Rodimiro Amaya Téllez
“Dad arrived in the Santo Domingo Valley in 1952, and I came along just two years later, in 1954,” shares Rodimiro Amaya Téllez, his smile reflecting a mix of memory and affection. His story begins with the brave journey of his father, Raúl, to Baja California Sur, in pursuit of the colonization program promoted by General Agustín Olachea for the Santo Domingo Valley. During his term as governor (1946-1956), he aimed to settle families in the region to boost agriculture and population growth. This program provided promising land to those passionate about farming and livestock. Since that pivotal moment, Rodimiro’s family story has become deeply connected with the vibrant fabric of Southern California’s countryside, showcasing their strong spirit and dedication to the land.
Raúl, nicknamed ‘El loco Raúl’ (Crazy Raúl) in Sonora for his visionary ideas, had a sharp understanding of technology and carefully watched how vegetable prices changed with the seasons. Although he only went to school until second grade, he had impressive practical smarts. He created his own irrigation system by digging a pit himself, using mules and day laborers. Many called him crazy, but his ingenuity soon proved valuable: he planted eight hectares of land and saw its potential.
They told him in Baja California Sur, ‘Here you can have all the land you want,’ and Raúl made his choice carefully. He compared it to the land in Sonora: fertile but less clayey and more manageable. In that seemingly empty piece of desert, which they called ‘the fleshless arm of Mexico,’ he began a family life shaped by hardship, creativity, and big dreams.
This early environment shaped Rodimiro’s childhood. He spent his young years in La Paz, by the waterfront, fishing and playing on the sandy beach, enjoying the carefree spirit of youth. But fate soon led him to the ranch, where he developed a deep appreciation for the countryside, guided by his father’s lessons.
He fondly remembers the rustic dairy where his mother skillfully made creamy milk, rich cheese, and velvety butter, while the children fought over the cream. ‘There was no electricity, no water, nothing, but there was enthusiasm and plans that my father always aimed to achieve.’
Life on the ranch taught Raúl to value the land and to look to the future. He dreamed of leaving a ranch for each of his children, showing through his actions what it means to work with clear goals, even without formal education. More than just the land itself, this legacy became the foundation of what Rodimiro now sees as his most significant lesson: the ability to imagine, sow, and build from nothing. Today, he shares this lesson with his children, passing on an agricultural legacy that lives on in every project they take on.
Over the years, Rodimiro Amaya Téllez carved out his own path. He served as a federal deputy and senator while actively participating in the Local Agricultural Association of the Santo Domingo Valley. Throughout his career, he stayed dedicated to the growth of agriculture and his community.
Rodimiro’s influence goes beyond politics and agriculture; he embodies the spirit of a beloved South Californian tradition: off roading. In 2025, he proudly served as Grand Marshal at the Expo Comondú 300, celebrating his extraordinary journey as a trailblazer. The tribute boldly proclaims, “Rodimiro Amaya Téllez, legend of the desert!”
This recognition not only spotlights his racing accomplishments but also underscores his vital role in shaping the trails that off roading fans still cherish today. Rodimiro’s true legacy motivates us all to pursue our passions with dedication and bravery.
