The La Raza Athletic Association is a non profit organization that provides athletic opportunities for youth in the East Bay Area from Richmond, to Oakland, to Hayward, California.
In this episode we have special guests Zeke Munoz, Sal Gomez, and Dave Rangel along with hosts Fred Sanchez and Steve Lovato to discuss the La Raza Athletic Association soft league that went strong for 20 years in the 70's and 80's. Mixed Bloods, La Familia, Tecate, and Alma Latina are the teams represented here as we get into a lively discussion about the heyday of the LRAA softball league.
15 Jan 2026
The Return of Ashley Meza-Medina and James Salinas
Ashley and James return for a follow up after their first podcast last summer. They both won the La Raza Atheletic Association Scholarship and now just completed their first semester at college. They bring us up to date on their educational journey as well as give words of advice to younger students.
18 Aug 2025
Meet two of our LRAA Scholarship Winners
We interview Ashley and James, two inspiring La Raza Athletic Association scholarship recipients who were honored at our July 19th fundraising dinner. Ashley is headed to UC Berkeley, and James will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this fall. Join us as they share their journey growing up in East Oakland, what helped them succeed, and the advice they have for other students striving for academic excellence.
25 May 2025
Behind the Scenes LRAA Fundraising Dinner 2025
Nagely Oseguera from Sueños Events joins Steve Lovato and Augie Arteaga to discuss the planning and status of the La Raza Athletic Association's 2025 Fundraising Dinner in this interview episode.
6 May 2025
Aztec Run 2025- On Location
Fred Sanchez and Steve Lovato went to the Aztec Run 2025, at Lake Merritt in Oakland and put on by the Spanish Speaking Citizens Foundation. It was a great event that attracted over 200 runners and raised money for a great cause. Listen to the sights and sounds of the event as we interview people from the local community and lots of runners.
8 Apr 2025
The Cost of College with Isabella Ordaz, College Counselor
We have special guest Isabella Ordaz who is the college counselor at Cristo Rey High School in Oakland and we discuss the cost of college and how to pay for it. The LRAA is giving away 4 scholarships this year to high school seniors in the area. This episode is packed with lots of practical information and will be valuable especially if you are applying for college this year.
16 Jul 2024
Jorge Lopez
Jorge Lopez, founder of AMPS schools, which operates six schools serving kids of all grades in Oakland and in his hometown of Richmond, CA. We talk about his journey from dropping of high school to completing his masters degree and founding AMPS. His schools have been some of the highest achieving schools in the area. He talks about what it takes to help kids in the inner cities overcome obstacles to getting an education. We also discuss how the LRAA can make a difference.
11 Jul 2024
Dr. Victor Rios Visits The Podcast
Victor Rios PhD is a MacArthur Foundation Chair and Professor of Sociology at the University of California Santa Barbara. He grew up in the mean streets of East Oakland and struggled as a youth caught up in gangs and street violence. Through tragedy, and the help of a teacher and the community he returned to high school and was able to transcend his environment and eventually earn a PhD from UC Berkeley. He talks with us today about his story and what is takes for youth overcome obstacles and be successful.
28 Jun 2024
Alma Latina and Chichimecas - Two Iconic Teams
Special Guests George Rangel, Founder of Alma Latina, and Servando Morales, Founding Player of the Chichimecas talk about the origins of their sports clubs and some of the important events and members associated with each. Cohosted by Jose Arredondo and Steve Lovato, this episode is the 6th in the series of podcasts which highlights the La Raza Athletic Association and what it means to the local community.
21 Jun 2024
City Councilman Noel Gallo
Oakland City Councilman Noel Gallo is a former Board Member for the La Raza Athletic Association. On this episode Mr. Gallo talks with us about what role the LRAA plays in the community.
9 Jun 2024
A Tribute to Leroy Gallegos
A tribute to Leroy Gallegos, longtime head of the La Raza Athletic Association in the 1970s and 80s, with panel consisting of Veronica, Leroy's daughter, Ted, his brother, and Brian, who worked with Leroy for over 25 years. LRAA Podcast for June 8, 2024
30 May 2024
Tecate and Sanchez Trucking
The La Raza Athletic Association Podcast documents the history of the LRAA which organized sports activities for the local communities of the East Bay/Oakland/Hayward/Richmond area of Northern California. This podcast has former players discussing what the LRAA is all about and what it meant. Rich Castellanos, Fred Sanchez, and Dave Gonzalez, and your host Steve Lovato.
25 May 2024
History of the La Raza Athletic Association part 1
The La Raza Athletic Association started in 1971 when Chicano youth found an old gym and started playing basketball. Those small pickup games blossomed into an organization that at its height had 42 teams across 4 divisions. Stevan Alvarado and Robert Moncado were there from the start and discuss the early days of the LRAA. Ed Robles was a 9th grader in 1972 and played in some of the first games of the league. Hosted by Augie Arteaga, this episode presents some of the history of the LRAA.
15 May 2024
Interview with Fomer Youth League Players
We interview some former participants the the LRAA Youth Basketball League. They discuss the early days of the youth league and talk about playing around various gyms in East Oakland and about what the LRAA meant for them personally and for the community.
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