Community-Based Research Commons^™

Cuevas Family: Ricardo Antonio Cuevas (Youth), Brandon Stevens

Mexican American Stories

Between 1910 and 1930, over one million Mexicans migrated to the U.S. to seek a better life. Still today, the dream of creating better living circumstances continues to motivate people to take this hazardous journey. Each day, hundreds of Mexican men, women and children risk their lives crossing the border into the U.S. They travel through the cold mountains, the desert and valleys. Many of these immigrants have come to the U.S. in search of employment in numerous industries. For the Cuevas family, the dream of a new life in the U.S., outweighed the danger of the journey…

Sorn Family: Sophat Sorn (Middle), Tammy Hunt

Cambodian American Stories

Sophat Sorn has a great love for his native country of Cambodia. On its soil, he learned great lessons in life and in loss. Sophat never wanted to leave Cambodia. However, he had no choice, as his family safety was threatened. On October 30th, 1991, Sophat and his family arrived in Petaluma, California to start a new life. Two weeks later, the family arrived in Stockton. Now, surrounded by his children, Sophat tells stories of his lost youth, homeland, friends and family left behind…

Lo Family: Shoua Lo (Middle), Amy E. Smith

Hmong American Stories

Coming-of-age can happen abruptly, through a single experience—or it can be a process. For Shoua Lo, a cheerful man who laughs easily, the process began at age 19, when he decided to marry and start a family of his own. For Americans of all ethnicities, starting a family is a rite of passage that can open the door of adulthood. When you have children of your own, it is harder to continue to think of yourself as a child. Shoua, born the second oldest in a family of seven sons and three daughters, knew very well what sort of responsibilities …

Lo Family: Teng Lo (Elder), Amy E. Smith

Hmong American Stories

“If you work like a slave first—eventually, you’ll get to eat and live like a leader. If you eat and live like a leader first—eventually, you’ll have to eat and live like a slave.”

These are words of wisdom, words that anyone can learn from. They’re words that Teng Lo has never forgotten. Now seventy years old, he has learned many things in life—but those words, spoken by his Hmong elders, are as meaningful today as when he first heard them, years ago and in a very different place, as a twelve-year-old boy.

Juanitas Family: Eudosia Juanitas (Elder), Tucker Corriveau

Filipino American Stories

Eudosia Juanitas is a registered nurse among a family of physicians, pharmacists and scientists. Upon first glance, it might appear that Eudosia simply took advantage of the opportunities presented to a woman in a privileged family. However, deeper inspection reveals a woman who has fought against difficult odds to create a life of realized dreams…

Carido Family: Camila Carido (Elder), G. Lee

Filipino American Stories

Camila Carido’s early years prepared her well for the adult responsibilities that were thrust upon her. Born in 1910, in the village of Hinundayan, Leyte in the Phillipine Islands, she and three sisters were left behind with their mother, Macaria, when her father emigrated to the U.S. Without a father in the house, mother and children had to fend for themselves in the coastal plains in the island where they lived…

Sosa Family: Olivia Sosa (Middle), April Foster

Mexican American Stories

A young Olivia was told many things, “stand up straight,” “chew with your mouth closed” and other such demands. Often, requests such as those fall upon deaf ears. Olivia was also told to stay in school and get an education. This, she did not forget. These words have remained with her throughout her life. Graduating from University of the Pacific, Olivia has followed this advice as she continues learning as a successful business woman…

Nisby Family: John Nisby (Middle), Christina Conrardy

African American Stories

Imagine the sun shining high overhead. There is nothing but you, the bright blue sky and the musky smell of hay. You focus on the task at hand—bucking hay. Your physical exertion, combined with the knowledge of hard work, meld into a great sense of satisfaction and sweaty accomplishment. For young John, this imagined scene was a daily occurrence…

Juanitas Family: P. Felomina Hufana (Middle), Gina Beltrama

Filipino American Stories

Football games, pep rallies, basketball games, and dances—these are the memories that Felomina cherishes most about her past. Coming from a large family of seven children, there was always something going on in the Juanitas’ household. Attending cultural events, along with high school activities, was a significant part of life for Felomina and it is something that she still treasures today…

Wong Family: Debbie Nozuka (Youth), Riley Buck

Chinese American Stories

In October 1915, a brave man left his home country of China to come to America in search of something better in “Gum San,” the land of the “Golden Hills.” Because of this man, Debbie was given the opportunity to begin her life in the U.S. This man was her grandfather. “As a family, people share a unique bond, ” Debbie explains. “Even though I cannot communicate well with my…older relatives because of a language barrier, I cherish and value the time I spend with them…”

Canepa Family: Steven J. Canepa (Middle), Christopher Anderson

Italian American Stories

Many early Italian immigrants to Stockton were entrepreneurs and quite industrious. Steven’s grandfather was a partner in a thriving grocery/delicatessen, and his father founded Canepa’s car wash, which has remained a family business. As others from Steven’s generation, Italians had the choice either to begin their own careers or to join an established family enterprise. At the age of 10, Steven began helping out in his father's car wash business. After he began working, he noticed his family began to treat him more like an adult…

Hirata Family: Karen Cairel (Youth), April Foster

Japanese American Stories

For Karen Cairel, coming-of-age was a journey, involving many steps and the support of loving family ties. She treasures the model her grandmother provided showing her that adult life can be bright and positive. Karen’s religion of Buddhism and Japanese heritage provided the values that guided her to maturity. She remembers the support of parents who adjusted quickly as she began to make adult choices. In sum, she was warmly cared for as she made her way toward adulthood…

Lo Family: Toubee Yang (Middle), Andrew Gelber

Hmong American Stories

Toubee Yang is a Stockton citizen who traveled over the ocean from his birthplace to find a new home and culture that he now embraces. His life is memorable partly because of the experiences he has had traveling and learning about the culture of the United States. His story is about a family broken in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, of a child growing up in a nation that did not readily respect his heritage, and also as a refugee in a totally foreign environment…

Sosa Family: John J. Arguelles (Youth), George Kim

Mexican American Stories

In the U.S. the word machismo often connotes forceful, even aggressive behavior. Elsewhere, some see its meaning as the basic ability to take care of one’s self, to endure difficult times, and to build a family foundation. Machismo is a code that embraces self-mastery, courage, consistency, fair dealings and personal honesty. John achieved machismo, a mark of maturity, through his commitment to family, success in achieving goals despite adverse conditions, and pride in his Mexican heritage…

Podesta Family: Pamela Salmon (Middle), Chris Bauer

Italian American Stories

Pamela Salmon wants her children and grandchildren to know that farming is a wonderful way to bring families together and to feel closer to the earth. To Pam, farming is much more than a business. Its special rewards cannot be measured in dollars and cents…

Corral Family: Margaret Sanchez Corral (Middle), Lindsey Gaines

Native American Stories

Margaret Sanchez has spoken two languages for as long as she can remember, Spanish and English. This allowed her to appreciate her dual cultural heritage from a young age. She was born in French Camp in 1952 and raised in Stockton. She was the third oldest of eight children. Her father, a mechanic, had Northern Valley Yokut, Ohlone, and Miwak ancestors while her mother was of Mexican decent. Her grandparents on both sides of the family, were strong influences on her childhood; the family spoke both English and Spanish at home and served cuisine from both cultures...

Perez Family: Francisco Cardenas (Youth), Tammy Hunt

Native American Stories

Sometimes Francisco Cardenas felt tense growing up, but he always found peace at a Mother Lode retreat—the tribal roundhouse in Volcano. He remembers people dancing and talking, but also leaving him space to stop and think. “It was a calm, soothing place,” he recalls. He could leave school and work behind. Outside this sanctuary, however, being an adolescent was a challenge. He craved independence, but he also wanted recognition from his family and community…

Canepa Family: Remo Canepa (Elder), Regina Beltrama

Italian American Stories

During his first 18 years, Remo Canepa lived the conventional life of an only child. As the twinkle in mother’s eye, and the future of the family name, Remo was the source of pride and joy for his parents. They wanted only the best for him, as most parents do. But the day would soon come, when he would have to stand on his own…

Stallworth Family: Lewis Stallworth, Jr. (Middle), Andrew Gelber

African American Stories

African Americans like Lewis Stallworth Jr.’s family did not migrate to Stockton as a part of the California Gold Rush. Instead, they sought stability in changing times: a home, a job, a place to worship and a chance to raise a family. Lewis Jr. was born in Wewoka, Oklahoma in 1944. As the eldest child, his brothers and sisters admired him. The family moved to Stockton when Lewis was still a young child and he has lived here for the past 60 years…

Sorn Family: Leakhena Sorn (Youth), Christina Tran

Cambodian American Stories

In October 1991, Leakhena Sorn was 13 years old when she immigrated to Stockton from Cambodia. Learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture often made her feel isolated during the transition to life in Stockton. Because of Leakhena’s arrival after the first major emigration from Cambodia, she enjoyed the support of an already established Cambodian community. Many Stockton Cambodians were already graduating from universities and had established careers as pharmacists, physicians or as business owners…

Wong Family: Nancy Wong (Elder), May Lin

Chinese American Stories

Nancy Wong was born in Ung Hong village, Toy San District, China, to a restaurant owner and housewife. Growing up, Nancy felt like a child who did not know much about the world. When Nancy was seven, her mother left Nancy and her younger brother to travel to the U.S. Nancy and her brother Donald, were left with their grandmother. At age nine, her grandmother sent her to school. When Nancy was 15, her mother returned to China with three sisters and four brothers for which Nancy was to care. This began her adulthood in her mind…

Stallworth Family: Kimberly Hamlett (Youth), Brett Kaufman

African American Stories

As a child of the ’60s, a person might think Kimberly Hamlett would show signs of her rebellious generation. However, those who know this warm, kindhearted and Christian woman would say differently. Kimberly, born in 1965, was the first child born to her large family. She is the oldest of seven children, four girls and three boys. She was born in Walnut Creek, but grew up in Stockton and continues to live here…

Wong Family: Violet Chan (Middle), Jacob Lethbridge

Chinese American Stories

There was hardly a time growing up when Violet Chan did not have responsibilities. As a child in China, she had a major role in obtaining food for her family and caring for her mother. Later, as a teenager, she had primary responsibility for taking care of her baby brothers. Despite the duties asked of her, Violet had an underlying passion for an education and she fixed her sights on that goal…

Wong Family: Sandra Won (Middle), Oksana Ivashchenko

Chinese American Stories

Growing up in a close-knit Chinese family, Sandra Won had a happy upbringing with parents who didn’t impose adult roles on her. They made sure that she had time to be a child, to play and to experience a wide variety of activities. Her entrance into adulthood was gradual and, in her mind, was marked by a variety of ordinary events in her life…

Canepa Family: Thomas Canepa (Youth), Lucy Buck

Italian American Stories

As the alarm sounds, a teenager wakes up from his slumber and begins his daily routine. It is Friday morning, so after school, he’ll be able to hang out with his friends. Unfortunately, the teen, Thomas Canepa, won't be able to stay out late. The next day is Saturday, and he has to work. When he was younger, Thomas relished the freedom of playing with his friends without having any family obligations. But at age 16, Thomas has a part time job at the family business, a car wash where he pumps gas and prints receipts for customers…

Podesta Family: Kathleen Salmon (Youth), Jessica D'Anza

Italian American Stories

Kathleen Salmon is that rare young American who thoroughly enjoys being rooted in family life. Now, 20 years old, she loves her Italian American family, its customs, teachings and celebrations. As an only child, Kathleen Salmon was the center of her parents attention. Raised on a farm in Linden, she was part of a loving, extended family. She came to value rural life—the natural surroundings and the integration of work and home. She has never rebelled against her background, but instead prided herself on the strengths and values that have framed her world…

Wong Family: Kecia Won-Jones (Youth), Tucker Corriveau

Chinese American Stories

Growing up, Kecia Won-Jones experienced a plethora of cultures. She is Chinese, but was born and raised in a multi-cultural America. Though she is a third generation Chinese American, she feels a strong connection to her ethnic past. On the other hand, she confesses that her parents were assimilated into American culture, and that she has lived only in this country. Kecia likes to think she has the better of two worlds. Kecia is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate her cultural traditions as well as those of others. Navigating diversity has been one of her paths to maturity…

Perez Family: Margaret Perez (Elder), Jillian Altfest

Native American Stories

“Never marry a man from Mexico,” Margaret’s grandmother advised her. Grandmother pressed her early on in life to marry only within their tribe, and to keep the language and traditions of the family alive. Margaret is a natural mischief-maker, and she remains unmoved by her grandmother’s tales of ghosts or devils who would come and take her away. Typically ignoring grandma’s advice, Margaret fell in love with a Mexican…

Corral Family: Robert Corral Iii (Youth), Tara Runnels

Native American Stories

Robert Corral began his life in French Camp in 1979. He is of mixed ancestry—Caucasian, Mexican and Native American, but feels he identifies most with his Native American heritage. Robert feels his interests, beliefs and personality are similar to those of other Native Americans. He is very proud to consider himself a part of the Northern Valley Yokut/Ohlone/Me-Wok tribe and the California Indian culture.

Pech Family: Rottana Prak (Youth), Danielle Bosch

Cambodian American Stories

All over the country, at this very moment, parents are asking their children for help with the chores. And all over the country, teenagers are…turning up their headphones, or heading for the door. Or, if they’re like Rottana Prak, they are simply saying “Yes.” Rottana is a typical high school student who likes to spend time with her friends, enjoys music and movies, and is interested in X-treme sports. But she is also a teenager who knows her roots. She knows what her family endured in Cambodia as their beautiful homeland was shattered by war and the brutalities of the …