This is to let you know of an act of vandalism that has occurred at Pitzer College where various walls were vandalized.  Some of the words spray painted in various locations throughout the campus included “Trump” — “Make America Great Again,” and included an attack on a candidate running for a Student Senate position.  This student is the son of respected scholar and professor Adrian Pantoja (who just completed the organizing of the 9th annual Rockabilly with students this last Saturday).   I contacted Adrian and offered our full support in exposing what has happened here and ensuring a quick response.  I sent a message to Adrian:  “This is despicable and I fully support your efforts.  Certainly, it can be covered over immediately — even if there is a sheet that is used.  Let me know if there is anything that I can do.  It is at times when our efforts are most effective – when these types of attacks emerge to stop the progress and to diminish our spirit.  I am so glad that you are responding in the way that you are responding and want you to know that you and your son have our full support.  This is also clearly not just an attack on your name but an attack against our diverse communities.  Thank you for your time on this and all you are doing.”  Adrian responded: “Thank you Jose. We are not going to let this issue fade away. I am most encouraged by the strength and leadership of my son and students. I will keep everyone informed of how the issue is being addressed.”   Adrian also responded:  “Yes, please share it with the members of the Roundtable.”

Invitation from Carlos Perrett, Encuentros at Pitzer College (1050 N. Mills Ave.) in Claremont:

 The students at Pitzer, part of the Encuentro with day laborers, will be holding a noon gathering at the farm worker garden (behind the Grove House on the Pitzer College campus on Friday, April 1 to commemorate Cesar Chavez day and week.  From 1 – 2 – they will be planting roses, and working in the garden and from 1 -2 will be having having pupusas and tamales, dedicating another bench to day laborers, and holding a gathering ceremony.  

The Encuentro Students and Day Laborers

We are requesting your support for our 12th  annual Cesar Chavez Breakfast that will take place on Friday, March 25th, from 8 A. M. to 10 A. M. (with registration between 7 and 8 AM) at the Conference Center at the Fairplex, California Ballroom (601 W McKinley Ave., Gate 3) in Pomona. The Latino and Latina Roundtable, as you know, continues to move forward with the commitment and dedication of dozens of volunteers and the resources that are raised from this yearly fundraiser.  In keeping with our grass-roots base, we continue to keep the cost at a minimum to ensure that the tradition is in keeping with the celebration of the life of Cesar Chavez and the many leaders, from all backgrounds, who have historically given of their lives to ensure a more equal and just society. In keeping with the tradition of honoring leaders in our region who have exemplified the principles and values of Cesar Chavez, the Roundtable this year is honoring: Helen Chavez, UFW organizer and widow of Cesar Chavez: Hilda Solis, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, District 1; Jose Diaz Yanez, Leader of Pomona Habla and Immigrant Rights Advocate; Maria Alcala Garcia, Pomona Unified School District Staff Assistant to Pupil Services and Parent Involvement; and Rubio Gonzalez, Organizer for the Community and Historic Preservation.  In addition, scholarships will be presented to students from the region  who exemplify the work of Cesar Chavez through their community engagement in social justice issues. Attached is the RSVP application that you can mail in.  Please RSVP  through e-mail with melissaayalaLRT@gmail.com or call or text Melissa Ayala at (909)450-7532.

Breakfast Tickets are $45 an individual; $475 for a table of 10. See the attached flyer for ads and Golden/Silver table designations.

Checks can be made payable to the Latino/a Roundtable and sent to:

Latino/Latina Roundtable

P. O. Box 606

San Dimas, CA 91773

The Pomona City Council will be voting this coming Monday, March 7 on supporting the amicus brief in support of Dapa.  Please publicize widely and arrive at Pomona City Hall by 6:30 pm.  We need your presence and support.  Please invite others.

AmicusBrief