Describe where you'd like to see yourself and Tia Chucha ten years from now.

I'm working on several new books, including new poetry, new fiction, and perhaps another memoir. I'm also working on a possible movie of Always Running. I hope this truly happens, although I want to make sure the authenticity and integrity of the story and people are intact. I would also like to consider some other film and stage possibilities. As for Tia Chucha's, I hope we can re-establish in Pacoima — the main barrio in the Northeast San Fernando Valley (and one of the poorest communities in LA County), but to also have one in Chicago, East LA, and perhaps some other locations. Tia Chucha's is a uniquely powerful concept that works. I'd like to help other communities achieve the same whenever possible.

And I must say, I pray that my family remains well and healthy in the years to come. My son Ramiro, who has served 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, will be out in four more years. I want him to be strong, safe, and out of the destructive life he was living into a healthy, wholesome, and satisfactory socially engaged and active one. I also hope I lose my unhealthy weight and stay in good shape for the long haul--I know I have so much to do, and not much time to do it all. I'm working hard now to eat right, exercise, and have a strong spiritual life for such a future.

What's something not in the official bio?

I'm now juggling work among gang youth and mentorship, including the shaping of urban peace policy, with my work in the arts; my own writing, stage, and film work; with family; and other community commitments. I've learned how to do this in a way that keeps me balanced and centered. I'm also in a strong sweat lodge circle in the Northeast Valley — something my wife. Trini, and I have been involved with since we lived in Chicago. We also do annual trips to the Navajo reservation for ceremonies (my family was adopted by a Navajo elder there many years ago), and we've added trips to sacred places like Peru to continue our spiritual growth and healing.

On top of all that I'm doing, I'm still editor of Tia Chucha Press — creating wonderful poetry collections for more than 18 years now. I'm also editor/founder of Xispas magazine, an online Chicano magazine. And I'm a regular columnist for the Progressive magazine, out of Madison, Wisconsin.

People may also not know that besides my four children (ages 32, 30, 19, and 13), I have four grandchildren, including two who are already teenagers--and older than my youngest son. I'm extremely busy, which means I don't get a chance to respond to the countless letters and emails in support of my work. For this I apologize. But I appreciate all the positive messages and stories. I may be in the middle of my life now, but things seem more vital and regenerating than I could have ever imagined.