Former poet laureate of Los Angeles (2014-2016) Luis J. Rodriguez is the author of many works of fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, and children’s literature, including Hearts and Hands: Creating Community in Violent Times and the acclaimed bestseller Always Running. The son of Mexican immigrants, Luis J. Rodriguez began writing in his early teens and has won national recognition as a poet, journalist, fiction writer, children’s book writer, and critic. He is founding editor of Tia Chucha Press and co-founder Tia Chucha’s Cultural Center & Bookstore.