MENDOCINO CO., 4/12/25 — Radio show MendoLatino is the cultural heartbeat of the Latino community on the Mendocino Coast. Co-directors Diana Coryat and Loreto Rojas bring rich bilingual content — on air and online — that builds bridges between stories, generations, and communities.
Their programs dive deep into real-life issues like immigration, health, education, the environment and the vibrant cultural traditions that shape Latino life in Mendocino County.
One of their most powerful projects is “Nuestro Norte/Our North.” This bilingual podcast and oral history series brings to life the journeys of Latino families who made Mendocino County their home.
Each episode explores why families migrated, how they found work, built lives, and created networks of support. The stories trace the powerful journey of Latino community members as they arrive, put down roots, and build vibrant lives in Fort Bragg and the surrounding coastal towns.
“The need for this kind of programming has only grown since we began recording these stories,” Rojas said. “For the Latino community, its contributions to our region are finally being recorded and publicly recognized. For the whole region, sharing these stories generates positive and healing effects.”
With every interview and shared memory, listeners embark on a vivid journey through the lives, struggles and triumphs that define the region’s Latino history.
The series spans the era of the Bracero Program (1942–1964) — when Mexican laborers came to the U.S. as temporary agricultural workers — to present-day stories of resilience and community building, in health care, education, work and legal protections.
The debut episode, “El Nacimiento de una Maestra” (Spanish for “Birth of the Teacher”) opens the series with an unforgettable journey of resilience and hope. It follows Teresa, a young woman who leaves her hometown in Mexico, fueled by dreams and determination. Battling the stereotypes of what is expected of her as a young woman, enduring financial hardship and countless challenges, she follows her brother to Fort Bragg in pursuit of a better future. There, she takes on demanding work in a sea urchin processing plant at Noyo Harbor.
Teresa’s story doesn’t end there — through perseverance and deep cultural pride, she earns her college degrees and fulfills her dream of becoming a teacher. Her story, woven with courage and heart, is a powerful celebration of the changemakers who help shape the Mendocino coastal community.
The second episode of “Nuestro Norte/Our North” will be aired on KZYX on Monday at 9:00 a.m. The first half hour of the program features a conversation with Mendocino Coast Clinic Executive Director Lucresha Renteria and others about the episode, which documents the journey of Renteria, followed by the premiere of the episode itself, called “Donde Pertenezco” (Spanish for “Where I Belong”) at 9:30 a.m.
Renteria’s story is a testament to dedication and leadership — she began her journey at Mendocino Coast Clinics in 1992 as a bilingual interpreter. As the clinic expanded, so did her role. With commitment and a deep connection to her community, she rose through the ranks to become the director of administrative services, and ultimately, the executive director. Her experience mirrors the very spirit of “Nuestro Norte” — resilient, rooted, and rising.
The Spanish version of “Donde Pertenezco” will be broadcast on KZYX on Monday, April 28. The first half hour features dialogue about the production of this episode, followed by the premiere of the Spanish version at 9:30 a.m.
“We are grateful for all the local support we have received from individuals and organizations, including our fiscal sponsor, KZYX Mendocino County Public Broadcasting,” Rojas said.
New episodes are set to be released this year and in 2026, highlighting the stories of Latinos working in lumber, fishing, agriculture and the restaurant industry.
“Nuestro Norte/Our North” is all about celebrating voices that haven’t always been heard—and because it’s bilingual, everyone is invited to listen, learn, and connect.
Watch episodes and learn more at mendolatino.org.