American Latino Magazine Food and Beverage Issue | Page 18

La Perlita

“A True Love Story”
by Gil Valencia

B

ack in the early 1930’s,
Baleriano “Bale” Sanchez,
came from Cueneo, Mexico
and began his life’s journey
into the U.S. which would eventually lead him to Oxnard, California.
After working various jobs, including
a time at the Oxnard Sugar Beets
Factory, he managed to save enough
money to start his first of many businesses in downtown Oxnard. The
first of these was soon to be known
as “La Perla”. It was small “tortilleria”
where women would make tortillas
by hand and sell them to the public.
Soon after he hired a lady who had
heard about this little gorilla factory
in Oxnard and she relocated there
with her small children to work.
After seeing that the lady, Maria Luisa
Cervantes, was not only a great
worker but also trustworthy, he
would leave her in charge of the little
tortilleria while he would go out to
work his other jobs.
Eventually the business grew with
the help of Maria Louisa, “Luis” as
he called her, to the point that he
was able to quit his regular job at the
sugar beet factory to expand his small
operation into a market known as
“La Perlita”, after his beloved Maria
Louisa.

Don’t Forget

After joining together as a couple they
continued on their life’s journey and
struggled together while raising four
children, Dolores, Raul, Esperanza
and Vicente.
They accomplished much with little
to no formal education. La Perla
Mexican Food was widely known for
its delicious Mexican food made by
Maria Louisa, including handmade
tortillas and pastries.
Long after the passing of Baleriano
Sanchez, the business eventually
closed down with the passing of
Maria Louisa Sanchez in 1995 La
Perla Mexican Foods not only helped
the downtown community, but helped
to anchor it for many, many hearts. It
also historically set the tone and level
for many like minded businesses yet
to come.
Their greatest legacy aside from their
great food products and service to
others, were the many “Firsts” they
created or established. 1st Mexican
Fast Food Business (predecessor to
Taco Bell) and all the others that have
followed. Not only did they leave
this great business legacy, but more
importantly, their compassion, kindness and a commitment of service to
others.

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