Francisco Barba

1946 - 2021

Francisco (aka Frank, Chencho) Barba

Oxnard - My journey began on August 29, 1946, when I was born at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. I was the first child born to Francisco Barba and Mary Morales Barba. My parents gave me the privilege of being raised in the beautiful green valley of Carpinteria, nestled between the sandy ocean beach and the hills and coastal mountains. The valley afforded all those as lucky as I an opportunity to explore, learn and experience nature at its best. This land along with family and friends formed who I was to become. During this period, I was joined by my great two sisters, Patricia and Rebecca, and it seemed that I also lost some of my familiar importance.

1967 signaled leaving home for good and experiencing the freedom of the wild 60's at Chico State College, #1 party school nationally. Living on my own, parties, activities, friendships and studying helped mode an adult - me! Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, serving as an officer, polished me more. I gained a brother, Ron, for life and eventually became his children's God Father. I earned a BA in 1969, a Teaching Credential in 1970, and sadly left my Chico days behind.

My 18-year teaching career began in Milpitas, CA and lasted 4 years. I enjoyed it immensely. Learned a lot about teaching, kids and found my life's passion. Unionization collegial and lifelong friendships started while I began a long union career while serving as union spokesperson and lobbyist in Sacramento. In 1974, I left Milpitas and came home to teach in Oxnard. During the next 14 years, I taught at Curren and Sierra Linda Schools while earning an MA and Administrative Credential. Continued my work in the union as a spokesperson, representative, vice-president, state representative and a chairperson at CTA. During this period, I founded Tortilla Press, Inc., along with 5 friends. Tortilla Press, Inc. would eventually become the third largest bilingual educational publishing company and teaching supply store in the State of California.

My administrative career began in 1987 until my retirement in 2006. I served as Principal of Sierra Linda, Harrington and Haydock Jr. High.

I advocated for education and served as President of the Assoc. of Mexican American Educators (AMAE), Oxnard Chapter. Highlighting student achievement while advocating for students' rights was my goal. I'm proud of the annual scholarships AMAE granted to graduating seniors to help them pursue their higher education. Mentoring youth with the nudge that "education will open many doors" was my mantra. I continued my advocacy and community service with membership in LULAC and Downtown Lions.

I leave behind my loving wife Ana, beautiful daughter Monica, amazing grandsons Andrés and Mathieu, sisters Patricia and Rebecca, godchildren Lisa, Jeff (wife Kristen and son, Benjamin) and Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, supporting our students with scholarship support may be made to AMAE, P.O. Box 566, Oxnard, CA 93032.