WHEN THE STARS PARTIED

WHEN THE STARS PARTIED

By Ramon J. Martinez

Most folks can easily associate East San José with the vibrant culture we have come to associate with La Plaza of today. The music, dance, teatro, spoken word, festivals, and so forth that we associate with this place have roots that precede La Plaza itself. It’s no surprise that many local artists also have a connection to the east side, but did you know that East San José has a long history of hosting local and international stars? In fact, the late photographer Richard Diaz left behind an overwhelmingly impressive collection of photographs documenting that long-standing history.

“...Richard Diaz left behind an overwhelmingly impressive collection of photographs documenting that long-standing history.”

Known as “El Fotógrafo De Las Estrellas”, Richard Diaz was born on May 15, 1920, in Calipatria, California. After serving in World War II, he became a plumber and also continued his hobby as an amateur photographer. In the 1950’s, he and his wife Vera bought a house in East San José (near 24th Street and Story Road). He continued to earn extra money by taking photos of babies, weddings, family events and at dance halls and nightclubs, such the Starlight and Palomar Ballrooms, Tropicana Lounge and Arturo’s Village.

“Known as “El Fotógrafo De Las Estrellas...”

Richard and Vera adopted several kids who became friends with the kids in a neighborhood band, Los Tigres del Norte, who often played at Azteca Hall on 24th Street and at Paseo de Las Flores that was near Story and Senter Roads. Richard loved to drive Cadillacs and he often gave the kids rides to their gigs so they could arrive in style. In the late 1950’s, Richard met David Sierra, who introduced him to Humberto Garcia II, founder of El Excentrico Magazine (published in San José 1949 – 1981). Humberto invited Richard to publish his pictures in a weekly column within the magazine and made him a business card: Richard Diaz, “El fotógrafo de las estrellas”.

“Richard and Vera adopted several kids who became friends with the kids in a neighborhood band, Los Tigres del Norte...”