CELEBRATE!

The fabulous RACHEL BRAVER, hats off the our Ms. Braver for another outstanding job at the 6th Annual GLAD brunch at the House of Blues.

Well I must tip my hat off to our good friend Rachel Braver. Once again she out did herself. Her hard work for the last several months paid off... an OUTSTANDING morning of CELEBRATION for GLAD and their supporters at the 6th Annual GLAD Brunch a the House of Blues.



Rachel Braver, Director of Public Relations (GLAD), Marlee Matlin, Shattering the Glass Walls Award Recipient, Lupe Ontiveros, Activist/Actress, Fabian Sanchez, Dancing with the Stars, Jamie Lee Curtis, Special Guest Presenter

Stereotype-defying Marlee Matlin honored at GLAD Benefit

The Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD) hosted a rousing 6th Annual GLAD Brunch Benefit at the world-famous House of Blues Sunset Strip on Sunday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. C.J. Jones, comedian/actor, entertained as Master of Ceremonies and actress/author Jamie Lee Curtis presented the award to friend, Marlee Matlin, Academy Award™ winning actress, author and most recently seen on “Dancing with the Stars”.



Our Miss Braver, Sara Braver, Jamie Lee & Morty!

“Shattering the Glass Walls” award was presented for the first time at the House of Blues benefit to Matlin from GLAD for being one of the most recognizable and successful role models in defying convention. Attendees enjoyed House of Blues Sunset Strip’s world famous Gospel Brunch, a menu composed of a Southern-style buffet and specialties and a spirited live show. Real Time Captioning was projected onto a screen and theater-trained interpreters accompanied the live show.



Jamie Lee on Ronn Savala's attire... "Honey is it really this years fashion?"

The proceeds benefit the ongoing activities and diverse programs at GLAD. The mission of the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD) is to ensure equal access of the deaf and hard of hearing community to the same opportunities afforded their hearing counterparts. The organization's general purposes and powers are directed around the promotion of the social, recreational, cultural, educational, and vocational well-being of its deaf and hard of hearing constituents.



Ronn Savala & Jamie Lee

GLAD's specific and primary purpose is to act as a coordinating agency that addresses the broad social service needs of deaf and hard of hearing people through direct service provision, advocacy, research and dissemination of information regarding deafness to parents, professionals and consumers. GLAD offers broad and comprehensive services such as Community Education, Communication Access, Counseling, Advocacy, Information and Referral, Job Accessibility, Independent Living Skills, Parent Education, Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Clinic Sensitivity Training, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Sign Language Interpreting Referral Services.



Pilar & Gabriel Buelna GLADly supported GLAD

GLAD has been improving the lives of the deaf and hard of hearing since its creation as a volunteer organization in 1969. GLAD is committed to the philosophy “…of, by, for and with the deaf and hard of hearing.”



Marlee & Me!!! Mark A. Martinez

Various corporations and organizations that have shown support and interest in the deaf and hard of hearing community were brought together by this inimitable benefit. The Title Sponsor for this event was Sorenson Communications, the nation’s leading provider of video relay services (VRS) and equipment for the deaf community (www.sorensonvrs.com). Additional sponsors of the benefit included Sprint Relay, Robert Gore Rifkind Foundation, Showtime Networks, Inc., City National Bank, Nordstrom, Hands On Video Relay Services, Pioneer, KNBC, Councilmember Jose Huizar CD 14, Kiwanis Club of Eagle Rock, The Walt Disney Company and others.



Carlos "DirtyVegas" & friend

250 leaders and friends of the community attended this sold out unique benefit. Donations can be made in support of GLAD by visiting www.gladinc.org.



Ronn Savala & super dancer Fabian Sanchez

For more information about GLAD, visit www.gladinc.org, call 323-478-8000 or e-mail info@gladinc.org



It's me and Jamie Lee!

ISN'T THIS A FUN FILLED PROCESS!

Are we going to have another Republication President?

It’s getting really scary out there.

I have heard many comments the last few weeks from fellow Democrats expressing their unhappiness with our party.

It’s heartbreaking to know that history that was to be made might not be made. Hilliary or Obama. Who would have known that for the first time in history a Woman or a African American Man would be running at the same time for the President of the United States of America. Sure there have been women and blacks (or a black woman) who have thrown their hats into the ring before… but never has it been a race that could be won by either.

I have heard many whisper if their candidate does not get the nomination that they will switch parties or not vote. Well not voting is wrong so switching parties might be the answer here. Being registered all my life as a Democrat, I might take a walk on the wild side and re-register with the Green Party. I am so unhappy with how the two Democrat candidates have divided us. It’s become a racial and popularity contest. It’s no longer about your qualifications ones achievements, but rather making choices to songs that once graced our hearts during the summer of love. “Say it Loud! I’m Black and I’m Proud” or “You come a long way baby!”

If we intelligently look at what’s in front of us, on our plates and accepted the good things that were put there, the choice would be easy. But it’s like someone watching all the hype on TV about some new product that is doing to dramatically change their image or give them a feel good feeling, that we push our veggies aside and go for that feel good pill as the all mighty answer to all our problems, knowing deep down that the veggies are a smarter choice. That’s how I feel about this election. We have TWO great candidates and ONE who is qualified and has experience and ONE that give us hopes. I think hoping is nice. I think smart choices are best. One step at a time. Patience. Time will tell.

I see young people who are so ready to make a change but these same young people don’t even know their history and how the political machine runs in Washington. There is not going to be some magic wand that showers us with change and it happens just like that. This change must come from unity and people changing themselves, stopping their addiction to gas hungry SUV’s, having to have the biggest house, having to play the loudest music, having to be so much better. Most of these people couldn’t tell you 1% of how Washington works. I being one. But I certainly am aware of how change happens. It starts with YOU. So for all of you who think this change comes with not price and it’s going to be all fine and dandy, you better wake up and start looking at the real issues here. We are in a takeover in a country that is getting more money than our children get for school. We are in a important time in history that we need to stop depending on foreign oil and business. We are in a important time of loosing our children to guns at school. All these things are important. The only change is going to start with YOU. It’s those questions your candidate needs to be aware of. How are we going to change the American attitude? How are we going to change our society so our children can go to school and not worry about some kid pulling out a gun and killing them?

Don’t be fooled, be a smart voter. KNOW what your candidates stand for and what they CAN change.

OK Kiddies... Now for a look at the Torres familia on VACATION in the motherland MEXICO!



Hmmm looks like their having fun!!!!



This doesn't look like fun!!! I would have a heart attack! You go Ruthie.



I certainly hope they didn't eat these afterwards.



The little one looks tired, isn't she cute. The Torres are expecting another addition to their family soon. If you haven't visited their store please do soon. They always have a great selection of furniture and great prices! BUENA VISTA FURNITURE.

JIMBO'S BACK!!!!!

Lord willin' n the creeks don't rise (i.e., if it isn't raining) He'll be back at the Far Bar this Thursday and Friday playing some good ole country, blues and roots rock. Will start about 6 on Thursday, and 5 on Friday, so come on by after work and enjoy some fun music and great drinks in alley....downtown LA's coolist patio bar. Located in the Far Bar restaurant, 347 E. 1st Street, Little Tokyo. You can enter thru the restaurant, or from the alley next door.

This guy can play the blues with the rest of them. Good music and drinks!!! Don't miss Mr. Jimbo and if you stop by and see him... well certainly buy the guy a drink!

JOCEE's 70th birthday.... Via La Cita!


Cita y Ricardo... mi familia!!!


I want to thank Ricardo and Cita for making my mother Josie's 70th birthday a memorial one. You know, my mother is a great person. She raised 5 children by herself. Never was on welfare... always working hard to keep clothes and food in the house. She has always accepted my crazy self. My love of music comes from her. I can remember her and her friends dancing to the Stones, and signing such great songs such as "Stoned" by Dylan. Will write more about Josie in future blogs.



Josie getting ready to blow out the candles.

Don't forget to visit Ronn's Website

I've been using some of the Repechage products and I must tell you... they are really good. Check that part of his site out and see all the great products they have especially the ones for the summer months. There will also be some new products on the Keune line up in about a month. Ronn Savala... he's your man ladies!

THE CHANGE....

WE ARE GOING TO MAKE HISTORY... And someone tells us there's gonna be a change.



WE ARE GOING TO MAKE HISTORY... And someone tells us I will lead and make changes through experience



These two candidates have similar views. One has experience, many years of experience, the other keeps on crying change.

I am a gay LATINO man. I have seen many changes in my lifetime. There are many things that were changed and will continue to be changed. But in order to change things you have to have people who can work together to make that change. I am not putting down Mr. Obama’s hard effort to make changes, but I am also realistic. I have not heard in his platform of CHANGE that is going to represent me. A Gay Latino and have worked really hard to see change. False promises’ is what gets people in trouble. False hope is greed. If elected Mr. Obama will walk into the same old, same old. The everyday bull @$@# of politics. Nothing is guaranteed. No matter what color or sex you are, you still have to sit down and WORK with people in order to make the CHANGE. Yes he has the Bill Clinton qualities... he can make you listen with his great preaching, but when all is said and done, it doesn't mean a thing when your wheeling and dealing with Washington.
So this change means nothing to me, but it seems to have hypnotized the nation. Is that all I have to do to get ahead? Walk around yelling CHANGE then hoping everyone changes with me? And what gets me most is this chanting of CHANGE in a slogan that our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandfathers, grandmothers have been yelling for years SI SE PUEDE!!!!! But for some reason it has to be done in English to make it acceptable. So I am not sold on this CHANGE thing. Change will come with experience and hard work. She (the other candidate) possess these qualities. I am tired of them putting her down as the same old same old. We’ll anyone who votes realizes that special interest groups are always involved in who gets elected. So the CHANGE candidate needs to put his hand to his mouth when accusing HER as one of special interest influence… he should look in the mirror and realize that he is where he is cause of these special interest groups.

Lastly, what are the views on Gay & Lesbian issues with both candidates? Why in this wonderful moment of history are we taking a back seat? We still are the ones who are fighting hard for our equality in this FREE nation. So why are we being silent? What about abortion? Why are these two important issues no longer issues? Have we come that far ahead in society that we no longer have to worry about getting gay bashed because of our sexual orientation? Is it now a thing of the past for a young woman who was raped to be able to walk into a clinic and seek help without harassed or jailed for something that is HER choice?

So what is the CHANGE? Let me know. Leave your comments.

SUPER BOWL/SUPER TUESDAY

The most important week in history…. Or at least in my lifetime.
Today is Super Bowl Sunday 2008, New England who is undefeated against a hungry New York Giants team. History will be made regardless who wins… either the Patriots with their undefeated record or the Giants with Eli Manning who if they win, would join is brother Payton in wearing the Super Bowl ring come Monday.


This Tuesday is Super Tuesday in the political world. We have a chance once again to make history this November. We are either going to elect the first African-American MAN into office or we are going to really make history by electing our countries FIRST WOMAN (black or white) Commander in Chief. Needless the say by the picture… I am giving my support the Ms. Clinton. I believe she possesses the experience this country needs and is a true leader in making change. Not everything will make everyone happy regardless who you support. But I think the real change will come by finally putting to rest that women are less qualified to run this country. Many other countries have had GREAT woman lead them. It’s time American’s move forward and truly put her support behind one. After all isn’t one waving a torch and greeting the world as millions visit our country? If she’s good enough to greet them, she’s damn good enough to lead them!


Ms. Braver & the Fabulous Eleanor Duffy!

Last Saturday was the annual Eagle Rock Installation Dinner which several community people were honored including our good friend Eleanor Duffy. We had the honor of being asked to join the Duffy family by Eleanor’s daughter Mary. It was a nice evening to spend with old and new friends. Rachel Braver from GLAD (Great Los Angeles Agency on Deafness) provided these pictures…. I must say doesn’t she look fabulous! A hot catch for a lucky man. Some of the guest included Sr. Nick Pacheco (I love this guy, a good friend and has done many things for the ER community), Ruby De Vera and her beautiful daughter, Tom Topping (Mr. ER news reporter), Joanne Turner (who looked fabulous), Mr. Vic from Colombos (who catered the event) , Yolie Flores-Aguilar (our district 5 LAUSD board member), many of Eleanor’s family including her daughter’s Maureen & Mary, and many many more. Altogether it was a fun nite and a lot of catching up as we haven’t stepped out for a community event in a long time. Thanks once again to Rachel B. for her wonderful pictures.



Mr. Topping & the Lady in Red "Denise Miller"


Ms. Mary and Mr. Savala


Ms. Braver & Mr. Colombos himself Victor Parrino


Eleanors beautiful daughter Maureen & her husband You don't want to get into trouble with these two, one's a Judge and one's a Lawyer! : )~


This man can fix your back! Dr. Shapiro


Rachael Braver and yours truly

NOW FOR THE PLUGS!


These brothers can make you a nice shirt!
Check out Rolando & David Alvarado's t-shirt and banner business. There prices are great and they do quality work.
Call them at 800.839.6978 or visit their website at: ramcowest.com

JENNY LENS, "Punk Pioneers"



You can pre-order your copy now! You get a discount on a book that is filled with amazing photos and really interesting facts about an era of music that had a social and creative impact on the sound and sites of rock n roll!!! You can pre-order it from Amazon.com this book is going to be hot!

PLEASE CHECK OUT GABRIEL BUELNA'S NEW VETURE


This is a way for Non Profits to network, if you are looking for employment, seeking a consultant amongst a few the things you will find at this website. So if your a non profit or you know of one please visit their website thenonprofitnetwork.org.

GET READY FOR VALENTINE'S DAY



Well Valentine's Day is just around the corner so make sure you call Ronn Savala and make your appointments early. Also please call him if any of you girls want to book a Spa day which is only available this month on the 9th or 10th. It's a fun thing to do as you and your friends get to relax and enjoy your spa day the way you want it. Call Ronn at 626.281.4133 and get it going!

Whole Lotta Love~!

CONGRATULATIONS ELEANOR DUFFY!

The Eagle Rock Chamber will be honoring our Ms. Duffy (and that's MS with a lot of class) this Saturday at their annual installation dinner. Eleanor is a great friend along with her daughter Mary Duffy-Petersen. Ms. Duffy has done many things for Eagle Rock and has been big supporter of many of our elected officials hosting wonderful events at her beautiful home throughout the years. I have lived in Eagle Rock since 1980, Eleanor was always been involved and helped make Eagle Rock what it is today. I have found memories of her, we miss seeing her at Colombo's... it's just not the same without you darling. Eleanor, we love you, you are an angel, congratulations from Ronn and I.


Here to plug some events by friends, so I expect all of you to participate!

First Joesph & Ruthie’s fabulous store BUENA VISTA FURNITURE is having a sale this weekend
A Special offer to Kick off the New Year..
This Weekend Only!
Take 40% off any single item !!
Sale starts January 25th thru January 27th

Offer is good for one item only, in store items only, excludes special orders. One offer per household. Final Sales no returns and or exchanges. Offer does include Layaway purchases. Visit their site

Don’t miss this sale… they have unique items and great prices. They recently returned from what we were told as a FABULOUS vacation and they promise to send me pixs so I can post them.

BELLIES BELLIES BELLIES

Next I want to plug DeVilla solo and with her group Saharan Sirens, here is her schedule for the next few months… please try and attend one of her shows, she is not only beautiful but an EXCELLENT dancer!







DESERT ROSE
5042 Vineland St.
No. Ho. 91000
(next to Enchanted Deva's)
818-714-4858

DeVilla be there almost every Fri. and Sat. night from 8-10.
Drop by, say Hi and smoke a Hookah!!!

She will be starting a basic Belly Dance/workout class very soon!
Contact her for details!!!

DeVilla's Dance dates

DeVilla is performing every Friday and Saturday night at

The Desert Rose
5042 Vineland st.
No. Hollywood, Ca. 91000
1-818-714-4858

For more info contact:
desertrose@gmail.com





DeVilla is performing various dates at

Dar Maghreb Moroccan Restaurant
7651 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, Ca. 90046
1-323-876-7651

Jan. 30th
Feb. 5th.11th, 12th, and 25th (Feb. 5th is a showcase, meal is $25.
Ask for the showcase)
March 9th, 10th, 12th,16th, 17th, 18th and 31st
these dates subject to change, call ahead!






Tonya and Atlantis's Showcase at
Pelican Isle
Long Beach, Ca.
Feb.7th
www.tonyandatlantis.com
for details


Belly Dancer of the Year Competition
Long Beach Convention Center

Feb.16th competing in the Group category with the SAHARAN SIRENS
Feb 17th competing in the Egyptian Solo category
Both categories finals held at during the night time show

Demonica and the Darklings Record release party at
CIA
No. Ho.
Feb.23rd

Princess Frahana's (Pleasant) Birthday showcase at
Moun of Tunis Restaurant
Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, Ca. 90046

Call for a reservation, It'll get packed!

New Classes coming SOON!
Bellydance work out at the Desert Rose
Saturday Mornings 10:30
e mail me for registration and Info!
devillaraks@gmail.com

and

Starting in April
DeVilla's MAKE UP FOR DANCERS Intensive
Dance Garden
3407 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca. 90039
1-323-660-4556

April 6th,13th and 20th
Three sundays!
Lots of Glitter and eyelashes!
and a photo shoot at the end so you can capture the new you!!!


SAHARAN SIRENS
The power house trio of Celeste, Jamilla and DeVilla
Will be performing at

TaXim
3515 Eagle Rock Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca. 90065
Feb. 2nd
$15
Great live music!

The Oasisat the Forbidden City
1718 Vinest.
Hollywood, Ca. 90028
Feb.3rd 6-9pm
Terrific Venue, Full Bar! $10

Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition
Feb.16th
Info above

El Camino College Artist in Residence Show
March 7th
More info soon!


My little Sister Rosa moved to Buckwheat AZ recently and will be looking for a job soon… so if any of you have connections hook the girl up!!!!!! She has a resume she can e-mail to you. She is a very organized person with a great personality. Here e-mail is: rosaramirez75@yahoo.com if you want to know what she is qualified for and have any leads in the area.

Here are some pixs I wanted to post:



GO BETTY GO!



Our friend Betty and her husband Tom.... sexy team aren't they! Betty is in the skin care business her operation is located in Claremont, so for those of you how walk on that wild side check her out! Skin Care by Betty.














THOSE WERE THE DAYZ!





Miss Trudi and myself... Good gosh! Someone is trying to burn me with their cig! I think that is my friend Dan as that shirt sleeve looks familiar : )~ This picture I believe was taken fall of 1977 by our world famous punk photographer Jenny Lens... it was behind the Pussy Cat Theater on Hollywood Blvd. (alley where the Masque was).

Lastly I want to the the "Beav" Rachel Braver, she was a God sent as I had a cold the last few weeks and she was kind enough to give me her meds to get better!!!! Now that's a GREAT friend. Of course I didn't rag her, but I really wanted some of Sara's Matzah Ball Soup! CAN YOU HEAR ME SARA!!!!!!!

OK that’s it for today. It’s raining and I am about to make myself comfortable and put it down for the evening.

Peace
Mandog!

Here's to 2008!

Well it’s 2008 and I look forward to a great year!
Ended 2007 with a lot of food and drink. December was packed with lots of events, including Ronn and ours 6th anniversary, my 50th b-day and of course Jesus B-day and New Years! We had our annual tamales cook off at our good friends Peggy & George (aka Big Daddy and Little Mama) home in Pomona. I must say they were very delicious! We also spend our annual tamales eating nite with Ricardo and Cita… I was sad as I thought we might miss it. Ricardo was in Mexico for several weeks and Cita was in New Mexico while he was away. But all worked out as they came back in their lovely new home… a 40 foot motor home named “La Liberital” and she is a beauty! I wish them much happiness and don’t be surprised if you see them driving up your street for a visit!
My family through me a 50th surprise party and boy was I surprised! I never had one and I must say… I was surprised. It was nice to see my family and friends on this special day. Thank you guys, I will never forget it.




THIS LADY NEEDS A NEW SINK!
Ronn and I were happy to help Olga Suro with her new sink.... will post pictures later of the turn out, but it looks FABULOUS!


Heard from Jenny Lens the her book “Punk Pioneers” will be out April 22nd long time coming but well worth the wait! I am so excited. She has worked so hard for this. I see many more photo books from Ms. Lens in the near future. She has a lot of history in negs that need to be put to words and paper! Please visit her web site and check out her cool pix for sale before the prices go up after the publication of the book www.jennylens.comI love her dearly and hope that 2008 brings us more projects to work together on.

Want to plug some of Ronn Savala services also… the AquaDetox and Repechage Skin Care products. The AquaDetox is a way to pull nasty stuff out of your body. Your feet have 2000 pores which makes them a good way to detox from. You soak your feet in water with an array that circulates electricity through your body, this helps balance your body as well as pull out heavy metals and toxics. You will feel much better after a treatment and if you do a serious of 6 (6 weeks) treatments you get a discount. Try it, you’ll like it! Also the skin care line of Repechage is a healthy way to take care of your skin. The products are seaweed based and there are several products to help your skin feel and look great. Check out his web site at: www.Ronnsavala.com.

Well that’s if for now. Got lots of projects and personal things to get accomplished this year. I wish you all a great 2008 and I for one am looking forward to a change in the Presidential election! We are going to make history. She will be a wonderful leader!