The volunteers who made the holidays special for Geber and Evelia Family

A Holiday is for giving and family, as we were fortunate to have a Holiday Family from the Barrio Station, Logan Heights. The Geber and Evelia Family of six referred to us from Rachael Ortiz, Executive Director, Diane Armenta, Administrative Assistant. We also provided six Thanksgiving Baskets towards the Barrio Station Families and a military family. We work side by side giving and supporting our Troops afar as well. 

“GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS” 

Submitted by Chaplain Olivia J. Solomon

61ST ANNUAL LAS POSADAS EVENT DRAWS HUNDREDS TO OLD TOWN Hundreds attended the Las Posadas procession in Old Town San Diego Historic State Park on Sunday, Dec. 11. The annual Las Posadas event is a candlelit procession that re-enacts the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s search for a birthplace for the Christ child. This year was the 61st annual procession in Old Town but the tradition has been happening since 1546 in Mexico and is practiced around the world.

’Tis The Season For Givin’ and MCL Scuttlebutt Det. #886 Marines were on hand at the annual Barrio Logan Toy Drive to do just that! Pictured are (l-r) 1st Vice Commandant Dan Anderson; Past Commandant Hank Murphy; Toy Drive hosts Marlow Martinez, Jr. and his brother Mark; and Paymaster Eddie Cervantes. The Scuttlebutt Det. #886 continued with its annual donation and Past Commandant Hank Murphy was there to donate on behalf of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. This annual fund drive provides toys for low-income underprivileged children of the Barrio Logan neighborhood. Some of the monetary donations also help support the Barrio Logan Youth Center.

Ceremonial groundbreaking for the modernization and expansion of the historic Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) for San Diego Continuing Education marked the beginning of a new wing which will be added to the main building on campus to replace all outdated bungalows and modular classrooms, labs and support rooms. The new wing will provide much needed classrooms to help alleviate the current inability to add more classes and classrooms onsite. The project will provide state-of-the-art labs, lecture and support space and accommodate in-demand workforce training and preparation programs. 

The $16.3 million project is the latest San Diego Community College District project funded by Propositions S and N. The project is on track to obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) – one of six LEED-certified projects built or planned for San Diego Continuing Education campuses and among 30 across the District. The project is expected to be completed in March 2013.

Girl Scout Troop 5912 of San Ysidro (San Diego’s largest, with 50+ girl members; led by Irene Barajas) honored Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low in its Dia de los Muertes altar during a presentation last weekend. The display also celebrates the 151st anniversary of Low’s birth on Oct. 31, 1860. Pictured are Alexa Wells (left) and Montserrat Soriano.

Congressman Bob Filner recently met in his Washington, D.C. office with members of the HOPE (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality) Leadership Institute. From left are Danitza Villanueva, Publisher of Giving Back; Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, Vice Mayor of National City; and Aracely Rodriguez, Bi-National Affairs Manager of Planned Parenthood.

    Atenta invitación al festival Guelaguetza a festejar el 25 de Septiembre del presente año, en la Universidad Estatal de California en San Marcos, (CSUSM). La Guelaguetza es un festival folklórico y cultural cuyo propósito es difundir y fortalecer la identidad indígena de México, recaudar fondos para los proyectos comunitarios y beneficio de organizaciones estudiantiles.

    Fecha: Domingo, Septiembre 25 · 11:00am – 5:00pm

    Lugar: California State University San Marcos, 333 S.Twin Oaks Valley Rd., San Marcos, CA.

    Más información: www.cocio.org

Congressman Bob Filner recently congratulated students embarking on their careers in the military. Congressman Filner nominated the students who were recently informed of their appointments to one of the U.S. Military Academies. From left, Christopher Maligsa (Naval Academy), James Magno (Naval Academy),Ivan Martinez (West Point), Congressman Filner, Elizabeth Maldonado (Air Force Academy) and Michael Crawford (Naval Academy).

The Gurrola family, (l-r) father Gregory, daughter Citlalli and mother Lorraine, join with Olympian High School principal Elaine Leano as City National Bank’s Nidya Rivera presents a $5,000 donation to the school in support of a senior class literacy program honoring Greg Gurrola who passed away last year before his graduation.  The bank’s donation was made possible through its Reading is The way up literacy program.

Chaplain Olivia Solomon with a Junior Military outfit as greeters at the Rosecran Memorial Day Service. Chaplain Solomon has been dedicating her time as a volunteer for the past 13 years and plans on continue as Auxiliary Chaplain and Auxiliary member for 31 years.

Left to right: Chaplain Bill Kelly and Auxiliary Chaplain Olivia Solomon paying tribute to their last deceased Post members Oscar and Ruth Romero who passed away five months apart.

En esta foto, Karla Martínez, la popular co-anfitriona del programa matutino Despierta América y portavoz de la iniciativa Qué Rica Vida, de la compañía General Mills, ayuda a cocinar pancakes Bisquick para más de 250 personas. Karla fue la invitada de honor al desayuno comunitario que Bisquick celebró este pasado fin de semana, a beneficio del Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center de Los Angeles. Bisquick donó $5,000 al centro, que colabora con familias y asociados comunitarios para crear oportunidades educativas y de empleo para jóvenes del área, predominantemente latinos.“Nos complace enormemente apoyar a la comunidad hispana con este singular desayuno de pancakes”, dijo Erin Sturgeon, Gerente Asociada de Mercadeo de Bisquick “¿Qué mejor forma de divertirse y conjuntamente ayudar a la comunidad que mediante un desayuno como este, pues ¡a quién no le gustan los pancakes!?” (Foto: Cortesía de Bisquick).

Taste of Third Avenue & Art Walk, Chula Vista: Local artist shined at last months’ event including Mario A. Chacon  with Chaconarte (above) and Roberto R. Pozos (below – right) is with Pozos Creative Communications with  Juan Laguna is with Laguna Arts.  Photos by Steve Wood.

Don Diego Ladies Auxiliary Post #7420

Every year we make and effort to continue remembering our “Prisoners Of War — Missing in  Action” and honor them by preparing a Table and having one of our Post Members representing a “Branch of Service” Army, Marine, Navy, etc. to light a candle on behalf of our Soldier missing in action. As Chaplain of our Auxiliary it was pleasure in reciting Prayer for our Troops.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!

Submitted by: Chaplain, Olivia J.Solomon

Once again we, the members Diego VFW 7420 continue to support our Community by representing what we stand for. Past commanders, Frank Peralta and Rueben Rivera along  with Auxiliary Chaplain, Olivia Solomon, Alicia Ketchum(not shown) dedicated time at the Fiesta Del Sol along with rt: Marcella Smith, Chaplain Olivia Solomon, Mercy Gastelum and Grace Leyva recruiting new Post and Auxiliary members.

“God Bless America and God Bless our Troops

Submitted by Olivia J. Solomon 

Congressman Bob Filner recently met in his Washington, D.C. office with Derick Moreno, the winner of the 51st Congressional District Art Competition. Derick is a senior at Olympian High School in Chula Vista.

Congressman Bob Filner honored South Bay resident Luis Gonzalez, as he embarks on his career in the military as a U. S. Air Force Academy appointee nominated by Congressman Filner. Luis graduates from Missouri Military Academy with a GPA of 3.71.

Front left to right: Madam President, Marie Kelley and outgoing Commander, Al Rivera

   Madame President, Marie Kelley with Auxiliary Chaplain, Olivia J.Solomon presentied a Floral arrangement to the Grave site of our dearly departed  Sister, Amalia Rojas on following a celebration of Life at the Rosecrans Memorial Day Services. Our Post and Auxiliary continue to serve and support our Troops. “God Bless America and God Bless our Troops”

Submitted by Chaplain, Olivia J.DeLa Rosa -Solomon

Heavy Hitters: Boricua bomber Miguel Cotto (L) drops in on the reigning World Series Champions New York Yankees during a recent batting practice session to pose for a picture with slugger Alex Rodriguez. Cotto (34-2,27 KOs), who was previously seen in the ring last November in a losing effort to Manny Pacquiao, will be making a move up to the 154 pound division for the first time in his career tomorrow night when he faces Yuri Foreman (28-0, 8 KOs). “Stadium Slugfest” as it is being billed, will originate from Yankee Stadium and will be for Foreman’s version of the Jr. Middleweight crown. After taking part in some of the most grueling battles of this decade- battles against elite fighters such as Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, Joshua Clottey, and Manny Pacquiao (boxing’s version of Murderer’s Row) Cotto is eager to prove that he still has some fuel left in his tank “We trained hard to put on a good show on June 5th” Cotto said during a recent media conference. “I don’t know what is going to happen on that night, but I’m pretty sure, no matter what way, when the fight is over, I’m going to be the winner of the fight.” Entering the bout as a 2-1 favorite, a win tomorrow night would place Cotto right back in the mix for a super fight in the fall.  As of press time, nearly 30,000 tickets had been sold-who said boxing was dead?     -Steve Galindo III

The annual dance festival, presented by Patricia Rincon Dance Collective, and sponsored by the San Diego City College Department of Visual & Performing Arts, and World Cultures Department will happen at the Saville Theater, C Street at 14

            Blurred Borders International Dance Festival is an annual cross-cultural event created to foster the artistic and intellectual exchange of ideas of progressive international, national and local artists.