Pasadena Latino Forum

A mixer was hosted by the Pasadena Latino Forum held at the Pasadena Senior Center. Over 60 guests were treated to Mexican cuisine from Cabreras Restaurant and an opportunity to network with Latino professionals, community organizers, non-profit leaders and educators. The event was attended by representatives of different Latino Associations from Pasadena, including, PLEA (Pasadena Latino Employee Association) , PCC La Raza Faculty and Staff, Pasadena Mexican American History Association, Latino Heritage, Idepsca, El Centro de Accion Social, and others.

Victor M. Gordo, Esq., Vice-Mayor of Pasadena addressed the participants and voiced his support to the Latino Community. The Pasadena Latino Forum had awards for community members who have worked hard for the community. These awards were presented by dignitaries in attendance. Honorable Victor Gordo presented Pedro Cisneros who has been a member of DELAC for many years. He is dedicated to the rights of English Learners, and is involved in his children and grandchildren’s school activities and school committees.

Newly elected PUSD board Member Ramon Miramontes presented awards to the following community members:

Connie de la Torre, Jefferson School Community assistant whose help goes beyond the call of duty. Her work schedule is only consistent with the needs of her students, parents and community in general. She volunteers anytime her help is requested. She is an altruist deserving accolades.

Gloria Cantor, is a PUSD mother who gets involved with school committees, Apple Volunteer, Coordinator of Teens In Action (TIA), and is an activist working for civil rights of the immigrant community.

PCC Board Trusteee Consuelo Ray Castro, who invited the attendees to work in getting more Latino students to one of the best community colleges ointhe State of California, our very own Pasadena City College.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Anthony Portantino, our California Assemblymember and Ed Honowitz, PUSD Board Member.

Jaime Regalado, Executive Director of The Pat Brown Institute and a resident of Pasadena encouraged PLF to continue their efforts to find ways to improve conditions of the Latino community .

Roberta Martinez, Latino Heritage Executive Director and author of the recently published book “Latinos in Pasadena” announced that this year’s Latino Heritage parade’s Grand Marshal will be Val Zavala. It will take place on Saturday October 3rd, 2009. Ms. Zavala’s anchors KCET’S signature series, “Life & Times”.
http://www.latinoheritageparade.org/

Victor Cass, author of Telenovela, was present and introduced his latest fiction book publish by Outskirts Press. Cass is a member of our Police Department. http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432736903

Joe Robledo, a PCC teacher and Chairman of the Canto Robledo Memorial Project, shared information on the pending project for his father Canto Robledo, who persevered and dedicated his life to the betterment of youth in Pasadena.

Sandi Mejia, Chairperson for the Pasadena Mexican American History Association shared the current “Family Stories” exhibit at the Pasadena Museum of History which portrays six ethnic families from Pasadena. This exhibit will continue through January of 2010http://www.pasadenahistory.org/programs_events/index.html

Pasadena Marathon’s Board member and second generation Latina, Dianne Underwood invited everyone to start preparation to the 2010 Marathon to take place in March 2010. http://www.pasadenamarathon.org/

Teens in Action (TIA) members volunteered for the Mixer. http://www.idepsca.org/tia