On a little corner Northeast of Escondido, Mexican charros have gathered for over 40 years. There they practice and enjoy charreadas (Mexican rodeos), music, food and family. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation.

    But an eviction notice to the charro association from the City of Escondido may change all that. As this article goes to press, the city council is planning future meetings to discuss the final fate of the charro lienzo (arena) on the eastside of the city.

    The charros have been leasing the land for almost nothing, but paying property taxes for many years. Moreover, they have donated thousands of dollars to Palomar Hospital to buy some needed equipment.

    In short, the charros and their families feel they are part of this community, and leaving their lienzo would be a tremendous loss for Escondido.

    But city staffer Charlie Grimm said, “The city needs the property back because it needs to relocate its public works yard.” The city had promised the charros another location, but at the last moment officials told them that they had no other place for them.

    Charros and their supporters dressed in their colorful costumes packed the June 12 Escondido City Council meeting and made two minute public comments for an hour. Several called the charro lienzo in Escondido their “second home.”

    Said charro Jose Cano, “We are Americans with Mexican decent roots, and we are law-bidding citizens. Charreadas are our tradition and we would like to stay here.”

    The charros often represent Escondido in parades and other shows around the North County. They also teach their children responsibility, respect, discipline and hard work.

    Sergio Contreras who represents the charros said he was afraid that if the charros lose their site their children will not have a place to go after school.

    “Does the city want our children with a rope in their hands or a spray can?” he asked. Contreras is a retired Marine who says he has enjoyed charreada for many years in Escondido.

Addressing the City Council

    Among those who addressed the Jan. 12 city council meeting was Dr. Julian Nava of Valley Center, a former U.S. Ambassor to Mexico. Nava says the dislocation of the charros is one of the first steps to make room for a San Diego Padres farm team.

    “The Padres are a billion dollar team, and now they want Escondido to help them make more millions,” said Nava. “To avoid messy litigation with the charros, I propose that the city discuss with the charros how to rebuild the arena, adapting it to cowboy and equestrian activities. This benefits everyone.”

    Filemon Jara, a charro and Chula Vista high school teacher told the council that if youth are denied the charro experience, they may turn to gangs. “Charreadas gives youth an identity, and it gives them hope.”

Strict rules

    There was some concern from the public about horse tripping and other forms of animal abuse, but charro leaders say they have very strict rules to protect the animals. “If anyone breaks those rules, they will be suspended from this sport for one year,’ said one leader.

    Sergio Contreras said that anyone is welcome to the charreadas, “This is a family tradition, that’s what we do on weekends. Youths benefit from this sport. It keeps them away from gangs and makes them productive members of our community,” he added.

    “Kids get to do what they love—spending the day with their parents and friends here.”

    Among those who addressed the council were volunteers from the Escondido Humane Society who told the council to strongly reconsider their decision. They said the eviction would also affect residents who use the horse trails and take their dogs for walks at the site.

    Mayor Sam Abed and council members Michael Morasco and Gallo said they would look into the issue. Abed agreed to contact the charros for further discussions. He added that he was happy that the charros didn’t turn this into a racial issue.

    The council is widely regarded as being anti-Latino in past years and some observers believe that with the charro issue Abed has a chance to rebuild his relationship with the Latino community.