Art By Louie H. Moreno

Part IV – On The History of Old-Timers Friends Reunion:

Throughout the years, my father has documented those reunions by taking many photos of los veteranos. As they reflect on their lives, history, and future at those reunions, it was always about friendship.

In closing, I started this series on the history of Old-Timers Friends Reunion to organize my father’s archives. But, it has motivated me to continue those stories and develop it into a future article titled,  Cruisin’ With Los Veteranos: Community, Identity, And Music In Southern California.

For the full version of Part IV with photos, see the following website!

Part III – On The History of Old-Timers Friends Reunion:

Since the first gathering in 1998, many of los veteranos have passed away. They have been honored through t-shirts, posters, and flyers at the Old-Timers Friends Reunions.

In Loving Memory Of:
Dickie Padilla
Joey Aguilera
Raymond “Bones” Frences
Art Robles
Bobby Bustamante
Arnold Estrada
Albert Vera
Alfred “Canicas” Lopez
Louie “Red” Valenzuela
Rosalio Haro
Frank Pedroza
Martin Perez
Tony Lopez
Peter Lopez
David Marin
Ray Marin
Conrad Portillo
Efo Valdez
Raymond Duran
Bobby Gonzales
Mike Coleman
Gabriel Ballesteros

For the full version of Part IV with photos, see the following website!

Part II – On The History of Old-Timers Friends Reunion:

In 1998, Frank Nava and other veteranos organized the first Los Vato’s La Colonia Gathering, which later became the Old-Timer Friends Reunion. Since 2001, Bennie Mendez with the assistance from other veteranos has led the organizing of the annual gathering every summer on the second week of July. Note: I have removed the phone numbers and addresses from the flyers due to privacy.

For the full version of Part IV with photos, see the following website!

Part I – On The History of Old-Timers Friends Reunion:

Every summer since 1998, a group of old school Chicanos has organized the Old-Timers Friends Reunion in Oxnard, California to reflect on their lives, history, and future. These men (veteranos) have survived or continue to survive the decades of criminalization by politicians, educators, and law enforcement.

For the full version of Part IV with photos, see the following website!