Our Stories
The City of San Diego donated the project’s land and asked for a goal of 20 percent women and minority participation in all aspects of construction. As the developer, MAAC increased that number to 40 percent—not as a goal, but as a requirement. The winning bidder was also required to hire under-employed youth from the community into a pre-apprenticeship training program. I express to the bidders the increased requirement was not debatable: “That’s the deal; take it or leave it!” Keith Branville, who also grew up in Shelltown, represented Nielson Construction. He said, “I heard what you said, Roger. We’ll do it all.” He recruited a diverse group of Chicano and Black gang members into the pre-apprentice training program.
Saving Lives By Roger Cazares Retired CEO MAAC Project
Marco has been our home gardener for over 10 years and grew up in Logan Heights. He told me, “Roger, you save lives, and you don’t even know it.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
Mercado Apartments groundbreaking Barrio Logan – 1994 (Photo courtesy Roger Cazares Archives)
He said, “My brother was in a gang and was shot six times. When MAAC built the Mercado Apartments he was recruited into that pre-apprenticeship training program. It saved his life. Today, he works for a school district and leads a technology department.” Making Deals I led the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC) for nearly 30 years, beginning in 1974. We helped families. The lack of affordable housing prompted MAAC to develop the 144-unit Mercado Apartments in Barrio Logan. The $27-million affordable housing initiative was one of the largest projects constructed in 1994.
Roger Cazares CEO MAAC Project – 1978 (Photo courtesy Roger Cazares Archives)
Mercado Apartments Today – Barrio Logan (Photos courtesy Latino Legacy Foundation)
MAAC Project CEO Roger Cazares and Admin Staff - 1975 (Photo courtesy Roger Cazares Archives)
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 4 – The Rise & Legacy of the Chicano Movement
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