Ruben Abrica Interview

Meda Okelo

Oral History Work

Ruben Abrica Interview

Public Deposited

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Interview of Ruben Abrica by Meda Okelo. Topics include: Migration to EPA from Mexico via Los Angeles; moving to EPA in 1979 with his younger brother after getting his Masters at Stanford; teaching at Costaño School and its bilingual Parents Committee; renting an apartment on the West side; getting involved in the community, including joining the incorporation committee in 1980; notable core members of the committee; fighting for rent control and fair treatment of tenants; forming the West of Bayshore Renters Association in 1982 to battle the Palo Alto Park Association; serving on the Municipal Council; serving on the first City Council; coordinating the San Mateo County campaign for Jesse Jackson with Elena Becks; forming Comité Latino in 1985 to produce the first EPA Cinco de Mayo Festival; working on immigration reform; challenges and wins in the City’s first years; learning how to deal with developers like DeMonet; why he lost reelection in 1988; running for Ravenswood City School District Board in 1990 and serving for 12 years; school district challenges; helping with others (some named) to establish an AYSO soccer league in EPA; other boards joined around 2000; winning a City Council seat in 2004 where he continues to serve (2025); reflecting on EPA’s growth; vision for EPA in 2033; and other topics.

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