UPDATE (3/26/21):
We heard great news about East of Salinas star José Ansaldo that we just had to share. José got accepted to U.C. Berkeley!
Jose overcame all odds growing up in #EastSalinas & worked so hard to earn a very high GPA &stay involved in activities
It was always his dream to go to @UCBerkeley as a young kid & that dream came true today! THESE STORIES MAKE IT ALL WORTH IT & ARE INSPIRATION! CONGRATS JOSE👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/UJSnJTVk4k
— Luis Alejo⚖️ (@SupervisorAlejo) March 26, 2021
UPDATE (2/7/17):
News courtesy of East of Salinas filmmaker Laura Pacheco, teacher Oscar Ramos was just awarded the Cesar Chavez Human Rights Award! Our hearty congrats to Mr. Ramos on the well-deserved honor.
#Cesar Chavez Human Rights Award Winner! Props to Oscar Ramos for his inspiration and commitment. pic.twitter.com/nvPsYopxjX
— EAST OF SALINAS (@EastofSalinas) February 8, 2017
Last month, East of Salinas filmmakers Laura Pacheco and Jackie Mow returned to the Salinas Valley to catch up with the subjects of her film: Jose Ansaldo, the bright student and son of migrant workers, and Oscar Ramos, Jose’s teacher, mentor, and friend. First of all, here’s Oscar talking about his lasting relationship with Jose.
And after you watch East of Salinas, you will no doubt be a bit worried about and want to hear more from young Jose himself. Well, Jose was kind enough to not only write us a letter updating us on how he’s doing, but also let the filmmakers put together a video that goes with his letter. Read and watch: