El Pachuco Chronicles

Episode 25 We are extra excited to share this episode with you all, because we have as our guest the legendary Roco from Maldita Vecindad! Vanessa Estrella takes the lead in hosting this episode along with Ray and Jim. And although she didn't have much to say, Sophia Ruel-Banuelos also sat in on this podcast. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 24.  Following a long hiatus from the podcast, Episode 24 brings us up to date on a very eventful year for the Estrella family. JIm Ruel and Ray Estrella host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. The larger Estrella clan joins us for this episode as well as Rockin' Randy, host of the Rockin' Randy Show. Vanessa Estrella brings us up to date on a number of events coming up on the Calendar.  If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 23.  Continuing our conversation with Daniel Valdez, join us for more engaging storytelling with a  Chicano Renaissance performing artist. JIm Ruel and Ray Estrella host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. Phyllis Estrella also joins us for this episode. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 22.  We are thrilled to present this two part interview of the one and only Daniel Valdez, star of Zoot Suit, joins us for an interview. Join us for part one of this interview as he shares stories of his amazing career.  JIm Ruel and Ray Estrella host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. Phyllis Estrella also joins us for this episode. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 21. Guest Judge Jorge C. Hernandez, aka Mr. Blue, organizer of the Pachuco Ball   Our guest in this episode is none other than Mr. Blue who puts on the Annual Pachuco Ball in Perris California, this year on August 23, 2025. He shares with us a wealth of knowledge of Chicano Culture and history. Please follow him on social media to learn more about his work in addition to the Pachuco Ball.  https://www.instagram.com/mrblue_kucr/ JIm Ruel, Ray and Vanessa Estrella host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com  

Episode 20. Pachuco Manny, longtime friend of El Pachuco, talks about the August 2025 Cruise, which unfortunately ended up being cancelled due to the current situation in Los Angeles. The Cruise has been happeneing  Christina Romero, teacher, community organizer, puts in a lot of work behind the scenes to make the Zoot Suit Cruise happen. We look forward to the Cruise hopefully coming back in 2026. Ray and Vanessa Estrella host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 19. Marc is the director of the upcoming production of In the Heights at Long Beach City College. https://www.instagram.com/markanthonydrama/ He welcomes you to track him down on Instagram and inquire about discounted tickets. He talks about his history of the zoot suits, including acting in a production of Zoot Suit in 2008 and his desire to hopefully direct the production down the road. Elena Arroyo also joins in on the discussion. Ray Estrella hosts this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com  

Adelaide Pilar, musician, Puchuca, strong leader, stops in to the podcast to share her story. You can catch her regularly rocking her Zoot suit pants as frequent performer at Knotts Berry Farm. Originally from Texas, Adelaide delves into the roots of Afro-Latin jazz and the historic ties to the zoot suit. You can check out her website for upcoming shows and merchandise. https://www.adelaidepilar.com Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 17.  Sam and Marie Campos were helping with a 3D lowrider bike printing workshop at Casa 723 and stopped in for a visit with El Pachuco Stories. Sam Campos is a member of the Old Memories Car Club and Maria has a history of her own with lowrider cars. Oscar Ruelas joins us for this episode. Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com  

Episode 16. Dr Denise Sandoval, Tenure Professor at California State University Chicana/o Studies Department, stops in to deliver a history lesson in Chicana/o Studies. You can check out her work at the Peterson Museum where she co-curated the "Best in Low" exhibit, highlighting the craftsmen and craftswomen who have created world reknowned lowriders through April, 2025. We also take the time to share some words of remembrance for the recent passing of Alfred Jesse Smith, aka, Brenton Wood. He was not just a customer but a dear friend. Condolences to his family and friends. Vanessa Estrella, Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com