ArtPlace America premia con subvenciones proyectos en Oakland ---  
Dos proyectos de Oakland  han ganado subvenciones altamente competitivas de ArtPlace America. La EastSide Arts Alliance ganó por “Oakland is Proud”, una serie de cinco plazas culturales que desarrollará a lo largo de la ruta del Autobús Rapid Transit en el Boulevard de la International en el Este de Oakland. Las plazas serán usadas para eventos culturales, mercados, proyecciones de video y otras reuniones comunitarias. El segundo ganador, Citizen Film, está creando un documental multimedia el cual cuenta la historia de personas emprendedoras desarrollando proyectos de vivienda pública en Oakland, quienes están enverdeciendo sus comunidades. El proyecto “Oakland is Proud” también ganó un Segundo premio de parte de National Endowment for the Arts.

Una nueva exhibición en San Ramon se enfocará en la larga historia de los viajes turísticos a México. El Parque Histórico Forest Home Farms y el Museo Glass House presentarán ‘Destino México’, exhibición que ilumina ocho décadas de viajes turísticos a México, desde las primeras conexiones de ferrocarril a mediados de 1880s hasta la edad de los primeros vuelos a finales de 1950s.

People often feel that real change in society is impossible. Sometimes they stop trying to create change because the challenges seem so large. To restore our hope and energy, I think we need to look at things that have changed for the better – things that we didn’t think were possible. I just learned of a great example of progressive change here in Alameda County that is natural, human, and inspiring. Doctors at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland are now encouraging their patients to spend time in nature as part of their healing. Instead of prescribing only the usual hospital treatments, these doctors have acknowledged the real healing ability of being in outdoor places like parks and beaches.

Luis Abundis built his business from a cart to a truck to a store. Two stores, in fact. “My business actually grew vertically,” he said while sitting next to his ice cream shop, Nieves Cinco de Mayo in the Fruitvale Public Market. Abundis got his start selling homemade ice cream out of a paleta cart. He then bought a real truck, and eventually his shop/store. Today he owns a second shop in San Francisco’s Mission district - both locations have a full menu of tropical ice cream, sorbets, and other refreshing treats inspired by his native Mexico.