Alfredo Tobar is a man with many talents, a keen sense for justice, and a big mouth.Restaurant owner, City Commissioner, Artista and Rebel are a few of the titles he proudly wears. We met Wednesday night at Pepe’s Café in Ozona, Texas, the only town I had seen in over 90 miles. Ozona seems like your quintessential Texas small-town. I had lucked-out when I connected the Pastor’s wife when I called Christ Church earlier in the afternoon. They extended their southern hospitality and invited me to their Wednesday night fellowship meeting for dinner. Pastor Johnnie’s message was about blessings, something I’ve been receiving a whole lot of lately. After the service we chatted about the Obama and the state of the town’s oil trade (Texas -Tea is the town’s primary industry). A few members of the “proudly Republican” bunch even went so far as to speculate to Obama’s election already causing a downturn in the local economy. Leaving the church, Pastor Johnnie dropped me off across the street at Pepe’s Café, one of the few joints that would be open after 9pm on a weeknight. I walked in and was shocked to see huge paintings of Obama, Che and even Lil Weezy himself! I sat down and ordered two entrees (the usual nowadays with the metabolism I’ve got) and was soon joined by Alfredo Tobar, the cordial owner and creator of the pop-art that decorates the small restaurant. He began to detail a very different town than I had heard about back at the church.
Ozona exemplifies the historic Anglo/Mexican conflict that has shaped so much of Texas’ history. Gun toting lawmen abuse their authority on the local Hispanic population, (according to Tobar, 42% of the town’s Latino minors already have a record), and the rich have gotten their way for quite some time. The current state of affairs has placed Tobar at odds with much of the wealthier white community, many of whom hold ties to the oil business. Eight months after he was elected Commissioner he underwent fraudulent allegations and a trumped-up charges in a trial that lasted over 8 months. The trial was premeditated by the town’s local sheriff, who seems to have allegiance to the local oil-istocracy. (Read more about the trial here )
Tobar was found not guilty on all three counts this past June, but his business has still suffered. “Now there’s white folks who [for fear of risking their jobs] won’t come into the restaurant any more. In fact… since everyone knows my food is some of the best in town, they’ll order take-out send somebody else to pick it up!”
A strong will and a passion for following what he believes is right are what I could see guides this man. He has defiantly expressed his no-nonsense sensibilities on murals around the town ever since his youth. His fascinating stories seemed endless as he told me about growing up and trying to do the right thing in a small town riddled with drug traffic from the Mexican cartels. “I was a pretty wild young man, I must say”, he explains while showing off a picture of him holding an Uzi at age 23. “But i’ve changed alot”, he said.
I would have to describe Alfredo’s energy as tenacious. He’s always getting himself into something, and much like his youth, he’s challenged to do the right thing in a world full of wrong. Heck, where I live in LA, it seems like when the local law enforcement are against you, you’re often on the right side of justice.
From troubled youth to city commissioner all within half a century is impressive and inspirational. I valued Tobar’s renaissance-man look at life, and especially how he seamlessly incorporates his personal and political mission. While his mouth seems to get him in trouble, his art speaks for itself. His rebellious spirit shows in the exterior of Pepe’s Café, styled to resemble the Alamo. He remodeled it himself proudly stating “I always wanted to have my own Alamo, besides, there’s not really much I can’t do, so I pretty much do everything myself”.
I greatly appreciated meeting Alfredo. If you’re ever driving through West Texas on the I-10 you’ll have to drop by and see for yourself. I can honestly say that he is the type of man that I aspire to be one day…just not in a town so small as Ozona!
Departing December 2, 2008
Arrival: January 20, 2009
on Dec 20th, 2008 at 11:57 am
My Brothers Keeper,
Great article and very well written. You are an exceptionaly talented young man. I admire your openness and honest integrity. I know through this journey and through all of your encounters you may never get some answers you may be looking for but just being able to move through your own personal space is huge. I know through prayer and the guidence from your higher power this is just the beginning of great things to come your way. I am proud to say that I know you and always have your back in whatever you set out to do for yourself.
One Love and I look foward to your next article or blog.
Peace, Divine Light and Good Vibrations
Sean
on Dec 21st, 2008 at 11:52 am
Love the poster of the marxist, guerrilla leading terrorist, Che Guevara, next to the Obama poster. Classic.
on Dec 21st, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Nice article, yet I wasn’t surprised at the class division in that small TX town … typical and especially in TX (aka McCain Territory).
42% of Latino minors already having a record is no surprise either — typical of areas with a large Latino or Black / minority base where abuse of authority is the norm, not the exception.
When the minors become adults, their records will be sealed, offering a fresh start. I suggest movign to an area where the law provides a better chance at “justice” and not “just us”.
I will certainly stop in for some good eats (simply love Mexican food) at Pepe’s Café if I’m ever down Ozuna TX way.
Thank you for posting this article; I enjoyed reading it, plus… Alfredo Tobar is a man that definitely deserves everyone’s attention!!
– G
on Dec 21st, 2008 at 1:41 pm
This guy seems like a clown. The O.J. trial didn’t even last 8 months so it’s doubtful that his trial did. I have a feeling that 42% of the Latino youth have a criminal record for a reason, not just because the white man wants to keep them down. That’s a pretty bold assertion to make without looking at the facts of the cases, or examining what percentage of whites have a criminal record. Pepe’s Cafe will not be on my dining to-do list.
Little Wayne, Che and Obama . . . are those really associations you want to make? Two dirtbags next to our President. What does that say?
on Dec 21st, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I am amazed Che, Obama and Lil’ Weezy all make a show in Texas…interesting..and exciting…I admire your courage….all the best as you make it to Wash/DC on 20 Jan…safe biking and eat, drink plenty
on Dec 21st, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Hey Ryan! I love the concept. Congratulations on all the good publicity; you’re going to have a ball. I did a transam cycling trip 3 years ago, and it was astounding. If I had known you were in San Diego, perhaps I could have helped out, but it looks like you’re learning how to do self-contained touring as you go, which is pretty cool. Let’s hope the people in the red states treat you well.
Ken
on Dec 21st, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I believe this is something you will remember your whole life Ryan.
on Dec 21st, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Most will understand you are just talking to people on your grand adventure crossing the US. Don’t stop writing the way you are its an uncensored view of the people you meet . Regardless if the trial was 8 months or 3 that’s not the point . You are taking the people you meet at face value being honest with them and in return hoping they are honest too. Good luck and Merry Christmas!!
on Dec 27th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Good article. I think that much like Obama…Alfredo is fighting or has been fighting an uphill battle. Hopefully, like Obama he can help to bring about some much needed change. Change is something that comes about very, very slowly in small West-Texas towns and is not very well recieved. I’m glad to know that there are people that are willing to fight for what they believe in and not just stick with the “norm”. If Obama had not been willing to fight the norm he would not be our president elect right now. As for the paintings of Che, Lil’Wayne and Obama together….I would have to say, he has good taste in variety.
on Dec 29th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Hey ive been to the resturant and seen your card Ryan. Wonderful article & Great pictures! I have to say that Alfredo is a great man and a even better person over all. Because ive known him for about seven years. I also wanted to state the fact that he has done so much for the Hispanics in our small town. And unless you have lived here in Ozona to experiance everything that has happend you could never understand. Alfredo does have alot to say,But he also knows alot too! I dont see how that could be a bad thing. Pepe’s is the Best food to offer in this town.