El Pachuco Chronicles

Episode 23.  Continuing our conversation with Daniel Valdez, join us for more engaging storytelling with a  Chicano Renaissance performing artist. JIm Ruel and Ray Estrella host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. Phyllis Estrella also joins us for this episode. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 22.  We are thrilled to present this two part interview of the one and only Daniel Valdez, star of Zoot Suit, joins us for an interview. Join us for part one of this interview as he shares stories of his amazing career.  JIm Ruel and Ray Estrella host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. Phyllis Estrella also joins us for this episode. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 21. Guest Judge Jorge C. Hernandez, aka Mr. Blue, organizer of the Pachuco Ball   Our guest in this episode is none other than Mr. Blue who puts on the Annual Pachuco Ball in Perris California, this year on August 23, 2025. He shares with us a wealth of knowledge of Chicano Culture and history. Please follow him on social media to learn more about his work in addition to the Pachuco Ball.  https://www.instagram.com/mrblue_kucr/ JIm Ruel, Ray and Vanessa Estrella host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com  

Episode 20. Pachuco Manny, longtime friend of El Pachuco, talks about the August 2025 Cruise, which unfortunately ended up being cancelled due to the current situation in Los Angeles. The Cruise has been happeneing  Christina Romero, teacher, community organizer, puts in a lot of work behind the scenes to make the Zoot Suit Cruise happen. We look forward to the Cruise hopefully coming back in 2026. Ray and Vanessa Estrella host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 19. Marc is the director of the upcoming production of In the Heights at Long Beach City College. https://www.instagram.com/markanthonydrama/ He welcomes you to track him down on Instagram and inquire about discounted tickets. He talks about his history of the zoot suits, including acting in a production of Zoot Suit in 2008 and his desire to hopefully direct the production down the road. Elena Arroyo also joins in on the discussion. Ray Estrella hosts this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com  

Adelaide Pilar, musician, Puchuca, strong leader, stops in to the podcast to share her story. You can catch her regularly rocking her Zoot suit pants as frequent performer at Knotts Berry Farm. Originally from Texas, Adelaide delves into the roots of Afro-Latin jazz and the historic ties to the zoot suit. You can check out her website for upcoming shows and merchandise. https://www.adelaidepilar.com Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 17.  Sam and Marie Campos were helping with a 3D lowrider bike printing workshop at Casa 723 and stopped in for a visit with El Pachuco Stories. Sam Campos is a member of the Old Memories Car Club and Maria has a history of her own with lowrider cars. Oscar Ruelas joins us for this episode. Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com  

Episode 16. Dr Denise Sandoval, Tenure Professor at California State University Chicana/o Studies Department, stops in to deliver a history lesson in Chicana/o Studies. You can check out her work at the Peterson Museum where she co-curated the "Best in Low" exhibit, highlighting the craftsmen and craftswomen who have created world reknowned lowriders through April, 2025. We also take the time to share some words of remembrance for the recent passing of Alfred Jesse Smith, aka, Brenton Wood. He was not just a customer but a dear friend. Condolences to his family and friends. Vanessa Estrella, Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel host this episode of El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 15. The El Pachuco Family wishes everyone a safe and happy holidays. We wanted to share some holiday cheer in this short episode. Feliz Navidad. Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel host El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 14   Patty "Cherry Doll" talks about running the Eddie Cochrane Memorial Car Show in Bell Gardens, CA, October 6, 2024, and her history of putting on other charity events as part of the Gypsy Three. You can find out more about events she is invovled in on social media. Instagram: Ms.Cherrydollb Eric, El Chamuco the Pinstriper, talks about building lowrider bikes and teaching pinstriping to his kids. Check out his work on social media: Facebook: pinstriping.by.el.chamuco Sophia, Jim's daughter shares her story of why she is into Zoot Suits Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel host El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com  

Episode 13 features Alex Rodriguez (the one from Arizona who produces the Arizona Supershow at the Cardinal Stadium. We discuss the possibility of doing a screening of Zoot Suit in 2025 (stay tuned - coming this June). Also featuring longtime family friend Fernando Silva shares some of the adventures of Ray and Fernando at Viva Las Vegas and gives an update on the Zoot Suit scene in Sacramento. Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel host El Pachuco Chronicles. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 12. Ray's longtime friend Alfred Lopez, aka Capone Designs airbrush artist is our guest. Taking time away from painting a yacht! Alfred stops in to share some stories of his history with El Pachuco Zoots including the story behind his business name. You can check out his work on Instagram @caponedesigns With Jim Ruel travelling the country doing comedy and looking good on stage in his Zoot Suits, Ray Estrella once again handles the solo duty of hosting the podcast. We are just getting started. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 11, Juan Rubalcaba comes to us all the way from Hawaii to be a guest on the podcast. A longtime friend, he has a ton of stories to share, including painting the store itself!  Oscar Ruelas also drops in the say a quick hello. Finally, Phyllis Estrella joins us to introduce Victor, who was part of the second edition of the El Pachuco Dance ensemble, some 40 years ago. With Jim Ruel travelling the country doing comedy and looking good on stage in his Zoot Suits, Ray Estrella handles the solo duty of hosting the podcast. He even figured out how to work the audio recorder.  We are just getting started. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Really the reason we started this podcast was to document the history of El Pachuco Zoot Suits, so we hope you appreciate as much as we do to have Ray Sr. join us to share more of the history of the store.  We also sat down with filmmaker/artist Jesse, Pachuco Muerto who has done great work helping to document Pachuco happenings. You can follow his work under Zuela Force Productions on Facebook. El Pachuco Chronicles is weekly podcast hosted by Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel with Vanessa Estrella dropping in when she can. We are just getting started. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Tia Lucy - Lucy Durant Valenzuela, of the Lucy's Fashion Jewelry fame sharing her stories of the early days of El Pachuco Zoot Suits. Not to be left out, Tia Gloria joins us as well with her infectious laughter. And we had a guest drop in who was shopping in the showroom: Romulo Chavez joins us to share stories of his father's fight with other Pachuco's for social justice as well as his own remarkable recovery from some health issues. El Pachuco Chronicles is weekly podcast hosted by Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel with Vanessa Estrella dropping in when she can. We are just getting started. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com  

Episode 8 is a customer drop in episode. We invite customers who happen to be perusing the El Pachuco showroom to join us on the podcast to share their stories. From a family of young Pachucos who wear zoot suits as their daily attire to a relative of Jose Diaz, whose death in Sleepy Lagoon precipitated the Zoot Suit Riots.  In order: Eric and Cecilia from Las Vegas, representing the Simple Dreams Car Club. David from Cerritos, getting a suit for his upcoming wedding. Bobby whose grandmother's brother was Jose Diaz. Victor, Carlos and Rosa, a family with Texas roots who live the zoot suit life every day, cruising town on their lowrider bikes. El Pachuco Chronicles is weekly podcast hosted by Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel with Vanessa Estrella dropping in when she can. We are just getting started. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Episode 7 features Oscar Ruelas and his good friend Eddie Soler to share more stories of the early days of the car clubs. From the Dukes CC to the Old Memories CC. And then shares how they managed to fix up cars without almost no money. Louie Carranza, President of the Brown Pride CC also stopped in to join the conversation. El Pachuco Chronicles is weekly podcast hosted by Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel. We are just getting started. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com    

An old friend, Larry stopped into the showroom and share some time on the podcast. He was part of the initial dance and model zoot suit troup from the early days and shares some of his stories with us.  Pachuca Maria and Adrian Rodriguez, on their weekly visit, share their stories of how they got involved with zoot suits and modelling.  Phyllis Estrella joins us with Larry and her sister Gloria jumps on to say hello and share her iconic laughter. And finally Vanessa is able to take a break and jump on the podcast. El Pachuco Chronicles is weekly podcast hosted by Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel. We are just getting started. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Jose Barrios is visiting from Chicago. Ray and Jose go way back to the early 1990s and we're happy to have him as a guest on the podcast. Also appearing on this episode: Phyllis, Vanessa, Oscar, Ramon Chingon and Michelle, a recent UC Irvine graduate, who had no idea she was going to be on the podcast as she was shopping for a new pair of pants. El Pachuco Chronicles is weekly podcast hosted by Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel. We are just getting started. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

Oscar Ruelas and Ramon return to share more car stories with El Pachuco Chronicles. And we have a few drop in guests as well. El Pachuco Chronicles is weekly podcast hosted by Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel. We are just getting started. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. [email protected] And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com

This week we invited customers at the El Pachuco showroom to grab a seat and share their stories with us - what brought them into the store, was Zoot Suits mean to them. And on this day we had customers the Bay Area, Arizona, and Texas. We appreciate their willingness to come and share and hope you enjoy what they have to say as much as we did. In addition we were able to grab some time Vanessa who was busy fulfilling orders to share details for the the zoot suit dance contest at the upcoming Lowrider Supershow in Las Vegas on October 5th, 2024. So stay until the end of the episode so you don't missout. El Pachuco Chronicles is weekly podcast hosted by Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel. We are just getting started. If there are any topics and stories you would like us to explore shoot us a message via email or social media and we'll see what we can do. And once again thanks to Pachuco Jose for our intro and outtro music. Elpachuco.com [email protected]

Car culture and the car club scene has always played a major role in El Pachuco. Guests Oscar Ruelas, Ramon, and J. R Estrella share their stories of the car culture and famed car clubs such as the Dukes going back to the 1970s.   Once again, Ray Estrella and Jim Ruel host this episode of the El Pachuco Chronicles podcast. This episode was recorded in the El Pachuco showroom in Fullerton, CA.   Thanks to Pachuco Jose Y Los Diamantes for the intro and outtro music, recorded live at the El Pachuco Zoot Suits 45th Anniversary Gala in 2023.   Elpachuco.com

Phyllis and Ray Senior share stories of the early days of El Pachuco Zoot Suits. Hosted by Ray Estrella Jr. and Jim Ruel.