We are gonna miss you LA ABEJA!!!

Roy Fonseca at the gates of La Abeja.

First, I want to talk about my good friend Rogelio Fonseca and his RETIREMENT from over 40 years of one of the BEST Mom and Pop Mexican restaurants in all of Los Angeles... "LA ABEJA".

I first started going to Abeja about 1993, located in Mt. Washington I was introduced to the place by my crazy friend Lucia Rivera and her friend Ivy Orta.  It was there we would to religiously almost every Saturday and Sunday.  I would pick everyone up in my 1979 pickle green VW van and on our way we go.  There is no formal seating at Abeja but everyone knows where to seat, favorite seat, favorite spot.  We liked to sit in the middle of the restaurant as if it was our own private island.

A cold beer was almost always needed as the nite before our delicious breakfast we usually went to some changlasa or friends house and whooped it up the night before, so we would walk down the street to grab some brew at the corner convenient store the walk back and down it!

Johnny Carrillo, Tia Gloria and Ronn Savala

Now we were ready to order!  Tia Gloria would make her way from other orders and with a beautiful smile and soft voice asked us what we wanted to order.  A cup of Menudo for Lucia and I always as well as a plate of beans and tortillas!!! BTW the beans are EXCELLENT~  I don't know how old Tia Gloria is but it's nice to know there are still places that appreciate the good help elders can provide and although slow and careful, Tia Gloria ALWAYS delivered the goods.

Friends having a GREAT time.

After a few weeks of our weekly routine we started to attract groupies!  One day as we are strolling out of the VW Rogelio comes out to greet us and informs us that we have a group of gay gentleman that have waited for us to arrive!  The week before (after we left) they asked him if we come frequent and when.  I guess the loudness of two crazy Mexican Americans / Chicanos and one loud Puerto Rican was great entertainment to them.  We didn't let our new found fame distract us from being ourselves cause if any of you know us you know we are always a bit on the crazy side!

Over the last 17 years we have watched the Fonseca family grow.  Vee, Monica, Roy, Jr. three GREAT kids now three great adults.  Julia and Roy certainly did a great job at raising their children.  Respectful and were ALWAYS fun to joke around with.  They certainly understood their community and appreciated it's diversity.

The cooks at Abeja also were part of the dynasty.  Charlie, Poncho and Hector.  I could make Charlie screw up everyone's order just by looking at him!  I would make him nervous and blush.  I never understood why but it was fun to watch him turn red!  Poncho always conservative and kept his cool.  Hector... a character himself!  One time I went with my friend Adam Valdez for lunch.  Usually Ronn is with me but this time he was working so my friend Adam went with me.  After about 15 minutes Hector comes over and looks me in the eyes then stares down Adam and tells me "WHERE'S RONN"... I replied "Ronn?", Hector "Yes Ronn!"  I am going to tell him you are cheating on him!  I looked at Adam and insured him that Hector was just looking out for me and Ronn and well it was funny.  I told Hector "You think I would be so stupid as to have an affair then bring them to a place where everyone knows me?"

Ex Councilman Mike Hernandez and Rogelio Fonseca

A visit to Abjea is always interesting, you NEVER know who you will see there, from Political leaders to Community Activists, to the crazies in the town... it was always an adventure.

Rogelio Fonseca and Rogelio Fonseca, Jr.

Lastly, there are sooooo many stories I can't possibly tell them all here but we are going to miss you Roy... and we love you and wish you much success as the political melting pot that you created will be surely missed.  You have brought together so many friends and it was nice to know that you could always go to Abeja and be with friends.  From the local politicals, policemen, city workers, community members... La Abeja is special.  We love you and wish you much success in your retirement.

Mark


















OK now for some fun stuff:


BUENA VISTA FURNITURE is having their annual End of Summer super dooper, grande, big, huge Sale from October 7th through 10th.  You should drop on by on October 7th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. as our friend Irene Diaz and friends will be performing.  Irene is an very talented young woman who is sure to be a star!  There will be food and spirits not to mention their prices on sales items are going to be FANTASTIC!!! Buena Vista has the most amazing selection or unique and original furniture and accessories for you home.  Drop on by and see for yourself and enjoy the evening with good food and music.

Please check out TheNonProfitNetwork's "I've Got Something To Say" with host Gabriel Buelna with Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva as they discuss the economic boycott of Arizona, immigration law and Mexico's role in fighting illegal immigration.
http://www.youtube.com/user/NonprofitNews#p/a/u/1/Oz1Sk05owCA

Let's Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month!

National Hispanic Heritage Month Poster [HP10]

A brief history on National Hispanic Heritage Month:

Hispanic Heritage Month is the period to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week was approved by President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into Law on August 17, 1988 on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

"September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. They all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18 and September 21, respectively. "

This year especially it is important for us to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by demonstrating the importance of the contributions and culture we of Hispanic heritage have made. Not only in the arts but also as political and social leaders.

Growing up in Los Angeles (the melting pot many cultures) it is amazing to see just how many background of Hispanic/Latino cultures are intermixed with everyday life. There are so many places in Los Angeles that one visits that reminds us of this. From El Pubelo “Olivera Street” downtown, to the berths in San Pedro… so many flavors of Hispanic/Latino life all around.

Food, oh let’s not forget the many flavors this rich culture has brought to America. Tacos, Burritos, Salsas, Moles, the list goes on and on… Mouth watering foods on our plates that make our taste buds happy day in and day out in the city of Angels. From the Salvadorian Pupusa to the Argentine Empanada, we are lucky to have such variety of dishes available to us on a daily basis.

Contributions not only from flavorful food, but from the many talents that have come from these colorful countries. Artists such as the Queen of Salsa “Celica Cruz” and Academy Award winning Penelope Cruz, have given our youth the inspiration to go forward with their creative culture and talents. Political figures such as Congressman Xavier Becerra, and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis– wonderful role models for a new generation of Hispanic/Latino leaders… our future. Yes Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to celebrate! A celebration not only of culture and tradition, but the many contributions of Hispanic/Latino Americans.

Sí Se Puede! Yes we can!

To purchase this poster visit Diversity Graphics.

DEAF AWARENESS WEEK

Deaf Awarness Week is celebrated across the country the last week of September. There are many events held during this time to celebrate the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community as well as many educational events.

Locally in Los Angeles here are some events provided by GLAD that you and your family can attend or participate in:

Eyes of Deafness: Photographs by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults
September 2-29
fINdings Art Center
470 W. 6th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

This is part of the Art Walk, so there will be many other galleries open as well as cafes and restaurants within walking distance of fINdings. This is a great opportunity to explore and discover an historical neighborhood that has been revitalized. The gallery is open Thursday-Saturday from 6-9 p.m. or by special appointment.


American Sign Language Courses – Fall 2010
September-November
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
10-week courses
ASL I: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Sept. 18-Nov. 20 (required book to purchase: VISTA Signing Naturally Level One)
ASL II: Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., Sept. 16-Nov. 18 (required book to purchase: VISTA Signing Naturally Level One)
ASL III: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., Sept. 14-Nov. 16 (required book to purchase: VISTA Signing Naturally Level Two)
(These books can be found on amazon.com)
REGISTRATION CLOSED


Hearing Loss Technology Expo
Wednesday, September 22
6-8:30 p.m.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041

DEAFestival Los Angeles 2010
Saturday, September 25
Noon-6 p.m.
Woodley Park
6350 Woodley Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Councilmember Huizar of CD-14 is sponsoring a bus for people who need transportation to DEAFestival in Van Nuys on Saturday, September 25. It is free for riders but there are limited seats! Contact Elizabeth at eluttrell@gladinc.org or 866-939-3149 VP to RSVP on a first come, first serve basis! Reservations end Wednesday, September 22. People who are guaranteed a seat will receive an e-mail or phone call from Elizabeth Luttrell with further details, so please provide your contact information.


Grand Opening of GLAD’s Visual Communications Center
Wednesday, September 29
4-6 p.m.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Reception, opening remarks by GLAD CEO, Dr. Patty Hughes, and special guests, red-ribbon cutting ceremony and demonstrations of videophone technology.

Celebrating International Day of Sign Language Rights: Californians for ASL 2010
Thursday, September 30
State Capitol, North Side
10th Street & L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Celebrate American Sign Language and the World Federation of the Deaf’s Proclamation of International Day of Sign Languages, hosted by the California Association of the Deaf.

GLAD is a wonderful organization and if you ever wanted do volunteer work this organization is a friendly and great place to do it.   I am fortunate to work with Dr. Patricia Hughes and Rachel Braver on many of GLAD events.  Hats off to GLAD and their stuff and a happy Deaf Awareness Week!

9/11... My view on this traggic day.

The anniversary of 911… 9 years ago. I remember exactly what I was doing and what was happening that day. I wake up pretty much the same time everyday (between 5:00 – 5:30 am) I always turn on the radio to listen the the mornings new as I get ready to take my shower, but this particular day I would be interrupted by the shocking news. At first the news was sketchy but still interesting enough to make me stop and walk out of the bath room and tell my husband that a plane had crashed into the twin towers…. he thought I was joking (as I often do to get his attention) but I assured him that I was not and we turned on the tele to Channel 5 News. It was at that moment that the reality set in. It was at that time we watched in horror as the second plane crashed straight into the second tower! Needless to say the fear started to set in as I quickly grabbed my phone and called my neighbor Barbara Sandoval to see if she was aware of the happenings.

I learned something important that day from Barbara… Go straight to the store, buy some groceries and take out as much money you can from the ATM! It was the best advice anyone gave me that day as soon after the banks would be closed, the planes wouldn’t be flying and life just changed… changed in seconds (too bad Obama’s change has not come as fast!).

Ronn Savala (my husband) was working for a company and had booked several education classes in Las Vegas that week to educate on hair color. We decided to take the drive regardless not realizing just how much of an impact this disaster would have on America. The drive at first was good but then we began to imagine how creep it was that there were NO airplanes flying in the skies! So quiet so peaceful.

When we arrived in Las Vegas we checked in our hotel. There we soon realized that many people were stranded, stuck, could not get a flight home. It was there I experienced just how kind people can be at a time of crisis. Sams Town (where we were staying) told their guest not to worry, they would be taken care of and would not be charged! It was a very special moment.. a moment where American’s had their chance to shine as this horrible situation began to become a reality. And shine America did. Most people were extending their hands, most people felt as though somehow they were also victims… it turned out we were.

I learned many lessons that week after 9/11. I learned how kind we can be as American’s and one push comes to shove we are all under the same roof, Red, Black, White, Brown, Purple… we are ALL Americans. We are all here in the land of the free. We are lucky to have our freedom. No one can EVER take that away, no one! so in closing I applaud America… a place where we (I) can speak my mind, say my peace and be free! Let’s not forget the most important thing about America… She is the Land of the Free… Don’t let others bully you into believing anything else, your voice (although not always what people want to hear) is important. Your vote is your vote… take advantage of it. In the world of Bob Marley “Get Up Stand Up… Stand Up For Your Rights!”

Peace and let’s not forget this day.

A HOT and I mean HOT Summer Day

Well Summer has finally arrived here in Los Angeles and boy is it hot~

Worked this month with Gabriel Buenla on his “I Got Something To Say” interview show.  Some great interviews with Father Greg Boyle from Homeboy Industries, Professor Rudy Acuña, our friends Ted Gottis and Javier Angulo from the LGBT communities talking a whole lotta Chisme!  If you want to see more of the interviews please visit thenonprofitnetwork.org and click on "Videos"

Colombo's Jesse (center) and guest

Speaking of Chisme… Colombo’s Italian Steakhouse and Jazz Club’s 56^th Anniversary celebration was the happening Sunday nite.  The music was nice and food was good and it was just nice to be in attendance with Linda Ferrell and Vic Parrino (although we didn’t physically see Vic) and the rest of the Colombo’s regulars.  Well here’s to Colombo’s and may they be around another 56 years! Side note: Designed some awesome t-shirts and baseball caps for them, so when you make your next dinner date with Colombo’s check em out– they are for sale.

Linda and Ronn Savala

Crazy me and Linda

I have a new friend… Irene Diaz… she is soooooo talented.  A niece of Ronn Savala friend Hortensia Lopez.    I wanted to post this video of her… “Won’t You Stay” and original song.. it’s sooooo beautiful it puts a smile on my face.  Look out world Ms. Diaz is on her way to being a star!!!!

Irene Diaz.... superstar!

Speaking of Hortensia, she had her ?? (won’t tell) birthday bash at our house Saturday the 21^st.  It was a hot summer nite and her guest all had a good time.  It’s always nice to make new friends.  I made some good eats for the evening.  A summer menu of various salads and a cold Avocado Soup to boot!  Hope you had a fun time Hortensia!

"I don't want to drink anymore!!!"

Been working on the Italian American Museum people this week.  The 2^nd Annual Taste of Italy is coming up this October 16^th, 2010.  It’s their annual fundraiser to help in the completion of the Italian Hall.  Mariann Gatto is working her buns off putting this gig together.  Please visit their website at www.italianhall.org to purchase your tickets to this GREAT event.  Lots of food and drink, you WON’T be disappointed and you can be part of history by putting history in place a the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles.

Don’t have anything political to talk about this time, although I do want to thank Liberty Mesa from Councilmen’s José Huizar’s office.  She came through and took care of a mess we have had on the corner of Linda Rosa Ave. and Colorado.  I know others were working on this but it’s nice to know that when you know someone that things will get done faster.  And speaking of Liberty our x councilmen Nick Pacheco stopped by to say hi, the man is looking better than ever, I guess getting a break from politics is good for him!

Finally don’t forget the upcoming Hispanic American Heritage Month celebration September 15^th through October 15^th, visit www.diversitygraphics.com and see our posters, banners and postcards that will help you celebrate!

Colombo's Italian Steakhouse and Jazz Club 56th Anniversary!

I wanted to share this with you as Colombo's is an icon here in Eagle Rock and it has one of the best bar and bartender in all of Los Angeles!  Your get your drink and it's a drink!  The food is fantastic and owner Vic Parrino has put together some great talent for their Jazz concert series.  So check out the menu, make your reservations and get your booties down to Colombo's this Sunday the 22nd and take advantage of the special prices!

Colombo's is located at 1833 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock, CA 90041
Telephone: (323) 254-9138
Reservations are recommended and tell them MANDOG sent ya!

The MANDOG is back! And a lot has happened....

Well well well, where should start.
So many things have happened since I lasted updated my blog.  

Cecila Mercado (pictured left) with Letty Lianoz and friend.

Ok lets start by tipping our hats to and Executive Gabriel Buenla for once again reaching out to the community and providing them with FREE clothing with another “A Trabajar” cloths give-a-way held in mid June.  The hard working staff at Plaza also donated their Saturday to help distribute clothing and provide the community with information on the many services and programs they offer at Plaza.  It was also my good friend Cecilia Mercado’s last event with Plaza as she has ventured on to a new and exciting Job!  Cecilia has done a wonderful job at Plaza working on events and fundraisers and going beyond her call of duty!  I am sure we will work with each other again.  Congratulations Cecilia!

Arizona rally against SB1070... May Day 2010

I woke up on Friday April 30^th and felt a little festive knowing that the following week was Cinco de Mayo and there would be some great celebrations to attend or great Mexican Food to be served at someone’s home… but I also felt an urgent need to get involved, so I decided to attend the May 1^st rally downtown Los Angeles to show my support for the thousands of immigrants here both legally and illegally that would be subject to racial profiling with the passing of Arizona SB1070.  Now I am not stating that I am in favor for others that come here illegally from Canada or China undocumented and stay longer than their visas allow them to as I believe everyone wanting to become a US Citizen should do so by the rules, so either you come from a rich and powerful family which allows you to buy your citizenship or you pay someone to marry you who you don’t really know and have to memorize EVERYTHING about that person including what doors he puts his/hers chonies in and what their favorite food is.

What is the legal way?  Has anyone ever done a documentary on the process it takes to become a LEGAL US CITIZEN?  Are there handbooks that out line the process?  I remember those educational books we first read when we were just wee radicals once upon a time…  “See Spot Run… Run Spot Run”.  I am beginning to understand why Spot was running… Poor Perro didn’t have his papers!  As my grandmother Armida Acosta would say “Ayi Dios mio”.

I once had a friend who insisted that I was Anglo as I was born in the United States of America.  “I am Mexican/American,” I proudly would say.  “No you were born here so you are American”… my come back, “well I was born in the United States so shouldn’t I be a United Statistician?”  I quickly explained (the best way I could) by using the old dog theory…. “If you were a French Poodle and were bred to another French Poodle and the bitch gave birth in El Monte…. Are you a French Poodle or a American El Monte Poodle?”  I think he understood.  We are all from somewhere was my point.  Different backgrounds, different countries, different cultures.  Our blood is made up of many others from different parts of the world.  I am American, I am a United States Citizen, I am also XICANO and Mexican American… that is my blood, I can’t change that, but first and foremost I am a proud United States Citizen.

What makes me proud is that I live in a country where I have the right to freedom of speech (well at least some).  But with freedom comes respect, we must respect the other person and realize that we are not always going to agree with them.  Disagreement is OK, not accepting other views is OK but trying to push your values or them trying to push theirs upon you is not acceptable.  Many people, many opinions that is what makes the world go round.  So I respect my freedom and those of others.  I chose to support my fellow brothers and sisters on May 1^st.  No one should live in fear, no one should be stopped because they don’t look like you or talk like you. 

A newsflash to those who support this kind of hate, it’s the terrorist and crazies we should be concerned with, not the many that clean up our tables, clean our homes, cut our lawns, pick our fruit, nanny our children, work in our kitchens… these people are important to the many businesses that we patronize everyday.  They are not thieves, drug addicts nor the criminals that angry Americans paint them to be.  They are hard working people.  And if a recession causes those who are out of work to become angry and blame the illegal for taking jobs, well I suggest you walk your sorry self down to McDonalds and put in your application, or better yet but on your $150.00 designer jeans and take a bus up to farm land and help pick what is going to be on your dinner table that night.  No one wants those jobs, but these people are doing just that.

Women, Women, and oh yah Women!

Oh my, I often reflex back on this picture when I am having a hard time creating. For those of you too young to remember what a production room looked like in the days before MACs and PCs…. Well here you are! Days and nights of typesetting, waxing, paste up; rub down type, sizing photographs’ for veloxs or color separations. I can’t believe we were able to put out a monthly magazine with all the things we had to do (by hand) before it went to print. No access to spell check, once you made the mistake it had to be re-typed then cut-in to replace the misspelling or correction (God forbid some crazed out editor went crazy on editing!)

We also do not have the luxury of Photoshop or Illustrator. We had to use air brushers to take out or alter backgrounds and clean up faces. Taking tracing paper to lay over the photograph then penciling or drawing what you wanted as the end result and pray it came out to your liking. Most air brushers were true artists so most of the time what you wanted came just the way you wanted it. I think air brushers had their heyday in the Disco era… remember all those crazy airbrushed Disco LP covers? Now that was art!

From this photograph you can also tell the era in which it was photographed…. Early 1980’s! Look at our Ms. Joan Jett jumping high up in the air rocking away, and that famous B-52 LP Whammy! Oh yes what a mess the production room was at the end of a deadline.

JENNY LENS

Talked to my friend Jenny Lens (jennylens.com) today, I must admit she is the ONLY person I will stay on the phone with for more than 30 secs! Only will good Chisme keep me on longer and Jenny often has some juicy stories. It’s nice to see that though many years of shooting almost everyone in Punk, that others are now enjoying looking back at punk history. I hope one day Ms. “Girl with the Camera Eye” does a follow up to Punk Pioneers. There are so many other photos she took besides punk. I told Jenny how strange it is these days to have movies and premiers of people we hung with or knew. All the fun seems to be missing from these events. Heck, if the Runaways movie had premiered in the days, not only would you have had the remaining group play, but all the important people from that era would have been invited (famous or not) and been rockin-it-up with them! Remember the Ramones party at the Santa Monica Pier?

Maybe I will write a book, but I would (of course) have to change the names to protect the guilty!

JOSEFINA LOPEZ

Speaking of guilty, it’s National Womens' History Month (March) and I want to apologize to all the females in my life that I might have offended in someway through my life. Even though I am Gay, I must remember to at all times respect the Women of the world. This though was brought upon from an  email I got today from my friend Josefina Lopez (it’s her b- day this weekend!) And she sent me this lovely quote:

"I too have a dream that one day women will be judged by the content of their character, their creative and intellectual contributions to society, rather than by the color of their hair, the size of their waist or the perkiness of their breasts."

Josefina Lopez

If you never been to one of her numerous events she puts on over at Casa0101, I suggested your check out their schedule of plays and events, visit Casa0101.org, treat yourself to some of Los Angeles best plays put on by some pretty amazing and talented people.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PLEASANT!!!!

A BIG BIG BIG Feliz Cumpleaños (Happy Birthday) to my dear friend Pleasant Gehman…. Another talented and amazing women who should be celebrated this month of March! Actress, recording super star, punk pioneer, and well, I can’t really mention all without her permission… but one swell gal.

NATIONAL ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH - MAY

And let’s not forget the upcoming National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which is May. You can go to Diversity Graphics and order your posters to help celebrate [AP10].

Ok that’s it for now, more later, it’s gonna be along week so I should have lots of Chisme!

Mandog

New Facebook Group and Mas!

THE STAR~  Pleasant Gehman with Ronn Savala

OK, I decided that I am going to move forward and take my good friend/adopted sister Jenny Len’s advice and tell the world my stories and accomplishments and get my brown bootie in gear!

I created a group on Facebook entitled “STARVING ARTIST/CHISME”.  The focus of this group is to promote myself as well as fellow artist (in any creative form… even from beyond the after life if the is such : )~

The idea is to let our friends, family members, lovers, partners, husbands, wives, ex-loves, ex-partners, ex-husbands, ex-wives…(you get the point) and the world what we are doing and how we can help each other.  I am blessed to be surrounded by so many gifted and talented people.  I can honestly say my life has been better than any trip to Disneyland!  With sooooo many crazy and wild experiences in my life I know that these have shaped me into the person I am today.  Creative, fun and really, really, really loving every minute of my life... well except when UCLA loses in football and basketball.

So I will be faithful to this venture and hope that people are reading it and will participate in the great fun and interesting things we can find out about each other.  I always wanted to write a book so I guess this would prep me for that part of my future.

Here are a few pictures from my long time friend Pleasant Gehman’s movie screening of “STUCK” on February 3^rd, 2010.  It was an honor to be with such fun people!  Karen Black, Jane Wieland… to name a few (I wonder if Jane would remember me if I walked up to her that nite).

The gang as we wait for the Gold Line before the big screening ... Ronn Savala, Jonnie Carrillo (the up and coming hair stylist to the stars), and the well educated James Szabo... what a mug!

Jonnie Carrillo, ME (Mark A. Martinez) and Mr. James Szabo in the mug shot line!

Won't you be afraid to run into this characters at your local Costco?

Chh, chh, chh, CHERRY BOMB!

Boy does that bring back memories. “The Runaways” soon to be shown at the Sundance Film Festival… back then who would have known! It seems like yesterday I was running home from school (I was 17 then), jump in the shower and get all dolled up for a trip to the Sugar Shack to dance my ass off. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights- as many nights as we could go. It was the only place I could dance and be myself with other creatures and strange fellows like myself.

Attitude dancing, that’s what I called it. You had to have the right attitude when dancing to the song playing. Bowie, Suzie Quatro, Rocky Horror– the Runaways you name it these songs had a style that you danced with. That’s what made it fun. If you EVER wanted to be a singer/actor, these were the groups that made you strut your stuff too and make sure EVERYONE knew you were someone special! As you paid your $3 dollars to get in you then proceeded to the left to see what Sid was up to as he checked your coat (if you were warning one) then to the right to see what mood Danny the bartender was in (he could be such a queen!). If Danny had too much bitch in him you would pay no attention, as Vicki was always smiling and ready to tell you what was going on that night.

I think many times when I tell these stories of the people we hung with (or knew) that people think I lie or I'm crazy. We did so much as teenagers. We were fortunate to grow up just 15 minutes from Hollywood. Hollywood… I think it lost its shinny star after the 80’s and the MTV generation. Kids back then didn’t have video games or cell phones to get our kicks. We had FRIENDS and adventures. Friends and adventures that would take us on a roller coaster ride for many years. New music, new art and new experiences.

I certainly hope the Runaways movies are more to truth than the Germs movie (What we do is secret) was. I often see high school kids wearing a germs shirt. Every now and then I pull up my sleeve and turn over my wrist and show them my Germ Burn, they know what it is which always surprises me. I guess that burn is in someway a mark that will forever have a story to tell of friends we once knew and hung with.

Currie Currie, Sandy West, Lita Ford, Jackie Fox, Vicki Blue (she counts too as she played bass I believe the longest and was in the band longer than Cherie) and Joan Jett… I hope the story is strong and truth, no sugar coating. For God’s sake at least wear Chemin der Fers!

Finally, I now have nieces that are of the age when we ruled the streets of Hollywood. It always puts a smile on my face when they want to hear the Runaways, X, Germs, Weirdo’s, Iggy… there is no generation gap here. Music is an important part of our lives. From my mother dancing to the Stones in the early 60’s, my chola cousin strutting to Motown in the mid 60’s, to me dancing to disco and punk… to my nieces dancing and playing guitars in the 2000’s, music is part of us. It good when my friend’s children are playing an instrument. My friends Oralia and Jamie Jimenez have a very talented son Kyle. Kyle played his sax for us the other night, very nice but all I could picture him doing was taking that sax and blowing away with some crazy Avanade Garde group… “like crazy man!”.

P.S. If you want to see some GREAT photos of Punk and the Runaways then visit JennyLens.com!

And P.S.S. Visit RonnSavala.com and order your product.. don't you want to look your best?

Mandog!

Pictured from top to bottom:'
JOAN JETT and ME (picture by Jenny Lens)

STEPHINE SERRANO (my niece) ROSA RAMIREZ (my sister) & BETO (my brother-in-law)

NINA GONZALEZ (my niece)

ALICE MARTINEZ (my sister)

Happy 2010 to all... Now let's CELEBRATE!

2009 for many of us was not the outbreak year we needed in these tuff economic times.  But we must all keep our heads up high, stand together and help one another and together we will make 2010 a banner year.  I am thankful for all the GREAT friends that pulled us through 2009, your friendship and belief in my work are appreciated more than you will ever realize.

I want to plug my Diversity Graphics store for the next few weeks as there are many important celebrations in the coming months starting with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day which is January 18th.  We have a new poster [MLKP09] as well as new buttons and bookmarks to help celebrate a great man, leader and visionary... the steps he laid are still well traveled.  His dream was finally a reality when history was made during the 2008 Presidential election.  Not only did we elect our first Black American as President in Barack Obama but we also showed that women now are important players future Presidential races as Hillary Rodham Clinton got millions of Americans out to the voters booths.

February 2010 is National Black History Month.  This year’s theme is “The History of Black Economic Empowerment” and our poster ask the question “Who is an Economic Leader?”   The answer is people who make choices that lead to changes in the kinds of opportunities people have.  With so many important figures in Black history we listed a few both past and present and know that many more names will be added to this list as Black Americans continue to make decisions and changes that will effect the multiple cultural landscape that make America.  This poster is also available from Diversity Graphics [BP10].

March 2010 is National Women’s History Month and 2010 marks the 30^th Anniversary of women being recognized for their achievements and impact both past and present.  This years theme is "Writing Women Back into History."  This poster [WP10] gives a brief history of some important figures that help write history in the 30 years this celebration. Visit Diversity Graphics to order yours.

Finally we hope you pass this information to your friends and business associates.  The importance in showing our support for the people that have made a change in world is more important then ever.  The need for cultural diversity is an ongoing lesson.  By displaying your support is the first step in understanding the many backgrounds that make up our home, the United States of America.