i'm damian trujillo, and today the new executive director of the school of arts and culture of the mexican heritage plaza, plus carnaval on your "comunidad del valle." male announcer: nbc bay area presents "comunidad del valle" with damian trujillo. damian: we begin again with the san jose clean energy program. zach struyk is the deputy director there of the program. he joins us on "comunidad del valle." welcome to the show. zach struyk: thanks so much for having me. damian: so we--your organization, your agency was on a couple of months ago kicking off the program. tell us briefly again about the program and what it's done so far. zach: so, this is a community choice energy program. and in that structure in california, communities can so, they basically are deciding where the power comes from.

so, san jose has decided to get into that business to source a cleaner mix of energy, solar, wind, water for its customers. pg&e continues to do the maintenance of lines and the billing and all of the customer service in that way. damian: so, people at home don't have to do anything, keep doing what you're doing. zach: exactly, the do nothing scenario is that you're enrolled and that you're getting a cheaper-- a little bit cheaper power. and it's a cheaper--excuse me, cleaner, cleaner mix. damian: when you talk about cleaner, it's only been a couple of months, but have you seen any results? or will it take a while before we see what results-- zach: so, the cleaner that i'm--thank you for the chance to clarify. so, the cleaner i'm talking about is a carbon dioxide emissions. and as you know, those are--that's a colorless gas and that's all happening in the atmosphere. so we do, the city does an inventory of its greenhouse gas emissions every year, i believe. and so, we wouldn't actually be ae

that for a little while. damian: it takes a while because, i mean, we all know what we believe is causing some of the asthma problems with children and whatnot. this kind of stems that increase. zach: that's right. so, the carbon dioxide is part of it, but indeed the local emissions go down as well. so, when you burn natural gas, for example, that's a--you know, that's a smog inducer, part of the asthma problem and all of that. so yeah, so it's clean in those two dimensions. damian: okay, i tend to ask a lot of questions, so i'll let you go ahead and tell us what you want the viewers to know. zach: sure, so, we launched service in february, and it's going great. we have really high participation. less than 1.3% of the population has--excuse me, of the customers have opted out. so, it's great to have everyone with us.

there's been--you know, there aa little bit different, but people have been understanding. we've been more than 80 events out in the community at senior centers, at community events, invited to speak at neighborhood associations. there's always going to be some people who don't love it, but in general we've had a really great reception. damian: yeah, that was going to be my next question. i don't understand why they wouldn't love it, but they do have that option to opt out if-- zach: that's right. that's right, they can--with a phone call or online. and the call center's open seven to seven, so. and you know, a couple people still do each day, we get those rolling in. but yeah, generally the participation's quite high. damian: and again, this energy, we call it clean energy, it's coming from, you know, sources that are more environmentally friendly, where before we're--you know, we were getting them from plants and whatnot. and so, this is a way to save the environment and maybe reduce your bill just a tiny bit. zach: that's right, exactly. yeah, yeah.

governor's strike reports as to, you know what should we do the in terms of increasing safin organizations like ours, community choice energy,yav. and change is uncomfortable sometimes, but you know, we think that it's going great, we're stable. damian: this is where we're headed, right, as a society. this is where we're ultimately headed at some point. zach: yeah, and i think some point it's basically here. and nothing--again, change is--change is change, but we've got experienced leadership in ours. is now partly managedhese.t od by these community choice energy programs. damian: that's very awesome.

well, again, this is happening in the city of san jose. and there is some information if you'd like to find out more about san jose's clean energy program. and the website is there, there's also a phone number for more information. they're out and about in the community just informing you about how you're helping save the environment by not necessarily signing up, but not opting out of the program. any final thoughts before we let you go? zach: not at all. we'll be in touch with our community talking about progress and upcoming community programs. in addition to a cleaner energy mix, things like incentives for electric vehicles or energy upgrades in the home, so customers have that to look forward to. damian: thanks f valor com,"

carnaval, w bianca hernandez is here to tell us all about it on "comunidad del valle." welcome to the show. bianca hernandez: thank you very much. damian: i mean, we've seen the colors, we've seen the floats. we have some amazing video of the last two years. this is kind of a compilation, but tell us what this is all about, this year's carnaval there. bianca: this year, we are--wow, yes, there are our dancers, our samba beautiful dancers. our floats are amazing and colorful.

there's so much life and culture and so much love between all of the cultures that come together. this year, our theme is cultura cura. so, this is--oh, there are our beautiful dancers from our--yes, from our-- damian: all along the parade route, right? it's just it's like this. it's a party, it's a fiesta. bianca: it is nonstop, that is correct. and it's for the whole family. this is for the whole family. we encourage all of the family to come out and enjoy the music and the love amongst the community that still lives in the mission of san francisco. damian: what does this do for the pride of those who are from the mission, who claim the mission, who have been at the mission forever? bianca: wow, as for myself, i was born and raised in san francisco, and now i live in the mission raising my family in the msi and this is love for all of us. this is such a rich culture for all of us to embrace and to show everyone around us that we can still do it, and we are still around to show everyone all of our love.

damian: and what's in store this year? i know the headliners are los tigres del norte. bianca: yes, we are all so, so excited that they are going to be here saturday. yes, we are going to be joining them, all of us, all of our families, all of our community. we are all super excited to have them, yes. damian: now, tell us about the saturday and sunday, it's a two-day festival, and it's taking over the mission. bianca: that is correct. all of the route of harrison street, we will have seven stages. we will have samba, we will have banda, we will have bachata. we will have everything you can imagine all along our seven stages. we will have parades on sunday. sunday morning, they see our floats, it will be just a blast for all the family. damian: i mean, i think the misconception might be from those who aren't familiar with the mission is that it's one culture, it's one tradition. but when you talk about the mission, it's a multitude of ethnicities and cultures and traditions and whatnot. bianca: correct, correct. as i did say before, i was born d and it has changed a lot, yes of course. but we are still--there's so much, so much culture, so much food that has involved in this area.

we are all embracing this, and this is why we encourage everyone to come out and join us in this beautiful parade and all of this music that we can all embrace on this beautiful weekend. damian: talk about the roots of it, the roots of carnaval in general, whether it's here or the international celebrations, the roots and ultimately what the point is of celebrating. bianca: yes, celebrating this year, heritage just heals all of us. it embraces us, it brings us together, and carnaval has been--this is our fourth decade being together, so you can see it embraces us, it brings us together, and carnaval has that has come out and enjoyed this parade and this whole weekend. and the whole family just really just truly does enjoy this whole weekend, and this is why we continue to do it. we do get this feedback where everyone does love and enjoy the food, and the music, and the dance. everyone, a kid and family and grandma can enjoy, and dance, and see the beautiful dancers and the floats. it's lovely to see all the colors and embrace

one another, yes. damian: absolutely, we all know about the big divide, the national divide when it comes to the immigration issue. this is an opportunity, i would imagine, to kind of embrace the immigrant community and to say, "you're part of us, and we're here to celebrate together. bianca: that is correct. that is correct. our communities are stronger now than ever. we want to embrace everyone and show everyone love aside from everything that is happening around us. we know that each day can be harder and harder. but when we come together, we unite in this music, in this food, and we embrace all of us together, it is the best feeling. everything else around you just fades away. you enjoy and you see each other in your dancing, and just everything else just flies away. damian: you're feeling it. bianca: yes, yes. i am so ready, i can't wait. damian: so, this is--the weekend is the 25th and the 26th, but i would imagine the 27th, maybe the 28th you start working and planning for next year, right? i mean, it takes a long time to put something

like this together. bianca: that is right. this family is just year-round. carnaval production family is year-round. we meet every monday, yes we do. and we plan the whole year, and there's also events throughout the year that we run. so, this is an all-year thing. every monday, we embrace each other, we see each other, we work with each other, we lean on each other, and we truly do love and work together. it's great. damian: it's carnaval, and it's coming here to the mission district once again. and may 25 and 26th. and remember on the 25th it's los tigres del norte there at carnaval, and the magic word is it's free. bianca: yes. damian: any final thoughts before we let you go? bianca: yes, yes, please join us. bring your friends, your family, join us. we wish you love, peace, and lots of blessings. we'll see you this weekend. damian: all right, thank you. and up next here on "comunidad del valle," the new executive director of the scushool o

tto hsone, i leave the van gogh. just don't leave the lights on, okay? to mateo, my favorite chair. to chris, the family recipes. to craig, this rock. to jamie, well, let's just say, enjoy the ride. the redwoods to the redheads. the rainbows to the proud. the almonds to walter. the beaches to the bums. and the fog to, who else, karl. i leave these things to my heirs, all 39 million of you, on one condition. that you do everything in your power to preserve and protect them. with love, california.

plaza in san jose. jessica paz-cedillos is my guest here on the show. welcome to the show, congratulations. jessica paz-cedillos: thank you. damian: how has it gone so far? it's a big endeavor. jessica: yes, no, absolutely. i am three months in. i'm super excited to be working with the team at the school of arts and culture. prior to the school, i was working at somos mayfair, and they're a partner of the school, and so i built relationships with the community, with the staff members. tamara alvarado, the former executive director, was my coach two years ago and we're--she's my mentor and, you know, friend. and so, it's just--it's been a smooth transition. damian: the school is not getting a new face in. i mean, you've been there, you've been in the neighborhood, and we're getting some beautiful images here of the facility that you manage now. i mean, this is your neighborhood. this is where you're from. jessica: that's right.of t. jessica: yeah, so i have committed my career to working for the public sector, right?

aclu immigrant rights project. i am from east oakland, i grew up in a predominantly black latino community. and so, working in east san jose-- [speaking in foreign language] it feels like home, right? and so, there is a passion, there is definitely a connection. and having spent four years working at somos, i really got to know the community and the struggles that they're facing. similar struggles to those i faced growing up. damian: sure. jessica: and so, super excited to be working at the school. and in these times, the role that the school can play to address some of the issues that are affecting our community. damian: you mentioned somos mayfair. it doesn't get any more grassroots than that. jessica: no, it does not. no, it does not. oth.the positives because it's half and half.of that live there from getting ahead, not everyone. but it is a community that continues to be low-income.

damian: but at the same time, i'm interrupting you, what i've seen in my 23 years here at nbc is that they don't use that as an excuse. they use that as an empowering tool to say, "you know what, so what? what else can i do to improve my home, my street, my neighborhood, my community?" jessica: no, absolutely, and i think that that's what is exciting for me and for the school in these times, right? so, we have a community who is incredibly resilient, right? [speaking in foreign language] the people who come to the united states are immigrants. they are here because they want a better life for themselves and for their families. and we see that from our community. and to be running a cultural institution in the east side in these times, to be able to lift culture and heritage is so important given the national rhetoric. and so, you know, we're excited to be there. and the school is going to be very intentional about the tables that they sit at when it comes to the development that

is happening in the community, when it comes to the protection of our cultura, our heritage. and you know, our value is place, and east san jose is the place where we live. and so, there has to be a direct alignment, not just a celebrating culture, but to also being an advocate for our community as it relates to arts and culture, right? from that angle. damian: i want to talk about your vision in our next segment. but i mean, you come here, you--it's not a nine to five job. and you have to have a--and you have to have that passion because it's not a nine to five job, it's a seven days to week job sometimes. talk about the--'cause the sense i get is that that part comes easy for you because of what--the meaning of what's on the other side. jessica: sure, and there have been some surprises. so my--and you're right, right? it's not a typical 40-hour a week job. the school is open seven days a week.

we're running events on during the day, but you'red yokk also attending meetings, you're getting to know people, and you're advocating on behalf of the school and the community that you work for. you do it when you go and pick up groceries, right? you don't know who you may run into. what has been surprising for me is this is a different role than the role i played in my prior jobs, right? this is really thinking about the organization as a whole in la comunidad. and that's a big charge given the history of the mexican heritage plaza, given the fact that, you know, tamara did an incredible job, right? she took over the organization, they were seeing 29,000 people. now, the school sees 70,000 people. and in order for us to continue that, right, and to also expand some of our programs, and to pivot towards advocacy when it makes sense, right, without it being mission-driven,

that's a huge task. damian: all right, let's talk about that in our next segment as well. again, the mexican heritage plaza has a new executive director. she's here with us and she'll be back with more. there's their information, and we'll have more when we return on "comunidad del valle," stay with us. ♪

the school of arts and culture at the mexican heritage plaza. so, my children did a couple of summer camps at the plaza. and it's amazing, i mean, it's not just a babysitting situation, they're learning about the cultura, as you mentioned.of aontinun of the school year pretty much. jessica: that's right, so, we have an academic year, and then we have the summer program. during the academic year, we have night classes for our youth, and so they will take classes in mariachi. danza folclórica, right?

during the summer program, we bring back our visual arts classes, and that is a full-day program. and so, our team right now is getting ready for that. so, the plaza, we will have students running around and in classes. and it's just--it gets activated. during the summer, it's a busy season for the plaza. and from 8:30 to 5, we have students that are, you know, taking classes, learning about their culture, learning la historia, so not just-- [speaking in foreign language] and then anything done in the visual arts también, it has a historical perspective, and so our instructors uplift that. damian: you witnessed the renaissance of the plaza because you were two blocks down at somos mayfair. what tamara did in rejuvenating-- jessica: that's right, the culture, yes. damian: i mean, yeah, i mean, it was--we were wondering as a city, what are we going to do with this place? because what has been happening has not been working. she came in and just turned it around, and now look at how it's flourishing.

so, those are big shoes to fill because of what she was able to do with that. jessica: that's right, and we in la comunidad are so proud to have a latina like tamara who was able to do that for the school. here is a woman, here is a latina who was able to take an organization and make it sustainable, right? and to be able to increase the number of people that we served is a testament, right, to what she was able to do in her vision. what's exciting for me is [speaking in foreign language] right, we now have an opportunity to build a relationship with the school district. we have an opportunity to increase the number of students that we serve. we have an opportunity to do authentic placemaking that uplifts our cultura and that also touches on the issues that are facing our community, right? our community right now is in advanced stages of gentrification. our community is transforming

faster than most people think, right? and so, for us to be able to play a role in how thatse wc? but how are we advocating development that protects nuestra comunidad latina and that is also diversified? how are we making sure that nuestra cultura and our culture is uplifted, right?, you're going to be--there's going to be some advocacy, some coordinated advocacy. jessica: that's right, and we're going to do it alongside our partners, right? so, the school of arts and culture is a partner of the si se puede collective. and somos mayfair is a part of the si se puede collective. grail family services is a part of the si se puede collective, so is amigos de guadalupe and veggielution. these are five community-based organizations in the mayfair, greater alum rock community, and we are coming together to hold it down on our corner, but then to also work together to advocate on behalf of our community. and the school is ground zero, right?

we are on alum rock avenue, we are a cultural institution, and but we want to make sure it can enrich our cultura-- [speaking in foreign language] that it's protected.it twe it's potentially going to go. i see it on the faces of the families who visit the school, visit the plaza. do you see it as well where the families, the parents leaving the plaza feel like they just left their second home, like this is theirs? jessica: no, absolutely. yeah, absolutely. we--so we--one of the practices, so currently our academic year program, right, so, it's the cinco a nueve en la noche, five to nine at night. we have our mariachi students, and then we have our kids who are dancing. so, they came together in the plaza, right, and they're practicing. and so the kids, you know, the ones taking the mariachi classes, they're playing mariachi music, and then you have the other students dancing. and you see the parents, right? 'cause the parents don't go, they stay.

and so, then the parents, big smiles, taking pictures, just seeing their kids perform. it is their home. and they want to be there. and so, yeah, it's exciting to see that. damian: it's a $35 million investment way back then, and i think it's paying dividen. now, real quickly if you can, you kind of gave us two segments of it, but yolt for the school and for the plaza. jessica: sure, so, for us to continue to serve our community, right, to be able to increase the number of students that we serve and to come up with a platform, an advocacy platform as it relates to arts and culture that we can hold down in partnership with other community-based organizations and with the city, right? and then to be able--we're a cultural institution in the east side, right? and so, our model, the way we're able to activate the plaza is a model that can be taken somewhere else. damian: all right, so i guess the message to developers and planners is you're coming into the east side, you're going to have to go to the mexican plaza.

jessica: that's right. damian: well, if you'd like more information, the mexican heritage plaza again is on alum rock avenue and kioa there's the address right there actually and the web address for more information. a slew of summer programs that you can all participate in. thank you so much what's happening you,here in your comunidad on qué pasa. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ damian: and our saludos to those celebrating a special day, felicidades. ♪

damian: and now here's our contact information. you can follow me on twitter, my handle is @newsdamian. also, pick up a copy of "el observador" newspaper and support your bilingual weeklies all across the bay area. you can also watch us on telemundo canal 48, your "comunidad del valle" in español every sunday, usually around 11, guests on "comunidad del valle" also on telemundo. thank you for sharing your sunday with us, we'll see you again next week. pase usted buenos días. ♪ ♪ luckily, her dorm is about 10 minutes from a hotel by wyndham. ashley's meeting all her in-laws, and she's about 10 minutes from a hotel by wyndham.

jeff is flying to.... but 1 10 minutes from a hotel by wyndham. with over 6,000 hotels across the country, a great hotel by wyndham is closer than you think. book direct at wyndhamhotels.com

robert handa: hello, "asian pacific america." i'm robert handa, your host for our show here on nbc area and cozi tv. today, we recognize those being recognized. first, the bay area's largest asian american community group, aaci, asian americans for community involvement, is honoring those who make a difference, and we will meet some of them today. then we highlight some winners in the annual growing up asian in america contest put on by aaci and nbc bay area. some of the youngest and brightest will join us all on our show today. aaci, asian americans for community involvement, is one of the leading community support and advocacy programs around. and to bno gone beyond the call of duty. joining me now is dr. edwin tan, the director of advocacy and development for aaci, who spearheads