Riverside’s Zacatecas Cafe stars in new book by founders’ son
Frances J. Vasquez serves on the Inlandia Institute board of directors and coordinates Tesoros de Cuentos bilingual writing workshops in Riverside. (Courtesy of Lily Rivera) Oscar and Josefina Medina created something extraordinary in 1963 when they converted a tiny donut shop into the beloved Zacatecas Cafe on University and Park Avenue in Riverside’s multicultural Eastside. The cafe was located in a shopping center anchored by Stater Bros. Nearby, the iconic Nosotros Fine Arts Workshop was directed by acclaimed artist Leer Larkin — who was integral to the Medina family. Nosotros was a popular place for poets and artists to share their artistry. William Medina, Oscar and Josefina’s eldest son, made lifelong friends there who supported his literary endeavors. Historian William Medina’s debut novel, “Cafe Stories: Riverside’s Zacatecas,” was published recently. He re-imagines and chronicles curious events and experiences inspired by growing up helping his parents at the cafe. Subsequently, as they aged, he managed the restaurant on University and Sedgwick avenues. Medina’s colorful characters are based on diverse folks who frequented the cafe. “These stories are my first attempt at writing fiction. They are bits