http://luisjrodriguez.com/blog Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:06:51 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I was fortunate to read poems at the wonderful cultural space and gallery called "Corazon del Pueblo" in the heart of Boyle Heights' new Arts Corridor on First Street. The poetry reading was held last Saturday, March 6 as part of the opening reception for "Mujeres de Juarez: Siempre Presente!" ... http://luisjrodriguez.com/blog/2010/03/poetry-for-everyone.html On Saturday evening, February 27, I jumped on a plane from El Paso, Texas to Los Angeles. I got home safely and in good spirits. Earlier I had crossed one of three international bridges from Ciudad Juarez to El Paso with my bags, accompanied by my new friend and organizer, ... http://luisjrodriguez.com/blog/2010/03/creating-community-in-violent-times.html On Tuesday, I had the honor of speaking to students of the National School of Anthropology in the City of Chihuahua. We held an engaging discussion about the Chicano culture, writing, but also about gangs, the arts, and social change. I also heard comments from students about the issues confronting ... http://luisjrodriguez.com/blog/2010/02/where-violence-breeds-change-and-hope.html The increase in violence over the last three years in Mexico has filled headlines and newscasts throughout the world. More than 15,000 people have been killed since President Felipe Calderon declared all out war against some of the most entrenched drug lords in the world. Mexico is now one of ... http://luisjrodriguez.com/blog/2010/02/ay-chihuahua%e2%80%94land-of-my-roots.html Recently the Los Angeles community obtained two important victories. One involved the "shelving" of a proposal to cut the main funding stream for the city's Department of Cultural Affairs. Hundreds of people gathered at City Hall for two days to protest and speak out against these cuts as well as ... http://luisjrodriguez.com/blog/2010/02/two-victories.html The LA City Department of Cultural Affairs provides grants to organizations and individuals to maintain arts creation, presentation, festivals, education, and delivery. It's the main source of neighborhood arts development, sorely lacking in this city that touts itself as the "Entertainment Capital of the World." Now, in the midst of ... http://luisjrodriguez.com/blog/2010/02/save-the-arts-in-los-angeles.html