VivirLatino

A new Friday feature on VL, Word en la Calle lets everyday Latinos voice their thoughts and opinions on topics of interest to the community.

Name:
Sonia Carranza

Age:
29

Location:
Central Valley (California)

Profession:
Registered Health Inspector/ Lead Inspector Assessor

Roots:
Mexico. Parents are from Guanajuato

Languages:
English and Spanish

What does it mean to you to be Latino/a?
It’s all about the culture. We have a big united family with all day gatherings every Sunday at my mom’s house. It also means to believe in Santos, Reyes Magos, brujas and lloronas.

What does your work consist of?
I conduct inspections at public water systems, food facilities and pools, also respond to sewage, mosquito, and trash complaints. I am also responsible for conducting lead investigations for children who have elevated blood lead levels throughout the county. Unfortunately most of the cases are Latino/Spanish speaking. The lead contamination is mostly due to lead based paint which is found in many homes that are in bad condition.

What health concerns affect the Latino community?
Some of the health problems that come to mind are diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Well, the first two are a result of the third.

Politics: (Example: middle ground, far right, far left, etc.)
left

In your opinion, are Latinos united or divided as a group?
I think it’s a combination of the two in the sense that Latinos are united along nationality lines and at the same time that’s what divides us.

Favorite musical style:
Mostly Rock en Español and Alternative music.

Favorite TV Shows:
Gilmore Girls.

Favorite artists in any genre:
Julieta Venegas, Mana, Juanes, and Ricardo Arjona.

Favorite brand names:
Lucky Brand Jeans and anything worth buying at Ross and Marshall’s.

Who have been or are your role models?
My Parents (jefecitos) have been my role models. They managed a family of 13 kids working as farmworkers. Their fortitude inspired us to do well in education. I’m proud to say that there are six college graduates in my family.