Yosemite Ranger Uses Life Story To Reach Out To Latinos

Yosemite National Park sits on the edge of California's rural San Joaquin Valley, a farming region that's nearly 50 percent Latino. Yet few of the region's Latino residents ever visit the park.

That's where Yosemite ranger Mauricio Escobar comes in, with an unusual job and a unique life story.

You might think a park ranger's life is one of quiet contemplation in the woods. But Escobar spends a lot of his time outside of the forest.

At a recent celebration of Mexican culture in nearby Fresno, Escobar put on his wide-brimmed ranger hat and took his perch at a booth next to a taco stand. His offerings? Glossy photos of spectacular vistas, brochures in Spanish and free passes to Yosemite.

Read more...