Bilingual Storyteller
This week, Reading felt smaller.
Not because the city changed, but because the grief was shared. A tragic explosion that could’ve been prevented. A shooting that shook another block. And the death of a merengue legend remembered with candles, flags, and music. In the middle of it all, our community kept showing up—with memory, with presence, with love.
What was meant to be a night of merengue and celebration turned into a national tragedy. Jet Set — a place known for joy, music, and comunidad — became the site of heartbreak. Among those lost was Rubby Pérez, a voice we all grew up with. My heart is with the Dominican people — aquí y allá — as we mourn this unimaginable loss, together.
Five years ago, a phone call changed everything. In the middle of a normal workday during the pandemic, I lost my father—and began a journey through grief, memory, and legacy. This week’s Café con José is about what we leave unfinished… and the stories we carry forward.
This week in Reading, the city didn’t slow down.
Berks Jazz Fest brought the energy. The community showed up for a young volunteer in need. And safety updates near the Pagoda reminded us that change happens on every level—big and small.
In this edition of Café con José, I reflect on a city that holds celebration and concern side by side… and why those stories matter more than ever.
The debate over birthright citizenship in the United States, guaranteed under the 14th Amendment, has brought renewed attention to how nations define citizenship and belonging. The U.S. currently grants unconditional … Continue reading The Debate on U.S. Birthright Citizenship Explained
Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2024 isn’t just a political win—it’s a seismic shift in the narrative of what America is and what it could become. Against … Continue reading Trump’s 2024 Victory: A Shift in America’s Political Landscape
Bad Bunny’s latest album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a statement, a journey, and a reflection of the culture that continues to shape him—and us. From the very … Continue reading Bad Bunny’s Latest Work: A Celebration of Latinidad
After two impactful years reporting for CBS News in San Francisco, Emmy Award-winning journalist José Martínez is making an exciting return to WFMZ-TV, the station that launched some of the … Continue reading Emmy Winner José Martínez Rejoins WFMZ for Primetime News
San Francisco, CA — November 13, 2024 — José Martínez, a dedicated and respected reporter for KPIX-TV, CBS News Bay Area, has announced that his final day on air will … Continue reading José Martínez Announces Departure from CBS News Bay Area After Two Years of Impactful Reporting
CBS News reporter José Martínez has been recognized with his second Emmy Award in the category of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The prestigious accolade acknowledges Martínez’s exceptional work in his … Continue reading CBS News Reporter José Martínez Honored with Second Emmy Award
CBS News reporter José Martínez has been nominated for a 2023 Emmy Award in the category of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for his groundbreaking piece, “Hispanic Representation: How Did We … Continue reading CBS News Reporter José Martínez Nominated for 2023 Emmy Award
José Martínez presenta un recorrido sobre la historia de la comunidad hispana en el Valle Lehigh y el condado Berks, a través de un interesante camino de entrevistas con líderes, … Continue reading ‘La Verdadera Representación Hispana’ explora historia, discriminación y retos de hispanos en Pensilvania
