Sac History Happenings: In History's Spotlight: Carlos Alazraqui

Sac History Happenings

News and developments in Sacramento and California history

March 4, 2012

In History's Spotlight: Carlos Alazraqui

Carlos Alazraqui.JPG Born: July 20, 1962

Known for: A Sacramento native, Carlos Alazraqui is a comedian and actor best known for his voice work in movies and television, including the Chihuahua in the "(degrees)Yo quiero Taco Bell!" advertisements.

Background: Alazraqui was born in Sacramento, moved to Concord at an early age but returned to graduate from California State University, Sacramento. He then embarked on a career as a comedian and began competing in Sacramento at open-mike nights. Four years later, he won the San Francisco International Comedy Competition. His big break came in 1995 when he became the voice pitchman for Taco Bell. His catch phrase, Spanish for "I want Taco Bell!" became a pop culture flash point. He then lent his voice to an array of television programs, including "Rocko's Modern Life" on Nickleodeon, and movies, including "Happy Feet."

A highlight: Since 2003, Alazraqui has portrayed Deputy James Oswaldo Garcia in the Comedy Central TV show "Reno 911!" In February, the show was spun off into a movie, "Reno 911: Miami!"

In History's Spotlight profiles of Sacramento newsmakers were published originally in 2007 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of The Sacramento Bee. They were written by Anthony Sorci. Look for them every Sunday in Sac History Happenings.

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California and Sacramento have a long, rich, vibrant history. And our region is blessed with an abundance of historical resources maintained by museums, libraries, archives and societies. This blog aims to alert readers to the latest developments in local/state historical education and research.

Send tips concerning upcoming exhibits, tours, lectures and meetings, as well as new books, magazine articles and online collections to the blog's contributors.

The Contributors:

Michael Dolgushkin

Michael Dolgushkin is Manuscript Librarian at the California State Library History Section. He is co-author of San Francisco's California Street Cable Cars and is a frequent contributor to the California State Library Foundation Bulletin. Contact him at mdolgushkin@library.ca.gov.

Amanda Graham is a Certified Archivist working in the Sacramento Room of the Sacramento Public Library. She earned a BS in History from Southern Oregon University and a MS in Information Studies with an emphasis in archives from The University of Texas at Austin. Contact her at agraham@saclibrary.org.

Pete Basofin is Director of Editorial Research at The Sacramento Bee. He previously worked at The St. Petersburg Times and Columbia (Mo.) Daily Tribune. Contact him at pbasofin@sacbee.com.

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