Varrio Voices

Highlighting the voices of our varrios, famiilias, and community.

A Day Without Immigrants: Voices from Hollister 02/05/2025

A Day Without Immigrants: Voices from Hollister On this special episode of Varrio Voices, host Arturo "Velaz" Muñoz brings you stories straight from the heart of Hollister, CA, recorded on A Day Without Immigrants—a powerful demonstration highlighting the essential role of immigrants in our economy, culture, and communities. 📢 What is A Day Without Immigrants? This movement calls on immigrants and allies to boycott work, school, and shopping for a day to showcase the vital contributions of immigrant labor in industries like agriculture, construction, hospitality, healthcare, and beyond. It’s a statement against anti-immigrant policies, labor exploitation, and systemic inequalities—proving that without immigrants, the country simply doesn’t function. 💬 In This Episode We hear from local residents, community leaders, and workers who share their stories of resilience, sacrifice, and activism. Their voices remind us why immigrants are the backbone of our society and why collective action matters. 🎧 Tune in, reflect, and stand in solidarity. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/35158615

Brown Issues' Poetry Night: Palabra & Comunidad 02/04/2025

Brown Issues' Poetry Night: Palabra & Comunidad On January 25th, Salinas' Digital Nest transformed into a powerful space of storytelling, poetry, and community as Brown Issues hosted an unforgettable Poetry Night. Voices from across the region gathered to share palabra, weaving together experiences of resilience, culture, and identity. This episode brings you highlights from the event, where the power of spoken word connected us all. Featuring performances from Jose Cordon, Brown Issues' Kimberly Gudino, Velveth Legglew, Marco Osorio, Nathalie Guillen, and Varrio Voices' own Arturo "Velaz" Muñoz, this night was a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and unify. 🎧 Tune in as we revisit the moments that made this night special, celebrating the art of poetic storytelling and the community that continues to uplift and empower. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/35143000

Latina Representation In Leadership Positions 10/11/2023

Latina Representation In Leadership Positions Let's put representation at the forefront, especially in leadership positions like college district trustee, city councilor, and county supervisor. We can draw inspiration from the three remarkable Latinas, Pamela Campos, Lisanna Dominguez, and Corina Herrera-Loera, who are paving the way for Latinas to hold influential roles. Take action today by supporting these candidates through the links below. Pamela Campos: https://pamela4sj.com/ Lisanna Dominguez: https://lisannadominguez.com/ Corina Herrera-Loera: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/corinaforsupervisor2024 To contact and support the podcast: Email: [email protected] Social Media Platforms: @varriovoices @velazporvida Donate: https://bit.ly/vv-donate /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/28285034

Lowriding Holiday 09/20/2023

Lowriding Holiday Tune in to learn about California recognizing lowriding as a holiday. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/28090136

Amplifying The East Side Voice 08/06/2023

Amplifying The East Side Voice Brenda Martinez Salcedo is a first-generation Xicana and the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at SOMOS Mayfair with a passion is to promote social justice and advocate for immigrant rights in the East San Jose community. Brenda was a part of the founding Dreamer Resource Center team at Sacramento State, and she was also the first Dream Center staff at Cañada College and Evergreen Valley College. Learn how Brenda uses her role and passion to contribute to the resilience, perseverance, and advocacy within the community. To contact and support the podcast: Email: [email protected] Social Media Platforms: @varriovoices @velazporvida Donate: https://bit.ly/vv-donate /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/27670362

#SJforCOPA: The Battle Against Displacement 03/21/2023

#SJforCOPA: The Battle Against Displacement Vecinos Activos, an advocacy initiative from SOMOS Mayfair, have experience in housing policy within the city of San Jose. This month, they are counting down the days before the city council's vote on the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA). Learn from Javier, Olivia, and Mat, about the benefits of COPA and how you can get involved. To learn more about COPA, go follow @SOMOSMayfair or visit To contact and support the podcast: Email: Social Media Platforms: @varriovoices @velazporvida Donate: /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/26297553

Building Unity As A Community Land Trust 03/05/2023

Building Unity As A Community Land Trust South Bay Community Land Trust's mission is to take land and housing off the speculative market, making it permanently affordable for community benefit beyond housing. To tell us more, Varrio Voices is featuring Delma Hernandez, SBCLT Co-Organizing Director, and Liz Gonzalez, SBCLT Board President. To learn more about SBCLT, go follow @SouthBayCLT or visit SouthBayCLT.org To contact and support the podcast: Email: [email protected] Social Media Platforms: @varriovoices @velazporvida Donate: https://bit.ly/vv-donate /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/26131857

Kooltura Marketing: Elevating Local Culture 02/19/2023

Kooltura Marketing: Elevating Local Culture Omar Rodriguez is the Owner and Marketing Director of Kooltura Marketing. His work centers around offering opportunities for the community to celebrate their heritage and culture through mediums such as EASTSIDE Magazine, created to capture the heart of East San José. The magazine is published by Kooltura Marketing, which specializes in multicultural MARKETING and BRANDING. To learn more about Kooltura Marketing, go follow @koolturamarketing or visit To contact and support the podcast: Email: [email protected] Social Media Platforms: @varriovoices @velazporvida Donate: https://bit.ly/vv-donate /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/25971063

Reintroducing Varrio Voices & Its Host 02/07/2023

Reintroducing Varrio Voices & Its Host Get to know the host! Tune in to better understand the vision and origin of Varrio Voices. To contact and support the podcast: Email: [email protected] Social Media Platforms: @varriovoices @velazporvida Donate: https://bit.ly/vv-donate /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/25853817

Repeal on Lowrider Cruising Ban pt 2 08/31/2022

Repeal on Lowrider Cruising Ban pt 2 Councilmember Raul Peralez speaks on what does it take to lift the ban on cruising in your community. Donate: https://bit.ly/vv-donate /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/24223848

“Leyendas de San Jose” Mural 07/24/2022

“Leyendas de San Jose” Mural Timeless Art Collective shares their thought process behind the mural, who they chose to highlight, and what did it mean to gift San Jose a historical, timeless art piece. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/23841575

Repeal on Lowrider Cruising Ban 07/03/2022

Repeal on Lowrider Cruising Ban Daniel Santos speaks on what does it mean for San Jose to have lifted the ban on cruising. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/23616572

East San Jose Representation 05/22/2022

East San Jose Representation Peter Ortiz shares his journey which led him to run for San Jose City Council - District 5. Unlike traditional politicians, Ortiz comes from a system-impacted, single-mother home, influencing his mission to ensure East San Jose has proper representation and the adequate resources needed to flourish. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/23192183

Fighting to Keep San Jose's Berryessa Flea Market 04/19/2022

Fighting to Keep San Jose's Berryessa Flea Market Roberto Gonzalez and Mariana Mejia, both President and Vice President of the Berryessa Flea Market Vendors Association come to share their efforts to ensure the longterm existance of la pulga. To learn more and be involved, follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjfleamarketvendors/ /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/22833356

Engaging Our Neighbors In Local Advocacy 03/07/2022

Engaging Our Neighbors In Local Advocacy La Tropicana-Lanai neighborhood in East San Jose has been seeing some great changes in recent years, and part of that change is credited to Victoria Partida, President of the local Neighboorhood Association. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/22362287

South San Jose Hero: Don Nacho 01/30/2022

South San Jose Hero: Don Nacho Don Nacho, an elotero from South San Jose, shares his gratitude for the community and Lisette Robledo who launched a GoFundMe to support him with his medical expenses, a prime example of how we, as a community can support our local vendors. GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/432u5-help?qid=2fc9d3e52580c093647ea9aa754771da /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/21940847

Legacy of LUNA & Founder, Chava Bustamante 10/24/2021

Legacy of LUNA & Founder, Chava Bustamante Celebrating LUNA's advocacy within Eastside San Jose as well as the legacy of their founder, Chava Bustamante, who will share his journey, leading to the creation of the organization. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/20917022

Close Reid-Hillview Airport: Environmental Racism 08/17/2021

Close Reid-Hillview Airport: Environmental Racism Eastside San Jose continues to be poisoned by the lead-based fuels of the aircrafts flying from Reid-Hillview Airport. Let us not forget, planes have also crashed on the houses and public parks of the Eastside community. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/20166059

Latinas In Lowriding ft. Dueñas Car Club 03/28/2021

Latinas In Lowriding ft. Dueñas Car Club This episode featuring Dueñas Car Club serves as a reminder of how many lowrider car clubs function as nonprofits, actively providing for our community. Dueñas CC will be sharing their vision on how they give back to the community as a mujeres-only car club. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/18494942

Representation Matters: Fighting For Political Seats 03/15/2021

Representation Matters: Fighting For Political Seats An empowering mujer within the community of Oxnard, Leslie Madrigal, follows her siblings steps towards becoming an elected official, bringing more representation among politicians who have a crucial say on our wellbeing. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/18334394

Sharing Love On Valentine's Day 02/14/2021

Sharing Love On Valentine's Day Tune in to some Valentine's shout outs, talks about love, and some appreciation for all the work our community is putting forward for the future generations. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/17940893

Scholarships for Latinx STEM Students ft Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley 02/01/2021

Scholarships for Latinx STEM Students ft Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley shares the amazing scholarship now open on their website linked below. Along with supporting students, HFSV continuously provides resources and opportunities for our community to benefit from. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/17767418

Investing In Your Future & Your Varrio ft. Investing Latina 01/10/2021

Investing In Your Future & Your Varrio ft. Investing Latina Join Investing Latinas as she shares tips on how to save, invest, and strengthen our financial well-being in the year 2021. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/17485622

Wild Life Conservation In The Latinx Community 01/06/2021

Wild Life Conservation In The Latinx Community Empowering environmentalist and community organizer, Mayra Pelagio, has been focusing her masters thesis on understanding our community values and connection to nature. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/17442734

Give Back To Your Varrio By Shopping Local These Holidays 12/17/2020

Give Back To Your Varrio By Shopping Local These Holidays Be sure to support your varrio and local artists like José Flores Chamalé, known as Sangre Indigena Art, who are constantly pushing for representation of our communities of color. Please, hit up your local vendors. Support local and small business these holidays. Invest in our gente. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/17227706

Giving Back Through Muralism 12/03/2020

Giving Back Through Muralism Jesus, @heysus94 on IG, goes to share how he continues to give back even in times of wild fires and distress. This episode was recorded in early September, when there were wild fires all across the west coast. We are grateful to have individuals like Jesus who is a constant source of light for our communities. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/17044973

Homie Hike ft Richard Tejeda from Saved By Nature 11/17/2020

Homie Hike ft Richard Tejeda from Saved By Nature Taking a hike with a homie of mine, reflecting on the importance of connect nature to the significance of our history, identity, and our well being. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/16839698

Remembering Those Who've Passed At The Hands of ICE 11/02/2020

Remembering Those Who've Passed At The Hands of ICE Today is Dia de los Muertos and we wanted to take a minute and talk about the new mural in Chicano Park, which acts as an altar to those who have been died at the hands of ICE and immigration customs. Let's continue to remember them and continue to fight for their justice. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/16642787

Giving To Our Varrios A Mural At A Time 10/18/2020

Giving To Our Varrios A Mural At A Time Jesus gifts us his palabra on learning about our raza and his way of continue planting seeds within the community using murals and art. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/16443416

Chicana Running For Candidacy 10/04/2020

Chicana Running For Candidacy Rebeca Armendariz shares her experience running for City Council, and provides words of encouragement for other homitas to also take on roles of political power. /episode/index/show/varriovoices/id/16259936

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