SacLatino April 2014

APRIL 2014

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Latinos, especially immigrants are the fastest growing entrepreneurs

Dr. Steven Martinez Teaching Children from Fresno to Sacramento

Watch Video Click Here

Los Angeles is proud to be the seventh of ten chapters in the national Minds Matter organization (www.mindsmatter.org). In addition to Los Angeles, Minds Matter has established chapters in New York, Boston, Denver, Chicago, Portland, Cleveland, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Minneapolis/St. Paul. San Francisco and Los Angeles both launched in October 2010.

Minds Matter is a transformative program that inspires students by providing knowledge and skills necessary for unlocking their full potential and enhancing academic performance. Minds Matter was established in New York in 1991 by six Wall Street professionals to mentor and tutor inner-city high school students, as well as assist them with applications to competitive preparatory schools.

For more information, or to Donate, go to http://mindsmatterla.org/site/

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Publisherʼs Message BIG CHANGES COMING TO SACLATINO MAGAZINE !

Hello readers! Thank you for choosing SacLatino Magazine and as you noticed we are now adding more video, podcasts and hyperlinks.

That's one thing we're looking to emphasize in the months to come, our ability to bring you not just a magazine, but an experience. !

As you might have noticed we started incorporating this component in last monthʼs SacLatino Magazine honoring Women's History Month. !

In this issue, and others to follow, we will bring you interesting and informative articles, videos, podcasts about latinos in Sacramento, the Central Valley and from throughout the state. !

In this issue, we are proud to have with us someone who was originally from the area and now works in Los Angeles, Ms. Maria Sanchez. Through THE MARIA SANCHEZ SHOW, she will share unedited interviews with interesting and powerful individuals in California. Take a moment and check out her feature this month on page 14. !

We have also added a real estate section from local expert Vanessa Aguilar Brodsky. Her tips in buying and selling homes will help Latinos in the Table of Contents region become home owners or investors. You can find her monthly article on page 22 Editorial: Latino Population !

Finally, we introduce you to perhaps the Page 4 hardest working schools superintendent in California, Dr. Steven Martinez (Cover.) Taking on the longCover Story: Dr. Steven Martinez troubled Twin Rivers School District is no easy task, Page 6 but his fresh approach is now resulting in some Feature Story: Latino Entrepreneurs significant changes.

Page 12 !

Moving forward, SacLatino Magazine will continue to be your voice. Enjoy and, thanks again!

THE MARIA SANCHEZ SHOW

Stephanie Salinas, Publisher The Staff: Stephanie L. Salinas, Publisher Adrian Perez, Editor-In-Chief Cris Perez, Chief Operations Officer/Video Production Mgr Fredrick Romero, Photojournalist TB Player, Account Executive/Video Assistant Cecelia Perez, Illustrator/Graphic Design

Page 14

Vocational Education: Priority Apprenticeship Program Page 16 Hispanics In Energy Page 18 Real Estate: Vanessa Aguilar Brodsky Page 22

About SacLatino !

SacLatino and SacLatino.com are published and owned by SacLatino LLC, a private, for-profit public relations and communications business. For comments, information, or submit articles, write to: SacLatino, 2648 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815 or email us at info@saclatino.com .

Any article and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of SacLatino, SacLatino.com or SacLatino LLC, but remain solely those of the author(s). SacLatino and SacLatino.com are copyrighted and its contents may not be copied or used without prior written consent. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.

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EDITORIAL

California Latinos have hit a milestone, now what? " Californiaʼs Latino population is officially a plurality with 39.7 percent of the total population, which many are now celebrating. But, before we raise that glass of champagne, there are some fine details that need to be shared, which could dampen the celebration. !

The California Department of Finance has formally declared that Latinos are now the plurality of the stateʼs population. However, their report doesnʼt delineate the challenges the Latino population is facing in the key areas of education, economic growth and political empowerment. If left unaddressed, the state will be unable to meet its budgeted programs and services it now provides. !

Latino Population Overview !

The Latino population now stands at 14.7 million of which 45 percent are between the ages of 18 and 24. Based on its growth over the last four years, the Latino population is projected to reach 17 million by the year 2020. Other pertinent data of the 14.7 million Latinos includes: • 82 Percent are family households; • 52 Percent have a child under 18 years of age; • There are 4.37 members per family household; • 40 Percent are foreign born, of which 12 percent are naturalized citizens and 28 percent are non-citizens; • 77 Percent are bilingual of which 36 percent are Spanish dominant; and, • 23 Percent speak English only.

37 percent will graduate from college.

In 2010, Latinos received 18 percent of the bachelorʼs degrees awarded in public universities and 29 percent of the associates degrees.

Latinos and Economics !

The stateʼs balance sheet relies heavily on personal income taxes.

Unfortunately, Latino contributions, if left unchanged, will be a detriment to the many programs and services now offered to all state residents. While the state experienced a poverty level of 14 percent between 2006 and 2010, the Latino poverty level was at 20 percent. In some counties, the poverty rate for Latinos was even higher.

With a median income of $48,000 per year, compared to the near $63,000 for the general population, it is evident that Latino income tax contributions will negatively impact the stateʼs overall economic standing.

Latinos and Political Power !

Since becoming a state in 1850, California has not had an elected governor that was Hispanic. There have been three Hispanics elected to the post of Lt. Governor, but no other constitutional office.

The legislature currently has 21 percent Latino legislators.

As communities become more educated on the role politics plays in their daily lives, the more politicians that are Latino will seek elected offices.

This development is very slow and will take approximately 10 to 20 years before Latinos are at or above parity with their population.

Latinos and Education !

Education has been a challenge for Latino youth. Between 2006 and 2010, only 57 percent of all Latinos had a high school degree compared to 81 percent of the general population.

Studies have shown a correlation between poverty and education as well as incarceration and education. Among the stateʼs general population, one of every three have a college degree, but only one out of every 10 Latinos !

You are welcome to share your perspectives have a college degree. Of the Latinos that enter, only with us by writing to saclatino@saclatino.com.

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Guest Column

COVER STORY

Dr. Steven Martinez: Teaching Children from Fresno to Sacramento With the politics and scandals facing the Twin Rivers School District, will Dr. Martinez last?

" Many have asked why a young chemist from Fresno would want to become Superintendent of one of California始s most troubled school districts.

A school district plagued with lawsuits, crumbling school buildings, low student scores, and a school board that makes local headlines not because of its educational achievement, but because of scandals. " Although it is only 6 years old, the Twin Rivers School District has been in the news more than its much larger neighboring district, the Sacramento Unified School District. From operating a poorly managed police department (yes, they have their own police) to investigations by a grand jury for budget mismanagement issues, and from a board member arrested in a sex-scandal, to allegations of physical threats of Board members by community members, Twin Rivers is undoubtedly a challenge. " Thus the question, why would Dr. Steven Martinez take on such a challenging job? His answer - to educate the kids.

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COVER STORY !

When Dr. Steven Martinez was hired in July of 2013, he was informed of the many issues he would be confronted with.

Rather than focusing on the school board skirmishes, he looked at the geographic and demographic make up of the district. Seeing that his background and skills would be a match, he took the job.

Now, nearly 8 months later, Martinez is touting numerous accomplishments including finding lost monies and tackling building repairs. !

“I looked at the district and saw it was urban , suburban and rural, a combination I understand coming from that type of setting in Fresno,” says Martinez. “With that comes community concerns that are totally different, presenting challenges of how do you meet the needs of all these groups with only a certain amount of resources with the caveat that our mission is to educate the kids?” !

Martinez says there are many outside organizations that want to support the District, but with

his core mission to educate the kids, he doesnʼt want to accept those offers until the District establishes their own model first. !

“Our focus is to not just get a diploma for our students, they should also leave here with skill sets that will help them beyond high school,” Martinez adds.. “Weʼre looking to get kids to read at third grade and be math proficient by 8th grade, and get more or our kids to college.” !

For many, Martinezʼs message and approach is a welcome change from previous administrations that ran the district, which is considered one of the most diverse in the nation. The Districtʼs troubles were made public in two Grand Jury investigation reports, with the last recommending that the top administrators be replaced. !

“Districts that are high performing are always talking about impacting the high dropout rate, thatʼs where the conversation should be at,” says Martinez.

An obvious change in the Twin Rivers School District is having the Superintendent engaged with the kids, a Dr. Martinez trademark.

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COVER STORY (from page 7) “Because until we impact our dropout rate or deficiency rate, we canʼt get caught up in other issues and take away from our core mission.” !

Martinez was born and raised in Fresno, California, attending Fresno High School, Fresno City College, and Fresno State University. He received his degree in Chemistry with an emphasis in dentistry.

As he waited to get accepted into dentistry school, he found his true calling when he accepted a teaching job in Mendota, California.

He received an admin credential while teaching, feeling he could run a school. He accepted a Vice Principal position at Leighton High School, where he was also counselor. After one year, he was offered an Assistant Principal in Visalia, which led to another offer at Clovis High School. !

“Clovis Unified is homegrown, where teachers become administrators, administrators become the principals, very homegrown,” says Martinez. “I was the first Latino principal in a comprehensive high school and an outsider.”

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COVER STORY (From page 9) !

As an Administrator for Clovis East, one of the most cultural diverse and educationally challenged schools, Martinez worked toward making changes by observing the success of Clovis West, which had less diversity and higher education achievement.

He found that by building programs around kids, and having the adults buy into those programs, the focus is on the studentsʼ growth. !

“When kids go to school, they should know exactly what theyʼre going to get everyday,” says Martinez. “When you take out the ʻsurpriseʼ variable from the equation, they have no choice but to focus in school.

Thatʼs what I learned when I was Dr. Martinez enjoys sharing his goals and history with District students. at East Clovis.” !

Bringing this experience to a much more Board of Trustees that has been in the news more for challenging role as Superintendent for Twin Rivers, very controversial issues than for academic Martinez is bringing a new thought process with a achievements of the District students. Knowing that theory of action. This includes looking at principals he is their only employee, Martinez has been meeting and finding which are getting results and which are with each Board member every two to ensure their not. For those moving students forward, they will support and ensure they move together. receive more autonomy. For those having challenges, !

“As long as I continue to give accurate and they will be assisted by a team to find a solution to quality information, they can make good decisions,” increase student impacts. says Martinez. “Thatʼs my responsibility and when !

“Itʼs really about building around kids, a they make good decisions, the public perception will simplistic way of looking at resolving problems,” says also change.”

Martinez. “Itʼs not something that I pulled from my !

Martinez convinced his Board to hire a Clovis experience because if it was that easy, we financial advisor to review a 2008 bond.

They could take what all good performing schools are doing restructured it saving taxpayers money, while finding and apply them to poor performing schools. Weʼve the money to pay for the replacement of HVAC units got to look at the community and our capacity” at Grant High School, a project that had been delayed !

Martinez says that he wants principals in Twin for nearly 8 years.

Rivers to think differently and look at data differently. !

Martinezʼ administrative approaches are being He wants them to lead differently as well to support noticed especially among elected officials who have the students because ultimately itʼs about moving been sensitive to community issues. At a recent students forward. public forum, hosted by City Councilmember Allen !

“Iʼm an instructional guy,” Martinez adds. “Iʼm Warren, attracted some 60 parents, teachers, about instruction and Iʼm about curriculum and I community and religious leaders. It provided Martinez believe in developing adults and thatʼs what will help an opportunity to layout out his vision and approaches move our kids.” to resolve past inequities, facility needs, and !

The challenge for Martinez is working with a educational goals. He presentation was met with delight, support and enthusiasm. -SacLatino 10!

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LATINAS TAKING CHARGE

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FEATURE STORY

Latinos are fastest growing entrepreneurs in the US " A new study by the The Partnership for a New American Economy and the Latino Donor Collaborative recently released shows that the number of Hispanic entrepreneurs in America has grown exponentially over the past two decades, powering the economy during the recent recession. A surprising finding is that Hispanic immigrants in particular are now more likely to be entrepreneurs than the average member of the U.S. population overall. !

As American entrepreneurship levels have dropped in recent years, Hispanics have increasingly focused on founding new businesses. In 2012, the rate of self-employment dropped to its lowest point in decades, reaching 10.0 percent. But from 2010 to 2012, the number of Hispanic entrepreneurs grew by 160,000 people. For the entire 1990 to 2012 period, Hispanics added new entrepreneurs almost 10 times faster than the population overall. !

Hispanic immigrants now have higher entrepreneurship rates than the U.S. population overall. While 10.2 percent of the U.S. population were 12!

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entrepreneurs in 2010, 11.0 percent of Hispanic immigrants were also entrepreneurs. By 2012, that gap had widened to 10.0 percent and 11.7 percent, respectively. !

“For years, it has been clear that immigrant entrepreneurs have helped grow our nationʼs economy while creating jobs and keeping us competitive with countries across the world. This report reveals just how significant the contributions have been from Hispanic immigrants,” said John Feinblatt, Chairman of the Partnership for a New American Economy. “Hispanic entrepreneurs are now

FEATURE STORY playing an outsized role in business creation and powering our economy when we need them the most.

We need to pass immigration reform now to spur even more entrepreneurship and keep our economy strong.” !

In recent decades, the number of Hispanic entrepreneurs has grown exponentially. From 1990 to 2012, the number of Hispanic entrepreneurs in America more than tripled, going from 577,000 to more than 2.0 million. This surge far outstripped population growth among the working-age Hispanic American population. It also dwarfed the growth in the number of selfemployed non-Hispanics during that period, which grew by just 14.0 percent —roughly one eighteenth as fast as the Hispanic rate. !

H i s p a n i c immigrants, particularly those from Mexico, played a key role in this growth.

Between 1990 and 2012, the number of Hispanic immigrant entrepreneurs more than quadrupled, going from 321,000 to 1.4 million. At the same time, the number of selfemployed Mexican immigrants grew by a factor of 5.4, reaching 765,000. Entrepreneurship became so established among Mexican immigrants that by 2012 more than one in 10 such immigrants was an entrepreneur. !

“Most Americans remember the battle cry, ʻDamn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!ʼ But only a few know those famous words were uttered by an American Hispanic, David Farragut – Americaʼs first full admiral, at the Battle of Mobile Bay during the U.S. Civil War – whose father also fought in the American Revolution,” says Sol Trujillo, Chairman of the Latino Donor Collaborative. “Indeed, American Hispanics

have made major contributions to this nationʼs wealth and well-being from the beginning of the Republic – and not just in the military but also in sports, entertainment, politics, and business. Now, with this

report, we confirm that Americaʼs Hispanic entrepreneurs are driving business formation and new job creation throughout Americaʼs new economy. The next step is to make sure each of these entrepreneurs can be a citizen of the U.S. Full speed ahead, indeed.” !

Hispanic entrepreneurs helped power the economy during the recent recession. While entrepreneurship rates among non-Hispanic, U.S.born individuals dropped during the decade that included the recent recession, the number of Hispanic ! ! ! !

Continued Page 14 April 2014 g SacLatino.com 13

The MARIA SANCHEZ Show

The www.mariasanchezshow.com

Caught in the Web of Migratory Work A 35-year career in the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), Michael G. Harpold visits with Maria about the mid 60ʼs when he had the opportunity to meet Cesar Chavez, president of the National Farm Workers Association and their continued relationship.

Author of, “Jumping the Line”, Mike holds a bachelorʼs degree from California State University, Fresno and attended Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco. Click here for Mikeʼs website.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW HERE

FEATURE STORY: From Page 13 entrepreneurs grew by 71.5 percent. That made a notable difference on the U.S. unemployment rate: If the 581,000 Hispanic immigrant entrepreneurs who created businesses from 2000 to 2010 were instead unemployed in 2010, the unemployment rate would have been 0.4 percentage points higher, topping 10 percent. !

The Hispanic entrepreneurs who contributed to the U.S. in recent years did so even though they received fewer financial rewards than their nonHispanic counterparts. This was true before the recession, but in more recent years, the Hispanic earnings gap has only worsened. In 1990, self14!

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employed Hispanics on average earned almost 25 percent less than their non-Hispanic peers. By 2000, that gap had widened to 30.4 percent, and by 2012, Hispanic entrepreneurs were earning 43.1 percent less than the average non-Hispanic entrepreneur. Although in 1990 and 2000 all of this gap could be explained by observable characteristics like hours worked per week, education level, or language proficiency, in both 2010 and 2012, Hispanics overall were earning less than such traits would lead us to expect. !

For more information about the study and to see the comparative charts, visit the Partnership for a New American Economy website at www.renewoureconomy.org. - SacLatino

HIGHER EDUCATION

Latinos outpace Whites into UC Campuses Central Valley campuses see the change also. !

The University of California has released their the first time Latino admissions outnumber White preliminary admission data showing a significant admissions, a milestone reflective of their dominance growth in Latino admissions for the fall of 2014. For in the stateʼs population. !

With a population of over 15 million, Latinos are the plurality in California.

But, a challenging statistic is the 50 percent public school dropout rate that will create a significant economic drawback if left unchanged. The dropout rate is especially impacting Latino males.

“Itʼs refreshing to see large numbers of Latinos applying and getting accepted into the UC System,” says Maria Soto a public school teacher in Marysville, CA. “Our challenge is to keep Latino students interested and motivated in elementary and secondary schools - teaching them to read by third grade and getting parents more involved.”

The admissions data is an indicator that Latinos want to go to college, This is significant since higher education is tied to higher paying jobs, a key to ensure the stateʼs overall future economic status.

The data also puts a damper to those whoʼve been seeking to r e i n s t a t e a f fi r m a t i v e a c t i o n programs for college admissions. through a constitutional amendment.

Some legislators disagree and state they will seek the constitutional amendment regardless of the data. SacLatino April 2014 g SacLatino.com 15

VOCATIONAL JOBS

Sacramento Kings offer construction apprenticeship program By: Stephanie Salinas !

Kunal Merchant, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the Sacramento Kings sat down with SacLatino and few other media groups to emphasize the city, as well as the Kings,ʼ effort to ensure underserved communities are given priority through what is known as an Apprenticeship Program. !

Folks seeking a career in the construction industry or contribute to the construction of the Sacramento Kings Arena come Fall 2014, now is the time. !

Merchant said, “This is a great opportunity because of the visibility of the project to educate people who are unemployed, underemployed, economically disadvantaged but really wants a good career.” !

This program was created by securing partnerships with Sacramento Employment and Training Agency, or SETA, La Familia Counseling Center, The Urban League, and many more. !

In addition, Merchant stated, “What we have been focused on is making sure that everybody in Sacramento from all walks of life has a chance to benefit and be touched by this project. And that starts with the jobs.” !

The Apprenticeship Programs begin with the partnerships to reach out and engage members of the community who are in low-income areas locally. This focuses especially in the Latino, African American and API communities. !

Once obtaining a position, training and the opportunity to work on the project is given. However, apprentices must also do their part in maintaining their position.

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"Everything is competitive. Everybody who gets to work on this project will have to compete for and earn that position. That goes for business, who's trying to get a contract and goes for a worker who's trying to keep his job," said Merchant. !

Approximately one-fifth of the $270 million of the constructionʼs budget will be allocated for the program. On site, the number of construction workers ranges 1,200-1,500 held at any point time throughout the project. !

Ultimately, Merchant said, “This is a chance to get them into a pipeline to the middle class through the apprenticeship program.” !

For information on how to get started with the arena apprenticeship program contact SETA via phone: (916) 263-3800

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Hispanics In Energy

A touring symposium about jobs in the energy sector Department of Labor experts are predicting thousands of good paying jobs can me had in energy. The task is to let everyone know about them so they and their children can prepare. !

When people think about energy jobs, what comes to mind are engineers and scientists and not truck driver or labor type jobs. Yet, these are all essential to keep the energy industry going. !

Energy jobs today require vocational education or training to office and administrative support, to college degrees in information technology, topography, geology, hydrology, and even road making. !

"We're trying to let the communities know that there is a wonderful opportunity in the energy sector," said Jose Perez, Chairman and CEO of Hispanics In Energy (HIE.) "Whether it is oil and natural gas or solar or wind, we want the community to take a look at these jobs and see how they can prepare, look at the resources available and enter the job market." !

HIE, together with the American Association of Blacks in Energy, are taking there message to key corners of the nation where energy jobs are more prevalent. !

The touring symposium stopped in Californiaʼs oil producing community of Bakersfield. This city and region offer mostly agricultural jobs, which are low paying and seasonal. It is also home to thousands of Latino families that live at or below the poverty line. !

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LeDoris “Dot” Harris, Director, Office of Economic Impact and Diversity, U.S. Energy Department

frankly are impoverished and then have them transform through good jobs," said Perez. “These include truck drivers, welders, and construction workers.” !

"For minorities it really does give a unique opportunity. The energy industry itself really does drive the American economy, and it drives the global economy, and what we've seen in the last year to 18 months is tremendous growth in this industry and a shift in demographic trends in this country with an increasing minority majority," explained Paula Jackson, President and CEO of American Association of Blacks in Energy.

HISPANICS IN ENERGY !

Concerned with the need to fill perhaps millions of jobs across the nation due to retirements and industry growth, energy companies are pushing to develop their future workforce. !

"This is the time,” says Jackson. “If we don't do it now it's going to pass us by, and I don't know if you can recover from that.” !

Keynote speaker for the symposium was U.S. Department of Energyʼs Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity LeDoris “Dot” Harris. !

“We need a swat team approach to solve our energy challenges,” Harris told the attendees, comprised of recruiters, academicians, demographers, and various nonprofits. “Businesses that want to stay successful have no choice but to develop minority talent.” !

Harris is referring to the poor representation of Hispanics and African Americans in the energy industry. Both comprise less than 9 percent, of the to grow, it could potentially add and additional one industryʼs workforce, respectively, yet combined million jobs. comprise nearly 30 percent of the nationʼs total pop!

“The job opportunities could really expand especially in the economically starved Central Valley,” adds Perez. “With the growth of solar and fossil fuel in this region, it will transform many ag communities economically where we would also see the growth of affinity type businesses.” !

In 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown signed the first law of its type to allow hydraulic fracturing by petroleum companies on a region known as the Monterey Shale. It encompasses much of the Central Valley, from Modesto to Bakersfield, and could produce tens of thousands of new jobs along with enough gas and oil to stop Americaʼs dependence on oil from the Middle East. !

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is not a new method of extracting gas and oil from shale rock deep beneath the earth.

It has been in practice for decades. What is new is their ability to drill in right angle, making it easier and less expensive to extract the oil. !

Recently, it has become a political issue, with J. Michael Treviño, Energy Advisor the stateʼs democratic party pushing for a moratorium ulation. on fracking until it is deemed safe. Unfortunately, !

The challenges for the industries are also very there is no independent scientific proof that has real, especially in the science, technology, engineering determined it to be unsafe, especially considering it is and math (STEM) fields. Since Latinos are the fastest being practiced in other parts of the nation and world. growing and youngest population segment in the U.S., !

“We are environmentally conscience and look industry and government will need to improve their to hire trained engineers and scientists who monitor inclusion and educational attainment to fill future and assess a pipelineʼs integrity,” says J. Michael STEM jobs. It is estimated that retirements alone will Treviño, advisor to the petroleum industry. “We also create nearly one million job opportunities in California look for semi-skilled people like administrators and over the next 10 years. When energy industries begin welders.” - SacLatino April 2014 g SacLatino.com 19

LATINO CANDIDATES 2014

Two vie for Yolo County Supervisor Seat Norma Alcala is an advocate and educator who has a knack for solving problems and selflessly helping those in her community.

Norma has had a long career in state service, she has served in several legislative offices as well as the executive branch. As a community member she has devoted her life to serving others and bringing people together to address neighborhood priorities.

Norma is a mother, a wife and a daughter who understands the difficulties of raising a family in our community. As a longtime resident of Yolo County Norma has witnessed the highs and lows of the county, she understands the issues and needs of fellow residents. She is committed to working together to create lasting solutions that benefit families, communities and local businesses.

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For the past 14 years Mr. Oscar Villegas has served as Council Member for the City of West Sacramento. In November 2011 Mr. Villegas was chosen by his peers to serve his fourth term as the Mayor Pro Tem. As a member of the City Council he also serves as a Board Member to the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District, Vice Chair of the West Sacramento Port Authority, Vice Chair of the Yolo County Transportation District, and founding Member and Chair of the Universal Preschool Program for West Sacramento. !

Oscar Villegas currently works for the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) as a Field Representative in the Corrections Planning and Programs Division implementing California's public safety realignment efforts. Prior to joining BSCC, Mr. Villegas served as Project Director of Californiaʼs Access to Recovery Effort, a Presidential initiative offering vouchers to youth for substance abuse services. Prior to this Mr. Villegas was appointed by two different California Governor's to serve as Deputy Director of the Governorʼs Mentoring Partnership Program. Between 2002 and 2003 while with the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) he managed the Office of Drug Court Programs and worked the Licensing and Certification Unit. !

Mr. Villegas has been married for 21 years to Katie Villegas, currently a trustee for the Washington Unified School District, and they have two beautiful children, Elena and Vince.

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Latino Candidates 2014

Active community involvement sets this State Assembly candidate apart !

Suzette Martinezʼs passion to serve her community is driven by a sense of personal responsibility to make her community better for her family, friends and neighbors. She believes that the foundation of upward mobility is derived from having access to a quality education and will fight for this right in Sacramento. !

Since her first public service role as Miss San Fernando in 2001, she has dedicated her time and skill to motivating and mobilizing women, youth and Latinos to be active participants in their communities and in the American political process. !

For the past several years, Suzette has been an Early Childhood Education proponent fighting for access to quality preschool for the children of Californiaʼs 36th Assembly district. Aside from ensuring that children have access to a sound educational foundation, the most rewarding part of her job is providing parents with the knowledge and resources to advocate for their children and community. !

Suzette empowers parents, helping them understand that the most important thing they can do to support their child's educational future is to be engaged in the process; from homework to school board meetings. !

Suzetteʼs time spent working in the community with parents, teachers, principals, and community stakeholders has taught her that there are serious problems within California's education system. These problems are a direct result of a broken Sacramento driven by failed leadership and bad policy.

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Suzette has decided to take her own advice and speak up for what is right for her family, community and state. !

Prior to her work in early childhood education, Suzette was the District Office Manager for United States House Armed Services Chairman, Howard P. “Buck” McKeon. During her tenure she worked with and advocated for the Congressmanʼs Antelope Valley Hispanic Advisory Committee, the Santa Clarita Valley Hispanic Advisory committee, the Young Professionalʻs Committee and co-organized the Congressmanʼs first two Womenʼs conferences.

Over the years Suzetteʼs commitment to advocating for the Latino communityʼs advancement in business, education and the electoral process has remained steadfast. She has played an intricate roll in chartering over six Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHA) chapters across Southern California. And until this past January she served as Vice Chair of the California RNHA. Suzette currently sits on the board of directors for the SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce. !

In 2010, as a result of her dynamic community and professional leadership, she was acknowledged by the Santa Clarita Valley Business Journal as one of the Valleyʼs most influential young leaders and received the “40 Under Forty” honor.

For more information about Suzette, visit her website at www.suzettemartinez.com.

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NEW SECTION: REAL ESTATE TIPS

Ask Vanessa, Your Real Estate Insider!

Thank you for joining me on SacLatino Magazine’s new feature section on real estate. My name is Vanessa Aguilar Brodsky and I work for Powerhouse Real Estate Realtor (BRE #01873405.) I’ve been working with buyers and sellers throughout the Sacramento region and bring great and useful knowledge about real estate to all of you, especially first-time homebuyers. Each month I will be sharing tips and information to either buy or sell a home. Powerhouse-RE.com

Springtime Tips to Help Sell Your Home! !

Spring is here and if you have been thinking about selling, this is the perfect time to get started.

Getting your home ready to sell can be easier than expected; surprisingly, there are many things that a Seller does NOT have to do for their home to be ready! There are also many ways to make your home look fresh and ready for its new owner without having to dig deep into their pockets.

DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects are one easy way to spruce up your home with low out-of-pocket cost – painting, de-cluttering, etc… Things like roofing, electrical, plumbing (very specialized) should be done with a licensed contractor. Do your research when hiring a contractor to make sure they are fully licensed and up to date as well. To check their license, visit www.cslb.ca.gov.

1. Removing “Popcorn” ceilings: This process was common in homes build from 1950-1980 and it gives a dated look to homes which most new buyers do not like. Removal and retexturing of popcorn ceilings can take time and patience, but it truly is “sweat equity”... in the end it will add value and sale ability to your home. Have the new texture applied by a professional. As a safety measure and before you begin: If the home was built before 1979 with popcorn ceilings, hire a professional have it tested for asbestos. HDTV has great step by step instructions on DIY popcorn ceiling removal: http://www.hgtv.com/ home-improvement/how-to-remove-a-popcorn-ceiling/index.html

2. Floors: Just because you have to look down to see them doesnʼt mean that they arenʼt important. New Buyers focus highly on the floors of a potential home as this can be an unexpected expense for them if they are old, worn or just not functional. An easy way to prevent this from becoming an issue is to DIY; steam clean all carpets, wood floors and tile. Taking care of the floors in your home will be money well spent as it will not only provide a clean feel to the home but also leave home smelling nice and clean.

3. Landscaping: Landscaping is a big factor in curb appeal; make sure lawn is mowed, weeds are removed, prune any trees or bushes as well.

Platting flower beds is also an inexpensive way to add color and appeal.

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Mexican American War Mothers

Sacramento National Latino Peace Officers Association 2014 Scholarships - April 4th, 2014, Sacramento Municipal Utility District Conference Center

Scholarship recipients and Officers of the Sacramento NLPOA

Recipient Jessica Saldana

Recipient Teryn Caruso

Recipient Krysta Wanner

Recipient Xinna Chen

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REAL ESTATE TIPS (From page 22) 4. Fresh paint. A new coat of fresh paint will improve the look of your home and give it that fresh, clean (new) feel. Interior is a great start adding a new coat of exterior paint also gives your home a great facelift. Remember that when selling your home choosing neutral colors is the best option; this will appeal to a wider range of buyers.

5. De-clutter, organize & deep clean home: This is one of the most inexpensive ways that a seller can give their home a new look without spending much money. When buyers are looking at a home they want to visualize their own furniture and their family living there; when a home is cluttered this can cause their minds to clutter and turn them off from purchasing. Clear counters, remove superfluous pictures, start packing!!

Walking into a clean, organized home provides a clear vision of the possibilities that a new owner can have.

6. FINALLY, make sure your entry porch is appealing and free of spider webs, the doorbell works, and your home smells welcoming. I recommend cinnamon or vanilla.

Always remember to make your home look welcoming for potential new buyers, a clean unclutter home will be more appealing to new homeowners.

Have any questions regarding Real Estate? Ask Vanessa can help….Send us your questions! Vanessa@Powerhouse-RE.com

l Above: The Memorial The Sacramento Kings have launched a new program to create career opportunities for low-income and as it currently looks disadvantaged individuals in the construction of the new downtown entertainment and sports complex (ESC). Through the program, the Kings and our partners will recruit, train and deploy at least 70 “Priority Apprentices” to help build the ESC. To qualify for the program, an individual must meet the criteria as either a “Priority Worker” or live in a “Priority Zip Code”: 24!

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MEXICAN AMERICAN MEMORIAL

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Magazine is your key vehicle to reach California Latinos... “SacLatino Magazine brings attention to big issues, separating what is important from what is not. It explains confusing and misleading information into factual knowledge. And, provides a wealth of thought provoking topics in exceptionally well written articles complimented with stunning photography. “ ! ! ! ! ! !

- Stephanie Salinas, Publisher, SacLatino

Commit to one-year of advertising and receive up to 30 % discount on regular prices!

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MEXICAN AMERICA MEMORIAL

Cheers and Beers to the Sacramento Taco Festival on October 4, 2014

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