Summer Update

Dear Blogspot Followers,

I have taken a break from blogging this summer, but I intend to keep up this blog during the Fall 2009 school year. I think this is a great resource for CSULB Latinos and I will work diligently on promoting any events I may come across that cater to our community.

Best regards,
Angela

Teatro Al Sur's First Performance

CSULB's theater department welcomes its first production entirely in Spanish as Teatro Al Sur performs "Nuestra Senora de las Nubes."

TAS is a theater group geared towards addressing Chicano/Latino issues on the CSULB campus. Its primary mission is to publicize commonly overlooked problems in the community and provide a medium in which students can discuss these topics.

TAS has spent the latter of the semester fundraising for their first production entitled "Nuestra Senora de las Nubes," which directly translates to "our lady of the clouds." The production pays tribute to Argentinian playwright Aristides Vargas, who originally wrote the play. This production tells the story of two political exiles who encounter one another and engage in a discussion about their expatriation.

This production takes place on May 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m in the Showcase Room in the theater building. Presale for this event is $10 and $15 at the door. To make reservations, contact Professor Alicia Del Campo at (323) 397-2477.

Image Courtesy of Google Images

Swine Flu at CSULB

With a probable case of the swine flu at CSULB, students prepare for the potential onset of canceled classes.

The student affected by the swine flu felt symptoms a week prior to attending classes, and has not been on campus since Thursday, April 30. Her roommate at the Los Alamitos dormitories has been relocated due to the outbreak.

Anthony Ramirez, a Chicano/Latino studies double major, expressed his precautions during this time.

"It's really scary having someone on campus with this swine flu," said Ramirez. "I've been washing my hands a lot."

With a large population of Mexican American students at CSULB, students are surely being affected by the deaths in Mexico due to this pandemic. Additionally, the U.S. recession paired with this outbreak has proven detrimental for the Mexican economy. Reparations to Mexico have decreased and tourism has plummeted.

Francisco Juanillo, a journalism major, has family in Mexico that experienced the chaos of the swine flu outbreak firsthand.

"None of my family got infected," said Juanillo. "They did go to Six Flags in Mexico City and had the whole park to themselves."

While the school has yet to take any drastic measures in regards to the probable case, students remain weary about their actions in the upcoming days.

For more information on how to prevent being infected, click here.

Images Courtesy of The Daily Forty-Niner and Google Images

CSULB's Lack of Faculty Ethnic Diversity

A symposium on faculty ethnic diversity was conducted on Monday in an effort to address how few minority professors are present on campus.

Keynote speaker Daryl Smith and Chicano/Latino studies professor Jose Moreno revealed the results of a collaborative study they did regarding this rising issue.

"We need to bring this to the attention of people in power so they can address this issue," said Priscilla Luviano, a senior Chicano/Latino studies major to The Daily Forty-Niner.

The findings revealed that although there is a slight rise in minority professors, the increase is minuscule in comparison to their Anglo counterparts.

While the student minority population is rising, the teachers are not reflecting that growth. "Latino faculty grew two percentage points, from 6 percent in 1997 to 8 percent in 2007, representing growth from 1,096 to 1,887 respectively. Comparatively, the Latino student population grew by 6 percent between 1997 and 2007, from 22 to 28 percent, or from 65,079 in 1997 to 99,499 in 2007," stated The Daily Forty-Niner.

Some faculty members at the meeting blamed a high turnover rate as reasons to why minority professors cease to work at CSULB. Other reasons included low pay, dysfunction between professors and high cost of living in the area.

For more information regarding this symposium please visit Duke Rescola's two part article for The Daily Forty-Niner.

Image Courtesy of The Daily Forty-Niner

Josefina Lopez of "Real Women Have Curves" Comes to CSULB

The Chicano/Latino studies department looks forward to next week as renowned playwright Josefina Lopez comes to CSULB.

This critically acclaimed playwright, screenwriter, author and poet is recognized for scripting the play "Real Women Have Curves," which was later made into a blockbuster film starring actress America Ferrara.

"I loved 'Real Women Have Curves,'" said Cynthia De La Cruz. "I wish I could go, but I have class."

"Real Women Have Curves" tells the story of Ana (America Ferrera), a young girl seeking higher education. However, her familial obligations hinder her from doing so. Her Mexican family wants her to stay home, work, and provide for her relatives. Her traditional mother also wants her to get a boyfriend and conform to the stick thin images of women portrayed by the media. Regardless, Ana stays true to herself and pursues college, while simultaneously helping her family through financial support. She even lands herself a boyfriend who does not care about her weight.



While this film has proven to be a success in past years, Lopez has pursued additional ventures in her professional career. Most recently she has been involved with the non-profit organization Casa 0101, which provides scriptwriting consultation for students in Boyle Heights interested in the field of theatre. Casa 0101 provides educational training in filmmaking, art and dance.

"I feel like a celebrity is coming to school," said Melissa Ramirez, a Chicano/Latino studies major.

Lopez will be lecturing at AS-244 at 11 p.m. on Monday, May 4. For more information, visit www.josefinalopez.com.

Image Courtesy of Google Images. Video Clip Courtesy of YouTube.

CSULB's Teatro Al Sur Tries to Raise Funds

CSULB's Teatro Al Sur is a theatre group that is currently working on producing its first Spanish play. In the meantime, they are trying to fundraise in order to better finance the newly formed club.

TAS is having a fundraiser at Viento Y Agua Cafe and Gallery in order to raise funds for their upcoming productions. Members of TAS plan on performing Nueva Trova at the quaint cafe and essentially educate attendees on what the genre Nueva Trova is. This type of music originates from Cuba and is widely recognized for its political and progressive lyrics.

TAS is the first group of its kind. It aims to produce all Spanish productions and promote intercultural dialogue and understanding for CSULB students.

One production currently in the works is based off Argentinian playwright Arístides Vargas' prior work. It depicts issues of exile and immigration, which TAS believes will open up dialogue about these topics on campus.

The showcase begins on Sunday, April 19, at 5 p.m.

Image Courtesy of Viento Y Agua Cafe Myspace Page

National Association of Hispanic Journalists Reduces Costs of Convention

With a recession underway, some organizations have taken it upon themselves to assist the unemployed by reducing prices for upcoming events.

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists prides itself on recognizing the professional advancement of Hispanics in the field of journalism. With approximately 2,300 members, professionals and students alike have felt the effects of a declining economy.

This organization hosts a media and career expo annually. This year, the event is taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It will provide training workshops for members in a variety of journalistic sectors, with a focus on multimedia. However, a decline in attendees has forced NAHJ to reduce prices for newly unemployed journalists.

Early bird registration has been extended two times, and hotel rates have dropped from $199 to $150 per night. The organization has also helped potential attendees find roommates to further split the hotel expenses. NAHJ is even going as far as providing some newly laid off journalists complimentary registration and air travel to the expo.

CSULB's very own NAHJ chapter has begun to finalize the university's certification process. However, the possibility of raising money to attend this convention has proven to be quite the feat.

"I am not attending the convention because of cost, but also because I am planning to go to summer school and work in Long Beach," said CSULB NAHJ Chapter President, Jocelyn Gomez. "Maybe if I save up now, I can attend the convention next year."

The chapter's faculty advisor, Danny Paskin, expressed similar sentiments.

"At this point in the economy of the country and our own economy here at CSULB, going to Puerto Rico, paying for the conference, hotel and all other expenses has become quite prohibitive," said Paskin.

The NAHJ CSULB chapter has expressed interest in gaining more members in the upcoming months and working towards their goal of attending future media expos.

"I don't plan on attending the convention in Puerto Rico, although I think it would be a great experience," said Nori Kato, a CSULB NAHJ member. "It would be great if the club were able to fundraise somehow so we could go as a group, but since NAHJ is really new on campus, we don't have the resources. I'm really hopeful for next year though! By that time we'll be a little more on our feet and we'll have a lot more time to prepare."

Image Courtesy of Google Images

"Todos Somos Califas" Poetry Event

In a two day event, NuyoRican poet Jesus 'Tato' Laviera will perform alongside Chicano/Latino Studies professors in a poetry slam.

This portrayal of Spanish and English verbal art will provide a medium in which Chicano/Latino students can engage in poetry as well as discuss issues affecting the Latino population with experts in the field.

Tato Laviera has dedicated his time to improving the cultural development of Puerto Ricans in New York through means of writing. He has taught courses at Rutgers University in New York, as well as traveled to various campuses nationwide in an effort to publicize unrecognized issues in the Puerto Rican community.

Additionally, Laviera has released a series of books addressing NuyoRican, or New York Puerto Rican, issues (i.e. economic status, societal acceptance, etc). All of which will be available in an autograph signing with Laviera himself during this event.

"I'm looking forward to this event," said Marissa Nunoz, a Chicano/Latino Studies major. "I don't know much about Puerto Ricans, so this will be something different."

"Todos Somos Califas" begins this Wednesday at 9 a.m. and will commence with a meet and greet with Laviera and other faculty poets.

Image Courtesy of Google Images

Ricardo Linarez Raises the Stakes

With ASI elections approaching on April 12, Ricardo Linarez is raising the stakes by proving that 'experience' is a subjective term.

Linarez, 33, served eight years in the Marine Corps prior to returning to college. In doing so, he joined various clubs on campus, specifically the Long Beach College Democrats and Community Partners Council. His presidency in the CSULB Democrats organization has propelled him to run for ASI president, despite his lack of school government experience. It is this lack of experience that gives Linarez an edge in the election.

Linarez plans to prevent further budget cuts by establishing relationships with local politicians and community members. His involvement with the aforementioned organizations would assist him in doing so.

"I feel I have easier access to politicians at a federal level," said Linarez to the Daily Forty-Niner.

Linarez also plans to bridge the disconnect between ASI and the CSULB student body.

"I am a 'face to face' guy," said Linarez. "I will hold a monthly get together where students and members of ASI will talk about any concerns, find solutions, and make annoucements. I will have one during the day and one in the evening. This way ASI reaches every possible student and students will get an understanding of what ASI does."

In last year's U.S. presidential election, Barack Obama was considered the underdog because of his lack of experience; however, his perseverence and sincere intentions to unite America reigned supreme. With similar intentions, Linarez could very well be CSULB's very own Barack Obama.

Images Courtesy of Daily Forty-Niner and Google Images

CSULB Students Brave Mexico During Spring Break

CSULB students entered the tumultuous Mexico City merely a week ago in an effort to learn about U.S.-Mexico relations.

The California-Mexico project was created to improve U.S. and Mexico educational collaboration. This seemingly untimely trip enabled students to enter Mexico during a period of drug cartel issues and allowed them to study the history, language and culture of Mexico firsthand.

Trip attendees had the opportunity to study at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City and at a Spanish language institute in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

This 11-day trip also allowed attendees to climb pyramids, attend football games, and view Mexican artwork at the Museum of Anthropology and History.

This trip was led by Armando Vasquez-Ramos a Chicano/Latino studies professor. His vision for the trip was to essentially exchange ideas between the U.S. and Mexico and negate any preconceived notions influenced by the media.

"I hope Vazquez-Ramos continues his journey educating students on the importance of California and Mexico relations — and brings a new group of students to Mexico every year with no fear," said Jaclyn Rivera, a California-Mexico Project attendee, to the Daily Forty-Niner.

A seminar will be held Friday, April 14, in LA5-149 to debrief on the UNAM trip and allow students to compare their experiences with one another.

Photographs Courtesy of Daily Forty-Niner and Google Images

Duncan Earle Educates Students on the Zapatista Journey to Alternative Development

Co-author of "Uprising of Hope: Sharing the Zapatista Journey to Alternative Development" and professor Duncan Earles will visit CSULB Wednesday, April 15, to discuss his book and engage students in an intercultural discussion.

According to Simple Living Summit, Earle has spent a significant amount of time studying issues that range from asthma on the U.S.-Mexico border to Mongolian dance and development. He has also spent a considerable amount time teaching students at a variety of universities nationwide.

On Wednesday, attendees of this lecture/discussion will be able to purchase coffee from Chiapas, Mexico through the Cafe Para La Vida Digna organization. All proceeds from coffee purchases are donated to Chiapas in support of the Zapatista Autonomous Municipality in Rebellion. These monies will then be used for educational and medical purposes.

In a nutshell, indigenous communities in Chiapas have been distressed with cases of inhumane treatment for years. In response to that, municipalities have developed in an effort to resist the state's inability to serve its people. These municipalities are typically self-governed since state institutions refuse to assist them with basic services. For that reason, organizations like Cafe Para La Vida Digna have assisted indigenous communities with donations. To learn more click here.

Students in the anthropology department have expressed interest in Earle's presentation already.

"I like learning about other cultures," said Alexandria Wright, an anthropology major. "Plus, I inhale coffee."

Image Courtesy of Google Images

CHiLES Movie Nights

The Chicano/Latino studies department is hosting a short Latin American-based film festival, screening four movies beginning Wednesday, March 25.

The films include "Sleep Dealer", "Voces Inocentes", "In the Time of Butterflies" and "Like Water for Chocolate."

This event was hosted by the Chicano/Latino Studies Student Association and was created in an effort to raise funds for the organization. A discussion will be held following the screening.

This event is free with a requested donation of $3. The films can be viewed at PH1-140 at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday until April 22. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Latinos and the Beach Legacy Referendum

With the recent economic downturn, Latinos in the CSULB community are feeling the immediate effects.

An online voting system allowed California State University, Long Beach students to vote on a proposal by the athletics department to hike tuition by $95. This fee increase would help the department construct a 5,000 seat campus stadium, 3 lighted synthetic grass fields and enhancements to the campus pool.

While the intentions of the Beach Legacy Referendum seek to improve CSULB athletics, some Latino students do not agree with its implications.

"Man, the BLR is crap," said Eddie Rizzo, an Chicano/Latino studies major. "I pay rent, bills, books, tuition and now they want me to pay for athletics stuff? Come on."

On the other hand, some students agree with the BLR, regardless of its fee increase.

"I actually use the PE building to work out, so the BLR doesn't sound that bad to me," said Mark Santos, a political science major. "It's only $95 to give our school that extra edge. That's less than a parking permit, right?"

Image courtesy of Google Images

¡Viva Cuba! Film Festival

Blaring salsa music erupted from Lecture Hall 150 as CSULB’s Cuban Film Festival screened its third movie of the semester last Thursday.

The ¡Viva Cuba! film festival was created with the intention of contradicting the negative portrayals of Cuba and promoting a more positive outlook on the island's future. While the event was more popular with CSULB faculty and staff, some students made an earnest effort to take time out of their school schedules for this noteworthy event.

"It’s really refreshing to see Cuba in a different light,” said Kathy Ruiz, an English major. “We always think of Cuba as having animosity with the U.S., but there is so much more to Cuba. It’s not all politics."

In a 2005 study by the University of Florida, the portrayal of Cuba in the media was studied, specifically in The New York Times. This study revealed that there is a "subtle signal in their lack of full acceptance in mainstream society." With that said, CSULB professors Bonnie Gasior and Nhora Serrano took it upon themselves to negate this study.

Additionally, this event was organized to begin precisely on the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. The timeliness of the event was especially touching for some students.

“I went to the Latin American film festival last semester and really enjoyed it so I thought I'd like this too," said Edgar Rodriguez, an engineering major. "And I did."

The event has two more screenings for the semester. The next film is entitled "Suite Habana" and will be shown next Thursday in LH-150 at 7:00 p.m.

Image Courtesy of CSULB Official Website

Immigration Forum for CSULB Students

Enrique Morones discussing the need to reduce deaths on the border.

Crosses adorned the Karl Anatol Center in honor of unidentified immigrants who have died crossing the border, at Wednesday’s Marcha Migrante forum and candlelight vigil.

Marcha Migrante volunteers, faculty, staff and students gathered to address immigration reform, and to provide a place where students could express their own experiences in being undocumented immigrants.

While this forum was sponsored by various on-campus organizations, including the Chicano/Latino studies department, Border Angels was the primary host of the event. This non-profit organization conducts the Marcha Migrante event annually in an effort to publicize the abundance of deaths on the U.S.-Mexico border.

BA was founded by Enrique Morones and has diligently worked on providing immigrants with the tools needed to make their journey less treacherous than necessary. For example, volunteers place warm clothing, food and water in various locations near the border during winter months.

CSULB's Latino students flocked to this event seeking more information about immigration in California and in essence, educating themselves on issues that pertain to their culture.

"This is something in my culture I should be aware of," said Pedro Briseno, Chicano/Latino Studies major. "This links me to my ancestry. I feel obligated to be here."

While the event consisted of various speakers and performers, in addition to a candle light vigil in honor of immigration-related deaths, three individuals stood out amongst the rest. Fernando Romero, Carlos Leon, and Giovanni Rodriguez are AB 540 students, as well as F.U.E.L. members, who have gone against all odds. These individuals shared their personal accounts of being undocumented, while remaining optimistic about their futures.

Carlos Leon a CSULB graduate and former AB 540 student recalls working 20-40 hours per week, while carrying a full-time student's workload.

"My father died during finals week, but I had to be strong and attend school and work," said Leon.

The hardships depicted by the previously mentioned students emphasized the growing need for the passing of the Dream Act, which would assist AB 540 students in becoming permanent residents of the U.S.

Many remain optimistic of the Obama regime in regards to coping with this issue.

“The election of this new president gives me a lot of hope,” said Rodriguez.

Video Courtesy of Daily Forty-Niner