Voices of Ramona Gardens: Robert Martinez
Robert Martinez was born and raised in Ramona Gardens, a community he still calls home decades later. A single father for 15 years, Martinez has long been a guiding presence for youth over the years, including a decade-long career coaching students in a variety of different sports and his current role as a van driver for Legacy LA, a center dedicated to supporting those from the local neighborhood. As someone who was formerly incarcerated, he likes to share his story to deter youth from going down the path of gang violence.
Growing up in Boyle Heights in the late 80s and early 90s, Daisy Chávez-Mendez found herself coming of age in a less accepting community. Now in her early 40s, she’s spent the past two decades using her experience to work with others creating a more welcoming environment for all in the barrio.