¡Thinking Grande! Creating California’s Mexican Wonderland

Airs Sunday, October 4 at 10:30 p.m. on KPBS TV

Film poster for "¡Thinking Grande! Creating California's Mexican Wonderland" with Jose Luis Bonilla.

Credit: Kevin Bender and Edward Kramer

Above: Film poster for "¡Thinking Grande! Creating California's Mexican Wonderland" with Jose Luis Bonilla.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Mexican immigrant Jose Luis Bonilla's 20-year struggle to complete his vision of a colossal 'Mexican Disneyland' in rural Santa Barbara County seemed doomed when he gave up because of permit problems and returned home to Zacatecas, Mexico, leaving his dream village and homage to Mexico half-finished.

But hope still smolders. Energized by Bonilla's passion and excited about the cultural reconnection of Mexico with California, Santa Barbara arts activist Patrick Davis is determined to help Bonilla realize his vision and complete the stone village as a sustainable public center for Mexican arts and culture. Watch the trailer.

This program is part of KPBS' celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 2009. Meet your local heroes.

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