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Kids & Family

Ex-Gangster Brings 'Story of Transformation' to Foster City

Critically acclaimed author and former gang member Luis J. Rodriguez will be the keynote speaker at a Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center fundraiser next month at Crowne Plaza.

An award winning author and former gang member will appear in Foster City next month at a fundraiser for a Peninsula group that aims to reduce violence.

Luis J. Rodriguez, who is also a poet and social justice advocate, will be the keynote speaker at the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center's “Be the Key: Transform Your Community” luncheon.

Rodriguez received critical acclaim for "Always Running -  La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A," a book that chronicles his experiences as a member of a violent East Los Angeles street gang, for which he won the prestigious Carl Sandburg Literary Award  and made the New York Times' notable list.

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Rodriguez will sign copies of his most recent published work, "It Calls You Back — An Odyssey Through Love, Addiction, Revolutions, and Healing," which will be available for purchase at the luncheon.

“Mr. Rodriguez embodies the very principles and values that PCRC promotes,” PCRC Executive Director Michelle Vilchez said in a prepared statement.

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“His story of transformation from a life of violence as a gang member to a life of compassion as a community leader inspires the work we do to empower people, build relationships, and reduce violence in our community.” 

The luncheon will be held at on June 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  

Tickets and event sponsorships for the event are available online.  The event is open to the public. 

The PCRC's stated mission is to foster collaborative engagement by bringing people together, facilitating conversation, and building these skills in our community.

To learn more about PCRC and its programs visit www.pcrcweb.org

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