by Juliet Blalack
Coro Hispano presents their 21st annual concert in honor of Epiphany, with a special free show for children on January 5th.
The concert will feature traditional Latin American aguinaldos, music from many countries, Baroque villancicos, and Medieval chants. The children’s concert will be performed at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts at 2868 Mission Street.
Roccapulco New Year’s Party
Roccapulco will host a New Year’s Party with dinner, a champagne toast, party favors, and music.
Two live bands are scheduled to play salsa, cumbia, merenge, and bachata. The upstairs room will feature a DJ playing club hits, disco, and reggaeton. Dinner includes an appetizer, a choice of three entrees, and an ice cream dessert. The tickets are $35 for just the party, $50 with dinner, and $95 for couples. To make a reservation call 415-821-3563.
Multicultural classes for the spring semester
City College is offering over 20 different multicultural classes for the spring semester, which starts January 14th.
Classes include “Diversity: Heterosexism,” “Introduction to Islam,” “From Funk to Hip Hop,” and “Racial and Ethnic Groups in the U.S.”
The cost is $20 per unit, and financial aid is available. Administrators encourage students to enroll by attending the first day of class. To view the class schedule go to http://www.ccsf.edu/Schedule/, or call 415-239-3000.
Lawyer who represented rainforest people wins CNN Hero Award
Pablo Fajardo, who was the lead lawyer in a case against Chevron’s toxic dumping in Ecuador rainforest, won a “Fighting for Justice” hero award from CNN.
“Our work in Ecuador is an example of the good things that can happen when thousands of people, most without money or power, can come together in a common effort to better themselves and the planet,” said Fajardo.
A total of 30,000 plaintiffs brought a class-action suit against Chevron (formerly Texaco). The corporation dumped 18 billion gallons of toxic wastewater into the rainforest during three decades of oil drilling. Afterwards, local people suffered a slew of birth defects, stillbirths, and cancers.
Fajardo, who comes from an impoverished background and worked in the oil fi elds while earning his law degree, represented his community against well-paid and experienced Chevron lawyers. He and his people won.
Both his brother and his friend who helped him pay for law school were killed during Fajardo’s fi ght. Fajardo said his award represents the work of the plaintiffs and their supporters.
Third world women’s activism movie
The Shape of Water is a film that shows women from Senegal, Palestine, Brazil and India fighting for causes ranging from Palestinian self-determination to ending female genital mutilation.
The Bay Model will show the film at 6 p.m. on January 10th at 2100 Bridgeway in Sausalito. To learn more call 415-332-3871.
Multicultural NYE benefit party
Bissap Baobab, the Little Baobab, and Bollyhood Café are collaborating on a New Year’s with a buffet, champagne, live music, DJ’s, and drinks. One passport gets you into all three parties, and proceeds go to Dia de los Ninos, Ecole des Enfants, and Good Samaritan. The pass is $42 and can be ordered by visiting www.bollyhoodcafe.com or calling (415) 970-0362.
