Blog Spot: Frank Moraga

Opening up the conversation in the 805 Region

Frank X. Moraga:

Reyna Grande: Dancing across borders

Award-winning author to speak May 5 at Oxnard College

By Frank X. Moraga
Amigos805.com

Reyna Grande’s life seems typical of many immigrants. Born in Mexico and coming to the United States at an early age, Grande learned firsthand of the hardships immigrants face north of the border. Now an award-winning novelist, Grande struggled to learn the language and customs of her new home.

Grande will be the guest speaker for the presentation “From undocumented immigrant to award-winning author,” from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 5 at Oxnard College in the Clock Tower Auditorium, LS 8.

She will will read selections from her books “Dancing with Butterflies” and “Across a Hundred Mountains,” highlighting her personal experiences as a Mexican immigrant with a passion for writing, reading and folklorico dancing, according to a media release.

Grande said she began writing because she could find no one who was telling the experiences of immigrants from Mexico.

“As I was growing up, I read a lot of books written by Chicano/Chicana authors,” she stated in an interview on her Web site. “Most of them were about American-born individuals of Mexican descent, children who came from a foreign country to the U.S., or illegal immigrant adults who were struggling to survive in this country. I never found a book that dealt with the experiences I went through — being left behind in another country while my parents worked in the U.S.

“I think that most of the time when people talk about the ‘immigrant experience,’ they’re referring to the struggles immigrants face here in this country. Yet there is another side to that experience — and that is what I wanted to portray. The children who are left behind have many issues to deal with, especially their fear of being abandoned and forgotten by their parents.”

The program is part of the Oxnard College Literature, Arts and Lecture Series funded by the college and the Oxnard College Foundation. The event is also funded by Poets & Writers Inc., through a James Irvine grant. The series is free and students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend. Visitors can park free in the A and B parking lots near Bard Road.

For directions to the college, contact series coordinator Shelley Savren at ssavren@vcccd.edu or 805.986.5800, ext. 1951.

Tasty treat coming to Museum of Ventura County

Chocolate Passion at museum designed to educate, delight community

April 22, 2010

Light or dark, Mexican or Swiss — just the word chocolate is enough to conjure images of tasty treats, with a rich history dating back even before the Aztecs and kept alive today with chocolate makers large and small the world over.

Maya Schoop-Rutten will offer an overview of the world’s best chocolates during her presentation “Chocolate Travels with Maya,” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29 at the Museum of Ventura County in Ventura. Schoop-Rutten is the owner of Chocolate Maya in Santa Barbara.

Besides the presentation, which is a fundraiser by and for the museum’s Latino support group, Las Contemporaneas, the event will feature a sampling of such items as “Mole Drummettes” created by Oscar Ledesma, chef of Austin’s at the Pierpont Inn; samples of “pisookie” desserts from B.J.’s Restaurant; a special chocolate drink and, of course, tastings of delectible samples from Chocolate Maya.

In a story in Edible Santa Barbara Magazine posted on her web site, Schoop-Rutten tells writer Nancy Oster about growing up in Switzerland and enjoying the fine varieties of Swiss and other European chocolates as a child. After traveling the world as a cook on a variety of boats, Schoop-Rutten said she landed in Santa Barbara and eventually opened Chocolate Maya in 2007. There, visitors can find a wide variety of European chocolates, she said.

Modern-day chocolates can trace their roots to the fermented and roasted beans from the cacao trees grown in South America. From there, chocolate spread throughout the Americas, becoming a highly prized treat for the Aztecs nobility. With the arrival the Conquistadors, the secret of chocolate quickly spread throughout the world.

“Chocolate Travels with Maya,” will be held at 89 So. California St., in downtown Ventura. Admission is $20 for the general public, $15 for museum members, with seating limited to 45.

For required reservations, call 805.653.0323, ext. 10. For more information, visit www.venturamuseum.org

Click here for the entire story

El Concilio to honor community leaders
at Latino Leadership Awards

Feb. 4, 2010

Educators, law enforcement personnel and groups that assist women farm workers and Mixteco immigrants are among the individuals and organizations selected to receive a Latino Leadership Award from El Concilio del Condado de Ventura this year.

The awards will be presented at El Concilio’s 21st annual awards ceremony on Saturday, March 20 in Oxnard. Sponsorships are still being accepted for the event.

“Service Above All” is the theme for this year’s dinner.

Honorees include Barbara Marquez-O’Neill, Steven M. Ramirez II, Damien A. Peña, Veronica Valadez, Organización en California de Lideres Campesinas, Inc., the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) and the Financial Empowerment Partnership of Ventura County.

The Building Bridges Award will be presented to the Leaders in Education Awareness Program (LEAP) from California State University, Channel Islands.  Oxnard Assistant Police Chief Scott Whitney will receive the President’s Award.

Barbara Marquez-O’Neill has been a human rights advocate and community organizer for more than 40 years. She authored an issue paper for the Ventura County Human Services Agency, “Moving from ‘No Se Puede’ to ‘Sí Se Puede’: A Message of Hope for Violence Prevention in the Oxnard Area,” which contributed to the development of the Oxnard Safety Blue Print Plan. Marquez-O’Neill is a consultant on youth development and violence prevention for the City of Oxnard and the County of Ventura Probation and Human Services agencies. She is a member of the Ventura County Perinatal Substance Abuse Task Force, FIRST 5 of Ventura County and the Ventura County Child Death and Domestic Violence Death Review Team. She also is a commissioner for the Community Commission of Ventura County.

Steven M Ramirez II, a senior police officer for the City of Oxnard, has a long history of community service. As a member of the Commission on Community Relations, he has volunteered more than 20 hours per month during the past two years to community-based activities and projects. For the past three years, he has volunteered as a community representative for the City of Oxnard Multi-Cultural Festival and has served as a facilitator for the Oxnard College Youth Leadership Conference. He has been a youth mentor for the Oxnard PRYDE Program, which works in collaboration with City Impact, the Oxnard Elementary School District and the Oxnard Police Department to mentor at-risk youth. He has also granted a “Ramirez Family Memorial Scholarship” to graduating high school seniors and deserving adults who are continuing their education.

Damien A. Peña, a native of Oxnard, has made it his mission to affect Latinos in Ventura County by empowering underrepresented students to pursue higher education. He served for nine years as the senior director of academic programs at California Lutheran University. In October 2007, he became the director of Access, Orientation and Transition Programs at California State University, Channel Islands. He was promoted to serve as interim Dean of Students, becoming the first Latino to serve in that role at the university. In June 2009, he was awarded the Division of Student Affairs’ Pillar of Excellence Award. Most recently, he served as a key initiator for the university’s application to become a Hispanic-serving institution. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education leadership at CLU.

Organizacion en California de Lideres Campesinas Inc.

Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project

Financial Empowerment Partnership of Ventura County

CSUCI's Leaders in Education Awareness Program (LEAP)

Photos courtesy of
El Concilio del Condado de Ventura

A lifetime of achievement

Ignacio Carmona receives honor by the Ventura County
Board of Supervisors

Dec. 25, 2009

As he stood at the podium, Ignacio Carmona still had one lesson to give.

“I would like to say a few words. One is that they made a mistake when they said I am 92. I just turned 93,” he said as he corrected the official record during a recent Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Carmona should be proud of those 93 years, a lifetime spent building a business, serving his country and his community and helping those in need.

For his accomplishments, Carmona received a resolution from the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 14 for his lifetime of achievement and community service.

“First, I want to thank Mr. Carmona and his family for being here today,” said Fifth District Supervisor John Zaragoza in prepared remarks. “It has been an honor to know Mr. Carmona and his family. I have also been privileged to work with some of the Carmona family. Mr. Carmona has a lifetime of achievements and we are here to honor him today.”

Carmona, who was born on Dec. 8, 1916, in Ocotlan, Jalisco, Mexico, said he still remembers those dangerous times of his youth during the Mexican Revolution. His family moved to El Paso when he was 7, eventually going to New Mexico before settling in Los Angeles in 1931.

Carmona had to quit school when he was in the eighth grade to help support the family, so he picked tomatoes with his father in Simi Valley and throughout California. The family eventually moved to Oxnard where his aunt operated a tamale and tortilla factory where the family ate a lot of tamales. Zaragoza joked that to this day Carmona said he really doesn’t like tamales very much.

While in Oxnard, Carmona picked lemons, but also went to night classes at Oxnard High School to improve his career opportunities. His family eventually opened Los Amigos Market on 7th Street, renting out rooms on the second floor of the building to pay the store lease.

Then came World War II. The store was owned by the Takasugi family, who were forced to move to a relocation camp in Arizona. Many Japanese-American families lost their homes, farms, businesses and possessions during this turbulent time. Carmona stepped up and told the family he would take over the business while the family was away.

When the Takasugis returned, Carmona handed the keys back and said he was just minding the store for them. Carmona would go on to build a strong relationship with Nao Takasugi, helping him in his election bid to the Oxnard City Council, where Nao eventually became the city’s mayor. Carmona said he was sadden by the recent death of his lifelong friend.

Carmona eventually was called into service during the war. As he was leaving the U.S. Army, he learned that his application for U.S. citizenship had been accepted as of June 1946.

Following the war, Carmona worked at a car dealership as a mechanic and then opened his Atlantic Richfield gas station on Cooper Road in 1961, eventually passing the business along to two of his sons.

Carmona has a long history of community service, beginning in 1973 as a volunteer leader on more than 20 city and county boards and commissions. In 1986, he as named Oxnard Distinguished Citizen of the Year.

“I really appreciate this honor that they bestowed upon me,” Carmona said from the podium. “I would like to thank John (Zaragoza) and the board of supervisors for recognizing me … I would like to thank my children and my grandchildren for being here and honoring me with their presence.”

Following Ignacio Carmona’s remarks, Fernando Carmona presented his grandfather with an award.

“I have something special to give to my grandpa,” he said. “This is from the family, grandpa. It says ‘To a special and great man of our time — Ignacio Carmona. Thank you for making a difference.’ ”

Click on image above to see entire set of photos of event courtesy of Flickr

Commentary: Takasugi's death is a reminder
that we can overcome any obstacle and still be of service to others

Nov. 23, 2009

It was with much sadness that I learned about the death of the “Mayor,” long-time Oxnard fixture Nao Takasugi, at the age of 87. Nao died on Thursday, Nov. 19.

I will always remember Nao as the Mayor of Oxnard from my days when I covered the City of Oxnard as a reporter for the Ventura Star-Free Press.

I’ve seldom met a kinder, gentler individual. He always spoke softly, but deliberately and always seemed to enjoy his role of educating the new reporter on the beat.

As I moved through my career to become a diversity writer at the Ventura County Star, I had a chance to interview Nao about his family’s experience during World War II.

In honor of Dec. 7, we decided to do a story about the contributions of African Americans, Japanese Americans and what was known then as Mexican Americans to the war effort.

While the clipping of that story resides in some dusty box in the garage, I recall speaking with Nao about his love of sports in high school, his time at UCLA, his friends and family — and then those terrible days following the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor when his family was forced to go to a relocation camp in Arizona.

The family had owned the Asahi Market in downtown Oxnard since 1907 and Nao spoke of the kindness of a family friend and employee, Ignacio Carmona, who took over the store while Nao’s family was away.

After the war, many Japanese-American families came back to their former homes to find that they had lost everything. Not so for the Takasugi family.

When they came back to the family store, Nao said Carmona simply handed back the keys to the Takasugi family and said he was just minding the store until the family returned.

That is the true measure of people crossing the culture line, helping each other and not expecting anything in return.

And for the Takasugi family to return after the indignities of the relocation camp, and simply and quietly pick up right were they left off, is a testament to a strong, quiet but determined family — qualities that were ingrained in Nao Takasugi.

Whenever I spoke to Nao, whether he was mayor, state assembly member, Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner or simply Mr. Average Oxnard Citizen, he always remembered me and asked how I was doing. I’m sure I’m not alone.

The world is a bit sadder with the passing of Nao Takasugi, but it is also richer because of the quiet mark he left upon all of us.

Frank ...

Commentary: Hispanic Heritage Month a busy time in 805 region

Sept. 17, 2009

Mid-September has always been the start of a challenging time of year for media coverage of the Latino community in the 805 region.
Everyone is back from summer vacation and a number of events have been planned that coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15).

Our own Carlos J. Licea can attest to the busy schedule. He’s been busy this past week photographing a variety of events leading up to the Mexican Independence Day celebration held Sept. 15 at Plaza Park in Oxnard. The events included the Fiestas Partrias Gala Dinner in Ventura and the Fiestas Patrias annual parade in downtown Oxnard.

This weekend looks to be an especially busy time for the local community.

Maria Echaveste, former White House deputy chief of staff for President Clinton, will be the guest speaker at the 3rd annual Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy Community Building Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18 at the Residence Inn Marriott, 2101 W. Vineyard Ave., Oxnard. Echaveste is the daughter of migrant farm workers, a former resident of Oxnard and graduate of Channel Islands High School. For more details on her talk, call CAUSE at 805.658.0810, ext. 200.

As noted in the Amigos805 story written this week by Mariana Llamas-Cendon, the Museum of Ventura County will hold a free public and member reception for the upcoming exhibition, “Wearing Our Stories: Costume and Cultural Identity in the Latino Community, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 at the museum’s temporary location, 89 S. California St., Ventura. The exhibition will then run from Sept. 19 through Nov. 29. For more information, call the museum at 805.653.0323.

Santa Paula will honor community leaders and businesses when the Latino Town Hall holds its 13th annual awards dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 at Casa del Mexicano, 1218 S. Eleventh St., Santa Paula. Among those being honored are Mary "Coco" Aguirre, Yamaguchi's Nursery, Kay Wilson-Bolton, Francis Contreras, Albert Baribay and Maria Aai . Tickets are $35. For more information, call 805.701.3423.

Those looking for a little light entertainment in Oxnard can attend first Caliente Comedy Nights show at the new Fresh Mex Bar & Grill, 4238 Saviers Road, Oxnard. Steven Cruz of X-Treme Entertainment said the comedy shows will be presented every other Friday.  Up this week are comedians Tobe Hixx, Benny Mena and G Reilly, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m., with DJ Alex G. playing everything from top-40s to R&B after the show. Must to 21 years of age or older to attend.

After a busy night, a menudo breakfast might just be the thing when the League of United Latin American Citizens holds it Channel Islands Council meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at Tomas Café at 622 So. A St., Oxnard. However, it will be a short meeting as Jim Hensley reports that the meeting will soon head to Ormond Beach Wetlands for the annual Coastal Cleanup Day. Participants are urged to wear their scruffy clothes and also bring trash bags if they have them. For more details, call Hensley at 805.794.0517.

The National Latino Peace Officers Association Ventura County Chapter will hold a fundraiser at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ventura. The event will be hosted by comedian Gilbert Esquivel. Tickets are $40. For more details, call Eduardo Miranda at 805.290.7095 or at eduardomiranda49000@hotmail.com

Las Contemporaneas and the Museum of Ventura County will present their second annual Art as Fashion "Transformation, a Fashion Performance," Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Museum of Ventura County, 89 S. California St., Ventura. Some of the artists and designers featured in the show include Dolores Barrett, Anna Bermúdez, Sergio Flores, Maribel Hernandez, Lisa Rocha, Anne Simon, and Andrea Vargas. The reception begins at 6 p.m. with the fashion show at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $40 for museum members, $45 for the public and $75 for VIP tickets. The reservation deadline is Sept. 29. For reservations or more information, contact Suzy Dyer at 805.641.1876, ext 304 or visit: www.venturamuseum.org

Ramona Days will be coming to Rancho Camulos in early October to raise funds to benefit the Rancho Camulos Museum’s restoration and educational efforts.  A Ramona Benefit Dinner will be presented from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 featuring the performance by the Hemet Ramona Players of Helen Hunt Jackson’s classic California novel,” Ramona.” Xavier Montes reports that he will be there to provide musical entertainment at an event that also features a wine tasting and the presentation of the remastered silent movie, “Ramona,” accompanied by Maria Neuman and the Malibu String Quartet. Ramona Days will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Rancho Camulos with performances by the Hemet Ramon Outdoor Play actors and dancers. Advance tickets for the Oct. 4 event are $5, or $8 at the gate. For more information, call 805.521.1501 or visit: www.ranchocamulos.org

These are just a few of the Latino community events that coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month. Be sure to check with Amigos805.com for new listings.

Other important events:
Fred Morales reminds us that the “Big Run IV” to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County will be held Sept. 20 starting in Simi Valley. Mickey Jones will serve as grand marshall for the event. For more information, contact Morales at 804-484-2282, ext. 17 or fmorales@bbsvc.org

Volunteers are still needed for the United Way of Ventura County’s annual “Day of Caring” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 26. This year, volunteers will be bagging food and other items for families at Mercy Ministries in El Rio. For more details, call Marisa Lopez at 805.484.6288, ext. 276 or mlopez@vcunitedway.org

Frank ...

Commentary: A busy finish to the traditional summer season

Aug. 21, 2009

Who said summer is a time to relax? There is plenty of news coming out of the community as we head into the Labor Day weekend.

— Congratulations are in order to Carmen Guerrero, dean of Career and Technical Education at Oxnard College, who received the college’s 2009 Ed Robings Award for Excellence in Service by an Administrator during the college’s fall semester flex day session held Aug. 14. The award was presented by Oxnard College President Dr. Richard Duran. Robings, who served as president of Oxnard College, died in 2005 at the age of 76. The award is presented to those who make a significant contribution to the college by suggesting ways to increase the overall efficiency of the college in meeting its mission and education goals and servicing the community.

— Maria Prince reports that her husband, William Hernandez, has opened the Salsa Factory Mexican Grill at 707 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Port Hueneme. The restaurant owners said Venezuelan and Caribbean influences can be found at the Salsa Factory, which offers fresh food with no microwaves, no lard, no MSG and no freezers. The restaurant is at the corner of W. Channel Islands Blvd and Victoria Avenue. For more details, call 805-382-0061.

— This just in: Jim Hensley from LULAC reports that a surprise media conference was scheduled to be held Friday, Aug. 21, to announce the EPA’s change-of-heart decision to start removing the Halaco Smelter before the end of this year. Among those scheduled to attend the media conference were Congresswoman Lois Capps and Oxnard Mayor Tom Holden. For more details, contact Hensley at hensleyjim@roadrunner.com

— Claudia Sanchez reports that the Ventura County Chapter of Lideres Campesinas will recognize the leadership of executive director Mily Treviño-Sauceda from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 at the Ventura County Adult Day Health Care Center, 1700 No. Lombard St., No. 150, Oxnard. The nonprofit organization seeks to develop leadership skills in farmworker women. Treviño-Sauceda is being honored for her years of community service dating back to the 1970s. Admission is $15. For more details, call 805.486.7776. or liderescampesinas@hotmail.com.

— A Central Coast Health Care Reform Rally will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 at the Ventura County Government Center, corner of Victoria Ave. and Telephone Road. “Join us as we rally together to let our Congressional Representatives know that 'We Need Health Care Reform Now' and that any reform must include at minimum a public option,” according to a statement released by the Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy. For more details, contact CAUSE at 805.658.0810.

— Micheline G. Miglis reports that the dedication ceremony for Juan Lagunas Soria Elementary School will take place Saturday, Aug. 29. The school is named after the Oxnard native, advocate, union organizer and father who filed and won a lawsuit against the Oxnard School District seeking equal education. For details, contact Miglis at mmiglis@oxnardsd.org

More activities to come
There are still a number of activities planned in the community before the summer unofficially comes to a close on Labor Day weekend. Be sure to check our calendar for more information on upcoming events.

— Those interested in learning about California’s Vaquero history should check out "Tapadero," a feature-length documentary, 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 at the Museum of Ventura County, 89 S. California St., Ventura. Local filmmakers Susan Jensen and Paul Singer follow the vaquero trail that begins in Sonora and ends in Monterey. Ventura County’s own Aliso Ranch is also featured in the documentary. For more information, call 805.653.0323.

— Music Under the Stars participants will be able to enjoy some flamenco rumba when the “Sultans of Mambo” perform Saturday, Aug. 22 at Olivas Adobe in Ventura. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., with the concert at 7:30. Tickets are $18. For more details, call 805.658.4728.

— Fiestas Patrias activities will begin with a fashion show of traditional Mexican national attire taking place Sunday, Aug. 30 at the Pacifica High School Auditorium. The clothing will be worn by participants of the “Señorita Fiestas Patrias” Pageant. Mariachi music and Balet Folklorico performance are also scheduled for the free events. For more information, contact Comité Cultural Mexicano President Angélica Magaña at 805.407.4164.

— Jose Luis Orozco, an award-winning bilingual educator, children's author and recording artist, will perform at California State University, Channel Islands, University Glen, 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30. VIP tickets are $30 and include special seating for the performance. Lawn-seating only tickets are $10 (adults), $2 (children 12 and under). For more information, call Barbara Wagner, 805.278.9742, brwag@aol.com

— Xavier Montes will present the fourth annual Fandango, featuring John Robles and Chucumite, Violeta Quintero y sus Suenos de Oro, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, Railroad Park Gazebo, corner of Santa Barbara and 10th streets, Santa Paula. Call 805.525.8961, www.decoloresartshow.com

Frank…

Commentary: Timing is everything

Aug. 5, 2009

If you know your actions won’t exactly match your words, then it might be best to put a little distance between the two.

That is the problem facing Sen. John McCain of Arizona. In an interview on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday, McCain said the GOP must reach out to Hispanics, recruit and elect Hispanics to office or the party will find itself in a deep hole.

“…They represent a big part of the growing population in America. And we have a lot of work to do there.”

Sounds like sound advice to a political party that appears to be catering to an ever-shrinking political base of ultraconservatives.

Given that statement, you would expect the Arizona senator to follow his traditional practice and vote to confirm a Supreme Court nominee.

However, on Monday, McCain did just the opposite. He announced that he will not vote for Sonia Sotomayor to be confirmed later this week, characterizing her as an “activist.”

“Her writings demonstrated that she does not subscribe to the philosophy that federal judges should respect the limited nature of the judicial power under the Constitution,” he said.

McCain reached his conclusions even after other Republican members of the Senate Judiciary committee noted that there is no evidence in Sotomayor’s long history on the bench to show that she is a judicial activist. They were just ticked off with her “Wise Latina” speech.

While the senator is fully entitled to his opinion, and shouldn’t betray his values just because the candidate is Hispanic, maybe he should have just held off on the CNN interview comment on the need of the GOP to reach out to Hispanics.

To many Hispanics, his comments and actions will be seen as just another example of politicians seeking to court their vote while at the same time voting against their interest.

McCain is right that the GOP is digging itself into a deep hole. Colin Powell recently said that he would like to see more mainstream Republicans stand up against those who have a limited conservative agenda and that he himself has been a verbal victim of the Rush Limbaughs of the party whenever he speaks out.

The Republican party made great strides in courting the Latino vote when George W. Bush first ran for national office in 2000 and Latinos again played a vital role in his reelection four years later.

However, harsh rhetoric over immigration reform and the lemming-like urge by many Republicans to only follow a small ultraconservative base has driven many Latinos away from the GOP and that will not help the GOP in future elections.

It is to the benefit of all Latinos that we have a strong two-party system where each side is doing all it can, by words and deeds, to be as inclusive as possible to our diverse Latino community.

But as of right now, it doesn’t look good for the GOP (Grand Old Pinheads).

Frank…

Commentary: Using facebook to extend lines of communications

June 29, 2009

So, does everyone know that the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) is collecting donations of backpacks and school supplies for its Aug. 29 community meeting?

You didn’t? Well, it’s time for you to become a fan of MICOP on Facebook.

Communication these days isn’t limited to just the printed word in newspapers, magazines or newsletters. Besides home web pages and e-mails, people, businesses and nonprofit organizations are Tweeting and Facebooking like never before.

Amigos805.com recently launched its Facebook page and within a matter of days we had a growing legion of fans checking out our site for details on our latest blogs, stories and updates on upcoming events.

We have also added Facebook pages to our favorites list and besides MICOP, the list currently includes El Concilio del Condado de Ventura, the Oxnard Salsa Festival, Destino: The Hispanic Legacy Fund and Gallagher 20/20 Consulting.

At times, it can seem a bit overwhelming. Now what password did I use for my Twitter, Facebook, MySpace account? Am I a fan of this group? Did I join their cause? Did I add this organization as my favorite page?

In the olden days, folks were content to communicate by attaching stamp to envelope and including a handwritten note. But today, we have an ever-growing list of options to carry out our communications needs.

People who would never think about writing a letter to the editor in the local newspaper are busy writing down their opinions and sending them out as Tweets or answering the Facebook question: What’s on your mind?

Mind you, sometimes folks provide way too much information. I don’t need to know if someone is having a bad hair day, if there is not enough foam in their cappucino or they can’t wait for the weekend.

Rather, I like to get information on an interesting article about the future of journalism or the state of diversity and society, and tips on upcoming community events.

Technology is letting consumers take charge in how they want to communicate. E-mails and cell phone calls work just fine for many people. Some like to keep up with the latest news via Twitter and Facebook. Others would prefer RSS feeds to their handheld mobile devices. The main point is that you get to choose the best way to send and receive communications.

Maybe this is all just a fad and who knows if Twitter, Facebook or MySpace will be around in 10 years or so. In the back of my mind I keep wondering when we will get hit by that big electromagnetic pulse, turning all our communications devices into doorstops and paperweights.

If that happens, those with pen and paper in hand will corner the communications market and the carrier pigeon industry could make a dramatic rebound. But until then, we will just have to keep Tweeting.

Frank …

Commentary: Supporting
our basic needs

June 16, 2009

Ventura County’s unemployment rate sat at 9.2 percent in April, up significantly from the 5 percent rate reported a year ago.

But in human terms instead of bland statistics, more than 40,000 people in Ventura County were out of work in April. Many have lost their jobs, lost their ability to pay their monthly rent or mortgage and lost their ability to provide groceries and other basic necessities to their families.

While some experts believe the economy is on the rebound, it will be a slow return to normalcy, and a difficult one for individuals living on the economic edge. To further illustrate this point:

• Since 2007, the number of homeless in Ventura County has jumped by 12 percent to more than 2,000 individuals, according to a survey by the Ventura County Homeless and Housing Coalition. However, homeless advocates say that number could actually be four times higher.
• About 38,000 people in the county are receiving food stamps, with that number growing daily.
• Food Share expects the number of individuals needing food assistance to increase by 30 percent over the next year.
• Meanwhile, California’s budget crisis could force officials to cut funds for the state’s Healthy Families Program, which is providing healthcare support for more than 2 million Californians.

It is for these reasons that the United Way of Ventura County’s Latino Action Team has chosen as its first project: supporting the United Way’s Day of Action on Sunday, June 21.

On that day, members of the Latino community will be asked to lend their support to help individuals and families who are lacking the basic necessities of life during these difficult economic times.

Donations of food staples such as canned goods, dried rice and beans and peanut butter; basic medical and personal care supplies will be accepted at the following locations:

• Evita’s Mexican Café, 3868 E. Main St., Ventura.
• Cribs 2 Teens, 2494 Stearns St., Simi Valley.
• Rusty’s Pizza Parlor, 444 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura; 1413 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura; 150 W. Vineyard, Oxnard; 606 N. Ventura Road, Oxnard and 307 E. Hueneme Road, Port Hueneme.
• Century 21 Buena Vista, 123 N. 10th St., Santa Paula.

The need is urgent and the time is right to provide this support to the local community.

Prior to the current economic crisis, those needing help fell into such broad categories as single-parent households and or individuals with minimum-wage jobs caring for growing families and dealing with skyrocketing housing prices.

But today, with businesses cutting expenses by laying off workers, a stagnant construction industry and the loss of manufacturing and technology jobs to other countries, those in most need could be your friend or neighbor, your fellow churchgoer — basically anyone you pass by on the grocery aisle or on a busy street.

From farm workers to those in the financial services industry, these tough times are not playing any favorites and therefore the need is greater than ever before.

In the Latino culture, there is a dicho (a proverb or refrain) “Ojos que no ven, Corazon que no siente” (“Eyes that don’t see, heart that doesn’t feel.”)

It is time for all of us to open up our eyes and help those in need.
Thank you very much for your support of the United Way Day of Action on June 21.

— Frank Moraga is chair of the Basic Needs Subcommittee for the United Way’s Latino Action Team. He is also a co-founder of www.Amigos805.com. He can be reached at fmoraga@amigos805.com.

Comentario: En apoyo
de nuestras necesidades básicas

16 Junio 2009

El índice de desempleo del Condado de Ventura fue de 9.2% en abril, un ascenso significativo con respecto al 5% reportado hace un año.

En términos humanos, no en estadísticas anodinas, más de 40 mil personas en el condado estaban desempleadas en abril. Muchos perdieron sus trabajos, su habilidad para pagar alquiler o hipoteca y para proveer viandas y otras necesidades básicas a sus familias.

Mientras algunos expertos creen que la economía está repuntando y el regreso a la normalidad será lento, aquéllos en el borde económico viven una situación muy difícil. Para ilustrar este punto:

• Desde 2007, el índice de indigentes en el Condado de Ventura incrementó un 12%, a más de dos mil individuos, según una encuesta de la Coalición de Vivienda e Indigencia del Condado de Ventura. No obstante, los defensores de los indigentes dicen que ese número podría ser cuatro veces mayor.
• Cerca de 38 mil personas en el condado reciben vales de comida y el  número asciende diariamente.
• La organización Food Share espera que los individuos que requieren asistencia alimenticia incrementen en un 30% el año siguiente.
• Mientras tanto, la crisis presupuestaria en California podría forzar a las autoridades a recortar fondos estatales del Programa Familias Saludables proveedor de servicios médicos de más de dos millones de californianos.

Por estas razones el Equipo Latino de Acción de la organización United Way del Condado de Ventura seleccionó su primer proyecto: apoyar a la no lucrativa en su Día de Acción, el domingo 21 de junio.

Ese día, los miembros de la comunidad latina ayudarán a individuos y familias que carecen de las necesidades básicas en tiempos económicos tan difíciles.

Las donaciones de alimentos como comida enlatada, crema de cacahuete, arroz y frijoles crudos; artículos personales y primeros auxilios se aceptarán en:

• Evita’s Mexican Café, 3868 E. Main St., Ventura.
• Cribs 2 Teens, 2494 Stearns St., Simi Valley.
• Rusty’s Pizza Parlor, 444 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura; 1413 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura; 150 W. Vineyard, Oxnard; 606 N. Ventura Road, Oxnard and 307 E. Hueneme Road, Port Hueneme.
• Century 21 Buena Vista, 123 N. 10th St., Santa Paula.

La necesidad apremia y es tiempo para apoyar a su comunidad.

Antes de esta crisis, los necesitados se clasificaban en amplias categorías como padres solteros o individuos, cabeza de familia, con sueldo mínimo que lidiaban con altísimos precios de vivienda.

Actualmente, con negocios que recortan personal para reducir gastos, una industria constructora estancada y la exportación a otros países de empleos manufactureros y tecnológicos, los más necesitados podrían ser su amigo, vecino o su compañero feligrés –básicamente cualquiera que encuentre en un pasillo del supermercado o calle transitada. 

Agricultores o aquéllos en la industria de servicios financieros viven por igual esta difícil época en que la necesidad es mayor que antes.

Los latinos tenemos un proverbio que reza: “Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente”.

Es momento de que todos abramos los ojos y ayudemos a quien más lo necesita.

Gracias por apoyar el Día de Acción de United Way el 21 de junio. 

— Frank Moraga es presidente del Subcomité de Necesidades Básicas del Equipo Latino de United Way y uno de los fundadores de www.Amigos805.com. Contáctelo en fmoraga@amigos805.com.

Commentary: Getting the news your way

June 18, 2009

When I left my position at a daily newspaper early last year, little did I know that I would be part of a larger nationwide trend of journalists of color leaving mainstream media and joining the ranks of what is known as niche or ethnic media.

But a recent story by Cindy Von Quednow posted on New America Media indicated that many journalists of color have similarly left mainstream newsrooms for life on the front lines serving an ethnic audience. The story poses both good and bad news for journalism.

Von Quednow reported that of the 5,900 mainstream newsroom jobs lost in 2008, 854 were held by people of color, according to a recent study conducted by the American Society of News Editors.

The bad news is that in their haste to curtail costs and help newspapers survive the current downturn of both advertising revenue and reader subscriptions, mainstream newspapers are becoming less diverse at a time when the nation is becoming more diverse and inclusive.

But while mainstream media is losing out, ethnic media are gaining professionally trained talent to help them rise to the next level of reader service.

One example Von Quednow used in her story is Sam Richard, an African-American journalist, a graduate from California State University, Northridge, and a former reporter at the Ventura County Star. I had the opportunity to share the same newsroom with Sam during his time there, where he covered Santa Paula and other communities. Because of health reasons, Sam left the Star.

However, in November 2008, Sam became managing editor of L.A. Watts Times.

“I saw it as an opportunity to hone in on editing skills,” Richard told Von Quednow. “With that I oversee and serve people with information that matters and interests them.”

While some have questioned the future of niche or ethnic media, a new poll by New American Media shows that ethnic media are, in fact, here to stay and are growing. That is good news for outlets like www.Amigos805.com, which is seeking to serve the local community.

The telephone poll of 1,329 African America, Latino and Asian- American adults in the U.S. found that the number of adults reached by ethnic media increased by 16 percent, or 8 million, during the past four years. As a result, ethnic media now reach 57 million African Americans, Latinos and Asian Americans on a regular basis, or 82 percent of all adults from these three largest ethnic and racial groups in the U.S.

Spanish-language television, led by Univision and Telemundo, now reaches 86 percent of the nation's Latinos, with new Spanish-language television stations now broadcasting in Raleigh, NC, and Seattle, Wash. Spanish-language radio stations have also increased substantially nationwide in the last four years, especially in states not traditionally considered Latino strongholds, such as Georgia, Indiana, Missouri and New Hampshire.

Spanish-language newspapers launched during the past four years now reach more than one-third of all Latino adults.

The poll shows that ethnic media will continue to play an important role, said Sergio Bendixen, president of Bendixen & Associates, the national research company that conducted the survey.

"What's clear is that even as the country suffers through a recession, ethnic communities are staying tuned-in to ethnic media," he said.

"The thirst for relevant news and information has made many residents of ethnic communities turn to media outlets that do substantial reporting on their culture, issues and neighborhoods," said Sandy Close, executive director of New American Media. "The increase in ethnic media audiences is incredible, considering the declines that mainstream media outlets are confronting .... Ethnic media can be counted on as an important segment of the New Media, and will continue to grow in audience and influence in the future."

Frank …

Commentary: Journalism in a time of change

June 9, 2009

It was with a sense of déjà vu that I attended the 29th Scholarship Banquet presented by CCNMA: Latino Journalists of California. The event also included the 10th annual Ruben Salazar Journalism Awards.

It was back in he early 1980s that I first became aware of CCNMA (founded in the aftermath of the death of journalist Ruben Salazar, who was killed in 1970 covering the East Los Angeles anti-war protests), applied for and received a scholarship and walked up to the presenters at La Fonda Restaurant in Los Angeles to receive a certificate and a check to help me further my studies.

Flash forward more than a quarter century later and there could be found seven community college and university students taking the stage and receiving their scholarship awards. Since 1976, CCNMA has awarded $700,000 to nearly 700 students.

The students taking the stage — Jennifer Carcamo of UCLA; Erick Huerta and Marissa Lopez, both of East Los Angeles College; Rebecca Mata of California State University, Dominguez Hills; Vanessa Nevarez of San Francisco State University; Esmeralda Ramirez of California State University, Chico; and Carlos Saucedo of the University of Southern California — all represented the latest installment of young people entering the field of journalism.

But why now? Times are tough in the media industry, with newspapers closing and television, radio and other outlets being forced to lay off employees. If you wanted to make money, journalism is definitely not the way to go.

When I entered the field of journalism, many of us joined in the immediate aftermath of the Watergate scandal, where two journalists — Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein — broke the story of how one American president abused his power for his own political benefit. Serving the public good was the goal we all desired.

Apparently, that desire to do something for the public good has not gone away.

During the scholarship presentation, a recent scholarship winner said she helped her parents fold, rubber band and distribute the morning newspaper. However, she always dreamed about being the person writing those newspaper stories and thanks to receiving a CCNMA scholarship, she is one step closer to achieving that dream.

The evening also included the presentation of the 10th annual Ruben Salazar Journalism Awards. Honorees included reporter and executive producer Phillip Martin, NPR editor Jason DeRose and NPR producer Shereen Marisol Meraji for their story “Tough Times in Fresno;” CBS5KPIX-TV reporter Len Ramirez and assignment editor Michael Konczal for their story “Mother’s Day Reunion,” and Esmeralda Bermudez of the Los Angeles Times for her story “In L.A., Speaking ‘Mexican” to Fit In.”

Bermudez was herself a former CCNMA scholarship winner. I had the opportunity to meet her and work in the same newsroom at the Ventura County Star, before she took a position with the Oregonian. Upon returning to Southern California, the daughter of El Salvadoran parents, wrote her award-winning story of the dilemma facing Central Americans as they try to fit into with the larger Mexican and Mexican American communities in Los Angeles.

Fittingly, Bermudez dragged her mother up to the stage for an emotional award presentation.

To those of us who continue this love affair with journalism and seek to adapt to new technology to continue that mission, it is heartening to know that there is a new generation of journalists ready to take the torch and carry on the mission of serving the public good, and a new generation of Latino journalists willing and able to tell the stories that would often go untold in the media.

Frank …

A night of awards

June 9, 2009

Note: On June 5, 2009, Frank Moraga was one of four individuals and one organization accepting an award from CCNMA: Latino Journalists of California, at the group’s annual banquet held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. CCNMA President Yvette Cabrera of the Orange County Register said the awards were being presented to “Inspiring individuals who have committed themselves to better our community through their work.” Among those receiving the awards were Lalo Alcaraz, creator of the nationally syndicated comic strip “La Cucaracha;” Rubén Luengas, anchor of KVEA-TV/Telemundo; Diane Medina, vice president of diversity, ABC7 Los Angeles and The Nielsen Co. The following are remarks made by Frank Moraga. 

Thank you very much for presenting me with this honor.

I’m accepting this award on behalf of all those who helped create the Tri-Counties Chapter of CCNMA, a group that in turned provided thousands of dollars of scholarships to college students in the Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties region.

CCNMA holds a special place in my heart. It was in the early 1980s that I attended a Media and Minorities Conference at Ventura College, with presenters representing the early founders of CCNMA — Frank Del Olmo, Felix Gutierrez, George Ramos and Henry Mendoza.

It was through their words and deeds that I decided to pursue a career in journalism. As a CCNMA scholarship winner in the early 1980s, I was able to accomplish that dream by being the first in my family to graduate from college.

So it was with no hesitation that I joined that group of individuals who helped found the Tri-Counties Chapter in the early 1990s. We became known as the tamale chapter because of our annual holiday fundraiser.

We also visited various high school and college classes in the region, encouraging students to consider a career in journalism and explaining to all students why it was so important to promote journalism that was inclusive of the entire population.

Those presentations prepared me for my eventual position as director of diversity at the Ventura County Star, where I was able promote inclusiveness through my stories, columns and community outreach projects.

It has been over a year since I left that newspaper position. In that year I have seen tremendous changes in the industry. Newspapers have closed, friends have lost their jobs and the entire industry is undergoing uncertain times.

But one thing that has not changed is the need for the media industry to keep diversity and inclusiveness top of mind. It is vital to its survival, no matter what delivery method the media decide to pursue in the future. The best way of serving your audience is by knowing your audience and journalists of color will continue to be a vital part of that equation.

With some former newspaper journalists, I’m currently engaged in launching a web site in the 805 region dedicated to informing the Latino community of news that is of vital interest to that segment of the population.

Gone are the days where we can specialize. We have learned to design web sites. We have learned how to shoot video and we have even learned how to tweet.

We have learned how to diversify our skills, while we continue to preach the gospel that the media must continue to diversify their voices to better serve their audience.

Thanks to the great foundation that I gained from CCNMA, I am able to help others to continue our mission to provide a voice for the Latino community.

Once again, thank you very much on behalf of all those involved in the Tri-Counties Chapter of CCNMA.

...Frank Moraga

Commentary: A just proposal

May 26, 2009

It didn’t take long before the forces of anti-change gathered to attack the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. If confirmed by Congress, she would become the first Hispanic and the third woman on the nation’s high court.

Predictably, conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh led the airwave attack by calling Sotomayor a “Reverse Racist.”

“Do I want her to fail? Yeah. Do I want her to fail to get on the court? Yes. She’d be a disaster on the court!” Limbaugh said on his show this week.

Sotomayor was also called a “liberal judicial activist of the first order” by Wendy E. Long of the conservative Judicial Confirmation Network, CNN reported.

No, this will not be an easy confirmation process, even in a Democrat-controlled Congress. Pretty much anyone nominated by President Barack Obama would be getting the Inquisition treatment from the conservative wing of the Republican party.

However, Sotomayor has a couple of things going for her. First, the Republican party is splintered, with moderates in the party fearing they will drive away even more Latinos from the GOP tent if the attacks on Sotomayor get a little too personal.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele told CNN, “You have to be careful. You don’t want to be seen as a bully in this situation.”

The other thing Sotomayor has going for her is that she is indeed a qualified candidate, one that should even silence Latino Republicans like former Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez and Republican strategist Leslie Sanchez, who say U.S. Supreme Court candidates shouldn’t be selected based on their ethnicity, but on their qualifications.

Sotomayor, 54, is a judge on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City. She was named to that position by President Bill Clinton. Previously, she was a U.S. District Court judge, nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 1992. She graduated from Princeton University summa cum laude and from Yale Law School and is said to have a very sharp intellect honed after serving 17 years on the bench.

Sotomayor, whose parents were born in Puerto Rico, will make a fine U.S. Supreme Court justice. No, she will not go veering off to the left on every judicial decision as feared by the ultra-conservative elements of the GOP.

In fact, recent U.S. Supreme Court justices seem to have a kack of being portrayed one way during the confirmation process and acting entirely different once on the high bench. Supposedly conservative nominee David Souter tended to vote on the court’s liberal side, with Republican-appointed Sandra Day O’Connor also tending to follow a more moderate path.

For the next few months the airwaves will be filled with charges and counter charges. But if Sotomayor survives the confirmation process and is sworn in to the U.S. Supreme Court, she will prove once again that America is indeed ready for change, ready to select qualified candidates to serve in the nation’s highest positions, and ready to present to the world people who truly represent the diverse mosaic that make up these United States.

Frank ...

Commentary: Changes keep coming

May 25, 2009

Hello everyone. As our one-month anniversary approaches, we have been most grateful with all the encouragement and support we have received from the local community. We felt there was a need to help connect all of us and we hoped our new web site and agency would help bridge that communications gap.

What we didn’t expect was the strong outpouring of support from the community, suggestions for improving our web site along with requests to post flyers, media releases and other information about the local Latino community.

With our video and still cameras in hand, our pens and notebooks at the ready, we have attended a variety of events during this past month, from performances and book readings at the Oxnard Public Library to the Rebozo Festival, the Oxnard School District Board meeting and the Gold Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Everywhere we have gone, we have received strong encouragement for our web site project and our business.

Though many would question the launch of a business during the depths of a recession, we felt: What better time to do this? This is the time to start planning for the future, when the economic cycle will bring new opportunities to all who are willing to take that risk.

Our business plan is slow but steady growth, minimal expenses and maximum word-of-mouth marketing. We have kept to our plan this past month and we have been encouraged by seeing the steady increase of visits to our web site.

As former newspaper journalists/turned new media professionals, we have enjoyed our first month of operation, getting our collective feet wet and learning how to create a successful business model that is focused on serving the community.

We will be starting the business end of this project shortly to help sustain www.Amigos805.com in the years ahead to better serve you. Web site advertising is scheduled to begin next month. A new paid subscription model for specialized content will be announced shortly. And of course, we stand ready to talk to potential clients about finding ways to improve their communications efforts in a cost-effective way to reach their targeted audience.

Thank you in advance for your support of our business efforts. We look forward to being a true partner with you in the years to come.

…Your friends at Tres Amigos Communications & Marketing

Commentary: Changing demographics

May 14, 2009

There was a good news, bad news look to the report that came out today, May 14, from the U.S. Census Bureau. First, let’s get the bad news out of the way. Lack of immigration reform, and the nation’s sluggish economy, have combined to slow the population growth rate of Hispanics and other minorities in the U.S. As a result, the day when minorities will become a majority in the U.S. is expected to be pushed back beyond the previously-projected date: 2042.

Fewer Latinos are headed for the suburbs and to such minority growth areas as Arkansas, Georgia and Tennessee. Arizona and Nevada have seen declines primarily because the drop in jobs related to housing construction. Overall, 36 states reported a slowdown in Hispanic growth compared to the prior year, with the Hispanic growth rate nationally dropping from 4 percent in 2001 to 3.2 percent last year.

However, if you are sitting in California, you probably are not noticing much of a decrease. In fact, the Golden State, along with Illinois and New Jersey, has experienced gains in Latino population. Stanislaus County in Northern California was among six counties nationwide reporting that minorities became the majority in 2008. I’m sure the conservative airways will be filled with lots of talk in the next few days about a renewed effort to close the border or we will lose California to Mexico. Not sure who we would lose Illinois and New Jersey to, but I’m sure folks like Lou Dobbs at CNN will enlighten us shortly.

The sad thing is that these folks will continue to cast the nation’s changing demographics in a negative light, when we should be looking at how this blending of cultures is in fact enriching America and preparing it for the challenges that lay ahead. The national economy will heal — that is just a typical business cycle. Once it does, you will see immigration rise and spread out again from the gateway regions. As the economy grows, homebuilders will need skilled people to return to the workforce. And once those people start earning a paycheck again, other businesses will spring back to life to meet their needs. With more Baby Boomers retiring, it will be up to the growing minority population to fill the gap created by the smaller Generation X. Minorities will be the ones buying the empty nest homes of Baby Boomers, along with contributing to their Social Security payments.

Unfortunately, all these positives get drowned out when yet another cycle returns as the economy improves — the anti-immigration talk cycle.

Frank ...

Commentary: Cinco de Mayo in Nashville

May 5, 2009

A few years back, I had the opportunity to attend an opinion writers' workshop in Nashville, Tenn. After a busy day of learning how to present arguments using facts, not just opinions floating off the top of your head, I took a stroll down some of the busy downtown streets, past many bars — and of course The Grand Ole Opry that played host to such stars as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson.

While the streets of Nashville are always bustling, it was a particularly festive evening because it was Cinco de Mayo. People were partying, having a good time. The margarita specials could be found in almost every establishment and it didn't look like they had a shortage of takers.

This was back during the time when the immigration debates were in full steam, with immigration supporters marching on the streets and detractors lauching verbal counter attacks on the nation's conservative airways.

But because it was a party night, I didn't give it too much thought until I walked past an individual outside a bar trying to lure customers inside. He was no ordinary barkeep. No, he was fully dressed in a sombero, a colorful serape and a painted-on mustache. And no, he was not Latino. My guess was that he had been no closer to Mexico than south Nashville. He was also not feeling any pain, apparently in charge of sampling all the bar's products before distribution to its patrons.

When I first spotted him, I couldn't help but bust out laughing. The other patrons standing in line to get inside must have thought I'd had a few too many badly made margaritas. I just shook my head and walked away, wondering to myself if this anti immigration talk had gone too far. There was the proof right there. Instead of getting an authentic individual to promote a Mexican holiday, they had to outsource the job to some local talent.

It all seemed pretty silly then, as it is now when some folks speak out against reasonable immigration reform because, they insist, it is an open invitation to a swine flu epidemic.

So have a happy Cinco de Mayo and try not to get too silly, or take yourself too seriously this evening.

Frank ...

Commentary: Informing the community

May 1, 2009

It's been a little over a year since I left my regular newspaper career to explore other opportunities. One thing I have missed is writing about the local people, issues and activities that make the Latino community so vibrant in the 805 region. With the launch of Amigos805.com, we hope to fill that need and help all of us to stay connected and informed about the local community. It will be a challenge and for that reason we are relying on you to help us fill the information void.

There are plenty of stories to tell, events to promote and issues to discuss. We will include your comments, place your event in our calendar section and provide links to stories and columns produced by other media in the region. No, we are not planning on starting yet another newspaper. In case you haven't noticed, the newspaper industry has undergone a tremendous change in just the past year. Newspapers are closing or turning to online-only publications in an effort to stay alive in these tough economic times when readership circulation is dwindling and advertising revenue is rapidly declining. A recent cartoon poked fun at publishers who were busy giving away free content and then wondering why their businesses were failing. No, the online-only model of information is just fine with us, along with short posts a la Twitter-style to help inform our busy audience.

Speaking of social marketing, we have our own Twitter account: Amigos805com, so you can keep up with the latest events. Plans are in the works for other projects, e.g. Facebook. In this information age we have a variety of new ways to get your message out and stay informed.

So please help us to keep the community up to date by providing timely information and keeping it short and sweet. We look forward to serving you by providing information to the community in our own voice.

Thank you very much for your support.

Frank ...

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