Sac Bee: Latino Spirit Awards honor agents of change: boxing brothers, chief justice and journalists

Joel Diaz compared the jitters he felt leading up to Monday’s Latino-focused award ceremony to the feeling before a big fight. “It’s nerve racking for us,” said Diaz, who attended the event with his two younger brothers Antonio and Julio. “It feels the same as when you’re in the dressing room getting ready to walk into the ring. We’re not really prepared for it.” Like many of those big fights, the brothers, who were born in Mexico and spent years as professional boxers, walked out winners. They were among the 13 recipients honored in the Capitol as part of the 21st annual California Latino Spirit Awards. The ceremony was established in 2002 by the Latino Caucus to highlight worthy individuals in their community.