He is the author of Reframing the Latino Immigration Debate: Towards a Humanistic Paradigm (San Diego State University Press, 2013). As a scholar-activist, he primarily publishes scholarly books and journal articles, along with policy papers and social commentaries. Occasionally, while traveling and lecturing throughout the country, he writes short stories based on his childhood experiences in East Los Angeles. He holds a Ph.D. (city & regional planning) from UC Berkeley. He also holds an M.A. (urban planning) and a B.A. (history) from UCLA. Note: Based on a compilation of true stories, where some of the names and scenes are changed, a version of this short story appeared in The Homeboy Review Issue 1 (Spring), 2009.]