Category Archives: Wall of Heroes

Bombis

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Bombis
Me and my little cousin Bombis chillin’ in the front yard.

If there’s one cat who can annoy me to no end, it’s my little cousin Bombis. Why is his name Bombis? I have no idea and neither does he, but that’s his name. Once you meet him you’ll never forget him. He’ll greet you with a “friendly” slap on the chest followed by a WWE stance. This kid’s a real life Calvin. I remember one day we caught him digging a huge hole in the middle of the backyard. His explanation? I quote, “I was digging for buried treasure”. Priceless. I can’t forget the time he dressed up as Hugh Hefner either. He walked around the house the entire day with his chin up and a smug look on his face like a boss. I was crackin’ up for hours. On a deeper level the value of having such a cool kid around can’t be measured. I guess you could say one of the best parts of having him around is that no matter how sh**ty my day is, I’m sure to come home to a few good laughs. Did I mention this kid has heart?

Bombis

Tony Loco

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Tony Loco

Tony Ketchum does his famous "fish face" for the camera.

What can I say about my good friend Tony Loco? He was the class clown & one of the people you just looked forward to seeing every day. It’s as if he jumped right out of a cartoon how funny he was. From his use of the word “Extreme!” for emphasis during sports, to his insane dance moves. Tony was the man. I guess you could describe him best as the really big kid, mullet & all. It was hard not to have a good time when he was around. He would always have his PSP Speakers on blast ready to bring some “theme music” to the table. Or how for whatever reason he was ready to “get down” & would utter “You wanna go! You wanna go! Lets do this you fu**in’ pansy!” followed by his “fighting stance combination”. You also can’t forget his antics, I remember in class one day out of nowhere he hops on top of his desk & says “Forget this I don’t wanna work! Revolution!”, I was laughing so hard & in fact joined the “rebellion”. He’s just one of those people who will liven up a dull day. Nowadays he’s on his way to becoming a Master Chef & trust me, this boy can cook. Now who wants a juicy hamburger?

Tony Loco

El Niño

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El Niño

Reynaldo Avalos poses for a portrait.

My cousin Rey aka Niño came to the U.S. years ago in search of a better life. He once said “This is a place where dreams come true carnal, where we can make it.” He opened my eyes as to why people come here in mass. He taught me what it means to be down for one another, to have courage, & have heart. The tattoo’s that cover his body are a blueprint to his life story from where he’s from to the struggles he’s faced. Out of the vast family I have he was one of the few who kept it real & was there for me during hard times. If I was ever in trouble he was always down to ride. But beneath this willingness to fight for the ones he loved was another side to his character. A peaceful side against unprovoked violence. He told me “Never start shit, you have to respect people & avoid that as much as you can. There comes a time when you have to fight, but let them bring the fight to you.” He laid down grass roots for me when he told me “Never forget where you came from carnal, or the people that helped you along the way.” & this I will never forget. His impact on my life is immeasurable & that is why he lay on my Wall Of Heroes.

El Niño

Fatman

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Fatman

Oscar Barajas leans against a wall that has been tagged with 707 his home area code.

It’s been a long time since I seen my old homeboy Oscar aka ese Fatman, the one who gave me my first story. Growing up I never had any real friends, regardless of what I did I was always too something. Fatman was one of the few who accepted me not givin’ a fuck. I’ll never forget that.  From getting caught up bustin’ shots in Hamilton to cruisin’ till the morn’ all week long. It was a trip. You could always catch Oscar tumbado & Loc’d out, gettin’ them creases prefect. He was cool off all that gang shit but like me was feelin’ that Chicano Pride. He taught me one of the most valuable lessons in life, that no matter what happens, when it comes down to it. A carnal is for life. Wherever you at carnal, I got much love for you, hope your letting the good times roll.

Fatman