On this episode we are joined by Yesika Salgado, a Los Angeles based Salvadoran poet who writes about her family, her culture, her city, and her fat body.  We talk about the importance of community spaces of all kinds, why she rides so hard for her native L.A, and deep dive into creative expression - from breaking through blocks to the spirituality behind it all.  Salgado is a two time National Poetry Slam finalist and the recipient of the 2020 International Latino Book Award in Poetry.Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Univision, CNN, NPR, and many other platforms. She is an internationally recognized body-positive advocate, writer of the column Suelta for Remezcla and contributor to refinery29’s Latine platform Somos.  Yesika is the author of the best-sellers Corazón, Tesoro, and Hermosa, published with Not a Cult. During the episode we mention Compton Community Garden and Plant Chica, two BIPOC community spaces that are facing displacement in the LA area. We invite you to check them out and donate.   We also highlight another longtime L.A community space  Da Poetry Lounge and founder Shihan Van Klief.  Tamarindo is a lighthearted show where hosts Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino discuss politics, culture, and self-care. Join us as we delve into discussions on identity, politics, representation, and life!  Brenda and Ana Sheila are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Josie Melendez and Augusto Martinez, of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here. You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Follow Ana Sheila on instagram @la_anasheila and twitter @Shelli1228   Follow Brenda on twitter at @BrendaRicards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices