Mountain View Voice
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — In what is already being cast as a historic moment, the United States and Cuba have agreed to restore diplomatic relations, bringing a thaw to more than 55 years of Cold War-era politics.
For Mountain View’s new interim fire chief, perhaps more than anyone else in the city, the news had huge significance. Juan Diaz is a former Cuban refugee.
Cuba will always be like home, Diaz said, although he said the island county’s political system shouldn’t be described as anything but “totalitarian.” After coming to the U.S. 35 years ago, Diaz says he is hopeful that an influx of trade and tourism will someday bring about reforms in civil liberties to Cuba.
Full story: From Cuban refugee to interim fire chief