Contents
Day of the Americas Special Awards Program 2004
2004 Latino Hall of Fame Inductee - Luis Valdez
Foundation Honors
Local Luminaries
By JASON GUTIERREZ, Special
to The Californian
The Heritage of America Educational and Cultural Foundation rolled out the red carpet in honor of Kern County's movers and shakers.
The foundation hosted its third annual Day of the Americas Special Awards banquet Sunday at the Holiday Inn Select, honoring Kern County residents who have made a difference locally in the arts, education, politics and more.
Jess Nieto, foundation executive director, said the event celebrates the diversity found in Kern County and shines the light on those in the community who may not normally get the recognition they deserve.
"This is our one day where we can be thankful for our heritage, our community, our families and thankful to God for our lives not only in America but right here in Kern County," Nieto said. "Together we have made America what it is today and that is something to be proud of."
The event featured musicians, including Mexican recording artist Bianca Dali, local country recording artist Victor Sanz and Celtic band The Rose of Tejon.
Ray Gonzalez, longtime educator and former state assemblyman, was the keynote speaker.
At this year's event, Luis Valdez, founder and director of El Teatro Campesino, was inducted into the event's Latino Hall of Fame, but he was unable to attend the event.
"Valdez is like the Godfather of Chicano playwrights and Chicano theater," said Sam Mercado, who, along with his wife, Maria, received the Performing and Fine Arts Award last year. "His plays are not only inspiring but they break down Latino stereotypes and educate everyone who attends."
The Mercados produced Valdez's "Bandido," at the Bakersfield Community Theatre because they were touched by the play's message.
The following is the list of the Day of the Americas Award 2004 winners:
Day of the
Robert Martinez,
Day of the
Frank Dominguez, former President Kern County Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, former Executive with Aera
Energy, & current President of Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Foundation
Day of the
Art Armendariz, Pro Tem Mayor of Delano & Community Leader
Day of the
Dr. Steve Arvizu, former Dean CSUB, former Provost CSU Monterey Bay,
former President Oxnard College
Day of the
Robert Beltran, actor
Day of the
Leonel Martinez, reporter Bakersfield Californian & Californiano
Day of the
Paul Chavez, former United Farm Workers of America, CIO organizer, and
current Executive Director United Farm Workers of America Service
Center
Day of the
Estela Casas, Executive Director- Greater
Day of the
Senator Dean Florez
Day of the
Dr. Carlos Alvarez, Valley Medical Group
Day of the
Martin Castro, Executive Director- Mexican American
Day of the
Louie Diaz, Baseball Coach 32 years, now at Golden Valley High School
Day of the
Cinco de Mayo-
Day of the
Jeanette Richardson, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Kern
Day of the
Dan Smith, President -
Day of the
Morgan Clayton, President - Tel Tec Security Systems, Inc.
Day of the
Day of the
Amy Adams, American Idol Finalist, Singer
Day of the
Felix Adamo, Photo-journalist with the
Day of the
Danny Kane, Labor leader
Day of the
Anthony Klein, Senior Partner with Klein, DeNatale, Goldner, Cooper,
Rosenlieb & Kimball
Day of the
Congressman Bill Thomas
Day of the
Dr. Ravi Patel,
Day of the
Dr. Michael Clark- Executive Director of
Day of the
Janet Fenton, AYSO Regional
Coordinator
Day of the
United Way of
