During the Republican’s hold on the Governor’s office, “eighteen years of neglect” California’s past top national ranking in education fell to 43rd. Under Davis has climbed to a 23rd ranking, Torres noted, and the answer to crime prevention “begins in grade school.”Torres has been a much sought-after media commentator on the recall effort and in a recent Today Show appearance even had the top-ranking Republican candidate, action star Arnold Schwarzenegger, on the defensive.South African leader Nelson Mandela, imprisoned for almost three decades due to his activism for free elections, upon his release “asked for forgiveness of those who put him there.”In a later meeting with Torres, Mandela “asked me why Americans don’t vote,” and Torres said he made a pledge that would do all he could to make sure Americans exercise that precious right.Latino Town Hall President Bob Borrego said he was “absolutely delighted” to see the attendees as “we honor these outstanding citizens,” who have distinguished themselves by serving others.Jesse Ornelas was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.Among the community leaders in attendance were Vice Mayor Gabino Aguirre, Councilwoman Mary Ann Krause and Supervisor Kathy Long.Gabriela “Gaby” Godinez received the Youth Award from Santa Paula Elementary School District Board President Ofelia de la Torre. The Sports Award was presented by Santa Paula Union High School District Trustee Tina Urias, and accepted on Henry Jacinto’s behalf by SPUHS Vice Principal Tony Gaitan. Jess Victoria presented the Moraza Family their Cultural Arts Award. Dr. Gabino Aguirre presented the Business Award to Mendez Concrete and SPESD Superintendent Luis Villegas presented the Education Award to Dr. Larry Calderon, President of Ventura College. Borrego presented the Community Service Award to Ofelia de la Torre and Thelma Garcia, widow of Ray Garcia, presented the Humanitarian Award named in his honor to Rodney Fernandez.
Awards: Latino Town Hall celebrates contributions of Latinos
August 22, 2003
Santa Paula News
Celebrating the contributions of Latinos to the community was the theme of the 7th Annual Latino Town Hall Awards Dinner, honoring Gabriela Godinez (Youth), Henry Jacinto (Sports), Moraza Family (Cultural Arts), Mendez Concrete (Business), Dr. Larry Calderon (Education), Ofelia de la Torre (Community Service) and Rodney Fernandez (Raymond Garcia Community Service Award).
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesCelebrating the contributions of Latinos to the community was the theme of the 7th Annual Latino Town Hall Awards Dinner, honoring Gabriela Godinez (Youth), Henry Jacinto (Sports), Moraza Family (Cultural Arts), Mendez Concrete (Business), Dr. Larry Calderon (Education), Ofelia de la Torre (Community Service) and Rodney Fernandez (Raymond Garcia Community Service Award).The award dinner was held at the Community Center where guest speaker Senator Art Torres (Ret.), Chairman of the California Democratic Party, told the crowd that “we have to defeat this recall,” against Gov. Gray Davis.Torres noted his own “roots deep in the community” through his father, a Fillmore native who was a Santa Clara River Valley farm worker.The first Latino to receive his party’s nomination to statewide office when he ran for Insurance Commissioner in 1994, Torres was a highly effective legislature for 20 years and is widely credited for returning the California Democratic Party to a position of national prominence and power.Torres had offered an early prediction of the recall when in March he told the Los Angeles Times that the action would be to benefit Pres. Bush.The recall will cost the cash-strapped state millions “because Republicans don’t like Gray Davis, that’s all that it’s about, that and Bush’s” 2004 reelection bid.Polling places for the October election will be cut by 60 percent, a voting rights violation, he noted.If the recall is successful, the candidate with only 11 percent of the vote could be elected to lead California, which has the fifth largest economy in the world, said Torres.
