La Tiendita!

Ford St.

This is a corner store that was about two blocks up from my house and one street over. It wasn’t anything fancy, but to me, it was one of my favorite spots. Chips, cookies, candy, it had everything a kid could ever want. This is the place where I first tried Hot Cheetos with nacho cheese. That combo felt like the dopest thing back then hot, cheesy, and messy in the best way. It was a whole experience, one you couldn’t get just anywhere. You had to know about that spot.

The store sat on the corner of Rodriguez Street and Ford Street. During the day, it was a good spot. You’d see a bit of everything there kids grabbing snacks, old men chatting outside, moms picking up quick groceries. I used to stop by every other week or so in the morning before catching the bus to middle school. It was a good walk that gave me time to think. Gave me enough time to settle in and sort of prepare for my day mentally. It was almost a mini pre-school ritual you can say. I tried to go mostly every other day or so. But the truth is, I never really had money. Whenever I had an extra dollar or saved up quarters, I would make it count. I’d grab some munchies, maybe an oatmeal cookie, gummy worms, or a small bag of chips. Oh and can not forget about the watermelon arizona! Just that little brown paper bag filled with my snacks felt like I was on top of the world.

But like everything, there was also a not so positive side. That store was in the heart of a unsteady neighborhood. At night, being out there was a gamble. It was also a liquor store and if you know how liquor stores are in low income communities, you know the vibe changes after dark. Fights were common. A few people even lost their lives right out front. It was known as a spot where rival gang members crossed paths. Conflict was always around the corner. 

It definitely taught me how be more vigilant and know how and when to spot uncomfortable situations. I remember an instance where I headed to the La Tiendita afterschool and a older man sort of barged in.  He headed straight towards the alcohol sections, it did not take long until the store cashier started looking up at the mirrors up in the corners checking on the 

As much as that store gave us joy as kids, it also reminded us how fast things could shift. La Tiendita was and is still a place full of memories, good and bad, that still stick with me.