Latino Heritage

Come share their epiphanies

2011-12-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

What happens when you get three guys from East L.A. who all happen to be named Louie (or a version thereof?)

Come to the Crawford Family Forum, experience The Three Louies - Los Lobos' Louie Pérez, renowned writer Luís J. Rodriguez, and award-winning jounalist Luís Torres - in an informal conversation among three Chicanos whose Eastside tales move from accounts real-life danger averted to professional success ultimately achieved.

Admission is FREE, but RSVP's are required.

6:30 - Doors Open

7:00 - Program

http://www.scpr.org/events/2012/01/05/three-louies/

Ideas, anyone?

2011-10-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

While we are still working at finishing paperwork connected with the 2011 parade & jamaica, it is not too soon to think about what we might do next year. A good time for brainstorming - no wrong answers, anything is possible sort of thoughts.

What might the theme be? Who might be out Community Grand Marshal? Who might be our Grand Marshal?

Seemingly simple questions sometimes take the longest to answer well.

Let us know what you think about those questions.

image - James M. Grimes

A few pictures from the 2011 Latino Heritage parade & jamaica

2011-10-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

Whether it was the elected officials like Mayor Bill Bogaard or Congressmember Adam Schiff,

Grand Marshal Hector Tobar, or

Ballet folklorico dancers, or

School groups like Marshall's Puente, or

Charros Unidos,

A fine time was had by all.

More pictures soon.

See you in 2012.

Exhibitor instructions

2011-10-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Set up time:

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Event location:

La Pintoresca Park, 1355 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, Ca

(NW corner, Raymond, Washington)

Unloading/loading:

an unloading area is available on Raymond above Washington Blvd. Volunteers will be available to assist with unloading. You can walk smaller loads via Raymond Avenue.

Parking:

Parking pass sent via email: 1 car/business or organization.

Equipment:

Each business or vendor will share an 8' table and will be provided a chair. Please plan to bring with you any additional equipment you may need. All equipment and display need to fit within allotted space.

PLEASE NOTE:

Festival held rain or shine. VENDOR FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

Latino Heritage reserves the right to refuse vendors that are incompatible with event goals and guidelines. A full refund will be accepted if registration is not accepted.

Vendors may not give away plastic bags with purchase.

Vendors are responsible for paying sales tax in compliance with local and state tax law.

Día de los muertos, Latino Heritage style

2011-10-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

If you drop by La Pintoresca Library over the next couple of weeks you'll see some art that connects with Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead.

There is work by artists Ester Petschar and Rebeca Guerrero. And there is an ofrenda, a table filled with memories and perceptions of Gilbert "Magu" Lujan. We'll have a "color in the page" version of the car below, for young people to take time to have their eyes opened to cars that were so important in an era that is more than a half century ago. In this we are sharing history in a slightly different way than you may have learned reading your high school textbooks. You'll have a chance to see a Chicano icon's expression of his perception of his culture - an expression of time and place that also expresses a sense of identity.

As you go through the library or as you see images of the era 1946-1955, it's easy to remember how important the car was, especially to young men. It was often an expression of how they saw themselves. Taking care of your car, showed a certain dedication to care, to style, and to class. You might not own a home, but you could own a car. Magu, being the artist he was, took the car in a different direction.

(George Cuttress shared), "Magu liked a free flow of conversation with fellow artists on art and politics, calling the sessions "Mental Menudo."

He had a master's in fine arts degree and was a real intellectual, Cuttress said. But his art wasn't highbrow.

He employed cartoons, TV icons, altars, cars, cacti, burritos, peppers, Aztecs, feathered headdresses, pyramids and coyotes as motifs in a folk-art style with bright colors.

He called the world of his imagination "Magulandia," its landscapes, towns and characters representing his take on the mythical Mexican homeland of Aztlan.

"It was a place he could express all his art ideas," Naiche said.

In our interview, Magu said humor was his secret ingredient.

"I think humor softens people's view of my culture," Magu said."

http://chicanoyque.blogspot.com/

PCC Puentistas and friends

2011-10-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Puente program exists at both high school and college levels.

The program helps students by surrounding them with additional support that leads to student success.

These students took a "field trip" and were very much present during the PCC President's Latino Advisory Committee meeting.

They will also be very present at the Latino Heritage jamaica.

In this photo is also Dr. Mark Rocha, PCC President, James Aragon, Puente Advisor, and Hank Gurrero, community member of the Advisory board.

ARTISANS!!!!

2011-10-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

At the jamaica on Saturday our Olvera Street homage will have the work of different artisans who have ...

interpretations new and

old

traditional and

very 21st century.

Bring your pocketbook or your wallet. Or go home wishing you had brought them.

Images - Latin Inspired Designs and CJs Angels

http://www.latininspireddesigns.com/

http://cjsangels.com/index.html

Epoca de oro, memories and dreams

2011-10-12T17:36:00.001-07:00

When we talk or write about an era often it is informed by some philosophical or theoretical context. These were the great political movements, these were the socially significant events, or some such thing.

When the topic is community history it needs to be brought back to the people who lived in the community.

No, Edward JAmes Olmos and his ruca didn't live in Pasadena in the 40s, but he did live on Indiana in East LA. I don't know how one might cover this era and not include his iconic Pachuco from Zoot Suit.

But the other folks pictured here were in Pasadena. At the far left is a class from Madison Elementary, to its right is the Xochimilco Club of Pasadena Junior College, Ricardo Montalban is dancing with Uni Vets' Churubusco Reina, and Marina Rodriguez is artfully posed in front of the Pasadena Settlements that is almost ready for its jamaica.

In a sense our youth often is viewed as a golden era of our lives. Full of angst, full of friends, full of fun, and filled with dreams that wait to unfold as our future becomes our present.

Sorry, no more exhibitors

2011-10-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Since we are less than a week out from the event we need to focus on groups who have already been involved with preparation for our event.

If you wanted to participate, but weren't able to get to us until now, we regret we can't add you as a participant for this year. Please keep an eye on our blog for next year's date.

Mexican American Baseball in Los Angeles, 3-5 p.m.

2011-10-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

Ah, the joy of having the parade & jamaica at La Pintoresca Library and Park. Being at this branch of the Pasadena Public Library seems to naturally lend itself to things literate.

At 12:30 we'll begin with Héctor Tobar, "The Barbarian Nurseries" and end with Richard Santillan, "Mexican American Baseball in Los Angeles".

And to quote Terry Cannon of the Baseball Reliquary -

"An outstanding baseball player from East Los Angeles both at Roosevelt High School and East Los Angeles College, Armando Perez signed a professional contract with the Baltimore Orioles organization in 1956. He played outfield for the Vancouver Mounties of the Pacific Coast League and Stockton Ports of the California League.

Perez was also one of the stars of the legendary East Los Angeles semi-pro team, the Carmelita Chorizeros, for whom he played first base, outfield, and pitcher, and usually batted cleanup. After retiring from playing baseball, Perez dedicated his life to youth by teaching and coaching in Southern California.

In 1970, he founded the Montebello Stars youth organization, which produced many outstanding scholar-athletes and assisted them with scholarships and mentoring. More than 100 of his players went on to college baseball. Perez, along with other former players featured in the book, 'Mexican American Baseball in Los Angeles,' will sign copies and discuss his baseball experiences".

Entry information, detailed

2011-10-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

Please share this information with all of your group’s members.

We are expecting over 900 people in our parade this year.

Following guidelines assures a good time for all – from 3 year olds to 80 year olds.

Entry Forms:

Groups who have not submitted forms will be turned away at staging area.

PARADE DATE:

Saturday, October 15^th.

IMPORTANT TIMES:

9:00 AM ENTRY CHECK IN

1515 N. Los Robles Avenue between Howard and Ladera

Ø Designate 1 person to arrive at this time to check in. Other members of the group are encouraged to arrive later than 9:00 AM.

Ø Make sure all in the group know who designated person is.

Ø Late arriving entries may be excluded from participation!

Ø Members should be dropped off at Los Robles @ Howard.

10:00 AM Entry representatives will meet with Formation Team

11:00 AM PARADE STEPS OFF PROMPTLY

Drivers need to park somewhere east of Los Robles. They do not have to check in, unless their vehicle is to be used in the parade.

SIGNAGE:

Remember that groups are responsible for providing their own banners; please follow guidelines. No commercials, please.

PARKING:

Treat this neighborhood as if it were yours. Perhaps, even better, as you are a guest. Parking needs to be east of Los Robles.

WATER:

We will provide water at the end of the parade route for participants. The water will be in the center of La Pintoresca Park.

ROUTE:

The parade will stage on Los Robles @ Howard;

Travel South on Los Robles Avenue;

West on Washington Boulevard;

Cross Marengo Avenue, continue on Washington;

Turn right into La Pintoresca Park.

When you reach the park, you will be directed further.

Dignitary Vehicles

Pre-parade

All dignitary vehicles must check in at 9:30am at Pasadena Christian School on 1515 N. Los Robles Avenue (in front of Pasadena Christian School) along the curb facing southbound. Please check in at the table designated for CAR check in.

Post-parade

Drivers will drop off dignitaries at the park, and then continue West.

Entries Committee member will discuss specifics with drivers needing further directions or parking passes.

Post-parade jamaica

12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at La Pintoresca Park.

Groups who have not submitted forms will be turned away at staging area.

Questions, concerns?

latinoheritage@mindspring.com

626 744 6530

A Golden Era - An untitled treasure hunt

2011-10-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

Community history comes in all sorts of manners. On occasion it is shared in a fairly formal manner or in a way where the information, though sketchy, is available.

In the case of the two pictures here all we know is that the source was Community Historian Manuel Contreras and that the images are from Pasadena.

The first image for me reflects a connection with Mexico as a land of heritage. Else why would one wear a sombrero that is too small for one's head. She looks happy; he not so much.
This second image is all about the day to day in the neighborhood. This could have been taken right before the Howdy Doody Show came on their T.V. Or perhaps right before they went to show to see a Cantinflas movie.
Pictures via Manual Contreras

2011-10-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Grand Marshal Hector Tobar was on the Madeleine Brand Show this morning.
He'll be at two booksignings this week - go to http://www.hectortobar.com/ to learn details on the sites. Here's the inverview -
mp3 http://media.scpr.org/audio/upload/2011/10/03/Tobar.

Sorry, no more entries this year

2011-09-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

If you have not already sent in your entry form or had a conversation with the Entries Committee, we're afraid you'll need to wait until next year to be in the parade.

Groups that arrive at the staging area without having submitted entry forms will be turned away.

You will be more than welcome to support the parade along Los Robles Ave. and Washington Blvd.

Or you can join us at the jamaica from noon to 4 P.M.

Grand Marshal Hector Tobar

2011-09-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

"As a Native of the East Hollywood, Hector Tobar grew up reading the Los Angelse Times. He devoured the sports pages, especially, but never thought he'd work at a paper his immigrant father occasionally delivered to make a little extra cash.

A graduate of UC Santa Cruz, Hector has worked at the Times on and off since the late 1980s, working his way up from the The Times' suburban bureaus to is national and foreign desks. Most recently he was The Times mexico City bureau chief. He's fluent in English and Spanish, and can get around in Portuguese. He also knows six words in Arabic and can order a cheese omelet in French.

Hector has a Master in Fine Arts from UC IRvine, has written three books and is the father of three children".

Biography - Courtesy LA Times.

Photo credit - http://magazine.pepperdine.edu/index.php/2009/10/news-3/

Art here, art there

2011-09-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

This month, and somewhat beyond, there are opportunities to see artwork by local Chicano artists. I drove out to the west side and took in a conversation between Oscar Castillo and Harry Gamboa. The exhibit is at the Fowler Museum at UCLA.

The I went to Los Angeles County Museum of Art to see the truly immense exhibit of work by members of ASCO.

Unfortunately I don't have pictures for either of those exhibits. But you can check out their work at the sites listed.

But here are some images of a bit of artwork at LACMA. Enjoy.

http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/exhibitions/icons-invisible-oscar-castillo

http://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/asco

Parade preparations continue...meanwhile at Villa Parke...

2011-09-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

This image is blurry but seems totally appropriate. Diane Walker, who oversees both La Pintoresca branch and Villa Parke branch libraries is watching, Derek, while he presents new technologies that read out loud, present English reading and writing lessons, teaches English to those with a different native language and teaches for languages to English speakers. We had a chance to not only hear Japanese spoken, but were able to see the characters as the words were pronounced.

These tools will be available at La Pintoresca, Villa Parke and Central Libraries.
At the moment the picture was taken we were seeing how SARA allows a patron to listen to or read in large print materials that is placed on a device that looks like a tape recorder and sort of works like a scanner. Except that the read out can be in different voices, the images can have different sized font - based on need, and the pace can be set by the user.

Our exceptional library system, continues to embrace future technology and provide excellent service. So good, that 79% of Pasadenans have a library card and the Library Journal has given the system 4 stars for "exceptional response to patrons and superior customer service".

Llena de cultura/Full of Culture

2011-09-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

The weekend was full of things to do around Pasadena that were connected to the many

cultures of Pasadena, especially of the Latino persuasion.

Some were filled with opportunities to chum around and taste away with friends like Abel Ramirez and Sandy Burton Greenstein. El Portal's Tequila Tasting was a lot of fun.

Or to wander down the street - in the alley by Zona Rosa where a last summer concert took place, where elegance of the papel picado in the breeze was only rivaled by the elegance of Cava and the music they shared through the night.

Or a chance to spend time looking at cars as old as I am but who have fewer dents and whose paint is all elegance, grace with just the right touch of glitter.

Thanks to Luis Villa, of Nokturnal Car Club, who invited me to the Car Show at the Rose Bowl on Sunday. This stunner belonged to Izzy.

Culture, cultura, however you say it, we live in a place that is almost dripping with opportunities to eat, drink, laugh, or stare in awe, all throughout the town.

Latino Heritage Month, September 15-October 15

2011-09-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

Here's our poster for this year's event.

Things are developing at a fine clip. The meeting with the various City of Pasadena departments went off smoothly thanks in part to each of the department's representative and especially thanks to Michelle Bernal of as well the partnership that is becoming stronger with the Human Services and Recreation Department and Rozanne Adanto, Villa Parke Community Center Supervisor.

Revisions will undoubtably take place in the next month - that's sort of the nature of the event beast.

I read a quote today that seems both appropriate for the beginning of Latino Heritage Month and for our preparations for parade & jamaica. It is a quote from "Life in the Time of Cholera" by Garcia Marquez.

"Human beings are not born once and for all on the day their mothers give birth to them, but [rather] life obliges them over and over again to give birth to themselves".

How we define ourselves, by our our roots and by our experiences, is a constantly evolving thing.

Turns out this even holds true for parades.

Celebrating a Culture of Hope and Progress

2011-09-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Announcing a poster competition for Latino Heritage Month - in Los Angeles.

However, this contest is open to all students grades K-12 in Los Angeles County. The details are in the flyer.

Thanks to the sponsors and to Los Angeles Cultural Affairs - especially Rebeca Guerrero for hosting this most meaningful contest.

Winners will receive Blick Premium Art Supplies.

The deadline is this Friday, September 16, 2011 by 6:00 p.m.

Gilbert "Magu" Luján

2011-09-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

Artist Gilbert "Magu" Luján's memorial took place today at Belvedere Park, East Los Angeles Civic Center. It was a beautiful day with soft, solid gusts of wind rustling the papel picado that helped to change a blank white wall to a wonderful homage to Magulandia.

The ofrenda overflowed with photos of Magu and loved ones, as well as icons and symbols

of the things that were special to him.

Ave Maria, Los Cuatro Direciones, danzantes, Nahuatl, oral history, and a duck that softly quacked as if on cue, were all a part of the ceremony.

Like Magu the ceremony was creative, complex, colorful.

Lucky we were here with you. Rest in Peace.

Con safos.

El Paseo y El Pasado

2011-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

In 1781, a mere 10 years after Mision San Gabriel was established, 44 pobladores (townspeople), men, women, and children, arrived at Yangna, an area where the Tongva had lived for generations and generations. Over the next 150 years the descendants of the pobladores and the Tongva saw vast changes in what became known as the city of Los Angeles.

The area, like all of the land in the Southwest, was governed in turn by Spain, Mexico, and the United States. The Avila Adobe, home to Francisco and Encarnacion Avila, is purported to be the oldest house in the City of Los Angeles. Over time the center of the commerce and government moved and the area became dilapidated.

In 1928 as a response to the condemnation note on the Avila Adobe, Christine Sterling and others tirelessly worked to renovate and recreate their interpretation of a Mexican Bazaar. El Paseo de Los Angeles, later known as Olvera Street, was part tourist attraction, part romantic fantasy, and just a bit of genuine Mexican traditions.

http://www.image-archeology.com/Olvera_Street_Los_Angles_CA_009.jpg

For those whose parents and grandparents had come from Mexico, it was a place where you could see the jarabe tapatio, buy maracas, or eat taquitos. It was a place where spoken Spanish was permitted and where you could be proud to be a Mexican American.

It still serves that role - a little bit of fantasy, a little bit of commerce, and place worth noting in our regional history.

We'll have an homage to the Olvera Street at the jamaica.

Fiestas Patrias in Pasadena

2011-09-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

In this most difficult time it may be hard to understand a celebration like the Fiestas Patrias, so let me offer my perspective.

Latino Heritage Month is in part defined by the month in which 18 Latin American countries gained their independence.

It is part homage to homeland and to customs that are part of a childhood or a lifetime spent in another country. It is also a way for adults to share with children and youth what it was like to grow up in another country, perhaps in an era filled with turbulence and war. Or a place that was beautifully bucolic.

It is also a time to include history that has all too often been excluded in the classes and lesson plans that are a part of most student's lives.

The meaning of Fiestas Patrias will vary from community to community, from family to family, and from person to person. For most it is not about a desire to go back to where they came from so much as a desire to hold on to the traditions or memories that are precious, to use the Scottish phrase, to kith and kin. You know, your friends and family.

A celebration of the Fiestas Patrias will take place @ Villa Parke on Saturday, September 10, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Drop by, share some dance, share some music and dance, share some cultura,

share some time with your neighbors.

For details on the event -

http://cityofpasadena.net/EkContent.aspx?theme=Navy&id=6442460396&bid=2970&style=news

Yvonne Chavez Lombardi, 2011 Doña Eulalia Award Recipient

2011-09-09T00:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I wrote about Doña Eulalia, her connection with Pasadena, and her dedication to her work.

As the parade & jamaica became an annual event, we found we wanted to acknowledge individuals who have dedicated themselves to the work it takes to coordinate and produce an event that has no paid staff. Any of you who have worked on similar projects know what I'm talking about. Raising money, permits, sharing the word, arriving at the park@ 6 a.m. before the lights have gone out on the streets and long before the warmth of the morning graces your back.

And so the Doña Eulalia Award was imagined. Raul Rodriguez, brilliant artist and designer of countless award winning Tournament of Rose floats, was our first recipient. Kevin Bruce, Abelardo de la Peña, Lilia Hernandez, and now Yvonne have received this recognition.

Yvonne's connection began our first year. She worked for the LightbringerProject: the folks who coordinate the Doo Dah Parade. In short time, she became involved with the parade & jamaica and has always been involved, save the years she was out of state.

Yvonne has shared her expertise freely and generously. Whether it was working on the printed program, getting a discount via a friend who gave her in-kind support for the event, coordinating stage of the participants, wearing a costume to help set the atmosphere of the event, or crawling under the stage to help dismantling it, or leading a workshop. If it needed to be done and she wasn't doing something doing something else - there she was ready to tackle it.

Yvonne is currently working at kidspace Children's Museum as the Director of Education and Community Initiatives.

Eulalia Pérez de Guillen de Mariné

2011-09-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

Cecilia Rasmussen is responsible for my first learning about Doña Eulalia some 13 years ago. Her LA Times "Then and Now" column was a very brief, but fascinating look at the centegenerian for whom Rancho el Rincon de San Pascual was reserved.

You can read her oral history, articles about her in places like Wikipedia, and many snippets in local early historians like J.W. Wood or Hiram Reid. Her son-in-law Miguel Blanco/Michael White devotes a chapter to her in his oral history.

According to family lore she was literate. Beyond this was a confidence that is apparent in her oral history and seems reflected in the lives of the women who were a part of her circle.

It is a profoundly proud woman who begins her oral history, "I, Eulalia Pérez..." It is a woman who was familiar to those who spoke English and those who spoke Spanish. In part because of her age and in part due to her amazing life, and her dedication to her work.

Eulalia Pérez de Guillén de Mariné died on June 8, 1878 four years after members of the Orange Grove Association moved to the land that had been known as Rancho El Rincon de San Pascual and eight years before much of the rancho was incorporated as the City of Pasadena.

Rasmussen - http://articles.latimes.com/1998/sep/06/local/me-20088

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eulalia_Pérez_de_Guillén_Mariné

Dr. Juan Francisco Lara, 2011 Community Grand Marshal

2011-09-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Juan Francisco Lara is a second generation Mexican American San Franciscan and a Pasadena resident since 1972. His wife Joanne was a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and a PUSD Teacher. They have a son, Ankarino, a daughter, Kiela, and three grandchildren Leotei, Kalyxtomar and Eisling. Lara’s career began in 1965. It's been one of teaching, mentoring, scholarship program development, curriculum and teacher professional development, public educational and community service, and the pursuit of access and equity to higher education for underrepresented racial and ethnic minority students.

He taught, coached baseball and theatre at De La Salle and taught at Cathedral HS when he was a Christian Brother. He also taught at Compton, East LA and Pasadena CC’s, the UCLA and Claremont Graduate Schools of Education and the UCI School of Social Science.

Lara received a Ph.D. from UCLA, an MAT from Occidental College, and a BA in English from St. Mary’s College. He was a CORO and National Council of La Raza Fellow and a Tomas Rivera Center Scholar.

For 35 years he served the University of California. At UCLA, he held positions of Dean; Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean for the UCLA Graduate School of Education; Assistant Provost, College of Letters and Science; EOP and Academic Advancement Program Director and Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, and he created a Center for Academic Programs that provided academic professional development for K-12 and community college teachers.

He is Assistant Vice Chancellor Emeritus, Enrollment Services at UC Irvine and founding executive director of the UCI Center for Educational Partnerships. He served on the Compton, Santa Ana and Pasadena CC Foundation Boards, and was Chair of the OC United Way Education Impact Council. Locally he has served on the Boards for the Brigden Ranch Neighbors Assn, Five Acres, Journey House, Project Day-Juvenile Diversion Project, the PCC Foundation, Pasadena Scholarship Committee and the City of Pasadena Charter Commission and Resource Allocation Board.

Beyond all this, Dr. Lara is always willing to lend a hand to those who might benefit from his stentorian voice, his academic or administrative knowledge, or a kind gesture that comes from his grand heart. Many have benefitted from his generous gifts of dedication and wisdom.

2011 Community Grand Marshal

2011-09-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

So you can easily see he is handsome, perhaps one might even call him debonair, but who is this person and why do you think he was chosen to be our Community Grand Marshal?

Answers tomorrow...

In the meantime here is a quote from him regarding Community Grand Marshal.

"The Community Grand Marshall is a symbol of the Latino contribution to Pasadena. California Native Americans, Mexican people, and later, new immigrants, tilled the soil and built our City. We walk in their footsteps. They planted the trees under whose branches we rest and they decorated our historic buildings. We honor their memory through our achievement in education, business, excellence in Arts and Culture, civic and community leadership and service. We stand upon our ancestor’s shoulders! I proudly honor our past, celebrate our present, and lift our future onto my own shoulders!

“Si Se Puede!”

Art in Our Part of the City - al fin

2011-09-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

We now have public art in Northwest Pasadena!

This piece is on the corner of Sunset and Mountain - enjoyed it, had to share it.

Hope you'll go and enjoy it, too.

"Handstand" Daniel Stern 2011

City of Pasadena

Rotating Public Art Exhibition Program

www.cityofpasadena.net/arts

September's here

2011-09-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Spent some time with the students in the Visual Arts and Design Academy at Pasadena High School today. Shared some information about our theme - Epoca de oro - and about our focus on the time 1946-1955. Not quite sure when I'll be at Muir, but I'm waiting for their invitation.

They're going to look over notes that were taken by the teacher Mr. Schultz and will use the facts to brainstorm what they might bring to the parade this year. Project based learning at its best. I can barely wait to see what they'll do this year.

VADA, Latino Heritage parade & jamaica 2009

A Golden Era - our theme for 2011

2011-08-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

“A Golden Era”

Our theme came from a Spanish phrase that described the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema. From time to time we focus on different Latino communities and experiences. This year our focus is on some of the roots and branches of Mexican heritage.

We did this because in 1946 - 1955 in the United States the vast majority of Latinos had roots in Mexico. This resulted in a shared community history and experience: many children mostly spoke English as their parents mostly spoke Spanish. Those living here had lived through the Great Depression and World War II. They had made many sacrifices for this country; they felt they had earned the right to share in the prosperity that was a part of the American Dream.

The existing bias and discrimination that encouraged segregated schools and discouraged achievement by Latinos was challenged by young men and women who had served in WWII, or who had been educated and lived their lives in the U.S. It is an era of Mendez v. Westminster, Hernandez v. State of Texas, of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, of the American G.I. Forum, and locally the establishment of groups like Uni-Vets .

It is also an era in which they more fully expressed their identity and their cultural roots. Zoot suits, tap shoes, mariachi, soldier, student, Caló, folklorico, and so much more. For some they felt like pochos, a derogatory term used by Mexicanos for those who lived in the U.S. They felt as if they were neither from here nor from there. And others felt, “by my mother I am Mexican, by detiny I am American…I speak two languages, and I have two cultures. I am Mexican American”.

2011 Latino Heritage parade & jamaica Entry Form

2011-08-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

Invitation to 2011 Latino Heritage parade & jamaica

2011-08-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Parade Entries,

For some reason or the other we are not able to post more than one page of our entry form. The complete form will be posted before midnight tonight.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

We've been waiting a long time and now...

2011-07-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

the tee shirts will be printed this week!

Here's the image that will be on the white tees...

and on the black tees...

Three words; quite a statement.

They'll be available at our table at the Levitt Pavilion this coming Thursday.

Because we are so excited they will be available at a "we are giddy" rate.

$8.50 donation for the black tees and $7.50 donation for the white tees.

Sizes will range from Youth/large to Adult/XXL.

First come, first served.

Too cool.

The weekends, part 2

2011-07-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight is a James/Berta night. We'll probably walk up the street to the Coffee Gallery. Conjunto Los Pochos will be playing beginning @ 8:00.

There might, I do mean might, be a few tickets available.

http://www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm

Saturday - Some tickets may still be available - 626 796 0560

This will take place at the beautiful Women's City Club of Pasadena.

http://www.womenscityclub.com/

And on Sunday the 4th Annual Armenian Identity Festival will be taking place at Victory Park.

This event is free and will run from noon to 8p.m.

http://www.acc-us.org/

If you get a chance check them out.

The weekends, part 1

2011-07-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

The weekends, ah, the weekends. For the last 15 years the weekends are very much a part of my workweek.

Mind you I'm lucky that I do the sort of work that I do - paid and unpaid.

Last Saturday I had a chance to go to our local Obon Festival. I danced, saw Ikebana and Bonsai, and had a chance to see how others were going about collecting and sharing their community history.

Went to Plaza de la Raza, heard La Santa Cecilia, and saw palm trees in a truly different light.

Helped to dispel some of the unwarranted animosity I feel toward dates and the like.

My negative bias - I admit. They've not chosen to offend my sensibilities. I'm just much happier with oak trees, succulents, and cactus.

And yet here was this lovely flowery bit of nature with a clear bluesky for its backdrop.

July 28, 2011 planning meeting

2011-07-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Next Planning meeting

Thursday, July 28, 2011

5:30 - 6:30 P.M.

Armory Center for the Arts

145 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103

Parking available - structure north of Heritage Wine Company

First 90 min. free

then $2/hr - max $6

Comments or questions - latinoheritage@mindspring.com

Sunday choices

2011-07-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

Today - an embarrassment of riches.

The Feria de la Familia is going on @ Plaza de la Raza from noon to 6.

Galco's is hosting a Summer Soda Tasting, proceeds to benefit the ongoing fight to keep the Southwest Museum in existence.

Pasadena Buddhist Church has their second day of Obon celebration.

Kan Zaman is sharing Arabic Music.

How lucky to have so many fine, fine choices. Keep scrolling for more info on these events.

http://www.plazadelaraza.org/

http://www.friendsofthesouthwestmuseum.com/

http://www.pasadenabuddhisttemple.org/2010Obon/2010Obon.html

http://www.kanzaman.org/events.html

Time to dance the evening away!

2011-07-22T20:04:00.001-07:00

There will be Obon odori (circle dancing) food booths, some game booths, Bonsai, Ikebana, demonstrations of marshall arts, book sales, taiko, an exhibit on the Buddhist Experience in the WWII Camps, and a photo and video presentation of "Stories of Survival: the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

If you're not in the mood for any of the above, there is always yummy chicken teriyaki!

http://www.pasadenabuddhisttemple.org/index.html

July 21, 7:00 LH @ Levitt Pavilion Pavilion

2011-07-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

Drop by as we listen to the sounds of Ximena Sarinana and Carla Morrison.

Concert begins @ 7:00 P.M.

http://www.ximenamusic.com/

http://carlamorrison.net/

Planning meeting

2011-07-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

Latino Heritage

parade & jamaica

Next General Planning Meeting

Thursday, July 28, 2011

5:30 - 6:30 P.M.

Armory Center for the Art

145 N. Raymond Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91103

For more information:

latinoheritage@mindspring.com

10.15.11 Latino Heritage Exhibitors/reference only

2011-07-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those of you who have expressed an interest in being a vendor at our jamaica at La Pintoresca Park. While we prefer to only share finalized documents, here is a copy of the form that we are presenting to the Special Events/City of Pasadena.

All information is tentative until we receive their approval. We're posting this so that you might have an idea about costs involved. We'll be ready to take any questions and think we'll have more detailed information from the city by August 1.

So in the meantime, please use this for reference only. The sliding scale has to do with what folks might be selling or sharing.

Remember, this is for reference only. We'll post more as soon as possible.

It's another Levitt Night - Friday, July 8th - SambaDa

2011-07-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

If you go to SambaDa's website you'll see images of dancers, guitars, sax, cowboy hats - they describe themselves as being a "magnet of unexpected particles shaved from Brazilian and American Sources".

You'll find words like surfer, capoeristas, and bloco-Afro - all hints about the energy and dancing that will be taking place when SambaDa comes to the Levitt.

We'll be there and hope you'll be there, too.

Deadline: July 8, 2011

2011-07-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Council member Victor Gordo and his field rep Vannia de la Cuba for setting up this meeting regarding the Pasadena's General Plan Update. Thanks also to Rozanne Adanto of Villa Parke for providing room for the community to meet. The meeting was coordinated for community members who are most capable and comfortable taking in complex information in Spanish.

This was one of five meeting that took place throughout the city. It has been at these meetings, as well as online, that members of the community have been sharing their vision of the future in Pasadena.

There are aspects of the plan that deal with mobility, density, sustainability, and on, and on. Lots of layers to living in the city. And the survey will have outcomes that stretch from the philosophical to the concrete - literally.

A small factoid shared last week - the vast majority of the surveys received have come from only one district. Good for the folks that shared their preferences and their thoughts. They will undoubtedly have an impact on future choices.

So if you haven't had a chance to read the information and then share you opinion do so as quickly as possible. The opportunity is still available online and the deadline for responding to the survey is this Friday, July 8th.

This just in - GENERAL PLAN SURVEY DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 13!

Four alternatives for future growth in Pasadena have been drafted to reflect community concerns. Which one is your choice?

In order to give people more time to take the survey, the deadline date has been extended to Wednesday, July 13. Please mail your survey by July 13 and give us your feedback on the alternatives! In addition, you can take the survey online at www.cityofpasadena.net/generalplan.

Help us tell everybody about the General Plan Update! Please forward this email to your friends, family and colleagues.

If you have any questions, please call 626-744-6807.

http://cityofpasadena.net/GeneralPlan/

Quetzal Guerrero at the Levitt, tonight!

2011-07-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

We'll be there at 7:00 p.m. with information on Latino Heritage.

Quetzal Guerrero concert begins at 8:00 p.m.

Free concert, cool evening air.

Come on!

General Planning meeting

2011-06-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

13th Annual Latino Heritage parade & jamaica

"A Golden Era" 1946-1955

October 15, 2011

11:00 a.m. - parade on Los Robles & Washington

12 noon to 3:00 p.m. jamaica at La Pintoresca Library and Park

Planning meeting: Thursday, June 30th 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Armory Center for the Arts145 N. Raymond AvenuePasadena, CA 91103

latinoheritage@mindspring.com

Levitt Pavilion Pasadena

2011-06-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

Our second opportunity as Community Partner with the Levitt Pavilion will take place this coming Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. in Memorial Park.

We couldn't find a current poster that would download for Quetzal Guerrero but wanted to share this image from the Levitt fb wall. His music is a blend of American Folk, Soul, Jazz, Funk, Samba, Bossa Nova, reggae, and Afrobeat.

Hope to see you at the Levitt Pavilion Pasadena in Memorial Park!

On Defining America and Americans

2011-06-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

Both of the images here are copyrighted, meaning that the creator, or owner, have the right to adapt, copy, or distribute the work. To learn more about each you can go to the websites noted below. There is an inherent understanding that there is something unique about the work.

Each of the stories unique but each reflect a more universal experience.

The implications of being undocumented, of being labeled "illegal", of having to work within and without the law are themes that are a part of the movie A Better Life and of the column written by Pulitzer winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas.

Centuries of the convenience and complexity where morals, values, work, and the meaning of legality are brought to both stories. As is the weight of being a story that changes from a philosophical or theoretical discussions of a reality that affects numbers of individuals, in numbers that are hard to comprehend.

Jose has written about his experience - you can read it at site listed below.

"A Better Life" opens today. Because it is not driven by explosions or a U.S. celebrity name it is released in a limited number of theaters. The numbers of people who view it this weekend will make will make difference in future distributions. Please, go see it. This is a story that bears telling to anyone who lives in the U.S. no matter their political affiliation or ideological persuasion.

http://www.facebook.com/ABetterLifeMovie

http://defineamerican.org/

Time to get ready

2011-06-23T12:08:00.001-07:00

I'm double posting today - same text on Pasadena Latina and Latin Heritage.

In a bit I'm going to start getting ready for our table that will be at the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena. I'm really looking forward to hearing the group Novalima and what seems will be a rocking night of Afro/Peruvian fusion y más.

In the meantime I'm getting myself ready to really focus on preparing for this year's Latino Heritage parade and jamaica. It's set for October 15th - although the day has been set for months, who knows how the event will evolve this year.

This image was taken by former Latino Heritage board president Yvonne Chavez Lombardi a while back. Artist/illustrator Javier Harriman is working with students at Washington Middle School helping them learn about 20 Day Names and then helping develop headwear reflecting that information which was worn in the parade.

Our focus this year is on the era that followed World War II and ended in the mid-50s.

Levitt Pavilion Pasadena

2011-06-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

The Levitt Pavilion Pasadena has been presenting free summer concerts in Memorial Park since 2002. This year they are hosting 50 free concerts and are expecting to have and audience of about 60,000 over the course of the summer.

They have established the Community Partners Program where they will provide free booth space at the summer concerts in Memorial Park. Partners will have a chance to distribute information, recruit new services and provide simple services.

We are very fortunate to be one of the Community Partners. So, throughout the summer we'll be highlighting the concerts where we'll have a table so that you can learn more about Latino Heritage.

Our first opportunity to do so is on this Thursday, June 23. Novalima is a Peruvian band that blends Afro-peruvian music, electronica, and club reggae that is a blending of roots and dance music. The concert begins at 8 p.m. Bring a blanket and be sure to stop and learn more about the community partners of the Levitt Pavilion.

http://www.levittpavilionpasadena.org/

http://www.novalima.net/afro/index.html

So much going on

2011-06-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend is full of exciting and new events.

And there will be a big announcement regarding Latino Heritage and the summer on Monday.

In the meantime...here's an image from the Pasadena Digital History Collaboration - we're a contributing organization. This image is part of a current exhibit: Roots of Education in Pasadena: 1870s to 1920s. We worked staff from The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, Pasadena City College, Pasadena Museum of History, and Pasadena Public Library.

These are teachers from the Junipero Serra School: one of two Mexican Schools in Pasadena. It's one of the PUSD images that we were aware of and were able to share for the exhibit.

http://www.pasadenadigitalhistory.com/exhibit.php

Saturday is Make Music Pasadena. There'll be over 100 free concerts in the city. One of our favorite groups is La Santa Cecilia. They'll be performing at 1:00 p.m. on the Luckman Stage on El Molino. If you can 't make their performance you'll have only 99 other choices from which to choose.

http://www.makemusicpasadena.org/program.html

If you're passing by the Paseo Colorado from one concert to the next you might see local artist Liz Espinoza. Don't know what she'll be drawing this year. She'll be one of about 600 artists participating in the 2011 Pasadena Chalk Festival.

http://www.pasadenachalkfestival.com/

A new event in town is the Mumbo Gumbo Fest presented by Chef Claude Beltran. You need to buy tickets and make reservations for this event - seating is limited.

Call ahead.

http://www.mumbogumbos.com/tickets.html

Here's to weekend that is full of opportunities to remember those dads and male role models who gave their time and energy to us all. We're lucky they were there for us - it's a great thing to spend time with them doing something fun.

An Integral Part

2011-06-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here is an image of Manuel Garfias - photo taken in 1882.

Let's hope that his image is included somewhere in the 125th anniversary celebration. Or that the image of Doña Eulalia is included, or for that matter, images of Arturo Bandini or Manuel Piñeda.

If you read most of the accounts of the founding of Pasadena, there is included the phrase, "the first non-Hispanic" owner. What that sentence insinuates is that the non-Hispanic owner and the first U.S. owner are automatically mutually exclusive. According to records, Garfias first filed with the U. S. Land Commission in 1852.

To begin history without at least his name makes clear that some groups matter more than others.

People sometimes express upset that different affinity groups are focused on highlighting members of their own community. Often the simplest answer to that sort of concern, and the best way to share history in its fullest, is to make sure as many threads of a community's story are woven into every telling of the tale.

Remembering Manuel

2011-05-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

I came across this image of the Garfias Adobe while getting ready for our portion of the Pasadena Digital History Collection exhibit. The adobe was located on the southern end of the arroyo - just across the South Pasadena border.

Don Manuel became the first person to own the property under U.S. patent. His wife Luisa, was a daughter of the owners of the Avila Adobe - located on Olvera Street in Los Angeles.

Luisa gave birth to their son, Manuel E. Garfias, at the adobe.

This tiny bit of history is shared because the Garfias family was among those living in the Pasadena that were affected or connected with the U.S./Mexican War and the Civil war. Battles and strategies of each of these wars took place in Southern California. It is important to remember those like Manuel E. Garfias who died elsewhere and then were returned home to be buried.

Image - Pasadena Museum of History

Guidelines, all around

2011-05-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Read Hector Tobar's column, "Some guidelines on how to be a true Angeleno" in the L.A. Times. That, of course, got me wondering, so what might those guidelines be if we were talking about Pasadena or the SGV?

Living in NW Pasadena, almost SW Altadena, it would include not looking three times at horses on the street. In my mind, it would also include being aware that a significant number of folks, almost all Mexicanos/Mexican Americans lived in Chihuahuita.

What might be included in your list? I've included a link to Mr. Tobar's original column.

Manuel Contreras - unknown boy and girl in costume, 1940s Chihuahuita

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-tobar-20110527,0,2276248.column

Vacation chores

2011-05-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

Just around the corner - a trip to Yellowstone - so there is a lot of shopping to be done. Because I'm not used to a lot of outdoor trips there was a need to buy some things to make sure I don't freeze.

Here is the new shirt that was bought.

Wool, colorful, and just the right size. I also have some new boots for light hiking. And socks for the boots. Thermals that match are ready to be packed.

This next week I've some weeding to be done.

The house needs to be vacuumed. Pills set for critters.

And this little bit of paperwork to be done.

Sigh.

Daniel Catán

2011-05-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

Opera. If you say the word to many folks they'll automatically respond that they don't like it. It doesn't seem very real. I can understand that. We all have our preferences when it come to art.

But often these are the same folks who will flock to see pirates in mascara, people chasing mummies, and/or 19th century ladies swooning in movies and in plays.

To appreciate opera takes the same sort of suspension of reality and the ability to absorb yourself in the mood and music of the moment.

Daniel Catán was a Mexican-born composer whose operas "Florencia en el Amazonas" and "Il Postino" were produced by L.A. Opera. His unexpected death shocked the world of opera. You can learn more about his life via the links below and there will be two programs where you can hear some of the beauty he created.

Today, Sunday, 4 p.m. May 22 concert at Occidental College's Thorne Hall, Santa Cecilia Orchestra will present music in honor of Catán, including Silvestre Revueltas’ "La Noche de los Mayas" (The Night of The Mayas). Tickets might, underline might, be available.

Tomorrow, Monday, 6 p.m., May 23, LA Opera will remember his life and legacy at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

The program on Monday is free and open to the public.

Los Angeles Times

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2011/05/daniel-catán-honored-los-angeles-opera.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/12/arts/music/daniel-catan-composer-of-operas-in-spanish-dies-at-62.html

Photo: Catán at work during rehearsal for the world premiere of "Il Postino" at L.A. Opera last September. Credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

Perhaps we'll see you...

2011-05-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/artnightpasadena

http://artnightpasadena.org/

Celebrate Our Elected Women Past and Present

2011-05-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy groups whose names tells a good part of the tale. The National Women's Political Caucus is one of those groups. Simply put the group is organized to support women who are running for office - at the local, regional and national level. The held their 33rd Annual Champagne Brunch this last weekend. While there are a couple of women who have been elected who are not a part of this picture, it somehow feels reflective of the stats that still are out their regarding women and Latinos/Latinas in office, especially locally.

There are 17 women of 100 members in the Senate and 72 women of 435 members in the House of Representatives. There are 2 Hispanics in the senate and 24 in the House of Representatives. If greater diversity brings opportunity for more creativity and problem solving then there are lots of opportunities to be made and taken in the future. And as long as that is the case there will continue to be a need for groups such as this and the need to support their work.

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

2011-05-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a day spent mostly outside of Pasadena. James wanted to go to Union Station for the National Train Day in Los Angeles. I wanted to return to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes - to take my time and absorb the site and the information inside.

The first time I walked through there was a lot going on and it was clear that I wasn't going to really be able to judge what I liked best or what I might wish to be different. And there is always a part of me that wants to see what might be adapted for use here in Pasadena. Our histories and our experiences are unique to our geography and our peoples, but the dynamics were set within a shared historical context.

On a personal note I especially wanted to explore the Calle Principal section on the second floor. It turns out it is among other things, a series of shops with opportunities for interactive exploration that is set in the 1920s. Music, pharmacy, grocery store can be explored. I like to think of it as kinesthetic history. History that is taught and experienced at a more visceral level.

The photo shop held a box of props including this hat and these glasses. James took this picture which I modified to give it more of a look of the era.
I took this picture of one of the displays partially because of the architecture that is evident in the street lamps and fences. Partially because this was a photo from the past of the city I called home for the first part of my life. And partially because that boy in the picture could have been my father. He was born in 1912 in Los Angeles and grew up not far from the Calle Principal.
His love of that city and the stories of his youth planted the seed that keeps me looking for the stories of Pasadena and the community whose stories continue to grow in number and in detail.

An Evening at the Danzon - our fundraiser

2011-05-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

5:00 - Dance lesson - Rose City Ballroom

6:00 - Dancing, hors d'oeuvres, and cocktails

6:45 - Recognition of honorees

7:00 - CAVA

Pasadena Senior Center

85 East Holly Street

Pasadena, CA 91103

Tickets - $60.00

1946-1954 era attire encouraged.

Honorary Committee member Shelley Morrison

2011-04-26T00:26:00.000-07:00

I met Shelley Morrison in an adobe - no, really I did. Our first bit of conversation was about nopal recipes. Honest.

Most of you may know Shelley because her decades of prolific work on stage and screen. Or you may know her work as the voice of Mrs. Portillo, Manny's kindly neighbor. For others, the role she is best known for is Rosario, the feisty maid on "Will and Grace". To quote Shelley - Rosario was an "older Hispanic woman who is bright and smart and can hold her own".

History and heritage matter to her. She is of Hispanic descent, born and raised in the Bronx, her first language was Spanish and her parents were Spanish Jews. She embraces the spiritual tradition of the Lakota Sioux. Shelley and her husband Walter Dominguez have three sons and three daughters that were adopted through a traditional Native American ceremony.

Shelley is an advocate for the charities she cares about. A.N.G.E.L.S. Day and L.A. Shanti are but two examples. She has survived two bouts with cancer and she has raised money for the American Cancer Society.

Latino Heritage thanks Shelley for being a member of our Honorary Committee and look forward to talking with her about nopal recipes, among many, many other topics.

Honorary Committee member Wendy Fujihara Anderson

2011-04-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

Wendy Anderson has lived in Pasadena all of her life. And what a life it has been.

A partial listing of her accomplishments includes active, leadeship roles in groups as varied as East West Players, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, National Women's Political Caucus, and City Personnel Services.

She is a partner, Sake Institute of American/Sake Only Store, Pasadena, Kellye Wallett Studio, and her day job, President WOWQ Productions and Public Relations of Pasadena, CA.

And she is Co-founder, President and Producer of the Cherry Blossom Festival SoCal - attendance 60,000 in 2010. A 100% Volunteer Team produced, free event.

She has written and produced Camp Stories a show which gives 'voice' to images and impressions of life before, during and after the WWII Internment Camps of Japanese Americans.

Every year Wendy donates her time, donates her skills and her goodwill to our Latino Heritage parade & jamaica.

That's just the sort of person she is.

Sergio and Gracy

2011-04-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

Sharing the story of the Danzon as solely being about two entrepreneurs who start a business with a silent partner would be succinct but lacking much of the story.

A more detailed version would include the work of the wives. Stella Nuñez Castro was Danny Castro's wife and partner: she helped with many different needs and tasks. Her story like many women's stories is less evident, but no less important.

Gracy is in the picture above taking reservations; Sergio is facing the camera.

Gracy in a publicity shot. It's easy to understand why Sergio fell in love with her and lovely voice. He described her voice as that of an angel.

There is something about Gracy that epitomizes the alluring grace that could be a part of the cha cha cha, mambo, and rhumba on dance floors like the Danzon.

An Evening at the Danzon - our fundraiser

2011-04-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Latino Heritage will be hosting an evening of music, entertainment, dancing, cocktails and appetizers on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at the Pasadena Senior Center. An Evening at the Danzon will be a recreation of the Latino social scene during the 1940s and 1950s in Pasadena. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a social reenactment of times past while raising money for our programs, including the 13^th annual Latino Heritage parade & jamaica to be held in Pasadena on October 15^th.

The Danzon was a popular Latino Studio Club: a supper club with dance lessons, which flourished in Old Pasadena after World War II. The evening will include a dance lesson from Rose City Ballroom, era cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and the musical styling of CAVA. Deborah Sanchez, Honorary Committee Chair for the event, encourages 1946-1954 era attire.

Latino Heritage, founded in 1998, focuses on bridging communities and generations while sharing the arts, culture, heritage and history of the Latino community of Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. The group's best known project is the Latino Heritage parade & jamaica.

Price: $60-$78
Tickets can be purchased via http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1717510
Individual tickets are $78.00: discounted tickets are available for group sales.
Poster artwork - Silbina Lepe

Our Honorary Committee members

2011-04-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

Over the next week I'll be sharing a bit about some of our Honorary Committee members. A privilege to work with them and to share a brief bio with you.

Dan Guerrerro agreed to be on the committee because he has long valued the work done by Latino Heritage. Dan is a very special guy. He is charming, urbane, and has a moderately wicked sense of humor. You know the sort of friend who is just a bit catty, but whose humor makes a party come alive.

Dan is also a phenomenal producer. Linda Ronstadt wants a Mariachi Festival - she calls Dan. Vikki Carr wants a program for her scholarship - she calls Dan. Edward James Olmos wants a well produced film festival - guess who he called.

Dan is the son of the iconic Lalo Gurerero and has worked in show business for 50 years. He wrote and produced his one man show Gaytino which covers his career and so much more. "Guerrero dishes up comedy with teeth” writes the San Jose Mercury News. If you get a chance, you really must see it.

We are very fortunate to have Dan serve on our Honorary Committee.

Guerreros at Lalo's

2011-04-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

The flyer for our fundraiser has a lot of history in it. I've written about the Danzon in earlier posts. If you look back to earlier posts you'll a bit about how this Studio/Supper Club came to be in Pasadena.

The folks below are members of the familia Guerrero. Their daughters Pat and Rosie have long shared their family history with Latino Heritage and we have in turn shared the history at the parade & jamaica or at workshops we've offered.

I could fib and say that this photo took place in Pasadena, but it didn't. It took place at Lalo Guerrero's night spot - Lalo's in East L.A. There's a lot of detail in the photo, but every time we talk about their family I'm surprised to learn yet another fact.

Among the facts I can easily share is that Mrs. Guerrero was quite the seamstress. The dress she is wearing (lace collar) was probably designed and then sewn by her. Mr. Guerrero played baseball on a team that was based in Pasadena.

We'll plan to have this image, and others from this era on exhibit at our fundraiser.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time via Brown Paper Tickets: here is the link -

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/171510

While strolling down the Paseo...

2011-04-12T22:39:00.000-07:00

James and I just about bumped into each other. We knew about the Rose City Ballroom but it was located on Fair Oaks, almost in South Pasadena. So what a surprise to see Christian and Annette at their new digs at the Paseo.

Christian Perry has his own show on the Arroyo Channel, choreographs and dances on Dancing with the Stars. He and Annette Nicole are award winning dancers. Annette has also served on the Pasadena Northwest Commission. You've also seen them in the Rose Parade, but may not have known their names or known that they live and work in Pasadena.

Summertime will be filled with dance in the main mall and they'll be leading the lessons. I've never been a participant, but have seen the lessons and it always looks like folks are having great fun. Sounds like a win, win, win situation all 'round.

They asked me to spread the invitation to their second anniversary celebration of

Rose City Ballroom in Pasadena.

The event will take place on April 16th, 7:00P.M. at the

Historic Raymond Theater

125 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103

There'll be performances, refreshments, and a red carpet all free of charge.

Save the DATE!

2011-04-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

On May 1st Latino Heritage will have its first formal fundraiser at the Pasadena Senior Center.

An Evening at the Danzon will be a recreation of the Latino social scene during the Post World War II years in Pasadena.

Guests will have the opportunity to participate in an evening that will include a dancing lesson, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and dancing to live music. The schedule is listed on the image.

The Danzon was a Studio Club that existed on Holly Street from 1947 to 1954. Daniel Castro, Sr., and Sergio Lopez, Sr. who had the dream of the Danzon and later managed it.

Having a supper club was very much a part of the Mexican American scene during this era. The couples in the flyer are members of the Guerrero family at Lalo Guerrero's club in East L.A. Also pictured is Gracy Lopez, a glamorous and talented beauty.

Individual tickets are $78. Tables are available at $60/ticket. Tickets will be on sale beginning Monday, April 11th via Brown Paper Tickets.

As the flyer states - period attire will be encouraged!

So many entries, so many choices.

2011-04-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

It was grand to see the number of entries for this year's contest, only down side was having to pick a first and second prize winner.

Thanks to Joan and Nadia, PUSD/LADD office, for all their work. Thanks to judges Dr. Kathee Bautista, Maritza Espinoza Canto, Liz Espinoza, Porfirio Frausto, James Grimes, and Dr. Thelma Reyna.

They deliberated with each other about the content and technique in each piece of art and essay. If you go to the link at the end of this blog you can see images of the artwork. Great work all.

Art (1,2)

k-1

Noeli Chavez, Helen Hu

2-5

Emily Kendall Hancock, Stephanie Alvarez

6-8

Grant Posner, Jesus Torres

9-12

Julio Turunu,

Onix sulema silva, Douglas Ventura

Essay 9 (1,2)

k-1

Alejandro Montelongo, Lily Arzili

2-5

Jada Luna-Diaz, Noor Aburumman

6-8

Matthew Arnst, Valerie Sbrocca

9-12

Kelly Ramos, Chan-Soo Kim

Honorable Mention -

Oh Yeah Awards!

Art (1,2)

k-1

Ashley Bonilla

2-5

Brenda Lopez, Noah Igler

Yolanda Munoz - Class Project

9-12

Jonathon Aguilar, Chris Ovando

http://language-assessment-and development.pusd.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml?gid=942978&sessionid=0e6317261a998131b72e7b6f15a

An American past time: learning more about our community

2011-03-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

This week is going to be full of things relating to Chicano/Latino information and studies - a partial listing includes:

Monday, March 28th - Latino Heritage will be sponsoring the annual PUSD K-12 Cesar E. Chavez art and essay contest. Each school was permitted one entry - there are a total of 70 entries that were judged. Winners will be announce Thursday.

Wednesday, March 30th, 5:00-7:30p.m. NACCS annual convention arrives at the Westin. Latino Heritage will host a Welcoming Tequila Tasting @ El Portal Restaurant, 695 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101. $15 for tasting and appetizers. All are welcome.

Thursday, March 31st, 6:00-9:00 p.m. - "Mexican American Baseball in Los Angeles" Discussion and Book Signing. In conjunction with the 2011 NACCS conference in Pasadena there will be a discussion with Al Padilla and Richard Peña, former players both a part of history in Los Angeles. In addition there will be a book signing with 5 additional authors - Alex Moreno - Mexican Americans in Los Angeles, and Mexican Americans in Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach, Lt. Col. Henry Cervantes, Piloto: Migrant Worker to Jet Pilot, Sandra Gutierrez, Teatro Chicana, Thelma Reyna The Heavens Weep for Us and other stories, and Roberta H.Martínez, Latinos in Pasadena.

Saturday, April 2nd, 6:30-9:00 p.m. - Political Tardeada: in Support of Ethnic Studies. Join the National Association for Chicana/Chicano Studies (NACCS) and Latino Heritage for an informal reception to raise money to support the legal battle to save ethnic studies. Grand Ballroom, Westin Pasadena, 1919 N. Los Robles, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Georgia, Agapito and Nell Villa, Colorado, ~1929.

More information - pasadenalatina@blogspot.com

Team Research

2011-03-21T23:09:00.000-07:00

The past three Mondays I've spent time with Team Research @ Marshall High School. The team is made up of 3 grad students from UCLA - Lluliana, Michaela, and Ryan - who have been squeezing time from their super packed scheduled to meet with 10th-12th grade students in the Marshall Puente program.

The class is 2 hours long every Monday from 3:30 to 5:30 with a focus on Research Methodology. Because of some students work schedules a separate section has been taking place on Saturday. There is no credit for this class but the students will be sharing what they have gleaned at the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies Conference that will be in town next week. They've been learning about concepts like community cultural wealth, determinism, oral history, interview techniques, etc.

They'll be participating in some brief oral histories and will share some of that experience at NACCS and at the Adelante Mujer Latina conference. And they'll also be sharing what they've learned at UCLA and at a Puente Parents event later this spring.

Go Team Research!

Still here

2011-03-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

I didn't grow up listening to Lalo Guerrero. Fact is the first I heard of him was when he was honored in 1997 at the Los Angeles Living Roots Festival. He was only 81 years old.

He seemed like a charming grandfather. The grandfather that we would want to have who is charming, warm, humorous and as if that weren't enough - who could sing and play guitar.

Over the years I came to learn that he was a composer, had done a little acting on occasion, was a storyteller, and was known as the Father of Chicano Music. The last because he initiated, shared or recorded almost every form of music enjoyed by Chicanos. Bolero, rhumba, rock, salsa, ranchero, comedic parody, and so many other forms. In English or Spanish or both; no small feat. If writing in English and Spanish were quite so automatic we'd have a lot more bilingual writers.

The Smithsonian declared him a National Folk Treasure and he was the recipient of the National Medal of the Arts.

His life paralleled and often directly reflected the Chicano/Latino experience. He was born 4 years after Arizona became a state, lived through the deportations of the 30s, the Zoot Suit Riots of the 40s, through the Civil Rights struggles of the 60s and the 70s and throughout he was Balladeer of the Chicano Experience. There was so much to his life and talents; Pancho Lopez; Walt Disney, Los Lobos, Las Ardillitas, the list is incredibly long.

We were honored to have him as our first Grand Marshal in 1998.

Lalo's mother taught him to play, encouraged his great love of music and to "embrace the spirit of being Chicano". His mother's heritage was Mexican and Irish.

So there is peculiar irony to his having been born on Christmas Eve in 1916 and his passing on March 17 in 2005.

Lalo Guerrero - presente - in our hearts and our minds.

Images from:

http://www.originalchicano.com/

http://markguerrero.net/8.php

http://www.library.ucsb.edu/speccoll/collections/cema/guerrero.html

March 12, 1998 and the Latino parade & jamaica is conceived

2011-03-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

James and I love things Irish. There may be some Irish on his father's side: I know that there is none in my family. Don't laugh, the San Patricio's are a fascinating part of the the Mexican/U.S. War. Whatever the reason, who can clearly define why certain cultures resonate strongly within each of us. De sangre or de corazon - by blood or by the heart...

When we heard of the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Green Street we made our business to go the parade with Kate and Matthew. It was a small parade; very small in comparison to the Rose or Doo Dah parades. It was very community sized.

It was while I was watching the parade that I thought that there were probably as many folks in Pasadena who were connected with Latino culture as Irish culture. That was it. The seed for the Latino Heritage parade & jamaica were planted.

In 1998 I was Co-director with Sandi Romero of Latino Cultural Academy. I shared the idea with her, and she in turn connected with Council member Bill Crowfoot and Victor Gordo, then his field rep, now Vice Mayor. Working together we began work on a Latino parade.

We will have our 13th parade on October 15th this year; a while in the future.

Tonight I'll refocus on things Irish. Perhaps I'll have a Murphy's and sodabread. Whatever I'll do I know that I'll think of the time James and I spent in Ireland. I'll listen to Uileann pipes, bodhran, and smile.

Welcoming NACCS to Pasadena

2011-03-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

The National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies will take place in Pasadena from March 30 through April 2nd.

Quoting the NACCS website - "While NACCS has been hosted in the LA area many times over, it has been long time that we've been (in) Southern California and not be in Los Angeles. Pasadena offers us the large city opportunities of restaurants and activities without feeling lost."

Latino Heritage will be hosting a reception for attendees and community members on March 30th from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. It will take place @ El Portal Restaurant. If you've ever gone to one of their Tastings you know the appetizers will be great.

El Portal will be donating a portion of the Tequila Tasting to support the cultural and educational programs of Latino Heritage. If you decide to leave the tasting and purchase dinner and drinks you'll be at one of the finest restaurants in the Playhouse District.

We're excited that members of NACCS and the community of Pasadena will get a chance to meet and greet in a site that is a locally owned business while supporting the work done by Latino Heritage.

Who was Nancy Lopez?

2011-03-07T23:31:00.000-08:00

The National Women's History Project was founded in California in 1980. They provide information and training in multicultural women's history "for anyone wanting to expand their understanding of women's contributions to U.S. history".

They are a fine resource for learning about Women's History, especially that part of the history that took place in the United States.

Check out their website for more information. While you're there you might want to Test Your Knowledge of Women's History. Sample questions include:

Who was the first African-American woman poet to have her works published?

What was the first Hispanic woman to serve as U.S. Treasurer?

Who spoke out for the advancement of of American Indians' rights from speakers platforms nationwide and before Congressional committees int eh 1880s?

What woman was invtied to teach nuclear physics at Princeton University, even though no female students were allowed to study there?

Here's the site - for more about the Project and the answers to the questions.

The National Women's History Project -

http://www.nwhp.org/whm/test.php

César E. Chávez Art and Essay Contest

2011-03-05T21:54:00.001-08:00

This month young readers in PUSD will learn about the Chávez family and their journey from Arizona store owners to migrant farmworkers in California. They can learn about how he and Dolores Huerta eventually became co-founders of the United Farm Workers and their success as organizers, in the field and at boycotts.

Students in Middle and High School will learn about his work and will be asked to reflect on how Cesar might have responded to the Dream Act. They will be asked to include how the Dream Act ties in to Chavez's goals and legacy.

All of this is being shared via a packet that was put together by the PUSD Language and Development Department. Latino Heritage helped to set guidelines and questions and will be coordinating the judging of the district wide art and essay contest.

Our children will get a chance to learn about a person whose life, in some ways, was not that different from their own. There are challenging that we all face and times when we deal with bias. How others have responded to bias is a lesson worth learning. How we respond can be learned from that lesson.

Guadalupanas at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission Church

2011-03-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

This Friday, March 4th, our exhibit "Latinas at Work and Play: Pasadena Stories" will be ready for viewing. This exhibit will share the changing roles of Latinas in Pasadena in the 1940s through the 1960s.

We'll have photos, textiles, and personal items that will reflect the range of experiences of the three generations pictured here.

Las Guadalupanas, those devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe and pictured here, performed the work necessary for the upkeep of the church and kept sense of order, structure, and tradition in the community.

The prayers, remedios, and even the language spoken by the eldest kept families connected with their heritage. Their daughters were a bridge generation, sometimes with a foot in the country of the parents birth and sometimes solidly in the land of their birth.

A special thanks to Ed and Rita Almanza, generous and marvelous photographers as well as Liz Espinoza for putting together the exhibit. The exhibit will up through March 31st.

Orfeu Negro

2011-02-27T00:52:00.000-08:00

March is going to be a very busy month for Latino Heritage. Two events will be taking place this week.

There will be an exhibit that will be opening mid-week at the Pasadena Central Library. "Latinas at Work and Play: Pasadena Stories" will focus on experiences of Latinas during the 40s and 50s. We'll share images once the exhibit is in place.

On Friday we are partnering with the Pasadean Senior Center and their screening of Orfeu Negro, Black Orpheus in English, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 1960. It is a retelling of the tragedy of Orpheus and Euridice set in favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at Carnaval. The weaving of the Greek myth, African roots, and Latino culture produce a film that is haunting. Close captioning will be provided for those of us who are not fluent in Portuguese.

It will be shown at the Pasadena Senior Center Friday, March 4th. Reservations are not neceassary. Candy, popcorn, and bottled water will be on sale for $1 each.

http://www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org/

A Telling of the Story of the Americas After Columbus

2011-01-22T22:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Council member Jacque Robinson for coming to the screening. Kathie, Gerda, and she had a great time last night at KPCC.
The video was thought provoking and the conversation between Ruben and Adolfo was stimulating. Lots of ideas were shared in the documentary and concepts were explored in their conversation. They are both interested in doing something more with us in the future.

Thanks to Cherry Blossom Festival, NAACP (Altadena, Pasadena), and YWCA Racial Justice Committee for helping to spread the word. The auditorium was standing room only.
Next up: Photo and ephemera exhibit in the Pasadena Central Library. (3/1 - 4/1)

Partners in work and in history

2011-01-19T23:19:00.000-08:00

Cherry Blossom Festival Southern California is one of the organizations with which we regularly partner. If it were possible for groups to be friends, they would be one of Latino Heritage's Best Org Friends. We have been doing things together supporting each other's missions for close to a decade.

Executive Director Wendy Fujihara Anderson has helped us with the jamaica. She is a gifted producer, who is talented in many ways, and has used her skills to help us with everything from exhibitors to press releases. We have helped as we can, and been happy for doing so.

We have valued the similarities of the Latino and Japanes American experience. Folks of my generation who self identified as Chicano/Mexican American have often experienced being neither here nor there; our identities are often set by being a part of the United States and a part of our Mother Country. Individuals and segments of our community sometimes have to think hard about what that means to each of us on a day to day basis. Mestizo, hapa, mulatto - all ways of defining where we come from and who has helped us define who we are.

Adolfo Guzmán-López shares similar thoughts in the link below.

http://www.kcet.org/updaily/socal_focus/commentary/movie-miento/mix.html

In the Crawford Family Forum

2011-01-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

Lucky us.

KPCC/SPCR's mission is to "strengthen the civic and cultural bonds that unite Southern California's diverse communities. So they host events that engage an audience as part of programming through community engagement and building cultural awareness".

So when we approached them about a screening of "When Worlds Collide", co-written and narrated by Rubén Martínez, they were not only open to the idea - they were most enthusiastic.

The documentary is focused on the latino experience but many of the topics covered in the documentary are issues that folks from any heritage can relate to with some ease.

Because of this groups like the Cherry Blossom Festival, NAACP and YWCA join us as outreach partners. As Cherry Blossom's Wendy Fujihara Anderson shares "When you step back you that our cultures may be different, but historically we've dealt with many of the same issues.

Again- lucky us.

KPCC reporter Adolfo Guzmán-López will join Rubén Martínez in a conversation after the screening. I don't know what tack they may take with the conversation but do know that it will be insightful and that it will contain ideas that will have audience members thinking about identity in ways that may be new and exciting.

Latino Heritage is proud to be one of the hosts of this event.

Lucky us.

Friday, January 21st, 2011 - When Worlds Collide screening

2011-01-10T16:36:00.001-08:00

On January 21, come watch your Friday night film – admission-fee free, with complimentary munchies and water besides – at The Crawford Family Forum. The Crawford Family Forum is located at 474 South Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105

Latino Heritage, in partnership with Cherry Blossom Festival, the NAACP Pasadena and Altadena Branches, and the YWCA Pasadena-Foothills Valley, and 89.3 KPCC’s Crawford Family Forum presents a screening of When Worlds Collide: The Untold Story of the Americas After Columbus.

When Worlds Collide is a vivid exploration of the first century after the “Old World” encountered the “New World”. Beginning on the streets of Los Angeles in 2010, this 90-minute documentary travels back to Spain and Latin America in the 16th century, when contact between Spanish conquistadors and native peoples first occurred.

The most important consequence of that era – the development of an entirely new "mestizo" or mixed culture, which is a significant part of the heritage of 30+ million Latinos in the U.S. today – was a radical change experienced by both worlds. When Worlds Collide presents an extraordinary and unexpected account of the foundation of modern Latino culture.

6:30pm – Doors Open 7:00pm – Film Screening 8:30pm – Q&A

A post-reading Q&A will be moderated by KPCC’s Adolfo Guzmán-López and will feature Rubén Martínez, co-writer and narrator of When Worlds Collide.

Admission is FREE, but RSVPs are required.

Reservations will begin on Friday, January 7th.

Call Phone: 626.583.5215 or click on the following link to secure your seat(s):

http://www.scpr.org/events/2011/01/21/when-worlds-collide/

You are more than welcome to forward this message to family, friends, and/or colleagues who may be interested in joining us for this screening and discussion.

Literacy, Legacy, and the Latino Community

2010-11-14T09:43:00.000-08:00

Latino Heritage has been around fro 12 years. Those who have been aware of our work have thought of us as parade people. And we are. But we have also been about classes, lectures, and workshops that share something of the local Latino experience and history in places throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Our moderator was KPCC reporter Adolfo Guzmán López pictured here with our panelist Manuel Contreras. Both were wonderful throughout the evening which began with a mixer, panel session followed, and then there was time for book signings and informal conversations.

Pictured below are Randy Jurado Ertll, Victor Cass, Sandra Gutierrez, and me (r to l).

But the best part of the evening was having audience members, especially students, talking with the authors. Author Thelma Reyna is seen here in an informal exchange with a student. That interaction between generations is one of the ways of making sure that a legacy is developed among those of us who are a part of the Latino community.

SEE BELOW

2010-11-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

Please do join us.

Literacy, Legacy, and the Latino Community

2010-11-02T00:15:00.000-07:00

Please join this groundbreaking gathering of authors who live and work in Pasadena.

We will also be acknowledging Manuel Piñeda and Elías Galván, authors who have written about Pasadena and about their lives.

Dias de los muertos

2010-11-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

Traditionally Días de lo muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd; a time to remember those who have a been a part of our lives. It is a tradition that comes from the Maya and the Aztecs combined with 16th century Roman Catholic traditions. The dead are remembered, favorite items are shared; a toy for a child, whisky or coffee for an adult. A favorite picture of the departed.

This ofrenda was presented by the La Pintoresca library staff and includes traditional elements. The spirits return to partake of the spiritual portions, the living often enjoy the tangible portions. To help the spirits quench their thirst water is included. To help light the way candles are lit. To help guide the spirits, marigolds are placed in vases on the ofrenda and on the pathway that leads to the grave of the departed or home. Food or drink is shared. The nature of the ofrenda is set by the pocketbooks of the surviving.

The students, staff, and parents of St. Mark's Episcopal School made this altar. The pan de muerto, bread baked for this holiday, is visible. Pictures of saints and of the dead can be seen. The elements are traditional, the form can be a means of creative expression. Often skeletons or skulls are included reminding us that death is always close and that it need not be feared.

Also acknowledged is the Mexica (Aztec) tradition that there are three deaths.

The first death is when our bodies cease to function; when our hearts no longer beat of their own accord.

The second death comes when the body is lowered into the ground.

The third death, the most definitive death, is when we are lost from memory.

Nothing can be done about the first two deaths. The last death is delayed by remembering those who came before.

2011 Latino Heritage parade & jamaica, the planning begins

2010-10-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

Do you have suggestions for a theme for 2011 Latino Heritage parade & jamaica?

An idea for an era or topic for us to focus on?

Ideas for curriculum that would enhance students participation?

Leave suggestion here or at http://facebook.com/latinoheritage

Latino Heritage and Latino Heritage parade & jamaica

2010-10-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Latino Heritage is, to my knowledge, one of the very few organizations that was begat by a parade. Because of that you may be familiar with of our two logos.

Our organizational logo reflects the fine art of papel picado and is based on work done by local artist Liz Espinoza. It is a nod to our heritage, the arts, culture, and experiences of Latinos in the San Gabriel Valley.

The rose is ever present in Pasadena so we had to include it in our logo since our work has been so connected with that fine city.

Our children's logo is actually older than our organizational logo.

Remember the comment about the parade being the foundation of our organization? Well, the image of these young people were a part of our work from the start.

Those of us who worked on the very first parade wanted to be sure that the children that were in our logo carried some of the sense of how diverse we are as a community and how diverse we hoped our audience would be.

Over time we have come to use the parade and jamaica logo for program or projects that are directed toward children and papel picado logo for events more directed toward and adult audience.

Both logos represent a dedication to promoting knowledge of the Latino experience and history through cultural and educational programs and projects.

September 15 - October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month

2010-10-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

I usually try to make the entries of Latino Heritage and Pasadena Latina different. Some days that is really easy.

Today is an exception.

I've just come back from JPL where Astronaut José Hernaández spoke to an auditorium of students, staff, and community members. I fall into that last category.

Astronaut Hernández spoke for about an hour beginning by sharing how he came to be a part of our space program. He spoke of his family's journey from Michoacan, MX to Stockton and back again. OF the fact that his parents had a 3rd grade education and that they stressed the value of education in their family. Of the three things about space that spoke to him and reinforced his ganas to get into the program. He applied 12 times - the 12th time being the one where he finally read the word "yes".

And then we had a chance to share an astronaut's view of flight into space. The group gathered has a chance to see Astronaut Daniel Olivas who has been at our parade and jamaica. It was exciting throughout; beginning with the mission patch complete with accent - Hernández. Seeing tortillas in space was fun.

After the talk as people were gather around him for a picture there drew near a fellow with his three sons. I asked the father what grade his sons were in. It was clear after the second try that English was not his native language. I asked in Spanish what grade the boys were in and he answered, "Kindergarten, primero, y segundo". I couldn't help but recognize something of Astronaut Hernández's father in the gentleman who brought the boys to meet a man who might help define their future.

Literacy, Legacy, and the Latino Community

2010-10-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

Please save the evening of

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

6:00 - 8:00 P.M.

Pasadena Central Library, Donald R. Wright Auditorium

Spend an evening with 6 local Latino writers

Victor Cass

Manuel Contreras

Randy Jurado Ertll

Sandra Gutierrez

Roberta H. Martinez

Thelma Reyna

 Social mixer and refreshments

 Author’s panel discussion

 Question and answer with the audience

 Book signing

What had 2,000 legs, 2,000 arms and 1,000 smiles?

2010-10-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

The folks in the 2010 Latino Heritage parade & jamaica is the answer to the question. For the next week there will be periodic posts the Latino Heritage parade & jamaica facebook wall. Then you'll be able to find all updates on the Latino Heritage wall.

Save the evening of November 10 for a gathering of local Latino authors. Pasadena Central Library, Donald R. Wright Auditorium.

Ah, who are the good people in this photo. None other than Manuel Contreras and his family. Manny is one of the co-founders of the Pasadena Mexican American History Association, Uni-Vets, and has been editing the Memorabilia of Pasadena. His exhibit was on display at the jamaica.

2010 Latino Heritage parade & jamaica

2010-10-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Ivan Bautista is on his way to OxnardHis work with this loom and the fact that he was under a treeGave our jamaica a feel that warm and welcomingThis memory is one of many that was made today.More soon, tonight I'm digesting sweet memories and really good food.

Patience everyone

2010-10-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

960

That is the total of parade participants.

Not including anyone that may be riding in a car.

This number is a surprise to all of us who have been planning the event.

So... here is additional information you'll find useful.

1.Only one person should check in with your group @ 9 a.m.

2. Please stay together as a group once you are all together.

3. You are in a residential area. Be especially considerate of our neighbors. They permit us to be on their street - be careful with anything on their property.

Contact person for Check in is Rosamaria.

All of that worry and detail out of the way, we're so looking forward to seeing you march proudly down Los Robles and Washington.

Enjoy the day it will be beautiful.

Enjoy being together with your community!

Roberta

Sometimes the number says it all

2010-10-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

767

Please be patient with us and with each other on Saturday.

We've grown by about 200 this year.

We have new groups that are joining us and a couple of small changes. Your group can help us by keeping in mind -

END of PARADE

1. Please keep in formation until you are in the park. With this many parade participants we will need to have the line moving all the way into the park. I

IF your group stops you potentially will be stopping several hundred folks from getting to the rest of their family or group.

WATER -

1.We will be giving tickets to Entry Leaders for water for those who are in the parade. If you do not give us a number in your group by tomorrow noon we will not have tickets, or water for you.

2. Water will be available in the park and will be given to you. 1 ticket = 1 bottle of water for parade participants.

With this much water please be sure to recycle. Recycle boxes are available, please, please use them.

3. We will all have a really good time is we work with each other.

Dona Eulalia Award - Abelardo de la Peña

2010-10-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

Our community service award is the Abelardo de la Peña. He is the founder of LatinoLA.com.; a site where the multitude of Latino thoughts, expressions, events, and more can be found.

Like many who are committed to their community Don Abelardo does his work with grace, sincerity, and a couple of chuckles thrown in for good measure. His version of Latino LA, is not stopped at any boarder - you really can find info beyond the 6th Street bridge - in either direction.

In addition to his work at LatinoLA.com he has been active with others at the Mexican Cultural Institute at Calle Olvera. So you may have benefitted from his work even though you might not know have known his name. Gracias por todod, Don Abel.

Here is his bio as it will appear in our printed program -

Abelardo de la Peña, Jr. is the editor and founder of

LatinoLA.com, the Web site dedicated to Southern California’ arts,

entertainment, culture and community. He was born in Long Beach

and grew up in Wilmington; his parents came from Jalísco, Mexico.

Out of high school, de la Peña served in the U.S. Army during the

Viet Nam War era.

On the development of LatinoLA.com de la Peña has shared that

he chose the term “Latino” because the large numbers of Latinos in

Los Angeles are from so many different countries. That makes L.A.

the center of the Latino universe, simply by sheer numbers. Rather

than exclude any group, LatinoLA says it all. “We are all Latinos, we

are all proud, beautiful people, and our points of view need no

defining. We know where we're coming from...and now we're letting

the world in on that!"

- Daniel Olivas, “La Bloga”

At Home in Chihuahuita

2010-10-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

Pictured here is the Contreras family. The little boy in the cab is Manuel Contreras one of the founders of the Pasadena Mexican American History Association. The history of his family in Pasadena is one of many that are shared by this proud group. It is they who worked to have the first plaque commemorating Latinos in Pasadena placed in Villa Parke.

Canto Robledo merits an entry dedicated to him solely - more on him in a future date.

In the meantime, when you come to La Pintoresca Library and Park following the parade go to the technology room.

There you will see a documentary that shares some of what it was like to live in the Pasadena area during the 1940s. This documentary is cobbled from 16 mm film that was shot in the area at that time. We are lucky that Manny's uncle gave the film to him, that Manny shared the film with Latino Heritage, and that now, we can share this film with you.

Printed program cover art

2010-10-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

We chose to have our logo as part of our printed program this year because we wanted to highlight the diversity within our community.

When Yvonne Ruiz designed our logo, many years ago, it was our intent to have a group that reflected multiple heritages. There are those of us who have no idea of our roots and others who can share specifics. Many of us have roots that reach to Asia, Africa, Europe and the indigenous cultures of Meso America.

Our children reflect that in the way they look. I suspect if the children in the logo could talk some would speak only Spanish, some only English, and some would be comfortable with variations on Spanglish. There would also be those whose parents spoke another language.

Thanks to Liz Espinoza for adding the papel picado frame which is based on a lace pattern. It helps to draw our eyes back to our children, which is in so many ways, our continuing mission.

Latino Heritage printed program "Welcome" to jamaica

2010-10-05T10:29:00.001-07:00

Our America.

We originally chose this theme as we were thinking of two profound anniversaries occurring this year. The 200^th anniversary of the independence from Spain that took place throughout most of Latin America, and the 100^th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, events that changed the history of the Western Hemisphere of the world. And forever changed the lives of all who lived in the United States.

The images and sounds of the Mexican Revolution have informed much of the visual and musical arts of the twentieth century. The Adelita leaving the train, the corrido, dichos, the home arts - crochet, tatting, or knitting. Even the mariachi and conjunto music are related to this time. And to the heritage of many of the children who are at the jamaica. These were images and individuals that had an impact on the lives of their families, no matter which side of the border they lived on.

Those who lived in the Sonora or Chihuahuita areas of Pasadena also had a chance to learn about Raggedy Ann, about Pollyana, and about the games that were played locally. While the parents or grandparents may have known about what life was like in another country in the 19^th century, the children of the Pasadena learned what is was like to live in the United States in the 20^th century. All valuable, all remarkable, and all a part of Our America.

On behalf of Latino Heritage and the Latino Heritage parade and jamaica Committee I invite you to enjoy yourself as you enjoy the arts, cultural experiences, heritage and history that will surround you.

Roberta

Community Grand Marshal Ruth Cervera

2010-10-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Ruth Cervera grew up in "Little Valley"and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949. She grew up in a family that knew the value of a dollar, but also knew the value of sharing what you have with others. Where moving ahead was a good thing as long as you had a hand extended to others to follow you and share good fortune.

She met, and then married, Emilio "Hip" Cervera, after graduation. In time they had 5 children all of whom went through PUSD. While they were attending school Mrs. Cervera was actively involved; at one time she was Room Mother for 4 different classes. And she was heavily involved in PTA .

She, her husband, and other parents responded to the social and political changes that were taking place in the late 60s. This contributed to their decision to recognize the unique needs of Chicano students; they established summer sessions where curriculum reflected the experiences of the students' families and histories. Mr. Cervera became the first Director of El Centro de Acción Social.

When the youngest child in the family was attending college, Mrs. Cervera began a career in libraries. She began as a Library Aid, by 1978 completed here Associate of Arts degree and was working in the Pasadena Public Library system. She found that books and education were her passion. It is with that passion that she continues to encourage family members and acquaintances to get the best education possible and to give back to community.

Conjunto Los Pochos is coming to the jamaica!

2010-10-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

Their performance of conjunto music will make you tape your feet and get up and dance!

They were a hit at the Fiestas Patrias and now they will share their musical gifts at the jamaica.

They'll perform at 1:30.

To learn more about this great group and conjunto music -

http://lospochos.com/bio.html

http://lospochos.com/links-group-24.html

Entry leaders

2010-10-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

Greetings to each of our participating groups. We are thrilled that you will be joining us.

A quick reminder that there are two times that we will be meeting with you next Saturday.

The first is when you arrive and check in. The second is for our Entry Leaders meeting.

Please have just one or two persons, responsible adults, come to these meetings.

Also at the end of the parade please keep your group walking into La Pintoresca as a group. Water for the group participants will be in the park.

If you have not given us a number of participants we can not calculate your group size and will not have water for your group.