Vida de Oro
Always FREE!
Connecting Communities, Promoting Excellence
Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 31, 2011
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: A National Holiday?
La Raza Galeria Posada’s Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead Celebration captured in a photo exclusive by Andres Alvarez
IN THIS ISSUE: * La Raza Galeria’s “Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead” * Ugly Dog Competition brings laughs and lots of fun * Juanishi Orozco: Sacramento’s Master Muralist * Six Flags: long lines, no fun * Poster of the Week...
Why not make someone’s holiday season that much nicer by either making a handcrafted gift or buying a collectible already made? All of our handcrafted specialty items are made from a variety of materials including vintage fabrics, trims and lace. Plus, you can find the authentic emery for pincushions. Join us in sewing, beading or stiching holiday gifts in our crafts workshop and gallery. Come join us any Saturday. Classes taught every Saturday...call us to reserve your spot at (916) 705-5129
Minaʼs Treasures 1901 A Del Paso Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95815 minaperez@minastreasures.com www.minastreasures.com
Boycott Wallstreet! Support Small Business I am a small business!
Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 31, 2011
PUBLISHER’S NOTE... Welcome! Feliz Dia de Los Muertos! It’s exciting to see this Latin American tradition being practiced across the nation. In this area, celebratory events are scheduled or already held by libraries, nonprofits, schools, and yes, even banks. The tradition continues at La Raza Galeria Posada where altars, face painting, and the making of sugar skulls were shared with hundreds of people who showed their support. This is also the unofficial start of the Holiday season, where families and friends have gatherings and enjoy each other’s company. It is also the beginning of when we start looking at purchasing gifts to share with those special to you and eating more than what we would, normally. And, nature brings us its own natural decorations of colors to celebrate this time of year. Hope you enjoy this issue and as usual, your feedback is always welcome. Abrazos/Hugz, Adrian Perez, Publisher info@vidadeoro.com
Poster of the Week
Table of Contents: La Raza Galeria Posada’s Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead Event .... Page 4 The Ugliest Dog Competition is ruff, but lots of fun .... Page 6 Dr. AC’s Barrio Do’s and Don’ts this Halloween .... Page 8 Deportation of Viet Vets story needs to be told .... Page 9 Six Flags: far from amusing .... Page 10 Master Muralist Juanishi Orozco opens up about his craft .... Page 12
About Vida de Oro Vida de Oro is published bi-monthly. For comments, information, or submit articles, write to: POP-9 Communications, 1901 A Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815 or email us at info@vidadeoro.com Vida de Oro is owned and published by POP-9 Communications, a private for-profit concern. Any article and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of Vida de Oro or POP-9 Communications, but remain solely those of the author(s). Vida de Oro is copyrighted and its contents may not be copied or used without prior written consent by POP-9 Communications. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.
3
The Arts: Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 31, 2011
1022 22nd Street - Between J&K Sts
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 2011: An American Holiday? From children making sugar skulls at local libraries to elaborate altars honoring deceased loved ones, El Dia de Los Muertos� (Day of the Dead) has become an American tradition. The frightful, yet whimsical skeletal pictures and figurines dressed or not in fascinating outfits like mariachi, weddings, cowboys, and even rock musicians expand the fun and fright of Halloween into a new genre. Celebrated on November 2, El Dia de Los Muertos, the Latin American traditional holiday adds a balance to the fright and gore of Halloween by teaching that death is a part of life and nothing to fear. Along with the parties, face painting, skull making, flowers, etc., is a portion that is serious and shares messages, recognitions, and honors those who have touched us in one way or another, Los Alatares – The Altars. On October 29 and 30, 2011, La Raza Galeria Posada allowed individuals, artists and organizations to create Altars to those who have passed on. Thanks to the incredible photographic work of Andres Alvarez, Vivir More Than Just Images, these are the images of Los Altares 2011:
4
Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 31, 2011
To view or buy pictures, click here 5
Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 31, 2011
Ugliest Dog Competition attracts a crowd and movie makers Everyone loves a cute pooch, but there was filled with tension as one by one,
are those who love an ugly pooch too. That was evident at the 2nd Annual Ugly Dog Competition held at Sacramento’s Artisan building. Tailored around the “World’s Ugliest Dog Contest” held in Petaluma, California each year, the Sacramento edition brought out some real competitors like “Yoda” from Hanford, California and last year’s winner “Icky.” In addition to the many pictures, press coverage, and even inclusion on an upcoming film, winners receive a trophy and a check, for differing amounts, as appropriate. But, not all pooches present were ugly. Some were incredibly cute and competed for the “Cutest Dog” portion of the event. Unfortunately, their portion is overshadowed by the reason some 300 attendees come from all over California - to witness which dog is picked as being ugliest for 2011. When the competition started, the room
6
competing dogs were lead by their master down the red carpet and up the stage where the judges were provided an up-close look and feel (yes feel). This year’s judges were: Sacramento City Councilmember Sandy Sheedy; Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna; and, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson’s Chief of Staff, Cortez Quinn. The event started with the costume competition, which many felt the gray hound twins would win - one dressed as a bus and the other as a driver. But, they were out done by “Joe the Plumber” with crack and all. During the cutest dog competition, a small fury dog won the hearts of the audience when he pounded on a baby piano. But, the evening belonged to “Hector the Handsome,” whose bear skin was accented by a few straggled hairs on his head. Enjoy the photos. - Vida
Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 31, 2011
The 2011 Winner of Sacramento’s Ugliest Dog Competition: “Hector the Handsome” (Above) who dethroned last year’s winner “Icky” (Right).
7
Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 31, 2011
TOP Ten Barrio Trick or Treat Do's and Dont's By Al Carlos, www.LatinoLA.com 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.
If they ask for documentation - run! It’s a set up! Keep a firm grasp of your candy bag. Folks will open the door, snatch the bag and slam the door, then, deny you were ever there. A "Trick" means something completely different to some people. If you hear a shotgun rack, hit the ground, let them cap the guy dressed like Star Wars behind you. Do not take anything in a napkin with a bite out of it. Don't ask plump women with hand drawn skinny eyebrows what they’re dressed as. A burnt weenie on a plastic fork can technically be considered a treat. Dressing like a cop is never, ever, funny. No matter what they tell you, they are supposed to give YOU the treat. If you can grow a mustache, Male/Female, you are ineligible.
RSVP at www.teamkj.org
8
Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 31, 2011
DONATE
AMERICAN EXILE is a documentary film about two brothers, Valente and Manuel
Valenzuela, both decorated veterans who volunteered and fought in Vietnam. Now, forty years later the Department of Homeland Security is trying to deport them to Mexico, a country they have not been to since childhood. For over sixty years they lived in the United States. They went to elementary school and played on the high school football team. They got married and had kids, then grandkids. They worked, bought homes and started their own construction business. Manuel opened a martial arts school. They joined veteran’s organizations and for decades they dawned their uniforms and marched in parades on Veteran’s day and the Fourth of July. Then came 9/11 and the Valenzuela brothers lives were forever changed. The government began checking people they believed were resident aliens for criminal records in an attempt to snare potential terrorists. They discovered Valente had been sentenced to take an anger management course because he got into a fight. Manuel’s name came up because he had been convicted of resisting arrest almost a decade ago and had paid a $350 fine. About a year and a half ago they both got notices of deportation. They were shocked. They thought it was a mistake. After all, their mother was American, born and brought up in New Mexico, and their father was a naturalized citizen. Both brothers were raised in Redford, Texas along the U.S.Mexico border and both had volunteered to serve in the military when many of their peers were fleeing to Canada and Mexico. The Department of Homeland Security countered that Valente and Manuel were actually born across the Rio Grande river in Palomas, Mexico and they are therefore in the country illegally. Confused, the brothers started using the internet to connect with and get advice from other veterans. They were astonished to discover they are not alone. Many veterans are facing deportation or in their words, “exile.” Now comes the opportunity to tell all of there stories. But, to do that, we need your support. Please take a moment and make the donation you can to make this important film. 9
Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 31, 2011
An amusement park that is far from amusing... By Ricardo Perez
Well, I was going to provide some type of wonderful story about how I recently visited Disneyland in early October to see their Halloween decorations, but I had also decided to go to Six Flags: Animal Kingdom to do the same last weekend and I actually feel bitter and disgusted by the whole thing. What started like a traditional Sunday ended becoming eventful in the most unusual way. I was preparing to enjoy another Sunday of NFL RedZone when I was invited to Six Flags: Animal Kingdom for their Fright Fest by my girlfriend who had passes. Located in Vallejo, about 50 miles west of Sacramento, I agreed to go since I pretty much thought that the Oakland Raiders were going to win against the Kansas City Chiefs. Boy was I wrong! By midday we were at the amusement park. Driving to Vallejo wasn’t difficult nor was parking, but I felt uncomfortable as we left the vehicle. Was it the unusually warm temperature? Was it something to do with my NFL fantasy team in jeopardy? I simply shrugged it off and proceeded to enter the park. Having been to Disneyland quite a few times in the past couple of years and going to Disneyworld earlier this year, I had a pretty good idea as to how these “theme parks” ought to treat their customers, employees, and the overall theme.
don’t have any “thrill rides” it was natural for us to seek “Medusa” the famed thrill ride in the park. The unfortunate thing was the 45 to 60 minute wait with the only thing to entertain us was the repeated blaring music, soft drink commercials, and the promotion of other parts of the Park shown on a 42 inch plasma screen TV. Once we got on the loading platform, another sign notified us that there was another 25 minute wait from where we were to enter the actual ride. And so the comparing between amusement parks began. Naturally, Disneyland would have found another means to appease their guests by extending lines, adding more carts to the ride, or more importantly providing cool air as it was an uncomfortable 90 degrees for most guests dressed for Halloween.
It was also at this point where I learned that most people have to use their “convenient” lockers by the entrance for their purses and other bags before they board the ride as those who did not were simply booted off and could We first decided to go on a thrill ride. not cut back into line. Bad Karma! (Continued on page 14) Obviously, since Disneyland and Disneyworld Upon entering the park, we did get as many cheerful greetings as there were children in strollers. I expected the same type of atmosphere as any of the Disney parks. I was about to be wronged (twice in one day.)
10
927 11th Street, Modesto, CA
(209) 572-2990
Featuring fine world fare (dishes, cuisine) in a casual, fun and relaxing atmosphere. We are located in the heart of downtown Modesto; within easy walking distance to cultural events including the Gallo of the Arts Center, Brenden Movie theatre and The Fat Cat Music House. We also carry many local and hard to find wines inside of our wine shop. You may contact our banquet coordinator to schedule events or your Holiday Party and to help with any special needs you may have. Testimonials: "Service & food are amazing! Everything was perfect! Thank you!" – Megan R. "The food was great and awesome customer service! Very attentive to what we needed." – Stephane V. "We love the menu changes for seasons and the variety." –Tara W. "Friendly; Romantic; Feels Good" – Gary E.
Restaurant & Bar Hours Monday thru Saturday: 11:00am to 2:00am - Lunch and Dinner with a Late Night Menu available - Full Service Bar Sunday: 3:00pm to 9:00pm - Silhouetting Gallo Center for the Arts Performances Tammy tammy@tresetti.com Paul (Wine Shop) wineshop@tresetti.com Kim (Office) kim@tresetti.com Mitchell mitchell@tresetti.com
Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 31, 2011
Sacramento Region’s Master Muralist By Adrian Perez
wall in Southside Park.
Perhaps the most famous mural in the world is
the located on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel where Michael Angelo immortalized the powerful image of God giving life to Adam. The mural was created between 1508 and 1512, yet it appears today as it did 500 years ago. Murals are a part of American cultural as well, depicting life and images as seen through the eyes of the muralist. Sacramento has murals throughout the city, but none are as profound and lasting as those created by master muralist Juanishi Orozco. His work can be seen downtown on a parking garage next to Macy’s. In the pedestrian tunnel that connects Sacramento with Old Sacramento under the I-‐5 freeway. And, on the sound
“I did a lot of learning along the way,” says Juanishi whose appearance tipyfyes that of an artist. “My inPluences, like Michael Angelo, Picasso, and Diego Rivera, helped push me to becoming an artists.” Born in the once farming community of Lincoln, California, about 30 miles north of Sacramento, Juanishi moved to Sacramento and was co-‐founder of the world renowned Royal Chicano Air Force (RCAF) in 1969. His ofPicial break came in 1975 when he joined his fellow RCAF members to create murals at Chicano Park in San Diego, California, located under the Coronado Bridge. “We created our murals in phases,” says Juanishi. “We needed to put our work up in a speciPic timeframe, and that wasn’t too much time.” Still, their work was incorporated into a series of murals under that bridge, which has attracted tourists and muralists from throughout the world. However, Juanishi’s break as a master muralist happened in 1980 when he was commis-‐ 12
Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
sioned by the City of Sacramento to create a mural on the east side of a parking garage, facing Macy’s department store on 5th and L Streets. His task was to create a mural of a “Mariposa” (butterfly) encompassing the size of the 6 story parking structure. “We started the project in the summer of 1980 and it was real hot,” says Juanishi. “It reached temperatures of 110 degrees, making it almost unbearable, but we took a lot of water breaks.” This project, which was restarted almost one-month after it was initiated, taught Juanishi the importance of knowing science and math since both were used to create the mural. “Typically, a muralist will project the image on the wall to help map it out and ensure a proportional design,” adds Juanishi. “But, we did have that luxury since the space between the garage and the store was too tight to project an image that size, so we needed to do a complete diagram one piece at a time. Once we completed the first phase, in about 30 days, we started painting, only to find out the pain wasn’t holding because of the material used to make the parking structure.” Since not all cement is made the same, Juanishi explained they needed to know the predominant chemical in the cement that was used before they could continue. Determining that it was limestone, the next step was to neutralize it with hydrochloric acid. Although this process set the project back by a month, they were still able to complete it with two months to spare. “We were so elated to complete the project and doing it with the help of Stan Padilla and Esteban Villa,” says Juanishi. “But it cost my health. I ended up getting a stroke.” Juanishi survived the stroke and continued his artwork until he was contracted by the city again to create a mural in the pedestrian tunnel connecting Sacramento to Old Sacramento. “This time we were smart about doing the mural and brought in an expert in cement,” says Juanishi.
October 31, 2011
“He taught me how to taste the wall and find out the chemical makeup of the wall.” The end result was a compilation of images that stretch along both sides of the tunnel. More recently, Juanishi has joined the RCAF to renovate the murals at San Diego’s Chicano Park, which is being documented on video for future showings in the Sacramento region. To see Juanishi’s work, visit his site at: http://sites.google.com/site/ juanishiorosco/home
13
Volume 1, Issue 3
SACRAMENTO EDITION
October 31, 2011
From the Mexican Consulate: SISTEMA DE REGISTRO PARA MEXICANOS EN EL EXTERIOR (SIRME) · El Consulado General de México en Sacramento los invita a utilizar una nueva herramienta informática, que fortalece la capacidad institucional para ofrecer la asistencia y protección consular ante emergencias y desastres naturales. · El Sistema de Registro para Mexicanos en el Exterior (SIRME), una herramienta adicional de protección y asistencia consular, está disponible para toda la comunidad mexicana que vive o viaja fuera de nuestro país. · Este sistema permite la difusión de mensajes por correo electrónico cuando se anticipen u ocurran desastres naturales y otras situaciones que requieran establecer contacto urgente con la población mexicana en un lugar determinado. · La utilización del sistema es voluntaria y gratuita. · Los datos personales de los usuarios están protegidos por la Ley Federal de Transparencia y Acceso a la Información Publica Gubernamental, y permanecerán estrictamente confidenciales. Éstos sólo serán utilizados por la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, la Embajada y/o el Consulado correspondiente en casos de emergencia, desastres naturales o circunstancias extraordinarias que ameriten contactar al connacional. · Para registrarse, se recomienda tener a la mano el número de pasaporte o matrícula consular para corroborar la identidad y nacionalidad del usuario, así como contar con una cuenta de correo electrónico. · El proceso de registro es fácil y rápido. Sólo tienen que ingresar directamente a: https://sirme.sre.gob.mx CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
Most Disney rides that are faster paced and within a minute of hopping on. My geared for the older crowd have some type of elastic excitement from the ride made my senses containment for bags and other carry-on items. beg for more, but my blood grew cold as I Here at six flags, saw the line for it’s a dollar for the next ride. It roughly an hour would have been and a half of an hour and forty storage time. So if minute wait time. the ride takes We decided to longer than that walk about the hour, they simply park and come and empty remember it for the box and take it being Marine to what I assume World Africa is their security U.S.A. The desk. Now, they unfortunate thing do have all day about it all was lockers, but they apparently the “Medusa” Six Flags Thrill Ride cost Ten dollars. animals did not I’m starting to feel that odd vibe at this time. want to stay outdoors or in the public eye for too long. I saw a single Tiger for all of We finally get on the ride. We get up to the about 2 minutes before it wanted to head first hill to be greeted with a 150 foot drop that back into its den. Lesson learned...go with would push the coaster into the first of many loops. your initial gut feeling. - Vida It was indeed fast and fun, but the ride was over 14
Est. 1983 ...serving the freshest juices and licuados in town, nothing frozen or concentrated. Our menu also includes sandwiches, salads, our famous quesadilla, fresh-ground coffee, mochas and other espresso drinks. A nice selection of beer and wine is also offered. Enjoy it all in the comfortable atmosphere of Luna's, one of this area's original cafe galleries. Or call in your order and we will have it ready for take-out. Luna's is available for meetings, fundraisers and catering your office luncheons. Breakfast is served Monday through Saturday. Featuring music and entertainment Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Dinner served starting at 5pm.
(916) 441-3931 1414 16th Street Sacramento, CA 95814
Hours: Monday: 9am-4pm, and 6:30pm-10pm Tuesday: 9am-4pm Wednesday: 9am-4pm, and 6pm-10pm Thursday: 9am-4pm, and 6pm-11pm Friday: 9am-4pm*, and 6pm-Midnight Saturday: 6:30pm to Midnight Sunday: Closed * We are closed for most holidays and Furlough Fridays between 8am-4pm
AUDITIONS IN NOVEMBER! November 21 and 22, 2011 Sacramento State University Call: (916) 278-3569 for information