by Contessa Abono
Roberto Vargas
Hundreds embarked on a five month walk from Alcatraz to Washington D.C. for environmental protection and Native American rights.
On Feb. 11 and Feb. 12, tribal dignitaries, religious leaders, environmental, and union groups held two events to commence the Longest Walk 2—a trans-continental walk for environmental protection and Native American rights.
More than three hundred participants of the Longest Walk 2 embarked on a five-month journey on foot from San Francisco, arriving in Washington, D.C. on July 11.
“Our mission is to raise awareness about the planetary crisis by walking to reconnect with the land, increase respect for cultural diversity, stimulate dialogue about connections between nature and culture, and protect sacred lands and diverse spiritual practices,” said Morning Star Gali, member of the Ajumawi Band of the Pit River Nation and Advocates to Protect Sacred Sites.
The Longest Walk 2 follows two routes, a Northern and a Southern one that will cover more than 8,000 miles in total, stopping each evening in communities along the way.
People from all over the world are joining the walk with its peaceful and spiritual call to action to protect Mother Earth and defend Human Rights. The Longest Walk 2 also marks the 30th anniversary of the original Longest Walk of 1978 that resulted in historic changes for Native Americans.
For a complete itinerary and additional information, please visit: www.longestwalk.org.
Governor Schwarzenegger welcomes Mexico President Felipe Calderón to California
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement after the Permanent Commission of the Mexican Congress officially approved President Calderón’s travel to the United States. “Maria and I look forward to welcoming President Felipe Calderón and Mrs. Margarita Zavala to California. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with President Calderón on issues that are critically important to the people of Mexico and California. As neighbors, we have a unique and vital relationship, one that we will strengthen further with President Calderón.”
Mexico President Felipe Calderón and Mrs. Margarita Zavala will arrived in California on February 12. In December 2006, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger attended President Felipe Calderón’s Inauguration.
For additional information about the visit to the United States by President Felipe Calderón and Mrs. Margarita Zavala, please contact the Mexican Consulate at (916) 329-3540.
Local man honored by Neighborhood Arts program
The Committee for the 40th Anniversary of the Neighborhood Arts Program elected Roberto Vargas for the position of Chair of the Advisory for Community Arts and Education Program.
Mr. Vargas will co-curate and host an evening of poetry honoring the Poet Laureates of San Francisco and the next and newest generation of musicians and writers.
Celebrating 40 Years of Neighborhood Arts: Nurturing Arts for and by the people where they live and work, will run from April 21 to May 3.
The 40th Anniversary Celebration will also feature a series of free events and discussions exploring arts in San Francisco, taking place at various venues in the city, including San Francisco State University, Manilatown Center/International Hotel, Glide Memorial Church, The Make-Out Room, SomArts Cultural Center, and more. The celebration will culminate in an afternoon event at SomArtsCultural Center, featuring a “speed dating” workshop to match artists with organizations, one-on-one “doctor sessions” for individuals seeking advice from arts mentors, performances, and food.
