Oral History

Ruben Abrica Interview

Themes:
Subjects:
Gertrude Wilks, EPA YMCA, James Blakey, Barbara Mouton, Comité Latino, Patricia Foster, Centro Bilingual, Jesse Jackson, Elena Becks, Omowale Satterwhite, Midpeninsula Citizens for Fair Housing, West of Bayshore Renters Association, Pat Johnson, EPA Senior Center, Meda Okelo, Ruben Abrica, Campaign for Economic Democracy, Henry Anthony, EPA Municipal Council, Costaño School, Palo Alto Park Association, Ravenswood AYSO, EPACCI
Date of Creation or Publication:
8/31/2025
Creator
Meda Okelo
Donor
Ruben Abrica
Language
English
Copyright Statement:
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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