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December 2010
ARIZONA EDITION
Socially responsible giving
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• DecemBER 2010
• ARIZONA EDITION
Positive vibes
Gift ideas that can benefit many children
My perspective A student’s reflection on the gift of time
Allies por los niños
Omega Delta Phi and CASA set an example for the rest of us
Journal of the American Latino Dream
Volume 7
24
{December 2010}
Allies for children
Issue 4
CASA volunteers and Omega Delta Phi members are pillars of socially responsible giving – if only there were more of them
28
Sacred Heart saga
The fight continues to keep Old Sacred Heart Church standing and the memories surrounding its tumultuous history preserved
42 7 8
From the publisher
Make those regalos count – give with purpose
¿Será posible?
Is Santa really a capitalist pig? Say it ain’t so
12 LP journal Career colleges and the gainful employment
“rule”; election roundup; a switch for Sarmina
14 Vibe PCH’s Holiday Art Project; TOMS soles for souls; One Raspberry helps Ryan House
19 Rincón del arte
Poet Lisha Adela Garcia’s response to life in any given moment
34 Movin’ up Marin receives Girl Scout award; Arana joins
Education
Fennemore Craig; ASU honors Quintana
51
37 Entrepreneur Bomberos owner Oscar Mastrantuono brings
55
Health
South American cuisine to Central Avenue
39 Briefcase Good corporate citizenship can pay off in so many ways – and for years to come
43 Career Passionate about your work? If not, you may
consider a job in the nonprofit business world
47 Those who serve
LPM, SRP and RCI salute the brave individuals who fight for our freedoms and keep us safe
To discover your child may have a learning disability is troubling enough. Know how the system works to have your child evaluated
Bilingualism may not cause speech or language delay in young children, but other factors can affect a child’s communication skills
66 Time out
Run – or walk – for more than tu salud. Do it for a good cause
69 P.S.
The star that followed El Niño
70 My perspective
ASU student Sergio Gonzalez on the gift of time
Coming in January:
a look to the past as we near the centennial www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
5
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¡! from the executive editor
December 2010 Publisher/CEO Ricardo Torres Executive Editor/COO Cecilia Rosales, Ph.D.
Giving with purpose and gusto By Cecilia Rosales, Ph.D.
Editor Rosa Cays Art Director Charles Sanderson Contributing Writers Catherine Anaya, Erica Cardenas, Dan Cortez, Pete R. Dimas, Sergio Gonzalez, Ruben Hernandez, Jonathan Higuera, Stella Pope Duarte, Georgann Yara Director of Sales and Marketing Carlos Jose Cuervo Advertising Account Executives: Grace Alvarez and Barry Farber Executive Assistant to CEO & COO Olivia Rojas Staff Writer Sam Naser Webmaster Jorge Quintero
Contact Us
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Subscriptions For home or office delivery, please send your name, address, phone number, and a check for $24 to Latino Perspectives Magazine at the address above. Subscriptions also available for credit-card purchase by calling 602-277-0130. Visit www.latinopm.com/digital for a free digital subscription. Latino Perspectives Magazine is published 12 times a year and is selectively distributed throughout Arizona. The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted by Latino Perspectives Media, LLC, all rights reserved, and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
As a child, the most memorable lesson in giving I learned from my mother.
Every day after lunchtime, she would make tacos out of leftovers and wrap them tightly in napkins and aluminum foil. Then she would ask one of us kids to answer the door and hand the tacos to the homeless people whom she had befriended, and who invariably made their rounds by our house, hoping to get something to eat. Our house was a taco kitchen of sorts. During the cold winter months, if we had enough, she offered los pobres a bowl of soup and invited them to eat it on our porch. She sent them on their way with a new or gently used sweater, or a pair of new socks. She bought lots of socks for the poor as she thought– and still thinks – you can catch pneumonia if your feet get cold. While her efforts didn’t change the world, they did change a lot of people’s lives and needless to say, provided me a learning and humbling experience. In that spirit, we devote this month’s issue to socially responsible giving. Because really, how many of those on your holiday shopping list need an imported silk tie? And how many stores are you willing to visit as you hunt for that ever-elusive bueno, bonito y barato deal? Instead, we suggest stimulating the local economy, forgoing the huge carbon footprint and buying locally produced goods; even better are the gifts that matter and that keep giving. As of press time, analysts estimate holiday shoppers spent $10.69 billion on Black Friday alone. Because we know everyone is out looking for a bargain, we have compiled some game-changing options for you to do good by donating to a local charity on behalf of your family or loved one. There are more than 20,000 nonprofits in our state – see pages 20-22 for some options. More options abound in our Vibe section. A set of greeting cards beautifully illustrated by cancer patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital retails for only $10.00 and benefits the hospital’s research program as well as the young patients and their families. Another great gift option is a copy of the book One Raspberry by Holocaust survivor and Valley resident Gerda Weissmann Klein, who just last month received the presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama. The book sales benefit Ryan House (see p. 14). But perhaps one of the best gifts we can give is to give of ourselves. As Rosa Cays shares in the feature story “Allies for the Children,” many children in our state could benefit from a court-appointed special advocate (CASA). CASAs are ordinary people like you and me who can speak before the court and look after the best interests of a neglected or abused child like Cassandra, who despite enduring harrowing abuse, has found the strength to carry on and is grateful for the support from Vicki Musen, her advocate. The young men of ASU’s Omega Delta Phi are stepping up to the plate to raise awareness and resources and recruit more volunteers for the Maricopa CASA program. We hope Cassandra’s story and the work of Omega Delta Phi will inspire you to act and to give. Paz, salud y amor.
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¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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¡! ¿Sera posible?
Santa’s big business(es) If you think you’ve been busy trying
to get caught up with work and prepare for the holidays, just imagine what Santa’s going through. We don’t know about the mall Santas and other impostors, but the Real Santa Claus, as per his cybernetic presence, is totally swamped. A quick visit to Santa central at www. santapc.com is enough to know the poor ol’ man is trying hard to keep up. “Mrs. Santa keeps Santa pretty busy this time of year,” reads his website. We’d like to assume she’s after him to ensure he doesn’t space out and deliver Susanita’s presents to Jaimito’s house, but perhaps la Señora Santa keeps her hubby busy doing otras cosas. Uno nunca sabe. Those naughty-and-nice lists are mega long, we suspect. What we do know de seguro is that the Clauses don’t seem very concerned about the recession. By visiting www.santapc. com, which stands for Santa’s Phone Calls® – not Santa Politically Correct or Santa Personal Computer – individuals can place an order to have the “real” Santa Claus call a loved one on Christmas Day and chat for five minutes for a mere $62.89. The call includes Santa’s sidekick Rudolph, Santa’s Reindeer Bells and a “Cherished Memories: A Phone Call from Santa to (e.g., Carlitos)” CD, plus shipping and handling. You can order all of the above plus one extra minute, for a total of six minutes, for sólo sesenta y cinco dólares y treinta y nueve centavos (that’s $65.39); and so
Your thoughts? Tell us what you think. Send your thoughts to editor@latinopm.com 8
Latino Perspectives Magazine
¡ December 2010!
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on and so forth. If you want Mr. Claus to talk to you a bit longer, $75.39 buys you 10 minutes of his time – over the phone, that is. Note this real Santa is English only, so if your godson Paco solo habla español, try calling el Polo Norte. For your frenemies and those on your naughty list, El Santa can send them Santa’s Lumps of Coal® wrapped in “authentic” Elfin Glitter. Made in the U.S., they retail for $6.95. Add $4.45 if you want them personalized or sent anonymously: “Just imprint their name and date on it or
Latino Perspectives welcomes feedback from readers regarding published stories or topics of interest. Please include your name and phone number. Mail letters to Editor, Latino Perspectives, 3877 N. 7th St., Ste. 200, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Or, e-mail letters to editor@latinopm.com.
send that message you’ve always wanted to say and never could.” For your suegra, perhaps? Buy 12 and get 13. Wow, Santa is a generous guy. If you’d rather give the gift of real estate, you can look beaucoup generoso by giving those on your very-nice list a small piece of investment property. Uh, well, very small. One of Santa’s other enterprises is betting that the North Pole will eventually recover from the real estate slump. Though, they seem to be doing much better than the Phoenix metro area, but you decide. For $9.95 you get a genuine deed to one square inch of North Pole property, your very own “toehold in the far north.” This, courtesy of the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska. Established as a trading post in the 1950s by a clever businessman by the name of Con Miller (hmm) who would go on to serve as the mayor of North Pole for 19 years, the Santa Claus House has expanded and now has an online presence selling deeds of trust to the land of Papa Noël and personalized letters from el mero mero. Do you feel like an elfin now? Don’t fret, bereft consumer. Snap out of it and start your own Claus enterprise. And do keep us abreast of your Santa adventures (BTW, we’ve registered the trademark and domain name) JIC.
Editorial mission statement Latino Perspectives creates community, cultivates cultural pride and provokes, challenges and connects Latinos who are defining, pursuing, and achieving the American Latino Dream.
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Conversation starters from the world around us
14 Vibe
Philanthropic regalos for this holiday season
16 Pocho
Silvana Salcido Esparza and the Calle 16 Project
19 Rincón del arte
Poet Lisha Adela García
i say... Frankly, I do not find intellectual solace in their view of government size, democracy, bureaucracy, or taxation, although apparently some of our citizens do.
image courtesy of phoenix children’s hospital
Jim Cavanaugh, now former mayor of Goodyear, in his resignation letter, citing problems with the city manager and city council.
14
How would you like it if you spent years working to build a city, making it the best place in the world to live, work and do business, only to watch selfserving naysayers tear it down, either to fatten their wallets or to make a grab for higher office?
page
Greeting card illustrated by a young cancer patient at Phoenix Childrens’ Hospital
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon in response to Councilman DiCiccio’s misleading e-mail to citizens about city employee bonuses www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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¡!
LP journal
We get the idea behind the gainful employment rule –but does it “hinder access” to higher education?
Tough tests for career colleges The U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) proposed “gainful employment” rule is one issue that conservatives and liberals can agree upon. They don’t like it. That’s because it’s come at a time of high unemployment, opponents say, and could hurt the most vulnerable students: low-income minority students who most need federal financial aid to pursue an education, and in turn, a career. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has said the intent of the proposed rule is to crack down on deceptive practices at for-profit colleges. It turns out the Government Accountability Office (GAO) drafted the proposal in response to an undercover investigation in which the GAO sent investigators posing as students to 15 for-profit colleges. The investigation found schools had given varying degrees of false or misleading statements about their accreditation, requirements for 12
Latino Perspectives Magazine
¡ December 2010!
repayment of student loans, graduation rates, job placement promises and unrealistic projections of expected earnings upon graduation. As a result, many students found themselves incurring large loan debts and defaulting on repaying them, thus costing the federal student loan program billions of dollars. The new rule would set a calculation based on the relationship between total student loan debt and average earnings after students complete their training program. If the college companies don’t meet the formula, they would be ineligible for federal aid. Under the proposed formula, colleges can get access to government-backed student loans for some programs, if they show that 45 percent of former students are repaying loans, or if student loan debts don’t exceed 8 percent of the college’s total income or 20 percent of discretionary income. The aid cutoff would apply only to certain training www.latinopm.com
programs that fail both tests rather than entire schools, the DOE says. Students, elected officials and the for-profit colleges whose earnings (and stock share prices) are at stake, have all sent the DOE their two cents. So did the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Both groups urged the DOE to keep access to career colleges and focus on increasing the quality of higher education, while removing the industry’s bad actors. Mario Lopez, president of the Hispanic Leadership Fund, told a congressional hearing, “Students have the right to choose the education and career path that they will pursue, and not have it restricted by arbitrary debt-toincome ratios.” Even Jesse Jackson took his turn swinging at the bureaucratic piñata, writing the DOE to say, “The proposed approach will hinder the access of minority students to higher education and will make it more difficult to
realize President Obama’s goal of leading the world in the percentage of college graduates by 2020.” The Career College Association says that 43 percent of the 2.8 million students enrolled in career colleges and 39 percent of their graduates are minorities. Hower, studies show that more than 67 percent of two-year, for-profit schools have less than 45 percent of loans being paid down. The DOE defended its rule. “Our proposal is to protect students from taking on debt they can’t afford in exchange for a certificate they can’t use,” said Justin Hamilton, Duncan’s press secretary. We just hope the remedy is not worse than the disease.
Latino voters wake up The outcome of the 2010 midterm elections in Arizona and across the nation was a mixed bag for Latinos. The upside is several supposed theories about Latino voters were disproven: • Latinos don’t vote in large enough numbers to make a
LP journal difference in elections; • Democrats can continue to take them for granted because the majority of them will always vote for Democrats; • Republican Latino candidates can’t win elections because white Republicans won’t vote for them. This election has awakened major signs of life in the Latino “sleeping giant,” so called because many are eligible to vote, yet only a small percentage do. But that is changing. The Pew Hispanic Center estimates that each election cycle, two million more Latinos are eligible to vote. Nationally, the elections showed Latino voters’ clout is increasing with Democrats and Republicans alike. In Arizona, demonizing of illegal immigrants and anti-Latino laws passed by a Republican-dominated legislature spurred the largest mobilization of Latino voters in state history. The increased Latino vote is cited as one reason that a Republican newcomer did not unseat Congressman Raul Grijalva in his heavily Democratic southern Arizona district. Still, Latino votes did not prevent Republicans from grabbing most of the state House and Senate seats, as well as the offices of governor, secretary of state, attorney general and superintendent of public instruction. Several Republican Latino candidates also were carried into office by the politically red tide. Nancy Barto successfully moved from the House to the Senate in District 7, and Steve Montenegro was reelected in House District 12. Many noticed after the
election that the Arizona Democratic Party and state Democratic candidates spent little funding and resources in reaching out to Arizona Latino voters. Their thinking seemed to be that since they were the only viable option to the Latino-bashing Republicans, they didn’t have to waste efforts on Latinos. Luis Avila, a young Latino who voted for the first time in 2010, confirmed that theory, saying he voted straight Democratic. But not because he believed Arizona’s Democratic candidates were brilliant or charismatic. “I didn’t vote for Democrats. I voted against Republicans.” These 2010 tactics may backfire on Democrats in future elections. Latinos are now developing their own strategies to send a message to Democrats – in Arizona and on up to President Barack Obama – that unless the party pushes more of the issues that Latinos care about, they could turn to Republican and third party candidates who are not vehemently anti-Latino to address their issues. The impetus for that strategy may have come from the national election scene. And Arizona Democrats should note the lessons. National pundits are saying that the growing Latino voting edge saved the Senate from going Republican, and rescued Senate majority leader Harry Reid from defeat. Democrats in Nevada have focused intensely on building ties to the Latino community for years. Many young Latinos volunteered to help Reid’s cause, chanting “¡Sí se puede!” on election night. The next
morning, a triumphant Reid said the Latino outreach effort was well worth it. “People have, in effect, made fun of me, saying, ‘Why are you wasting your time with a group that doesn’t register, and if they register, they don’t vote?’” said Reid. “Well, we proved that wrong in 2008 and we certainly proved it wrong last night.” The Latino vote in California and Nevada blocked Republicans from gaining the governorship and congressional seats there, analysts say. And the Latino vote in Illinois saved their Dem governor. But the Latino voter edge can cut both ways. Latinos also voted for Republicans in increased numbers. Republican Susana Martinez won the governorship in New Mexico, as did Brian Sandoval in Nevada. Marco Rubio won a U.S. Senate seat, and David Rivera and Lleana Ros-Lehtinen won House seats in Florida. The Florida candidates won a majority of Hispanic votes, mostly Cuban American, but the Republicans in other states won on the strength of their non-Latino votes. What’s true is that the growing numbers of Latino voters have demonstrated that they are paying close attention, and prepared to support the candidates who respond to their concerns.
¡!
suggested this change in executive leadership to the agency’s board of directors, who after deliberation approved the transition. The plan is to have Sarmina prepare the nonprofit organization for upcoming changes in the healthcare system in 2014 and “advance the agency’s mission in the community.” Transitioning to Sarmina’s position will be COO Kurt Sheppard, who has served in several leadership roles at Valle del Sol for the last 11 years. Sarmina has been an indefatigable advocate in the Valley, a woman known for her nononsense approach to management. In Arizona, nonprofits serving the Latino community have predominantly been managed by men. Sarmina has been a stand-out leader among her male peers. Thanks to Sarmina, Valle del Sol was among the first nonprofits to step up and defend the 14th amendment when legislation was proposed to change it. She was also outspoken about S.B. 1070 and H.B. 2281, the ethnic studies ban. Other groups followed suit. While she won’t be completely out of the picture, she leaves a huge void and big zapatos for Mr. Sheppard to fill. She will be missed ...
Sarmina changes role at Valle del Sol After 15 years as president and CEO of Valle del Sol, Luz Sarmina will become the organization’s first-ever president of strategic initiatives.Sarmina herself www.latinopm.com
Luz Sarmina
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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¡!
vibe
$10
Beautiful soles
Season’s greetings The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children’s Hospital is holding its 24th annual Holiday Art Project. Young cancer patients at the hospital create the original artwork used to make holiday cards. More importantly, the process gives them a creative outlet to deal with their illness. All proceeds are used to support the center’s programs, including scholarships for cancer survivors, research and financial assistance for families with pediatric cancer patients to pay for rent and utilities. Assorted packs of 10 sell for $10 and are available at Safeway stores in the state and online at www.pchkidsart.com.
$34+
These zapatos won’t make you smarter, but they’ll sure make you look it. Being “in” and socially responsible is easy with TOMS Shoes. For every pair of alpargata-style TOMS Shoes you buy, the company donates one new pair to a child in need. Through its One for One program, the company has donated over one million pairs of shoes to children in 24 countries since September 2010 and has recruited thousands of volunteers. California resident and nonprofit entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie founded the company in 2006 after traveling through South America and befriending needy – and barefooted – children. He returned a year later with 10,000 pairs of shoes for his new friends. The rest is history – jump on board and order yours. Shoes for toda la familia start at $34; gift cards also available at www.tomsshoes.com.
Get more Vibe at www.latinopm.com
$20
One Raspberry, great cause Valley resident Gerda Weissmann Klein, a Holocaust survivor and Academy Award winner, has donated the rights of her book, One Raspberry, to help support Ryan House. Ryan House is a local nonprofit dedicated to providing care in a home-like setting where children with lifethreatening conditions and their families can go for respite, and, in some cases, end-of-life care. Because services are provided at no cost to the families, the organization is in continuous need of support and donations. Gerda’s book was written to honor the memory of a childhood friend and millions like her whose lives end all too soon. For $20, you can give a gift to Ryan House and a book to someone on your holiday shopping list. Available at www.ryanhouse.org or at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe. Ryan House donors have underwritten the cost of printing the book.
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Latino Perspectives Magazine
¡ December 2010!
www.latinopm.com
images at top of page: courtesy of phoenix children’s hospital; Kwaku Alston Photography courtesy of toms shoes
Artwork: Dancing Penguin by Jazmine; Snowmen in the Snow by Caitlyn
vibe Holidays at the Heard
¡!
Lola's Voicemail:
photo courtesy of the heard museum
Citizenship es un gran regalo
If you’re hosting out-of-town
guests and want to brag about the Valley’s cultural offerings, or if you simply need a break from eggnog and mall shopping, we recommend Holidays at the Heard. Partake in artist demonstrations, hands-on activities and enjoy American Indian culture from December 26 through January 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix landmark, 2301 N. Central Avenue. The festival-style lineup includes performances by Yellowbird Indian and Aravaipa Crown dancers, basketweaving, Navajo jewelry, and Colorado River-style beadwork demonstrations. In addition to interacting with Quechan, Pee Posh/Quechan, Hopi/ Choctaw, Akimel O’odham/Pima and Navajo artists and artisans, visitors can tour the museum’s ten exhibit galleries. Fry bread will be available for sale and the museum shop will be open – a real treasure trove for those looking for gifts for any occasion. Holidays at the Heard is free with general admission. Visit www.heard.org for a schedule and more details.
Dear Janet: I hope all is well with you and the hardworking people at NCLR. I’m reaching out to you today after having read Little Einsteins: The Christmas Wish Box with my kids. You see, in the story, Santa Claus leaves special presents under the Christmas tree for June, Leo and Quincy. The kids are mesmerized by the gift, a beautiful “wish box,” which, as the name implies, contains a wish. But then they realize that somehow Annie, one of the Little Einsteins, didn’t get a box. Annie is a good kid and there’s no way she’s on the Naughty List, so they soon realize her present fell off Santa’s sleigh. The little genios then go on an adventure to the top of Mt. Everest to get the present. Along the way, they teach us the importance of teamwork and selflessness in order to achieve the greater good. In a moving gesture, they all offer their wish box to help the team overcome hurdles along their journey as they reach for the summit of Mt. Everest. Pretty neat, ¿qué no? You may be wondering why I’m telling you about this book. La verdad es que I want NCLR to succeed in its goal to improve opportunities for individuals and families. And I want to offer you my “wish box.” I was bummed when I read on your website that only 925 people had signed your “Vote for Respect Pledge” which read, in part: I am tired of the attacks on my community. Latinos have a long and proud history in America, but anti-Latino sentiment has escalated in our country in recent years. I am tired of being the punching bag. I am tired of being suspect in my own community. You often talk about the great influence of our community, of strength in numbers and that by 2020 there will be blah, blah, blah … and yet only 925 people pledged through your website to vote for respect. Lo veo y no lo creo … It’s also incredible that when NCLR
joined the One Nation Working Together movement to call for an economy that works for everyone, a grand total of 366 people signed the pledge through your website. Wow! 366. No wonder Russell Pearce can laugh at your efforts in Arizona. Maybe you need a new communications, social media and marketing strategy. Maybe you are not reaching out to the right people. Maybe people are just not interested. No sé. En mi humilde opinión, we – together – should focus more on teaching and practicing civics. Here’s an idea. By now you must have heard that Gerda Weissmann Klein received the Presidential Medal of Freedom just last month. Gerda lives in Arizona, and as a holocaust survivor, philanthropist and author, she has inspired many to effect positive change. One of her social ventures is the nonprofit Citizenship Counts. It provides civics education curriculum to middle and high school students in hopes of fostering tolerance, understanding, service to one another and a greater appreciation for the privilege and responsibility of citizenship. The emphasis is mine. Gerda is way more eloquent than I, of course. Listen to her words: America is a unique, diverse and wondrous country, comprised both of those who know its magnificence as their birthright, and others, like me, who are privileged to call our adopted country “our own.” What we all share is a desire for our families to enjoy America’s boundless opportunities while extending to all our fellow citizens justice and the blessings and freedoms upon which the nation was founded. Sooo … instead of telling Capitol Hill about the clout of the Latino community and hosting voter registration rallies at the eleventh hour, Mexican time, let’s start at the beginning. Let’s indict less and act more. Let’s work together in making the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship count year round. I’m in. ¿Y tú? www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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¡!
Pocho keen
vibe
photo courtesy of elías entertainment
Like peachy keen, pero different
Arte por la Finiquera “Hey, you! you with the spray can!”
Fest and Christmas Mariachi Festival are here. Connoisseurs and aficionados will surely revel in sampling the agave-based spirit, and we’re almost certain they’ll want to join El Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán in singing some rancheras. Elías Entertainment is producing the two-day fest once again, to take place at the US Airways Center on December 11 and 12, El Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe. Ticket holders can enjoy the Tequila Fest from 1 to 5 p.m. and learn from agave farmers about the harvesting, fermentation and distilling process. Of course, no tequila fest is complete without the sampling. Visitors will be able to degust an assortment of tequila brands from different distilleries and varietals. You’re sure to find a blanco, añejo or reposado to tickle your fancy. To add to the experience and further entice your taste buds, local restaurants will offer samplings of Mexican fare, such as carne asada, shrimp ceviche, flautas, taquitos, and, according to event organizers, “the best salsa north of the border.” The Mariachi Festival is at 7 p.m. on December 11; tickets start at $48. Tickets to the Tequila Fest are $45. Get a package deal: buy a ticket for the Mariachi Fest and receive a discounted ticket to the Tequila Fest for $22.50. Tickets available at Ticketmaster or www.phoenixtequilafest.com ¡Salucita! 16
Latino Perspectives Magazine
¡ December 2010!
www.latinopm.com
Do you have something pocho, peachy or keen to say? Send it to pochokeen@latinopm.com.
The second annual Phoenix Tequila
Contact Pocho Keen
Sip, sip, ¡Ajúa!
No, that’s not la jura busting some young tagger. It’s Silvana Salcido Esparza’s plea to the graffiti artists of Phoenix. She hopes to channel street energy into art for social change as part of her Calle 16 Project. The grassroots effort couples established and aspiring Chicano artists with local youth to create a positive landscape along 16th Street. Fueled by what she termed “the whole S.B. (expletive) 1070 fiasco,” Salcido Esparza, Barrio Café’s chef and owner, decided she couldn’t wait for others to make her town a better place. So instead, she rolled up her sleeves. Exactly how she would take action came to her after she returned to Phoenix from a month-long trip. Frustrated with local politics, she found herself staring at the artwork she had commissioned Chicano artist El Moisés to paint behind her restaurant, when the idea struck her: murals! So far enough funds have been raised for one mural, but others are in the works. Noted artists like Gennaro Garcia (at right) and Case Beer jumped on board early, and others like street artist DOSE have committed to the effort of beautifying an area some see as too Mexicanized. Like Mr. Rogers in his signature cardigan, she can be spotted in her white chef’s coat at one of the tables in her café, tête-à-
tête with influential customers who have indicated support for the project. For Salcido Esparza, the mentoring aspect of the project goes beyond artist development and extends to businesses along 16th Street, something not normally done in the business world. Take Tortas El Guero, for example, the popular shop she is helping to reinvent as both a restaurant and art space. They may change their name to Norte 16 and add the tagline “Borderline Cuisine. Featuring food from Chihuahua and el norte.” And Galería Café will host “noches estilo bohemia” featuring live guitar, light food, drinks and, of course, art. With Barrio Café as its epicenter, the project aims to stretch south down Calle 16 from Thomas Road to Roosevelt Street. Ultimately Salcido Esparza hopes to create an arts district filled with public works and a cultural center offering classes in art, dance, music, acting and ESL courses. Or, as she puts it, “a community with heart.” Pretty heady stuff – something you can expect from someone whose restaurant’s tagline is “comida chingona.”
Catherine Anaya
Photo: courtesy of phoenix art museum
Happenings at Phoenix Art Museum
Sonya Noskowiak, Louise Prince, 1933. Gelatin silver print.
Inspired Vision A new exhibit at Phoenix Art Museum showcases the work of photographers Brett Weston (1911-1993) and Germanborn Sonya Noskowiak (1900-1975). Both artists were disciples of Edward Weston; Brett was also his son, and Sonya was his mentee and lover. Brett Weston and Sonya Noskowiak: Inspired Vision opens this month and features 40 works by each photographer, including landscapes, nature studies and portraits. Despite having been influenced by the elder Weston, both Brett and Sonya later developed distinct styles and achieved notoriety early in their careers. The exhibit is organized by the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona and Phoenix Art Museum. Since 2006, Phoenix Art Museum and the Center for Creative Photography at UA have partnered to display works from the center’s world-renowned photographic collections at the museum.
December 4, 2010 – March 15, 2011 Norton Photography Gallery For more information, visit www.phxart.org.
¡!
Anaya says
The art of forgiveness By Catherine Anaya
As the year comes to a close and
the spirit of giving is in full bloom, many of us choose to reflect on what we’ve accomplished the last 12 months with thoughts of what self-promises we’ll strive for in the year ahead. I’m not typically one for New Year’s resolutions, but I am one to reflect on the ups and downs of the year and what lessons I’ve learned from them. I was challenged personally this past year to step outside my comfort zone, to expose my insecurities and myself, and to take a risk by opening myself up to new people and new adventures. Along the way, I learned the art of forgiveness. It’s something few would ever consider easy, but experience has shown me it’s almost always worthwhile. How else can you move forward without forgiving the past? Perhaps you’ve heard this saying: “God doesn’t give you the people you want. He gives you the people you need; to help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you the person you were meant to be.” We can’t avoid it and when it happens we want to scream and cry, “Why me?” A better question might be, “Why not me?” None of us are immune to pain and sorrow. But how we deal with it can create some personally defining moments. I know, because this past year
someone close to me hurt me with words and actions that I had long considered unforgivable. It violated certain principles I set forth for myself and I wasn’t about to waiver from my personal set of agreements. Or so I thought. I had these preconceived notions of how I would handle myself in such a situation and I stuck to my guns and a Teflon façade – until one day when I took a good hard look in the mirror. I saw the reflection of someone far from perfect, someone who’s made her share of mistakes and somehow found a way to own up to them and vow to never make them again. I’d learned to forgive myself, so how could I not forgive someone else? Learning to forgive wasn’t easy and it didn’t happen overnight. The ghosts of the past still haunt me at times, and every now and again I have to work hard to suppress the insecurities that arise from them. But if we expect to be given second chances, we certainly have to be willing to give them, right? Choosing to forgive has given me an added sense of compassion, a newer sense of optimism and a better understanding of why one mistake doesn’t have to define a person. And we all have our defining moments – in my case, a second time around that’s far better than the first.
www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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NO ONE‌ IS IMMUNE TO CANCER
www.swoncologycenters.com
Radiation Oncology Prostate Brachytherapy 2926 N Civic Center Plaza Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Tel: (480) 614-6300 Fax: (480) 614-6333
Radiation Oncology Thunderbird Medical Plaza Two 5310 W Thunderbird #108 Glendale, AZ 85306 Tel: (602) 978-0900 Fax: (602) 978-0912 Centro de Radioterapia Louis & Lucille Grado Republica de Peru #102 Fracc. Las Americas C.P. 20230 Aguascalientes, Ags Tel: 52(449) 910-6120
University of Minnesota Dept of Therapeutic Radiology and Radiation Oncology 420 Delaware Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 Tel: (612) 273-6700 Fax: (612) 273-8459 Chihuahua Oncology Center Hacienda del Valle 7120 Fracc. Plaza las Hacienda C.P. 31238 Chihuahua, Chih
GORDON L GRADO MD, FACRO, FACR, Medical Director
rincón del arte
¡!
Poetry and life as one Lisha Adela García, poet
Originally from ...
Mexico City. Arrived in the U.S. right before my 7 birthday. I learned English the hard way, total immersion; I was 8 years old when English found its place along the Spanish. th
In the Valley ... for the last 6 years. I am a graduate of the University of Arizona in Tucson and earned my first master’s from Thunderbird.
Highlights: My book Blood Rivers was published in October of 2009 and was a finalist for the Andrés Montoya Prize at the University of Notre Dame and includes the poem, “A Woman’s Hands in a Time of War,” a finalist for the Bodine-Brodinsky Prize.
What’s your writing style?
My poetry is accessible. I admire edgy, but it isn’t me. I write about how my body processes life in any given moment. I can write about a hummingbird in my garden, the death of a loved one or my visceral reaction to racial prejudice and hatred.
What inspires you? Every poet I know always has a notebook handy to write an observation or record a word that inspires. An overheard conversation can shift an entire perspective ... I also have a writing discipline every morning in the wee hours. I am inspired by beauty and the multiple ways other writers use language.
Must-read fellow poets: My favorite poet is Pablo Neruda. His voice is the voice of the world. I also love Rumi, Betsy Sholl, Richard Jackson, Lana Hechtman Ayers, Diane Frank and Benjamin Alire Sánchez. Too many more to mention.
On your epitaph: John F. Kennedy once said, “When power leads man toward arrogance, then poetry reminds him of his limitations.” I believe that. I would want to my epitaph to read, “A person who saw poetry and life as one.”
Your advice for aspiring poets? If you are compelled to write, then you are a writer. If you are compelled to sing with language then you are a poet. My advice is to read, read, read. Study your craft and never doubt the power of your voice.
Corset We all have our corset of wounds; not reaching water in the desert, being suddenly blind, or just dying from the inside out, as fleshy parts bask in cashmere and grey silk. Age trades one type of locura for another: la droga, tequila, pastillas, prayer, numbing what inner or outer slaughters we cannot control. We have cast ourselves through the gene pool onto the earth, not knowing if we are a child of sonata or the mold of a holocaust. Lisha Adela García www.lishagarcia.com www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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Arizona Call-A-Teen Youth Resources works to prepare teens and young adults to become productive members of the workforce through education, training and employment services. ACYR programs primarily serve youth in poverty and vulnerable situations. Your investment will help grow the emerging workforce and will earn substantial dividends for our community.
The Area Agency on Aging, Region One is a private nonprofit organization that advocates, develops and delivers essential services to older adults, persons with disabilities and long-term care needs, family caregivers, people with HIV/AIDS and refugees. For more information, please call our 24-hour Senior HELP LINE, 602-264-4357.
Arizona’s Children Association is nearly 100 years old, and serves vulnerable children and families in every county in Arizona. With your help, we will continue to be there for the vulnerable children, struggling parents, families in crisis and victims of sexual assault who need us.
www.azcallateen.k12.az.us
www.aaaphx.org
www.ikeephopealive.org/lpm
Your Help Keeps Hope Alive
Give with purpose and gusto
Golden Gate Community Center has been a beacon of hope for families in south and west Phoenix for more than 70 years. Your support of our programs and services for children, teenagers, adults and teens is more crucial in this difficult time than ever before.
8355 W Peoria Avenue 623.815.7930 www.theaterworks.org
www.goldengatecenter.org
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Theater Works is celebrating 25 years of music, drama and comedy. We provide opportunities for children, patrons and artists to experience theater that inspires, enriches and enlightens their lives through the celebration of the performing arts. With your generous donation Theater Works can continue to provide opportunities for youth to participate in theater and expand our outreach programs.
¡
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Socially Responsible Latino Perspectives Magazine DecemberGiving 2010 Guide www.latinopm.com
Family is at the heart of the Desert Mission and John C. Lincoln Health Network. Since 1927, we have addressed the needs of struggling families in North Phoenix. Today, we continue to serve our most vulnerable community through our Food Bank, Children’s Dental Clinic, Community Health Center, Lincoln Learning Center, Marley House Behavioral Health Clinic and Neighborhood Renewal. For more information visit: www.JCL.com/desertmission
Eve’s Place is a nonprofit agency located in the Northwest Valley of Maricopa County. Eve’s Place provides emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence and their children. We provide safety planning and individualized services to meet the needs of each adult and child residing in shelter. To get more information about our program or to make a donation please visit us at www.safetyatevesplace.org
Support the Garden by making a donation or by becoming a member. Your gift can help us maintain the diverse plant collection, continue worldrenowned research efforts and present desert conservation and educational programs. For information, please visit dbg.org or call 480 941.3517. Thank you.
Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full potential; relate to others with understanding and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to their communities through their leadership skills and cooperation with others. www.girlscoutsaz.org 602.452.7096 Thank you for supporting Girl Scouts!
By 2050, nearly 1/3 of the U.S. population will be Hispanic. Only 13 percent of Hispanics have a college degree.
The Hispanic Business Alumni Chapter (HBA) at Arizona State University has a strong history of granting scholarships to ASU students... and more! Comprised of proud Sun Devil graduates from all backgrounds and interests, we conduct mentoring, networking, fundraising and service projects, brightening the outlook in Arizona for generations to come.
Promising youth. Promising professionals. A stronger America.
With a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals, the Hispanic College Fund is the premiere national organization providing comprehensive programs forming a high school to college to career pipeline for young Hispanics.
Help us do more today! http://wpcarey.asu.edu/alumni/hba
Give the gift of education. www.HispanicFund.org
Socially responsible giving Arizona Transplant House at the Village at Mayo Clinic is a special home for special patients recovering from organ transplant surgery and their caregivers. Financial contributions help the House provide comfortable and supportive living accommodations. Further assistance comes from memorials, foundation grants and trusts. To make a donation, send a check to: The Arizona Transplant House 5811 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054 www.aztransplanthouse.org
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international non-profit organization serving the homeless and working poor of northern and central Arizona since 1946. Programs include medical and dental care, charity dining rooms, thrift stores, transitional housing and general assistance for individuals in need. For more information, visit www.stvincentdepaul.net. SOCIETY of ST VINCENT de PAUL P.O. Box 13600 Phoenix , Arizona 85002-3600
Give the gift of hope with a contribution to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Phoenix. As the leading cause of cancer death among Latina women in the U.S., breast cancer affects us all. Your generous support helps fund vital education, screening and treatment programs for those who need it most.
Valle del Sol has history of caring for the community. Since 1970, Valle del Sol has grown to be one of Arizona’s largest non-profit organizations. Through core programs of behavioral health, human service, and leadership development, Valle del Sol empowers people with the tools, experiences and skills to improve their lives.
Komenphoenix.org (602) 544-CURE (2873)
www.valledelsol.com (602)258-6797
¡
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Socially Responsible www.latinopm.com December 2010Giving LatinoGuide Perspectives Magazine
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A Stepping Stone Foundation-Educating Two Generations Together for Twenty Years The earliest years of life are the most important and fragile in a child’s life. When you begin life with parents who love you but have few or no resources to support you, your community should be there to help. Please invest with us in our children, who will enter school ready to learn and in their parents, who will be prepared to support them. Help us empower and motivate young children and their families to life-long change through high quality education. www.asteppingstone.org
Adelante Healthcare is a non-profit community health center formed in 1979 through a collaboration of community agencies. Thirty-One years later, Adelante Healthcare has grown to 7 health center locations and 11 Women Infants and children (WIC) locations. Adelante Healthcare is proud to be an important part of Maricopa County’s healthcare community, and your contribution supports these services. www.adelantehealthcare.com
Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) is a community development corporation committed to building stronger, healthier communities as a lead advocate, coalition builder and direct service provider. CPLC promotes positive change and self-sufficiency to benefit those it serves. The organization serves communities through four primary lines of business: Education, Economic Development, Housing and Health and Human Services. For more information about CPLC, visit www.cplc.org. To find out about volunteer opportunities, please email volunteer@cplc.org.
Give with purpose and gusto Socially responsible giving
JFCS is a nonprofit, non-sectarian organization that strengthens the community by providing quality behavioral health and social services to children, families and adults throughout Maricopa County, in accordance with a Jewish value system that cares for all humanity.
Mountain Park Health Center clinics provide Valley families a full range of health services, all under one roof. During the Holidays you can make a difference for people without insurance by getting a tax credit! Arizona’s Working Poor tax credit gives you a $200/$400 dollar-fordollar tax credit.
JFCS is one of the largest providers of behavioral health services to Latino youth. To learn more: 602-279-7655 www.jfcsaz.org
Please donate at www.mountainparkhealth.org or call 602-323-3411.
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www.latinopm.com !Guide
Socially Responsible Giving Latino Perspectives Magazine December 2010
Life without limits for people with disabilities
www.UCPofCentralAZ.org
Since 1952, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Arizona has served countless individuals and families in our community, living with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, developmental delays and learning disabilities. This Holiday Season please consider making a donation in honor of someone you love to United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Arizona. Your contribution can support life without limits! UCP serves our community through: Early Intervention Early Learning Center Day Treatment & Training Home & Community Based Services Therapy Services Information and Referral
To make a donation please visit www.UCPofCentralAZ.org or mail to 1802 West Parkside Lane Phoenix, Arizona 85027
Exhibition Dates: November 20, 2010–May 18, 2011
Organized by Experience Music Project and the University of Washington, Seattle
American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music tells the story of the profound influence and impact of Latinos in American popular music. Through a rich display of artifacts, instruments, audio/visual interactives, listening kiosks, and films, this exhibition showcases some of the most important and iconic Latino musicians of the 20th century. Free with museum admission. Sponsored by
Media sponsor
The exhibition’s national tour and related programs are made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM
www.theMIM.org
| 480.478.6000
4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050
Corner of Tatum & Mayo Blvds., just south of the 101 in Phoenix Hours: Mon., Tue., Wed., Sat. 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. | Thu., Fri. 9 a.m.– 9 p.m. | Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Changing Education to Meet
Your Needs
Rio Salado College offers innovative solutions to meet the educational needs of today’s students. We believe that Learning, Innovating and Partnering are the keys to educational success. As a national role model in online learning, we take pride in creating opportunities for non-traditional students and making a positive difference in our communities.
Rio Salado proudly serves more than 60,000 students annually through: Adult Basic Education
Learn more today!
Corporate and Government Partnerships Dual Enrollment Incarcerated Re-Entry Military and Veterans Opportunities Online Learning University Transfer Workforce Development
480-384-9919 www.riosalado.edu
www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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Allies for the children Omega Delta Phi and CASA set an example for the rest of us By Rosa Cays
This time of year, we could only hope all children will be in a warm, safe, loving home with their families, celebrating the holidays. Alas, this is not the reality – far from it. But organizations like CASA of Maricopa County and ASU fraternity Omega Delta Phi are doing what they can to change this reality for children across the Valley, like Cassandra, whose story we share here. And they could use more help.
A
t first glance, Cassandra looks like a typical 12-year-old girl, diminutive and impish in her frayed and faded jeans, layered t-shirts and well-worn tennis shoes. Look again and you see she’s a young woman; talk with her and you discover she’s articulate, wise for her 18 years, with a lifetime of experiences you wouldn’t wish on anyone. Cassandra, an Arizona native, was sexually abused beginning at the age of six. The abuse continued at the hands of her two brothers, two and five years her senior, until she was 12 years old. Their youngest brother was sometimes forced to watch. She found out at the age of 10 that her mother had wanted to give her up for adoption when she was born. “I just want boys,” she told Cassandra’s father. Cassandra and her mother never did get along. I expected anger and bitterness to set the tone of her story. But Cassandra shared her experience with a sense of quiet self-confidence, articulately and matter-of-factly. She’s told it so many times, she’s colored her story with intuitive foreshadowing, alliteration and pathos. I clung to her every word as she recounted the cruelty she endured at the hands of her brothers – and the neglect of her parents.
Cassandra’s story Like so many stories about abuse, an outsider cannot understand why anyone would endure such a thing. Why not tell her parents? Or report it to the police? Cassandra’s brothers warned her that if she told anyone, they would go after her little brother, their brother, next. Cassandra had no choice – or so she thought. Then one day, her conscience told her she had two. 24
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Photo Courtesy of casa of arizona
It was the spring of 2004, six years into the abuse. Her little brother (we’ll call him Steven) had just celebrated his 10th birthday. “I was at home by myself,” Cassandra says with a soft twang as she sets up the narrative. “At the time, I was being home-schooled. I had just woken up; it was about noon. I saw the note from my mom. She left one every morning, tellin’ me what my homework was for the day. “I went downstairs to fix somethin’ to eat. We were livin’ in a two-story house at the time. I remember I was thinkin’ about everything, everything that was goin’ on with me. I walked to the kitchen. I could see my older brother was dead asleep on the couch.” He had come home drunk the night before. Cassandra was the only one awake and had to help him sneak into the house. (I guess she thought of herself alone even when her older brother was home.) “I was gettin’ ready to fix somethin’ to eat,” she continues. “I walked to the drawer with all the knives in it. I pulled open the drawer and I picked up a knife … I looked over at my brother.” She pauses. “I looked back at the knife. Then back at my brother.” She pauses again. “Then I heard two voices,” she says, hushing her tone, looking at me through lowered eyes. “One voice said, ‘Get out.’ The other voice said, ‘Stay [here] and kill him.’ “I stood there and thought about it,” Cassandra says flatly. She was alone in the kitchen, but at that moment, she said she felt as if someone or some thing, some invisible power, had grabbed her hand and slammed the knife back into the drawer. The first voice had won. She swung around to see if she had disturbed her brother – he was still asleep. She crept back upstairs, packed up some things, grabbed her dog and as quietly as she could, snuck out of the house. Cassandra remembers it was hot outside. She had no food, no water. She had been on foot for several hours. A police officer on a motorcycle saw her walking along the road and pulled up next to her. He asked her if she knew where she was going. No, she told him. He asked if she was lost; if she had relatives nearby. No, she said. No. Then he asked if she was running away from home.
Cassandra and her CASA Vicki Musen
“I told him everything,” says Cassandra. Cassandra’s brothers were arrested that night.
Cassandra and CASA Cassandra’s older brother was ultimately sentenced to 27 years in prison for rape, sexual assault and several other charges. Her other brother, who was a juvenile at the time of the abuse, was charged with molestation. He’s on life probation. Her parents were eventually arrested for failure to protect Cassandra and Steven and are now serving an eight-year probation. They cannot have contact with their two youngest children. The night of her brothers’ arrests, the police had taken Cassandra to Childhelp, a nonprofit that helps victims of child abuse, where she told her story to a detective for the second time that day. It was after her parents were arrested that Child Protective Services (CPS) removed Cassandra and Steven from their home and placed them in separate group homes. Soon after, they started with CASA, a program that advocates “for the best interests of abused and neglected children who are involved in the juvenile courts.” CASA stands for court-appointed special advocate. Vicki Musen had just started volunteering with CASA when Cassandra
and Steven’s case was up for advocacy. She had been given a stack of case folders; theirs was at the top of the pile. She opened it, briefly read through it, and snapped it shut. It was going to be her first case. Steven and Cassandra met Vicki at Childhelp one day after Cassandra’s therapy session. They spent some time with her and got to know each other. Then they went back to their group homes. A week later, Vicki took them out to Peter Piper Pizza. “Every week she took either me or [Steven] out for something to eat,” says Cassandra. “She was there to know our needs and our wants. She was there for the judge.” Vicki’s responsibility as the children’s CASA has been to help them get through the legal hoops. She has been the one constant adult in their lives for almost six years. Vicki has seen them through court hearings, CPS visits, group homes and foster homes, not to mention many moments of simply being there for them, letting them know she cared. “We went through a lot together,” says Vicki. “I was all they had for a very long time … they made amazing progress and are much happier, healthier children with a future that is theirs for the taking.” Cassandra is now in a solid, safe home with a foster parent she calls Miss Madelyn. She’s in her senior year of high school and hopes to be a veterinary technician one day. www.latinopm.com
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•
You can be the eyes and ears for the judge, and be the voice for the child.
• • •
•
Maricela Valenzuela
Cassandra says Steven is having fun in his second year of high school and is happy in his new adoptive family.
Be a CASA Licensing attorney Maricela Valenzuela had just given birth to her first child about three years ago when she noticed a spike in child abuse cases being reported in Chandler. She was fed up with simply being upset by all the bad news. She wanted to take action. “I couldn’t understand how someone could hurt a child,” says Maricela. “They are so powerless … the amount of abuse out there seemed completely unfair to me. I had to do something.” A particular case in California spurred her to look into CASA. She was told she could find a local organization in Arizona. The National CASA Association is a network of over 1,000 program offices across the U.S., where volunteers are recruited, trained and supported in their work with abused children. Maricela signed on with CASA of Maricopa County and went through two days of training that included a polygraph test. Once she was certified, she chose to represent children 3 years and younger, and preferably, but not strictly, Latino children. The child population in the CPS system 26
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on children’s lives. A CASA will develop and maintain a relationship with the appointed child, including contact with him or her on a monthly basis at minimum; get involved as a member of the case management team; confer with caregivers about the child’s behavior and relationships; collect and provide independent, factual information to assist the court in deciding what is in the child’s best interest, including a written court report with recommendations on what placement and services are best for the child; provide advocacy throughout the case to ensure that appropriate planning and services are provided for the child; attend all court hearings scheduled for the appointed case and provide oral testimony to the court when requested; maintain confidentiality in handling program issues, case and volunteer information. CASA encourages volunteers to spend enjoyable time with the child as well. For Vicki, Cassandra and Steven’s CASA, it’s been a two-way street. “I believe I made a difference in their lives,” she says, “but I also believe that they made a difference in mine. “I remember sometimes thinking that I was the only one speaking for these children,” Vicki continues, “and what if I did it wrong or not well enough? On [Steven’s] adoption day, I realized that there was a whole team of people cheering them on and caring for them. I am proud to be a part of that dedicated group of people. Being a CASA is one of the best things I have ever done – hard, but so rewarding.”
is 42 percent Hispanic/Latino, yet only 5 percent of CASA volunteers are Hispanic/ Latino, according to the CASA of Arizona website (www.azcasa.org). Right now, 804 CASA volunteers are advocates for more than 1,200 Arizona children. More CASAs are needed. Presently Maricela is working her second case, advocating for a child who started in the “dependency process” at two months old. He had been abused by his mother; his father “failed to protect” him. Now the child is a year old, living with extended family, and thriving. Although it’s tough work, Maricela says it’s all worth it. “It takes motivation and quite a commitment,” she says. “You have to be comfortable with public speaking and have people skills. It takes some bridge building.” A legal background is not necessary, but writing skills are helpful for producing court reports. For Maricela, the best thing about being a CASA is “seeing that in these horrible cases you can make a positive impact,” she says. “Your voice can be heard … you can be the eyes and ears for the judge, and be the voice for the child … I’ve been astounded by the experience, and the deference and respect the judge gives to the CASA.” To be a CASA is a powerful way to have a meaningful, positive and direct impact
• •
A fraternity with ganas When Nicholas Bustamante first heard of Omega Delta Phi, he was an ASU freshman with a chip on his shoulder. He’d seen “Animal House” and scoffed when he saw all the frats set up for Rush Week on the ASU campus. His girlfriend had told him about the supposed Latino fraternity. “I thought it was a joke at first,” says Nicholas. “I saw the paddle on the table … the letters.” He
the CASA system. In November, OD Phi hosted a home-cooked meal for them. CASA is only one of the many programs that reap the kindness of Omega Delta Phi. Other local organizations include Downtown Urban Community Kids (DUCK), The Young Knights and Be A Leader Foundation. They’ve even adopted a family in Wickenburg to surprise on Christmas Day with a tree and all the trimmings. Although many of the children they help through these organizations are Latino, it’s not by design. “We don’t limit ourselves to one culture,” says Nicholas, despite the fact OD Phi is known as a Mexican fraternity. “We’re trying to break that stereotype … we’re helping as many marginalized kids as we can.” After all, OD Phi’s national slogan is “one culture, any race.”
Fostering social responsibility Being a CASA is one way to positively impact the lives of children struggling their way through the court system. Another way is to make a donation, volunteer time, or participate in events organized by a local nonprofit organization called the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. Their mission: to provide opportunities to help build the selfesteem of Arizona’s foster children. For more information, go to www.affcf.org.
Photo: C. Sanderson
approached the OD Phi table and started asking questions. He pointed out their Hispanic leanings, although OD Phi is a multicultural fraternity. They challenged him. “If you really want to check us out, meet us at St. Vincent de Paul at 8 tomorrow morning.” Nicholas rose to the challenge and showed up the next day. He expected to find the fraternity boys hung over and certainly not on time. When he arrived, there they were, wearing their letters and happy to be helping (not just chalking up community hours), chatting with friends they had made over the months. Members of Omega Delta Phi volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul every third Sunday of the month – and have for the last 15 years. The next day, Nicholas joined the fraternity for another community service event, this time helping children, “kids with humble backgrounds,” says Nicholas. “It really struck a chord. [I was witnessing] actions manifest the mentality I wished I had. Once I started pledging, it really cut the fat off me.” Last month, Nicholas was chosen as president of Omega Delta Phi by “vote of confidence.” He also serves as the fraternity’s community service chair. A relatively new organization, just established in 1987, Omega Delta Phi is gaining a lot of ground in a very short time. Once a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, OD Phi transitioned over to the Internal Fraternity Council (IFC) two years ago, “a hard mold to break,” says Nicholas, considering many of the organizations in the IFC are more than 100 years old. In the short time with the IFC, they’ve been chosen as the Chapter of the Week 18 times, and consecutively for 15 of those weeks. “We’ve already established ourselves as a community service organization,” says Nicholas. In August, Omega Delta Phi selected National CASA as its philanthropic and service partner. And although many of the OD Phi members are not old enough to be a CASA (21 years is the minimum age), they are set to do what they can to help recruit CASA mentors; some plan to become CASAs once they turn 21. In the mean time, they’re planning events with local CASAs to meet with the children in
Several members of Omega Delta Phi gather food to deliver to houses in the community.
www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
27
Sacred Heart, sacred memories Documentary designated as official Arizona Centennial Project By Pete R. Dimas
I
t’s still there, just west of the airport, alone, in the middle of a vacant field on the northeast corner of 16 th Street and Buckeye Road. It’s the Old Sacred Heart Church. Ever since 1987, it has come alive once a year on Christmas Day. The church had its last regular mass on December 29, 1985 – a consequence of a massive dislocation of about 6,000 people, in the name of progress, of the Golden Gate community and the other old barrios surrounding the church. Families saw their generations-old homes leveled and their web of community ripped apart, because the land upon which they had built their lives was needed for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s operations. The vecinos were determined to exact at least some measure of respect for the memory embedded in the soil where their loved ones had been born, had been raised, and many had died. The focus, the symbol, of all those memories was the church they themselves had built. The city of Phoenix had determined that the most efficient use of the land it had purchased required the demolition of Sacred Heart. Abe Arvizu, Sr., a respected leader of the Golden Gate community, led a movement to show the city that the community was determined to keep Old Sacred Heart standing. The way to do that was to hold Christmas Day mass in that beloved building. But the city denied access to it. So the mass was held outside instead, right in front of the church on a cold and rainy day that saw the sun appear only for the duration of the mass. With that show of determination, a tradition was born. 28
Latino Perspectives Magazine
¡ December 2010!
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Golden Gate was not the oldest barrio in the city. Because Mexicans played a major role in the founding of the Valley of the Sun and making it a prosperous place to live, some of the earliest barrios (those located around St. Mary’s Catholic Church for example), existed in what is now downtown Phoenix. But they have been erased. Like many of the historic barrios in the Valley, Golden Gate grew in an area that was agricultural in nature and away from Anglo areas that, by means of real estate covenants and police enforcement, excluded persons of Mexican descent. Extended families lived within the barrios and developed community cohesion, all the while isolated and ignored by the rest of the city residents. What made Golden Gate unique was its development after World War II. The barrios produced a disproportionate number of combat veterans who proved themselves equal to anyone. I remember standing in front of Sacred Heart with my friend Joe Torres as he pointed to where homes used to be and said of the former residents, “He won the Bronze Star … he got two Purple Hearts … He was awarded the Silver Star. Over there was a Bushmaster …” If it had not been for Phoenix resident Silvestre Herrera, who was Mexican-born and a Mexican citizen, Arizona would not have had the pride of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient in World War II. The veteranos returning from the war knew that organizing was the key to victory in war. They weren’t about to let the traditional Anglo vision of them continue to limit the possibilities for their families, so they organized. Many of the veterans, including those from Golden
Gate, became politically active through the creation of, and participation in, American Legion Post 41, and thus broke down segregationist barriers in Phoenix. The other catalyst that helped unify the area that became Sacred Heart Parish was Father Albert Braun, O.F.M. Father Albert was a heroic figure in World War I and World War II. He was loved in Catholic and veteran circles, both locally and nationally, and he knew how to organize communities. Post 41 made him a lifetime member and chaplain. He came from St. Mary’s, the church that in 1915 humiliated the Mexicans who had built it by relegating them to the basement rather than allowing them into the beautiful main church upstairs. Father Albert reintegrated the power of the church with the power of the vecinos, which resulted in a modernization of the barrio and galvanized political influence, transcending the neighborhood. Later, in the 1960s, when students from Arizona State University became involved with the community, they were joining rank with an already active Sacred Heart Parish, which, through Father Frank Yoldi, provided support for what became Chicanos Por La Causa. When César Chávez held his famous 1972 fast, Sacred Heart Parish supported Chávez by providing the facilities at Santa Rita Hall. It was during this period that national civil rights and political leaders came to Phoenix to show support for Chávez and la causa. But the needs of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport killed Golden Gate. It wasn’t that the airport needed Golden Gate for aircraft operations. The airport does not
Photo: C. Sanderson
depend upon Phoenix taxpayers to operate. It runs more like an enterprise – a business. Beginning in World War II, Sky Harbor implemented a policy of acquiring land and then leasing it to businesses to help finance airport operations. Golden Gate, initially located in an isolated, unimportant, and underserved area, now sat adjacent to the airport, the railroad, the freeways, and downtown Phoenix and, therefore, occupied some of the most valuable real estate in Arizona. For years, the city had been quietly buying parcels at very low prices based on the growing decay in the neighborhood, in part caused by the vacant houses the city had bought. When this activity was uncovered, the city advised that, due to safety concerns, an open area was needed west of the airport; that open area was occupied by Golden Gate and the nearby barrios. But the vecinos, who were participating in city planning committees, knew better and organized to save their community. There was a bitter struggle, but the business, economic, and political interests of the region prevailed and, sure enough, the “open area” became the commercial and industrial development known as Sky Harbor Center. The vecinos were paid low prices for their homes, and the rest of the city forgot Golden Gate. The vecinos, their lives and social networks disconnected, were scattered throughout the city. But the vecinos didn’t forget – they had good memories. In efforts to continue to “forget,” the city of Phoenix repeatedly tried to delegitimize the efforts to save the Old Sacred Heart Church, the symbol of all
that had happened; the focal point of memory. Repeatedly the city insisted that the building lacked historical significance, and repeatedly the community insisted that it did. It was a 20-year “engagement” that lasted until October 2007, when Sacred Heart Church was finally listed on the Phoenix Historic Property Register. This meant the city finally recognized Old Sacred Heart Church and the memories that are integral to it – part of the community memory of Phoenix. Memory is what makes us who we are, the summation of everything we have learned and experienced. It gives us, however clear or clouded, our identity as human beings. It also leads to the ability to positively develop the perfectibility of our society. The great Mexican philosopher and Nobel Laureate Octavio Paz stated: “The theme of development is intimately linked to that of our identity; who, what, and how we are. I repeat that we are nothing except a relationship: something that can be defined only as a part of a history.” The future well-being of our society, our relationship with others, depends on our understanding of our history, the community aspect of our memory. The nonprofit Braun-Sacred Heart Center, Inc. was formed in 1987 to stop the demolition of the Old Sacred Heart Church and to develop a museum and cultural center on that site to preserve the history of its people and of Father Albert. The idea is not merely to remember, but to also understand our overall community through community-based research, so that we can improve our city, our
society, and thereby prevent what so callously happened at Golden Gate from ever happening again. We have come close to realizing our goal, in reaching a Memorandum of Understanding with the city of Phoenix, but bureaucratic hiccups have slowed our progress. But we should be clear that the history of Sacred Heart, of Golden Gate and the other barrios of Phoenix, is part of a much larger story; a story of people who are projected to become the majority of the population of Arizona. While we at the Braun-Sacred Heart Center continue to develop the local history, there is a gaping hole in the statewide memory of the role the Latino community has played in the development of our state. In this vein, the Braun-Sacred Heart Center has committed to produce a four-part documentary with a working title of Arizona’s Mexican Heritage: An American Story. The Braun-Sacred Heart Center is honored that the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission has designated this project as an official Arizona Centennial Project. This is the only recognized centennial project dedicated to the Latino role in making Arizona possible. It is critical that Arizona see this history, as Octavio Paz says, as part of the theme of development. Without the recognition of this history, Latinos will never really be a part of our identity as the State of Arizona, and, consequently, Arizona will never achieve its potential. Pete R. Dimas is executive director of Braun-Sacred Heart Center Inc. and emeritus professor at Phoenix College. www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
29
Latino voters are waking up
After the mid-term elections, they’re getting a sense of their power R
By Jonathan J. Higuera
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s election results poured into the various campaign party headquarters around Phoenix the evening of November 2, the Promise Arizona campaign party struck an unexpected tone. The newcomer group made up of mostly young Latinos, who played front-and-center roles in the fight against S.B. 1070, didn’t bother watching TV as the numbers came in. Instead, they celebrated their achievements, notably registering 13,000 new Latino voters and knocking on more than 50,000 doors in the weeks leading up to Election Day. The upbeat evening featured traditional Mexican food, ballet folklorico dancers, a DJ and a video re-creating the group’s highlights. Promise Arizona formed during the vigil at the state capitol pushing Gov. Brewer to veto S.B. 1070. Indeed, it felt much more like a community reception than a political rally. And considering the results, it was probably a good strategy to avoid a dour and depressing night for Democrats. In the long run, however, it may very well be the exact political statement Arizona’s sizable but politically feeble Latino population has been waiting for. Even as the GOP juggernaut turned the state nearly completely red; took all statewide offices; built its majority in the state Legislature; ousted three Latino senators and passed onerous Prop. 106, which could effectively end some very important programs aimed at the state’s disadvantaged ethnic populations, the 14 percent Latino turnout astounded some pundits. And considering it came during a midterm election, which traditionally has a lower turnout, it signals that Latinos are 30
Latino Perspectives Magazine
¡ December 2010!
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prepared to begin wielding some of the political clout that has eluded them thus far. “It’s important that after we celebrate tonight we take all this energy, all this commitment and all this love and take it to the next level,” implored Petra Falcon, director of Promise Arizona and a veteran organizer in Arizona. “Remember how you feel tonight. We’re going to continue to fight for our families, for our communities and our state.” While the moaning and groaning over the next two years for Democrats has begun in earnest, the long-term reality of the state’s demographics gives Latinos hope. Political observers have reason – and evidence – to believe the Latino electorate’s potential as a major player will become a reality in years to come. With the cohort of Latinos dominating the state’s 30-and-under population, and the over-60 crowd heavily weighted with whites, the next decade should finally propel Latinos to the political power that has eluded them in recent history. Perhaps that power won’t equal their proportion of the population, which is nearing one-third of the state’s residents, but it could equal their percentage of the state’s eligible voters, which stands at about 18 percent, or 766,000 voters, according to the Pew Hispanic Center. Latinos who did vote overwhelmingly supported Democratic candidates, according to exit polls. A CNN exit poll placed 71 percent of Latino votes in the Democratic camp in the governor’s race. Latino Decisions, another reputable polling group, had Latinos voting Democratic at an even higher percentage. That’s up from 67 percent of Latinos who voted for Janet Napolitano
in 2006 and 56 percent who voted for President Obama in 2008. In the U.S. Senate race, Sen. John McCain received 40 percent of the Latino vote, with 57 percent going to Tucson Democrat Rodney Glassman. “Latinos turned out the way we hoped they would turn out,” concluded former state legislator turned political consultant John Loredo during an appearance on Horizonte, the KAET-Channel 8 program hosted by José Cardenas. “And they embraced the Democratic Party.” In fact, Arizona Latino vote strategists may want to take note of the blueprint established in several other Southwestern states, says Rodolfo Espino, a political analyst at Arizona State University. In several important U.S. Senate races in Nevada, California and Colorado, Latino voters made the difference in tight races. The victories of Senators Harry Reid, Barbara Boxer and Michael Bennet would not have happened without strong Latino support, pundits say. In the Reid race, his decision to attach the Dream Act to a defense authorization bill may have helped to energize Latino voters and turn back a strong challenge from rising Tea Party star Sharron Angle. “Here in Arizona, Latino voters can look at that and say if there’s a tight race and the candidate appeals to us, we can make a difference,” says Espino. But therein lies the rub. In order for Latino voters to make a difference, the races need to be close. In Arizona, most of the statewide races were not so tight, as the state’s conservative base became motivated over the immigration debate
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with backing from the Tea Party movement. Many conservative groups were able to back rhetoric with funding. On the bright side for Democrats, “As long as politicians continue to get rewarded at the booth for those types of antics, the more Latinos will be pushed into the Democratic camp,” says Espino. For Rep. Raul Grijalva, the southern Arizona Democrat who has been an outspoken critic of S.B. 1070 and defender of immigrant rights, the wave of opposition may have caught his campaign by surprise. He faced an unexpectedly tough challenge from relatively unknown newcomer Ruth McClung, a Tea Party Republican, who received outside funding to mount her challenge. Of the eight Arizona Congressmen in the House of Representatives, three are Democrats, down from five prior to November 2. Gabrielle Giffords fended off a stiff challenge from an insurgent Tea Party candidate. Veteran Ed Pastor had little trouble vanquishing his Republican opponent, Janet Contreras, but he did face a rash of vandalism to his campaign posters and an underlying wave of criticism that he’s been unable to galvanize Latinos. If there’s another lesson from those Senate victories, it may very well be this: candidates have to appeal to a broad coalition that includes Latinos. For future Latino candidates, the message is similar: Appeal to a broader coalition of voters beyond Latinos, but remain true to the issues of their Latino base. With this cycle behind us, the focus now turns to finding candidates who can meet those challenges. Some may already be
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known quantities. David Lujan, a former state legislator, lost a close race in the Democratic Party for attorney general and may have won if a southern Arizona Hispanic hadn’t siphoned votes away from him. Ruben Gallego grinded out a victory to become a state House representative from the Laveen area. Espino says Latinos would do well to find Democratic candidates perceived as moderate and pragmatic in a “Clintonesque” way. Even the perfect candidate may not have been enough to turn the Republican tide. The GOP won back two congressional seats held by Democrats Harry Mitchell and Ann Kirkpatrick, and cruised to victory in the governor’s race. A stagnant Republican group in Yuma County galvanized to write in a candidate who nabbed a state Senate seat from incumbent Democrat Amanda Aguirre. Rebecca Rios of District 23 lost her bid for another term in the Senate, marking the first time a Rios will not be serving in the Legislature in years. Also ousted was Democrat Manny Alvarez in Cochise County. In light of the unexpected death of Jorge Luis Garcia, a Democrat from Tucson, Latinos are not expected to be part of the minority party’s leadership for the first time in decades. Despite the unprecedented turnout, Latinos will not completely shed the old sleeping-giant label until it can be counted on to provide a fifth of the state’s voters on a regular basis, say some observers. And Democrats cannot count on Arizona Latinos always voting the party line. History shows that anywhere from one-third to a quarter of Latino voters will vote for Republicans and other non-Democrat candidates if they feel their interests are not being addressed.
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Because the general Arizona electorate has historically had a right-wing ethos, candidates may need to be moderate to appeal to those Independents and even moderate GOPers, says Espino. In the meantime, Latinos will have to deal with the elevated platform given to immigrant nemesis Russell Pearce. The author of S.B. 1070 is now the state Senate president, which gives him a bigger pulpit from which to pursue anti-immigrant legislation, including a proposal to deny citizenship to children born in the United States to undocumented parents. And with a governor in Jan Brewer, who rode the wave of support for S.B. 1070 into the post, it’s unlikely she will do much to reel him in. So far, the best storyline for Latinos arose out of the One Arizona Coalition, made up of 10 groups such as Mi Familia Vota, Promise Arizona, Border Action Network, Tonatierra and the Arizona Latino Research Enterprise. Over the past year, coalition members registered some 60,000 Latinos and got 40,000 on the Early Permanent Voter List. The Get Out the Vote campaign was more coordinated and effective for a mid-term than in years past. The coalition’s success may finally get the attention of the Arizona Democratic Party, which has not had strong connections to the Latino community in recent years despite naming a Latino as its executive director in 2009. And that cohesiveness – or lack of it – will be important now as the redistricting process gets under way. But it takes two to tango. Up until November 2, Latinos had yet to prove they could be a force at the ballot box. Much has changed, even if the latest political representation doesn’t reflect it. www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
31
?
Ask the pros... Benjamin R. Miranda
Miranda, Ramirez & Associates P.C. Accident Injury Law Firm 826 N. 3rd Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 252-7555 www.mirandaramirez.com
Q: Can Arizona deny citizenship to a child born to undocumented parents?
A:
The short answer is “no” without an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Citizenship is a federal issue the specific language of the 14th Amendment states “all persons born...subject the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States reside.” The question was clearly answered in 1898 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Wong Kim Ark that a child born in the United States to parents of foreign descent who are not in a diplomatic or official capacity under a foreign government becomes a United States citizen. Neither Russell Pearce nor any individual or individual state, can change this ruling. If you are born here, then you become a United State citizen.
The suggestions and opinions of the adver tisers on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of Latino Perspectives Magazine
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Latino Perspectives Magazine
¡ December 2010!
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Named one of the "Top 10 Golf Courses To Play in Phoenix" by Golf Digest Come and see for yourself. The Legacy Golf Resort 6808 South 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85042 602-305-0550 www.legacygolfphoenix.com
37 Entrepreneur Oscar Mastrantuono, owner of the hot Bomberos Café and Wine Bar in Phoenix
39 Briefcase
Good corporate citizenship is great for the community and for business
43 Career
Do you feel passionate about a cause? Are you making money at it? Consider a career with a nonprofit
Movin’ Up Marin receives World Award
babe’s photos
Girl Scouts—Arizona CactusPine Council has honored Dr. Christine Marin with the World of Learning Award for her leadership and dedication to education. Marin began her leadership journey in Girl Scouting. As an archivist and historian who recently retired from ASU and Hayden Library, she is an expert in 20th-century Mexican-American history and has authored several journal articles, books and book reviews on the topic, and has taught classes on Mexican-American
Archivist emerita Christine Marin, recipient of the Girl Scouts’ World of Learning Award
www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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¡!
movin’ up
history, many focused on the role of Chicana women. She is a founder of the prestigious Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies Dept. within the College of Liberal Arts ast ASU. Marin has played a vital role within the Chicano/a Research Collection and the Arizona Collection in the Department of Archives and Special Collections at the university’s Hayden Library.
Quintana inducted into ASU Hall of Fame The ASU W. P. Carey School of Business Homecoming Hall of Fame recently honored COO Martin Quintana as a top business alumnus of the university’s School of Business. Quintana, COO of Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), was recognized for his leadership and achievem ent in his profession, the community and his alma mater.
Baffert named 2010 UA Hispanic Alumni Honoree Daniel Arana
Arana joins Fennemore Craig Daniel Arana has joined the Fennemore Craig’s Phoenix office as an associate in the area of business and finance. Arana earned his law degree from the UA James E. Rogers College of Law with an emphasis on international trade and business law. Prior to joining the firm, Arana served as a judicial clerk at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Tucson.
PCAA honors history makers The Phoenix College Alumni Association (PCAA) recently inducted Latino “Signature”
Osuna is new Eloy city manager
community leaders at the Alumni Hall of Fame Scholarship Dinner and Auction. Among the history makers were Frank Barrios, Class of ’60; Alberto Esparza, Class of ’79, and George Diaz Jr., Class of ‘97. Learn more about these honorees at www. pc.maricopa.edu.
Thoroughbred horse trainer Bob Baffert is the 2010 UA Hispanic Alumni Portraits of Excellence Honoree. The UA graduate is considered one of the most successful trainers in the history of horse racing, registering many victories including major stakes races. His awards and accolades through the years are numerous, including induction into the thoroughbred racing’s national Hall of Fame in 2009 and induction into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. Born in Nogales, Arizona, Baffert graduated with a degree in animal sciences and racetrack management in 1977.
Maria-Elena Ochoa
New curator at Tucson Museum of Art Ann Seiferle-Valencia, Ph.D., is the new curator of Latin-American art at the Tucson Museum of Art. Seiferle-Valencia is a former UA undergraduate who holds master’s and doctorate degrees from Harvard University, with specialties in pre-Columbian material culture and early colonial pictorial manuscripts. Prior to her return to Tucson, she was a lecturer in the Department of Anthropology and a postdoctoral research fellow at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard.
Movin’ Up Know someone who has been promoted, elected or honored? Send us the news of their achievements! E-mail movinup@latinopm.com Latino Perspectives Magazine
¡ December 2010!
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Ochoa joins Mountain Health & Wellness Maria-Elena Ochoa accepted a position as the chief of medical operations at Mountain Health & Wellness. She will help to create and operate the primary care arm of the organization as part of an overarching objective to offer services that integrate primary care, mental health and wellness. Ochoa has an MBA with an emphasis in healthcare management and for five years has been an active board member of the Mountain Park Health Center.
Latino teachers recognized
Ann Seiferle-Valencia
34 34
Ruth Osuna has been appointed city manager of Eloy, Arizona. Osuna has held the post of Phoenix’s deputy city manager, and for the last four years has been the city’s director of cultural affairs. Osuna received a B.S. in education from Northern Arizona University in 1977 and a master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University in 1983, with a public finance emphasis.
Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) recently celebrated local educators at this year’s Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards ceremony. Teachers honored were Selina Alonzo, Maryvale High School; Jose Fernandez, Frye Elementary School; Guadalupe Meza, South Mountain High School; Oscar Olivas, Peoria High School, and Josephine Salazar, San Marcos Elementary School.
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entrepreneur ¡! ¡!
South American fuego Oscar Mastrantuono, owner, Bomberos Café & Wine Bar
Elevator pitch:
Bomberos is a café and wine bar that serves South American wine and beer exclusively. It is housed in an old fire station (bomberos means firemen in Spanish), with a large garden patio with a canopy of mesquite trees, outdoor fire feature and ambient lighting.
Founded: November 2007
Seeing my dream finally come true.
Business milestone: Listed one of the Top 10 Latin flavor spots in USA Today.
Number of employees: 20 I hope my customers ...
feel like they are somewhere in South America drinking wine and eating amazing food.
What makes Bomberos unique? No other place in Arizona is truly a South American wine bar serving South American wine and beer exclusively.
Traits of a successful entrepreneur: Passion, patience and desire.
Best advice:
Favorite aspect of owning a small business:
Listen to your gut.
Historical figure you would like to meet: President Obama.
If I could start
TOover, MOST COMPANIES, I COMMUNICATIONS would ...
ALL BUSINESSES LOOK THE SAME.
save more money.
Business advice to others: If you are tired of telling people that one day you are going to open a business, then it’s time to fulfill your dream!
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Next step: I want to open other cool independent restaurants in Phoenix.
Most challenging aspect owning a business: Lack of time in the day to relax.
WE’D LIKE TO TALK ABOUT
WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT. Bomberos Café & Wine Bar 8801 N. Central Avenue
You’re not just any company, we know that. So before we can develop a plan to propel you Phoenix, AZthe 85020 into tomorrow, we want to learn how you do business. Then, building right communications plan is the easy part. Whether you’re a “familia run” business or a Fortune 500 powerhouse, www.bomberoswinebar.com Cox Business can customize a unique solution just for your business.
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Send your information to editor@latinopm.com.
LPM’s Entrepreneur profile is sponsored by
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vos united way
A United Community is helping Angelina build a brighter future for her child. When you give to Valley of the Sun United Way, you help support our work to ensure all children and youth succeed. You’re making it possible for people like Angelina to access the quality care, education and health services their children deserve. See more about what a United community can do at vsuw.org.
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. LIVE UNITED™
Hear more stories like Angelina’s at vsuw.org. 38
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Good corporate citizenship pays off Take responsibility, give to the community By Jonathan J. Higuera
During a recent visit with my 7-year-old little
“brother” Alonso (entrusted to me through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program), he immediately asked, “Where were you last week?” He proceeded to tell me a story of having to do lunchtime detention. I wondered if Alonso was linking the two events. Did he believe going to detention had something to do with me missing our weekly get-together? Or was he simply telling me about something significant that happened to him? I told him I had missed our meeting to be with my sick son. I struggled to think back how my own mind worked as a 7-year-old. It then dawned on me what Alonso was really saying. He missed me. He missed our weekly meeting. It caught me off guard. We had been meeting for about two months, and most of our time together was spent playing board games. I tried to show him how to play chess. We went out to his playground once and played marbles with his buddies. It was ordinary stuff, in part because the site-based program allows only 45 minutes per week with your “little” at the school, which in this case is Heard Elementary in Central Phoenix. But thanks to Alonso’s question, I will never underestimate the importance of those 45 minutes – for him and me. My employer’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters started about four years ago and has grown steadily. Now 30 SCF Arizona employees are involved in the program. Our partnership with Heard Elementary is the largest employer-based partnership for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. I recount this story with Alonso to make this point: In years past, I never participated in such a program, because my schedule was so often unpredictable. As a journalist, the chaotic nature of the business meant I could often be called away to cover breaking news at a moment’s notice. And I never wanted to be the kind of mentor who couldn’t be counted on to show up consistently.
The nature of my current work allows for a more fixed schedule. It’s also a place where employee volunteerism is highly encouraged and supported. Not only are all employees allotted 12 hours a year to volunteer during work hours, the company actively gets involved in community events and activities such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, giving employees plenty of opportunities to volunteer. I like to think other companies offer these types of incentives to volunteer, but I know from experience this is rarely the case.
Corporate social responsibility The concept of good corporate citizenship and giving back to the community has been around for decades. But in the last few years, it has gained a renewed sense of www.latinopm.com
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urgency in corporate America. For skeptics, some would say it’s damage control for the corporate misdeeds that have gained notoriety and tainted so many companies in the last several years. Think of Countrywide Financial, BP and Philip Morris. But the ability of corporations to bring resources to bear to help a community or a specific cause, such as domestic violence or environmental sustainability, can be unrivaled. And it is certainly needed during these times of government cutbacks, job losses and seemingly intractable social problems, both locally and globally. The term that has gained cache is corporate social responsibility. It refers to a company’s role in creating a world that will be better for the next generation. As all businesses tighten their belts during this recession, societal needs continue to grow. If you’ve ever spent a day volunteering at St. Mary’s Food Bank, you can attest to those needs. Unfortunately, donations from the largest U.S. companies shrank in
99% of Americans have seen combat on TV.
2009. According to Forbes magazine, they declined by about 7.5 percent. In fact, only about 30 percent of these large corporations increased their cash donations while about 16 percent maintained their giving level from 2008. Interestingly, pharmaceutical companies took five of the top 10 spots among the largest corporate givers in 2009. Pfizer ranked No. 1, with total cash and product donations worth close to $2.3 billion, followed by Merck at $932.2 million. The biggest cash contributor was Walmart, which is also Arizona’s top private employer. The discount retail chain gave $288.1 million in cash and nearly $200 million in product donations last year. While overall giving was up more than 14 percent for the retailer, cash contributions have declined by about $32 million each year. To be sure, this reduction in giving is less drastic than the dropoff in philanthropic giving by wealthy individuals. A study by the Bank of
It’s a win-win
If you’re a veteran of Iraq or Afghanistan, you’re not alone. We’ve been there. Join us at CommunityofVeterans.org
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For many companies, their charitable giving and employee volunteer programs align with the corporate objectives and mission, even if that relationship is broadly interpreted. This means they recognize that choosing the path of the greater good can also have a beneficial impact on the bottom line, some research indicates. Having a good reputation in a community can lead to greater market share, better customer acquisition and retention, improved employee morale and even greater workforce productivity. In fact, the Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College reports there is evidence that companies perceived as good corporate citizens are also more innovative. They take advantage of what they’ve experienced in the communities they serve and use it to stay a step ahead of the competition. Here’s an example of good corporate citizenship at the local level: Each year for the last 17 years, McDonald’s owner/operator Julian Nabozny has held a McDonald’s Thanksgiving at his restaurant in South Phoenix, giving away thousands of free breakfasts to community members. With the support of other businesses such as Qwest Communications and United Healthcare, Nabozny celebrates the holiday with live music, turkey giveaways, raffle prizes and free on-site health screenings. In 1993, Nabozny recognized the need to do something special in his community to give back and celebrate the holiday season. With the help of local businesses and community partners, he established this event to help feed families in need on Thanksgiving morning. It’s his way of giving back to his loyal customer base. The celebration has grown tremendously over the years, anticipated each year by local families. Seventeen years later, Nabozny has served more than 77,000 free breakfasts to local residents, and provided families a safe haven to begin their holiday season. Good business, good citizenship.
Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, U.S. Navy - Bahrain, November 6, 2007
We know where you’re coming from.
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The CSR Index The Corporate Social Responsibility Index developed by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and the Reputation Institute examines public perceptions of top U.S. companies in the areas of social impact. The rankings are based mainly in three areas: how a firm contributes to its surrounding community from a social and environmental perspective; how it runs its business with regard to fairness and transparency, and how it treats its employees in terms of fair pay and professional growth opportunities. The results were gathered in an online survey of 7,790 consumers in the United States in January-February 2010:
America, Merrill Lynch and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University found that donations from affluent donors dropped 35 percent from 2007 to 2009. Simply put, donors who had given an average of $83,000 in 2007 reduced those contributions to $54,000 last year. Oh, what difficult times we live in.
Now is the time While some companies may not have the luxury to contribute at such high levels, let alone their employees, they can maintain community giving during these challenging times in other ways, such as volunteering time or some form of in-kind sponsorship. For some farsighted companies, they see this not as a time to reduce charitable giving but to increase it. That’s the case at Southwest Ambulance, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rural/Metro Corporation. Giving back is part of the fabric of the company, whether it’s their special program to arrange for seriously ill children to be home during the holidays instead of the hospital, or providing seed money for organizations such as the César Chávez Foundation or the Raul H. Castro Institute. “It’s more about giving something within you than just writing a check,” says Martin Nowakowski, director of government relations for Southwest Ambulance. Still, the company knows the importance of its
8. SC Johnson 9. Kellogg 10. Google
financial support and is well aware of the inadvertent reciprocity. “We’ve been able to maintain a strong community presence through our donations.” At Heard Elementary, which hosts the Big Brothers Big Sisters partnership with SCF, the program has had a measurable impact on the students, says Principal Matthew Camacho. A waiting list has been started of students who want to participate in the program. “My philosophy is that schools have become much more than academics, especially in the inner city,” says Camacho. “We offer free breakfast and lunches to our students; we have a dental program, clothing program, and we even have a partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank, which provides a mobile unit that stops here. “By partnering with business we’ve been able to bring these services to our community.” Next time you watch the news and get depressed about all that is afflicting the world and your hometown, remember one thing: You can make a difference. You can start with helping one person in your community. Then you can encourage a coworker or two to do the same. And if you’re fortunate, perhaps la jefe will encourage and support you in those efforts. Who knows? Maybe the whole company would get behind you.
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Passion behind the paycheck Work for a nonprofit – or start your own By Erica Cardenas
The nonprofit business sector is diverse and, in
some way, touches all of our lives. On a national level, it includes more than 1.6 million organizations, of which about one million are public charities that employ close to 10 million paid workers, over seven percent of the country’s work force. Nonprofit jobs continue to attract more people and are gaining in popularity. In fact, Arizona nonprofits employ more people than the transportation, communications and utilities industries combined. From new grads to those seeking career changes, many who choose to work in the nonprofit industry do so because they can serve causes they believe in.
Serve a cause and get paid So, una pregunta to consider if you’re one of the nonprofit career seekers out there: How do you adequately educate and prepare yourself to enter into the field? The NonProfit Times, a national business publication for nonprofit management, shares several insights and tips below to assist you in your job search and research. First, an obvious but sometimes overlooked question: What are you passionate about? Do you want to save the environment? Help the marginalized in your community? Want to reform politics? Align yourself with an organization and cause that speaks to your heart. Perhaps the nearest shelter is looking for a chef, or a local hospital is looking for a computer wizard. The options are limitless, and nonprofit jobs exist in just about any field you can think of. In fact, according to the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, more than 20,000 nonprofits are registered in this state alone. The NonProfit Times also suggests learning more about qualifications needed to work for a particular nonprofit by requesting an informational interview. If anything, it will demonstrate your interest in the organization and could lead to developing solid contacts.
Some questions you may want to ask a staff member from the organization could include the following: • How did you get started on the nonprofit career path? • What particular skills or talents are most essential to be effective in your job? • What are the educational requirements for this job? Are any types of credentials or licenses required? • Is any other prior experience required? How rapidly is the field growing? Can you estimate future job openings? Volunteering is yet another way to gain exposure to a nonprofit organization. This is key to getting a first-hand look, not to mention it could eventually lead to the inside track for a paid staff position. Perhaps it’s helping with administrative duties in an office, or packing food boxes www.latinopm.com
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¡! career
Opportunity in the digital age
Oportunidad en la era digital How do you become among the most reliable and trusted providers of communication and entertainment services in America? By connecting people with nearly endless opportunities to learn, grow, share and succeed. With Cox Communications, there’s no shortage of possibilities for our customers or our employees. Add your talents to the team that’s advancing communications into the Digital Age. Establish a career connection with a real and rewarding future, with one of the industry’s most respected and exceptional employers. To learn more about Cox, or to apply for open positions, visit us online. Grow with us. Crece con nosotros.
at your local shelter. Spending voluntary time and energy at your nonprofit of choice could go a long way. Lisa Doromal, founder and executive director of Valley nonprofit Dress for Success, says volunteers currently make up about 90 percent of her organization. Aimed at promoting the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing them with professional attire and a network of support and career development tools, Doromal says Dress for Success depends on their volunteers. “We run a very lean nonprofit,” says Doromal, “and honestly, we can’t do what we do without our volunteers … they make up the core of our organization.” So, what if you’re making a transition from the private sector to the nonprofit one? Is volunteering still relevant? It sure is. You want to translate your private-sector experience in a way that is relevant to potential employers in the nonprofit sector. Doromal says one of her volunteers is considering making a career switch to the nonprofit field. “We have a volunteer who helps in our
career center who is a technical support expert by trade,” she explains. “She’s been volunteering for about five months, recently had an outside corporate job interview and says she’s now rethinking her career path since volunteering with us. She’s enjoying what she’s doing and isn’t sure she wants to go back to the corporate world.” Since she and another part-time employee comprise the Dress for Success staff, Doromal adds that one of her goals is to expand the team and hire additional staff once the organization’s resources allow for it. Here’s another suggestion to align yourself with a nonprofit: Obtain a position on the board of directors. This will not only enable you to learn the ins and outs of the organization, but would also allow you to build a portfolio of nonprofit accomplishments for your résumé. You’ll want to do some research about the organization, its history and its current operations before agreeing to serve on the board. Keep in mind that once you accept a position as a board member, you have inherently accepted certain fundamental responsibilities, in addition to
Find your passion – a few local nonprofits to inspire you Adelante Healthcare (www.adelantehealthcare.com) – currently operates eight healthcare centers throughout Arizona, offering a wide array of services to patients of all economic backgrounds. With a belief in sustainable health care, the concept first took shape 30 years ago in the cotton fields and citrus groves of rural Maricopa County to serve the needs of farm workers in the area. Arizona Citizens for the Arts (www.azcitizensforthearts.org) – the nonprofit charitable arm of Arizona Action for the Arts that increases discussion and awareness of the importance and impact of the arts in achieving quality of life, educational excellence and economic health for all Arizonans and Arizona Enterprises.
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UMOM New Day Centers (www.umom.org) – established in 1964, UMOM helps homeless, at-risk families become self-sufficient and independent through the provision of food and shelter. Outreach programs include housing, domestic violence shelter, a full-service wellness center and a child development center.
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Power Paws Assistance Dogs (www.azpowerpaws.org) – provides highly skilled assistance dogs to adults and children with disabilities, and provides education and continuing support for working assistance dog teams. Incorporated in 2001, Power Paws has certified 52 teams and currently has over 30 dogs in training.
career ¡! a commitment of time, accountability, and sometimes a financial commitment to the organization.
Types of NPOS The Internal Revenue Services breaks nonprofits, or NPOs, into 28 subcategories, but the fundamental differences break down into more basic areas of nonprofit business: Nonprofits exempt under Section 501(c)(3) are often called charities and can include everything from hospitals and private schools to public television and radio stations, just to name a few. The majority of nonprofits operating in the United States fall into this category. According to the IRS exemption requirements for a 501(c)(3), the organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of the organization’s net earnings may “inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.” Foundations are also 501(c)(3) nonprofits and are established as a way to support causes and programs that benefit society. Foundations are one of the more complex components of the nonprofit sector. Because of federal legislation passed in 1969, private foundations are subject to regulation that is more stringent than other types of nonprofits. More than 100,000 foundations operate in the U.S. Social welfare organizations, advocacy organizations or 501(c)(4)s, are another classification of nonprofits that include groups like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) or service clubs such as Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis and women’s groups. Organizations involved in educating policymakers and the public about political issues, promoting policies or lobbying fall into this nonprofit category type.
Start your own NPO And what if you’re like Doromal and you have your vision set on creating and starting your own nonprofit? Like any business or career, there are challenges to overcome; however, the rewards are big.
¡!
Doromal stands behind this statement. A native of New Mexico with a degree in clothing textiles and fashion merchandising, she spent several years as a merchandise manager at JC Penney and other retail stores. After five years of being a stay-at-home mom, she wanted to find a way to marry her passions for fashion and helping women in her community. The answer was Dress for Success. There were a series of steps that Doromal had to take to launch her nonprofit. The first step was to complete an online application with the worldwide organization. Dress for Success has more than 105 affiliates in countries such as the U.S., Australia, Canada, Mexico and New Zealand. Doromal was then invited by the organization to prepare a formal business plan, which took her more than four months to complete. After submitting her plan to create a Phoenix affiliate, it took seven more months for it to be reviewed and approved before Doromal was given the green light to open and operate a Dress for Success in the Valley. Although she didn’t have any direct nonprofit experience, Doromal was able to apply some of her previous retail and Foreclosure Foreclosure af fects af fects more more managerial skills to her nonprofit role. thanthan justjust you.you. “My years of being a manager at Document Name: AD-COR-Z4341-F.indd Bleed: 7 in x 4.875 in It afItfects af fects youryour whole whole family. family. JCPenney prepared me to supervise Client: AD Trim: 7 in x 4.875 in several people as well as manage a $1.2COR Product: Safety: 7 in x 4.875 i A million A million families families will will faceface Job #: AD-COR-Z4341 Gutter: None million women’s department,” she says. losing losing their their homes homes thisthis year. year. Title: FORECLOSURE (MAG) “Our worldwide organization understands that founders may come from different CallCall today today for help. for help. Document Path: Mechanicals:Volumes:Mechanical...R:AD-COR-Z4341:AD-COR-Z professional backgrounds, so each year, Because Because nothing nothing is worse is worse Links: ADCOR-NBW-1K.eps (Library:AdCouncil:Logos:AD-COR:ADCOR-NBW-1K. ADCOR-ACL-1K.eps), ADCOR-0004-L.tif (Library:AdCouncil:Artwork:AD-COR:AD thanthan doing doing nothing. nothing. all affiliates are provided with leadership training in New York for three to five days.” 1-888-995-HOPE 1-888-995-HOPE When considering a nonprofit job, the overall market sector may be abstract and sometimes even misunderstood, but a nonprofit’s role in our society is tangible and easily recognized. Doromal agrees it’s a career with large payoffs. “If you have passion and determination to give back to your community and make a difference in someone’s life, you’ll be successful on your nonprofit journey,” she says. “You have to surround yourself with positive people, be strategic in your thinking and be adaptable.” www.latinopm.com
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Remembering their forgotten efforts Korean War veterans and others honored at third annual event “Your history is our history, and we take
pride in that,” said emcee Catherine Anaya to the soldiers of Tucson’s 13th Infantry Battalion Marine Reserves, also known as “Easy” Company. The men were met with a standing ovation as they took to the stage at Latino Perspectives Magazine’s third annual Honoring Those Who Serve event on November 18 at the Wyndham Hotel. Korean War veteran Ruben L. Moreno, also a member of Easy Company, was honored for his role in capturing and preserving the company’s history, sharing stories of the brave men who proudly embodied Tucson’s contributions to the Korean War. Along with special guests including the Honorable Raul H. Castro, more than 350 people attended the event, which was sponsored by Latino Perspectives Magazine, the Raul H. Castro Institute, and SRP. Among those who joined in the opportunity to shine the light on the deserving individuals who serve both country and community were Phoenix City Manager David Cavazos, NCLR Chairman Daniel Ortega, and County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox. During the program, video vignettes highlighted the honorees’ selfless contributions and sacrifices. More than 100 members of Easy Company, most of them from Tucson, served in the Korean War, often called The Forgotten War. Few had told their stories until Korean War veteran Ruben Moreno stepped in to fill the need. Moreno has spent the past decade collecting the oral histories of the men of E Company. “It’s up to us to pass on the traditions. It’s up to us to let others know what Latinos have done for our country,” said Phoenix Vice Mayor Michael Nowakowski. Dr. Anna Solley, president of Phoenix College, echoed the sentiment. “Mere words of thanks cannot express the gratitude that so many of us feel for these courageous veterans. Perhaps the best way we can repay our debt to them is to tell their stories … stories that provide a legacy for all of us to strive toward and to pass on to our own
children and grandchildren,” she said. Elisa de la Vara, district director for the office of Rep. Ed Pastor, shared a message from the congressman and informed attendees that each of the honorees will receive a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. In addition to this year’s honorees, a distinguished group of men and women who have been profiled during the past year in Latino Perspectives Magazine were recognized for serving our community with pride, honor and distinction: Master Sergeant Elva M. Shipp, U.S. Air Force; Officer Fabian Gonzalez, Phoenix Police Department; Master Sergeant Celia Herrera, Arizona Air National Guard; Detective Icela Brown, Phoenix Police Department; Deputy Chief of Training and Special Operations Fernando Duenas Valenzuela, Mesa Fire Department; Airman 1st Class Angelo Pimienta, U.S. Air Force; 2nd Lieutenant George L. Lopez, Arizona Army National Guard; Officer Carlos Armando Valenzuela, Scottsdale Police Department; Lieutenant Colonel Cosme F. Lopez, Arizona Army National Guard; Captain Kristina Tellez, Glendale Fire Department; Private First Class Barbara Vieyra, U.S. Army (honored posthumously). The fruitful partnership between the Raul H. Castro Institute and Latino Perspectives Magazine has resulted in projects that preserve the rich history of the Latino community in Arizona, including the Arizona Latina Trailblazers, an inspiring collection of digital stories about Latinas who helped push our state into the 21s century. As part of the ongoing historical preservation effort, the partners have published Not So Easy: Tucson’s 13th Infantry Battalion Marine Reserves Go From Boys to Men. The book, compiled by Charles H. Sanderson with a foreword by Raul H. Castro and coda by Dr. Carlos Vélez-Ibáñez, will be donated to public libraries and high schools throughout the state, in addition to being made part of the Arizona Memory Project.
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Ruben Moreno, Governor Raul H. Castro and Irma Moreno
Detective Icela Brown and guest
Governor Castro jokes with members of American Legion Post 41
Dr. Carlos Vélez-Ibáñez
Marine Corps League “Old Breed” Detachment 767 Color Guard
Raul H. Castro Institute P UBLIC P OLIC Y | EDU C AT IO N | L E A DERS HIP The Raul H. Castro Institute is a collaborative effort of
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American Legion Post 41 Auxiliary Chaplain
Elisa De la Vara, District Director, office of Rep. Ed Pastor
All photos by Jose Muñoz
A member of the Color Guard looks over the Korean War timeline
All photos by Jose Muñoz
Mark Bonsall, Chief Financial Executive and Associate General Manager, SRP
Manny Lugo, Alex Romero, Gilbert Romero, Manny Munguia
2nd Lt. George L. Lopez and Sylvia Lopez
Phoenix City Manager David Cavazos and CBS 5 News Anchor Catherine Anaya
Easy Company members are honored onstage
Phoenix Vice Mayor Michael Nowakowski, Luz Sarmina and Daniel Ortega
Dr. Anna Solley
Master Sgt. Elva Shipp
Don Jensen-Bobadilla and Christine Marin
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Building stronger communities together. SRP proudly acknowledges the achievements and contributions of the Hispanic community in the Valley. With hard work and dedication, we can all make the Valley a better place to live. We’re committed to building an even stronger community – together.
Know your rights
What to do if you suspect your child has a learning disability By Sam Naser
A learning disability is a neurological disorder
that makes things like arithmetic, reading or organizing information a little bit harder. By some estimates, one in seven Americans has one. And while there’s no cure, they can be greatly improved with strategies that help manage them if they’re found early enough. So, how do you tell if your child has one? For the nontrained professionals among us, the answer is rarely clear. The first red flag could be delayed speech, trouble reading, or an unusual difficulty concentrating on homework. It could be a teacher that notices something is amiss, or just your own anchoring suspicion. In any case, if you suspect it, your best bet is to have your child tested, and done so immediately. Unfortunately, the cost of getting your child thoroughly evaluated by a trained professional can run upwards of $5,000. The good news is that expense is not yours to bear. You can thank the mandate of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for that. It’s a piece of federal legislation that entitles every student with disabilities to a “free appropriate public education” in the “least restrictive environment.” And under IDEA, that “free” clause encompasses the initial assessment of the student. In other words, local school districts are obligated to evaluate whether your child has a learning disability on their dime, even if your child attends private school. The IDEA law makes a lot of other promises too, many of which budget-challenged schools will likely be reluctant to deliver on. So, if the evaluation does confirm your child has a learning disability, you better know IDEA front and back. Because you’re in for a long haul, and you may have to fight tooth and nail to secure the services your child is legally entitled to under IDEA. After all, the best way to advocate for your child is to know your rights.
Getting evaluated Although IDEA requires schools to help identify children who may have learning disabilities and front the cost of their evaluation, never leave it up to the school to tell you whether or not your child should get tested. As a parent, you know your child the best and observe them the most often. As dedicated as most teachers are, they don’t have the time or resources to be as invested in your child’s future as you are. So, if you notice that your child is having trouble in school, your first step should be to arrange a meeting with www.latinopm.com
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the teacher and school principal. At this meeting, clearly explain your concerns about your child’s academic performance. The school may first want to collect more information about your child or modify the teacher’s instruction before formally assessing them. At that juncture, it’s important that you have some familiarity with your IDEA-sanctioned rights. Every state in the country maintains a parent training and information center (funded under IDEA) that advises parents on the school’s responsibilities and your child’s rights under the law. In Arizona, that center is Raising Special Kids, which is located in downtown Phoenix and serves parents statewide. Their phone number is 602242-4366, and their email address is info@ raisingspecialkids.org.
“We must view education as an investment, not an expense.” SHELLY ESQUE Vice President, Intel
When you get the results The whole purpose behind getting an assessment in the first place is to attain an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis could range from anything from depression, anxiety and mild speech or hearing impediments, to more severe learning disabilities like autism, deaf-blindness, traumatic brain injuries and retardation. And, of course, the diagnosis could conclude your child has no learning disability at all. Whatever the results, the diagnosis will form the basis of the treatment plan that follows it, so you want to ensure that the school performs a comprehensive test. That means an I.Q. test to identify the child’s strengths and weaknesses, a psychological evaluation and interviews
Whatever the results, the diagnosis will form the basis of the treatment plan that follows it.
The education we provide for Arizona’s children will determine the kind of future we all enjoy.
If you get stonewalled
Arizona employers need a highly
Parents who’ve already learned the hard lessons of the evaluation process often say that the school moved slowly in addressing their child’s problems, or were hesitant to provide an evaluation at all. And considering the educational budget crisis in Arizona’s schools, it’s not hard to imagine why. But it’s your legal right to insist on it. If you think the school isn’t moving quickly enough, the best recourse is to mail a written request – with evidence to support it – to the director of special education for a comprehensive assessment. If the school continues to drag their feet, parents should notify the school and school board that they plan to enlist the help of a private assessment and to send the school and school administration the bill. It’s important that you ensure you’ve already put the request for an assessment in writing and in the mail before going this route, with a copy of the request going to the school administration. Establishing a paper trail will put things into action.
skilled, talented workforce to diversify our economy, increase job opportunities and stay competitive.That requires a stronger education system that begins at birth and continues through career. By investing time, talent and money to improve education today, we better position Arizona for long-term success. In the end, we all benefit. Education is everyone’s business. Make it your priority. Visit ExpectMoreArizona.org.
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with the child, parent and teacher. If the results verify that your child has a learning disability, the principal is then supposed to arrange a meeting with the child’s teacher and parents to explain the results and discuss a plan of action. If the results sound inaccurate or outlandish, you should speak up. Under IDEA, a parent has the right to request a second-opinion of sorts, carried out by an assessor not employed by the school. Be warned, though, that it is very difficult to obtain. A parent must demonstrate the examiner who did the first test was incompetent or not objective. Still, if you think you have a good reason to protest the results, you should solicit the help of a special-education lawyer. Many education lawyers are willing to meet for a free initial consultation, which may offer some guidance in how to proceed with your grievance. In addition, the school is required to supply you with a list of free or low-cost legal services in your area by law. If you want to find one yourself, seek out other parents for recommendations.
The IEP Remember, the examiner’s diagnosis will inform the treatment plan. In this context, “treatment” means the educational plan of action for your child, formalized in a document known as the Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP will lay out an individualized plan tailored to your child’s specific needs, given the test results. That could take the form of speech/occupational therapy, reading intervention or a full-time aide to accompany the child in the classroom. Exactly what services your child ends up receiving is decided on an annual basis at the IEP meeting. Your child’s teacher(s), a special education instructor, school administrator and a district representative will attend that meeting. Under IDEA, the parents are supposed to be an integral part of that IEP team, too. The law was written so that parents could be equal participants in developing the educational plan and designing what special education services their child will receive. Hopefully by now, you’ve thoroughly studied the IDEA law, because this is where being an active advocate for your learning-disabled child really comes in.
Know your rights Before you attend the IEP meeting, you want to be sure you know the fine print of IDEA down to a science. These are teachers and administrators you’re dealing with, not lawyers, so you’d better be informed about what’s exactly in the law. The more you know about your child’s specific disability, and what services are made available in your state, the better armed you’ll be for the IEP meeting in ensuring your child gets them. Remember, IDEA entitles students to an “appropriate” education, and appropriate is defined as an educational program that’s tailored to the individual needs of a specific student. And this “free” clause means precisely that. These educational services come at the public’s expense and without charge to parents except for fees that are charged to all students.
“Least restrictive environment” means that a student who has a disability should have the opportunity to be educated with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate. In other words, giving them access to the general curriculum, extracurricular activities, or any other program for all students. The student is entitled to supplementary aids and services necessary to achieve their educational goals if placed in a setting with non-disabled peers.
Asking for more By now, you’ve already secured an IEP, but think your child is still not making progress. Under IDEA, you have a right to demand more intervention. You can always request an IEP meeting at any time, and the IEP meeting is where you’ll present your case for more services. Make sure though, that your request for an IEP meeting is in writing through certified mail. Expect a fight. The school will likely be hesitant to increase the services for your child, as it will take more out of their already-strapped budget. If you are questioning the IEP plan, you need to make a convincing argument to the IEP team. The more you know about your child’s specific learning disability and the treatments that have shown progress, the better. If you find that the problem is that the school isn’t recognizing a learning disability that you’re convinced impedes your child’s learning, remember the second-opinion reevaluation you’re entitled to. It’s your right to have your child reevaluated, though it may be a long and hard process to have it done on the school’s dime. If you hit a deadlock with the IEP team, you have the right under IDEA to a due process hearing – but let’s hope it doesn’t get this far. At the hearing, a judge or administrative officer will make a ruling on your dispute. It works just like any other trial, with questioning, crossexaminations, witnesses and opening and closing statements. That’s when you want to be sure you enlist the help of a good special-education lawyer. www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
53
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A child’s communication skills Bilingualism is not the cause of speech or language delays By Georgann Yara
Being told by the teacher that your child
doesn’t holler, speak out of turn or disrupt the class with his chatter is usually a good thing. But when a daycare provider told Annette Castaneda that her son was too quiet, it was not exactly a compliment. Castaneda’s son Sebastian was 2 years and 2 months old at the time. He wasn’t speaking as much as his peers, and his vocabulary was short of the 40-50 words typical for a child his age. This news stunned Castaneda, who could count about 25 words her son knew. She had no indication that her son’s verbal communication skills were not up to par. “We did not notice any delay. We do flashcards with him, and when we give him a command, he understands what we are saying to him,” she says. Many parents learn their son or daughter’s speech or language may be delayed. But when Latino parents are informed of any problem with their children’s communicative abilities, the question of whether their child’s bilingual upbringing is the cause is often the first one raised. While some national studies have drawn a link between language delays in children and being raised in a bilingual setting, many experts say any real delay would likely have occurred regardless of how many languages were spoken at home.
Parent perspective: language delay After a visit to her pediatrician, Castaneda decided to hold off on getting a screening. Her son’s doctor was not concerned; Castaneda decided she would get her son evaluated if his vocabulary or speech had not improved by the time he was 2½ years old. Castaneda works with educators, who assured her that not every child is the same and to not be alarmed. When the family communicates with Sebastian,
about 80 percent of it is in English. His nana and tía speak to him in Spanish while Castaneda and her husband use some Spanish nouns to help with Sebastian’s vocabulary. When told communicating in both English and Spanish could be the cause of her son’s delay, Castaneda did some research on the Internet and found documents that stated it was typical for children from bilingual homes to experience some kind of speech or language delay. Despite her findings, Castaneda, who learned to speak English at the age of 9, will continue to use both languages when speaking with Sebastian, but says she will encourage him to respond in complete sentences instead of one-word answers. “I never really saw speaking two languages as a www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
55
disadvantage. Only an advantage,� she says. “I think he’ll be just fine.�
Parent perspective: speech delay
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Latino Perspectives Magazine
ÂĄ December 2010!
Parents have wonderful intuition. Anytime a parent feels concern or has a feeling, they should advocate for their child to be evaluated. started [when she was] very young, but with her stuttering, we thought we were making it worse. We didn’t want to confuse her,â€? Banegas says. “But knowing what I know now ‌ it’s just a myth. A lack of understanding.â€?
Bilingualism is not the problem
56
Tony Banegas stopped using Spanish with his daughter, who demonstrated a severe stammer at the age of 2. She knew what she wanted to say, but when she tried, her impediment physically prevented her from getting the words out. After about four years of speech therapy, his daughter, now an adult, was fine. Unfortunately, the advice Banegas received stopped him from raising her in a bilingual home. “Initially I wanted to speak Spanish and her mother would speak English to her. We
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mama or papa. By 2, the child should be able to string two-word sentences together, progressively adding one more word to sentences each year. At the age of 5, Hinkle says there should be a big jump into more complex sentences with a greater number of words. When Hinkle screens children for delays, she tests in both English and Spanish. “They have to be pretty far off normal for it to be considered a delay. I vehemently disagree that raising a child in a bilingual home causes a delay or impediment. There are too many bilingual kids who are not disabled,� says Hinkle, who is raising her child to be bilingual.
Raising a child in a bilingual home will not cause a serious speech or language delay, says Kathy Hinkle, a bilingual speech language pathologist for the Tempe Elementary School District, which is 51 percent Hispanic and where 20 percent of students speak Spanish at home. In Hinkle’s experience, it’s common for children who are raised speaking two languages to be a little behind in both until the age of 6 or 7. Sometimes a child will go through a quiet phase around others until he or she feels comfortable speaking in the language spoken around them. Yet, the child is processing the information and sentence structure the entire time. Typically, by the age of 1, a child should be voicing singular words, like
In a truly bilingual home, children who hear both languages from the time they are born usually do well, says Deborah Leach, craniofacial speech pathologist for the Barrow Neurological Institute. “It’s very good to be in a bilingual household,� she says. “If [they’re] in a monolingual household where the language is something other than English and they have to assimilate, that’s what can be challenging for the child.� If there is a problem, Leach suggests parents take their child to be evaluated so any issue could be identified as early as possible. The sooner intervention methods can begin, the faster the child will catch up. “If it’s a typical delay, usually kids will make good progress in therapy,� she says. But a mother or father’s parental instinct also goes a long way. “Parents have wonderful intuition. Any time a parent feels concern or has a feeling, they should advocate for their child to be evaluated. It doesn’t matter if the child is 1, 2 or 4 years old,� Leach
Possible causes If being raised in a bilingual home is not to blame for a delay, then what is? A variety of physical factors can affect speech abilities. A cleft lip and palate, cognitive impairment or hearing impairment due to chronic ear infections or other illnesses can impact a child’s speech, Leach says. Leach advises parents to talk to their children to stimulate their communicative and cognitive skills. “The more stimulation, the more the child is spoken to, read to, engaged in conversation, the quicker they are to speak and talk,” she says. But sometimes the pressure put on parents to use other than their first language can also lead to problems in language. Spanish-speaking parents who are told or feel they must speak to their children in English, in hopes it will make their school life easier, can actually be going down the wrong path. Hinkle says the child will then hear and pick up broken English and not enough Spanish. “It’s very important to use whatever
My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism.
says. “If all is normal and a parent doesn’t feel that concern, then it’s typically OK.”
language the parent’s strong language is. It makes it easier to learn another language. If parents who don’t speak English are told to speak English to kids, kids end up with knowledge of neither language,” she says. Regardless of the possible causes of speech or language delays, getting evaluated is the best way to put everyone’s concerns to rest or proceed with the appropriate therapy. Public school districts provide screenings for children ages 3 to 5 living within their district boundaries. “I’m a true believer that the earlier you get in, the better chance you have to prevent delays. I’m a big proponent of early interventions,” Banegas says. Leach adds, “If someone brings up My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s s the issue, families should not be fearful to have an evaluation done. If there is a My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s s worry, parents should go to a professional My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s s to put their mind at ease.” My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s s Whether speech is or is not a problem, friend’s uncle’s second My friend’s uncle’sMy second cousin’s son has autism.cousin’s s teaching children to speak more than My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. one language is a benefit that will not My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. negatively impact communication skills. uncle’s My friend’s uncle’s secondson cousin’s son has autism. My friend’s second cousin’s has autism. “It’s so neat to raise kidsMy to be My friend’s uncle’s secondson cousin’s son has autism. friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s has autism. bilingual,” Hinkle says. “I love it when My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. parents do that and I encourage parents to My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. do that.”
Language delay vs. speech delay
A child may be delayed in speech, meaning they’re unable to produce intelligible sounds, but not delayed Autism is getting closer to h in language. In this example, a child could be trying to produce language from an age-appropriate vocabulary, but that language would be difficult to understand due to an inability to produce accurate Today, 1 in 110 children is dia Autism is getting closer to home. sounds. In other words, a child with a speech delay refers to a problem in their speech mechanism and its Early diagnosis make a lifetime of Autism is getting closer can to home. implementation. On the other hand, language delays refer to a failure to develop language abilities on the Today, 1 in 110 children is diagnosed. usual developmental timetable. Today, 1 in 110 children is diagnosed. Early diagnosis can make a lifetime of difference.
Symptoms of a speech delay may include:
Early diagnosis can make a lifetime of difference.
Learn the signs at autismspe • Not using gestures such as pointing or waving “hello” by 12 months Learn the signs at autismspeaks.org • Prefers to communicate with gestures rather than vocalizations by 18 months Learn the signs at autismspeaks.org • Does not babble or speak in mock sentences at all between 12 and 24 months • Not capable of producing words or phrases quickly and spontaneously between ages 2 and 3
Symptoms of language delay may include: • Not babbling by 12 to 15 months of age • Not understanding simple commands by 18 months of age • Not talking by 2 years of age • Not using sentences by 3 years of age • Not being able to tell a simple story by 4 or 5 years of age
SOURCE?? www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
57
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• Worldwide emergency and urgent care coverage when you travel Call toll-free: 1-877-857-5024 Se habla español* 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M., seven days a week TTY users: 1-800-367-8939 There is no obligation to enroll www.scanhealthplan.com SCAN Health Plan is a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare contract. Individuals must have both Part A and Part B to enroll. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. SCAN Health Plan benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium, co-payments and/or co-insurance may change on January 1 from year to year. Quantity limitations, co-payments and restrictions may apply. For more information please contact the plan. *We speak Spanish. H9104_H5425_H5811_H9385_SCAN_6001_2010F File & Use 09292010
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Phone: 602.404.9622 Email: corporatewellness@vosymca.org Website: www.valleyYMCA.org
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¡ December 2010!
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There was once a time when
marathons were comprised of an elite roster of endurance runners, and it was all about the finishing time. These days, it’s more about being fit, feeling empowered and raising money for a worthy cause. So whether you’re a pro training for a triathlon or just a jolly jogger, be sure to enter into at least one of Phoenix’s many upcoming running events. You’ll be doing something important to give back to your community, by raising money for anything from nonprofits that give scholarships to kids in need, to those helping injured veterans and their families, to organizations that help kids with life-threatening illnesses and ones that raise awareness of police who’ve died in the line of duty. Your participation won’t only give the community a gift, but you’ll give yourself the gift of health as well. Next to quitting smoking, regular physical activity is the single best thing you can do for your body. It lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis and colon cancer. On top of that, you’ll get the chance to experience the sheer joy and exhilaration of running. If you don’t believe it, take any 6-year-old kid to a park, sit back and watch joyfulness in action. Before you show up at one of these runs, be sure to double-check the website for the exact registration deadlines for each course.
Choose your race 12K’s of Christmas When: Saturday, December 11, 2010 @ 10 a.m. Where: Freestone District Park at 1045 E. Juniper Road, Gilbert Why: Celebrate this Christmas amongst a sea of running Santas and carolers on this 6-or-12 kilometer run/walk. Cost of participation ranges from $25 to 35, depending on when you register. There’s also a 1.2-kilometer Santa sled race. Sleds provided! Have some fun and dress up the stroller, a wagon or the pets. Proceeds go to benefit Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. Website: www.12krun.com
7th Annual Run to Remember When: Sunday, January 9, 2011 @ 8:30 a.m. Where: Tumbleweed Park at 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler Why: This event to honor fallen officers features both a 1-mile as well as a 5-kilometer run/walk. Cost of participation for either run/walk is $20. All proceeds go
to benefit the families of officers’ families to be honored at the National Police Week in May 2011, as well as the Arizona Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors for their ongoing seminars that help “rebuild shattered lives.” Website: www.arizonacops.org
7th Annual Walk ‘n Roll Dog Walk When: Saturday, January 29, 2011 @ 9 a.m. Where: Tempe Town Lake, at S. Rural Road & E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe Why: This 5-kilometer walk and wheelchair roll welcomes all friendly dogs, though they’re not required. Cost of participation in the event is $25 per person, and kids under six are free. All proceeds go to Power Paws Assistance Dogs, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide assistance dogs to those with disabilities. Website: www.walknrolldogwalk.org
Phoenix Children’s Hospital KiDS ROCK Arizona When: Saturday, February 19, 2011 @ 8:30 a.m. Where: Arizona State University, at Packard Drive and Sixth Street, Tempe Why: This 1-mile fun run is for children in grades K-6. It’s a non-competitive, nontimed event and is all about having fun. Cost of participation ranges between $25 and $30, depending on the registration date. All participants receive an official race number, t-shirt, goodie bag, colorful medal and post-race refreshments. All other proceeds go to benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Website: http://arizona.competitor.com/ kidsrock
7th Annual Lighthouse City YMCA 5k Walk/Run When: Sunday, February 20, 2011 @ 8:30 a.m. Where: Lighthouse City YMCA, at 2900 N. Columbus Boulevard, Tucson
Why: This event includes a 5-kilometer scenic run-walk that traverses through the Rillito River, as well as a 2-mile, nontimed fun walk. Both events are open to runners of all ages and skill levels. All proceeds from the event go to benefit the YMCA’s Strong Kids campaign, which funds scholarships for children who wouldn’t be able to afford the YMCA’s programs otherwise. Cost of participation ranges from $20 to $25. Website: www.tucsonymca.org
2011 Phoenix Start! Heart Walk When: Saturday, February 26, 2011 @ 9 a.m. Where: Tempe Beach Park, at 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe Why: This event celebrates those who’ve made lifestyle changes and encourages many more to take the pledge to live healthier lifestyles while raising money to fund lifesaving research and initiatives. There is no cost to participate, but runners are encouraged to start or join a running team, recruit walkers and help collect donations from friends and family. Website: www.startheartwalk.org
Run for Ryan House at DC Ranch, Half-Marathon and 5k Run When: Saturday, March 5, 2011 @ 7 a.m. Where: Market Street at DC Ranch, 20825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ Why: This event includes a halfmarathon course and one-mile fun run that winds through the golf courses, beautiful desert landscape and stunning vistas of the DC Ranch community. Cost of participation ranges from $15 to $60, depending on the course and date you registered. Proceeds from the event will benefit Ryan House, a nonprofit organization that offers essential care in a home-like setting to children with life-threatening conditions and their families. Website: www.ryanhouse.org or www.raceplaceevents.com.
YOU CAN CHANGE A LIFE. REALLY. BE A HERO! BUILDING FUTURES MENTORING PROGRAM Our Building Futures Mentoring Program is one of our most rewarding services, and we are in desperͲ ate need of mentor volunteers. We have so many great kids, ages 6 to 18, who are at risk due to low selfͲesteem, social isolation, family problems, etc., Ͳ who just need a friend, a role model. A person who can spend a little time sharing interests, listening and ultimately raising a child’s selfͲconfidence and outlook on life. You would be amazed at what an afternoon at the ball game or a trip to the park can do for a child in need of adult companionship and guidance. Give us a call or email and we’ll explain how our program works, and how you can change a life. Really.
To learn how to become a Mentor, contact the following directors in your area: Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee Kate Clarno 602Ͳ212Ͳ6179 kclarno@vosymca.org Mesa Susan Long 602Ͳ212Ͳ6186 slong@vosymca.org Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale Barb Harp 602Ͳ212Ͳ6289 bharp@vosymca.org Central Phoenix, South Mountain, Chris Town Marta Grissom 602Ͳ212Ͳ6187 mgrissom@vosymca.org Maryvale, Glendale, Southwest Valley Jessica Mena 602Ͳ212Ͳ6192 jmena@vosymca.org Regional Director Robert Neese 602Ͳ212Ͳ6071 rneese@vosymca.org
Youth Development Healthy Living Social Responsibility
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¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
67
Jesse LatinoPerspectives:Asher no copy-CMYK
11/4/10
9:05 AM
Page 1
What if
a boy’s future
got tangled up in knots?
Watch Jesse’s Story at StJosephsAmazing.org and learn how it happened.
Diagnosis: Amazing.
P.S.
Stella Pope Duarte
The star that followed El Niño By Stella Pope Duarte
Christmas Eve mass at St. Anthony’s
Church started solemnly, as priests and altar boys dressed in red-and-white robes filed in while the choir sang from the balcony, and the huge organ with its shiny brass pipes filled the church with rich, vibrant sounds. “En Belén a media noche un niñito nacerá – in Bethlehem, at midnight, a child is to be born. We stared at people across the aisle, and they looked back at us. Together we created a small sea of brown faces, dressed in our Christmas finery, ready to greet El Niño, the Christ Child. My sister Lupita and I sat next to my mother on a wooden pew my father had helped build, the wood, smooth and shiny. My mother arranged us, one on her right side, the other on her left. “So you won’t talk,” she said, “and don’t you dare laugh. Look, there’s El Niño, trying to get some rest.” Once my mother directed us not to laugh, it was all we wanted to do. We struggled not to laugh when a baby burped too loud, or someone fell to their knees on the wooden floor with a plop because they’d forgotten to pull out the kneeler. I looked at the altar. I could barely make out the figure of a doll dressed in a white garment, lying in a manger, hewn of
pine wood and filled with real hay, while Mary and Joseph, two ceramic figures, knelt nearby. “How can He sleep with all this noise?” I asked my mother. “Never mind about that. He’s God. He can do anything.” At the end of the services, men, women and children moved in procession down the center aisle, waiting their turn to kneel before the simple manger and tell El Niño how happy we were to have him at St. Anthony’s. We thanked Him for being like one of us, not rich and bossy and disappointed with our failures, but an infant happy with a lowly manger who needed only to be fed and changed and carried about. Being poor ourselves, we understood His plight. But unlike the Three Kings, we had nothing to offer except ourselves. After mass, we crowded into the basement around makeshift tables set with plastic Christmas tablecloths. My father bought us menudo, which we spiced up with green onions, chili, fresh cilantro and a squirt of lemon juice. Then we ate tamales, warm and tucked in moist cornhusks, and pan dulce, crusty and sweet. We drank cups of Mexican hot chocolate, champurrado, fit for Moctezuma’s own table.
By the time it was all over, Lupita and I had played with several other children, running up and down the broad steps of the church until our cheeks were bright red and we were sweating, although the night was cold. At the top of the stairs, I peered through the big, wooden doors to the altar, and wondered about all the trouble El Niño had encountered being born in a stable. Now the church was his home, old, wondrous and filled with flickering candles and statues of saints wearing festive garments. The church bell rang as we made our way back to the car. I looked up at the dark sky and pointed to the bright North Star overhead. “Look,” I said to Lupita, “there’s the star of Bethlehem!” And she believed me because she was younger than I was, and it was Christmas, and we had seen El Niño resting peacefully in his humble manger. It was only right that the star of Bethlehem had followed Him to St. Anthony’s Church where the poor were never turned away.
Stella Pope Duarte was born and raised in South Phoenix. She began her writing career in 1995 after she had a dream in which her deceased father told her that her destiny was to become a writer. Her work has won awards and honors nationwide. www.latinopm.com
¡ December 2010!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
69
¡!
my perspective on: the gift of time
By Sergio My name is Sergio Gonzalez Gonzalez and I am 22 years old. I’m working my way through my bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies at Arizona State University, majoring in social work and communications. I hope to graduate in May. I am currently working as a Vista volunteer at Golden Gate Community Center, where I work in the Maryvale on the Move program with the people in the community I grew up in. My history with Golden Gate goes back many years. I came here first with my grandparents, who adopted me after my mother passed away nearly 10 years ago. Sarah, my friend on the staff at Golden Gate, is directly responsible for my college career. She introduced me to a college counselor and financial aid officer who helped me understand that college could be a reality for me. I was a volunteer here in the recreation program earlier in my college career, and Sarah brought me along to meetings with community residents who were meeting to make our community a healthier place to live, with safer streets and access to healthier foods. I learned about the strength of our community and how people working together can change each other’s lives. Over my life, many people like Sarah have contributed to my success. My mentors are young and old. They include family, friends and professionals. They have motivated and guided me to the person I never thought I could be. They have taught me that I have a lot to learn. My grandfather taught me how to be a man. He should know. He’s one of the strongest and most generous people I’ve ever known. My grandfather taught me to not hide anything inside. His family is amazing. They’re all cowboys, and they taught me to appreciate the outdoors and the ranch and cowboy lifestyle. My grandmother has a very intense laugh. She loves our family and lets us know every day that we’re important. She taught me about protecting those you love.
For other views on diverse topics, visit our website at www.latinopm.com.
More perspectives
I have a lot to learn
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¡ December 2010!
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My mother was a single parent. She was my mother and father. When I was 14, she passed away from cervical cancer, and my 12-year-old brother and I moved in with my grandparents. Before my mother passed away, she taught me that the most important things in my life should be to take care of my grandparents and to be a good person. She gave me a job and I don’t want to let her down. My grandparents adopted my brother and me. Later, they became foster parents. Our first placement was Brett, age 6, and Peter, age 4. I didn’t understand why they would want to take on the added work, and my grandparents explained, “This is why we’re here. These kids need a good home and we are here for them.” So, I became a big brother again – for the first of many times. My grandparents make every child who comes through our doors feel like they’re home. They showed me how to be a part of a big family and recognize that we’re here to help each other. Over the years, my grandparents have adopted four children from the foster care system. I work with them and hang out with them on the weekends. Each child has taught me something new. Reyna is the oldest. She’s on her way to middle school, and she motivates me to understand how kids develop and what they need. I tell her that it’s her job to be a role model for the other kids. Carla and I work on our attitudes together and making sure that we’re respectful. JL teaches me a LOT of patience. He’s got a lot of energy and so when we go to the park, I make sure he gets plenty of running in. Daniel is very, very smart. He’s in the first grade and he teaches me how to have a childhood and be more open. My brother is another role model for me. He has two daughters and he’s very loving and caring and the person who drives everyone where they need to be. I was happy to write this column during this holiday season to thank those in my life whose interest in me and commitment to my success have brought me where I am today, and to encourage you to give the gift of your time and knowledge to someone, like me, who still has a lot to learn.
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