Carlos Rico was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born in 1927 in Wilmington, California, Rico provides a detailed account of his upbringing, education, and the early life of his parents, who migrated separately from New Mexico to California. Rico’s father worked as a welder in the shipbuilding industry, while his mother, a tenth-grade graduate, primarily took care of the home. The interview delves into Rico's early years, including his birth in the Pepper Tree Auto Court, his experiences attending local schools, and his involvement in athletics, which were significant parts of his youth. Rico recounts his family's life in the La Rambla barrio of San Pedro, where his grandfather operated a mom-and-pop grocery store. He vividly describes the 1933 Long Beach earthquake and its impact on his family and community. Rico discusses the cultural and social dynamics of the Hispanic community in Wilmington and San Pedro, reflecting on the ethnic neighborhoods, such as La Rambla and Mexican Hollywood. He shares memories of his family's gatherings, emphasizing the importance of food, particularly homemade tortillas, and the preservation practices in his grandmother's home. Rico also touches on the gang culture of the era, particularly the L Street Gang and the zoot suit phenomenon, and his own experiences with prejudice and racial tensions. The interview further explores Rico's work experiences in the shipyards after World War II, detailing his progression from a laborer to a rigger at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. He provides insights into the shipbuilding industry, including the technical aspects of ship repair and the camaraderie among workers.