballeros. Walt Disney is standing while wearing a poncho and sombrero while several Latino/a actors wear sombraros and ponchos while congregating around him. The actors all wear costumes from the movie. A young Abbie Chavez, from Riverside, stands on the right.
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Page featuring a photo of five young women, the Soliz sisters, standing atop Mt. Rubidoux in Riverside, California. The page also features a missions statement aiming to preserve and share the Mexican-American History of Riverside. Lastly, there is information regarding the cost of including advertisements in the commemorational calendar for those interested. Calendar text reads "Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society, Mission Statement: Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society is dedicated to bring together in sharing, preserving, of historic photographs, stories, and artifacts that illustrate the communities of Mexican Americans in the County of Riverside. AD's and Memorial Rememberances: Business Ad's, Memorial Remembbrances, and Tributes of loved ones may be placed for $120.00 each. We need a business card with correct information and a short written dedication of tribute to the honored person. "It is important to know where we have been, where we are, and to see where we are going." Soliz sisters enjoying the view atop of Mt. Rubidoux."
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Photo of several Mexican orange pickers in a grove in the Casa Blanca neighborhood of Riverside, California in the early 1940s. They pose with a ladder and orange crate. The photo is courtesy of Semona Valero. The calendar text reads, "Orange pickers of the Casa Blanca area in the early 1940s. Photo courtesy of Semona Valero."
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2000 interview with Alfred Armendarez in which he discusses his early life, including his earliest memory: the 1930s fire at Elephant Orchard Packing House. Armendarez discusses both citrus picking and packing in Redlands as well as his family's experience picking grapes in August. As Armendarez recalls life growing up in Redlands he briefly mentions Lincoln School, Redlands High School, Sylvan Plunge, and the House of Neighborly Service. Armendarez was drafted right out of high school and recalls his experience in the Navy and the transition into civilan life in which he went back to agricultural work for a brief time before working at Universal Rundle until they closed in 1982. Armendarez shares his songbook with old songs dating back to the 1940s and discusses some of the organizations he was involved in such as LULAC and the Menudo Club.
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A pamphlet celebrating the Pentecost and 90 years of service and worship at the Divine Savior United Presbyterian Church (1913-2003). The program includes the schedule for the celebration.
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This letter tells the story of the Conception Church known also as the Divine Savior United Presbyterian Church starting with Jacinto Romero in 1893. The history of the church is intertwined with the history of the Romero family.
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Simona Valera stands in front of a house with sunglasses on and her hands in her pockets. The window of the house is photographed and plants are growing by the house.
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Tony "Blackie" Campos Jr. and a black woman dressed in formal wear dancing together at a formal event/party with two other guests in the background of the photo. The middle of the photo has a horizontal green reflection line. Photo is in color.
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The Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society 2010 calendar cover is titled, "Remembering Our Heroes." It has an image of seven servicemen saluting to a casket, standing on either side, of a late serviceman. In the lower left-hand corner of the picture, there is an inscription that reads "Honoring a Fallen Hero." The very bottom of the page states" Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society."
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A calendar cover for December/ Diciembre 2010 presents Dario Vasquez, a WWII Army veteran originally from Riverside, California. The three photos are in black and white, the top two of which are presumably from his days serving under the navy during WWII (1939-1945). The third photo underneath is of the Gold Star Mothers with a dedication description of that reads, "THE GOLD STAR MOTHERS (left to right) Maria Mollindo, Elizabeth Rangel, Delfina Vasquez, Inez Cabrera and Cornelio Macias (not present). Son's killed in action during WWII were Theodore Mollindo, Manuel Rangel, Dario Vasquez, Gus Cabrera, and Ventura Macias. The Memorial was located at Lincoln Park." On the far right a memorial description for Dario Vasquez reads, "Corporal Dario G. Vasquez was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on December 19, 1919. His family moved to Riverside, California where he was raised. He entered the Army in August, 1941. He completed his basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and was then assigned to the 1st Armored Division 6th Infantry. His unit deployed to North Africa in the North African Campaign. He distinguished himself in combat and for bravery and valor was awarded the Bronze Star. He was killed in Action on April 2, 1943. He is memorialized at the North African American Cemetery in Carthage, Tunisia. He received the following Medals/ Awards:
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
World War II Service Lapel Button
With the exception of the Purple Heart, his family was unaware of the additional medals that were awarded to Corporal Vasquez. In September of 2009 a request was submitted to the National Personnel Records Archives to present all remaining awards/ medals to his oldest surviving brother, Gilbert G. Vasquez of Riverside, California. Elaine (Vasquez) Kist"
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A calendar cover page for November/ Noviembr 2010 presents five pictures of soldiers from the Inland Empire who served in different military branches over the 20th century. This is continuing from the previous calendar pages before this one in the calendar for starting from the June calendar page. Each image is captioned with the soldier's name, their army branch, and where they were from.Michael S. Lozano, a Vietnam War USMC veteran of Riverside. Manuel H. Venegas, a Vietnam War USMC veteran of Riverside. Edward P. Sandoval, an Army veteran (1969-1975) of Riverside. Adrian P. Ruiz, an Army veteran (1976-1982) of Belltown/Riverside. Angel Martinez, a WWII Army veteran of Riverside.
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A calendar cover page for October/ Octubre 2010 presents five photos of soldiers from the Inland Empire who have served in different branches during the Vietnam conflict era. This is continuing from the previous calendar pages before this one in the calendar for starting from the June calendar page. Each image is captioned with the soldier's name, their military branch, and where they were from. The one exception is Robert E. Erbe, who is only listed as being a retired colonel instead of where he was from. Henry Pasillas, a Vietnam War Army veteran of Casa Blanca. Robert E. Erbe, a Vietnam War Air Force veteran who retired as a colonel. Johnny Lopez, an Army veteran (1965-1967) of Riverside. Peter Campbassa, a Vietnam War USMC veteran of Casa Blanca. Richard (Bobo) Romero, a Vietnam War USMC veteran of Riverside.
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A calendar cover for September/ Septiembre 2010 presents six pictures of soldiers from the Inland Empire who served in different branches during the 1950s. This is continuing from the previous calendar pages before this one in the calendar for starting from the June calendar page. Each image is captioned with the soldier's name, their military branch, and where they were from. Roberto Garcia, an Air Force veteran of Riverside. Johnny Soliz, a WWII veteran (1955-1957) of Riverside. Johnny Carrillo, an Army veteran (1950-1952) of Riverside. Emmo Soliz, a Navy veteran (1951-1955) of Riverside. Nick Valadez, a Korean War Army veteran of Riverside. Jose F. Araiza, an Army veteran (1955-1957) of Coachella.
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A calendar cover page for August/ Agosto 2010 presents six pictures of soldiers from the Inland Empire who served in different branches during WWII. This is continuing from the two calendar pages before this one in the calendar for June and July. Each image is captioned with the soldier's name, their military branch, and where they were from. Pictured left to right: Chito Marquez, a WWII Army veteran of Casa Blanca. Juan C. Valdez, a WWII Army veteran of Casa Blanca. Frank Marquez, a WWII Army veteran of Casa Blanca. The Garcia brothers, Raul and Alfred, WWII Army veterans of Casa Blanca. John Marquez, a WWII Marine veteran of Casa Blanca. Philip Castro, a WWII Army veteran of Casa Blanca.
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A calendar cover page for July/ Julio 2010 presents six pictures of soldiers from the Inland Empire who served in different branches during WWII. This is continuing from the June calendar page from the previous page. Each image is captioned with the soldier's name, their military branch, and where they were from. Pictured left to right: Zeke Hernandez, a WWII Army veteran of Riverside. Leonard Zaragoza, a WWII Army veteran of Riverside. Manuel Bermudz, a WWII Army veteran of Riverside. Tom Valerria, a WWII Army veteran of Casa Blanca. Lupe Nevarez, a WWII Air Force veteran of Riverside. Joe M. Romero, a WWII Army veteran of Riverside.
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A calendar cover for June/ Junio 2010 calendar cover presents six pictures of soldiers from the Inland Empire who served in different branches during WWII. Pictured left to right, the inscriptions read "Avila Brothers - WWII, Ralph (Army), Daniel (Marine), Elias (Army) - Riverside; Barney Diaz - Navy WWII, Riverside; Michael German, Air Force WWII - Riverside; Jim Castro - Army WWII, Casa Blanca; Villegas Brothers - Daario and Smiley, Army WWII - Casa Blanca; Fidel Pasillas - Army WWII, Casa Blanca." Each soldier pictured is in their military uniform and in their respective positions in the military.
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A calendar cover page for April/ Abril 2010 calendar cover presents one photo of the Diaz family of 7, of which 4 were women and 2 were men who served in the Army during WWI. They are from Casa Blanca, California. The family portrait is in black and white, presumably from days serving under the Navy during WWI (1914-1918). The photo description on the bottom left corner reads "The Diaz family from Arizona settled in the community of Casa Blanca. Brothers Isidro and Barney Diaz served in the United States Army during WWI."
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A calendar cover page for March/Marzo 2010 presents photos of Ysmael Villegas, a WWII Army veteran originally from Casa Blanca, California. The 6 photos are in black and white, presumably from his days serving under the navy during WWII (1939-1945). There is a photo of his Army portrait, his medal with the caption reading "Dedication: His courage will always be and inspiration to all for he is our hometown hero, who left us so long ago," his gravestone and burial, a certificate of recognition under the county of Riverside from Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge on March 21st, 2004 stating "STAFF SERGEANT YSMAEL VILLEGAS DAY shall be recognized annually on March 21st in the City of Riverside, and on behalf of all our citizens, do hereby pay tribute to the bravery and spirit of Ysmael Villegas and all that it represents to the City and to our country," and of the Ysmael R. Villegas Middle School from present day. The memorial description of his wartime life at the top center reads, "SMILEY'S BRAVERY On March 20, 1945 his unit was in a forward position when they clashed with a strongly entrenched unit of the Japanese Army. Moving from man to man, while under scathing and direct fire, he encouraged his men to drive forward. Smiley took the initiative himself and in a rapid succession made direct frontal attacks on six fox holes containing Japanese gunners. He killed the occupants of the first five holes and was on his way to the sixth when a hail of enemy bullets killed him. Inspired by his gallantry, his men gained the crest of the heavily defended hill and swept the Japanese from the field. U.S. Army tersely-worded report."
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A calendar page for January 2010 featuring a photo of Johnny Sotelo, a WWII Navy veteran originally from Riverside, California. The four photos are in black and white, presumably from his days serving under the navy during WWII (1939-1945). There is a self-portrait in naval regalia, candids of him working, and one of Johnny posing with an unnamed navy mate.
On the far right of the calendar page, a memorial description reads, "The 2010 Calendar is dedicated in memory of Johnny Martin Sotelo; Father of the Eastside Community. Johnny came from humble beginnings, born at home on Eleventh Street on January 19, 1925, in Riverside. Growing up during the Depression, he worked with his family doing migrant farm labor work. He was proud of being an American of Hispanic Heritage, serving in the United States Navy submarine squadron in the Pacific during WWII. Family values, caring for others, especially the underprivileged were of great importance to Johnny. He was a definite role model for many, always believing all should be given an equal opportunity to learn and pursue their goals. Johnny was a community advocate, mentor, and businessman. His leadership in community committees and organizations were important to him. Johnny became Riverside's first Latino City Council Member, representing Ward Two in 1963. Johnny shared his wisdom and guided many. His legacy will always be honored, for he opened many doors in being the first. We lost Him on August 26, 2009; we'll all miss our dear friend Johnny. Linda Salinas-Thompson"
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The back cover page for the 2009 calendar made by the Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society, which features the name of the society, the twelve photographs featured in the calendar, an attribution for the front page photograph, and an attribution to the graphic designer of the calendar, Bernasconi Graphic Design. The photographs date from the 1940s and feature buildings and group portraits. The price of the calendar is also displayed on the lower right hand corner as $10.
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An end page featuring a message from the founders of the Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society, detailing the compilation of the calendar and the collection of photos and histories from members of the community. The message ends with goals for future activities within the community by the RCMAHS, including a yearly event during Hispanic heritage month and signed by Linda Salinas-Thompson and Rudy Soliz Diaz. A small notice for advertisements or memorials in future calendars follows. In the upper right hand corner, a picture featuring two rows of Latino men dressed in baseball uniforms against a background of people is placed with the inscription "Late 1940's 'Casa Blanca Aces' baseball team."