Azteca Theater

Azteca Theater placed on National Register of Historic Places

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Fri, 19 May 2017 04:34:00 +0000

Back in December of 2015 the Fresno City Council passed a resolution designating the Azteca Theater a Heritage Property to be placed on the Local Register of Historic Resources. That was the first step of the process for the Azteca to be placed on California's list and be submitted to the National Register of Historic Places. On March 27, 2017 the Azteca, as it is commonly known, was put on the Nation Register program for Latinos in the 20th Century.

National Register of Historic Places

The Azteca played a significant role in the develop of Hispanic culture in Central California since it's opening in 1948 by Gustavo Acosta as the main Spanish language theater in the San Joaquin Valley, screening both new releases from Mexican Cinema and musical concerts.

In 1956 the theater blossomed under the leadership of Arturo Tirado, who also hosted tours for famous celebrities and musical groups.

In 1961 Tirado held a meeting in San Francisco that resulted in the formation of the Spanish Pictures Exhibitors Association. Elected President, Tirado represented almost 300 Spanish language movie houses nationwide in negotiations with distributors.

In 1965, Cesar Chavez, of United Farm Workers (UFW), led a strike of California grape pickers on the historic farm workers march from Delano to the California state capitol in Sacramento. Fresno was the largest city on the route as well as the agricultural center of the San Joaquin Valley and proved pivotal to the momentum of the march.

Over 1,000 people gathered at the Azteca Theater in support of the farm workers. Politicians, middle-class Mexican-Americans and enlightened general population were joining the line.

Tirado retired in the 1980s and the theater suffered lower attendance and eventually closed until 1999 when David Owens acquired it. He opened the iPacific Gallery in the lobby while efforts were being made to get the big hall open.

On September 26, 2014, the theater re-opened for events in the main hall under the management of Laura Barboza, who continues to make improvements and host a variety of events. The possibilities are just beginning.

Locally, Karana Hattersley-Drayton, of Fresno's Historic Preservation helped prepare the local Historic Fresno designation and worked with National Park Service staff for submission to the National Register.

Considerable research was done over several years to document significant historical and cultural events related to Latinos in Twentieth Century California.

Building on it's heritage, the Azteca Theater continues to seek ways to serve the Spanish language, as well as multi-cultural, communities of Central California.

--- David Owens, May 18, 2017

Azteca mural project 2016

Azteca Theater on Facebook

Teatro Azteca on Facebook

More Azteca Theater as photographic model

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 23:38:00 +0000

Here is another image that caught the lens of a photographer. This time, Luis Sinco collection of outtakes from his photo shoots.

The exterior of the Azteca Theater in the historic Chinatown district of downtown Fresno.

The Los Angeles Times called it the "defunct" Azteca Theater, which was not really accurate. At this time the lobby of Azteca Theater was home to the iPacific Gallery while preparations were being made to open the main auditorium.

In this view of the ticket booth has several interesting features. I replaced the ticket booth glass with plexiglass and made a communication opening with the grill form a computer fan. The American flag covers an ugly grill that made the door window secure. The closed sign indicates the gallery was closed. It was open weekends and on Art Hops. The original round windows in the theater doors were enhanced with auspicious Chinese symbols etched into the glass.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

"Outtakes | Luis Sinco
A photographer may take dozens of shots for an assignment, and they’re usually edited down to just a few images for use in the newspaper and online. Details and moments significant to the photographer often don’t make the cut. Outtakes presents a selection of those images."
See more of Sinco's images at
http://framework.latimes.com/2014/04/03/outtakes-luis-sinco-10/#/11

See more artistic takes on the Azteca Theater here:
http://aztecatheater.blogspot.com/2011/06/azteca-theater-as-photographers-model.html http://aztecatheater.blogspot.com/2011/06/azteca-theater-as-photographers-model.html

Council names Azteca Theater an Historic Property

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 14:05:00 +0000

The Fresno City Council passed a resolution Thursday, December 3, 2015 designating the Azteca Theater a Heritage Property to be placed on the Local Register of Historic Resources.

First stop on the Biking Through History event, October, 2015

This culminates several months of process that started with the Historic Preservation Commission for the Azteca Theater, as well as six other Fresno properties designated by the council.

Other properties designated were the Dudley and Elsie Bates Home 718 E. Carmen Ave, the Judy Tobacco Building 155 Van Ness Ave., the Squirt Bottling Company Building 152 M Street, the Alice and John Williams Home 1525 N. Wishon Ave., United Grocers Inc. Wholesale Grocery Building 414 P Street, and the White Truck Company/Electric Motor Shop at 253 Fulton Street.

These properties will be added to the existing Fresno Register of Historic Resources http://historicfresno.org/lrhr/index.htm

The report to the Historic Preservation Commission:

Cesar Chavez, the Delano-to-Sacramento marchers at the Azteca Theater

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 23:54:00 +0000

A major rallying point for the Delano-to-Sacramento march was Fresno and the Azteca Theater. With Eight days and 100 miles behind them, the marchers from Delano made it to Fresno.

Delano-to-Sacramento marchers. Photo Jon Lewis, March 1966

For six months they had discussed the Plan of Delano and fought to gain collective bargaining rights.
Cesar Chavez spoke to over 1,000 people at the Azteca Theater March 24, 1966.
A small ad in the The Fresno Bee March 23, 1966 invited people to come to see Chavez speak.

Fresno Bee, March 23, 1966

Over 1,000 people showed up to listen and show support, at the rally with Cesar Chavez at the Azteca Theater, many spilling out on to F Street. The headline in the Bee highlights a meeting of Mayor Hyde with marchers.


Fresno Bee, March 25, 1966

Fresno Bee, March 14, 1966

A photo taken March 24 on F street shows the crowd at the Azteca Theater.

Photo from "The Movement" taken outside the Azteca Theater March 24, 1966

The humble, but, oh so important, theater urinal

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:45:00 +0000

By David Owens
One very important aspect of vintage theaters that is often overlooked is the usefulness of the restrooms. On a recent tour of the Holly Theatre in Medford, Oregon, under restoration, this became shockingly clear.

As I descended the steps to the Men's Room I was greeted with a confusing view that took a moment to comprehend. A porcelain buttress protruded into the room that was vaguely familiar, yet foreign.

A two-sided urinal at the 1930 Holly Theatre

There was a urinal facing me, but wait, it is not flush to the wall, it is at an angle. And just around the 4' privacy buttress there is a second urinal. But just one drain and one flush pipe.

Wow, those 1930 geniuses of space saving design, two urinals in the space of one! I am surprised I have not seen something similar at IKEA for small spaces!

Upon reflection, this is a novelty that works best when the room is not crowded. First, you have to make a choice - Do I take the left stall or the right stall? The left faces the entrance so I can greet incoming guests, the right faces the wall so they surprise me from behind. Neither option makes me particularly comfortable.

This brings a new understanding of the term "pissing contest." If two men enter at the same time they can face off and have a rousing critique of the movie they are watching. Or perhaps, check-to-cheek they will experience an uncomfortable bladder lock and it truly is a contest to see who can concentrate and finish first!

Maybe this worked well in 1930, but since I have only seen one other example of this anywhere, perhaps not. The fix is simple, put a privacy shield on top of the urinal perpendicular to the wall that avoids that awkward eye contact during personal business.

Others have tried to save space at the men's room, and it is not easy to redefine personal space. This placement is just too cozy.

Lest anyone wonder, the men's urinals at the 1946 Azteca Theater are separate and customers face the wall. Boring as it may be, given the alternatives, we are grateful.

Azteca Theater men's urinals- thankfully boring.

But let's not write of the novelty urinal of 1930. In forward-looking and progressive Amsterdam they are not to be outdone. Why stop at double urinals when you can have four-sided urinals. And why put them in a room when it is so much more liberating to do your business in public?

We have all seen uncouth persons relieving themselves conspicuously on city streets. Why not turn this into a cool happening that all will want to participate in?

Public urinals in Amsterdam

But the best solution of all to avoid the awkward silence staring at the wall over the urinal is to face off with a pleasant stranger who neither looks down or tries to make nerrvous conversation.

Wait a minute, these figures are watching! Well, perhaps with a sense of humor there will be no more nervousness and men can happily go with the flow.

Urinals at an Australian rail station.

Cesar Chavez, the Azteca Theater, and the march to Sacramento

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 12:08:00 +0000

The Azteca Theater in 1965 as Cesar Chavez and the Delano marchers reach Fresno enroute to Sacramento. Photo by Gerhard Gscheidle, for The Movement, April, 1966.

By David Owens

The story of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers (UFW) is well known, especially in California. What is less known is the role of the Azteca Theater in that famous march to Sacramento.

It started in 1962, when Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) with Dolores Huerta. It was later called the United Farm Workers (UFW).

In 1965, Chavez led a strike of California grape pickers on the historic farm workers march from Delano to the California state capitol in Sacramento. Fresno was the largest city on the route as well as the agricultural center of the San Joaquin Valley and proved pivotal to the momentum of the march.

The UFW asked all Americans to boycott table grapes to show support for farm workers. The strike lasted for five years and encouraged many improvements for farm workers.

When the march reached the Azteca Theater it gained critical mass. Over 1,000 people gathered around the theater in support Politicians, middle-class Mexican-Americans and enlightened general population were joining the line. The Movement, April 1966. Photo by Gerhard Gscheidle.

When the Mayor of Fresno learned of the march heading to Sacramento through Fresno he was concerned on how to avoid a potentially volatile situation. He contacted Police Chief Hank Morton who in turn called upon Arturo Tirado, of the Azteca Theater, to help make sure there were no problems for the marchers or local residents.

Tirado was well-known in the state and his theater had become the center of Hispanic culture in the San Joaquin Valley. With his help, the route through Fresno was arranged and his guidance helped keep the peace. The Azteca Theater on F Street -- with it's 760 seats and location just off the main highway -- made it a good gathering point.

Fresno was the largest city on the route to Sacramento. When the march reached the Azteca Theater it gained critical mass. Over 1,000 people gathered at the theater in support of the farm workers. Politicians, middle-class Mexican-Americans and enlightened general population were joining the line.

Over the ensuing years Cesar Chavez stopped at the theater several times, including a visit with presidential hopeful Bobby Kennedy.
In addition to running the Azteca Theater, Arturo Tirado was well-known for bringing the most famous stars and musicians from Mexico to California, often hosting them for their tours. And on occasion, served as a liaison between the Mexican-American population and local government.

Sources:
Oral history from Dick Avakian, 1915-2009, known as the unofficial mayor of Fresno's Chinatown, holding court at Dick's Menswear for over 60 years. http://aztecatheater.blogspot.com/2010/06/remembering-chinatown-treasure.html

The Movement, April, 1966. Published in San Francisco.

California History Magazine Volume 83, No. 4
Arturo R. Tirado and the Teatro Azteca: Mexican Popular Culture in the Central San Joaquin Valley, by Manuel G. Gonzales 83-46

L.A. Times, Mark Arax, Standing Tall in Fresno, a short background in Fresno's wild and wooly days. A colorful synopsis of the Fresno Police and the events that lead to California's Three Strikes law. http://articles.latimes.com/1992-12-06/news/mn-3568_1_fresno-police-chiefs

Photographer Gerhard Gscheidle came to San Francisco in 1964 and became a photographer there and in NYC before returning to Germany.

http://www.gg-photo.de/

For events and activities at the Azteca Theater
https://www.facebook.com/AztecaTheater
For Spanish language centered events and activities at Teatro Azteca:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007752855814

Grand Re-Opening Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 16:43:00 +0000

The Azteca Theater is holding a Grand Re-opening event on Friday, September 26, 2014, 6:00 -9:00 p.m.
The current effort to save the theater began back in 1999, but it has been Laura Barboza and her supporters working on the space for the past year who are making this happen. The first grand opening was in 1948, a mere 66 years ago. For the many who have asked for a peek inside, this is your chance!
Teatro Azteca Grand Re-opening event on Facebook

Check your Calendar!

Besides getting a look at the theater and meeting the people who are involved there will be several performances. A Bi-lingual friendly event.
     - Los 3 Ambrios (English language)
     - Dance performance by Caris and Company
     - Bachata singers You're It from San Franciso,
     - Singer Irma Trujillo
     - Caricatures by S.W. Parra
     - A mini video clip of a man telling some old stories from when the
       theater was open. Also a little bit of the history and the future plans.
     - Expresiones Teatro. Is doing a drama show
     - Art exhibit by local painters
And more!

Come share a happy milestone in the history of the Teatro Azteca. Event is free, but donations will be accepted if you wish. Want to get involved? There is more to be done!

Classic Cantinflas 'El Circo' at the Azteca Theater

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 13:59:00 +0000

Mario Morena "Cantinflas" in El Circo 1943

Azteca Advertisement

Classic comedy El Circo showing at the Azteca Theater!

Welcome to the Teatro Azteca in 1970 for a showing of the 1943 B&W classic El Circo!

Cantinflas (Mario Moreno) is a cobbler who gets a job in the Circus as a janitor, recommended by a beautiful girl circus performer.

El Circo poster, 1943

Soon, Cantinflas gets in trouble when he participates in dangerous acts, such as the flying trapeze!

Clearly, our friend will risk his life for the love of his new girlfriend!

Cantinflas masters the trapeze as only he can!

Watch it now!

This 1943 version with Moreno is a version related to Chaplin's The Circus (1928)

Mario Fortino Alfonso Moreno Reyes, known as Mario Moreno, (August 12, 1911 – April 20, 1993) was a Mexican comic film actor, producer, and screenwriter known professionally as Cantinflas. He often portrayed impoverished campesinos or a peasant of pelado origin.

Cantinflas - El circo

The character came to be associated with the national identity of Mexico, and allowed Cantinflas to establish a long, successful film career that included a foray into Hollywood.
Charlie Chaplin once commented that he was the best comedian alive, and Moreno has been referred to as the "Charlie Chaplin of Mexico."

El Circo title

El Circo, 1943, Posa Films
Director Miguel M. Delgado
Música Manuel Esperón
Fotografía Gabriel Figueroa (B&W)
Reparto
Mario Moreno "Cantinflas" (el zapatero), Gloria Lynch (Rosalinda), Estanislao Schillinsky (Shilinsky), Eduardo Arozamena (don Martín), Ángel T. Sala (el Coronel Buitrago), Rafael Burglete (bailarín), Tito Novaro el doctor Tanner), Leonid Kinskey (un agitador).

A look at Azteca Games

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Mon, 27 May 2013 19:39:00 +0000

Exotic Aztec flavor adds adventure to game spinning

Always interested in things Azteca, I wondered how video games are influenced by the Aztecs. Not surprisingly, the Aztec Mystique is alive and well for video gaming. These Aztec games will not be part of the Azteca Theater offerings. However, I hope you find them amusing. I especially enjoyed the graphics for the first game which reminded me of Tomb Raider and the Aztec background music from the second.

Hunting for lost Azteca treasure is an adventurous theme inspiring a number of video slot games. Giant temples, sacrificial rites, Aztec Kings, beautiful Aztec women, headdresses, masks and gold treasure add excitement from the Empire of the Aztecs.

People wager real money at casinos on these games in hopes that the Aztec gods will smile fortune upon them. However, no need to wager money to try them. Two of these games can be played for free online.

1. Azteca - The latest Aztec-inspired game

Azteca video game

Lara Croft, Tomb Raider

The video slot game Azteca was introduced last year by Playtech. The look of Azteca reminds me of Lara Croft and Tomb Raider. The heroine is a very attractive figure that could just as well be Angelina Jolie / Lara Croft.

As you can see from the three games listed here, the graphics have been improving, with Azteca being the most recent and most attractive.

This game is not available online in the USA as people are not allowed to play, even for free, online gambling games that are offered in a casino in the USA.

Azteca Sun Temple

Azteca gods

2. Aztec Treasures - Five reel video slot game

Aztec Treasures introductory screen

Aztec inspired background music with drums and flutes that makes you want to start dancing adds interest to this game. The real icons are jewels, portraits and gold. Like most video slot formats, there are five reels and 20 lines to win.

Each winning spin is rewarded with a little animation from one of the winning squares for a touch of fun and advancement from the traditional mechanical slot machine games.

Play Aztec Treasures online here for free
http://www.thevideoslots.com/free-video-slots/free-aztec-treasures-bs-video-slot.html
Play Aztec Treasures online for free, smaller screen
http://vegas-slots.com/aztec-treasure.html

3. Aztec's Treasure - Old School five reel video slot game

Aztec's Treasure Slots, by Real Time Gaming (RTG), acts much like a traditional slot machine, you can hear the wheels spin and related sound effects as colorful images whiz by.

Play Aztec's Treasure here for free online
http://www.thevideoslots.com/free-video-slots/free-aztecs-treasure-rtg-video-slot.html

I hope you enjoyed this roundup of Azteca games.
- David Owens

Alien Abduction Fantastic Idea for Chinatown

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:37:00 +0000

The Azteca ticket booth last night.

Where in the world is
Maria of Chinatown?
Could she be out of this world?

Recent events in Fresno's Chinatown suggest there may be unforeseen forces at work.
Story and photographs by David Owens
Original story: Who kidnapped Maria of Chinatown?

A few years back the underground tunnel publicity in Chinatown revealed a mysterious history under our feet. Silent ghosts, buried secrets, passages to nowhere, murder, and forgotten lives fuel our imagination. But this is Chinatown's past and the tales we can imagine are far more exciting than the facts known.

Every night the streets of Chinatown bring their own plots and subjects for the imagination. People appear out of nowhere, some on a mission, some wandering about in odd ways changing direction and speeds in rhythms only they can understand. Behind these characters that grab our attention, the local residents go about their business, meeting someone, going down to the store for groceries, getting a burrito at Chris's Meats.

On weekends a taco stand sets up in front of the Azteca and smiles and laughter are heard as people eat and chat. Cars bring customers to La Fiesta the Spanish music night club next door. Still more cars bring people down F Street to the Full Circle Brewery for some of the most interesting live music and events in Fresno.

Personal encounters

A shadowy figure with slender limbs and large
head lurking in doorways on F Street.Alien? Nah, could it be?
Seen here at Salaam Seafoods, a great
restaurant during the day.

Indeed, F Street is never dull. As the night wears on you notice groups of drifters, mostly from the homeless community the other side of Ventura Street. The Fresno Rescue Mission and Poverello House serve a large community South of the center of Chinatown. On the fringe are people with addictions and mental illnesses who have no where else to go. At first glance they can be scary to the uninitiated.

However, after more than a dozen years on the nighttime streets of Chinatown I feel safer here in the Tower District. Less theft and less violent crime in Chinatown. I am safe here. Aware of my surroundings and safe. None of these street people have guns. If they did they would have sold it for a beer or illegal substances they crave. The worst problem, though minor, is an insistent panhandler. "You gotta dime? Got a smoke? A sincere no usually sends them away. Often the only word heard is 'Hey," the rest is communicated with gestures and body language.

For the person prone to a medical emergency, Chinatown is the place to have it. The response from Fresno Fire Station #3 at Fresno and E Streets is phenomenally fast. Fire suppression? No problem. The Fresno Police Department does well, but since they have not been able to have the dedicated neighborhood patrols as they did some years ago, they are not able to do as much proactive work as before.

Aliens of all kinds

Last night at the Azteca ticket booth a ghostly green light appeared in the shape of an alien. At first appearing to be menacing, soon I understood the expression was simply tranquil, eyes probably closed and observing F Street through other senses. Hey, maybe...

838 F Street

Another guardian spirit has come in Maria's absence. No longer will people stop, cross themselves and say prayers. Now the reaction is more a furtive glance and a quickened pace. No more lingering for now.

K-Jewel music floats under the marquee, Cranberries, Avril Lavigne ... a change! Music from foreigners...aliens! Under Maria's reign as patron saint of F Street K-Jewel was a Sinatra station, the real classics of the American songbook. Change is a certainty, even in historical Chinatown.

Before the railroad came to begin the future Fresno on the sinks of Dry Creek there were Chinese citizens living in wood houses and building underground basements and tunnels. They came originally for the gold rush and stayed. They were non-citizens ... again aliens! The aliens occupied Fresno before there was a Fresno.

Each wave of immigrants that came to new agricultural hub called Fresno started in Chinatown, The West Side, or the wrong side of the tracks. The Italians, the Armenians, the Mexicans, the Japanese, the Volga Russians and the rest. The aliens came to Chinatown to get a start a new life in America, to become un-alienated.

Suddenly, people walk down the middlle of the street, a car appears.

The night brings this history to life. Darkness hides the dust, dirt and neglect. The bones of old buildings stand strong and imagination draws the missing pieces. And the lost people of Fresno come into their own. No longer suppressed by the watchful daytime people, they are here in force. Relaxed and empowered. No pretensions.

There are still some hard working people looking for their way up the ladder of success. Some are undocumented aliens from Cuba, Mexico and South Americas still looking for their place. But there are also many who will never find the first rung.

Let's "Keep Chinatown Different"

Chinatown is the one area of town where the unexpected happens daily. If aliens live among us, they started in Chinatown. Anything can happen. A manikin can be named Maria and become a saint. And disappear in a mysterious abduction. Alien abduction? Too soon to tell.

Serious UFO hunters say Fresno lies at the bottom of the "Nevada Triangle" that includes Area-51 and China Lake. The other areas have military aircraft activity that can spark unexplained observations. However, Fresno does not. Could the Chinese tunnels connect to alien portals? Are the Chinatown night behaviors caused by alien experiments? Can we conjecture that Chinatown disappearances are alien abductions?

Questions about aliens and UFOs in the Fresno area are not new.

Celestia, aka Anne Heche

Sightings and speculation increased dramatically in 2000 when Anne Heche was spotted partially clothed knocking on doors in Fresno looking for a space portal while possessed by an alien she called "Celestia." For many, this was the first time the possibility of alien contact in the San Joaquin Valley had been considered.

Under the marquee at the Azteca Theater

Ooooh! As Anne Heche, speaking as Celestia, said, "Ik all notra daska don!" "It's too scary for me now."

In all seriousness, Chinatown is where unusual things do happen in Fresno. Where Maria the Manikin went is open to speculation and over-active imaginations. Maybe she will return and add another chapter to her story. For now, I'm glad Chinatown is different.

Keep Chinatown Different. A new mantra.

Who kidnapped Maria of Chinatown?

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:47:00 +0000

For the past twelve years Maria presided over the ticket booth at the Azteca Theater. Countless passersby stopped to greet her and for

Maria of Chinatown

many she took on religious significance as they stopped, crossed themselves, and spoke prayers and blessings. She was a vision of grace, beauty and hope.

Maria began her life in Chinatown as a clothing display specialist at Mary's Liquor on F Street 50 years ago. Mary ran the store to serve residents of Chinatown and stocked more that the usual convenience store including some clothing. And Maria sported the best clothes and was quite popular with her good looks and slim 1960s figure.

ArtHop Chinatown

When the store was closed twelve years ago I asked what would happen to Maria who was already named for her well known innocent and kindly looks reminding some of the Virgin Mary.

Soon Maria came to work for the Azteca Theater.

Mardi Gras Chinatown

Maria cast her gaze across the sidewalk and F street 24 hours a day. She welcomed visitors for ArtHop and Chinatown events keeping a positive outlook.

Sometimes she would get dressed up for holidays such as Christmas and the Fourth of July. She gained some beaded necklaces for Mardi Gras and a Chinese hat for the Chinese New Year parade.

Maria in her Christmas hat

She kept a light burning around the clock and cast a kind look towards all. Some locals began to stop in front of her to say a prayer and pay their respects. She never looked disapprovingly or was unwelcoming. She blessed many who had few blessings.

Maria Fourth of July

Hers was not always an easy life. She observed her share of erratic behavior by those wandering the streets on the edge of normalcy. People who were homeless, addicted or suffering mental confusion. In 2008 she was assaullted for the first time. A confused individual broke through the security bars and tossed a heavy planter towards her before raising a misguided hand towards her and tore her brown hair off and escaped down the street.

Shaved head for solidarity

Maria did not hold a grudge. For awhile she wore her bald head proudly in support of cancer survivors she had seen over the years. Eventually she decided to change her look and become a redhead. Never one to dwell on life challenges, she bravely carried on.

In the early hours of May 14, 2013 Maria was kidnapped. Security bars were forced open, the booth broken into, and Maria was taken. And although she will remain brave and resolute through this adversity, she most certainly would rather be back at the Azteca Theater greeting her friends and those in need.

Maria in recent times in her auburn look.

No ransom note has been received and no one has taken credit for the abduction. The motive remains elusive. We only can solace in the fact that wherever she is she will be doing her work to soothe the savage soul and bring blessings to those who are deserving.

Ever since Maria started her watch on F Street she has been adored and studied. Many photographers have chosen her for their subject. Azteca Theater as photographers model

Tyrannosaurus Azteca almost rewrites history!

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Fri, 03 May 2013 04:24:00 +0000

Tyrannosaurus Azteca - Aztec Rex

Dinosaurs! Aztecs! Spaniards! Treasure! Human Sacrifice! Adventure!

Way back in 1521 the conquistador Cortes was busy plying the native Aztecs for gold and treasure, not realizing that the Aztecs had a surprise -- a prehistoric monster Tyrannosaurus Azteca!

Some critics call this an action adventure film. Some call it a comedy. Aztec Rex is a return to the campy monster movies of the 50s and 60s.

Two years before his amazing encounter with Montezuma, Cortes is sent on a scouting mission to shores south of Mexico where he and his band of Conquistadors discover a tribe of Aztecs who sacrifice their own people to satisfy the hunger of the "Tyrannosaurus Azteca " living in the jungle.

Just imagine what would happen if Tyrannosaurus Azteca had eaten all the conquistadors! History would have been written without the Spanish! Watch to see how Cortes and the Aztecs battle the beast and set the stage for the Mexico we know today.

See the trailer in English:

The Aztecs Summoned a Tyrannosaurus Rex to keep Cortes and his army out of Mexico... Now They Need The Conquistadors' help to stop the T-Rex from killing them all !

Way back in 2007 Director Brian Trenchard-Smith directed this 2.5 million dollar adventure. Writer: Richard Manning Stars: Marc Antonio, Allen Gumapac, Dichen Lachman

Watch the entire movie in Spanish!

'Through the Back Door' with Azteca Films

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 05:57:00 +0000

Lobby Card from Por La Puerta Falsa

Take a few minutes and put yourself back in 1950 when films were often B&W and sound was mono. The Azteca Theater had been open a few years and audiences often filled the 700 seats.

Distributed in 1950

Courtesy The Grove Theater, Lindsay, California

In 1950 Azteca Films distributed the film "Por La Puerta Falsa" directed by Fernando de Fuentes was seen around the country in Spanish language theaters including the Azteca Theater in Fresno.

Story: Bernardo, once a lowly pawn, has mortgaged the estate of former masters, Abigail and her husband Don Santos and is in love with Adela. Trouble and tragedy ensue. Set in the early 1900s.

Class Differences
Greed
Revenge
Unfaithful Wife
Melodrama

These lobby cards were used to promote the movie at The Grove in Lindsay, California in 1950.

Basada en la novela "Campo Celis", esta es una leyenda que lleva consigo sangre y odio. Bernardo es un humilde capesion que con honrradez llega a ser dueño del Campo Quiroga, pero la ambición de una mala madre hace que todo alrededor se convierta en un campo de rencor y muerte.
By the Back Door

Por la puerta falsa
Directed by	Fernando de Fuentes
Produced by	Fernando de Fuentes
Written by	Mauricio Magdaleno, Fernando de Fuentes
Starring	Pedro Armendáriz, Luis Beristáin, Roberto Cañedo
Music by	Raúl Lavista
Cinematography	Jorge Stahl Jr.
Editing by	José W. Bustos
Release date(s)	16 November 1950
Running time	93 min
Country	Mexico
Language	Spanish

Go back to 1950 and watch the movie:

POR LA PUERTA FALSA Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Chinatown Locksmith Retires a Role

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:57:00 +0000

Archie's trademark glasses

No more fiddling, cycling and philosophizing -- for now.

By David Owens
Azteca Theater

This month, at the age of 84 years, Archie Wood decided it was time to move on. He hung up his bow, lay down his fiddle and closed his toolbox. And it was not entirely to his liking. "I have a good situation going in Chinatown," Archie said. "But those doctors think they have a right to tell you what a man can do!" Doctors at the Veterans Hospital told Archie they would not release him until he moved to a place among other people who could help with cooking and check on him. A social worker found him a room and board opening and he was at first agreeable under the condition they let him set up his locksmith equipment there, but that did not work out. And Archie, in typical strong-minded action, caught a bus up to Portland, Oregon where he seems content to be and already has found some lock work.

Chinatown's mobile locksmith

When Archie Wood first came to Fresno Chinatown, already past the usual age for retirement, there were no master locksmiths in the area. You could find a guy to make keys, but not more. I rented him a place next to Jazzy Jeans in the D'Italia Hotel building at Fresno and F Streets. Soon he was the go-to-guy for lock and door work in the area. Car lockouts and safe work were fine, the more challenging, the better. He prided himself as a master locksmith.

Archie talked for long spells about the virtues and virtuous nature of being a locksmith. About how the locksmith had to be the most honest man in the neighborhood. "A locksmith is the only man you can not provide security against. If he wasn't honest, you have no security," Archie would explain.

Then he might tell a story about how Mr. Linus Yale revolutionized security in 1868 with the invention of the pin tumbler lock, which is still in use today. If Archie trusted you, he would pull out a lock tumbler mechanism and show you the ingenious parts.

"There ain't no more interesting profession than a locksmith, I learn something new everyday."

Everything within reach

Early in Archie's time in Chinatown he found that mobile locksmithing expanded his work possibilities and he had a pickup truck he would take out on service calls. Eventually he figured he better quit driving and made a Saroyanesque profile downtown riding his one-speed bicycle everywhere, with tools in his front basket and supplies on a rear rack.

When Archie was not too busy tinkering with locks, he would play fiddle and guitar. He even started teaching violin to some local Chinatown kids.   He would tell stories about being one time on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, but that he had a lot of practicing to do before he would get another chance.

Proud to be a veteran, Free Mason, and a Capricorn, Archie was always good for an opinion. Early on I learned he did not like to be told what to do. I reminded him that a Capricorn is a stubborn old goat, to which he agreed and added, "and honest, responsible, hardworking, unyielding and persistent!"   Like I said, stubborn. I confessed to him that I was a Capricorn as well. After that I think he trusted me.

Fresno Chinatown is a crazy mix of people from all races, economic standing and psychological profiles. Always has been and always will be an area of true Diversity with a capital D.

Archie -- a veteran, Mason, of Anglo heritage and a free thinking conservative -- definitely held a minority spot. He kept a sign on the wall you usually see at restaurants, "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone." And the whole diverse world came through Archie's door. Usually he could work with folks, but if he found someone being dishonest or trying to steal something he was quick to show them the door. Like many merchants in Chinatown, Archie literally carried a big stick in case things got out of hand.

This was the late 1990s in Chinatown, the merchants in the area organized Chinatown Revitalization Inc, funded partially with city funds, and started placing identifying benches, trash cans and banners in the area. Once a month there was a big Fat Friday Festival on F Street and -- with participation of the Old Fire Station #3 -- held a hugely successful Chinatown Jazz Festival every Fall. We were trying to make suggestions to business owners and landlords in how to improve the neighborhood for the benefit of those who did business downtown. Archie the Master Locksmith was a nice addition to what I was doing at the D'italia Hotel during this golden period of revival that held for a few years. (Until the city entered into an agreement for a master developer for Chinatown which ended the advancement, but that is another story)

Always you could see Archie on his bicycle in a white shirt, thick black glasses and baseball cap, attending to business and life in Chinatown. Several times he tried to hire assistants so he could expand his business and help someone come into hsi noble trade. But always they seemed fall short, with a limitation of honesty or secret addictions. One woman I remember he was training to assist in the business suddenly was there no longer. I always wondered if it was because Archie found out that she was a man? Archie could be tolerant, but he demanded honesty and integrity.

One day I got a call from Archie, "David, I can't stay here no more. I've got to go. It's your manager, he's trying to tell me what to do. He don't respect me!" Pride, integrity, stubbornness. Yes, the Capricorn butted heads sometimes. Archie moved into a building down F Street owned by a man known as "The Reverend." I am not sure what happened, except Archie had even less tolerance for someone who pretended to use a higher power to get him to do things their way.

Over 4,000 blanks

I got another phone call. "David, I don't know what to do. I can't stay with these folks anymore, they don't respect me." He had some choice words to reflect this disrespect for his new landlord which I will not repeat. I told Archie I already rented his old place out to a natural food supplement place.

Then I had an idea. I was just getting another building in shape, the Peacock Department store building in the 900 block of F Street. On the right side of the building was a small and ancient shoe shine shop that had been operated for years by "The Greek." It was essentially a 4-foot door on to F Street that went back about 30 feet. It filled the space between buildings and had been closed for years. There was a row of old shoeshine chairs. (Incidentally, behind the shop is an old air conditioner unit that cooled by running cold water through coils. The Peacock Department Store was the first air conditioned store in Fresno.)

Eclectic and interesting- lunch with Archie

Soon I offered Archie a room upstairs over the old department store and the shop below for business. There were 17 rooms upstairs that shared a large communal kitchen and two large bathrooms. It was owned by a Chinese family who rented the rooms out to Philippine girls who worked in the fruit packing houses a few blocks away. (This was before the "anti-suspender laws" and redevelopment in the 1960s removed most residential housing in the area and killed local business. Chinatown was the area of Fresno men would come every morning to find work on the farms and rent rooms and find entertainment at night.) The Peacock Rooms would be called a fancy boutique hotel in San Francisco, however, it was worker accommodations and low income housing in Fresno. Rooms ran around $10 a night and many rented out by the hour.

So Archie hung his sign out on F street and continued as a master locksmith. This was fine for years.

About 2002 Archie got the idea that he ought to semi-retire, he had acquired diabetes and some sign of age and decided to move to a veterans soldier home in White City, Oregon. So off he went, intent on helping with keys and locks and living out his time with other vets. Well, something was not right. They would not him fix locks and live there. He had to be 100% retired.

As can be imagined Archie did not like them telling him that and he caught a bus back to Fresno. I was out of the country renovating some apartments in Russia.
When I cam back and learned that Archie called Jazzy, the manager at the D'italia Hotel, and put together a plan.

Master Locksmith at Azteca Theater 2013

I had started work on the Azteca Theater and had one small commercial unit, vacant in the building. They went down there and essentially broke into the building and Archie installed himself as a tenant. The burglar alarm went off and the Fresno Police and ADT alarms were busy trying to find me. Good luck, I was in Russia! By the time I found out, Archie was happily back in business in the Azteca Theater building. When I returned to Fresno I wanted to be mad, but Jazzy handed me the rent and the lease and I could only say thank you!

I rented Archie a place of business four times in three different buildings over the years. As long as I let him do things his way he was happy and a model citizen. Another time he moved to Portland, Oregon and got an apartment and seemed happy. He sold me his equipment and I was in the process of clearing out the unit. All personal stuff was taken away in shopping carts by a indigenous "homeless" man I knew to be generally honest and friendly with Archie.

Violin strings, keys and Navy seal

A week later Archie called and he was at the bus station. It rained too much in Portland and it did not suit him. This time I had not rented out his place yet and Archie was able to return to an empty shop. However, when Archie saw our indigenous friend it turned out he had saved all Archie's stuff in a vacant building nearby and Archie had his stuff back.

This time Archie my stay in Portland. As he can be Archie Wood, Master Locksmith, and pick up the fiddle to relax, he'll be happy.

And in Chinatown, we miss his fiddling and tinkering. And wait for his fifth return!

840 F Street, Chinatown, Fresno 2013

Azteca History Written on Walls

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 07:31:00 +0000

Azteca Theater performers left their mark - literally!

By David Owens
Azteca Theater Like and follow: Facebook Twitter

Back in the 1970s the Azteca Theater was fully engaged in the presentation of movies and talent from Mexico. Azteca Impresario Arturo Tirado was well known around California and often escorted top acts around the state.


Arturo Tirado, Azteca Theater Manager

Back behind the stage there is a staircases to rooms where singers and actors could rest and prepare for their performances. They are odd rooms, about 20-feet long and tapering from 10-foot wide to a five-foot wide trapezoid space.

Some performers used it as a dressing room, others for a green room, and over the years many visitors signed their names on the walls. At first glance it seems simple graffiti, but then you start to recognize names and dates of the people who came there.

Wall art of F. F. 1974

The best drawing is F. F. in 1974. A handsome dude with moustache smoking a cigar.

Listen to Fernando Fernandez

Many names are scrawled on the wall, often very lightly in pencil. I have increased legibility where possible by adding some contrast.

I appreciate anyone in the audience who can recognize or correct my transcriptions. Click on images to enlarge and leave comments with you thoughts and additions.

Listen to Valente del Campo

Some signatures appear to be:
Valente del Campo, Celia Nieto, Sahol Esqueda, 3-31-1979
Hector Montemayor, Recuer Dos De Su Amiga, Olga Martinez, La Sinaolense, 7-8-1079
Listen to Hector Montemayor

Hugo Karman

Y Mr. Tirado

Mundo Armenta
Listen

Show Man Hugo Karman
1-14-1971
10-29-1972
11-4-1976
Show Man La Pacaha     Flores
Toto Y Tito
Estrellita    Mary Irene Consuelo
Y Mr. Tirado                        Listen to Maclovio Contreras video
Oscar Y Carolina
6-21-1978

Recuerdo de sus Amiga

A big heart for:
4-14-1979
Recuerdo de sus Amiga
Maclovis Contreras
Yolanda Hernandez
Jose del Monte

Arturo Tirado poses with Ana Berte Lepe, 1960

The top actresses and actors from Mexico packed the 700+ seats at the Azteca Theater. Even Cantinflas (Mario Moreno) stopped in Fresno. Watch Cantinflas in "Soy Un Profugo" from 1946. (100 minutes)

See song and dance from Ana Berte Lepe

La Fronteriza1978

Rafael Hernandez Presenta
Rafael -Buendia
"La Fronteriza" 1978
Dueto Frontera
Maclovio Contreras
See Maria Elena Jassa perform "La Fronteriza" at the Mexico Theater in Los Angeles, it looks exactly like the Teatro Azteca in Fresno inside.

Jose A. Jimemez

Manuel Ceja 78

8-27-1976
Jose Luiz Gonzales
El Avileno

Maclovio Contreras
Listen to Maclovio Contreras

Manuel Ceja
El Arabe
8-2-1978
Julio Fileman 1970

Jose A Jimenez Alicia Juarez Yolanda Oropeza Oct. 6, 1972
Jose A Jimenez y Alicia Juarez perform "Tu Solo Tu"
Listen to Jose A. Jimenez "Las llaves de la Casa"

Alvaro Zermeno Marina Padilla   Alvaro Lara Palomo y Paloma   6-26-1975
Listen to El sauce y la Palma by Alvaro Zermeno

Song Palomo y Paloma

7-29-1978   Un recuerdo de sus amiga Yolanda Hernandez
Sep. 17, 1976 "Chelilo" Yolanda Hernandez
Elise Carrera
Los Carpentidos
Listen to Valente del Campo, Celia Nieto, Sahol Esqeuda, 3-31-1979

disiembre

I.Oe disiembre
Pere
Olga
Jose Luis
Gonsa

Rosenda Bernal

Rosenda Bernal
16-VI-1977
Rene

Joe Flores
El Avileno
11-26-1977

Maybe this song !

Ah, the golden age of Mexican cinema and music!

Let me paraphrase a little from "Arturo Tirado and the Teatro Azteca: Mexican popular culture in the central San Joaquin Valley," by
Manuel G. Gonzales.
"Imagine going to a theater in a small town in the 1940s thru 1970s and seeing top movie and musical stars performing live before packed audiences. This was the experience of many Mexican workers in the San Joaquin Valley at the Teatro Azteca in Fresno.
The performers were not from Hollywood. To these audiences, first- and second-generation immigrants from Mexico, they were even bigger celebrities--Cantinflas, Pedro Infante, Maria Felix, and the other great actors and actresses of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. "

See a few more examples of golden age performers on our Azteca Theater Channel

We welcome your comments and suggestions. Help us keep the Azteca Theater going by following us on Facebook and Twitter

Jungle exploitations, so bad they were almost good ... almost

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 07:47:00 +0000

Jungle exploitations, so bad they were almost good ... almost! Sixties B films still make it to bad movie events more as comedy than to admire.

This one caught my eye because the title said "Samoa, Fille Sauvage" and as a former resident of Samoa I had to check it out.

The film was made in Italian in 1968 by Italian diredtor Guido Malatesta and released the same year in French. It never made it to an English release according to research on the IMDB. -->

Of course, it turns out to have tigers, Jon boats, and Indonesian natives, none of which are found in Samoa.

However, the waterfalls are beautiful, and the unlikely jungle princess is Edwige Fenech looking a bit pale for someone who has lived in the sun all her life.

Some critics refer to this genre as "Jungle Slut" films. Aside from skimpy outfits, I am not sure this is an accurate name. White explorers tramp around a tropical environment plagued by tigers, restless natives and quicksand. The waterfalls are pretty and "Samoa" Edwige Fenech was attractive in this early role.

Needless to say, the connection to the Island of Samoa is nonexistent. The name must have sounded exotic to the writers and they used it to gain some interest. Much like Snapple did a few years back with their "Samoa Snapple," a drink concoction having nothing to do with Samoa.

Here is a clip that gives some idea of the plot (or lack thereof) and the type of B Jungle Films made inthe sixties.

Jungle B Film Ingredients:
Tigers!
Quicksand!
Waterfalls!
Restless Natives!
Foolish White Guys!
Euro Princess!
Fake fights!
Some guns!
Jungle romance!

It is what it is!

Catching up with Patrick Contreras and his Wicked Games!

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:04:00 +0000

The last time I checked in here on Fresno's most popular violinist he was bursting strings at the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas. I asked Rob Thomas, a jazz and rocking string player at Boston's Berklee College of Music (From Eugene, Oregon) if he had listened to Patrick and he said, he'd been a fan for a long time, where had I been? Well, I remembered watching all those talented musicians in the Youth Orchestras of Fresno and wondering where all that talent went. A few years went by and suddenly I saw Patrick's name popping up on the Internet.

Most recently Patrick bowed a soulful rendition of The Weeknd's "Wicked Games:" Have a listen and give Patrick some likes. This one should go viral!

Patrick Contreras "Wicked Games"

I like Patrick's electrified version better than the original. Why? Because as great as the emotionally infused vocals from The Weeknd are -- the bad language in the lyrics takes me from a state of full listener empathy feeling the pain of a love gone away -- to thoughts of 'maybe the gutter-mouth deserved it. ' I know, sometimes there is no better way to express maximum emotion than a couple of F-words. But it also carries a stigma. Patrick proves to me that you can convey all the emotion without words. All the pure painful feeling of loss and sadness, without profanity. Go, Patrick!

Classical Rock Multiplied

I love this "Purple Haze" from atop Irene's Cafe, for the preview of their CD release in 2009.

(Be patient for 20 seconds while the Two Guys Who Like to Eat Finish the intro)

Electrified acoustic violin with horse hair's flying everywhere! Full rock effects with the additional expression of the violin.

Takes my breath away!

-- David Owens

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Like the Azteca Theater on Facebook and let them know if you'd like to see them invite Patrick Contreras to play in person!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Azteca-Theater/160244943805

Fresno Chinatown's Underground Tunnels

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:18:00 +0000

Fresno Chinatown's Underground Tunnels:
A maze and sometimes amazing

By David Owens

Every big city has an active underground network and Fresno is no exception.   Over the past 20 years that I've wandered around Chinatown I have met and talked to a number of older residents who grew up in Chinatown Their observations are the source for much of this report. As a child I explored the mythic Chinese tunnels in Boise, Idaho and later visited older cities of the West and learned a little about the underground architecture and networks created as cities develop.

Fresno's urban legends about underground criminals, brothels, opium dens and stories of ghosts wandering underground persist, especially among new comers to the area. Old timers just laugh. Usually it was not so exciting. But the truth is fascinating and there is a lot of history underneath our feet. Just about every good or bad vice you can imagine has happened at least once in Fresno's underground. Each basement and passage had a purpose, and after 135 years most are long forgotten.

The first Chinese who came to the Fresno area came looking for Gold Mountain, mining the rivers and dry creeks for loose gold to take home to China. They came before the railroads and they had settlements along the "sinks of Dry Creek" when the railroad came through and named a new stop "Fresno."

As the gold dreams played out, Chinese workers came to work on railroads and created other businesses such as laundries, saloons, stores and a small community grew. In Fresno the community was on the West Side, the area west of the Southern Pacific railroad tracks. The first buildings were made of wood. It was customary to dig cellars and basements to store things and to escape the dry heat of Fresno. Outside steps to them were built. Sometimes passageways were dug between them in the hard-pan dirt of Fresno to afford easy access to the neighbors. Sometimes a business expanded and wanted easy passage, and sometimes they were built for a quick escape from assailants.

The Chinese were not embraced as citizens when they first arrived and there are many recorded instances of abusive treatment and false accusations. The ability to duck into a basement and come out in the alley was a matter of survival.

Fresno's Chinatown before World War II sported the most vibrant nightlife in Fresno. If you wanted a night out on the town, a drink, a meal, a gamble, a dance or to meet a girl, you went to Chinatown. Restaurants operated 24 hours a day, as did the gambling houses. China Alley, behind modern day Central Fish, was particularly active. There was a business doorway every 12 feet and often more businesses behind or below them. Numbers and lottery games were available at many establishments. This lasted until the late 1950s as "anti-suspender laws" and the redevelopment of the 1960s took hold and displaced long-time residents and businesses.

One of the persistent notions in Chinatown during its boom was that if someone was murdered in Chinatown, there would be no investigation. What happened in Chinatown stayed in Chinatown. The mayor, city councilors, policemen and respectable business people could enjoy a little vice before going home on the other side of the tracks. Respectable North Fresno came to Chinatown to play on the West Side.

And yes, anything could and probably did happen underground and out of sight. Competing Tongs, Chinese labor organizations, often fought over work for their members and underground access points became ways to escape. Tong antagonisms existed in China and overflowed into the new communities. There are several newspaper reports about Tong conflicts in the 1920s in Chinatown, but even the newspaper reported very little on the activities of Chinatown.

Wood buildings of the 1800s slowly gave way to permanent brick buildings. The first water works in Fresno was in Chinatown and business flourished.   Many existing brick buildings were built 1905-1920. Records of the previous wood buildings is sketchy. Even more so for tents. Most burned or fell down.
Brick buildings needed concrete foundations. The wood buildings had none. Concrete was poured, window wells formed, concrete steps replaced wooden steps. Wooden cellar hatches and sidewalks were replaced with concrete and rectangles of glass (Sodium glass that turned purple in the sun) were embedded in the concrete over the stairways to let sunlight into the basements. Over the years it was cheaper to throw out the purple glass in favor of cheap concrete and the old steps and window sills were hidden. Electric lights replaced the advantage of filtered sunlight in the basements.

Every 20-30 years the City of Fresno would have to dig up sidewalks and pour new concrete. Old window sills often became sink holes in the sidewalks. The sills were bricked over in the basements and they were gone for good. The same for many stairwells. Some basements were even floored over as air conditioners replaced the need to hide from the heat.

The first building to get centralized air conditioning in the Fresno area was the Peacock Department Store on F Street. It still exists behind the old shoe shine shop of the owner has not hauled it away.   Amazingly, I was able to put it into service fora while in the 1990s. It used a coil of cool water as part of the engineering and it actually wasted quite a bit of water.

What is left to see on the sidewalks are service elevators or access points, usually metal hatches in the sidewalk locked from underneath.. They can be opened to lower supplies into the basement. One of the basement freight elevators under the sidewalk may still be in place in front of the former Komoto's Dept. Store.

Some of the basements were filled with dirt and rocks encapsulating stairwells and connecting passages only to be discovered decades later during excavations. The city of Fresno put in storm sewers and underground Fresno was laced with tunnels and pipes for various utilities. Drawings don't exist for the earliest water works created in Fresno's Chinatown, which adds to the surprises each time an area is excavated. Roads have been moved, widened, buildings have come and gone. All leaving traces below the surface.

Many of the older basements were constructed with red bricks and after 50 years or so the mortar started to sugar. The buildings would actually start to sink. Some tried to pour concrete on the inside to shore them up, but the better solution was to fill in the basement. As you walk around Chinatown you can look for buildings that may have sunk, indicating that they once had dirt or brick-lined basements.

Old architectural drawings of the Security bank Building show a rather large tunnel all the way under the railroad tracks to Chinatown. Water, sewage and storm sewers have all bisected and altered the underground scene.

Some local businesses needed underground access for very practical reasons.. The Del Monte Packing House dug a diagonal tunnel South across G Street so they could run a conveyor belt for their operation underground rather than cart products above ground.

What is left to discover today is mostly remnants of unused basements with a few passages, sealed window sills, sealed stairways that look like passages. And always the mysterious promise that maybe one of those sealed foundations covers one of the mysterious passages to an old gambling den or the escape route for the notorious characters of Chinatown.

Video: For the past few years there has been a resurgence of talk of the mysterious tunnels and efforts have been made to find the signs of the life underground of the past. This video some of the buildings in Chinatown and sheds some light on the walled up stairs, passages and window sills. The commentary is a bit exaggerated from my perspective, but fun to let the imagination run a bit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cAZCYBe-UI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cAZCYBe-UI

USA Today had a pretty good article:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-10-14-fresno-tunnels_N.htm

Update October 24, 2013
The High Speed Rail Project is doing some archaeological digging in Chinatown before more construction begins.
http://www.kmph.com/story/23750871/high-speed-rail-researchers-dig-for-history-or-are-they
---
Update November 21, 2013
Interview with Kathi Omachi and Jeremy Brownstein of Chinatown Revitlization, Inc. about Fresno Chinatown Tunnels:

- - -
Update February 18, 2014
High-Speed Rail Project instigates underground archaeology with digs in Chinatown. Adjoining basements doors below buildings acknowledged, no independent tunnels yet found.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/video/9500682-high-speed-rail-may-run-over-fresnos-underground-chinatown/

---
For a collection of articles and posts about Fresno's Chinatown, see the Chinatown Fresno group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chinatownfresno/

David loves old buildings and once owned the D'Italia Hotel, The Oberti building, and The Peacock building in Fresno's Chinatown. He now haunts the Azteca Theater and spends too much time along Fagan and China Alleys. He is always looking for people with stories from Chinatown and especially the Azteca Theater.

Lively scene at the Azteca Theater

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:41:00 +0000

Weekend Nights at the Azteca Theater

Azteca Theater, 1:30 a.m., September, 2011

By David Owens

Every weekend finds an atmosphere of festivity at the Azteca Theater. Friday and Saturday nights remind one of the vibrant life at the Azteca in the 1950's. The whole country was exuberant, fresh from the ending of WWII, and exploding with activity. Chinatown was buzzing 24-hours a day.

Now, from sundown until 2 a.m., that atmosphere continues for a few festive weekend nights.

Next door the La Fiesta draws a crowd with live Spanish-language music and cold beers. Under new management for about a year, there is a different atmosphere around the club. Out on the street are a mixture of people out for the night.

Fresh hot tacos! They keep the crowd gathered and satiated. Two women are busy serving up taco plates to order. People gather, talking, eating, waiting for friends. Some a waiting in hopes to meet there friends, some are hoping to make new friends. Taxis constantly come and go, dropping fresh patrons, picking up a few spent ones. By car, bicycle and on foot, it is a fluid mix of people out on the town.

Along with the animated crowds, festive sounds fill the air. Sub-sonic bass lines from the live band at La Fiesta underscore the K-Jewel Radio Classics from the Azteca ticket booth followed by a quadrasonic Latin beat when you reach over for your taco and hear the Spanish music from the taco trailer.

It's been a long time since Chinatown had this much buzz in the air. Walk a block and see the crowd outside Chris's Meats serving up famous burritos, or the other direction to the Full Circle Brewery. A better vibe in Chinatown. Finally!

Azteca Theater as a photographer's model

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:26:00 +0000

By David Owens

It always fascinates me when I do an image search on Azteca Theater and see how many different people have made images of the Azteca Theater and it's decorations.

Here are a couple from Thomas Hawk, http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/5495354751/

Ticket taker Maria in her Tower District Mardi Gras beads and Chinese hat. Nice treatment.

And the very visible tower ... with some texture offered by pigeons, by Thomas Hawk, http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/5449186421/

I can feel that blazing noon sun in this shot.

Here is a photograph by Elliott Johnson, it has an montage effect!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elliottjohnson/3554877077/sizes/z/in/photostream/

I can't tell what is reflection and what is montage, but for sure it is Maria in the ticket booth.

Here's a photograph by Richard George with super-real color:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardgeorge/3275073717/sizes/z/in/photostream/

And a documentary shot of the ticket booth by Mathew E. Cohen
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mister_goleta/2034728361/

Back when Maria had brown hair, she is a redhead now.

Patrick George caught Maria with a shaved head back in her experimental days http://www.patrickgeorgephoto.com/Urban-Scenes/Fresno/13458412_4h3qwg/985061620_xfWv6#!i=985061620&k=xfWv6&lb=1&s=L

Titled Azteca Theater II

And another form Patrick George titled Azteca Theater III

http://www.patrickgeorgephoto.com/Urban-Scenes/Fresno/13458412_4h3qwg/985062134_fB3L2#!i=985062134&k=fB3L2&lb=1&s=L

An old lobby sign in the front of the theater.

Maria in a holiday mood from the owner;
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/36004781.jpg

And finally, in 2012, Maria as redhead from Facebook by David Owens http://www.facebook.com/pages/Azteca-Theater/160244943805

Here is a night scene from 2011, http://www.aztecatheater.com

Friday and Saturday nights are particularly active out on F Street.

Seen a cool shot of the Azteca Theater lately? Send us a link and we may add it here!

Chinatown Temple for sale

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Tue, 24 May 2011 19:17:00 +0000

Fresno Buddhist Betsuin Temple - For sale or lease

Fresno Buddhist Temple

By David Owens

There are a few landmark buildings that define the character of Fresno's Chinatown: the Bow On and Bing Kong , the Azteca Theater, The Basque Hotel, Di'Italia Hotel, Mexican Baptist Church, and most notably, The Fresno Buddhist Betsuin Temple. It is definitely the most beautiful.

Since 1901 it has been the Buddhist center in the San Joaquin Valley. The outdoor Obon Festival, was the largest outdoor event in downtown Fresno with 3,000 to 5,000 people participatiing.
The last Obon was held there in 2009.

Now, for more than a month, the 11,000 sq ft building is listed for sale with Colliers. The Buddhist temple altar is still upstairs, but most likely will be removed and the building re purposed for offices.
http://www.colliers.com

The Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple

1340 Kern Street
Fresno, CA 93706-3320
(559) 442-4054

Why? the members of the church have moved North and East and find a Clovis venue more in line with their needs for the foreseeable future. Sale of the building will help pay for the temple in the new facility.

The Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple belongs to the Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land) denomination of Buddhism.

Founded by Shinran Shonin (1173-1262), a Japanese priest who lived during the medieval Kamakura period of Japan. The title "Shonin" is give to honor a Japanese priest. His statue stands in the front garden of the temple.

For more than 100 years the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple was the center for the Japanese Buddhism community in the Valley.

The last major Obon festival was held in Chinatown in 2009. Now it is held in North Clovis on Alluvial. It is not the same.

The Business Journal has a story about the building sale.

http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/real-estate/8649-chinatowns-buddhist-landmark-up-for-sale-

The Story of the Fresno Buddhist Temple, from their site

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fresno-Buddhist-Temple/116914008345303

"The history of the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple begins with the first "Howakai", or religious gathering, held in mid-November of 1899. The Rev. Kakuryo Nishijima of the San Francisco Bukkyo Seinenkai conducted the service. Later, through the efforts of Dr. Katsugoro Haida of San Francisco, a Bukkyo Seinenkai was established in Fresno as a branch of the San Francisco Young Men's Buddhist Association. In January of 1900 it was officially recognized by the San Francisco headquarters and later went on to become the Fresno Hompa Hongwanji, the official title of the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple.

Members gathered for their meetings at 825 "F" Street. The average age of the members then was only twenty-four years old. In January of 1901 the first resident minister, the Rev. Fukyo Asaeda, was assigned from the mother temple Hompa Hongwanji of Kyoto, Japan, ant the first service was held on January 27, 1901. Not long afterwards a three-story temple building was completed on April 8, 1902, it was dedicated. Fifteen years later in January of 1917 the name was changed and the Fresno Buddhist Church was born.

Unfortunately, in May of 1919, a fire destroyed the wooden building, leaving nothing but the adjacent dormitory standing. The members were disheartened but not defeated, soon gathered enough funds to replace the wooden structure with a concrete building. This building was dedicated in November of 1920. It is the same structure that is currently standing at the 1340 Kern Street site.

On November 4, 1936, the Fresno Buddhist Church was elevated to the status of "Betsuin" by the mother temple Hompa Hongwanji of Kyoto Japan. A "Betsuin" temple indicates direct branch status with the tmother temple and is a great honor. This new status confers the title of "Rimban" to the head minister, who is said to serve as the representative of the "Abbot", or Monshu who is the religious head of the the denomination. The Rev. Enryo Shigefuji was the first minister to be granted the title of Rimban of Fresno Buddhist Temple."

Currently, Rev. Nobuo Miyaji is the Rimban. He is assisted by Rev. Hidetaka Yoshii. The membership consists of over 1,400 people stretching around the San Joaquin Valley.

http://www.fresnobuddhisttemple.org/

Currently the group meets in North Clovis.at the

Fresno Buddhist Temple Dharma Center, 2720 E. Alluvial, Clovis 93611 Dharma Center.

The First Obon Festival in the new Clovis center was held in 2010 and you can visit their Facebook page to see pictures.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fresno-Buddhist-Temple/116914008345303

Obon Festival 2010 held in North Fresno.

It is sad when it is easier to raise money for Japanese tsunami victims than to preserve the Japanese Buddhist Temple in our own city.

A nice photo essay from The Fresno Bee:
http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/03/04/2296793/historic-buddhist-temple-for-sale.html

Talented Van Ness Village

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:51:00 +0000

Since 1920, The Van Ness Village has been a pocket of creativity in Fresno's Tower District. Founded as a commercial district between Home and Floradora Streets to service the State University, it is one of the oldest commercial districts.
I haven't met everyone around The Village, but everyone I've met seems to be a creative talent. Here are just a few of the talents carrying The Village forward.

David Hull - Deha Music - Mozart a la bass guitar - 700,000 views ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sptkTmF8Jgk

Patrick Contreras - Purple Haze

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzAMVM8wDmM

Contreras - Nare - Cotillion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDKHTdjenMY

Nare - Contreras - Amor Distante

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B72zax6ezTc

Omare Nare - El Rey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ryDfxSUeRg

KP - Acting Coach - KP Actors Gym - developing talents

http://www.youtube.com/user/KpActorsGym

Joe Osejo - Photographer - Warning Signs-
http://josejo.tumblr.com/

City Arts Gallery - Joe Osejo

http://joeosejo.blogspot.com/

Brandey Steiner - director -The Broken Leg Stage - The Godling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIdLBih3tcw

Jasmin La Caris - Dance Studio

Finding Hope Now - Worthy Fresno movie with some Van Ness talents

http://aztecatheater.blogspot.com/2011/03/finding-hope-now.html

David Hull - Deha Music - grooving with us

I hope to see more of the talents of Van Ness Village!

Please point out some more Van Ness Village creatives and if they have a photo or video, maybe I can add to the list!

- David Owens

Kitka and the Rogue World Ensemble in concert

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:03:00 +0000

Bringing worldly music to us - Kitka and the Rogue World Ensemble

By David Owens

One of the joys of traveling is the chance to hear music of all flavors from distant places. If it wasn't so expensive I'd travel all the time! I do have the good fortune to spend quite a bit of time in Russia and be exposed to all kinds of folk and regional music. Sometimes impromptu concerts as in the strains of voices rising from the subway from grandmothers singing songs from their childhood.

Or organized as on the "Day of Russian Birch Tree" to hear some traditional music from visiting folks from small villages. And the music is often accompanied with some moves or folk dances. The vocal tradition is rich in Russia and extends in influence all the way from Europe to China. Even the Orthodox Church only allows voices, no instruments to interrupt the voice of true faith. A concert in St. Issac's Cathedral is not to be forgotten. And Russian folk music is just the beginning.

Kitka

Fortunately, a few groups in the USA have traveled for us and brought a large selection of exotic from traditional and folk traditions from Eastern Europe for our enjoyment.
It is an ancient music that hearkens back to the earliest musical experiences that traveled our of Africa to Siberia and the whole of Europe and Asia.

It is an innate music very mother knows and is passed on for generations. I can't help but feeling very spiritual when listening to this music and feel a few waves of goosebumps as the emotion of expression makes itself known.

There is a special opportunity to hear two wonderful groups, Kitka, of international reputation and a fledgling group rapidly rising in stature, the Rogue World Ensemble. And even a voice workshop the next day to continue the experience.

Getting to this concert is a lot easier than traveling to Eastern Europe and wandering for days with ears wide open. They are bringing this spirit right to us!

More music videos from Kitka
http://www.youtube.com/kitka

“Kitka’s music: Beautiful, primal women's songs steeped in ancient traditions and inspiration that ring fresh like Spring air after a long Winter.” - David Owens

Kitka vocal arts ensemble

Kitka and their beautiful Eastern European vocal music

http://www.kitka.org

In their words, "Kitka is an American women's vocal arts ensemble inspired by traditional songs and vocal techniques from Eastern Europe. Dedicated to developing new audiences for music rooted in Balkan, Slavic, and Caucasian women's vocal traditions, Kitka also strives to expand the boundaries of folk song as a living and evolving expressive art form. "

Kitka's activities include an Oakland-based series of concerts and vocal workshops; regional, national, and international touring; programs in the schools; recording, publication, and broadcast projects; master artist residencies.

Kitka: Cradle Songs

Kitka has released eleven critically acclaimed recordings, nine on its own Diaphonica label.

Cradle Songs has been named "One of the Top Ten CDs of 2009" by NPR, and one of the "Most Memorable Internationally-Flavored CDs of 2009" by the Los Angeles Times.

The World of Eastern European Lullabies

Kitka’s Cradle Songs

The mother, the cradle, the voice, and the universe. Melodies born on dry slopes and in deep boreal forests to the joys and sorrows of families from villages in the Russian Far North to Armenia and Greece.

Rogue World Ensemble

http://www.rogueworldensemble.org

A fairly new group in the Rogue Valley, the Rogue World Ensemble is gaining a lot of fans as their repertoire grows. They have an infectious good spirit and a strong vocal harmony that would make them a great concert all by themselves.

Rusalka - Rogue World Ensemble

Rogue World Ensemble celebrates the folk singing traditions of cultures from throughout the globe. The unique vocal qualities and intricate harmonies of the world’s many diverse cultures conveys the complexity of the human heart as uniquely expressed through music.

"We believe that music is a universal language that transcends borders. Sharing the folk singing traditions of our world brings forth the potential for transformation, connection, and peace."

Rusalka is a women's vocal quartet related to the rogue World Ensemble that celebrates the musical traditions of Eastern Europe, Israel, Russia and its neighbors.

To have Kitka and the Rogue World Ensemble together is a real treat!

Kitka and Rogue World Ensemble

In Concert April 8, 2011 in Ashland, OR

Friday, April 8, 2011 • 8pm
Tickets: $20/advance, $22/door, $10/teens 12-17,
children under 12 are free with paying adult.
Unitarian Fellowship, 4th and C Streets, Ashland

Tickets
http://www.stclairevents.com/tickets_20110408.htm

Finding Hope Now

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:26:00 +0000

By David Owens

Finding Hope Now is a new movie creating quite a buzz. And it was filmed in Fresno!
The movie, from Skin Mead's screenplay, is based on Pastor Roger Minassian's book, "Gangs to Jobs" published in 2003.

It's a true story about how a local Pastor started a program to take gang kids off the streets of Fresno and prepare them for real jobs. It focuses on Santos, a 16-year-old kid torn between joining a gang to survive and support his pregnant 14-year-old girlfriend -- and joining Reverend Minassian's program to change his life.

Writer Skin Mead wrote the screenplay and is producer
for the movie directed by Jennifer Tadlock

Skin Mead's screenplay has already won a number of awards
Now the film is showing at film festivals and is sure to gain some notice.
Watch for wide distribution to come soon!

Movie Cast

Director:

Jennifer Tadlock

Writer:

Skin Mead (screenplay)

Featured Stars:

Avan Jogia, Christopher Maleki Tia Texada and

Michael Badalucco

More Finding Hope Now Staff and Cast on IMDB

The book

"Gangs to Jobs” tells how a program helped transform the auto theft capital of California into a 2000 All-America City.
Inspired to action by the 1992 Los Angeles riots, the Rev. Roger Minassian began a journey from middle class pulpit to “the other America.”

What the author discovered led to the founding of Hope Now For Youth, an award-winning solution to gang crime and violence that since 1993 has placed nearly 1,700 gang members into jobs at 400 businesses, with an amazing 85% success and only 8% recidivism.

Helping us conquer fear most people have of gang members, the author allows the us to understand the causes of negative gang behavior. Minassian is instructive as he integrates stories of successful ex-gang members with practical steps citizens can follow in their own communities.

This book offers hope and a practical method of gang intervention. the book finishes explaining how this highly successful program was started and how it can be implemented elsewhere.

http://www.hopenow.org/history/history.htm

The movie is getting a good buzz and is popping up all over. Look for a screening near your soon!

A few places to find out more:

Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljzXtLMo9PM

Skin Mead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDhqKp6gJw4

The beginning of the project

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnlnery1iEk&feature=related

Belly Dancers on F Street, Fresno Chinatown

noreply@blogger.com (David Owens) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 01:37:00 +0000

Rogue Festival in Full Swing

Rogue Festival Belly Dancers in Chinatown

Burlesque and belly dancers bring to life the Full Circle Brewing Company on F Street near the Azteca Theater in Fresno's Chinatown. Ninety-seven performances during the 10-day festivities which includes Art Hop and Mardi Gras.

The Full Circle Brewing Company is a great venue for live acts, almost like a Rogue Festival Year-round. Belly dancers and musicians make regular appearances on F Street.

http://bit.ly/f3wKKa

- David Owens