ARIZONA EDITION
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JULY 2012
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Journal of the American Latino Dream
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Volume 8
{July 2012}
Issue 11
26
Born (or raised) in the U.S.A.
Millennials and DREAMers work for rights and recognition as Latinos and as patriotic Americans
One Arizona
Focused on the Latino civic engagement experience
42
7 8
From the editor
On civic engagement and patriotism
¿Será posible?
Goldwater defends fishes’ right to work; DC and Marvel vie for gay cred in world of superheroes
21 The Rincón del arte myriad roles of 15-year-old Zoe Zamora 27 Tammy Movin’ up Valdez to serve on YWCA Board of
Directors; Valle del Sol’s Profiles of Success Hispanic Leadership awardees; Phoenix Business Journal’s 2012 40-under-40; ASU grads headed for Harvard; BLI graduates
12 LP journal Talk-show queen, Saralegui, pitches for
Obama’s re-election; David Ortega’s bid for Maricopa County Supervisor; McCain Foundation funds International Leadership Institute at ASU
14 Activist, Vibe Dolores Huerta, receives Presidential
Medal of Freedom; tribute to Cuban musicians to air on PBS; new Park Service publication on Hispanics and the Civil War; bird feeders for sale at MADE; campaign for national Hispanic museum at Smithsonian continues
15
Latina still standing
Judy Robles’ fight for her children’s futures
31 33
Entrepreneur
Small business owners networked and mingled at the LPM Entrepreneur Showcase
Briefcase
Latino business owners bolster Local First Arizona movement; unemployment high for those without college degrees; the Latino income gap
37 Those who serve National guardsman, Capt. Patrick Camuñez
39 FosterEd Education initiative funded to improve education for Arizona’s foster children; EMCC’s SW Skill Center’s new Industrial Electronics Technology Program; Cronkite School hosts high school journalism programs
43 Health Easy remedies for sun-baked scalps 46 Time out Stay – and play – indoors! 49 P.S.
A tribute to Ambassador Raúl Yzaguirre
50 My perspective ... on making ends meet in Arizona:
Gabriela Cervantes analyzes the logic of the Self-Sufficiency Standard
Coming in August: Fall arts preview latinopm.com
¡ July 2012!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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We’ve moved to downtown Phoenix, but our commitment to civic-minded leadership is right where it’s always been.
Come experience our innovative learning environment fi rsthand at 1 North Central Avenue, or visit www.phoenixlaw.edu for more details.
¡! from the executive editor
July 2012
Patriotism – 2012 style By Cecilia Rosales, Ph.D.
Publisher/CEO Ricardo Torres Executive Editor/COO Cecilia Rosales, Ph.D. Copy Editor Virginia Betz Art Director Jorge Quintero Contributing Writers Catherine Anaya, Diana Bejarano, Erica Cardenas, Gabriela Cervantes, Dan Cortez, Ruben Hernandez, Jonathan Higuera, Robrt L. Pela, Stella Pope Duarte Director of Sales and Marketing Carlos Jose Cuervo Advertising Account Executives Grace Alvarez and Barry Farber Webmaster QBCS Inc.
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www.latinopm.com P.O. Box 2213 Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 602-277-0130 Advertising: sales@latinopm.com Editorial: editor@latinopm.com Design: art@latinopm.com
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For home or office delivery, please send your name, address, phone number, and a check for $24 to Latino Perspectives Magazine at the address above. Subscriptions also available for credit-card purchase by calling 602-277-0130. Visit latinopm.com/digital for a free digital subscription. Latino Perspectives Magazine is published 12 times a year and is selectively distributed throughout Arizona. The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted by Latino Perspectives Media, LLC, all rights reserved, and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
The weather forecast calls for hot and hotter days ahead. As of press
time, the National Weather Service had issued an excessive heat warning for south central Arizona, including the Greater Phoenix area. But, despite the scorching heat, there are plenty of reasons to remain grateful. As our neighbors in Colorado Springs continue to fight the most devastating wildfire in Colorado’s history, here in the Grand Canyon State, fire crews have been able to contain the wildfires in the Coronado National Forest. If you are planning a camping trip this summer, remember there are no fireworks allowed in federal public lands at any time. Given the current weather conditions, depending on your destination, it is also a good idea to check warnings and restrictions on the state or national parks websites. If you are staying put, but would still like to explore new recreational opportunities, in this month’s Time Out, Virginia Betz has compiled some fun options to choose from – indoor skydiving, anyone? While common sense indicates that most contact and extreme sports require the use of protective head gear to keep our noggins safe, few of us ever pay attention to the skin covering it. In Health, Robrt Pela outlines why you should be paying attention to your scalp and some tips to keep it healthy and in top shape. This month’s editorial lineup also includes a feature by Ruben Hernandez on civic-minded and politically-engaged Latino youth. As political theorists and political psychologists continue to research the causal relationship between civic engagement and patriotism, these young leaders’ love for country and community is self-evident, as manifested through their community service and engagement. Through my work in the community and as an instructor at a local community college, I’ve been fortunate to meet driven, young and dedicated people like the ones interviewed by Hernandez. People like Jacqueline Sandoval, 25, whose love of country have instilled a desire to see our communities do better. Since she was in high school, Jackie has been registering people to vote; she’s certified through the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and, in 2008, she served as the Phoenix director for the youth vote of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project. She also interned with the Obama campaign and with congressman Ed Pastor’s office. Recently, Sandoval was successful in her bid to be elected as a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention. She was one of 46 delegates selected state-wide at the Arizona Presidential Caucus, and will represent the 2nd Congressional District in Charlotte, North Carolina, in September. In her candidacy speech, Jacqueline pledged her commitment to be of service and a voice for Arizona! Happy Fourth ... and fifth ... and sixth ...!
Editorial mission statement
Latino Perspectives creates community, cultivates c u lt ural pr ide and provokes, challenges and connec ts L at inos who are def ining, pursuing, a nd ac h iev i n g t he A me r ic an L at i no D re a m .
Your thoughts? Tell us what you think. Send your thoughts to editor@latinopm.com
Latino Perspectives welcomes feedback from readers regarding published stories or topics of interest. Please include your name and phone number. Mail letters to Editor, Latino Perspectives, P.O. Box 2213 Litchfield Park, Az. 85340. Or, email letters to editor@latinopm.com. latinopm.com
¡ July 2012!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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¡! ¿Será posible?
Something’s fishy By Robrt Pela
Among the stranger beauty
treatments gaining popularity in the U.S. is “spa fish” therapy, a form of pedicure that gives some people the creeps and gave a local public policy organization something odd to do in court recently. In April, the Goldwater Institute, a Phoenix-based conservative research organization, argued that the current ban on this oddball treatment is unconstitutional, and that the county is hindering the well-being of Cindy Vong, a Vietnamese immigrant who offered the fishy toe service for a few years. Vong opened her La Vie Nail Salon in Gilbert in 2006, and began offering “spa fish” treatment a couple of years later. For thirty bones, a salon customer could dip their feet into a bucket full of Chinese Garra rufa fish, a particularly voracious strain of toothless carp, which would eat
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Cancer diagnosis.
away the dead skin around the customer’s cuticles and heels. Okay. Gross. Right? The treatment has been popular in Asia since the 19th century, and is currently legal in five states including Ohio and Delaware. However, it has been banned in 14 other states, including Arizona. But, recently, the Goldwater Institute argued in Maricopa County Superior Court that the ban, instituted by the Arizona Board of Cosmetology, is unconstitutional. And Vong is arguing that the safety protocols she instituted – cleaning feet with antibacterial gel, inspecting customer’s dogs for cuts and abrasions – were enough to keep customers safe from potential infections from sick fish. “Cindy Vong has a right to earn an honest living, and the Board has no
business shutting down her ‘spa fish’ therapy,” reads an official release from the Institute. “This case stands for entrepreneurs who think outside the box, especially during times when the economy is not so great.” “Fish pedicures are not within the scope of practice of cosmetology nor of nail technology,” Cosmetology Board director, Sue Sansom, wrote in a letter to Vong. “Any tool or piece of equipment used in a pedicure must be stored in dry storage and disinfected in a very specific way, and it is impossible to disinfect fish coming in contact with your clients’ skin in the required manner.” And this is what we’ve come to in the 21st century: Purveyors of public policy arguing about whether one can properly disinfect a fish that we pay to eat dead skin off our feet.
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¡! ¿Será posible?
Holy cow, Batman! Those of us who don’t care about
superhero comic books and their Spandexclad denizens missed all the fun last month when rival publishers, Marvel and DC, went to war over which of them had the most gay characters in their super-stable. No, really. Gay is the new black in comic book-land. The trend started in 2006, when DC brought back Batwoman (who had languished for years without an inked presence) as a lesbian. Then, in May of this year, Marvel Comics shipped out a new edition of its Astonishing X-Men collection that included a story about how Northstar, the first-ever gay mainstream comic book character, proposed marriage to his longtime partner. Not to be outdone by all this bursting out of the supercloset, DC began intimating to the press that one of its superheroes might include homosexuality among his or her super powers.
The possibility that one of the DC icons might be gay apparently had comic book nerds all atwitter. DC fanned flames with earnest abandon on websites and blogs: Could it be that Superman was about to really live up to his name? Was the Green Lantern, in fact, more chartreuse? Perhaps, Wonder Woman was … oh, never mind. A front-page headline in London’s Daily Mail was the corker. “Is Batman gay?” it shrieked. But, before Bruce Wayne had a chance to come out of the bat closet, DC announced in June that its most malefriendly character is none other than 72-year-old Alan Scott, better known as the Green Lantern. Seriously, aside from a few gay activists and maybe Ryan Reynolds’ press agent, who cares? It is possible that a handful of teenagers in Nebraska might be disappointed – or even thrilled – that one of their favorite pretend conquerors has
any kind of sexuality at all, but the rest of the world almost surely never gave it a moment’s thought. For us, a superhero is just a line drawing whose job it is to keep our kids entertained while overseeing the fate of the planet. But, since the subject has come up, one can’t help but wonder: Are gay superheroes super-monogamous?
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Conversation starters from the world around us
12 LP Journal
Cristina has Obama’s back; John McCain creating his legacy at ASU; David Ortega runs on rep as job creator
17 Anaya says
Smart and tough women also tolerate abuse
19 Pocho Keen The trials of fitting in
i say... We now confront the spectacle of the President of the United States behaving as an emperor, and the cabinet officer entrusted with the security of the nation as his court jester.
Photo cCourtesy of Coloma Productions
U.S. Rep Ben Quayle (R, AZ) in response to Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano’s decision to suspend the 287(g) program with Arizona.
page
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Tap your toes to the beat of “HAVANA, HAVANA!,” a music documentary that features Raul Paz and other ex-pat Cuban musicians who return to Cuba for a concert.
After you get into it and it starts to work, it sort of becomes very fun. Then when it’s over three minutes later, and everyone’s on the ground laughing, including myself, you want to do it again.... It’s a hoot. Actor Matthew McConaughey, on stripping for the camera for his latest movie Magic Mike.
latinopm.com
¡ July 2012!
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¡!
LP journal
Senator John McCain’s Foundation donates millions to fund eponymous International Leadership Institute at ASU
How to Win Wars and Influence People 101 Arizona State University is about to launch yet another well-funded and ambitious institute of change, to be headquartered at its Tempe campus. The McCain Institute for International Leadership, named for and funded by Arizona Senator John McCain, is a nonpartisan and nonprofit education and research center that will focus on promoting characterdriven leadership, as well as research and decision-making in the areas of humanitarian work, human rights and national security. “The charge of the McCain Institute for International Leadership fits in perfectly with Arizona State University’s core mission of having a significant positive impact on the larger community,” says ASU President Michael Crow. “We’re grateful to Senator McCain for his support of this important university endeavor.” That support includes a nine million dollar gift from the McCain Institute Foundation, a charitable trust founded by McCain some years ago. The Institute will have a Washington, D.C., address, as well as its presence at ASU, and will seek to train future 12
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leaders from the United States and abroad with programs and internships concerned with political and economic policy research. It will, Crow says, “be guided by the values that have animated the career of Senator McCain: a commitment to sustaining America’s global leadership role, promoting freedom, democracy and human rights, as well as maintaining a strong, smart national defense.” The university has cited international humanitarian crises and economic competition as the impetus for the new program, which will be overseen by former U.S. ambassador to NATO, Kurt Volker, as its executive director. “The McCain Institute has a real opportunity to fill some gaps in Washington – first, by building future international leadership through a fellows program, and, second, by engaging directly with senior decision-makers in developing, analyzing, testing and promoting the implementation of innovative policies,” says Volker, who has directed similar programs at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. The Institute, set to commence in early 2013, will include the carteldriven violence and drug-trade along
the U.S.-Mexico border among its concerns.
That goes double for Ortega It wasn’t grandstanding, according to supporters of architect and former Scottsdale City councilman, David Ortega, who’s entered the race for Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in District 2. It was simply an indication of what the guy is capable of when he sets his mind on something.
David Ortega
LP journal The Ortega fans are referring to how the former councilman collected twice the necessary number of signatures required in his ballot quest for the election. Ortega submitted almost 1,100 signatures, more than twice the 505 signatures required. “My plan in District 2 is to reawaken our economy and to bring our seven East Valley cities and two Native American communities together as a vibrant sustainable region,” Ortega says. “Working together to build better collaboration among businesses, local government, and community groups can result in more of these assets and improve our quality of life.” Ortega already has support from many District 2 voters. The District, which encompasses much of the East Valley from Scottsdale to Mesa Gateway Airport, is among those that have benefitted from Ortega’s services. “In Scottsdale, he streamlined the bureaucratic steps to allow businesses to open quicker,” says Mesa farmer and businessman, John Babiarz, who is chairing Ortega’s campaign. “He can do the same at the county level.” During his four-year tenure as representative architect on the Arizona School Facilities Board, Ortega made friends and popular policy decisions that resulted in more than a billion dollars in new construction and renovation for Arizona schools. It won’t hurt his campaign that many of those schools are located in East Valley towns and cities, including Gilbert, Higley, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills and Mesa. He’s likely to remind voters that his work as a member of the Scottsdale Development Review Board created numerous jobs for locals and expanded the city’s tax base besides.
Saralegui steps up Among celebrity endorsements, it reads rather like the punch line to a joke – maybe the one about the president who
¡!
Cristina Saralegui
couldn’t get A-list support and had to resort to daytime talk show hosts whose guests sometimes punched one another. Or, the one about the guy who was desperate to cozy up to Latino voters in hopes of winning a second term. But, “Obama for America” wasn’t joking last month when it announced the endorsement of Emmy awardwinning talk show host and community leader, Cristina Saralegui. Referring to the controversial syndicated talk show host as “a seasoned journalist who is recognized as one of the most respected and influential role models in the Hispanic community,” “Obama for America” campaign manager, Jim Messina, proudly announced that this is the first time Saralegui has endorsed a president or actively participated in a presidential campaign. Saralegui’s El Show de Cristina has been an Hispanic television staple for 21 years, especially among fans of daytime bitch fights and chairthrowing squabbles. Topics like “Who’s your baby’s daddy?” and “My sister’s butt was injected with tire sealant!” were among Saralegui’s most popular. “I came to this country when I was 12 years old because my parents
wanted to give me the opportunity to succeed. Since then, I have sat back and watched many elections come and go, but it wasn’t until this election, and because of what I see in President Obama and know he’s accomplished, that I decided to get involved,” says Saralegui regarding her support for Obama. Saralegui insists that Obama understands the Hispanic community and that he has supported it unconditionally. She says so in a bilingual video, released by the “Obama for America” campaign last month. “This is a critical time for our country and for the Hispanic community,” Saralegui says of her decision to make the pro-Obama video. “Hispanics could very well decide the next election, and I will do everything I can from now until November to ensure that President Obama is reelected; there’s simply too much at stake. President Obama, I was very fortunate to live the American dream and I know that only you will make it possible for millions more to do the same. You’ve had our back, and now, with utmost respect and admiration, I have yours.” latinopm.com
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Latino Perspectives Magazine
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¡!
vibe
twEAT: Artist-made bird feeders
Hispanics and the Civil War
Do you need to liven up your backyard or porch, or
As part of the commemoration of the 150th
anniversary of the Civil War, the National Park Service released the book, Hispanics and the Civil War: From Battlefield to the Homefront. Historians estimate that over 20,000 individuals of Hispanic origin participated in the War; the publication explores the roles they played on both sides of the conflict and is a collaboration of superintendents, historians, park staff and National Park Service program offices. “The nationwide, multi-year observance of the Civil War is an opportunity to remind millions of Americans of all backgrounds of their ancestors’ participation in the Civil War,” stated the Park Service’s Southeast regional director, David Vela, via a press release. He added, “Hispanic citizens and immigrants alike fought on land and sea in every theater of the war — particularly in the Southwest, in lands steeped in Hispanic heritage.
Get more Vibe at latinopm.com
Hispanics and the Civil War: From Battlefield to the Homefront. Softcover, 41 pages, $4.95 (profits are donated to National Parks) ISBN:9159922639308 Available at eparks.com/store
HAVANA, HAVANA! A new music documentary that explores
how changes in Cuba are inspiring a new generation of musicians premieres July 27 on PBS (channel 8, 9–10 p.m.). The film focuses on Raul Paz, Descemer Bueno, Kelvis Ochoa and David Torrens. The four musicians left Cuba seeking to advance their respective musical careers abroad, and they all decided to return to the island in hopes of contributing to the musical life of la Isla. The debut of HAVANA, HAVANA! is part of the PBS Arts Summer Festival – an exploration of different cities around the world, offering an indepth look at music, theater, art, architecture and cultural history. PBS airs locally on KAET-Channel Eight, a member-supported service of Arizona State University; check local listings at azpbs.org.
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Clockwise From top left: photo Courtesy of MADE; Courtesy of National Parks; Courtesy of Coloma Productions
that of your abuelas? MADE art boutique may have the perfect solution: one-of-a-kind bird feeders. The locally-owned treasure trove, retail shop and community space invited 11 Phoenix artists to create bird feeders for its latest artist-themed exhibition. The bird feeders will be on view through August 30 and are available for sale. Participating artists are Brett Berres, John Ebinger, Lizeth Garcia, Erik James, Andrew King, Holly Leigh, Lindz Lew, Mary Meyer, Ellie Richards, Joe Willie Smith and James Sulak. MADE is located at 922 North Fifth Street in Downtown Phoenix. It is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturdays; and 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Sundays. Visit madephx.com for more.
vibe
Latina still standing
¡!
Judy Robles – a Latina Still Standing By Diana Bejarano
Judy Robles is an example that
blessings can sometimes come in disguise. From being a teen mom at the age of 16 to being a motivational speaker and a single mother of five, her story will encourage and inspire you, as it does me. It’s a message about overcoming life’s most difficult challenges. Through my own journey and listening to Judy’s story, I have learned that it is not the difficult situations that determine our character, but rather it is what we do with life’s difficult situations that define us. Judy Robles was just 16 years old when she gave birth to her first child. Her life took an unexpected turn when the child’s father decided to leave. Judy was faced with a tough situation – having to raise a child on her own, as a teenager. On July 20, 1988, Judy gave birth to her son. She wasn’t prepared to learn the news about her precious newborn baby boy. Shortly after giving birth to her son, Judy’s parents walked into her hospital room crying and said, “Tu hijo no tiene una pierna.” They told her that her son was born without one of his legs. Imagine being 16 years old, with a newborn missing a limb, and feeling the impact of abandonment and motherhood. That day Judy made a choice. She chose not to allow any of her
circumstances to cause her to break. She was determined not to not give her child up for adoption to her parents, who had offered to raise him as her brother. She told them, “He is my child and I will love him and I will raise him.” And she did just that. She faced the obstacles head on and successfully raised her son to be an independent and strong individual. Last month, her baby boy was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame and given the Medal of Courage Award. Anthony is an outstanding athlete who holds an impressive wrestling record. His last year at Arizona State University, he went undefeated with 36 wins and won the NCAA Wrestling Championship at 125 pounds. He was also given the prestigious Jimmy V award for Perseverance and named Best Male Athlete with a Disability at the 2011 ESPY Awards. As Anthony accepted his award at the ESPYs, he gave credit to his mother for having encouraged him to not give up his dream of wrestling; when he offered to quit school to get a job and help her and his siblings, his mom wouldn’t let him quit. She encouraged her son to keep living his dream. Through her support and encouragement, Anthony now has an even more inspirational story to share with the world.
Judy recently faced more difficult obstacles. She lost her husband in a divorce, she lost her home and she lost her health for a while – but she didn’t quit. Life hasn’t gotten any easier for this single mother of five, but she keeps moving forward and she gives credit to her strong faith, friends and family for helping her to remain steadfast. Judy’s story is about a dedicated single mother who didn’t allow life’s trials and tribulations to knock her down and keep her down. It’s a story about faith. It’s a story about courage. And like many other Latina single mothers, she continues to work hard to support each of her children in pursuing their dreams. Her determination and strength makes her a true Latina Still Standing. Diana Bejarano’s professional background includes more than 15 years of marketing and communication experience. She was named “40 under 40” by the Phoenix Business Journal (2005) and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2007). She is also a Hispanic Leadership Institute graduate (2007). She is an Arizona native and a graduate of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Reach her at latinastillstanding@yahoo.com or latinastillstanding.blogspot.com
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Chandler-Gilbert I Estrella Mountain I GateWay I Glendale I Mesa I Paradise Valley Phoenix I Rio Salado I Scottsdale I South Mountain I Maricopa Skill Center I SouthWest Skill Center maricopa.edu @mcccd
MCCCD is an EEO/AA Institution.
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vibe
¡!
Anaya says Image Courtesy of Museum of the American Latino
If it can happen to me ... By Catherine Anaya
When you hear about a victim of
Winning design for Latino museum campaign
Estamos Unidos The Friends of the National Museum
of the American Latino (FRIENDS), a nonprofit group dedicated to advancing the creation of a Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Washington, D.C., announced the winner of its 2012 Campaign Design Contest. Luis Fitch and Salome Castro (of UNO Branding of Minneapolis, MN) submitted the winning entry, entitled Estamos Unidos, a visual representation of the weaving of Latino culture in the U.S. The design will be officially unveiled at the National Council of La Raza’s annual conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 8, 2012, and will be used in awareness and fundraising efforts throughout the year. The Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act was introduced by Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and co-sponsored by 17 others, including Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), in the U.S. Senate. Representatives Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) and Ileana RosLehtinen (R-Fla.) introduced it in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill designates a location for the museum on the national mall and establishes an 18-month planning and research period to create a fundraising and construction plan.
physical or verbal abuse, do you think, “Why doesn’t he or she just leave?” Or, perhaps, you imagine that, if it is a woman, she must lack confidence or self-worth to tolerate such abuse. Well, let me dispel that myth. I was that woman. I, along with many of my friends, recognized signs of volatility pretty early on. But, it took a year and a half for me to actually turn my back on the verbal abuse for good – and understand that I was not responsible for the behavior (as he had so often convinced me). I was a victim. I suggested we go to couple’s counseling, which he did reluctantly until he stopped going altogether. I continued even after the relationship ended, because I wanted to understand why I – a strong, smart, independent woman – would allow myself to tolerate a man calling me vicious and vile names or pushing me into a ditch on the side of a road. I would come to learn that abusers are typically narcissists who have a special way of twisting words and situations to make the victim feel as if he or she were responsible for their behavior, and, worse yet, deserved the abuse. Even though I knew this person’s history of abusive behavior, I clung optimistically to his apologies and promises to change. A few months after I finally let go, I sat at a luncheon benefiting a domestic violence shelter. As I listened to the director rattle off a startling statistic – one in four women is the victim of physical or verbal abuse – I sat silently thinking, “That’s me.”
The next statistic was equally alarming: one in five teenagers is a victim of physical or verbal abuse. I immediately thought about my teen daughter, who saw me come home with torn clothes littered with weeds from that night I ended up in a ditch. I got home and launched into the statistics, reminding her that she should never allow any guy to physically or verbally abuse her, speak to her with disrespect, or call her names. Her response was a real jolt. “You mean, like you,” she said. “What do you mean?,” I asked. “Everybody could see it but you,” she replied. I was so mortified and ashamed. What kind of example had I been setting for my daughter? How could I teach her to accept nothing less than respect if I had been so unwilling to expect it for myself? It took me a while to forgive myself, but I have. I finally feel strong enough to share this with others because, if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. There is no excuse for abuse of any kind and no one deserves it. So, rather than judge or wonder why someone would stay in such a relationship, let’s all do our best to educate and empower each other to remember that there is no shame in asking for help. Catherine Anaya anchors CBS 5 News weeknights at 5, 5:30, 6 & 10pm. She is a mother of two, marathon runner and motivational speaker. Reach her at catherine.anaya@cbs5az.com, connect with her on Facebook, twitter and at CatherineAnaya.com.
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24th Annual Fiesta de Septiembre Wickenburg • Saturday, Sept. 1 • 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wickenburg Community Center 160 N. Valentine St., Historic District Sponsored by Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce
Arts/crafts mercado, historic family photo exhibit, food booths, cantina, kids zone, food and drink contests and awards.
Mariachis, folklorico and popular Latino music! FEATURING: Barrio Latino, Mariachi Corazón de Phoenix, Ballet Folklórico de Santa María, and Mariachi Alegre Co-Sponsored in part by: Arizona Public Service, Crescent Crown Distributing, Southwest Gas, The Wickenburg Sun, APS Regional Division, Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Arizona Office of Tourism, Town of Wickenburg, and Compadres of Fiesta de Septiembre
Movin’ up! Know someone who has been promoted, elected or honored? Send us the news of their achievements! Email movinup@latinopm.com Sponsored by
For info: www.outwickenburgway.com or call (928) 684-5479.
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Pocho keen vibe
¡!
Like peachy keen, pero different
To go home Probably the worst thing about
Dolores Huerta receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
What do Bob Dylan and Dolores Huerta have in common? Well … they both played a role in
the defense of civil rights in the 60s and 70s. Now, they can both add to their curriculum vitae that they are recipients of the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom. The iconic author of “Like a Rolling Stone” and the farmworkers’ rights advocate recently received the nation’s highest civilian honor from President Barack Obama. The other recipients honored at a May 29, 2012, White House ceremony were: Madeleine Albright, the 64th United States secretary of state; John Doar, leader of federal efforts to enforce civil rights during the 1960s; epidemiologist, William Foege, who helped lead the campaign to eradicate smallpox in the 1970s; John Glenn, former Marine Corps pilot, astronaut and United States senator; Gordon Hirabayashi (†), who openly defied the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during WWII; Juliette Gordon Low (†), founder of the Girl Scouts in 1912; Jan Karski (†), officer in the Polish Underground during WWII who carried one of the first eye-witness accounts of the Holocaust to the world; Toni Morrison, writer and Nobel Prize laureate; Shimon Peres, ninth president of Israel; John Paul Stevens, former U.S. Supreme Court justice; and Patt Summitt, all-time winningest NCAA basketball coach.
being a kid is the feeling of not fitting in. Young people, regardless of their setting, try to do what they can to be like their peers. That can be hard on parents, too, as they feel the pressure of establishing some sort of comfort zone of inclusiveness for their children. And, it can be costly – the iPod becomes the ¡ayPod! And the iPhone, too? ¡Ay, Chihuahua! Yes, they’ll need that, and a MacBook, as they prepare for college. And, they should get those, and other things, because that’s when the challenge of fitting in is of a different and more complex nature. The university experience, especially if outside of Arizona, can begin with culture shock. For many Latino students it’s also a realization that everyone there, for the most part, knows what they’re doing. They were prepped for this experience most of their lives. For students like me, it’s a battle royale just to survive. I remember riding my beach cruiser, a la Pee Wee Herman, around campus during my first few weeks at ASU. I was on a mission to find other Mexicans, or even Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Guatemalans, it didn’t matter; I needed some culture comfort. One day I was beginning to crack, just like Pee Wee, when suddenly I saw three students walking ahead of me. The sun seemed to brighten and I swear I heard angels sing when I saw two females with long, beautiful hair and one male with short spiky hair
just like mine walking ahead of me. Jackpot! I quickly caught up to them and, as I was about to say, “Hey there, brown people,” I realized that I had startled three Asian students. Disheartened, I said, “Hello,” and each one of them smiled at me enthusiastically and said “Hi! Hi! Hi!” I pedaled past them and looked back; we waved “bye” to each other. Maybe I wasn’t the only one feeling lonely that day. Eventually, I found my way to where the brown people were. I discovered lots of Latino student organizations and ended up having a great time in college. But the first couple of months were very hard on me. Sure, I struggled with difficult classes, but more than anything, it was the feeling that I didn’t belong that made me long for home. I would go home to Peoria nearly every weekend. On Sunday evenings, during the drive back when the sky would darken, so, too, would my spirit. As time passed, I started to make friends of all backgrounds, especially other Latinos, and I started to really enjoy my college experience, not just in the classroom, but during gaps between classes and in the evenings, too. Then, one Sunday, I noticed something different. As I left Peoria, I marveled at how beautiful the setting sun behind me was and how excited I was to see my friends on campus the next day. That’s when it dawned on me that I couldn’t wait to go home.
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rincón del arte
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Zoe Salina Zamora Teen actor storms local theater scene
Mountain High School is ready for the world and the big stage. At 15, and with a G.P.A. of 4.17, Zoe is hard at work to become a triple dare, further developing her singing, dancing and acting. In just the past four years, she has participated in twenty theatrical productions. Most recently, in May, 2012, she played the role of Scout Finch in Hale Centre Theatre’s production of Harper Lee’s American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. In April, she played the role of The Little Girl in Mesa Encore Theatre’s Ragtime Remount; and in March of this year, she performed the role of Baby Louise in Gypsy, produced by Phoenix Theatre. She has also participated in productions staged by Fountain Hills Community Theater, Tempe Little Theatre, Greasepaint Youtheatre, Valley Youth Theatre, Actors Youth Theatre, ASU Gammage, and Mesa Community College. Her acting has been noticed by local critics; she has been nominated three times to the AriZoni Excellence in Theater Awards (in 2009, 2010 and 2011). In addition to receiving private voice and dance instruction, Zamora has also furthered her training by participating in courses and programs offered by Childsplay, Mesa Community College, and Phoenix Theatre’s inaugural Musical Theatre Conservatory. Her goals for 2012? Continue to do well in school, and audition for musical theatre opportunities outside of Arizona. Break a leg, Zoe!
Zamora PhotoS courtesy of Zoe Salina
The Mesa resident and freshman at Red
Zamora participated in the 2008 CD recording of Children’s Vocals - El Señor Nos Invita, Jaime Cortez - Worship and Sacrament Songs in Spanish and in the video The Arizona Water Story, an instructional video produced by the Salt River Project
Help us highlight the local arts Send information to editor@latinopm.com. latinopm.com
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Political activism and the new patriotism: an Arizona-bred model By Ruben Hernandez
In January, President Barack Obama sent one of his campaign team to meet with new Phoenix City councilman, Daniel Valenzuela. With the presidential election looming in November, Obama’s representative was eager to learn how Valenzuela’s council campaign in District 5 increased Latino voter turnout by 500 percent from the last city election. Valenzuela revealed his “Team Awesome” concept – young, bilingual Latino Millennials who knocked on 72,000 doors to get Latinos registered and voting. Valenzuela says, for his council race, hundreds of bilingual Millennial volunteers were recruited. These young Latinos and Latinas targeted and canvassed neighborhoods. They went door-to-door in the summer heat. They made sure to register residents eligible to vote in a non-partisan push, and especially to sign them up for the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL). 22
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“Team Awesome was about community empowerment. We had so many volunteers contributing so much time that we worked other candidates’ districts as well. We increased Latino voter turnout by 500 percent in Phoenix’s District 5, but the overall city Latino turnout increased over 300 percent.” Latino Millennials (ages 18-29) are the fastest growing segment of the Latino population and this segment is fast approaching majority percentages in some states, including Arizona. The majority of them are U.S.-born children of the wave of Hispanic immigrants who arrived in the 1980s and 1990s. Unlike their parents who kept low profiles, Hispanic Millennials aren’t afraid to stand out. Also unlike their parents, many are educating themselves in universities and want to be business owners, teachers, engineers, elected officials, and, because they now see a black person in the White House, dream of being president one day. However, U.S.-born citizen Millennials weren’t the only volunteers on Valenzuela’s team. Among the volunteers who worked Valenzuela’s campaign was Carla Chavarria, a 19-year-old DREAMer. DREAMers are Millennials without citizenship, brought to the United States as children. She was seven years old when she arrived with her family from Mexico City. Chavarria says that the DREAMers are even more patriotic than citizenLatinos, because they have more to lose if they are deported. “DREAMers have a vision of really working hard and living the democratic principles of this country,” she says. “This is the only country we’ve ever known, and we want to be able to make a difference here.”
Carmen Cornejo, executive director of the CADENA DREAM Act Advocacy organization, says Chavarria and other DREAMers had no choice but to become politically active. Their ultimate goal is the passage of the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act by the U.S. Congress that sets a path to citizenship for the estimated 800,000 DREAM youth in the U.S. On June 14, President Obama announced an immigration policy change that would halt the threat of deportation of DREAMer youth. Many DREAMers consider this a first step toward a national DREAM law. [For details, see sidebar, page 24] “They [DREAMers] were forced to be political activists,” Cornejo says. “They are patriotic, and have learned more about how the federal government and state legislatures work than many citizens.” The increased voting and activism among young Latinos is their generation’s brand of bold patriotism that drives them to want to change things for the Latino community, in Arizona, and in America. It is also a distinctly Arizonan model of political participation, observers say, born of desperation. Years of attacks against Latinos in Arizona have made the state the “ground zero” of immigration activism, an activism characterized by grassroots street canvassing in blistering summer heat. “What we have created here in Arizona is a special movement,” says Phoenix councilman, Michael Nowakowski. “We are coming together for a common cause, and speaking with one voice. Civic activism by young Latinos is peaking, and, because of it, we have created a dialogue of change.”
The inevitable mathematics of Latino population growth has made Latino Millennials realize that they will inherit Arizona as they become the majority population. They also understand that the ballot box is the tool with which they will most directly shape their destinies and the future of the state they call home. In addition, many say the tactics that they learned doing political work can be applied to other Latino issues, such as low graduation rates, better jobs and improved health care. “I’m excited,” says Valenzuela. “We expect some good things to happen in 2012 with the elections. It’s all because these young Latinos have created a culture of participation by all Latino voters.”
Team Awesome and other grassroots activists adopted a new model of strategies and tactics created by a unique coalition called One Arizona in 2010. During the 2010 midterm elections, One Arizona partners led the largest Latino voter mobilization in Arizona history. They registered more than 22,000 citizens with Latino backgrounds to register to vote for the first time, and more than 48,000 to sign up for the permanent vote-by-mail list. Francisco Heredia, the former statewide director for Mi Familia Vota (MFV), recalls the 2010 One Arizona campaign as the greatest grassroots, bipartisan, get-out-the-vote effort among Latinos ever witnessed in Arizona politics. “We did it in a way that hadn’t been done before in Arizona,” says Heredia. He is now on the MFV national staff. latinopm.com
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Dolores Huerta and Erika Andiola in support of DREAMers
The One Arizona coalition of 10 community-based nonprofits was brought together as a response to raids by Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s deputies in neighborhoods and worksites where Latinos were prevalent, laws like SB1070, and other bills that were introduced but not passed. The common thread was that they were aimed at Latinos. At this time, Latinos are underrepresented in the voting electorate. They constitute 30 percent of Arizona residents, but only 15 percent of voters,
and, historically, have dismally low voter turnout rates of less than 10 percent.
Past Latino voter registration campaigns had limited success. Past coalitions failed because of in-fighting, territoriality and insufficient funding. A new strategy was needed. State and national communityadvocacy organizations and foundations
helped 12 Arizona-based, communitybased nonprofits form the coalition named One Arizona. These organizations included: Arizona Advocacy Network Foundation, Arizona Center for Empowerment, Border Action Network, Democracia USA, Mi Familia Vota Education Fund, Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, Protecting Arizona’s Family Coalition Educational Fund, Promise Arizona, Central Arizonans for a Sustainable Economy, and Tonatierra Community Development Institute. The One Arizona coalition allowed central coordination, efficiency, and a budgetary economy of scale for canvassers and campaign materials. An aggressive, four-month, statewide campaign was launched using the tactics of door-to-door canvassing, door hangers, targeted direct mailings, robo calls and phone banks. The goals of One Arizona were to change the “my-vote-doesn’t-matter” mindset of low-propensity Latino voters, and to cultivate a new tradition of consistent voting. Although Republicans swept the Arizona Legislature and most high state offices in 2010, the ground had
Obama takes first step to reality of DREAM One June 15, Carla Chavarria was in Los Angeles with other Arizona DREAMers protesting immigrant deportations when she heard the news: Barack Obama had issued an executive order suspending deportations against DREAMer youth. “All of us here had strong emotions of shock and disbelief,” she said. Those initial feelings slowly shifted to excited relief, she said, and then to a “wait-and-see” attitude. Like many, Chavarria realized that Obama acted out of political expediency as much as humanitarian motives. The action may blunt criticism by Latinos over record high deportation numbers. It also could get him more Latino votes during a tough re-election campaign. “It’s great he took this action. We’re thankful that he did,” she said. “But, we are still holding him accountable. Latinos are still watching him.” 24
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The president instructed Janet Napolitano, director of U.S. Homeland Security, to institute policy changes halting deportations for a certain category of undocumented youth. The new rules for a two-year deferral from deportation apply to youth who: arrived in the U.S. before they were 16 years old; have resided in the U.S. for at least five years; are no more than 29 years old; are attending high school or college or served in the military; and have no criminal record. In a White House Rose Garden speech, President Obama said, “It makes no sense to expel talented young people who are, for all intents and purposes, Americans.” Nationwide, an estimated 2.1 million young immigrants would be impacted by the order, including about 114,000 in Arizona, according to a 2010 report by the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.
been tilled to cultivate future political activism. The conventional thinking about a lack of Latino political influence started to change. Young Latinos now have learned that it’s cool to vote. Each year, tens of thousands of Arizona Latinos will turn 18 and be eligible to vote – and they will. Politicians who pander to anti-Latino sentiments will increasingly find that strategy to be a losing proposition. Presently, the One Arizona tactics of motivating Millennials to register and encouraging Latinos to vote is being replicated across the country for the 2012 presidential election cycle.
ly
In 2011, the ousting of Senator Russell Pearce in the Mesa recall campaign, led by Randy Parra, empowered hundreds of Latino Millennials who had never felt empowered before. Today more Latinos – many trained in political activism – are running for elected offices in 2012. Raquel Teran, who was deputy director of Promise Arizona (a One Arizona member) is now running for a
What has happened in the past couple of years has given young Latinos an opportunity to get politically involved House seat in District 30. She also was an organizer for Pearce’s recall. She is a new face going up against “Old Guard” Democrat incumbent, Robert Meza. “We had all worked hard to build the political infrastructure, now it was time to take it to the next level,” Teran says. “What has happened in the past couple of years has given young Latinos an opportunity to get politically involved.” Additionally, Latino Millennials are currently partnering with their politically-empowered DREAMer friends to advocate for the DREAM Act. Chavarria created a low budget campaign for the DREAM Act called Su Voz, Mi Voto. Her Phoenix marketing agency, Young Creative Minds, produced posters and videos featuring DREAMers. One national nonprofit, Voto Latino, distributed the materials on its social media channels. Other young Latinos and older DREAM Act supporters reposted the materials to their social media, and the campaign went viral and was seen by millions. Chavarria and other DREAM Act advocates, like Carmen Cornejo, have
Phoenix councilman, Daniel Valenzuela, who has worked side-by-side with DREAMers on this campaign, said he was elated by Obama’s action. “I know first-hand the strength, courage and determination of these young people, as many of us do,” he said. “Today’s announcement is not about amnesty or immunity; it is about humanity.” “These young people will now have the opportunity to contribute at an even higher level to our communities and our country. They will now have the chance to step into the light and be counted for the first time in their lives.” Carmen Cornejo, executive director of CADENA and DREAMer advocate, was among the youth at the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition offices in Phoenix watching Obama’s speech on June 15.
said that Latino political activism should not split along party lines. DREAMer volunteers, working the Mesa recall, encouraged Latinos to vote for Jerry Lewis, a Republican, against Pearce. “I would support a Republican, if necessary, if they supported the DREAM Act,” Chavarria says. Cornejo agrees that DREAMers are more independent politically. “They are not loyal to any party; they are disenfranchised by both parties, and are aware of the Democrats’ shortcomings.” Jerry Lewis, the Republican who replaced Pearce, acknowledges that young Latinos helped him win. He says that he plans to work with Latinos on the issues that are important to them, such as the DREAM Act. “It’s not about being Republican or Democrat. As far as the DREAM Act is concerned, the solutions are there,” he says. “If we can all sit together, we can find ways, such as work visas and guest worker programs, that that can lead to citizenship. But, we have to work together, and that’s the key to good government.”
“We were really excited and full of joy,” she said. “It’s really been an emotional journey for them. These beautiful, talented kids were on the verge of tears, because they are going to be free from fear at last.” State Senator Jerry Lewis from District 18 in Mesa said the president’s action would improve the lives of DREAMer youth. However, he added that comprehensive DREAM Act legislation would take a bipartisan effort to pass. “This is a day to rejoice for those who are now free to get their education without the fear of being deported,” he said. “It’s another piece of the big puzzle that has to be addressed in a very complete and comprehensive way by Congress. There is still a lot of work to do on this issue.”
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One Arizona Make sure the Latino vote matters! By One Arizona
One Arizona is the only statewide coalition focused
on the Latino civic engagement experience. Because Latinos are Arizona’s fastest growing demographic, understanding our role as voters and how we can shape Arizona politics and policy is fundamental to the strength of our state, not just today, but for the Arizona we want to leave to our children. One Arizona is comprised of 12 nonprofit organizations. These nonprofits address the various needs of Arizonans through a broad spectrum of services, but have united under a specific civic engagement banner to increase access and opportunity for Arizonans to have their voice heard through the ballot box. We have already begun our work for 2012, and will continue to engage eligible voters from now through Election Day. Since the summer of 2010, One Arizona’s coalition members have been working arduously to increase the Latino presence in all aspects of civic engagement: citizenship, voter registration, voter turnout, voter education, election protection and leadership development. During the mid-term elections of 2010, One Arizona hit the streets to mobilize the growing Latino electorate. One Arizona partners led the largest coordinated Latino civic engagement effort in our state’s history, signing up more than 48,000 infrequent Latino voters on the permanent early voter list (vote by mail) and registering thousands of first-time Latino voters. Our collaborative field efforts contacted a total of 234,845 Latino voters. These are voters who normally would not have been contacted or engaged in the electoral process by candidates and political parties. Not only did this effort work at growing Arizona’s voting bloc, but Latino Decisions indicated that, in 2010, Arizona had the largest turnout of Latino voters compared with any other state. This ambitious and successful program targeted Latinos less likely to vote, based on prior voting patterns or recent voter registration, with a focus on early voting through mail-in ballots. That year, we turned out over 90,000 voters, 38 percent of our targeted outreach. This turnout compares with a 32 percent turnout among all Latino voters in 2006. The greatest increase in turnout was among younger voters and women. One Arizona’s intense efforts expanded the Latino vote share from 11 to 13 percent in one election cycle alone. Of all the Southwestern states, Arizona had the greatest increase in the number of votes cast by Latinos (23 percent, in an analysis 26
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comparing 2006 and 2010). Perhaps most importantly, the presumption that the Latino electorate won’t turn out at the polls is beginning to change. One Arizona built on the success of its 2010 efforts in the 2011 Phoenix municipal elections. Targeting folks in the Latino community who had not voted in the last two municipal election cycles, One Arizona reached out to explain the importance of voting and how it impacts communities. This target group of likely non-voters saw a voter turnout rate just seven percentage points lower than the overall turnout rate for all voters. There is a strong likelihood that many of these targeted Latino voters would not have voted in 2011 without the efforts of the One Arizona coalition. This year, One Arizona is committed to turning out 100,000 Latino voters in Arizona through the combined strategies of voter registration, voter mobilization, town halls and voter education. Our work is far from over. When it comes to the Latino voter, we know we have been working with a deficit, and that lack of voter participation in our community will not be resolved in one or two election cycles. Our team at One Arizona is committed to making civic engagement part of the Latino experience and increasing voter turnout today to create the voters of tomorrow. Latino means “family,” and our children are the fuel that drives us to work harder and be better at home, in the work place, and, now, in the voting booth. One Arizona is a statewide, nonpartisan, collaborative civic engagement effort made up of the following nonprofits: Arizona Advocacy Network Foundation, Arizona Center for Empowerment, Arizona DREAM Act Coalition, Border Action Network, Central Arizonans for a Sustainable Economy, Mi Familia Vota Education Fund, NALEO, Promise Arizona, PAFCO, Puente, Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, and Voto Latino.
31 Entrepreneur Small business owners networked and mingled at the LPM Entrepreneur Showcase
33 Briefcase
Latinos swell ranks of Local First in Arizona; unemployment on the rise for those without college degrees; state of the Phoenix housing market reviewed
Movin’ Up
Photo Courtesy of Edgardo Rivera
Profiles of Success
Edgardo Rivera, director of the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, to be recognized for contributions in health and science by Valle del Sol
Valle del Sol announced the honorees of its annual Profiles of Success Hispanic Leadership Awards. The luncheon and awards presentation will take place on September 7 at the Phoenix Convention Center. The 2012 honorees are: president of Bank of America, Benito Almanza, Hall of Fame Award; Riverside Elementary School District superintendent, Jaime Rivera, Special Recognition Award; Terri León, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Program Officer, Raúl Yzaguirre Community Leadership Award; retired nurse, Bertha SepulvedaPeña, Rosa Carrillo Torres Humanitarian Award; NCAA National Wrestling Champion, latinopm.com
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movin’ up
Anthony Marc Robles, Manuel Ortega Youth Leadership Award; mayor of South Tucson, Jennifer Eckstrom, Latino Advocacy Champion Award; director of community relations for the Arizona Cardinals, Luis Zendejas, Sr., Latino Excellence in Athletics Award; and medical director of the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Edgardo Rivera, Latino Excellence in Health and Sciences Award. Three individuals will receive an Exemplary Leadership Award: Julio Herrera, national Spanish sales and retention director with Cox Communications; Gerardo Higginson, director of community relations and public affairs for Univisión 33; and Deanna VillanuevaSaucedo, community liaison for Mesa Public Schools. The Helios Education Foundation will receive the Centennial Spirit Award.
Directors. Valdez is a graduate of Chadwick University, where she earned a master’s degree in Business Administration.
Marie Lopez Rogers
Valdez joins YWCA board The YWCA of Maricopa has appointed Tammy Valdez, senior vice president for member services and operations at Lifelock, to a three-year term on its Board of
Gabriela Cardenas
During its third annual luncheon held this past May, Aguila Youth Leadership Institute honored 96 local high school seniors for collectively earning more than $6 million in college scholarships. Also recognized at the event for supporting Aguila and its mission were the following individuals: Mesa mayor, Scott Smith; Phoenix First Lady, Nicole Stanton; Roy Juarez, Jr.; Avondale mayor, Marie Lopez Rogers; Martin Nowakowski; and Phoenix councilman, Michael Nowakowski.
Cox Media has hired Gabriela Cardenas as a business development consultant. In her new position, Cardenas will lead the company’s marketing and branding strategies for both the Hispanic and general markets. Most recently, Cardenas served as general manager for Azteca America, a local Spanish-language television station.
Attorneys from across the state graduated from the State Bar Leadership Institute (BLI). Among the participants who underwent the nine-month education and training program are: Edward Maldonado of the Law Office of Edward Maldonado;
Cardenas joins Cox
J.P. Dahdah
Forty-under-40 This past June, the Phoenix Business Journal recognized the 2012 class of Fortyunder-40 during a ceremony and reception at Grand Canyon University Stadium. Among the individuals recognized for their leadership are: Maribel Barrios, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona; Chris Camacho, Greater Phoenix Economic Council; Chey Castro, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty; Alana Chávez-Langdon, Ecotality; J.P. Dahdah, Vantage Self-Directed Retirement Plans; Ixchel del Castillo, Cox Communications; Laura Franco
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French, Arizona Office of Tourism; José Herrera, Arizona Society of CPAs; and Daniel Valenzuela, Phoenix City councilman.
Aguila celebrates leadership
Attorneys graduate from BLI Tammy Valdez
Fernanda Sayavedra of Perkins Cole; Francesca Montenegro of Righi Hernandez; Guadalupe Gutierrez of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Prosecutor’s Office; Javier Grajeda of Taylor and Associates; Javier Leija of Intel Corporation; Jennifer Valadez of the Law Office of Jennifer Valadez; John Lopez of Jennings, Stouss and Salmon; Magdalena Jorquez of the Arizona House of Representatives; and Martin Quezada of the Law Firm of Martin J. Quezada.
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Harvard bound ASU alumni, Juan Duran, Anahi Godinez and Marcos Valdez, are heading to Harvard to pursue graduate studies. Duran will pursue a Master’s in Business Administration at the Harvard Business School. Godinez is enrolled in a Master’s Special Studies program in the Harvard School of Education, and Valdez has embarked on a joint program that combines the Master’s of Public Policy in Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and the MBA in the Business School.
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Entrepreneur Showcase
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Fuerza local By Jonathan Higuera
Kimber Lanning doesn’t speak Spanish – at least,
not very well. But, she does speak business. And, she’s been one of Arizona’s strongest advocates when it comes to educating everyone about the benefits of buying from locally-based businesses. The group she started to achieve that goal, Local First Arizona, is now seeking to add more Spanish-speaking business owners to its membership rolls. The group’s outreach effort is called Fuerza local. So far, it has organized two workshops for Latino business owners, several of whom have been interviewed on Spanish-language radio and in the local press. The early publicity has helped, even though the Fuerza local initiative is only a few months in the making. Through mid-June, the effort led to over 30 new Spanish-speaking members in Local First. Carlos Velasco, a business development consultant and a board member of Local First Arizona, has been helping forge connections for Fuerza local among prominent Latino-owned businesses. He says the effort is in a nascent stage, but believes the group’s goal of making members aware of the value of locally-owned businesses will lead to stronger communities, as well as a stronger economy. “We want to create a consciousness and awareness of the importance of supporting local business, and then create the resources for them to be successful,” said Velasco. “We want them to leverage their ‘localness’ into stronger communities.” Local First was started by Lanning in 2003, then called Chain Reaction. That movement has grown into a full-
fledged nonprofit that has hundreds of members. In 2007, the name was changed to Local First Arizona. In March of this year, the group played a significant role in convincing the Phoenix City Council to change its purchasing policies to give local businesses first shot at city contracts worth up to $50,000. The city now makes sure those contracts are first offered to locally-owned businesses. By doing so, Phoenix became one of the first municipalities in the state to have a “local first” procurement policy. “We want to build a stronger local economy,” said Lanning. “In Arizona, that’s impossible to do without engaging the Spanish-speaking business community.”
The cost of getting educated From the “tell me something I don’t
already know” department, the federal government reports that the unemployment rate for college-educated workers is dropping, while the trend is going in the other direction for those with only a high school diploma. The Bureau of Labor found that the unemployment rate for college graduates
dropped to 3.9 percent in May, down from 4 percent a month earlier. Meanwhile, the jobless rate for high school graduates ticked up to 8.1. percent in May, up from 7.9 percent the previous month. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out the message here. However, with the cost of getting a college education such a hot national topic of conversation, it is worth
remembering that there is value in that college diploma. The demand for college-educated graduates is highest in scientific and technical areas, such as engineering and information technology. But, employers are looking for people who can think critically, have a modicum of technical skills and who are dedicated, committed and engaged.
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briefcase
Income inequality The U.S. is well on its way to becoming a majority-minority country
within three decades, according to federal government projections. Non-white populations are growing in size and scope every year. However, this expanding representation is not reflected in their share of the nation’s total wages and income. Income inequality grew during the past recession, with non-Hispanic whites taking in a disproportionate share of the nation’s total wages and income from 2008 to 2010. According to Sentier Research, a firm specializing in income statistics, nonHispanic whites reaped 76 percent of the nation’s total wages and income, despite only making up 64 percent of the U.S. population. While their share of total income was down from 78 percent at mid-decade, that’s more of a reflection of the shrinking non-Hispanic white population than any real change in income distribution. According to Sentier, Hispanics earned about 9 percent of the nation’s total wages and income while accounting for about 16 percent of the nation’s population. African Americans, who make up 13 percent of the country’s residents, also account for 9 percent of the total income. The report confirms earlier findings from wealth distribution surveys that documented an increase in income inequality during the recession as middle- and low-income households experienced relatively greater declines in wages and income than wealthier households. Some experts also view the drop as a reflection of the tremendous loss of home equity many households experienced, because the housing crisis disproportionately affected middle- and low-income homeowners. Regardless of why, the decline could lead to fewer families having the ability to send their children to college and generally get the education they need to be high earners going forward, say some analysts. One group that kept pace and even exceeded their share of income was Asian Americans, who make up about 5 percent of the U.S. population and earned slightly more than that as a total of wages and income. Experts attribute their success to the presence of many two-income households and more workers in higher salaried positions in the science and tech industries.
briefcase
¡!¡!
Housing: Two steps forward, one step back
Presents
With “National Home Ownership Month” ending in June, it is a propos to
deliver some housing news from our dear city and state. Unfortunately, the news has not been particularly rosy the last couple of years. Let’s share the good news first. Arizona home prices experienced a better than average uptick in the most recent report on home prices. In fact, the median price of a home in the Phoenix area rose to $140,000 in April, a 25 percent increase from the year before, according to Arizona State University researchers. Price increases could be related to the limited supply of homes for sale as well as an increase in the number of investors jumping back into the market. On the down side, Phoenix ranked eighth in the nation in the percentage of homes with underwater mortgages in the first quarter of 2012. You probably know this, but, just in case, “underwater” means that you owe more on your house than what it could sell for. In fact, Phoenix and Atlanta essentially were in a dead heat when it came to the percent of home mortgages underwater, which is ironic considering that both were considered “boom towns” in the period immediately preceding the recession. 24/7 Wall Street assembled the ranking of the 100 largest housing markets in the U.S., using a first-quarter report published by Zillow. For the Phoenix market, the median home value was given as $ 128,000 and 430,500 mortgages were reported as underwater. On the bright side, figures are showing improvement since the report was released, for both median home price and unemployment rate. If you are wondering which city had the greatest number of underwater homes, look no farther than Las Vegas, which had a whopping 71 percent of upside-down homes. In Las Vegas, home values fell 63 percent from the pre-recession peak, with more than 14 percent of all homes delinquent by 90 days or more. In comparison, Phoenix had a 54 percent decline in home values since the June 2007 peak.
Send us your briefcase items
Have a business story idea? Email us at editor@latinopm.com.
Noche de Mujer Gala Event & Dance July 14th, 2012
6:00 pm – Midnight Crown Plaza Phoenix Hotel 2532 West Peoria Avenue Phoenix AZ 85029
Featuring: La Voz Diamante AZTECA Band DJ: R&R & Ammo Tickets: $35.00 or 2 for $60.00 Reserved table for 10 for $450.00 Limited seating available, reserve your table by July 7th, 2012.
Purchase tickets at www.mujerinc.net Or call Maria at 602 694-5330. Mujer, Inc. is a 501( c ) 3 Nonprofit organization All contributions are Tax deductable latinopm.com
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Donation includes $5,000 for every walk-off in select 2012 professional baseball games and 5¢/case of Budweiser sold, 5/20-7/7 with a maximum donation of $2,500,000. For details, visit www.facebook.com/budweiser ©2012 Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser® Beer, St. Louis, MO
Glad to serve because ... what if I hadn’t? Patrick Camuñez, captain, Arizona Army National Guard Years of service: Eleven Duties: Command infantry and combined armed companies and units of 200-300 soldiers; coordinate employment of infantry at all levels of command in U.S. and multinational operations; develop doctrine, organization and equipment for infantry missions; teach infantry skills at training centers; infantry advisor to other units. Personal: New Mexico native; degree in GovernPhoto courtesy of CapTAin Patrick Camuñez
ment from New Mexico State University; Juris Doctor degree from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law; married for seven years to wife, Megan; two sons, Mason and Austin.
Proudest moment: When my soldiers said that they were sad to see me leave, that I had been the best leader they had ever had.
On the job valuable learning experience: What I learned from my military experience is the value of teamwork. My service taught me that, no matter where people came from or how they identified themselves, we could work together.
Funny anecdote:
One time on VIP security detail, we were sitting on top of our M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. We heard what we thought were far off gunshots. My gunner yelled, “Get down, sir!” I replied, “Don’t worry; they’re too far out to hit us.” A moment later, bullets started pinging off the Bradley. I threw myself over the side. “How’s it going down there, little guy?” queried my gunner as he peered down at me.
Why did you decide to pursue this career: I want to be part of something bigger than myself. My work in the National Guard allows me to serve my country and be a part of something I can be proud of.
Balancing service and family: The Army is really good about providing family support services to balance out the frequent and long deployments. Unlike some people who save up years of leave, I always use my leave to spend quality time with my family.
Greatest satisfaction of serving: Knowing that I am making a difference by helping to shape soldiers’ lives.
Final word:
Do it! Military life is difficult at times, but the camaraderie is amazing and life-changing. You learn skills not readily available elsewhere. Furthermore, you gain a host of great memories and stories. Sit down and ask yourself, “Do I really want to get to be 50 years old and be asking myself, “What if?”
Nominate a candidate
Help us acknowledge those who serve. Men and women currently in the military or a first responder. Send your info to editor@latinopm.com. latinopm.com
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EnrollatRio.com Dr. Chris Bustamante Rio Salado College President
Education reform for foster youth
Arizona Community Foundation and Helios Education Foundation award $500,000 By Erica Cardenas
In an effort to improve educational outcomes for
foster children in Arizona, the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF), in partnership with the Helios Education Foundation, have announced the award of $500,000 to the National Center for Youth Law. The grant is the fourth award in three years from the Accio Education Fund, a venture capital type of charitable fund created by ACF and Helios. The Fund, which is held and managed by ACF, was established to support the development and expansion of innovative education reform efforts for the benefit of Arizona students. ACF and Helios contribute equally. At any given time, there are approximately 500,000 foster children in the United States. Removed from their families because they have experienced abuse or neglect, they suffer from poor academic outcomes. Despite an abundance of evidence suggesting the importance of parental involvement, foster children frequently do not have an adult in their life who could instill high educational expectations and discuss school with them, as well as ensure that they are enrolled in the right classes and are aware of appropriate educational opportunities. The Foster Youth Education Initiative (FosterEd) improves educational outcomes for foster children by ensuring that each and every one has such an educational champion. An initiative of the National Center for Youth Law (NCYL), FosterEd draws upon more than four decades of state-level system reform work to help states create programs serving all school-age foster children, including those eligible for early childhood education settings. NCYL has worked collaboratively with agencies in more than 15 states to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children. The Accio Education Fund grant will help FosterEd establish research-based, data-driven programs aimed at improving educational outcomes for foster children in Arizona. “We are proud to support FosterEd’s efforts to give foster youth in our state a collective voice and a greater opportunity for educational success,” said Jim Pitofsky, ACF’s chief strategy officer.
“FosterEd’s commitment to foster youth in Arizona is inspiring. Because they did their homework on Arizona – assessing our state’s needs and key allies – their efforts will truly have an impact statewide,” added Pitofsky. FosterEd’s objectives in Arizona are to: Collaboratively create a sustainable pilot project that improves educational outcomes for foster children by ensuring that each of them has an educational champion. Work with the Arizona Department of Education, Department of Economic Security and Administrative Office of the Courts to create a statewide foster youth education program modeled on the successful pilot. Build the capacity of these agencies to operate, sustain and improve the program, so that educational outcomes for all Arizona foster children are enhanced. “Our goal is to improve educational outcomes for the approximately 10,000 children who, at any given time, are in Arizona’s foster care system,” said Jesse Hahnel, director of the FosterEd Initiative. “In taking children into state custody, we become collectively responsible for ensuring that they succeed in school and are equipped to succeed in life.” ACF and Helios sought nominations from a field of nonprofit organizations, funding agencies and businesses. Their specific request was aimed at innovative education reform programs already in Arizona and those from other states considering expansion to Arizona. True start-up efforts were not encouraged for nomination, but consideration was given to expansion of an organization’s latinopm.com
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proven, successful model if front-end investment had already been made and the applicant could demonstrate relevant experience to date. The process used for selecting grant recipients from the Accio Fund has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national model for identifying and supporting innovative reform organizations. Nominations were evaluated by a panel of recognized authorities that included representative voices of teachers, principals and superintendents from around the state, as well as representatives from organizations such as Intel, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Stand for Children, Tucson Values Teachers and the Steve Nash Foundation.
“Helios Education Foundation is investing its expertise and financial resources in initiatives that create a high-expectations, college-going culture in Arizona and Florida,” said the Foundation’s president and CEO, Paul Luna. “Through our support of the Accio Fund, in partnership with the Arizona Community Foundation, we are positively impacting the lives of thousands of foster youth in Arizona, helping improve their educational outcomes and creating new opportunities for them to succeed,” Luna adds. The Accio grants are paid over a threeyear period in annual installments and include intensive staff engagement plus technical and strategic assistance provided by ACF and Helios.
Scholarships for service University of Phoenix and AMVETS (American Veterans), a vocal advocate
for veterans’ education, are awarding $350,000 in the form of 50 scholarships worth $7,000 apiece to active-duty service members, veterans and eligible family members to pursue a degree at the University of Phoenix. AMVETS has teamed up with the University of Phoenix since 2007, offering more than 225 scholarships to demonstrate appreciation for the sacrifices that service members, veterans and their families make for the country, and to help service members and veterans transition from the military to the civilian sector. “As service members return from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we want them to be better prepared for career opportunities in the military and civilian sectors,” said retired Army Col. Garland Williams, associate regional vice president for the University of Phoenix’s Military Division. “The 2012 University of Phoenix-AMVETS Scholarships provide America’s active-duty service members, their families and veterans access to new professional skill sets through education in order to help them secure future employment opportunities.” Currently, more than 50,000 active-duty service members, veterans and their families are enrolled in associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the University of Phoenix worldwide. Applications for the 2012 University of Phoenix-AMVETS Scholarship are being accepted through August 21, 2012, and scholarship recipients will be notified by Veterans Day, November 11, 2012. More information on how to apply for the 2012 University of Phoenix-AMVETS Scholarships can be found online at phoenix.edu.
Southwest Skill Center launches new program A new Industrial Electronics Technology Program to be launched at
Estrella Mountain Community College’s Southwest Skill Center (EMCC-SWSC) this month is set to bring some “hard” skills to their current educational offerings. The EMCC-SWSC already has a long-standing reputation for excellence in their “soft skill” areas of allied health, such as nursing. The course is a full-time, five-month program offering a variety of electromechanical and operational skills training, with a focus on the troubleshooting and repair of electrical/electronic equipment. The first cohort program has a capacity of 10–15 students and begins July 9, 2012. Coursework includes an introduction to computer software applications, industrial safety, hand and power tool use, oxyfuel welding, rigging and piping systems, just to name a few. Successful completion will prepare participants for jobs in organizational maintenance, manufacturing, aeronautics, water treatment and public utilities. Students must be at least 18 years of age and complete an admissions packet. Admission requirements include assessment testing in the areas of English and math. Interested individuals should contact Mark Haines at the EMCC-SWSC for more details at mark.haines@estrellamountain.edu.
G O FA R , CL OSE T O H O M E .
Register Now!
ASU hosts summer journalism institutes Thirty-eight high school students
learned digital and broadcast journalism skills last month at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. The students, many from underrepresented communities, lived on campus and attended classes at the Cronkite School, part of ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus. Participants received full scholarships that covered housing, meals and training. Twenty of the students participated in the Entravision Summer Digital Media Institute, in which they attended class sessions taught by journalism faculty on reporting, writing and multimedia journalism. Students also toured local media outlets and produced a news website. In addition, eighteen students attended the Summer High School Broadcast Institute, in which they took classes in reporting, writing, videography and editing; met with broadcast
professionals; visited local broadcast outlets; and wrote, anchored, produced and directed their own newscasts. The Institutes are directed by Anita Luera, the Cronkite School’s director of high school journalism programs and past president of the Arizona Latino Media Association. Classes were taught by Luera and other Cronkite faculty and staff, including Associate Professor Craig Allen, Production Specialist Brian Snyder and Faculty Associate David Cornelius.
Fo l l ow us on www.phoenixcollege.edu
Have an education story idea? Send your information to editor@latinopm.com.
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Heads up! Tips on summer scalp health By Robrt L. Pela
Just when you think you’ve got every aspect of
good health covered – nutrition, exercise, stress management – some wise guy magazine writer turns up with a new angle. Like this one: how’s your scalp? No kidding. The skin on top of your noggin can determine more than whether you’re going to have a good hair day; it can indicate your overall health as well. That’s because the cells found at the roots of our hair are the most rapidly developing cells in our bodies, and are more sensitive to changes in nutrition and body functions than any other cells. So, if your scalp is healthy, chances are the rest of your body is, too. And, summertime is the best time to take a little extra care up there, because higher UV rays and extra exposure to the sun tend to dry and sometimes injure your pate. The cells of a healthy scalp are produced at the lowest level of the skin and migrate toward the outer surface; once there, they flatten out and are invisibly shed. When your scalp is functioning properly, the entire process takes about a month. But a sick scalp can shed cells in as little as a week, leaving large, ugly snowdrifts, politely known as dandruff. Those nasty flakes on your shoulders are probably the result of something simple, like too frequent shampooing, which can strip the scalp of natural oils, while infrequent shampooing can clog scalp follicles and lead to such conditions as seborrheic dermatitis, an itchy red rash that’s treatable with nonprescription shampoos containing tar or sulfur. Seborrheic dermatitis can sometimes indicate an immune system disorder, so a recurrent bout with this complaint might be worth reporting to your physician. Chances are the doctor will rattle off a list of benign reasons why your head has turned on you. Harsh shampoos, styling products, hair color and blowdrying can exacerbate scalp problems or cause new
ones, as can a diet high in fat, sugar or salt. Stress also aggravates a sickly scalp, according to Albert Kligman, M.D., professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. When you’re tense, your body produces an excess of cortisone, which can suppress the immune system and increase the growth of yeast organisms on the scalp, which leads to inflammation and flaky dandruff. External stress is just as likely as internal anxiety to irritate your scalp. Men with curly hair who shave their latinopm.com
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For some foster kids, this is a closet.
YOU can change that.
With your support, we can find safe and loving “forever homes” for all of these kids. Become a foster or adoptive parent or donate today. You will not only change the future… you will redefine it. Call 800.944.7611 ext. 2166 or visit
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heads should be careful not to shave too close, Kligman says. A super-smooth shave can result in ingrown hairs and razor bumps that become acne, which can further compromise scalp health by trapping bacteria in the inflamed follicle around each ingrown hair. Because exercise helps relieve stress, your daily workout will help you keep a healthy head. Giving your pate its own quick workout won’t hurt, either; a daily, two-minute scalp massage not only feels great, but improves blood flow to the head, bringing vital nutrients to follicles. While you’re at it, occasionally treating your scalp to a handful of an essential oil, like jojoba, will help break up encrusted oil and remove dead cells. Guys who favor finger-combing will want to know that brushing your hair, no matter its length, is a great way to keep cuticles flat and well-lubricated with the scalp’s natural oils. Brushing also loosens dead skin, which may be clogging your pores. Fair-skinned fellows, as well as bald or balding men, should don a cap or rub a glob of sunscreen (with a minimum level of SPF 6) onto their heads about a half-hour before heading outdoors. Skin cancers of the scalp account for two percent of all skin cancers, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Most of us assume that wearing a hat or having a lot of hair is protection enough, but we’re mistaken. What you don’t put on your head is just as important as what you do put on.
Keep hair-styling products away from your scalp, and steer clear of alcohol-based gels and sprays. Because blow-drying can stress out your scalp, a low or medium setting and a snap-on diffuser are a good idea; towel-drying your hair is an even better idea. Hot water can be just as damaging as hot air, according to Dale Abadir, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist. “When you rinse your hair, turn down the water temperature,” Abadir says. “Hot water might feel good, but it can aggravate a dry scalp. If the water is too hot, you’re not hydrating your scalp, you’re dehydrating it.” Sarah Quincy, a spokesperson for plant-based Aveda® hair and skin products, recommends not shampooing more than once a day, and only half as often if you’re a swimmer. Athletes who take more than an occasional dip in chlorinated pools should use a weekly detoxifying shampoo, and, if you’re showering both at home and at the gym, Quincy says, it’s best to just rinse your hair when you hit the shower a second time. Unless you’re drenched with sweat following your workout, not washing your hair immediately afterward isn’t a bad thing; the scalp contains many oil-producing sebaceous glands, and perspiring helps distribute this oil, which prevents a dry, flaky scalp. Including the use of a clarifying shampoo on a weekly basis will help keep pores clear of gunk. Harsh detergents can irritate the scalp, Abadir says, but natural shampoos made from plant and flower extracts, like Aveda’s Shampure® line,
Choules Family
are gentler to skin. Herb-based cleansers can help bring your scalp into better balance, and can also strip away any buildup from waxy hair products. Shampoos containing Aloe vera will help stabilize a dry scalp, and balsam will help normalize an oily head. Echinacea, everyone’s favorite cold remedy, is an herb that moisturizes and soothes a sick scalp, and a good dose of chamomile tea, dumped right on your head every couple of weeks, can cleanse the scalp of built-up toxins.
If chamomile cures aren’t your cup of tea, you can nurture your scalp with a couple of additions to your daily vitamins and supplements. Any multi-vitamin that contains antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids will clean up clogged pores and promote scalp oil production. Vitamins A, C and E facilitate the normal shedding of dead cells, and most B vitamins feed follicles and hair roots. Kligman insists that the scalp is a hardy stretch of skin, and that few of us will ever experience much trouble with what’s under our hat. “The top of your head is like every other part of your body,” he says. “If you keep it clean and well cared for, it will be fine. The first sign of trouble will show up on your shoulders, and your partner or spouse will let you know right after the first flake has fallen.”
Itchy, oily, scratchy: three types of scalp ailments and what to do about them
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4/24/12 1:10 PM
High temperatures got you down? Beat the heat and have fun with the familia By Virginia Betz
The classic rock tune claims that “there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues,” but LPM begs to differ. The cure – keep it indoors! Arizona is well supplied with innovative, indoor recreational facilities guaranteed to lure you from your lounge
chairs and counteract the inertia that overtakes you when the mercury rises. These businesses specialize in high-tech environments where the activity and excitement levels meet, and often exceed, those of outdoor sports. Read on to get LPM’s picks for the best indoor action to rescue you from the summer doldrums. Note: All the activities described below require that persons under 18 years of age be accompanied by a parent or guardian or present a signed, notarized liability release form.
No parachutes, no nets!
Rocks for all ages
If fear of heights has kept you from even thinking about skydiving, SkyAdventure Arizona has an alternative – a gigantic vertical wind tunnel that creates conditions enabling users to experience a cross between freefall and flying. Flights last 1-2 minutes, equivalent to the duration of a conventional sky dive. Experienced instructors prep and assist first-time fliers, while more practiced “divers” can advance to refined acrobatics. Flight packages include one-on-one coaching and all the necessary equipment. A detailed preview of the wind tunnel experience (including exhilarating video clips), requirements, and physical/ age restrictions can be found at skyventureaz.com Location: 4900 N. Taylor Rd., Eloy, AZ 85231 Telephone: 520-466-4388 Hours: 7 a.m.—9 p.m. daily; advance booking recommended Cost: Basic Flight Package: Adults (12 years and older), $ 50; Children (3-12 years old), $ 40; Deluxe Flight Package: Adults, $ 80; Children, $ 70.
If you’re not prone to acrophobia, but prefer to be somewhat more grounded, rock climbing might appeal. Indoor rock climbing is high on safety and kid-friendly, and Scottsdale’s AZ on the Rocks is the largest such facility in the state, boasting 14,000 square feet of textural climbing terrain, designed for all levels of expertise. You can choose to go for the vertical with ropes (requiring shoes and harnesses), or just clamber over boulders (no gear required). The price of admission also includes access to cardiovascular and weight-training equipment. Info about age restrictions, what to wear, day camps and classes is online at azontherocks.com/our-gym. Location: 16447 North 91st St., Suite 104, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Telephone: 480-502-9777 Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri., 3–10 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Cost: Day passes: Family, $ 49; Adults, $ 15.76; Children (6-12 years old), $ 12.76 (prices do not include equipment rental; punch cards and memberships also available).
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All a-board! Skateboarding style and stunts have traditionally been dictated by the architectonic configurations of the urban landscape. Now skaters can avail themselves of this same environment indoors at the 40,000 square foot KTP (Kids That Rip) Skateboard School. The facility has rails, ledges, stairs, banks, walls, towers, ramps and lines, just like you see at the X-Games – and, why not? – the same designers created it. Besides training programs, KTR has 3-hour-long open skate sessions every day of the week and three sessions on Saturdays. Some sessions are skateboard only, but other welcome BMX and scooters; a live DJ assists on Friday nights. No rentals, and helmets are a must. See the complete open skate schedule at kidsthatrip.com. Location: 1927 North Gilbert Rd., Mesa, AZ 85296 Telephone: 480-844-9600 Cost: $15 for a 3-hour open skate session
Shooting stars
High-octane fun
For less frantic sport, there’s archery. Inaugurated in June of this year, the Arizona Archery Club offers a full-service indoor facility for the experienced or aspiring bowman (or woman). The Club features 31 air-conditioned lanes up to 45 feet for target shooting with all types of bows (long, recurved, compound and cross). The Club has expert shooters available for coaching sessions, and a well-stocked retail outlet. The Club is for members only. To learn how to become a member and the benefits that accrue to membership, look up kenny@azarcheryclub.com Location: 1115 West Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix 85027 Telephone: 602-909-9855 Cost: Standard membership, $ 199.95/year ($ 19.95/month; add one child for $ 50); Family membership, $ 249.95/year ($24.95/month); Patriot membership for active service military and law enforcement personnel and first responders, $ 129.95/ year ($ 13.95/month)
The largest indoor go-kart facility in America is in Phoenix, with karts that reach speeds of 45 mph. The 113,000 square foot Octane Raceway has two quarter-mile tracks (combined on Mondays) and a variety of other entertainments, such as a games arcade, a sport lounge, and a brand new Segway Performance Course (available on weekends). Octane features daily specials and sponsors many special racing events, as well as offtrack entertainment. So, call ahead before you schedule your visit to take advantage of “extras.” General information is online at octaneraceway.com. Location: 317 South 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 Telephone: 602-302-7223 Hours: Mon.—Thurs., 2–10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.–midnight; Sun., 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Cost: per race: Adults (16 years old and up), $ 14.95; Kids (10-15 years old, at least 54 inches tall), $ 12.95; annual membership packages from $ 19.95 – $ 200. latinopm.com
¡ July 2012!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
47
P.S.
Stella Pope Duarte
Happy birthday, Mr. Ambassador By Stella Pope Duarte
Harbor lights glowed in the dark
as the 747 jet landed in Santo Domingo on May 21, 2012. The night was cool with a moist breeze blowing in from the Caribbean Sea. Even before Roberto Reveles and I were ushered to the ambassador’s private entrance at the airport, it struck me how different this city was from the place of Raúl Yzaguirre’s birth. The tropical island of Hispaniola is in many ways the opposite of the dusty migrant town of San Juan, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas where Yzaguirre was born on July 22, 1939, to Ruben Antonio and Eva Linda (Morin) Yzaguirre. Celebrated as a national civil rights leader and currently serving as the ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Raúl Yzaguirre’s life in San Juan had a humble beginning in a Mexican American barrio, his family home not far from his grandfather’s (Gabino Morin’s) place of business – Morin’s Ice House. It was in the barrio where Yzaguirre first understood the meaning of standing up for justice and facing opposition from racists and political leaders who used their positions to brutalize the Mexican American community. It was also where he learned how to live as a moral man, claiming the wisdom of Mama Licha, his grandmother,
“lo cortés no quita lo valiente” (being courteous does not make you less valiant). Waiting patiently for us at the airport in Santo Domingo, Raúl and his wife, Audrey, led us to the security vehicle for our trek to the ambassador’s mansion. This was to be my first ride with full security, which included intense surveillance and monitoring. Escorting us through the streets of Santo Domingo was a second vehicle with lights flashing and sirens sounding as needed, a traveling mini-arsenal for the protection of the ambassador. Any trace of tiredness I felt from traveling since four in the morning was immediately gone as I began to understand that the ambassador’s duties in the capital city could pose danger to himself and anyone associated with the American embassy. Lodging in a private room in the opulent residence, I caught a glimpse of the enormity of Yzaguirre’s position as ambassador to the Dominican Republic and his continued determination to “leave the world in a better place than I found it.” This pledge has flourished in his life as a representative of the U.S. abroad in which he tirelessly promotes democratic values. Presidential elections were conducted on May 21, 2012, in the Dominican Republic, and provide an example of how Yzaguirre has had to face the Dominican population and inspire trust and faith be-
tween their country and the U.S. Danilo Medina, of the Party for Dominican Liberation, received 51 percent of the vote, winning over his rival, Hipólito Mejía, the former president representing the Revolutionary Dominican Party, who received 47 percent. Yzaguirre hailed the election with the words, “Long live democracy,” saluting the Organization of American States for their work in following through on the voting process. Yzaguirre’s thirty years as President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) established the most powerful organization of Latinos in the U.S., uniting Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans and many others as a powerful force able to impact public policy. At the start of Yzaguirre’s term, NCLR totaled 15 affiliates; under his leadership it grew to over 300 affiliates with a combined budget of $4 billion dollars to serve millions globally. This is a truly impressive accomplishment, which sheds light on a charismatic leader who deserves to take his place among those who have served with heart in hand. Happy birthday, Mr. Ambassador, may God’s blessings extend for many more years to come.
Stella Pope Duarte was born and raised in South Phoenix. She began her awardwinning career in 1995 after she had a dream in which her deceased father told her that her destiny was to become a writer. Contact her at stellapopeduarte.com. latinopm.com
¡ July 2012!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
49
¡!
my perspective on: making ends meet in Arizona
Adequate wages crucial for self-sufficiency By Gabriela Cervantes
More perspectives
Send us your perspective on whatever moves you. Email editor@latinopm.com.
I am an avid reader and
50
will eagerly peruse almost anything in front of me. But few things I read leave me as intrigued about the world around me as the recently-released report commissioned and funded by the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona, How much is enough in your county? The self-sufficiency standard for Arizona 2012. The findings of this report are so eye-opening and have such far-reaching effects for Arizonans, it is difficult to know where to begin. First of all, what is the purpose of the report? It determines the income level needed for a family to meet its basic needs without using private or public assistance. Two important variables in calculating this income level, which can vary drastically, are where the family lives and what the composition of the family is. For example, a family with one adult and a preschooler in Pima County will need to earn $18.21 an hour to meet its basic needs. However, the hourly wage to meet self-sufficiency for a family consisting of one adult, a preschooler and a school-aged child in Maricopa County is $24.20. Why does the family composition matter so much when determining wages for self-sufficiency? It’s all a matter of a family’s stage in life. Working adults will spend much more on child care the younger the child is, especially if the child is a preschooler. As the family dynamics change, so does its self-sufficiency income level. Another important thing to understand is what is considered a basic need. The Self-Sufficiency Standard describes basic needs as housing, child care, food, health care, transportation and miscellaneous (telephone and overthe-counter prescriptions, for example). As much as they feel like basic needs, cable, take-out, restaurant meals, internet service, vacations and student loan repayments are not basic needs, according to the report. Adding insult to injury, the cost of basic needs has increased 31 percent over the last 10 years, while incomes have increased only 19 percent. While most of us have heard of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), what we are now finding is that the FPL is several times lower than the self-sufficiency standard. According
Latino Perspectives Magazine
¡ July 2012!
latinopm.com
to the FPL, a family of three (one adult and two children) is considered poor at $19,090 per year. The FPL, which hasn’t been updated since 1970, doesn’t take into consideration the geographic location, family composition, increasing cost for basic needs, or changing needs of a family. So what does all this mean for Hispanics? As a Hispanic woman, I am concerned that many Hispanic families, especially those led by females, are barely, if at all, able to earn enough to meet the basic needs of their families. But this dilemma extends beyond ethnicity. Many Arizona families are simply not self-sufficient, and they are unable to find jobs that lead to self-sufficiency. This brings me to the next point. The most common jobs in Arizona are far below the self-sufficiency standards for just about every family type. Of the top 10 most common occupations, only two (registered nurses and general/ operations managers) provide wages that are above selfsufficiency standards. It is this finding in which there is so much potential for change. Legislators and organizations have an opportunity to bring higher-paying jobs into the state and to develop programs that help further people’s education so that they are able to qualify for higher-wage jobs. Closing the gap between real wages and self-sufficiency wages can only be achieved by reducing costs and increasing income. By understanding the implications of this report, people can understand how their families are affected and what they can do to become self-sufficient. Increasing one’s education level is extremely important, as is pressing one’s legislators to support funding for programs, such as KidsCare and child care subsidies, that alleviate strains on families until they are able to achieve self-sufficiency. Ordinary people have the power to make a difference for themselves and other Arizona families. Knowledge is power indeed. Find the full How much is enough in your county? The self-sufficiency standard for Arizona 2012 report at womengiving.org Gabriela Cervantes is a graduate of the University of Arizona’s Eller School of Management, where she received both a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). She currently serves as a board member of the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona.
Joey DeFrancesco, Jimmy Cobb, and Larry Coryell: A Tribute to Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery
Ravi Coltrane
Sunday, July 29 | 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $27.50–$32.50
Friday, August 3 Tickets: $32.50–$37.50 (7:00 p.m.) Tickets: $27.50–$32.50 (9:00 p.m.)
Critically acclaimed saxophonist and one of today’s most innovative jazz artists
Relive the legendary and influential sounds of Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery
Raul Midón
Wednesday, August 8 | 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $27.50–$32.50 Singer and guitarist who blends jazz, soul, pop, and Latin styles
Sponsored by
Y La Bamba
Saturday, August 18 | 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $22.50–$27.50 Cutting-edge indie rock band combining folk rock with Mexican influences
Celebrate Latino Music and Jazz at MIM 2012 Concert Season sponsored in part by:
To Purchase Tickets
• Order online at theMIM.org • Call 480.478.6000 • Visit MIM’s Ticket Office at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050 (Corner of Tatum & Mayo Blvds., just south of Loop 101)
Join our concert e-mail list! Sign up online at theMIM.org.
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