Volume 1, Issue 2
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 14, 2011
Astro-Jose: From the fields, to the stars, to Congress...
“We would work in the field and pile in our car, my father would say, I can't make you go to college, but I can tell you that you are living your futures right now” It’s not everyday we hear about a NASA
astronaut tweeting from space in English and Spanish, but that’s exactly what Astronaut Jose Hernandez did on his flight of Discovery in 2009. He not only tweeted to his growing Latino fan base, he waived an Oakland Raider shield from space, perhaps also a first, drawing screams and shouts from the many rabid Raider fans in Northern California. Over the next two years since his historic flight, Hernandez made his rounds across the country, motivating and inspiring all who listened to his “Dream” message, young and old. Now, the farmworker from Stockton who would become an astronaut is seeking to become the first Latino Congressional representative from California’s 8
Central Valley. “I have a new mission,” the youthful looking 49 year-old engineer from the University of the Pacific told an excited group of supporters in Modesto. “To go to Congress and make sure mine is not the last generation that can claim the American dream." On October 11, Astro Jose, as his twitter fans know him, launched his candidacy for the Democratic nomination to the newly carved District 10. It won’t be an easy win since the district is somewhat conservative and just elected Republican Jeff Denham only two years ago.