June 2013!
Volume 1 Issue 2!
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www.saclatino.com!!
IN THIS ISSUE: • The New Cesar E. Chavez Chapter of the American GI Forum • Latinas organize the most number of fundraising events in a ten-week period • City Council approves operating budget for the new fiscal year
Dr. Roy M. Perez Sacramentoʼs Father of the Year presented by the American Diabetes Association
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Est. 1983 ...serving the freshest juices and licuados in town, nothing frozen or concentrated. Our menu also includes sandwiches, salads, our famous quesadilla, fresh-ground coffee, mochas and other espresso drinks. A nice selection of beer and wine is also offered. Enjoy it all in the comfortable atmosphere of Luna's, one of this area's original cafe galleries. Or call in your order and we will have it ready for take-out. Luna's is available for meetings, fundraisers and catering your office luncheons. Breakfast is served Monday through Saturday. Featuring music and entertainment Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Dinner served starting at 5pm.
(916) 441-3931 1414 16th Street Sacramento, CA 95814
Hours: Monday: 9am-4pm, and 6:30pm-10pm Tuesday: 9am-4pm Wednesday: 9am-4pm, and 6pm-10pm Thursday: 9am-4pm, and 6pm-11pm Friday: 9am-4pm*, and 6pm-Midnight Saturday: 6:30pm to Midnight Sunday: Closed * We are closed for most holidays and Furlough Fridays between 8am-4pm 2!
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Get Noticed! www.pop-9.com
Our job is to get the word out and let the world know about it.
June 2013 g SacLatino.com 3
Editorial - Opinion - Letters
From The Publisher: !
Well, most of us would not had believed it if we didnʼt see it with
our own eyes. In less than 48 hours from launching our website, we had over 2200 views. Since then, we are averaging 360 views per day. I think it only appropriate to thank you for taking time to check us out. ! Sacramento has been going through some significant economic challenges, especially with the closure of the Campbellʼs plant that is resulting in over 800 layoffs. What politicians and other city leaders are not talking about are the peripheral impacts the closure is having to surrounding businesses, most of which are Latino owned. Additionally, these business owners are not being invited to the talks toward resolving the matter. Why? ! In a city that touts its diversity, itʼs frustrating to see some many Latinos left out of key discussions in government. At a minimum, City Councilmember Jay Schenirer, who represents Franklin Boulevard where the Campbellʼs plant is located, should be have very regular meetings with all the business owners affected by the closure. Yet, that Table of Contents: isnʼt happening enough. It is possible some of the Franklin Boulevard business owners may have a Cover Story: Dr. Roy M. Perez recognized as solution, but we wonʼt know unless they are asked. “Father of the Year” ! Enjoy this issue of SacLatino and please feel " .... Page 8 free to provide us feedback.
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Advertise! In SacLatino Get the word out!
Call (916) 396-4053 Today!
Profile: Gloria Torres wins “Woman of the Year” after producing the largest number of Latino events in less than ten weeks " .... Page 6 Event: Breakfast celebrates the new Cesar E. Chavez Chapter of the AGIF " .... Page 14 CIVIC: City Council approves operating budget for FY 13/14 " .... Page 16 Business: SEIU Local 1000 negotiates new contract with the State, includes raises " .... Page 18
About SacLatino ! SacLatino and SacLatino.com are published and owned by POP-9 Communications, a private, for-profit public relations and communications business. For comments, information, or submit articles, write to: POP-9 Communications, 2213 Del Paso Blvd, #149, Sacramento, CA 95815 or email us at info@pop-9.com. Any article and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of SacLatino, SacLatino.com or POP-9 Communications, but remain solely those of the author(s). SacLatino and SacLatino.com are copyrighted and its contents may not be copied or used without prior written consent. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. 4!
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Our Kids' Community Breakfast Club A Self-Sustaining Empowered Community Our Kids' Community Breakfast Club (OKCBC) a community engagement model, is designed to improve the quality of life for kids and their families. The program operates during the time when school is not in session on Saturdays. The five program components include: • • • • •
Nutritious Breakfast Arts and Crafts Literacy and Math Activities Parent Education Basic Health Screenings
OKCBC currently takes place on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:00am-12:00pm at Oak Park Community Center, located at 3425 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Sacramento, CA. OKCBC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tax ID 27-3502550
contact@okcbc.org DONATE
June 2013 g SacLatino.com 5
Profile - Leadership
Latinaʼs fundraising quest creates most Latino events seen in Sacramento Team Gloria manages to raise over $62 thousand in ten-week period, win Woman of the Year campaign.
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Beginning with a spaghetti feed kickoff, the campaign to get local activist Gloria Torres to win the Woman of the Year, created the largest number of Latino events ever seen in a ten-week period. ! Over $62 thousand dollars was raised for for research by the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in efforts to find a cure. The disease is especially common among children and effects the blood. ! Gloria is a Leukemia survivor who was detected to have the disease again right before the start of her fundraising campaign. But rather than being a detractor, she used her affliction as a motivator to achieve a near impossible feat. ! Over a ten-week period, Team Gloria, as her team was known, established a series of events with strong Latino themes, attracting hundreds of Latinos and non-Latinos to come out in support. Here is a listing of eight large events: March 3, 2013: “Spaghetti Feed” was held at the VFW Post 67 on Stockton Boulevard, which also served as the campaign launch. March 10, 2013: “Sing For A Cure” was a karaoke singing contest was held at Vinceʼs Italian Restaurant in West Sacramento, filled with oldies music and great pizza. March 22, 2013: “The Unforgettable Pedro Infante” held at the Blue Prynt find restaurant, was a presentation about the great singing and performing legend from Mexico. The presentation was made by Fred Dobbs. 6!
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April 14, 2013: “Music & Dance Peformance for the Cure” hosted by IMBA Dance Group sponsored by the Elks Lodge #6. April 20, 2013: “Crab Feed” hosted by the Blue Prynt fine dinning restaurant. April 28, 2013: “Cooking Chili for a Cure” a chili cook off & custom car exhibit held at the Elks Lodge #6. April 28, 2013: “Golf for a Cure” held at William Land Park Golf Course and hosted by Phil Barrios. May 9, 2013: “Roman Holiday for a Cure” hosted by Rory Castillo and Lucy Robles was a 1950s style fashion show held at the Sierra 2 Center. May 10, 2013: “Mothers Day Dance for a Cure” hosted and featured Los Elegantes, Latin Touch and Q-VO. The dance was held at the Dante Club. - SacLatino
Gloria Torresʼ campaign Chair was Marilyn Ulch (left)
The Events that won Gloria Torres Woman of the Year
2013
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Cover Story
Dr. Roy M. Perez: 2013 Father of the Year The American Diabetes Association honors Sacramento Latino Leader Dr. Roy M. Perez, proud Honoree of the 2013 Father of the Year Award presented by the American Diabetes Association on June 12, 2013, was born in Madera, California, but raised in San Jose, California, where his upbringing gravitated around helping the family and striving for success. He served in the Army during the Vietnam era, serving in Europe from 1966 to 1969 and after completing his tour of duty, went to UC Santa Cruz for his BA then to Sacramento State University for post-graduate studies in the social sciences. While at CSUS, Dr. Perez continued his political and civic duties while providing counseling services for inner-city Latino youth in the Alkali Flats district of Sacramento. In 1982 he married Gloriamalia Flores and moved to San Juan Bautista where they both worked for the internationally renowned “El Teatro Campesino.” Thereafter they became proud parents first to their daughter Paloma Valentina and then to their son Angel Salvador. The Perezʼ moved back to Sacramento some years later when Roy assumed the position of Special Assistant for Senate President Pro Tempore David Roberti. Then in 1988, a life changing tragedy struck Royʼs family leaving him 8!
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and Gloriamalia to care for and raise her sisterʼs five newly orphaned children along with their own. Together, they raised the children as one family, constructed their own home, where over the years many family festivities and several of the childrenʼs weddings have been celebrated. ! “It is my belief that family is the core of society,” says Roy. “One must do everything possible to keep family together and strive to provide your children all the love and caring necessary to enable them to fulfill their dreams.” ! In 1993, Roy and Gloriamalia were recognized by the “Hispanic Family of the Year Foundation” and honored by Californiaʼs First ! ! ! Continued...
From page 8
Lady, Gayle Wilson and by the First Lady of the United States Barbara Bush, as Californiaʼs “Hispanic Family of the Year”. ! “Uncle Roy has been inspirational to me and my brothers and sisters, we are grateful to him and my Aunt Gloriamalia for everything theyʼve done for us.” says his nephew, Armando Ramirez. ! A proud Californian, Dr. Perez has been an ever vigilant, loving and compassionate father for nearly 30 years since first becoming a parent. To this day, he continues to lovingly mentor, counsel and assist his children through lifeʼs challenges particularly after some have had children of their own. ! “We are blessed with one of the most fun loving and compassionate fatherʼs a family could have,” stateʼs his daughter Paloma. His son Angel adds, “The Jefe is my role model.”
As a former public servant, Roy continues his commitment to the people of California
! Dr. Perez and his wife Gloriamalia are business partners, owning and operating RMP Strategies, Inc., a public relations firm that advocates for the health and welfare of especially the Latino community and small ! ! ! ! Continued on Page 11...
Achievements, graduations, and festive moments are commonplace at the Perez household
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From Page 9
business. They are long time supporters of the Health Care Law, a very meaningful issue to his community and to the American Diabetes Association. ! The Fatherʼs Day Council of the American Diabetes Association identify identifies and honors fathers who have demonstrated the ability to balance their personal lives, serve as role models for their children and help make a positive difference in their community. ! Previous Father of the Year Honorees included: Senate President Pro Temp Darrell Steinberg; City Council Member Allen Warren;
Steve Goodwin of Township 9; and Gilbert Martinez of the California State Legislature. ! Funds are raised from the Father of the Year Awards dinners to benefit the American Diabetes Association, whose mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and though education, to improve the lives of all people affected by the disease. ! “This cause is especially important to me since our Hispanic communities are so disproportionately affected by the disease,” says Dr. Perez. - SacLatino
“It is my belief that family is the core of society. One must do everything possible to keep family together and strive to provide your children all the love and caring necessary to enable them to fulfill their dreams.” - Dr. Roy M. Perez
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Events
American GI Forum Chapter named after Cesar E. Chavez National veteranʼs organization sets a national first in naming an Chapter after American hero. " In a brief ceremony over breakfast held at the VFW 67 on Stockton Boulevard, the Capital City Chapter of the American GI Forum (AGIF) was officially renamed as the Cesar E. Chavez Chapter of the AGIF. The new 20 member chapter has taken as its initial mission to renovate the Mexican American Veterans Memorial. ! The second of 5 children, Cesar Estrada volunteers to serve as his bodyguard, including Chavez became a world leader in fighting for the Vietnam Veterans who had recently returned. civil and human rights of farmworkers. His ! On May 5, 2012, in recognition of his leadership during the 1960s and 70s created service to America through the Navy, the United worldwide boycotts of grapes, resulting in States Navy, in the tradition of naming ships for growers signing contracts with the United Farm pioneers and explorers, named a dry cargo and Workersʼ Union. But, more significantly, his ammunitions ship the USNS Cesar Chavez (Timpact on future generations of Latinos has been AKE 14). The ceremonies are well attended by essential for many to take his plight to the members of the former Capital City Chapter of the ! ! ! ! ! Continued... schools, health, and other arenas where this community has been disparately treated. ! When Chavez turned 17, he enlisted in the Navy, although he had been drafted into the Army. Not much has been written about his term in the Navy, but his service to America cannot be understated. ! Using tacts of nonviolence, Chavez managed to gain international support in the farm worker strife, yet many called him a “communist” and growers threatened him with violence. These Founding Members of the Cesar E. Chavez Chapter: (L-R) threats were real, resulting in many Juanita Ontiveros, Louis Lopez, Phil Rios, Fred Romero 14!
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From Page 12
AGIF. ! “It is an honor to recognize a true legacy of personal sacrifice,ʼ says First Chapter Commander Fred Romero. “He went on to serve in the military and came back to serve our community.” ! The driving force to obtain Chavezʼ name were Louis Lopez, First Vice Commander, and Juanita Ontiveros. But, the task was not so easy since the Cesar Chavez Foundation, which controls the use of the name, had never had this type of request. ! “The process of being able to rename our Chapter took three months,” says Juanita. “The Foundation had a process to name streets, parks, events, schools, but not an existing chapter of an organization.”
! This is no longer the case as the Foundation created a process for organizational chapters to name their chapters after the labor leader. ! “Heros are just in war, like many of us are brought up to believe,” adds Commander Romero. “What Cesar did and Dr. Garcia (Dr. Hector P. Garcia, Founder of the American GI Forum) were heroic because they knew of the personal sacrifice required to make social change.” ! For more information about or to inquire about joining the Cesar E. Chapter of the American GI Form, send an email to: info@pop-9.com. - SacLatino
Founding Members and Steering Committee
The Cesar E. Chavez Chapter of the AGIF
PHOTOS BY: Kari Scow June 2013 g SacLatino.com 15
FROM CITY HALL
City Council Approves FY 2013/14 Operating Budget Questions loom about cityʼs solvency after Measure U expires On a six-three vote, the Sacramento City Council approved the FY2013/14 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budgets. The base budget includes $376 million for General Fund operations and $443 million for operations and capital City Manager Shirey projects from the Cityʼs Enterprise Funds and other funds. The budget was passed regardless of cautions offered by City Manager John Shirey who stated a concern with potential future deficits. Measure U, which was passed by 64 percent of voters last November, is expected to generate an additional $27 million per year and is part of the General Fund budget. ! The majority of the Council chose to make use of Measure U resources to protect and restore priority programs in the Fire, Police, Parks and Recreation departments and Library. Several Council members applauded City staff for designing a budget that did not result Councilman Schenirer in layoffs for the first time in five years and also thanked citizens for passing Measure U. ! “I donʼt want to get into a position where we lay off the people we just hired,” commented City Councilmember Jay Schenirer, District 5, in response to the use of approving the budget to hire more staff. 16!
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! Councilmember Allen Warren, District 2, also had concerns about the budget stating he was concerned that the city was operating outside a comfort level, not knowing where future resources would come from. ! To close an $8.9 million shortfall in the General Fund, the City Manager recommended last month and the Council approved the elimination of 40 full-time positions. All of the 40 positions are vacant and so no employees will have to be laid off. Councilman Warren ! “The Mayor and City Council have voted to leverage the use of the voter-approved Measure U resources to add more police officers, add two paramedic units, restoration of browned-out fire companies and parks and recreation programs. We understand the need for these critical services,” said City Manager Shirey. ! The allocations of Measure U funds over the next two years will result in the restoration of the following: • 140 positions in the Police Department to:
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Restore field and operational services increasing proactive policing and the ability to respond to crimes in progress, gang activity and traffic complaints
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Restore the Office of Investigations in order to follow-up on violent felony crimes and investigations of felony crimes
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Restore six civilian forensic positions to enable the department to shift sworn !
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Xfinity offers Xfinity WiFi Hotspots to all Californians Wifi offered to even non Xfinity internet customers.
! Comcast California has announced that all Californians will be able to use Xfinity WiFi Hotspots through the Fourth of July, for free to anyone with a WiFi-enabled device. This means non-Xfinity Internet customers will be able to access thousands of WiFi hotspots in Comcast service areas for free. ! Normally, non-Xfinity Internet customers must pay a fee to use Xfinity WiFi hotspots which are available for no additional charge to Xfinity Internet residential customers and Comcast Business Internet customers.
Xfinity Internet customers should look for "xfinitywifi" on the list of available networks on their wireless device and follow the sign in prompts to begin their WiFi session. They can also use the Xfinity WiFi App to locate thousands of Xfinity WiFi hotspots nationwide. ! Comcast began offering Xfinity WiFi service in its service area of Northern and Central California in September 2012.
! For a map of XFINITY WiFi hotspots, located both indoors and outdoors in malls, shopping districts, parks, and train platforms, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. ! Non-Xfinity Internet customers should search for the “xfinitywifi” network name and click on the “Not an XFINITY Internet customer?” link on the right side of the Sign In page. They should then select the “Summer Promotion” option from the drop down list. They will be able to enjoy their complimentary sessions every 2 hours through July 4th, 2013, and if they want to continue using Xfinity WiFi, they simply connect for an additional session. June 2013 g SacLatino.com 17
State Union and State reach a deal to give employee raises ! The SEIU Local 1000, the state's largest public employees union reported that it had negotiated a new bargaining unit contract with Gov. Jerry Brown, which includes a 4.5 percent pay raise over the next 3 years. It is an acrossthe-board pay raise, meaning all classifications under the Local 1000 will be eligible for the salary increase. ! However, the raises are contingent upon the state of California reaching their revenue From page 16
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officers currently preforming this function, back to the streets •
83 positions in the Fire Department to:
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Restore three fire companies, including an engine downtown, eliminating all but one brownout of one truck.
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Add two medic units to address significant increases in emergency medical call volume
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Restore administrative support to address deficiencies in the fire prevention program
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73.95 positions in the Park and Recreation Department to provide for:
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Operation of 11 swimming pools and five wading pools
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Extension of hours for operation of community centers
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Increase the frequency of park maintenance services including litter pickup, restroom cleaning, and turf edging and pruning
targets. ! The salary raises will go into effect July 1, 2014 at 2 percent, and an additional 2.5 percent on July 1, 2015. That is unless the Stat misses its revenue target for 2014, in which case the first raise would be effective July 1, 2015. ! The Local 1000 represent 95,000 employees, who will still need to vote to ratify the negotiated contract. - SacLatino
Centennial Celebration of Southside Park ! Councilmember Steve Hansen and the Southside Park Neighborhood Association are proud to present the Centennial Celebration of Southside Park. Located at 6th and U Streets, Southside park is home to Southside Park Lake, Southside Clubhouse, and just over 300 trees. ! “Rich in both beauty and history, Southside Park is a jewel in the City of Sacramento park system. We look forward to it serving as central gathering place for families and the community for another 100 years to come,” said Councilmember Steven Hansen. ! This is a family fun and friendly event with several planned childrenʼs activities and twohour! free swim sponsored by the YMCA. Join local historian and author William Burg for a guided! walking tour. Light refreshments will be available. WHAT: Centennial Celebration of Southside Park WHEN: Friday, June 14th from 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
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Restore senior and teen programs
WHERE: Southside Park
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$506,000 to the Sacramento Public Library Authority to restore the Cityʼs contribution to the level required by the voter approved special assessment for library services - SacLatino
WHO: Sacramento City Councilmember Steve Hansen and the Southside Park Neighborhood Association
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Worried about outliving your money? More people are opting for longevity insurance to fund retirement... Bertha Zambrano is thinking 20 years ahead. An insurance broker from South Ozone Park, Queens, who owns B&H Prime Brokerage, Zambrano, 43, recently purchased an annuity from New York Life. But she won’t be receiving payments right away. Instead, her income will be deferred until 20 years from now. At that point, Zambrano will get a set amount of income guaranteed for life - and peace of mind knowing that she will not outlive her money.
COME SEE US: 1260 N. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954