Leonel Martinez

Mr. Leonel Martinez is a respected writer who, over the past 25 years, has received awards for his columns and news articles including: George Cornell Award for excellent religion reporting; Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism; awards from the Kern Press
San Clemente Mission Council No. 12987 and is a motivational speaker who discusses issues in journalism and emphasizes the importance of obtaining a higher education. He has been married for 20 years to his wife, Ester; has two children, Ramona, 17, and Francisco, 14; and lives in east Bakersfield with his family, which includes his mother, Consuelo Rodriguez, and his Rottweiler, Gordo.
Leonel Martinez’ writings are an important voice with a unique cultural sensitivity. His has been an insightful, humorous and thoughtful voice for our entire community. – It has also been a courageous and empowering voice for immigrants and for others who have felt themselves to be voiceless. Here is what some past CSUB-HESF Civic Leader Honorees say:

“Leonel has won the hearts and minds of our community, and he has offered insights and understanding to the non-Latino community regarding our struggles, interests, achievements, and perspectives.”
–Dr. Jess Nieto, 2007

“[His] words inspire all of us to grasp our roots and walk with pride.”
–Attorney David Torres, 2006

“ [In] his unique way, [Leonel] chides, provokes, criticizes, illuminates, and educates his reading audience to look at life differently…. he has shared his insight on such important topics as single mothers, role models, teachers, friendship, and the role of fathers, grandparents, death, foster children, adoptions, immigration and presidential politics. His articles are powerful because they relate to themes that support life itself. He appeals to that part of human nature that is noble.”
–The Honorable Judge Robert Tafoya, 2000

Club in most major print writing categories; and, several Jose Marti awards from the National Association of Hispanic Publications.
He was born to a migrant farm worker family in a farm labor camp east of Lamont. Though as a youth he struggled to learn English, he went on to be a graduate of Arvin High School, attended Bakersfield College and graduated with honors from California State University, Bakersfield in 1983 with a degree in Communications.
Martinez spent six years as a newspaper reporter for the Arvin Tiller/Lamont Reporter, then, nine years as a reporter for the Bakersfield Californian, where he covered events such as the death of labor leader Cesar Chavez. In 1998, he left newspapers as a full-time career and took a position as public information specialist for the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, a state agency administered by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. In addition, Martinez also wrote a column on a free-lance basis that appeared in the Californian for five years.
Martinez volunteers as a religion teacher for St. Augustine Church in Lamont, is a member of the Knights of Columbus.