La Peña Cultural Center

Welcome to La Peña! Promoting social justice & intercultural understanding through the arts since 1975.

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October 23, 2025

Immigrant Rights Defense: Spreading Power Not Fear

We saw this morning how federal agents from ICE and US Customs and Border Protection arrived to Alameda’s Coast Guard Island. La Peña –along with dozens of local organizations around the Bay Area– have been working in anticipation of these circumstances and are committed to spreading power (not fear) through preparation, organization, and collective solidarity. We are doubling down our efforts to continuing to be a space where our community can find solace, support, and timely resources, despite federal efforts to keep us afraid and isolated. Call your friends, talk to your neighbors. We are powerful when we are together, let us never forget that.

See “WHAT TO DO” information below and contact us if you have any questions. La Peña and the entire Bay Area say NO ICE, NO TROOPS!

PLEASE NOTE: the information shared here is for community awareness. It is NOT legal advice. We encourage you to seek guidance from an immigration attorney if needed. Paralegal Hotline: (510) 646-8484 | Monday-Thursday 10am-12pm | Texts Only: (510) 900-9561.

WHAT TO DO

Copy/screenshot the images below and share them with community members. Save the Active Bay Area Rapid Response Numbers in your phone for easy access. For Alameda County, the number is (510) 241-4011 (www.acilep.org).

Take Action for Immigrant Rights Defense. Attend trainings, stay informed, prepare your house/workplace accordingly, and volunteer if you’re able to!

Trainings and Volunteer Opportunities:

  • “Know Your Rights” Workshops at La Peña organized by FLPIR and East Bay Sanctuary Covenant: info and registration HERE.
  • “Adopt a Corner” as part of the community vigilance of ICE at areas where immigrants are especially vulnerable (Home Depots, bus stops, etc). Learn more here. 

Prepare your House / Neighborhood / Workplace:

  • Print red and yellow cards and share them with your community.
  • In the workplace, mark all private areas with a clear sign on the door and train coworkers to stay there if ICE agents arrive.
  • Create a written guide of what to do in case of encounters with ICE and share it in advance with family / friends / coworkers.

Stay Informed:

  • Sign up to receive updated messages from Bay Resistance.
  • Sign up for Friends of La Peña Immigrant Rights newsletter.
  • Go to missionlocal.org for local news updates in English.
  • Join El Tecolote’s WhatsApp for updates/resources in Spanish.

Remember that these are the moments where staying together is most crucial; don’t let fear separate you from the community that wants you to be safe. We are here for each other and available to hear your ideas, needs, and requests!

Always in solidarity,
LP Team

lapenaculturalcenter

Featured Artist Announcement: @zo.asis ✨ Zoasis i Featured Artist Announcement: @zo.asis ✨

Zoasis is a media psychologist who blends cello and meditative beats to support nervous system regulation and reconnect us with ancestral wisdom. Through her 432Hz crystal harp and cello combinations, she creates sonic portals for deep grounding, emotional release, and a return to the body.

Don't miss @zo.asis at our Empowering Women of Color Open Mic on March 13! 

🎟️ Get your tickets! Lapena.info/EPOCOM 
📍 La Peña Cultural Center, Berkeley, CA
One week to go. Last chance to register! Our seco One week to go. Last chance to register!

Our second Salsa, Bachata & Merengue series with @julianamendoncadance begins March 9, and registrations will close soon. If dancing has been on your mind, this is your moment to say yes to Mondays at La Peña!

• No partner needed
• All are welcome

🔗 Save your spot:
• Beginner (Level 1): Lapena.info/SBM
• Advanced Beginner (Level 2): Lapena.info/SBM2
TODAY! Lydia Mills, Flor Canelo & friends LIVE at TODAY! Lydia Mills, Flor Canelo & friends LIVE at La Peña • 4-5 PM • doors 3:30 PM
TONIGHT at La Peña! ❤️‍🔥 Clarissa Bitar: A Night TONIGHT at La Peña! ❤️‍🔥

Clarissa Bitar: A Night of Queering Folk Tradition ft. Corazón de Cedro Duet.

Palestinian oud musician and composer @clarissabitar guides us through a journey of longing with the oud and the stories of their latest album Bakhaf al Layl.

Opening the evening, @corazondecedro shares the raw, enchanting sounds of Son Jarocho from Mexico’s coast.

🎟️ Tickets: $25 | Link in bio
📍La Peña Cultural Center, Berkeley, CA
Lydia Mills, Flor Canelo & Friends: Viaje por Los Lydia Mills, Flor Canelo & Friends: Viaje por Los Andes LIVE at La Peña this Sunday! ✨

A family-friendly afternoon journey through the sounds of Perú, where Flor Canelo’s piano and Lydia Mills’ vocals come together with special guests to share regional rhythms, songs, and dances from across the Andes.

Bring your friends, bring the kids, bring the abuelitos. Come sing, dance, and share a joyful afternoon together.

🎟️ $8–$25 • Family packs available
🔗 Tickets: Lapena.info/lydia-mills | Link in bio
Ready for another night of cumbias? 🪗⚡️ La Cumbia Ready for another night of cumbias? 🪗⚡️

La Cumbia @ La Peña returns on March 12 ft.  @daviddjrabeat! 

Reminder: La Cumbia happens every month and La Peña members get free entry + more! 

Get your tickets now! Lapena.info/LaCumbia (case-sensitive)

📸: @gabbyvphotography @aube.fred
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La Peña Cultural Center

2 days ago

La Peña Cultural Center
Our next When We Win gathering brings the story of sacred Mākua in Hawai‘i and the grassroots movement for Native Hawaiian land return and demilitarization.This month we're honored to welcome Laurel Mei-Singh, writer and producer of Mālama Mākua, in conversation with our community. Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Laurel is an Assistant Professor of Geography and Asian American Studies at UT Austin. Her research and forthcoming book, Life After Empire, examine U.S. militarism and grassroots struggles for land and livelihood in Wai‘anae, O‘ahu. Mālama Mākua is Laurel’s first film. Join us for the screening and dialogue.🔗 Lapena.info/malama-makua ... See MoreSee Less

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La Peña Cultural Center

4 days ago

La Peña Cultural Center
Calling musicians and music lovers! 🪘🎶Join us for Las Mermeladas, La Peña’s monthly community jam led by José Roberto Hernández. Expect Latin American and Afro-Latin sounds like salsa, cumbia, boleros, Latin jazz, and more.Save the date: March 18🔗 RSVP: Lapena.info/mermeladas ... See MoreSee Less

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La Peña Cultural Center is at La Peña Cultural Center.

5 days ago

La Peña Cultural Center
LAST SPOTS AVAILABLE! Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Classes start on Monday, March 9 with @julianamendoncadance. • Beginners Level 1 • Advanced Beginner Level 2Links to register in bio! ... See MoreSee Less

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La Peña Cultural Center - 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705
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