The story is narrated by the family's oldest son, Paco (Edward James Olmos). The film begins with the father of the family, José Sanchez (Jacob Vargas), making a journey that lasts one year on foot from Mexico to Los Angeles. He travels to Los Angeles to meet a distant relative known as ''El Californio,'' who was born in the city when it was still part of Mexico. They become fast friends and grew a corn farm together. However, after several years, ''El Californio'' nears death. Shortly before dying, ''El Californio'' says he wants the following written on his tombstone: