When Francisco Flores Landa strolled into the editorial office of El Tecolote in early 1972 inquiring if the newspaper needed help, little did I realize that it would be a lasting relationship that made for cherished memories.
At that moment I asked, “What can you do?”
He replied, “What do you need?”
From that moment on, Francisco would find time to write articles, produce a column on neighborhood historical vignettes titled “Mission Jewels,” translate English articles into Spanish, oversee all the Spanish translations, distribute the newspaper, and help on our fundraisers. He was committed.
Although he was never loud or demonstrative, Francisco was always loyal and giving. Known for his analytical mind, Francisco was also a historian at heart—oftentime writing about the history of the Mission that were posted online in “Shaping San Francisco’s Digital Archive.” Search his name on foundsf.org for his contributions, including one co-authored by former El Tecolote Photo Editor Pilar Mejia titled, “El Tecolote: social and political conditions during its inception — 1970.”
Francisco died on Feb. 8, 2022. He was 72.
From an early age, Francisco was aware of the struggle for social justice. He was one of the leaders of the protests and walk-outs demanding ethnic studies at Mission High School. He would say, “They finally served tacos in the cafeteria, but there are still no ethnic studies or any relevant curriculum.”
Like many Latino students, Francisco was “pushed out” of high school. However, he continued studying and got into a welding program.
Most of his life, Francisco worked as a ship fitter in Hunters Point and in Mare Island to support his family.
He stayed active in community struggles and began his political development working in the Committee to Defend Los Siete, where he helped organize a free breakfast program for children. He also was a part of a revolutionary study group and helped distribute Basta Ya, the Defend Los Siete newspaper. He also joined the Venceremos Brigade and went to Cuba to help with the sugar cane harvest. His son, Taino, was born during this time.
Francisco was born on Oct. 17, 1951 in Stockton, California when his mother accompanied his migrant farm worker father to French Camp, but he grew up in Mexicali, Mexico. He enjoyed telling stories about growing up in the scorching heat and how he would get up early in the morning and see his barrio come alive when it was cooler. But in the afternoons, he’d have to run from shadow to shadow to avoid burning his bare feet.
When Francisco was about 11, his family moved to San Francisco’s Mission District following the death of his father. Here he, his mother Carmen and his two brothers, Jaime and Enrique, embraced the warmth of the Latino community, but they also faced challenges.
While at El Tecolote, Francisco helped develop a collective that studied the role of the media, culture and politics. In 1974 he met Zaida Valladares, a Nicaraguan native and joined her in the Nicaraguan solidarity movement. They married and raised three daughters, Vicky, Iliana and Melina.
Shortly thereafter, Francisco earned a BA and a teaching credential that led him to eventually become a high school social studies teacher in San Francisco.
But through the years, it was clear that his biggest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He would share stories with me and show me photographs, while sporting a satisfying grin. He was happy to say the least.
Weeks before his death, Franciso was entertaining the idea of rejoining El Tecolote’s 50th anniversary committee to plan for a major gala in late August or early September. I know he will be there in spirit.
Francisco is survived by his brother Enrique Flores; his four children Taino Flores, Vicky Balladares, Iliana Flores, and Melina Flores; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and two nephews.
You have a place in my heart Francisco and a footnote in our history.
Francsico Flores Landa, ¡PRESENTE!