Latino Heritage Month, September 15-October 15

Locally, in the next week alone, there will be a welcoming of PCC President/Superintendent Dr. Mark Rocha, a formal Tequila Tasting as El Portal, Mayan/Jarana dancing, a film presented by Latino Heritage @ the Armory on Friday evening, and the Fiestas Patrias at Villa Parke from noon to 6. More things going on I'm sure. It is a busy, joyful, thoughtful time.

It is also a time when I get a chance to look at family pictures through a different filter. It is about the work that was being done, about familial relationships, and about how I feel connected to the folks whose images I see. My grandfather, first row, far left,worked with his brothers in beet fields.

This man is both a part of history that I study and was the man who gave the toast at my wedding. It was he that taught me that any person you may meet could be your friend and that your homeland, your neighborhood, your family and friends can stay in your heart no matter where you are.