Skip to Content
Art

Interview with Guadalupe Rosales, Creator of “Veteranas and Rucas”

2:47 PM PST on February 13, 2017

The popular Instagram account Veteranas and Rucas describes itself as: SoCal Youth Foto Archive "Chicanx/Latinx youth culture. Dedicated to women raised in SoCal from ??-'99/2000".

The carefully curated collection of photos instantly transports viewers to a different time, whether you lived that lifestyle or not. The photos celebrate the beauty and vibrancy of a culture that is either caricatured or ignored by the mainstream, but is simultaneously fetishized and feared. With 90k subscribers and counting, Guadalupe's project has shown the power of memory and authenticity, and opened up new lines of communication between generations. We wanted to learn more about Guadalupe and her work, and hope you will enjoy this Q&A...

What's your favorite taco spot?
4 Vientos Fish and shrimp tacos. The spot is by the Estrada Courts in Boyle Heights!

What inspired you to start Veteranas and Rucas?
I needed something I could relate to that wasn't just the "cliche"/ stereotypes of the Latinx/Chicanx culture. I wanted to use photography–mostly candid pictures–to humanize my experience of growing up in L.A.

What were you like as a kid?
Shy, quiet and observant. As a teenager I was a party animal but was mostly interested in finding unique spaces and people who shared similar interests as me.

When and where were you most happy?
With friends, cruising and kickbacks gatherings.

🌹Teenage Bedrooms🌹Santa Ana, CA 1998 High School days. Overall twins 🙌🏾 Photo: @sammykat89

A photo posted by SoCal Youth Foto Archive (@veteranas_and_rucas) on

What your favorite intersection in LA?
Whittier Blvd and Arizona.

What are your favorite slang terms from Latinx/Chicanx youth culture?
"Scam and Jam" and the word "orale" because you can use it for pretty much anything.

Inglewood CA 1995 💣Thuggin Photo: @anjellyca26

A photo posted by SoCal Youth Foto Archive (@veteranas_and_rucas) on

Do you have a lucky number?
13.

Do you have a personal photo you've published that means a lot to you?
I have a personal attachment to a photo that was submitted a year ago of a young woman and her friend at a Car show in Orange County in 1996. One of the women is doing life in prison. I always think "was this something that could have been prevented?" and "if so, how? Because I want to get to the bigger issue of these types of unfortunate situations, specially when it's about women.

Homegirls hanging out on Whittier blvd East Los Angeles CA around 81/82 the sweatshirt says Pee-Wee Ochentas Photo: @toreysan

A photo posted by SoCal Youth Foto Archive (@veteranas_and_rucas) on

Has Instagram changed your life?
Yes, I have met many people and faced many challenges. Moved back to LA after spending 15 years in New York because it was important for me to have a dialogue in physical spaces outside of social media.

What is your entrance music?
The oldie song It'll Never Be Over For Me by Thee Midniters

Got any shoutouts?
My mom, sisters, brothers, the housing projects, all of East LA and Boyle Heights. RIP to my cousin, Ever Sanchez, I love you and I'm always missing you.

Diane and Silvia Brole Valle Imperial late 70s Photo: @kuka7871

A photo posted by SoCal Youth Foto Archive (@veteranas_and_rucas) on

🌹~Letty~🌹 El Monte High School 1971 Photo: @joey96t

A photo posted by SoCal Youth Foto Archive (@veteranas_and_rucas) on

Visit Veteranas and Rucas, and also check out Map Pointz.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

This Crispy Aguachile-Inspired Fish Sandwich In Boyle Heights Is Worth Eating Even Beyond Lent Season

Why have a blandish fish sandwich when you can have one inspired by one of the greatest mariscos dishes ever? Chef Jonathan Perez's crispy fish sandwich is a contender for the best fish sandwich in Los Angeles.

March 29, 2024

The Seven Best Tacos Across the J Line (Formerly Known as The Silver Line), From La Puente to Gardena

From calamari tacos to Oaxacan-style braised goat on handmade freshly nixtamalized corn tortillas and Mexicali-style "cooler burritos," this may be the best Metro bus line to take for tacos in the county.

March 28, 2024

L.A. Spent Over $1.73 Million on These Controversial ‘Anti-Homeless’ Signs. Do They Actually Work?

Earlier this month, a leaked memo from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) suggested that these 41.18 zones rarely led to unhoused people being moved into interim shelter or permanent housing. After being cleared, most 41.18 zones quickly became repopulated.

March 27, 2024

Two New Lowrider-Inspired and Dodger-Blue L.A. TACO Hats Are Now Available!

Wear your L.A. TACO swag and support our inclusive, street-level community journalism!

March 27, 2024

A Morning-Only Taco Pop-Up in Northridge Is Making the Biggest Breakfast Burritos in the San Fernando Valley

What does it take to stand out in Los Angeles's saturated taco climate? Focus on San Fernando Valley-style loaded breakfast tacos, "breakfast quesadillas" with crispy cheese skirts, and the beefiest breakfast burritos Balboa Boulevard has ever seen.

March 26, 2024
See all posts