March 2014
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Women’s History Month: Latinas taking charge Meet Mirtha Villareal-Younger: Deputy Secretary for Minority Affairs, California Department of Veterans Affairs The Mothers of the Mexican American Veterans Memorial
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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
From Latinas to Cesar E. Chavez ! March for SacLatino Magazine has meant paying homage to the women near and far who have made and continue to make a positive impact in our community. ! As National Womenʼs History Month, itʼs only appropriate to point out how much women, especially Latinas, contribute to California and the nation. From pioneers who first settled the Golden State to those who have served at the national level and not forgotten their roots. ! An interesting statistic, Latinas are becoming the fastest ranking demographic in the Military. Fortunately, California appointee Mirtha Villareal Yunger, now Deputy Secretary, Minority Veterans Affairs rightfully represents the increasing group of women. Her achievements and new tasks are highlighted in this issue of SacLatino Magazine (page 6.) ! Veterans, Labor, and business, women- albeit Latina- representation is critical for economic health, long term. And, while we promote education, we shouldnʼt forget vocational training. Knowing that Table of Contents not all of us are 4-year college material, there is a constant demand for those in vocations like Page 4 automotive repair. We show a SacLatino video on Guest Column: Hector Barreto, Sacramentoʼs largest vocational school, Universal Immigration Reform Now! Technical Institute. ! Finally, we cannot forget the March 31, the birth Page 6 date of Cesar E. Chavez. Heʼs namesake chapter of Cover Story: Mirtha Villarreal Younger, the American GI Forum has given us a Top-Ten list of Deputy Secretary Veterans Affairs things few people know of this iconic leader. Enjoy. Page 10 Feature Story: Latinas Taking Charge
Stephanie Salinas, Publisher
The Staff: Stephanie L. Salinas, Publisher Adrian Perez, Editor-In-Chief Cris Perez, Chief Operations Officer/Video Production Mgr TB Player, Account Executive/Video Assistant Cecelia Perez, Illustrator/Graphic Design
Page 14 Community Profile: La Familia Counseling Center Page 16 Vocational Education: Universal Technical Institute Page 18 Monthly Highlight: Mexican American Veterans Memorial
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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Guest Column
Immigrants in America: Open For Business By Hector Barreto Editorʼs Note - Hector Barreto currently serves as the Chairman of The Latino Coalition and is the former head of the US Small Business Administration. ! If Congress would look at immigration reform as an opportunity, 2014 would be the year to make significant change happen for the future of this nation. ! In January, House Republican's had taken a s t e p i n t h e r i g h t d i r e c t i o n . T h e y showed promising determination on this issue in order to achieve a more secure America, a fair and streamlined system of legal immigration, along with an expansion of the flexibility of our nation's labor force and economic growth. ! The historic opportunity appeared to be a new tide in Washington in terms of immigration reform, but there are members on both sides that don't appreciate the importance of immigration reform and it's benefits to our collective future. ! An overwhelming majority of Americans understand that the current immigration system is unacceptable, and they are demanding action from their elected officials. They are eager to see their politicians come together in true bipartisan support and get it done. ! As a businessman, I recognize the vital impact immigrants have on our economy. They come to the United States to fill jobs that are available, or become job creators as entrepreneurs, consumers and taxpayers. ! History has proven that immigrants made America what it is today. They became part of our communities, our businesses and our families. Hence, the time is now for Congress to realize that honoring our tradition as a nation of immigrants is good policy and good politics. ! Immigrants are risk takers and according to the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, "immigrants were more than twice as likely to start businesses each month in 2010 than were 4!
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were more than twice as likely to start businesses each month in 2010 than were native born Americans." Moreover, these immigrantowned businesses are generating more than $775 billion in revenue and employing one of every 10 workers along the way. In fact, immigrants or their children founded 18 percent of America's Fortune 500 companies, and generate $1.7 trillion in annual revenue, while employing 3.7 million workers worldwide. ! The time is now for Republicans and Democrats to work together, along with t h e p r e s i d e n t , o n b r o a d i m m i g r a t i o n reform. This will not only reaffirm our commitment to building an innovative workforce that can compete globally; it will grow our economy. ! Industry and skill level jobs require an immigration system that allows for a flow of experienced workers and new citizens t h a t r e fl e c t A m e r i c a ' s l a b o r a n d economic needs. For example, The Paradox of W o r k e r S h o r t a g e s a t a Ti m e o f H i g h National Unemployment found that farm workers, nurses, high-skilled manufacturing workers and technology workers continue to be in short supply in the United States. Under these circumstances, temporary workers from abroad would benefit the US economy through legal immigration in order to fill these specialized needs and respond to the labor shortages. This is true in areas such as San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA, San Antonio and Austin, TX, South Carolina and Boise, ID, says the Immigration and the Revival o f American Cities report. Immigrants and immigrant entrepreneurs have spurred local economies in
Guest Column
these areas and that of the nation with highskilled workers around the universities and research industries, the farming industry, the oil industry and much more. ! I m m i g r a n t s a l s o c r e a t e j o b s a s consumers. By immigrants spending their wages in restaurants, stores and production facilities, businesses are forced to respond by investing and expanding the workforce. For instance, a U n i v e r s i t y o f N e b r a s k a s t u d y , titled Nebraska's Immigrant Population: Economic and Fiscal Impacts, estimated that spending by immigrants generated roughly 12,000 jobs for their state in 2006. This included more than 8,000 jobs in the Omaha and Lincoln metropolitan areas. ! The time is now for Congress to act on reform that enables a legal workforce and emphasizes accountability. Immigrants are not just an asset because they increase the workforce or keep the flow of money
going; immigrants are also taxpayers. ! Earnings generate more tax revenue for federal, state and local governments. Although the misconception is that undocumented immigrants do not pay taxes, the fact is that undocumented immigrants pay sales taxes, property taxes (even if they are renting), and have federal and state income, Social Security and Medicare taxes deducted from their paychecks. However, they are not eligible for any of the benefits their tax dollars help f u n d . A c c o r d i n g t o t h e S o c i a l Security Administration, in 2010 alone, undocumented immigrants paid $13 billion in payroll taxes into the Social Security Trust Fund they cannot enjoy. ! The numbers don't lie, that is why we must act on immigration reform this year! This is a historic opportunity to come together and pass sensible immigration reform that will empower our nation with the exceptional potential we know America has. Failure to act is a mistake that will exact a price in the future for those who are standing in the way of a solution that most American's want. It is a time to lead beyond political gamesmanship and push for reform that will inspire and defend opportunity, purse the American Dream and thrust the United States back into an economic leading country. SacLatino
COMING IN THE APRIL ISSUE OF
SacLatino Magazine
MARIASANCHEZSHOW Provocative PODCASTS
COVER STORY
Mirtha Villareal-Younger: 22-year military veteran takes charge of the Mexican American War Memorial renovation As Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Villareal-Younger is also fighting for minority and LGBT veteran benefits. ! The 1986 Roseville high school graduate, knew she wanted to serve her country, enlisting into the United States Army upon graduation. She served 11 years in active duty with the U.S. Army and 11 years with the National Guard before being appointed Deputy Secretary with the California Department of Veteran Affairs. ! The Army trained and assigned Mirtha as a nuclear, biological, chemical warfare specialist, eventually attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. She was promoted to Captain, and assigned to Germany and to Fort Hood. ! Moving up the ranks, or just being in the Army, was challenging for the Roseville Latina. Not because she couldnʼt compete with her male counterparts, but because gender is still and issue in many countries, including those the U.S. is trying to help. ! “I can do anything and everything my male counterparts can do,” Mirtha recently told the California American GI Forum. “In early 2004, my 6!
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unit was going to deplore to Afghanistan and I belonged to a very elite group that trained officers. Our mission was to go train the Afghan national army and professionalize them. I was scheduled to go and was pretty excited, then I got a call, and was told ʻyouʼre a girl and you canʼt go.ʼ Not sure how they missed that in the physical, but they did.” ! Even though Mirtha was the senior tac officer, and it was her troops that were going, she could not go because of her gender. After appealing her Commanderʼs, decision, she was allowed to go as a public information officer, covering the work the troops were doing in Afghanistan. ! That experience earned Mirtha the position of Deputy Director for Public Affairs with the California Military Department. In 2009, she took the position of Deputy Director of Personnel for the U.S. Army until her present appointment last year. ! As Deputy Secretary for Minority Veterans Affairs with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA), Mirtha takes on a challenging position.
COVER STORY
The position not only has her fighting for minority and LGBT veteransʼ rights, but to oversee the Mexican American Veterans Memorial Beautification and Enhancement Committee. ! Fighting for veteranʼs benefits is based on individual cases, making Mirthaʼʼs tasks varied and involving much outreach. Although minority veterans comprise approximately 33 percent of all veterans in California, those who access their VA benefits is a much smaller number. In efforts to resolve that, CDVA and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs are working to inform and assist these veterans to obtain their benefits. This requires a combined effort of outreach and removal of artificial barriers, including policies that tend to discriminate. ! Although veteransʼ benefits are essential, Mirthaʼs challenge is to ensure the completion of Memorial because of its deadlines and fundraising requirements. ! “I am committed to making sure the Memorial is renovated,” Mirtha told the Memorial Committee. “I
have the support of the Secretary (for CDVA) and look forward in working with groups throughout the state to help raise the funding needed.” ! The Memorial, which is also known as “El Soldado” (The Soldier), was originally built by a group of mothers and wives who lost their sons and husbands to war. Originally dedicated in 1952 and rededicated in 1975, the Memorial has always been maintained through private funds. ! After several private efforts to renovate the Memorial failed, and since it sits on state-owned property, a group of veterans pushed to have the State Legislature get involved. In 2007, the California legislature established the Mexican American Veteranʼs Memorial Beautification and Enhancement Committee and housed it in the offices of the CDVA.. The Committee is comprised of seven members, five appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the Senate Pro Tem and one appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. ! ! ! ! Continued On Page 9 March 2014 g SacLatino.com 7
COVER STORY (from page 7) Its sole task is to ensure the Memorial is renovated entirely through private funds. In addition, Committee members are not compensated, can be assisted by the CDVA. ! As Mirtha assumed the task of working with the Committee, she learned that the initial legislation had a sunset date of June 2014. Together with the Committee and the Cesar E. Chavez Chapter of the American GI Forum, she worked with the state legislature to obtain an extension of the legislation. ! “At present, the Memorial fund has $109,000 all from private donations,” says Robert Ruiz, Committee Chairman. “The estimated cost for the Memorial is projected from $500 to 600 thousand if developed by as a private project. If built as a public works project, the cost would be from $650 to 800 thousand.” ! To date, the Committee has completed all the necessary predevelopment work, including the design, environmental impact report, contracting with the Department of General Services, and printing informational brochures. ! “We are committed to get fundraisers done
throughout California,” says Fredrick A. Romero, Commander of the Cesar E. Chavez Chapter of the American GI Forum. “Weʼre starting it with a movie screening of ʻEsquadron 201ʼ and continuing with other events that are fun and informative.” ! With the help of Mirtha, the Committee has already been able to raise an estimated $10 thousand and plans are being considered to do similar film screenings and exhibits in Southern California. ! On January 15, 2014, Mirtha was recognized with the Latino Spirit Award by Cafe de California and the Latino Journal. This award is given annually to individuals who demonstrate exemplary work to strengthen Californiaʼs democracy and advances Latino representation in public service. ! “I am honored to be acknowledged for my efforts on behalf of veterans,” Mirtha said. “It is a pleasure to serve the men and women that have served in the military.” ! In attendance at the awards reception included Secretary Peter Gravett and members of his staff. Also present was Mirthaʼs husband, Major Michael Younger. - SacLatino
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LATINAS TAKING CHARGE
National Women’s History Month: Latinas taking charge On March 10, 1999, the California State Legislature established “Latina History Day” in recognition of those Latinas who have shaped the State. " Unless youʼve been living under a rock, you would know that Dolores Huerta together with Cesar Chavez formed the United Farm Workers union in the mid-1960s. The fact that she has become a living legend and roll model for many women world-wide does not take away from her roots in the Central Valley. She was raised in Stockton, California and attended the University of the Pacific where she earned a teaching degree. But, after teaching many kids who attended school hungry and shoeless, she realized she could make a bigger impact by helping those experiencing economic injustices. Thus began her crusade to help farmworkers. ! “I couldn't tolerate seeing kids come to class hungry and needing shoes. I thought I could do more by organizing farm workers than by trying to teach their hungry children.” says Huerta. ! So began her work, first establishing Stocktonʼs Community Service Organization (CSO) in 1955, then the Agricultural Workers Association in 1960. But it was her cofounding of the National Farm Workers Association with Cesar Chavez in 1962 that catapulted her onto the national stage. ! The mother of 11 children, Huerta managed to have a family while continuing her activism including negotiating the very first contract for farmworkers. ! Today, Huerta lectures and manages her own foundation. She has received numerous awards and recognitions including: Woman of the Year by Ms. Magazine; One of the 100 Most Important Women of the 20th Century by Ladies Home Journal; Inaugural recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Humanitarian Rights; and, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. 10!
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LATINAS TAKING CHARGE
Latina pioneer helped settle California ! Californiaʼs first Latina pioneer was Maria Feliciana Arballo y Gutierrez who in 1775 convinced Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza to let her and her two daughters join his expedition to San Francisco. A widow, she joined de Anza in Arizona and kept up with the men until they reached San Gabriel, Alta California (California.) ! Settling in San Gabriel, Maria married Juan Francsico Lopez, a guard for the Expedition, on March 6, 1776. Her marriage certificate lists her race as “mulata libre,” a free mixed race woman, believed to be Black and Hispanic. ! Sixteen years later, Arballoʼs daughter from her first husband, Maria Eustaquia, also married a soldier from the expedition, Jose Maria Pico. They became the parents of Pio Pico, the last Governor of California under Spanish rule.
Latina brought first Civil Rights suit in education ! In 1946, Eight years before the historical U.S. Supreme Court decision “Brown vs. the Board of Education,” which desegregated schools, California had desegregated their schools through a case called “Mendez vs. Westminster.” This case was used in determining the Brown case, which had national implications. ! Felicitas Gomez Mendez was born in Puerto Rico, but grew up in Arizona and Southern California, where she met her husband Gonzalo Mendez, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Mexico. The Mendezʼ leased a 40 acre asparagus farm in Westminster, California from a Japanese family who had been sent to an internment camp during World War II. ! During that period, Westminster had two elementary schools that were purposely segregated. Hoover Elementary, which was designated for Mexicans and 17th Street Elementary, which was designated for Whites only. ! Although the Mendezʼ were successful tenant farmers, it did not matter when it came to enrolling their children in school. They were denied enrollment at the 17th Street Elementary school because they were Mexican. The 17th Street Elementary school had a manicured lawn, better text books and equipment while Hoover Elementary was a shack with no lawn and outdated text books. ! Felicita and Gonzalo petitioned the Garden Grove School Board, but were denied their appeal.
Felicita and Gonzalo Mendez
However, they continued their appeals until the District Superintendent James L. Kent agreed to allow only their children onto the Anglo school. They refused the offer since the other Mexican children were still being excluded. ! The Mendezʼ split their efforts with Felicita running the farm and organizing parents while Gonzalo worked with attorneys and other parents to file a lawsuit. Because of its national ramifications, many lawyers and civil rights organizations paid close attention to the trail. ! The key witnesses for the plaintiffs were the three Mendez children while the School Boardʼs star witness was Superintendent Kent. After seeing the children demonstrate their English affluence and Superintendent Kentʼs blatant racism, the U.S. District Judge ruled in favor of Felicita and Gonzalo Mendez and the other Mexican families. Other lawsuits followed, which eventually led to the Brown decision. March 2014 g SacLatino.com 11
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LATINAS TAKING CHARGE
Latina who was the 41st U.S. Treasurer ! Rosario Marin was born in Mexico City, Mexico and was brought to the United States as a teenager who could barely speak English and was even placed in the special education class due to her limited English skills. The placement inspired Rosario to learn the language and do well in school. She graduated from high school with top honors and in the top 20 of her class. ! Although Rosarioʼs parents wanted her to forgo an education to help the family out financially, she was able to enroll in evening classes at East Los Angeles college where she received her AA. She continued her education at California State University Los Angeles and in 1983 received her Bachelorʼs of Science in Business Administration. ! Hoping to get into a business and finance career, Rosarioʼs plans were altered when she gave birth to a son with Downʼs Syndrome. She soon became aware that there were few services for the Spanish speaking regarding Downʼs and founded “Fuerza” (Force), the first support group for children with Downʼs and mental disabilities. ! Rosarioʼs new role prompted her to learn advocacy and she visited with state officials in Sacramento on behalf of the children and their parents. Her work was quickly noticed and was offered a major role in Governor Pete Wilsonʼs administration working for the Department of Developmental Disabilities. She registered as a Republican when she became a naturalized citizen in 1984, being greatly influenced by President Ronald Reagan. ! While serving Gov. Wilson, Rosario was recruited to run for City Council in her hometown of Huntington Park and won without any real opposition in a predominantly Democratic district. She served on
the City Council for 7 years of which her last for years she served as Mayor, a post never before held by a Latino/a. It was during this time when she met Texas Governor George W. Bush when he was running for the White House. ! Shortly after his election, President Bush featured Rosario prominently and in April 2001, he nominated her as his U.S. Treasury Secretary. Rosario was unanimously confirmed becoming the highest ranking Latina in the Bush Administration. ! Today, Rosario spends most of her time speaking and promoting Latina issues and seeking support for the mentally challenged. She has received four honorary doctorates, and numerous awards and recognitions including the prestigious Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy award.
Coming to SacLatino Magazine
Vanessa Aguilar Brodsky “Everything you should know about Real Estate” March 2014 g SacLatino.com 13
La Familia
40 Yeas of resource and service delivery in the Sacramento region ! La Familia Counseling Center, Inc., is a non- profit organization serving the Sacramento community for 40 years and is now looking at growing to new levels as they shift from a “career center” to a “training center,” allowing them to expand their services to economically challenged families and individuals. ! Long known as a key resource for at-risk youth and counseling center for predominately Latinos, La Familia has outgrown its location in the Franklin Boulevard area and are seeking to expand into other available facilities to better offer their key programs that include: Mental Health; Birth & Beyond; and, Career Training. ! All three programs are essential in providing people with limited skills and ability a window for greater economic opportunity. ! With the major economic downturn, La Familia has become more of a vital resource, increasing the number of youth and families seeking their services. ! La Familiaʼs Executive Director is Rachel Rios, who works tirelessly with all the staff to ensure these services are delivered to those who need them. The former Parol Agent is not new to rolling up her sleeves and taking charge. Her experience in working in a challenging and male-dominated environment has taught her the importance of bringing out the best in people. ! “I see future leaders amongst my staff and the youth we serve and Iʼm excited about the opportunity to encourage that potential,” Rios told the National Hispana Leadership Institute, which she credits for her executive development. “It is a huge honor and responsibility to serve my community and I am grateful to NHLI for preparing me for the role.” ! One of the key programs La Familia implements is the Mental Health services which are 14!
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provided to Medi-Cal eligible individuals who seek counseling. Over 500 children are seen each year through this essential program. ! The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) urges the importance of being able to treat Latinos appropriately with cultural considerations. NAMI has found that Latinos have the highest risk for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. ! Through licensed clinical staff, La Familia offers counseling, redirective and support service. For youth ages 10 to 21, they offer home and school visits. ! “We have a psychiatrist on site plus we also have bilingual parent advocates to work with the parents directly,” says Rios.
La Familia ! La Familia also offers a First Five Sacramento funded program called Birth & Beyond. It is a home visitation program designed to assist families with newborns (0 to 5 years) to build solid parent-child foundation and direct them to needed services. ! In addition, workshops are offered ranging from basic child rearing to crisis intervention (what to do in the event of a crisis.) These workshops are offered in English, Spanish and Hmong. ! Perhaps what La Familia is best known for is providing educational and career counseling services to hundreds of children and adults through its Career Training. ! Youth ranging for 16 to 21 use the Center to seek summer or part-time employment, look for guidance in getting into college or to attain a GED. La Familia conducts regular workshops and activities to help the youth in leadership development, academic help, and higher education. ! For adults, La Familia has become an essential organization to turn to, especially as evidenced with the recent closure the Campbellʼs Soup Plant, where 800 employees lost their jobs. lost their jobs. ! “Many of those workers had very limited skills that came to use our computer lab to find jobs,” says Rios. “Unfortunately, we had to direct many of them elsewhere because they needed training to start a new job, some realizing how important it is to attain an education, even at the basic level.” ! Job placement is key for the success of this program and David Bañuelos is La Familiaʼs Site Supervisor charged with the task of matching individuals with jobs. ! “We help those individuals with resume writing and help prepare them for the workplace by building and developing their personal and professional skills,” says Bañuelos. “Once we place the individual at a job site, La Familia will cover 80 percent of the workerʼs salary for six months while they receive on the job training.” ! This is the enticement for employers to participate in the program. Bañuelos says they have many employers waiting to bring people onboard, but need to wait for the controlling partners to qualify those potential employees. ! “Our partners, the Department of Social Services and CalWorks, are
overwhelmed, but we need them to qualify applicants whoʼve come to us first before we can place them,” says Bañuelos. “We hope the process can speed up a little to make sure we meet the demands of employers and potential employees.” Running out of space ! The benefit of growing an organization like La Familia Counseling Center cannot be overstated. But, the results of success create new challenges and space is the Centerʼs challenge. ! To compensate for the limited number of available rooms at its current location, some classes are now being conducted in areas originally designed for other activities. As an option to address the need for space, La Familia has initiated an effort to occupy the former Maple Elementary school. Located on Franklin Boulevard just south of Fruitridge Road, Maple Elementary was closed last year by the Sacramento Unified School District to save money. ! La Familia proposes to share the facility with nonprofit art groups, where the lease would be divided and where the community can benefit by adding culture and the arts. ! “The site could also lend itself to not only the arts but also vocational training,” adds Rios. “La Familia and other groups are working to create more opportunities for people interested in trades, which we anticipate with upcoming construction projects, such as the arena.” ! For more information about La Familia Counseling Center and the services they offer, visit their website at www.lafcc.org. - SacLatino
David Bñuelos addresses the graduating class at La Familia March 2014 g SacLatino.com 15
VOCATIONAL JOBS
Trade Schools as an Alternative
This Month -
! We have even heard it from College recruiters, not everyone wants to go to college after high school. So what are their options? ! Well, before we answer that, let us share some facts: • The average person who drops out of high school earns an average of minimum wage; • The average person who finishes high school earns about $2 more per hour over the minimum wage; • The average person with an Associate of Arts degree (community college) earns about $8 more per hour over the minimum wage; • The average person with a Bachelorʼs degree earns about $15 more per hour over the minimum wage. So, is furthering your education worth it? Of course! But, as we stated, not everyone is cut out for more traditional schooling. As an option, vocational education could lead many to extremely well paying jobs or even, launching them into a new business. Over the next several issues, SacLatino Magazine will be highlighting some of the most successful and legitimate trade schools that offer opportunities for graduates in extremely important and rewarding fields. Let us know what you think at saclatino@saclatino.com. 16!
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! Universial Technical Institute is an accredited trade school that offers its students an opportunity to learn the various facets of automotive repair. Whether the student wants to learn just autobody repair, or to be certified to repair diesel mechanic, or a race car driver mechanic, UTI provides the classroom and practical training to accomplish personal goals. ! SacLatino Magazine was recently invited to tour the UTI campus in Sacramento and hereʼs what we learned: CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO
l ! UTI offers housing and financial aid to students who need it. Careers offered are domestic and placement services are usually with automotive partners.
By the Cesar E. Chavez Chapter of the American GI Forum
The Top Ten Things You Should Know About Cesar E. Chavez 10. The ghost of Cesar Chavez appeared to Homer Simpson after he went on a hunger strike on an episode of The Simpsons. 9. Fred Ross, Sr., was the man who inspired, trained and mentored Cesar Chavez. 8. Cesar Chavez never owned a house or a car and earned an average of $6,000 a year. 7. In a two-month period Cesar Chavez
registered over 2,000 farm workers to vote. 6. Cesar Chavez始 non-violence pledge was also practiced by Gandhi and Martin Luther King. 5. Cesar Chavez launched the Delano Grape strike on September 16, 1965. 4. Cesar Chavez was born in Yuma, Arizona, although many believe he immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico. 3. Cesar Chavez始 parents ran a grocery store, garage, pool hall and a farm in Yuma, Arizona, which they lost during the Great Depression. 2. At age 17, Cesar Chavez enlisted in the Navy in 1944 where he served for two years. On May 5, 2012, the USNS Cesar Chavez was commissioned. 1. Cesar Chavez went on three hunger strikes/fasts that brought national and international attention to the plight of the farm worker movement. The first lasted 25 days, the second 24 days, and the final lasted 35 days.
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There is only one like it in America FEATURED PROFILE
The Mothers of the
Mexican American Veterans Memorial lď Ź 18!
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FEATURED ARTICLE " " “Mothers are sacred in the Latino culture and disobeying them, or worst still, disrespecting them, is a sign of cowardice.” My Mom " In the Latino culture, mothers are the symbol of unconditional love. The one who protects when we need shelter and the one who provides when we need food or clothing. Yes, fathers do this too, but not at the level mothers do. " When a mother sends their child to school, thereʼs a clear expectation the child will return that afternoon. Mexican American War Mothers But, when a mother sends their child to war... " It only stands to reason that the pain and void of not seeing their child return cannot be filled with a letter explaining how valiantly they died for their country. This was the case for numerous Mexican American mothers who decided to fill that void by building a memorial in honor of their sons who died in World War II (WWII.) " These mothers organized themselves right after WWII and formed a group called “La Sociedad de Madres” (Mothers Society) and embarked on an effort to build a veterans memorial to honor their children. In 1948, La Sociedad de Madres found a carved statue of a soldier that cost $4,000 to purchase and ship it from Italy. The amount was challenging for the time period, but the members of the group were up for the challenge. Hosting and preparing a series of fund raisers (tamale sales), La Sociedad de Madres reached their goal and on May 10, 1951 (Mexican Motherʼs Day) the monument was dedicated. The Memorial was initially located on the grounds of the Mexican American Center, a nonprofit that
offered social services to primarily Mexican American residents of Sacramento. ! Since WWII, there were the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, where more soldiers died and so a push was launched to relocate the Memorial onto state property to better honor all Mexican American/Latino soldiers who died in battle. The push was successful and the memorial was moved to its present location on the grounds of the State Treasurers building, facing the westside ! ! ! ! Continued Page 21 March 2014 g SacLatino.com 19
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Latino Candidates 2014 of the state Capitol. Its rededication was held on September 16, 1975, which is also independence day in Mexico and several other Latin American countries. ! At the time of its move and rededication, little consideration was given to its design regarding it being “visitor friendly” and a place for visitors to share a moment. Plus, as other memorial monuments were built around the Capitol grounds, it became evident the Memorial needed an upgrade.
! In the 1980s, a group of Latino Vietnam veterans decided to raise funds to beautify and build out the Memorial. They soon learned that the State of California would not fund a renovation, and that only private funds could be used. ! They worked toward raising money and their efforts included an artist rendering of what a
renovated Memorial would look like. The artist rendition was the illustrated work of world renowned muralist and Vietnam veteran Juanishi Orozco. Although the private efforts were admirable, they fell short, and the group decided ! ! ! ! Continued Page 24
The Plaque at the foot of “El Soldado” reads: “In memory of the American servicemen of Hispanic descent and all others who sacrificed their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy” Dedicated September 16, 1975 American Mexican War Mothers March 2014 g SacLatino.com 21
Latino Candidates 2014
Is the State not making an effort to reach Latinos ? " Perhaps Californiaʼs Latinos did not get the projections memo, but they were supposed to enroll in Covered California in much larger numbers than currently shown. As of February 28, 2014, they only comprised 22 percent of the 700,000 individuals who had enrolled in the stateʼs version of Obamacare. " This insurance gap doesnʼt appear significant until you compare the enrollment number to their population size. Being 40 percent, or the stateʼs majority population, means that Covered California is heavily relying on Latino enrollment for it to be self-sustaining. But, at 22 percent, the number means it will run into financial trouble without more federal bailout funding. " "It's the only thing that has been surprising to us so far -- the higher Asian-American enrollment," said Ken Jacobs, chairman of the UC Berkeley Labor Center, which worked with health policy experts at UCLA to make projections about the Obamacare rollout in California. ! Looking for answers, experts attribute the disparity to several factors, but all seem far-reaching without merit. ! “Fears about interacting with the government in Latino households with mixed immigration statuses have held down the number of Latinos signing up for health plans,” says one of the experts. ! On the other hand, Stanford professor of Mexican American studies says the number is not surprising. ! “"If you look at other indicators of (Latino) nonparticipation in a variety of things, elections as an 22!
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example, or naturalization rates, they are lower than those of any ethnic group in the United States," Camarillo says. ! Camarillo believes differences in education and social-class levels are the biggest reasons behind the disparity between Asian and Latino enrollments, creating the insurance gap. ! In California, 32 percent of Asians have a college degree, compared with 7.6 percent of Latinos. And 38 percent of Asian households earn more than $100,000, compared with 16 percent of Latino households. - SacLatino
L A T I N A
Mexican American War Mothers
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MEXICAN AMERICAN MEMORIAL to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs Memorial,” Says Fredrick A. Romero, Chapter and several members of the State Legislature.to obtain public support. ! In 2007, the State Legislature created the Mexican American Veterans' Memorial Beautification and Enhancement Committee to beautify and enhance the existing memorial, and to secure private funding to complete the project. The estimated cost of the memorial restoration project is $1.1 million. ! The Memorialʼs design (see below), engineering services, architectural drawings, and environmental assessment work has been completed from the initial $335,000 already raised. However, the most expensive component is the actual renovation, which the Memorial Committee estimates will cost over $800,000. ! A series of fundraisers are being planned throughout the state with the assistance of the Cesar E. Chavez chapter of the American GI Forum. ! “Weʼre going to be doing a number of events that raise funds and educates the public about the
Commander. “Weʼre encouraging all Californians to get involved and help us get this project done. It is my personal goal to have this Memorial completed.” ! Donations can be made online by clicking the " D o n a t i o n s " l i n k h t t p s : / / w w w. c a l v e t . c a . g o v / MinorityVets/Pages/MAVMC.aspx or mailed to: California Mexican American Veterans' Memorial C/O California Department of Veterans Affairs 1227 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 916.651.7759 ! The Memorial is the first permanent memorial to honor Latino veterans at any of our nationʼs fifty state capitols. The Memorial is a privately funded effort and is not dependent on public funds. Any and all support is welcome. - SacLatino
These are artist renderings of proposed memorial
Above: The Memorial as it would look facing Capitol Mall
Above: The Memorial as it would look facing the State Capitol
Below: The Memorial as it would look from the top
Below: The Memorial as it would look from the Speaker’s Office
Above: The Memorial as it currently looks
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MEXICAN AMERICAN MEMORIAL
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MEXICAN AMERICA MEMORIAL
Cheers and Beers to the Sacramento Taco Festival on October 4, 2014
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