La Raza Athletic Association Podcast

In this episode we have special guests Zeke Munoz, Sal Gomez, and Dave Rangel along with hosts Fred Sanchez and Steve Lovato to discuss the La Raza Athletic Association soft league that went strong for 20 years in the 70's and 80's. Mixed Bloods, La Familia, Tecate, and Alma Latina are the teams represented here as we get into a lively discussion about the heyday of the LRAA softball league.

Ashley and James return for a follow up after their first podcast last summer. They both won the La Raza Atheletic Association Scholarship and now just completed their first semester at college. They bring us up to date on their educational journey as well as give words of advice to younger students. 

We interview Ashley and James, two inspiring La Raza Athletic Association scholarship recipients who were honored at our July 19th fundraising dinner. Ashley is headed to UC Berkeley, and James will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this fall. Join us as they share their journey growing up in East Oakland, what helped them succeed, and the advice they have for other students striving for academic excellence.

Behind the scenes look at the planning of the LRAA 2025 Fundraising Dinner. Steve Lovato and Augie Arteaga discuss the up to the minute status of the Dinner, to be held Saturday July 19 at the Just Dance Ballroom in Oakland. We are joined by Nagely Oseguera, our event planner, from Sueños Events.

Fred Sanchez and Steve Lovato went to the Aztec Run 2025, at Lake Merritt in Oakland and put on by the Spanish Speaking Citizens Foundation. It was a great event that attracted over 200 runners and raised money for a great cause. Listen to the sights and sounds of the event as we interview people from the local community and lots of runners. 

We have special guest Isabella Ordaz who is the college counselor at Cristo Rey High School in Oakland and  we discuss the cost of college and how to pay for it. The LRAA is giving away 4 scholarships this year to high school seniors in the area. This episode is packed with lots of practical information and will be valuable especially if you are applying for college this year. 

Jorge Lopez, founder of AMPS schools, which operates six schools serving kids of all grades in Oakland and in his hometown of Richmond, CA.  We talk about his journey from dropping of high school to completing his masters degree and founding AMPS.  His schools have been some of the highest achieving schools in the area. He talks about what it takes to help kids in the inner cities overcome obstacles to getting an education. We also discuss how the LRAA can make a difference. 

Victor Rios PhD is a MacArthur Foundation Chair and Professor of Sociology at the University of California Santa Barbara. He grew up in the mean streets of East Oakland and struggled as a youth caught up in gangs and street violence. Through tragedy, and  the help of a teacher and the community he returned to high school and was able to transcend his environment and eventually earn a PhD from UC Berkeley. He talks with us today about his story and what is takes for youth overcome obstacles and be successful.  

Special Guests George Rangel, Founder of Alma Latina, and Servando Morales, Founding Player of the Chichimecas talk about the origins of their sports clubs and some of the important events and members associated with each. Cohosted by Jose Arredondo and Steve Lovato, this episode is the 6th in the series of podcasts which highlights the  La Raza Athletic Association and what it means to the local community. 

Oakland City Councilman Noel Gallo is a former Board Member for the La Raza Athletic Association. On this episode Mr. Gallo talks with us about what role the LRAA plays in the community.