This past Friday, I was able to witness a great theater play at the Los Angeles Theater Center (LATC) that focused on the Salvadoran Civil War. I was able to meet and say hello to some of my colleagues – the authors/academics: Dr. Ricardo Roque Baldovinos, Dr. Yansi Perez, Mario Bencastro, and Roger Lindo.

William Flores invited me to have a table space and to do book signings for my “Hope in Times of Darkness: A Salvadoran American Experience” book on Saturday. I wanted to acknowledge William’s generosity by allowing me to present my book and to learn more about our great Salvadoran writer SALARRUE while I admired and read some of Salarrue’s original work displayed in the lobby of the Los Angeles Theater Center.

I met so many wonderful people today Saturday at the LATC – especially an aspiring young Latina writer who is currently a high school student from Inglewood.

I urge you to try to make the last play performance tomorrow Sunday November 1, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the LATC located at 514 S. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013. This theater performance is a step in the right direction – to promote Salvadoran art and culture. See you tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.

Thank you to everyone for being kind and interested in my humble book.

I have two upcoming presentations at Tia Chuchas and also at VROMANS bookstore:

Check out this awesome Booktour.com website link to obtain more information:

http://booktour.com/author/randy_jurado_ertll

Will you be joining us?

I went to talk to students at Virgil Middle School today. It was so wonderful to be able to speak to over 500 students. They are so beautiful and special. I was INSPIRED and moved by the student questions and reactions. Thank you to Mr. Garr and to my old college friend Luis Sanchez (current teacher at Virgil Middle School) – who also graduated from Occidental College.

My little nephew – who attends Virgil Middle School was present at the presentation / discussion – he looked so wonderful. He is a beautiful and intelligent child.

Those two hours being at Virgil Middle School were wonderful. I will never forget them.

http://www.hispaniclink.org/Hispanic_Link/New_Reads.html

Also, join us this Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable. I will be doing a book presentation/discussion. Does Salvadoran American literature exist for youth in our public schools? can African American students find relevant books that speak about the African American/Black Experience?

Hope in Times of Darkness: A Salvadoran American Experience Book Presentation Location:
Saturday, October 17, 10:00 AM
Lucy Florence Coffee House / Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable
3351 43rd St., Leimert Park, CA 90008

This evening – a meeting was held at the Consulate of El Salvador office here in Los Angeles. Rina Medina is the interim Consul. They convened the leaders of various community organizations. They had the old guard from the Arena and FMLN party. Interestingly, no youth involved – Salvadoran Americans.

Ms. Medina is promising change and that the Salvadoran community will be treated with dignity and respect. It’s about time. President Mauricio Funes said that he wants to govern in the spirit of Monsenor Arnulfo Romero who was murdered by Salvadoran death quads in 1980. He fought for the rights of the poor.

Now the Hugo Martinez, Minister of Foreign Relations and President Funes of El Salvador must be wise in placing key diplomats who will fight for the rights of Salvadorans in the U.S. and who will be effective in running the Consulate offices and the Embassy of El Salvador in Washington D.C.

How should Salvadoran citizens living in the United States be treated by their own government officials from El Salvador?

We had a great time at Hutch’s Restaurant. Even though El Salvador loss to Mexico – everyone had a good time. Thanks to everyone who attended – especially Eugene Mitchell – who I had not seen for 18 years – since we were in Rochester, Minnesota. Old SAL-PAC timers were there too: Raul Godinez, Aida Morales, Jonathan Linares. Like the good old days.

My little nephew, Albert, loved his brisk bbq sandwich. Going to Latino Book Festival tomorrow. The crazy life of a writer.

My last three book presentations were awesome. First, thank you to Flintridge Foundation. I was so moved by your support. I also had the privilege to visit and talk to Professor Salvador Fernadez’ Spanish Literature class at Occidental College. My old school – where Barack Obama also attended. Our President.
I was so very happy to walk the campus, see students, old friends from the cafeteria like Justo.

Then, today. I did my presentation at the Instituto Cultural de Mexico (Placita Olvera). I had the honor and pleasure of spending time with old friends, family, and thank you to Reina and Dr. Rolando Castillo for hosting and offering the space. You are the best. Boy oh boy, do this experiences remind me of the great BEATLES song “WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM FRIENDS.” Yes, I do get by with a little help from my friends. For reals.

This Saturday promises to be an exciting one. The Salvadoran national soccer team is already in Mexico training for the BIG GAME. Mexico vs. El Salvador. Both teams have a shot at going to the World Cup to be held in South Africa.

Soccer (el futbol) brings out the passion and excitement of millions of spectators. Millions will be glued to their t.v. screens and these types of games bring joy to many. Many remember their home countries – where they grew up watching their national teams – win or lose – they are still loyal fans. Soccer is in our hearts and veins. It truly is a dynamic sport that can also bring Latinos together to have a great time – by having respect for either team. In sports – their is always a winner and a loser. MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN ON SATURDAY. QUE VIVA MEXICO Y QUE VIVA EL SALVADOR!