Pineda told of his life’s challenges including those to his family, which, like many others, was repatriated to Mexico during the Great Depression. Life was even harder in Mexico, and Pineda said the experience gave him a great sense of appreciation for good things.“I’ve been in Santa Paula since 1942 and it’s a community I love” so much that, Pineda said, if he were a wealthy man he would invest in city improvements in order to attract more tourists that would boost the local economy.Community, said Jess Victoria, also a Latino Town Hall co-founder, is “just an extension of family,” and that family is ever growing. Victoria said he has proposed to a group founded at the Santa Paula Family Resource Center centered on farmworker households to create home-based businesses.“Everyone at home can make a product,” including traditional art using free materials such as clay found in the area. “We want to develop the concept that you can help yourself,” and reaffirm that “it all starts with yourself.”Those in attendance included Santa Paula Union High School District Trustee Tina Urias, former Councilwoman Laura Flores Espinosa, former school board trustees Ofelia De La Torre and Catherine Sepulveda, City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz, Chamber of Commerce President John Blanchard and Chamber Board Chairwoman Connie Tushla.
Latino Town Hall celebrates the season with traditional reception
December 24, 2008
Santa Paula News
Latino Town Hall celebrated the season with a December 17 reception that featured reminiscing and best wishes for the holidays.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesLatino Town Hall celebrated the season with a December 17 reception that featured reminiscing and best wishes for the holidays. Held at Logsdon’s Restaurant at Santa Paula Airport, Latino Town Hall President and City Councilman Dr. Gabino Aguirre welcomed the crowd to the traditional gathering.“Latino Town Hall has been here for more than a decade,” with the thought always in mind that “what is good for Latinos is good for the community.” Aguirre cited the saying, “If yesterday is history, tomorrow mystery, then today is the present... a gift.”Aguirre thanked those involved in the history of Latino Town Hall, as well as those yet to become active in the organization who would initially find it “a mystery. And I thank you here tonight for your presence... a gift. And we are all here to make this a better place.” All who are interested in the well being of others are important, and Aguirre noted it is important that “community is not about shutting down the voice, but hearing the voice.”Aguirre introduced numerous guests - including Latino Town Hall co-founder Bob Borrego - and asked them to tell of their life and experiences, including author and activist Albino Pineda. “Albino,” said Aguirre, “is the only one in the whole country to recognize the labor of farm workers” by spearheading the effort to create a farmworkers’ monument in Railroad Plaza Park.
