Native Americans have been defending homeland security since 1492. The current struggle to stop an oil pipeline (Dakota Access Pipeline) near sacred Lakota land in North Dakota has brought to the attention the continuous struggle of Native people’s to defend their land, water, and cultural roots. We at La Peña stand with Standing Rock and encourage people to visit these websites to support their struggle, which is everyone’s struggle: clean water for ourselves, our children and the future generations who cannot survive the greed of corporations unless we do something about it before it’s too late.
A Place of Inclusion
Hello La Peña Community,
FINAL. 1975. La Peña Cultural Center, Berkeley. La Peña Archive. 22 Jun. 2015.
My name is Devenni, and I am new member to the community, working as an intern for La Peña. Like many who have come before me, I can say that my experience here so far has been nothing less than invigorating. What do I mean by that? I mean my time here has introduced me to a new world; a place where people from all walks of life and many different backgrounds come together and share ideas and experiences. The space here feels safe. I see all kinds of artists and performers come in and out, expressing themselves, sharing their stories, giving us all a piece of their inner talent. I look forward to the days I come into the center, I like and admire the people I work alongside. The obvious conclusion is that the cultural center represents exactly what it stands for: inclusion.
I recently read a report written by one of La Peña’s former interns, in the report she describes the history and founding of the cultural center. Built after the coup in Chile, this center has been a refuge for political asylum. From its foundation the center has been a place of inclusion, turning no one away, and upholding those standards to this day. What a beautiful thing. It’s rare to see places like this, rich in its history and political activism, still thriving. The center is small gem in the heart Berkeley, CA.
Of course, I cannot continue without giving credit to the former intern who wrote the report. What she captured in that report shed a light on the continual progress and effort La Peña makes in reaching out to communities of all kinds, no boundaries, no limits. And it is evident not only in her words but in her dedication to create it. I encourage you all to read it. Inside you will find Jocie’s (La Peña’s very own Operations and Programming manager) own experience and story of inclusion:
https://lapena.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Case-Study-on-La-Pena.pdf
Are You Food Insecure?
What Is Food Security?
Food security for a household means access by all members at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food security includes at a minimum:
- The ready availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods.
- Assured ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways (that is, without resorting to emergency food supplies, scavenging, stealing, or other coping strategies).
Here are some facts you might want to know:
These are the stats for the U.S. alone. This is why we should be concerned.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. “We worried whether our food would run out before we got money to buy more.” Was that often, sometimes, or never true for you in the last 12 months?
2. “The food that we bought just didn’t last and we didn’t have money to get more.” Was that often, sometimes, or never true for you in the last 12 months?
3. “We couldn’t afford to eat balanced meals.” Was that often, sometimes, or never true for you in the last 12 months?
4. In the last 12 months, did you or other adults in the household ever cut the size of your meals or skip meals because there wasn’t enough money for food? (Yes/No)
5. (If yes to question 4) How often did this happen–almost every month, some months but not every month, or in only 1 or 2 months?
6. In the last 12 months, did you ever eat less than you felt you should because there wasn’t enough money for food? (Yes/No)
7. In the last 12 months, were you ever hungry, but didn’t eat, because there wasn’t enough money for food? (Yes/No)
8. In the last 12 months, did you lose weight because there wasn’t enough money for food? (Yes/No)
9. In the last 12 months did you or other adults in your household ever not eat for a whole day because there wasn’t enough money for food? (Yes/No)
10. (If yes to question 9) How often did this happen–almost every month, some months but not every month, or in only 1 or 2 months?
Why? These are survey questions used by USDA to assess Household Food Security. If you answered those questions with confidence, congratulations! You’re one of the lucky ones.
No matter what your results are, we should all be concerned about the current food security issue in the U.S. Food First is having a discussion about food security and a documentary showing of Edible City this coming Wednesday (Aug 19) at 6:30pm.
The event is FREE! So make sure to check out the details here:
Free and Open to the public. Donations welcome.
Food and drink available for purchase from Los Cilantros.
In the midst of summer bounty in the produce-rich Bay Area, Food First hosts a discussion on the role of farmers’ markets in achieving food security. Starting off the evening with a brief introduction to Food First, we will watch a clip of Edible City, a compelling documentary about the food movement here in the Bay Area. The film will be followed with a presentation by two current Food First interns, Julie Burton and Erin Raser, on their research findings regarding farmers’ markets and food security in Costa Rica. We’ll leave plenty of time for discussion about how the twin goals of food security and farm security can be bridged by community efforts.
About Food First
The mission of the Institute for Food and Development Policy, better known as Food First, is to end the injustices that cause hunger.
Food First envisions a world in which all people have access to healthy, ecologically produced, and culturally appropriate food. After 40 years of analysis of the global food system, we know that making this vision a reality involves more than technical solutions—it requires political transformation. That’s why Food First supports activists, social movements, alliances, and coalitions working for systemic change. Our work—including action-oriented research, publications, projects and Food Sovereignty Tours—gives you the tools to understand the global challenges, build your local movement, and engage with the global movement for food sovereignty.
Sources:
Food Insecurity in the U.S. via United States Department of Agirculture
Hunger in America: 2015 United States Hunger and Poverty Facts
Map the Meal via Feeding America
Food Security and Nutrition via Counterpart International
Embracing the Future of La Peña Cultural Center, Together
Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal. At La Peña Cultural Center, we are taking significant action beginning this month that will be remembered in our history as the “La Peña Spring” – when we reinvigorated La Peña’s mission of seeking social justice through culture and moved decisively toward financial sustainability.
This journey will be both challenging and rewarding, requiring the collective effort of all concerned about the future of La Peña, to help renovate, reinvigorate and retain its spirit for a new generation of activists and artists. From its birth amid the struggles of the seventies, to its formation as a gathering place that keeps the fires of hope lit, the La Peña of today is calling for new leaders to carry forth the fight. With the dedication of those invested in the center, La Peña’s legacy will continue through the social justice battles of the future.
Now we are sharing with you, our community, our plans to hire a new Executive Director and launch a “Long Live La Peña” campaign. We will hold a public meeting to discuss the initiatives below on March 23 from 3-5 p.m. at the center and invite you to attend.
We welcome all who are as excited as we are to help La Peña remain a vibrant and relevant space for arts and social activism for decades to come. Join us!
Initiative 1: Hiring A New Executive Director, and Other Staff/ Board Changes
A nationwide search is currently underway for an Executive Director who will advance the impact of La Peña’s cultural and social activism, while also securing a sustainable financial base. A number of strong applicants have already applied in response to the job description, which can be found here: Job Opening
The new Executive Director (ED) will work directly with the Board to redesign the staffing model of La Peña so that it can gain financial stability, sustainability and perhaps even a surplus. We aim for the new ED to begin work by May 1, 2013, while maintaining a flexible timeline due to the importance of the position for our future.
With that said, La Peña owes an extraordinary debt of gratitude to former E.D. Paul Chin for his decades of service and his willingness to postpone his retirement for nearly a year in order to assist with urgent needs at the center. Paul has been a steadfast pillar of La Peña, who since stepping away from his role in February has been elected to the La Peña Board of Directors and has been asked to serve as President. Former Board President Carol Pierson has offered to dedicate her time instead to leading the Finance Committee.
During this transition period, the Board of Directors has named two board members to serve as interim co-Directors: Lichi Fuentes, artist, longtime volunteer and director of the La Peña Community Chorus; and Eric Leenson, one of the original founders of La Peña who has been active in socially responsible enterprise for the past 25 years. Lichi and Eric will manage affairs together with La Peña Board Executive Committee members Carol Pierson, Mariola Fernandez, and Paul Chin.
Initiative 2: “Long Live La Peña” Campaign
We are standing on the cusp of a wonderful opportunity to propel La Peña into a period of renovation, leadership and impact. We plan to launch the “Long Live La Peña Campaign” later this spring, as a concerted community effort that will invest $500,000 over the next 18 months in order to: Update La Peña’s building by renovating performance and gathering spaces and its mural façade; Support new leadership and revamp our restaurant as a café/meeting space; Support new forms of cultural activism.
Renovation: As part of this campaign, we anticipate major renovation to the exterior of the La Peña building. This will include updating our historic mural, a project that is being led by master artist Ray Patlan. A mural preservation committee is currently undertaking fundraising efforts. The front of the café area will be graced with a new outdoor seating area and larger windows that will allow more natural light in the café and lounge areas. With the necessary funds, we project that construction may begin by January 2014.
The interior of the building will also undergo significant change, predominantly with upgrades to the theater and lobby areas, finances permitting. Renovation of the restaurant area will be most notable, as we plan to open it up to be a venue for cultural events within an intimate atmosphere. The ultimate goal is fulfillment of the “Peña” concept of a gathering place that integrates food, cultural programming, conversation and good times.
Management: For this transformation to be a success, it is essential that the café be operated directly by La Peña rather than a concessionaire to better coordinate programming between the theater and the café. A revitalized café is central to La Peña’s plans for financial sustainability and vibrant cultural expression. Thus, Café Valparaiso will be moving at the end of June upon expiration of the lease. We deeply thank Pablo and Myrian Valenzuela for their years of dedicated service and wish them the very best success in their new endeavors.
Beginning June 1, we will announce a “request for proposals” for innovative business plans from those seeking to be hired as the Director for the renovated Café/Bar La Peña starting March 2014. Competitive business plans will showcase creativity in step with the spirit of La Peña’s cultural and social justice mission. With the departure of Café Valparaiso on June 30, the dining operations will experience a temporary transition period from July 1, 2013 to January 1, 2014, at which time remodeling will commence. For this brief period we are considering alternatives that would assure smooth operations for our community.
Community: We recognize that the “Long Live La Peña” campaign is a highly ambitious undertaking. We believe that now is the time for such a venture, and that those of us who are seasoned advocates of social justice will take up the demands and challenges in stride, together. We are committed to keeping you, our community, well informed.
Meanwhile, we encourage you to be participate in this historic effort:
• As a DONOR, you can make a contribution here: Donate page
• As a VOLUNTEER, you can help at the center during day or night shifts
• As an AUDIENCE MEMBER, you can attend events and celebratory performances
• As a FAN, you can follow us and promote our activities: Facebook, Twitter, lapena.org
La Peña Board of Directors
Shoutout from Julio Salgado
Earlier this week, La Peña Cultural Center hosted Artivism: We are American, an art exhibit that feature the work of Julio Salgado, an undocumented Immigrant that recently appeared on the cover to TIME Magazine. The event, which was hosted by Culture Strike and Define America, also featured journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, another immigrant who recently “came-out” with his undocumented status. We had a great night and a full house here at La Peña Cultural Center.
Here’s a video (from La Peña’s Green Room!) of Julio Salgado sends a shout out to Culture Strike and also gives his opinion on how art affect social change. Check it out!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmp5NjGioSg&feature=player_embedded]
Want to hear more from Jose Antonio Vargas? Check out this interview between Mr. Vargas and Cultrue Strike writer Jeff Chang (who visited La Peña a few weeks ago to hold a panel on Immigrant Rights), where Vargas discusses ‘a million new dreams’ that were created from the DREAM Act.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- Next Page »