One Foot in Front of the Other

One Foot in Front of the Other

Between March and May 2014, I held a series of weekly planning meetings. Sometimes several people showed; a couple of times it was just me.

Besides Richard Soto and myself, several people met with us to discuss the idea of a bilingual library. I’m thankful to Bridget Childs, Research Attorney, who attended most meetings, has been very helpful providing insight, suggesting next steps and possibilities. I appreciate Nathan Worth, Grant Writer, who initially got me to document our intentions in order to search for grants. Also agreeing with me that the “money is out there”. Happily thankful to Saul Mora, retired educator, his wife and also his son, all very supportive in our initial meeting in March. Immensely grateful to Debbie Hernandez, who though her support, lead to the Stockton Record article by Rodger Phillips that drummed up community support of which I am still receiving emails about today!

After taking time off during the early summer weeks we tried to start up our meetings again. For some reason or another we just couldn’t “get the ball rolling” again. It was during that lull in momentum that I stepped back to look at the big picture. I looked over the notes gathered from each meeting. Those notes had formed a basic business plan! After organizing all of our thoughts on paper, we created a business plan for our bilingual library and Latino museum. Our ideas had formed into focus and direction.

Support is Motivating

Support continues to grow for a bilingual library and museum in Stockton, CA. One of the first people, outside of my family, I shared my idea with was Stockton Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina of District 5. District 5 includes the Fair Oaks Neighborhood, the area of Stockton which desperately needs a library.
From that first day, as I excitedly shared my idea, to now having a written formidable plan, Dyane has been helpful, patient, and most of all encouraging.

Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina speaks to a crowd 

at the Put Stockton First Kick Off on February 1, 2014. 

Stepping out with an idea can be intimidating. During this process, there have been lulls, delays and set backs. But it's all a part of a learning process. Each pause was a moment to look at the successes and progress of other worthy causes in my community, such as Put Stockton First. These moments reassured me that all projects take time but I need to keep moving forward! 

Thank you Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina for your support and motivation! 

Planning and Puzzles

Planning a project is like working on a puzzle; you can only go so far with the pieces you have. Today's planning meeting began at the Stribley Park Community Center in Stockton, CA. Another step in the right direction, and another piece to our puzzle is set into place. Progress toward a bilingual library and museum continues!

This is the latest in a series of meetings held since April, 2014. We have the full support of our district area Councilwoman Dyane Burgos-Medina. We have a resourceful grant writer, Nathan Werth, committed to helping our project. We have direct support of several teachers, school administrators and businesses in this area not to mention the countless family and friends who have cheered on this process from the beginning.

I will post regular updates to our progress in the coming days. I admit maintaining a blog is a juggling act. I applaud all Bloggers out there for the work they do! It's not as easy as it looks.

"We Need Diverse Books!"

On May 1, 2014, we join the public call for action supporting diversity in Literature! We Need Diverse Books Tumblr blog gives you all the details how to announce from the hilltops - or your laptops - "We need diverse books!"

Many people & organizations promote diversity, bilingual, multi-cultural literature; it's exciting to see all come together to be a part of this campaign for the next 3 days as one voice. 

May 2, 2014 - Twitter chat is scheduled for 11pm (PST) using the #WeNeedDiverseBooks. Share your thoughts on diversity in literature and why it matters!

May 3, 2014 11am (PST) It's time to "Diversify Your Shelves"! This is to encourage you to buy diverse books! Hello! Let's work our purchasing power mi gente! Go out to bookstores, new or used and of course your local libraries, and ask for their favorite diversity picks! Talk to a librarian, they love answering questions! Trust me I know this.

We know diversity in literature matters in Stockton, CA. We want to see our children and adults reading, connecting with characters they can relate to and sparking interest. The positive outcomes are so obvious! Let's do our part to shout! shout! shout! "We need diverse books!"

Book by book building your personal library

I know all too well the bilingual section at popular book stores, i.e. Barnes & Noble, is extremely small not to mention pricey. Please take a look below at a good list of Children & Teen Latino books under $10, in paperback and available now! These will encourage your young ones to start reading about characters & places they can relate to.

Where the Flame Trees Bloom by Alma Florada

The Queen of Water by Laura Resau

Brujas, Lechuzas y Esparitos by Alonso M Perales

Ice Dove and other stories by Diane De Anda

Benito Runs by Justine Fontes

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora

Winner Takes All by Jenna Santana

The Maldonado Miracle by Theodore Taylor

Cruzando de Pacifico by Gary Soto

Whole Sky Full of Stars by Rene Saldana Jr

Nerlandia by Gary Soto

Esparanda Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Long Shot by Mike Lupica

Any Small Goodness: A Novel of the Barrio by Tony Johnson

Abuelita’s Heart by Amy Cordova

These affordable books can be purchased online bookstores such as http://www.valorebooks.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/. 

Take a peek....

I was so excited to have a look inside the Fair Oaks Library building! My worst thoughts were all put to rest when I walked in and looked at the awesome condition this 9,900 sq ft building is still in. It seems to be quietly waiting for the day it can reopen its doors to families again.

Do you dream in Spanish?

When my mother told me she sometimes dreams in Spanish, I was jealous! Why I have never dreamt in Spanish?! I was reminded of her when I came across “Trilingual poems” video by ¡Colorín Colorado! with Francisco Alarcón, bilingual poet and author.

Youtube Video by ¡Colorín Colorado! For more information: http://www.colorincolorado.org/

Francisco Alarcón explains when writing "Snake Eyes", a unique collection of trilingual (Spanish, English, Nahuatl) poems, he found using these different languages allowed for better representation and expression.

How wonderful to go back and forth with various languages; in a dream or in thought!