100 Things About Me

I stole this from another fiends blog and adapted it for me....
1.I come from a small family.
2. I have a younger brother by 8 years and a younger sister by 8.
3. My father had a kidney transplant and is a walking medical miracle .
4. My mother stayed up every night sewing to make money to help support us. The hum of the sewing machines would put me to sleep.
5. Now I stay up every night working.
6. My Father started as a dishwasher 30 years ago and today he supervises 3 different departments.
7. I was a premie at 7 months.
8. My Grandma taught I was born at 5 months, eventually they told her the truth, I kind of spoiled the surprise
9. My parents were undocumented at the time but payed every dime of the hospital bill for a premie and Cesarean birth.
10. I entered SDSU as a Psychology Major and got my B.S. as planned
11. I also received a B.A. in Chican@ studies by accident
12. I never taught I would graduate from High School but got a masters from USD
13. It was a degree in non Profit Management & Leadership Studies
14. I made it through my masters program without purchasing a single text book (borrowed and used the Internet)because I was short on cash.
15. I owe far to much money for my undergrad work
16. I owe nothing for my Masters thanks to the Reebok Human Rights Award I received in 2003
17. I miss working with young people on Diversity issues (Camp Anytown. Minitown, YTOWN)
18. I have alwasy lived in San Diego County
19. "Knowing Pedro is Knowing Work"
20. I chaired the San Diego Cesar E. Chavez Events for too long
21. I learned so much about leadership but took too many unnecessary hits
22. I am a danzante for a traditional Aztec Dance group fore over 10 years
23. I have an enormous belief in the Virgen De Guadalupe
25. I believe my Grandma (Mom' side) is my guardian angel...she passed less than a month after I was born while preparing to come meet me. All she ever saw was a picture.
26. I have only traveled out of the country to Mexico City (Of course Mexicali, and Tijuana but that is just an extension of San Diego)
27. I have traveled out of state to Arizona, Seattle, Orlando, Pittsburgh, New York, Boston, DC, Minnesota, Cincinnati, Chicago
28. When we traveled to Seattle we caught a baseball game in every major stadium including Dodger Stadium; Petco, Angels Stadium, At&T Stadium, SafeCo Field
29. I played Shortstop for many years but my natural position was second base (Yea! Roberto Alomar.
30. My knee was scoped in High School and my knee or weight was never the same
31. I am a diabetic who struggles to stay healthy
32. I need to drop about 50 pounds to be where I consider to be healthy
33. I weigh approximately 100 pounds more than I weighed in High School
34. I was voted most changed since High School at my 10 year reunion
35. In Junior High Rhonda Singers and I were voted class clowns
36. I am proud of my being an Alumni of Chula Vista high...in 2004 I was inducted into the districts hall of fame for my community work
37. I drive a Scion XB but miss my Chevy S-10
38. I much rather have a 1953 Chevy Truck
39. I had 3 eye surgeries as a baby
40. I wear glasses because I fear contacts touching my eyes. I am traumatized from so many visits tot he optometrist that I even hate eye drops.
41. I love to cook, and the kitchen in our house is mine
42. I am the ultimate Sam the Cooking Guy Fan
43. My Favorite food is ...well food in general
44. I still collect baseball cards and memorabilia
45. I also have a an original Voltron
46. I met my wife in 1998 and didn't remember her
47. In 1999 she reintroduce herself and we did not get along
48. In 2000 we ran into each other at SDSU and eventually went out on a date
49. She kissed me first (yet she blames me)
50. She moved in in 2001
51. We officially married in 2007
52. I /m 5'6"
53. Stitch is my favorite Disney Character
54. I’m right handed.
55. My Favorite TV show is House. I secretly strive to be like him.
56. I also occasionally watch novelas ( Currently hooked on reruns of "Dame Chocolate"
57. I’m very competitive.
58. I have never had a cavity
59. I did break one of my front teeth in a fight in Junior High
60. My hairline is receding.
61. I would like to run for political office someday.
62. "VOTE FOR PEDRO" Will be my slogan with guest appearances from Napoleon Dynamite
63. I was treasure of my elementary school in 5th grade and in college I was elected to the student council 3 times.
64. I am a neat freak , my wife is the opposite
65. I tend to think of many things at once. The problem is that because of this, I sometimes don’t finish what I’m doing before I’m on to the next thing in my head.
66.
67. Oops I missed 66 because I was thinking of other stuff
68. My Birthday either falls on or near Thanksgiving every year. This sucks because my birthday meals always included leftovers or Turkey. Also no one is ever around to celebrate.
69. I am a Sagittarius but right on the cuff of Scorpio
70. I love wearing suits, and guyaberas
71. I have a grill in the backyard I named Lucille
72. I once dance with Lucy Lu of Charlies Angels Fame
73. My favorite type of wine is a a Rose or Blush ( I know girly)
74. My favorite alcoholic drink is a purple haze ( I kind of remember them, a little hazy)
75. I don't like the taste of beer
76. But I love Cheese..."Cheddar makes it Better"
77. 13 is my lucky number
78. I love video games
79. I use to walk and talk in my sleep
80. I ran over a CHP officer after falling asleep at the wheel (She was OK, but I rubbed her the wrong way)
81. I am a sucker for love songs
82. My favorite artist include Boys II Men, KC & Jojo, and the Temptations
83. My Favorite movies include Click, Mi Familia, and Transformers
84. My Favorite Stores are IKEA and Target
85. I clip coupons
86. I always feel guilty when I spend money on something that is solely for me.
87. My last major purchase was a new computer (that was purchased with a grant I received)
88. I would go nuts without the internet, e-mail, and outlook
89. I have a my space, blogger, and linked account
90. I enjoy manicures and pedicures
91. I have a tattoo: A UFW eagle surrounded by an Aztec Sun
92. I have a dog named Mixtli (Cloud in Nahuatl)... She is a Bichon Freeze
93. I also have share custody of a turtle named Turtlelina
94. I prefer cold weather
95. I am in love with Kim Kardashian and Carmen Electra
96. If you ask me for help, I cant say No
97. I consider myself to be a hard worker who is dedicated and passionate to my community
98. I am my own biggest critic and sometimes over analyze my actions and behavior
99. The two things I want on my tombstone (actually want to be cremated): Loved his Family, Loved His Community
100. I love every second of being a father.

Tonantzin-Dia de La Virgen Morena

Today we honor the patron saint of Mexico, La Virgen de Guadalupe. In fact as I sit here it is after a night where millions of people have visited her church in Mexico city completing their mandas, I can't help to reminisce when I visited her. The stream continues today and hundreds of indigenous dance circles all dance in her honor outside her church.



On December 12 2001 I was honored to participate in the traditional Azteca dance ceremonies of Our Lady of Guadalupe-Tonantzin, and see the other Native American Dance traditions being offered at Tepeyac Mountain in Mexico city. On the morning of the 12th, while we waited for Capitana Rosita Amaya to arrive, we danced by ourselves as a group in front of the actual image of the Virgen de Guadalupe. We did not have a drum, so we danced to the sounds of a single mandolin and our sonajas (rattles). Then we danced with circle comprised of several danzas that included Danza Xinachtli, the dance group formed by Capitán Andres Segura Granados.


I have to say it was an experience filled with so much emotion. I had never witnesed so many people so devoted to a single faith. I will never forget turning as we danced and seeing the image of our virgen inside the church. I saw her and my eyes filled with tears. I looked at one of of our senior dancers and her eyes where filled with tears and quickly I can remember how grateful she was that she got to see her. My grandmother would have been so proud of me to know that I was there. I dance under the palabra of our group but I also danced hard for my grandmother who I knew was there with us guiding my steps and protecting us.

I have to admit that religion is a tough thing for me to talk about. I have issues with the church itself but I have this faith in la virgen that I can't even explain. I don't have many religious images in my home but she hangs prominently where I can see her every night and she can see us. I often argued that in our cultura faith and culture are so intertwined (similar to that of the Jewish community) that it is hard to ever separate. Case in point the revolution in Mexico was announced by a priest.

Que Viva La Virgen De Guadalupe!!!

A diffrent Way to Celebrate My Birthday!

So after much thought and many suggestions as what to do today to celebrate I have decided that I much rather give a gift than receive a gift! By that I mean I would rather save the money we would have spent on drinks, food, and cover and instead make a donation to one of my favorite local organizations.

Please join me in supporting the work of the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) by making a gift in any amount today. I am not kidding any amount…. $1, $5, $10, $20 or more! This is tax deductible donation that will support the groundbreaking work that the Parent Institute is doing. You can make a donation by clicking on the link below. For tracking purposes please place my initials, “PCA” on the second Billing Address Line.

Nothing would make me happier on my birthday to know that we positively affected the lives of hundreds of families. If you like to join me in making a secure online gift to the Parent Institute for Quality Education please click the following link. DONATE TO PIQE!

For more information on the Parent Institute please visit their website at http://www.piqe.org/

Help Me Celebrate My Birthday!

For the last couple of years on my birthday I have been able to get together with good friends to celebrate!!! Who could ever forget Venus Molina’s famous menu reading at Dave & Busters or the giant bull at the Cantina de Los Remedios in Tijuana?

My 31st birthday is less than 24 hours away and I am stumped…but I am not going to pass up my babysitter I need your help to both celebrate tomorrow and to find somewhere to do so….

Here is my ideal place to celebrate- PLEASE E-Mail Me Your Suggestions!
• Somewhere we can be at from 7:30pm until about midnight.
• A place where a reservation is not required but we will not be stuck standing all night.
• A place that serves appetizers and food, but does not require an order for us to be there.
• A place that is not a killer on the wallet both for food, drinks, and definitely no cover.
• A good bar…this is the one time a year that I actually do drink so I would like OPTIONS!
• Music but it can’t be so loud we can’t have a conversation.
• I am looking for a chill environment to hang out with friends, have good conversation, and that we can just relax.

So once I settle on a place I will e-mail all of you (no later than noon tomorrow). If you will not have access to your e-mail let me know and I can give you a call to update you. CURRENT SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE (Night at the Movies, El Toritos Mission Valley, & Casa Guadalajara in Old Town, Laser Tag)

Please make plans to join me wherever we end up. What I know for sure is it will be tomorrow (WEDNESDAY November 26, 2008). Plan to be there (wherever there may be) starting at 7:30pm.

I look forward to once again celebrating my birthday with all of you… Please click on a link below so I can make sure I send information out to everyone….

CLICK HERE IF YOU PLAN TO JOIN ME WHEREVER WE END UP

Update on the Job Search

It has been a while I have written and since then a few good things have happened. First of all my father finally got out of the hospital, after spending over two weeks at UCSD. They fought of the virus that he initially went in for and while at it he left with a new pacemaker/difibulator, sort of an upgrade to his old pacemaker. He is still a little week but on his way to a full recovery. Since my last update I have had two final interviews with two diffren organizations.

I don’t think my interview with the first organization went really well. To be frank it is not were I would like to end up, but hey it’s a job. I feel I was a little to honest when asked if I could meet their fundraising goals for the year. I noticed that they have projected to triple their goals for this fiscal year in an economy that may not support it. Times are changing and the way fundraising worked just five years ago will not work in the upcoming years as philanthropist tighten their budgets. It will no longer be enough to have a great cause or great program. Board involvement, evaluation, objectives and goals, marketing, and stewardship will need to be part of a combined strategy. Those organizations that do not diversify their funding sources and nurture all those sources will quickly sink. Those organizations with unrealistic goals and no plans are doomed to fail, “when you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Don’t get me wrong could I develop that culture, I could but triple their development funds in one year….that’s a pretty tall order; just being realistic considering they have not met their goals over the last three years.

On the other hand the second interview went amazing. I think I made an impression. I did find out that originally they had a candidate pool of 50 qualified candidates, which they narrowed down to eight, and now they are down to three of us. I have heard a rumor that they have contacted some of you as my references, which is a move in the right direction! I think I can make an impact with this organization. Public Health is something I hold dear and of course access to health solutions for all is something I deeply believe in. Too much money is being spent on drugs to treat diabetes, cardiac problems, drug abuse, etc. What we nee to do is provide a prescription for better public health and support programs on the front end. I listened to a doctor speak last night and he made a great point, “a doctors office is not where we should go to get healthy,” We need more parks, supported recreation centers, programs that educate our communities on staying healthy. Our families need safe communities where they don’t feel afraid of spending time with their family’s outdoors. There needs to be healthy food options in the communities where they live. In the case that they do need treatment or support services those need to be there and easy to access regardless of any barriers.

Finally I have to get on my soap box a little bit. Over the last few weeks as I have traversed the world of the unemployed and support systems I have been disappointed by what I have seen. I have seen children turned away from services, rude and inconsiderate staff, and a bureaucracy that should not be. Did you know that in the world of MediCal there is a difference between “eligible” and “qualified,” it all seems so subjective?” I am fortunate I have a voice and when I see an injustice I can defend myself and my family but over the last few weeks I have been saddened by the treatment of members of our community. I keep thinking to myself that it’s hard enough to ask for help, especially when there are language and cultural variables, why do we as a community make it harder for individuals who are already struggling. What has happened to the compassion and respect that all people deserve? Being unemployed has been a great opportunity and reminder as to what our community goes through. I am blessed to have had this experience and makes me thankful for what my family went through when I was baby and for what thousands families go through everyday.

On behalf of me and my family thank you for all your help. Your support has been invaluable for the last two months. My Daughter (picuted to the left) celebrates her first birthday this Saturday and will also be baptized. That milestone has made me reflect on the last year, my family is so blessed to have come in contact with each of you!

Why I left my job

So after nearly four years in my cuurent positionI have resigned my position. My last day was last Saturday and one week later I still have not found a job. Even though financially things are unstable and everyday their is a new realization in regards to the world of the unemployed I would not have done anything different. In fact most of those who are close to me are glad I made the decision and in fact wonder what took so long. Of course the most popular question is why are you leaving...so let me try to lay this out in a professional manner....

Workload: The position itself is designed to fail. With the level of responsibility and the lack of human resource in my mind there is no human being who could possibly be successful at all of the elements in this position. If you are not schizophrenic before entering the position you will be if you don't leave. I understand multi-tasking and in general this is one of my strenghts but there is a huge difference between multi-tasking and over-tasking. In fact in my time at the Y the position doubled in responsibilities and just before I left I was assigned a few more items..and at no point was I ever asked for my opinion or brought into the decision making process...which leads me to my next point.

No authority: I was never able to established my formal authority within the organization. For those of you who have taken Dr. Monroe's classes at USD you will know exactly what I am talking about in this section. Luckily I was able to establish some informal authority with those I supervised and that helped me survive there. But of course my formal authority, my boss, was really good at assassinating my authority. I can't be sure if he did it intentionally ( I assume there was some hidden issues, per Tavistot Primer I) but I can be sure that he did it often. I can remember about two weeks before quitting running a management meeting in his absence and felt we where getting somewhere to resolve a severe budget crisis. Then he walks in to the meeting and tears apart what we had worked on without taking a minute to hear us out. You could literally see how demoralized and unmotivated everyone became simply by their body language. We went from a meeting with a lot of energy and solutions to a room full of anger and disappointment. Even before I gave notice my boss was making decisions on salary adjustments to staff I supervised without even consulting me. Of course I would have agreed but why would he not talk to me about those things If ultimately I am responsible for my staff and the completion of facility outcomes.

Salary: On the note of salary my close friends know that it has never been about the money for me. Of course now with a family I have to make sure I make enough to support our needs but ultimately it is about loving what I do. Sometimes people don't realize how perceptive I can be and that I can read between the lines. But I have to ask the question why is my former position the lowest paid associate position in the entire association. In fact there are new associates who have less experience, less education, and less time and are already making more than I was. There needs to be some equity amongst the association in the positions they offer. A big slap in the face was when the position was posted at a higher starting rate than what I was making. So obviously it was not budget that kept them from adjusting my pay. In fact before I left three staff had their salaries adjusted. This really told me where I stood and what my perceived value to the organization was...

Support from the corporate level: I still remember the day I decided to leave the organization and I attempted to call our VP of operations to file a complaint and get some guidance. To this day he has not returned my call. I think the corporate office has become negligent in regards to the situation at the YMCA. How many people have to file complaints before real change will occur, where is the real tipping point. The corporate office is more than aware of the conditions that employees face yet do nothing. As I told the YMCA VP of Human Resources, the corporate office has failed this branches employees for too long. Especially when they have proven that it is not safe to ask for help without facing retaliation. It is by no accident that the two senior Latino directors at this YMCA resigned within weeks of each other. Who can live with this stress...what more does the corporate office need to see their is a problem....

Balance: For an organization that preaches balance of spirit, mind, and body they don't support that amongst their employees. The 12-14 hour days, the verbal and mental abuse, the lack of resources combined with poor pay and lack of recognition are not worth it. Especially when you go home and realize that the only time you see your kid is when their sleeping, or that you are behind on your bills, and that your health is suffering. Diabetes is no joke and this job was only making it worse.

Diabetes: It is so sad that I can pinpoint the reason why my diabetes was out of control and link it directly back to the stress of the job. For those who know anything about diabetes stress is one of the major factors affecting blood sugar levels. In fact every time I would finally be getting healthy there was something or someone who would derail it at work. In fact the straw that broke the camels back was when my blood sugar had dropped to dangerous levels (meaning I could pass out and enter a diabetic comma) and I brought food to a staff meeting and was denied the opportunity to eat it even after explaining why I needed to eat . At no point had food ever been denied from these meetings, in fact we had shared food at these meetings on many occasions. Talk about the lack of reasonable accommodations for someone with a disability.

I could no longer let this job continue to kill me...I made the difficult decision of moving on and facing the consequences of not having a job rather than staying there and continue to get sick and not see my daughter as we fell deeper in debt...I had to ask myself a question. After years of working on farm worker and labor rights what would I have done if someone came to me and express a similar situation to me...the anwser was clear and encapsualeted in the following quote...

"What is at stake is human dignity. If a man is not accorded respect he cannot respect himself and if

he does not respect himself, he cannot demand it."

-Cesar E. Chavez

I have a bunch of board members, other employees, friends, asking why I left but ironically my boss never really asked why I was leaving which made two more things clear to me:

1. It confirmed where I stood (as the lack of a call from the VP of operations)

2. That things will never change at this Y.

He did ask If I was sure I wanted to make this decision. I replied, yes that I had been thinking about it for a while. That is what it was left at. No attempt to find a resolution or address any issues. Once again reminding me of my perceived value. My mom always reminded me that no one was indespensible but I know I brought some unique gifts to the Y and it is their loss.

The VP of HR did aske but after we talked it think she realized the latter of the items above (Change is not ocming soon). Or that at least that for me it was too late. In fact I think she realized she had to play it safe with what she said to me because I had the makings of a real complaint to the Equal Employment and Housing Office. I have a lot of respect for her but also know she has a role to play.

So now I am unemployed and looking and once again there is no regrets. In my time at the YMCA I know I had a positive impact on those we served, the staff i worked with, and the culture of the organization. I feel I grew as manager, and employee and as a person. I made some lifelong friends and colleague's and I am proud to have serve the families within our service area.I am looking forward to my next opportunity where i am sure I will be able to have a continued impact.