Independent Lens: Season 17, Episode 4

17 - 4: East of Salinas

Born in Mexico but living in Salinas, California, 3rd-grader Jose Ansaldo loves school. With little support at home, he turns to his teacher, Oscar Ramos, who like Jose was born the son of migrant farm workers, and who inspires him to imagine a life beyond the fields. Jose dutifully finishes his math homework before eating dinner or watching TV. He's anxious to get good grades so he can join the class field trip to the beach — a place he's never been despite living on the California coast. Follow Jose's quest for a better life away from the rough streets of LA.