THE WINDMILL

February 2011, By Mina Ynzunza

Since I began writing my spotlight, I have been awed and surprised, to find that Diamond Bar is filled with talented, intellectual and self-giving individuals. You would think that at some point, it would be difficult to find more. That is not the case. I am fortunate to have such an array of people to introduce to the residents of our city through The Windmill.

Although some may find this individual controversial, David A. Romero is truly a diversified talent. He is a stand-up comic, a poet, a writer, a humanitarian and an activist.

He is a man of many skills. David is a graduate of Diamond Bar High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Southern California in Film and Philosophy.

Loyola Marymount, Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. San Antonio College are just some of the colleges where David has been featured. He has also led poetry workshops at Diamond Bar High School, Nogales High School and Whittier College. Writers and poets such as Lee Ballinger, the West Coast Editor of Rock & Rap Confidential, have praised his work.

He recently published his first poetry collection, Diamond Bars: The Street Version. It is a collection of poems and short stories about David's view of living in Diamond Bar. Although it is very colorful in its portrayal of David's experiences, he does invoke laughter, tears, anger and romance. Coming from such a rich culture, Mexican, and greatly influenced and inspired by the Asian people, he provides a keen perspective of growing up with both. Consequently, he has made his mark on the literary and comedic world by expressing his observations of Diamond Bar. Because of his background, he is able to infuse into his writing a provocative and unique perspective of Diamond Bar living.

David A. Romero is an artist who is affiliated with the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC) and he was the host of Diamond Bars Open Mic.

In the words of David A. Romero: "When I first came onto the scene, I was one of the only young poets to constantly 'rep' a city. People thought it strange and amusing that I would so boldly represent an upper-middle class city like Diamond Bar. I say, 'Write what you know.'"