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Author David Catalan Rojas speaks about his new book "El Desierto No Es Incierto" on Thursday at the De Anza Hotel in Calexico. (May 24, 2012) |
CALEXICO — Mexicali author David Catalán Rojas discussed his first book, “El Desierto no es Incierto” or “The Desert is not Uncertain,” with an audience of roughly 35 people in the lobby of the Historic De Anza Hotel on Thursday evening.
The literary event was sponsored by the Consulate of Mexico in Calexico which plans to sponsor several more similar events throughout the year.
The historical book chronicles the history of Charles Rockwood who played an instrumental role in the development of the Calexico and Mexicali communities between 1895 and 1902.
Rojas said in Spanish that many people only know Rockwood as a street in Calexico and not as a critically important figure in the community’s history.
The book is split into two parts, one of which discusses historical facts about the developing communities while the other explains more about the people involved.
The Cultural Institute of Baja California provided support for the book which Rojas, 27, spent three years writing.
Several Valley natives from the audience said the discussion on the book itself already taught them things they never knew about the community’s history.
Consulate of Mexico in Calexico Consul Gina Andrea Blackledge Cruz said that the book reflects the shared histories and cultures of the Mexicali and Calexico communities.
“It’s very interesting. I didn’t know some of the history and some of how the Valley was born,” she said. “In this book, we can see that.”
Calexico Mayor Daniel Romero shared similar sentiments and bought a copy of the book for himself at the event.
“This way you know where you’re from. It helps you connect the dots,” he said.
The book is available at the Libreria Universitaria in Mexicali for about $10. Call the Consulate of Mexico in Calexico at 760-357-3863 for more information.
Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com
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