California Foodways: The Mitla Cafe

Aired on The California Report Magazine on September 12, 2014.

This is the start of my new series, California Foodways.  Come check us out at californiafoodways.com (just going live...); on Facebook, and on Twitter @cafoodways.

http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201409121630/c

The West Side of San Bernardino is one of those neighborhoods where people still live in the houses their Mexican American great-grandparents bought in the 1930s. Today, on the once-thriving commercial strip, there are plenty of vacant lots and storefronts, but one business is still a magnet for customers: the Mitla Cafe.  It’s proof that sometimes a restaurant is more than just a restaurant.  Since the ‘30s, the restaurant has born witness to and played a role in political change.  It also happens to be an unlikely inspiration for how mainstream America sees – and eats -- Mexican food.

The West Side of San Bernardino is one of those neighborhoods where people still live in the houses their Mexican-American great-grandparents bought in the 1930s. Today, on the once-thriving commercial strip, there are plenty of vacant lots and storefronts, but one business is still a magnet for customers: the Mitla Cafe.
It’s proof that sometimes a restaurant is more than just a restaurant.  Since the ‘30s, the restaurant has born witness to and played a role in political change. It also happens to be an unlikely inspiration for how mainstream America sees – and eats -- Mexican food.
- See more at: http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201409121630/c#sthash.JH9yiV7z.dpuf

Working Poor and Uninsured

Aired on The California Report Friday September 12, 2014:

Here's the blog entry and link to the audio on The California Report's State of Health.

Of the millions of Californians who are still uninsured, many are undocumented.  Many others find coverage too expensive, or the process too cumbersome.  I profile Leaburn Alexander who has two jobs, a three hour commute, and no health insurance.

Leaburn Alexander works two jobs and does not have health insurance. Here, he is on the start of his 3-hour commute home from the job he works as an overnight hotel janitor. - See more at: http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201409120850/b#sthash.zQKen6l3.dpuf

When the Affordable Care Act rolled out last fall, Californians enrolled in health coverage plans through Covered California and Medi-Cal in high numbers. But there are still millions of people in the state who lack health insurance. Undocumented people don't qualify for Obamacare benefits, while many others find coverage too expensive, or face other obstacles. - See more at: http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201409120850/b#sthash.zQKen6l3.dpuf

When the Affordable Care Act rolled out last fall, Californians enrolled in health coverage plans through Covered California and Medi-Cal in high numbers. But there are still millions of people in the state who lack health insurance. Undocumented people don't qualify for Obamacare benefits, while many others find coverage too expensive, or face other obstacles. - See more at: http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201409120850/b#sthash.zQKen6l3.dpuf