The Ybarra Story

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        Like many immigrants who come to California from Mexico, Rosendo Ybarra (mi abuelito) not only sought a better life for his future children but one of adventure for himself. Whenever I find myself in need of inspiration, he is the one I look to. A lover of the outdoors, the risk of leaving a mundane office job did not shake his will to instead take more labor intensive employment as a construction worker; his legacy now forever being gazed upon by countless eyes who pass the Los Angeles River, a historical landmark he helped build.

        This legacy did not come easy though; at the early age of seventeen, misfortune struck as a mining accident claimed one of his legs forcing Rosendo to use a prosthetic leg for the remainder of his life. Through the hardships I have faced over the years, my grandfather's legacy has been there not only to remind, but also teach me to overcome any adversity with humility. Rosendo did not have any of his four children until after the mining accident, this is where the iron will of the Ybarra name was forged and prevailed. My grandfather is a true embodiment of "Si Se Puede."

        The story told within the Ybarra family is that Rosendo walked uphill for five miles and back on foot, after purchasing a crib for what would be his first born daughter (mi madrecita). Inheriting her father's iron will, raising three children by herself would not be easy but my mother found a way to financially provide for her children while gifting them the ultimate life lesson. The same life lesson I have been gifted from her throughout my life; never give up.

        Often times, it was very difficult to live in a household where she was undervalued, underappreciated, and financially taken advantage of by one of her siblings. After her parents passed away, my mother battled admirably to provide for her children, while being financially manipulated into an environment that was not healthy for her children. This did not stop her from providing love and support to the dreams of her children, but living with a sibling who had no regard for his damaging behavior made it difficult for anyone to find peace at home.

        At the age of fifteen, music became the escape from a toxic environment his family was forced to be in. While everyone slept, the dark of night created a musical sanctuary that allowed him to practice in solitude; during the day there was to be no noise of any kind, especially music.

        It was the iron will of his ancestors guiding him when he refused to let fear navigate that musical journey. When he began volunteering at Saint Marcellinus Church as a guitarist, he learned the power of music and how it brought a community closer together.  The love given and received were stronger than the fear being forced on him. Eventually he became the music director where he shared and acquired knowledge on guitar theory and choir music; the seed to becoming a classically trained musician had been planted.

        Graduating from East Los Angeles College with an AA degree in classical guitar performance not only allowed him to develop a deeper appreciation for music on guitar, being around so many different instrumentalists also encouraged him to branch out into other areas of music. Eventually, this led to learning how to utilize recording software so he could record and produce his own music. This would flourish into becoming a producer which gave him the opportunity to help other aspiring songwriters under his label, Roots of Refuge Records.

        The great sacrifice of his grandfather and mother solidified his love for immigrant children and families. Although his legacy is still being written, he carries their heartfelt passion towards their children with him and hopes to guide his students through their musical journey with that same love.