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“Mexican Hollywood”
(Irma Rodriguez Contreras)
 My father, Francisco Rodriguez, was born in Los Angeles, and met my mom, Maria, in Mexico, marrying in 1937. I came from Mexico with my parents in 1945 and settled in San Pedro, in the Port of Los Angeles. We lived happily in the little “Mexican Hollywood” barrio until everyone was kicked out in the 1950s because progress was coming. I believe the Port leveled the barrio, and it is now Berth 93, near the Vincent Thomas Bridge.
My parents stayed in San Pedro, and bought their first home in 1956 (for about $9,000!), raising eight children in a two-room house. We loved it and we did not feel crowed at all. We were poor, but as children we did not know it because we had soooo much love from our parents and always had plenty of food cooked from scratch made with love.
My mother was a strong person, she would say always “help others and if they don't show you respect and kindness, then move on, mija, you don't need negativity in your life. Life is too short and must be enjoyed with friends and family.” And if you can make friends everyday... how beautiful is that?
 I believe in carrying the love of family forever. My husband Mike and I are now am married 45 years, and have four grown kids, nine grand kids, and one is a great grandchild.
I love getting a deluxe bus and taking about 50 family and friends that would otherwise stay home on day outings to Olvera Street and other places in L.A. Olvera Street is my favorite place of all the places that I go to. I’m really like a kid in a candy store there. We enjoy going there to dine and just relax it is a wonderful place. I have so many beautiful fans that I buy from Olvera Street that I give to friends and family. The strolling musicians bring back memories as we always had music in our home and still do. All those old songs remind me of my parents. Everything reminds me of when I lived in Mexico with my parents.
I make my favorite meals all from scratch with a pinch of this and a dash of that (I don’t really measure!) And when people come to visit they get good cooking, lots of music always. I am continuing what my mother and father showed us ... treat others with respect, love and kindness.
"Ponche De Leche"
Grandma Maria Rodriguez's Recipe 1940’s
- 2 cups milk
- 1 egg yolk (added last)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Pour milk in saucepan, add vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon and pinch of salt. Bring to a rapid boil. Now pour all boiled ingredients into a mixing bowl and immediately add egg yolk to ingredients.
Blend all ingredients with hand mixer and bring to a foaming froth and pour into coffee cups.
** Serve immediately.... best when served hot!!!
** Please note: Always be cautious fro recipes that call for raw eggs. Salmonella, which may cause illness, is occasionally found in raw eggs. To reduce the risk make sure eggs are refrigerated and bought from a reliable source. In place of raw eggs you may also use egg substitutes.
If you have any favorite recipes you would like to share, please submit them at recipes@Olvera-Street.com Email us your family recipe with a paragraph sharing a story about it and a picture of you or your family. If you are selected, we will feature it online! It is one way to share your family history with us too!
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