by Dulce Maria Leon
The “Capa” clan came to Culver City via “The Los Angeles Dodgers!” In 1962, Vicente Capa Sr. was recruited as a pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers after scouts spotted him playing in Cuba. He then brought from Cuba his parents Francisco (Pancho) and Aurelia Capa and their 9 other children and 10 grandchildren. We took up residence on Vinton Avenue and covered the entire block! Francisco (Pancho) Capa opened “Cuba Market” which was on the ground floor of the building that housed the “other” Cuban Club appropriately named Culver City Cuban Club on Venice Blvd. (Yes! This is where you all bought what we all bring when attending a party that says “BYOB”). At last count (2008) there are 125 family members and more on the way! We have lost our grandfather Pancho (1975) and our grandmother Aurelia (1986). We have also lost two aunts, Argimira (Gimi) Capa Estevez (1986) and Yolanda Capa Pastor (2005).
Living in Culver City and being part of the Cuban Community of Culver City allowed all of us to be faithful to our Cuban roots while attempting to learn another culture in another country which has served us well. On behalf of the Capa family, we thank you for your friendships and the bonds that keep us still very “Cuban”.
The “Capa” clan came to Culver City via “The Los Angeles Dodgers!” In 1962, Vicente Capa Sr. was recruited as a pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers after scouts spotted him playing in Cuba. He then brought from Cuba his parents Francisco (Pancho) and Aurelia Capa and their 9 other children and 10 grandchildren. We took up residence on Vinton Avenue and covered the entire block! Francisco (Pancho) Capa opened “Cuba Market” which was on the ground floor of the building that housed the “other” Cuban Club appropriately named Culver City Cuban Club on Venice Blvd. (Yes! This is where you all bought what we all bring when attending a party that says “BYOB”). At last count (2008) there are 125 family members and more on the way! We have lost our grandfather Pancho (1975) and our grandmother Aurelia (1986). We have also lost two aunts, Argimira (Gimi) Capa Estevez (1986) and Yolanda Capa Pastor (2005).
Living in Culver City and being part of the Cuban Community of Culver City allowed all of us to be faithful to our Cuban roots while attempting to learn another culture in another country which has served us well. On behalf of the Capa family, we thank you for your friendships and the bonds that keep us still very “Cuban”.
Yolanda Capa Garcia still lives in California and is married to Frank Garcia. They have 2 children (Yvette and Frank both Graphic Artists). Vivian Capa Greene lives in Orlando, Florida and is married to Joe Greene and they have 2 boys (Alex and Christopher one attending FSU and the other still in High School). Laura Avila Capa lives in California and is married to Pedro Triana and they have 3 boys (Alex, Adam and Andres). Lissette Avila Capa lives in California and has a daughter Bianca Perez (in college). Lelia (Janet) Capa Martinez lives in California and is married to Raymund Martinez. They have 2 children. Luis Leon Capa lives in Miami, Florida and has 3 children (Derek, Devin and Tatiana – in college). Luis has a Grandson named Lucas. Frank Leon Capa lives in California and married Mary Fraser and they have 2 children (Frank Anthony (EMT) and Daniel (still in high school). Dulce Leon Capa lives in Miami, Florida and has 2 children (Jacques and Kasey – in college). Ana Maria Capa Infante lives in Jacksonville, Florida and is married to Frank Infante and they have 3 children (Frank Jr., Briana and Sophia). Vincent Capa lives in California and is married to Connie. They have 2 children. Jorge Capa lives in California. Pablo Leon Guerra Lives in California and has 3 children. Pablo is a grandfather twice over. Juan (Juanchi) Leon Guerra lives in Tampa, Florida and is married to Norma. Juan has 3 children and is a grandfather thrice over. Sam Leon Guerra lives in Lakeland, Florida and has 4 children. He is a grandfather thrice over.
After reading Dulce’s story about her family I could help wonder how such a large family has stayed close when so many small can’t keep it together. Her response to me was the following.
My grandfather was the ultimate Gallego. When he said something he said it only once. My aunts and uncles were taught that they can argue all they wanted but that distance between brothers and sisters was just NOT ACCEPTABLE. The idea of "this is my life and I will do want I want with it" did not exist with them. When one of them would get out of line, the others corrected him or her. This philosophy trickled down into the 2nd generation. Distance is just not acceptable. We have raised our kids with the same philosophy. We learned by watching the generation before us and knew that the generation after us would be watching us. We left our egos at the door.
Bravo, bravo to your grandfather and to all 125 of you for following in his footsteps.
After reading Dulce’s story about her family I could help wonder how such a large family has stayed close when so many small can’t keep it together. Her response to me was the following.
My grandfather was the ultimate Gallego. When he said something he said it only once. My aunts and uncles were taught that they can argue all they wanted but that distance between brothers and sisters was just NOT ACCEPTABLE. The idea of "this is my life and I will do want I want with it" did not exist with them. When one of them would get out of line, the others corrected him or her. This philosophy trickled down into the 2nd generation. Distance is just not acceptable. We have raised our kids with the same philosophy. We learned by watching the generation before us and knew that the generation after us would be watching us. We left our egos at the door.
Bravo, bravo to your grandfather and to all 125 of you for following in his footsteps.
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