Zamora, Beatrice: - "Beatrice Zamora is a retired educator who has been an active community supporter for over 40 years. She is a published author who has compiled stories that depict Chicano/Mexican-American and Native American history. Beatrice has written this book as a tribute to the land struggle of a community called Logan Heights in San Diego, California. She believes that Chicano Park is a symbol of inspiration for all- a vibrant example of resilience and self-determination. The story's main message is about community and civic activism and respect for the earth - two values the author holds close to her heart. As an educator, Beatrice understands the importance of reading literature from diverse cultures. She believes children must be able to connect with the characters in the story and when children see themselves depicted in the stories they develop a relationship with the book and the joy of reading. This story is written in Spanish and English as a means of improving communication, but also demonstrating the importance of multi-language development. Beatrice is married and is a mother of two. Both of her children are college educated and involved in cultural preservation. Beatrice and her husband, Mario Aguilar, live in San Diego county and have been teaching and preserving the Native-american traditions of Mexico and the Southwestern U.S. through community dance and art for many years. She believes that the diversity that exists in this country is extremely valuable and adds to the beauty of life. Beatrice was born in Logan Heights, San Diego, and raised in Los Angeles. She has family roots in Arizona and New Mexico."