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Arizona Edition: Yuma High Criminal's Second Book Reimagines Oz

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Arizona Edition

Re-aired 10/28/22

Author, producer, and farmworker rights activist David Damian Figueroa released his second book in February. He calls “El Oz” a tribute to activist Dolores Huerta and his farmworker family here in Yuma, AZ.

"El Oz" tells the story of a young Mexican girl named Dolores, who along with her faithful chihuahua, Pepito, becomes separated from their home and family. As they travel the Talavera Road to the City of Angeles to find help, they meet new friends, make an enemy, and discover that the answers they sought were in them all along.

A bit of a spoiler – but the journey is rich in magic, subtle lessons, and familiar locations for anyone that lives in the mix of desert and farming that is found in northern Mexico and the southwestern U.S.

David Damian Figueroa is a graduate ofYuma High School and says he is a proud Yuma "Criminal". He credits his time in Yuma for much of the scenery and locations in "El Oz."

We spoke to David Damian Figueroa by phone from his home in Coachella Valley

Lou grew up in Tucson and has a long family history in the state of Arizona. He began his public radio career in 1988 at KNAU in Flagstaff as a classical music DJ and has been hooked on public radio since, transitioning to news after trying his hand at several other careers in publishing and commercial broadcasting. Lou has a degree in American Studies from Arizona State University and was KAWC's Morning Edition host for two and half years before becoming News and Operations Director.
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