hello, i'm damian trujillo. welcome to "comunidad del valle." ♪ ♪ ♪ we begin today with east valley ymca. they have some great programs for kids, youth and teens to get them involved, off the couch and get them doing some physical activity. in fact going through summer camp this past week over winter

break. with us is kirsten gray with east valley ymca and gino who is enjoying the benefits of the programs there. welcome to the show. >> thank you. >> you're offering scholarships for kids who might not be able to afford the services of y. >> yeah. that is something that i think is the best part of working for the ymca. we are in the process of doing our annual support campaign. our goal is to raise $257,000 to give back to our community and all of that money right now we're scholarshiping for kids to swim, youth memberships. which means they get to use the facility to take group exercise classes and my favorite, summer camp. give them a safe place it play over the summer. >> this past week they were involved in a -- they are off for a week then you get involved in some sort of activity. >> yes. gino is one of our participant. he's been with the y about four years. they get to participate in camp, field trips, we do field service

projects. for five days they experience a different kind of learning. >> that's awesome. what have you gotten out of it, gino? four years is a long time. what have you gotten out of that four years. >> i got responsibility, leadership and more honesty than before. >> how are they teaching you to be more honest and responsible? what are they doing there making a difference there? >> they teach you. they teach you how to be more responsible and honest than before they were training you, to be leaders. >> this past week you were on break. you were on vacation. you good to the skate parks. you decided, i want to go to camp, why is that? >> like why did i want to go to camp? >> right. >> because when i saw it, it looked really fun, and i asked my mom. she signed me up. when way is in third grade. and the first day i really -- i said hey, i really like this.

and that's when i actually started to go back. >> you're able to help youth and teens, what do you see in them that maybe makes this a little more promising community? the future? >> i think like gino said. a lot about leadership. we focus a lot on the developmental assets which are 41 building blocks to teach kids to be successful. we teach them that they can be resources and share their ideas. we have kids going out and not only making healthier choices, drink more water and less soda, but they are challenge willingiing their friends to do it. we see kids like gino, he is ready for leadership academy. he wants to be a ynca leader. it is about teaching kids that they have a voice. we are trying to do that in all of our programs right now. >> and it is not just a handful of kids.

year round you help a lot of kids. >> right now we serve about 2,000 kids a day after school in programs. that at 25 schools within the east side of san jose and lopidas. in summer, about a thousand kids a day come in to work out, summer programs, and be involved in the y. >> how do you rec men these programs to other kids and teens, gino? those who say, the y isn't for me? convince them that the y is for them, maybe. >> usually convince them, like say if they had nothing to do for their day, they could train to be more leaders than they were before and actually do something. for themselves. >> and someone else here in the studio -- >> yeah. >> come on. we want to make sure we get you on. we want to make sure -- tell us who this is. over here on this side. tell us who this is. get close to kirsten here. because she is wearing the microphone. tell us your name and what you are getting ou of the y. >> what's your name? >> i'm savannah. >> speak a little louder because

of the microphone down there. >> i'm savannah. >> what are you getting out of the y right now? >> honesty, team work, and leadership. >> how inspiring is it to -- i mean, one, to have the courage it come up here in front of all these bright lights and three bright cameras and to do this. how inspiring is that for you kirsten. >> it is awesome. these are kids i've gotten to see grow up the last four years. savannah is part of our child care program, a camp participant. both families have come through, gotten scholarshipes a and they are getting different opportunities. everyday i hear how much fun they are having. getting to see kids like savannah and gino, that's why i do what i do. >> we have e-mail information. a website you might want to log on to. came there. any final thoughts for you kirsten? i think those two web sites are correct, if i'm not mistaken. >> yes.

those are great web sites. we want to encourage everyone out there, if east valley is not your local ymca, go on to wr ncasv.korg and find your local ymca. we are here to be a helping hand, ton close doors, but make sure that everyone has opportunity to participate. >> good work. thank you so much. and we will see you out when you're future leaders in our community. up next, on "comunidad del valle," citizenship days. stay with us.

citizenship day is right around the corner. pi tri patricia is with us. and nick is with the alashian lot alliance, also in the south bay. welcome back to the show. >> thank you. >> we have video of previous workshops. but tell us the benefits of what you are having.

>> there are numerous benefits. it is an annual event where individuals can get free assistance on the orientation process to become a u.s. citizen. one of the main benefits we want the community to know about this year, is the fact that once you naturalize, if you have children under 18, they automatically become u.s. citizens, which is a huge benefit. >> who should go to this? is it those who applied or want to apply? who are we targeting here? >> it is pretty much open to anyone who qualifies for citizenship. i think that's a major thing. you have to have your lawful permanent residency card or green card. >> for how long now? >> for five years for most folks. there are skeexceptions for peo for three years. but people who want to become a citizen, become engaged, especially in the year of elections, vote in november. >> when they go to this workshop, it might be intimidating for some folks. it is intimidating talking to two attorneys here. you have to pauch your ps and qs. but for those who might be

intimidated, not afraid of the legal process, put them at ease, if you will. how easy is it? >> we actually have orientations in 14 languages. so the individual may need to take their exam in english, however, to learn about the process, timing, preparation, the orientation is in your native language. all of the requirements are spelled out for you. you are in the know the entire process. languages of korean, tegalic, english, numerous languages. it is at a safe space. it is where it has been past couple of years. it's a great, great time to come out and learn. >> that's awesome. my parents, because of patriotism, it took them 30 years to be convinced that let's become u.s. citizens now. they are mexican and they they are prideful mexicans.

is there some of that in every community, i guess some. >> sure. a lot of folks that come here to the united states, they don't want to abandon who they are. that's part of our jobs as attorneys, as u.s. citizens as well, to tell people, you know, just because you're becoming a u.s. citizen doesn't mean you're forsaking who you are. you can be a proud u.s. citizen. this is great place to be who you are and still get involve with the processes that determine our lifestyle in the community. >> so what should i bring with me, if i do want to go to thissoren station. >> citizenship day is saturday march 17 beginning at 8:30. people usually start lining up early. we're prepared for that. they should bring their permanent reres dent card. we have to verify that individual is a permanent resident and has been so for at least five years or three years if married to a u.s. citizen. and an open mind, willingness to learn and be engaged and be part of a civic and political life here in the united states.

and financial -- >> swear allegiance to this country. >> definitely, yes. >> this is a collaboration. it is amazing. it takes catholic -- >> it has always been a family affair. this is santa clara county. we have a large portion of immigrants here who have not naturalized who who are eligible to naturalize. we do find that the best policy is to work as a group. patty and i, how many nights have we spent like working on projects and things for this very one citizenship day. so it is a big family affair. santa clara county, come out and see us. >> i spoke at a swearing in ceremony last year. how inspiring is that? people from all walks of life, from every corner of the world who decided i want to be an american. >> yes. >> it's amazing. it is fantastic because you know these people have come a long way. it is almost, i think, a kin to graduation. you know, you have gone all the way. you have come from another country. lived another life there.

come here, get your green card. spent five years sometimes, even longer, to become a citizen. and it is just a great moment to come out and see people. get involved with that process. come out and become a citizen yourself. >> you look at these questions on the test and you think, oh, my goodness, this is back in high school civicses, i don't remember this any more. they're learning who patrick henry was. questions like that, that we as americans should know. and they can answer those at a moment's notice. >> right. we definitely offer assistance in helping people study. it's 100 questions they have to learn on civics and government. there are many individuals that may qualify for an exception to the english language requirement which would enable them to do the exam in their native language. and we definitely want people to be aware of those requirement, of those wavers and also the financial assistance. the application is $680. but there are programs willing and able to help individuals

meet that need. now uscis has programs where if you qualify you can waive that fee. >> if i go to the workshop, how long until i'm raising my right hand. >> good point. now the citizenship process is very fast. they process in four to six months. that's assuming you have no other legal issues. we make sure you are toward apply and ready for the process in five to six months. and sometimes quicker. >> there is the information on your screen. it is st. patty's day. how convenient. it is at the rebecca center. >> children's services. >> there's a number to call for any other information. any other number they need or is that good enough. >> that's a good number. >> that's a good number. >> thank you for making good americans out of all of us. >> thank you. >> thank you for having us. up next on "comunidad del

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like every year, there is a la teebo component for the annual film festival happening in san jose right around the corner. with me to discuss that component and all of the other festivities happening with the film festival is marcella. she is with cinequest. welcome to the show. >> thank you very much. >> tell us about the showcase. every year, cinequest has been kind enough to bring powerful actors and actresses to our studio and speak us to. tell us about that component. >> we have about six films representing chile, mexico, brazil, couple films from spain. we actually have one of our -- one of the main factors, jorge, he is in one of the films that you might know. and that is one of -- it is a

northern american premier. so that's going to be something that i think a lot of people will be interested to go watch. it is about a homosexual couple that adopt a young boy. it is controversial because the community is conservative so it is an issue about the fight between them. >> all right. the cinequest can be a classy affair and casual affair. we have video that you all provided for us. you can see both sides of it. here is your youth component. tell us what you are doing with the youth. >> we have a new youth program. it is calls picture the possibility. empowered youth create films that show changes they want to see in their community. and we inspire global leaders to take action and make these changes happen in these communities. this year we went to los angeles, new york, china, mexico city, here in silicon valley.

it was a very nice well-rounded global program that we have. >> why do you think it's crucial, vital, if it is, to get the youth involved and get them interested and maybe get them in front and behind the camera? >> right. a lot of our youth have various ideas and ideas they want to express. the medium of mifilm is a good o do that. so their dreams, anything they want to share, it k be done through film. >> maybe sure not interested in just the latina film, maybe you want to to see something international or domestic here at home. give us a quick rundown on how many films and how exciting this might be for the organizers, if you will. >> right. we have over 150 films. that represent about 40 countries around the world and we have 60 world premier here this year. >> wow.

who are these filmmakers? are they people who are trying to make it or people who say, no, i'm sticking to the independent film side of the industry, if you will. >> right. most of them are independent filmmakers who want to keep making independent films. our theme is never ending passion. a lot of the filmmakers, we encourage them to create, innovate and empower their films throughout the world. >> i will ask you what i asked the young boy with the y. if you haven't already, con vin the viewers out there why this is a good year to come out and enjoy and get your season pass and enjoy the entire run of the film festival. give us your sales pitch, if you will. >> oh, okay, sorry. well i mean, this year is our 22nd year. like i said, we have 150 films to be shown, short and domestic film features. we have a ton of filmmakers coming from aboard, local in the

area. it is an exciting way to meet these filmmakers. there's always a q & a session after the films, so it is more personal. we have event where the fans and other filmmakers can meet and greet. it is more personal one on one. >> every year you give out what you call the maverick award. you gave the lady who played selena, i forget her name, but she sat right next to me. hilarious movie. these are from independent films to big movie stars. >> yes. elliott guild will be our spirit award recipient and a director for closing night film, the deeply sea. >> you sound excited. why all of the excitement over the film festival? >> this is my third festival. it's been really fun. like i said, it's very welcoming

and comfortable festival. all of the filmmakers are very excited about the films. they are excited to show it to everyone and the the community. so it is a way for them to -- we're empowering them to continue to create their films. to make different films. >> and it is a premier festival. maybe not as popular as those in france or what not, but it is getting there. >> right. we have information to show you the run of the ciniequest film festival. there a run of it from february 28 to march 11. go to their website for a complete rundown on the films that will be showcased and also get your season pass if you will, so you can good go to each and every one of the 150 films. >> thank you. >> good luck to you. >> thank you. >> up next, santana enables sanchez in one special song. ♪

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here's what's happening in your neighborhood. here is our address for next week's saludos.

if you want anything to put on our calendar, drop us an e-mail or you can also pick up a copy of our el observeador newspaper. our calendar is shown there as well. thank you for sharing part of your sunday with us again here on "comunidad del valle." we want to encourage you to get civically involved, if you can. once you get home, feed the kids, head on out to the y. head out to your nonprofit and give them a hand. right now they are in dire need. the more we can help them out, the better our future leaders will come out ahead. again we thank you for sharing part of your sunday with us. once again, we are leaving with a special tribute. jorge sanchez playing here in our studio with a farewell song. take it. ♪ ♪ >> i would like to play this

song for michelle, my daughter, on her 21st birthday. ♪ rainbows from above falling down from above, she's my love ♪ ♪ and i know shell be there when i need her to care ♪ ♪ she's with me my baby and me, we're happy and free like the sun, yeah ♪ these are reasons i sing about my sweet loving thing, she's my love yeah ♪ oh, my love, she is one ♪ ♪ and she takes me there endlessly ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ rainbows of love are falling down from above ♪ she's the one ♪ ♪ sense we have something but we'd rather have nothing but love ♪ reasons i sing about my sweet loving thing she's my love ♪ i said my baby and me we're happy and free like the sun ♪ ♪ oh, my love, she is the one ♪ and she takes me there end usually ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ oh, my love ♪ she is the one ♪ she takes me there endlessly