damian trujillo: hello, and welcome to "comunidad del valle," i'm damian trujillo, and today, one of the greatest community service organizations in the entire country, sacred heart, the executive director is here on your "comunidad del valle." ♪♪♪ cc by aberdeen captioning www.aberdeen.io 1-800-688-6621 damian: and we begin today with the monthly visit by the consulate of mexico right here in san jose. with me is ambassador alejandra bologna on "comunidad del valle." ambassador, welcome back to the show. ambassador alejandra bologna: thank you so much for having me. damian: yeah, thank you for being here. well, you know, it's that time of year when some families are packing up, pulling their kids out of school for a week or so and heading off to mexico. what should we know about that trip that families make annually during the christmas holidays?

alejandra: yes, we are more than welcome to families going back to mexico to visit our country. some of them already are mexicans that are going back to their homes to visit their families, but we have a lot of mexican americans that the kids has--haven't get the citizen-- the mexican citizen, so they arrive being mexicans as americans. so it's also an invitation to all parents to--that are from mexican--that are mexican, sorry, that they can come to the consulate and get the mexican citizen to their childrens. it doesn't matter what age they have, but it's important to do that process to get the birth certificate and then the passport and it has a lot of advantage to nationals that are going back to our country.

also, they want to start in mexico in the future or just arriving as tourists; instead of being tourists, they will not pay any tax as tourists, they will be just arriving to the country as mexicans. and well, it's--this is an invitation to visit our country during this special period in december. damian: i know that it's the time where those families maybe they make appointments to make sure their documents are in order. can they call to make sure that their documents are in order if they're not sure? that way, they're not stuck in the middle not being able to go either way because maybe they forgot something. alejandra: yes, of course they can ask us. they can write to us at the consulate. and well, we are continuing with serving our community. we have more than 1,000 appointments each week. we open on tuesday. and something that it's important to know is if you need

an appointment for dual citizen, what you need to do is call directly to the consulate and then to the registration department and have an phone interview, that it's better, or writing an email to this department just to interact and see what is needed to get the birth certificate--the mexican birth certificate and also to get the mexican passport. damian: and because you--it's been so much easier now to get that dual citizenship, are more people signing up to do that? alejandra: yes, we have a lot of people that is coming during this period. there's a lot of interest. and we have, for example, in soccer teams, young girls that are going to play for the mexican football team--the woman mexican football team and their parents are mexicans and they

just got their citizenship and then now they can represent our country during the juniors world cups. damian: wow, a lot of things happening with the consulado; people traveling, pulling their family just make sure-- we're going to make sure that families also arrange their school supplies for their kids. they're gonna be out for 3 weeks. make sure that they do it. take their supplies. check in with their principal. any final thoughts, ambassador, before we let you go? alejandra: well, something that is important i just want to show is all persons that are traveling to mexico that are mexicans, we have this guide just in case they need some information about what are the rights of mexicans when they arrive at the country. if they are carrying some presents, some gifts to their families, we have some general guides to them

that will help just to have a better transit during their visit to mexico. damian: all right, thank you so much, ambassador alejandra bologna, the consul general of mexico here in san jose. thank you for that information. alejandra: thank you. damian: thank you, and again, if you'd like to get ahold of the consulado, they're on enzo drive here in san jose. there is a web address for more information. they do have that pamphlet, the "welcome paisano." that way you can find out what your rights are while you're traveling over to mexico. up next here on "comunidad del valle," the executive director of sacred heart community services. you don't want to miss it. stay with us.

damian: it is one of the premier community service organizations in the entire country. we're talking about sacred heart community services in silicon valley. with me is poncho guevara, the executive director of the agency; poncho, welcome to the show. poncho guevara: oh, it's great to see you as always, damian. we appreciate your leadership and supporting so many things happening here in the south bay. damian: it means a lot. thank you, poncho.

and i'm just--you know, you and i spoke last week on a new story item. i'm just--you know, i never cease to get impressed at the work that your agency does, your volunteers, your staff. talk about that work and where that spirit comes from, poncho, when you see the despair and the anxiety from these families and there is an agency like yours to open the doors and then the hand. poncho: well, it's interesting, damian, i was thinking about this 'cause i was talking with some of our leaders and some of the folks that have been involved in sacred heart for some time a few weeks ago, and one of the stories that kind of came to mind--i asked, like, what does the holidays mean for you, because it's obviously a time of great stress and pressure for folks, and one of our leaders talked about her experience coming to sacred heart several years ago when her family was going through some ups and downs, you know, financially, and she'd heard about our programs and came and she saw how our volunteers were sort of, you know, thoughtful and caring and generous and felt really safe and comfortable really--and it's really hard for people that are--even if you're

going through a rough time to ask for help 'cause of the pride that families have to take care of their kids and making sure they keep a roof over their head. but that experience of actually coming and being treated with basic human dignity made them feel more comfortable to learn more about other ways that they can get involved. and not only did she start, you know, coming and accessing programs like an early childhood education program that we have or enrolling her kid in the after-school program, but also learned about our urban gardening program and got involved as a leader in that and helped us grow that program and was teaching others about how to be able to grow organic, you know, fresh, you know, produce in her yard and shared it with others and has gotten involved in some of our other work around immigrant rights and helping to push to try to make sure that everyone in our community feels safe. so the experience that we have right now is like, even during the toughest times, to let peopre n alone and that there are other people that care about them and there are ways that their contribution and their involvement, not just reaching out to support their family

during really difficult, you know, financial times like what we're experiencing right now, but also that they have value and they have power and they have a voice in terms of changing those conditions; and that's something that we're really proud of, that we do every day and i'm just--i'm so moved to be part of an organization that it's not just about doing something for others, it's about how we're all working together to improve the quality of life for every family in our community. damian: boy, that--those three words, basic human dignity, it's beyond just giving them a box of food for 1 week and say, "okay, we'll see you next week." it's beyond that, right? poncho: yeah, but oftentimes it really starts with that sense of stability; being able to, you know, provide things like food, clothing, emergency, financial, rental assistance. we did a lot of that, especially during the pandemic, and we're starting to see folks really struggle quite a bit because of--you know, with the economy and inflation eating more into people's pocketbooks, and at the same time we're seeing some of the--some landlords that are deciding that it's time that

they want to raise rents 'cause they weren't doing it during the pandemic and some people are getting squeezed out and being pushed out of the valley. so it's kind of like the--it's amazing to see the resilience of so many families that have been able to make it through some really difficult times and rallying together and supporting each other, but it's also really hard to know that the conditions are sometimes getting worse. so we really, really--it's so important to actually have the kind of support that we get from, you know, some of your viewers and so many of the folks--the generous folks in our community to be involved in volunteering and donating. it's really, really critical this time, especially as folks have been rallying to try to hold on in a community that is very difficult to live in 'cause of the cost of living. damian: so you're seeing that from rent--from landlords. they're trying to make up for lost time. poncho: yeah, we're seeing some--a lot of-- a number of rent increases. we're seeing record numbers of evictions that are actually happening, you know, right now. things slowed down a little bit during the pandemic because of legal protections that were put in place, you know, during that

time, but we're actually seeing a lot of people being displaced. and so we're trying to keep them from being displaced into homelessness, providing financial assistance or even providing a little bit of respite like, you know, some food, you know, some clothing, being--and even, you know, holiday gifts and other things that just lighten up the pocketbook so that people can actually spend money on the things that are really essential like medicine or-- and especially rent. damian: well, we'll talk about what y'all did for thanksgiving and what comes up for the christmas holiday, but give us the numbers in general on an average month or a year, day, or however you calculate it there the numbers that you're helping. poncho: well, last year we served around 50--you know, 50,000 to 53,000, you know, individuals that actually came through our doors to actually receive a variety of different programs; everything from food, clothing, emergency, financial, utility assistance. last week we're talking about and sharing about a new water program that started to help people with their water bills, which is really, really important, you know, to be able

to make sure to do that and also how they can save money on their water bills by using conservation tactics so it doesn't cost as much to be able to do that. but also, you know, education programs, like i said, urban gardening program; a lot of different programs that are there, but it's really all designed to be about how we bring people together in community and how are we creating some of these relationships across boundaries of race and class and having people feel, like, that sense of that everyone belongs and everyone has value and worth, and that's something that's really exciting. but the biggest challenge that we've had, damian, is that because of the pandemic a lot of folks that would come in to volunteer were--you know, were discouraged in volunteering obviously to try to keep their-- themselves and their families safe. so a lot of groups, youth, you know, seniors, different types of organizations cut back on what they're able to do. and so we went from having 7,000 to 8,000 volunteers a year to, you know, just last year just a little over 500, 600 volunteers. and so we're seeing those numbers start to come back. in fact, last week was a really big week.

but that's something that's really important, you know, because that work doesn't happen just because of, you know, the work of--we have an amazing group of staff and they're fantastic, but those volunteers are really the lifeblood that keeps our organization going. damian: absolutely. i've seen them at work. tireless is what they are. let's share some information again. a couple of things you can do here. you can sign up to volunteer with poncho guevara and his team there. you can send donations there because they are in desperate need of those, especially during these times of holidays, or wherever else you can help. there is their web address on the screen, also the phone number to call for more information. the sacred heart community services agency. we'll be back with poncho guevara here on "comunidad del valle." stay with us.

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call 1-8-866-336-344448 today d receceive extra a benefits for a zero dollar monthly premium. benefits like dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs! and to help you stay healthy at home, you can have free prescription drug delivery, online dococtor visitsts twentyr seven,n, and freeee exercise e classe. you can n even receieive mony towards over-the-counter health items. call 1-866-336-3448 today and feel confident you have all the benefits you deserve for 2023. you can receive extra benefits for a zero dollar monthly premium, like dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs. call 1-866-336-3448 and make sure you're not missing out. damian: we're back here with poncho guevara, the executive director of the sacred heart community services agency here in silicon valley. that--thanksgiving came and went, and it was

pretty fast there, poncho. how busy was it there? poncho: oh my gosh, it was fantastic. we actually saw--over 3,500 families came through in 2 1/2 days, you know, there and received holiday food boxes, and many, many more actually came to get clothing and other items. and it's something that's so rewarding because we had over 1,000 volunteers that helped us out during that entire week and prepare the boxes of meals and get those out. and so it's wonderful to actually see that energy, but--and a lot of determination from families, that even if they're going through a rough time they're--you know, they're reaching out for help and then offering to help in many ways as well. so it's something that we're really excited to actually have so many people out, but it couldn't have happened without the generous support of, you know, volunteers and donors. people dropping off the turkey, making sure that they can, you know, come by and help out offering warm coats and other things that we're able to kind of get out to the community, you know. but really those--it's the beginning of a

really exciting cycle. and honestly, the last couple of years has been so different because of all the pandemic things that we're doing, and we're still maintaining things like wearing masks and other things to try to make sure that everyone stays safe. but we're starting to see those numbers kind of really creep up again, and it's something wonderful and hard to actually see so many families suffering right now. damian: yeah, no rest for the weary, because lo behold, here comes christmas and you got to start all over again. you got to, you know, make sure you take care of the kids. poncho: yes, absolutely, that's one of the things that we're so excited about, because we've been able to--we're going to be--we have over 6,200 children that are actually signed up for--their parents who were able to come and sign up-- sign them up to actually receive gifts this holiday season. so we want to make sure that every child gets some toys, get some books; and we're trying to get bicycles and other types of things and making sure we get that into the-- those children's hands. so we have very few things in our storage right now, but we're

reaching out to the community right now to be able to make financial donations so we can actually go shop. they want to drop off some--you know, some items like gift cards, being able to drop off different toys. we have a whole list of things on our website that you can go shop for, send them to us, and we'll get them out to so many families in this community. and for a lot of those parents, it's really creating a little bit of breathing room and some joy this holiday season. it's so rewarding. i was just interviewing a young woman who was interested in joining our staff recently and--you know, before we hired her, and she talked about this was part of their family tradition of, you know, that--her family actually came to sacred heart and, you know--and she realized the relief that her parents experienced knowing that they could actually provide something for them and this is one of the only places they're able to get something, and she feels so strongly about that. she's devoted, she wants to devote the rest of her life to actually helping others and making sure other families like hers have some of the strength and stability that

they got from places like that. i feel so blessed to be part of a community that is so generous and just inspires so much hope for so many families in need. damian: she's come full circle. your job, i would say, poncho, my last question here, is bittersweet, right? bitter because you see the despair. it makes me want to curl up into the fetal position and cry when you see the despair. but sweet because you get to do something about it. you don't sit on your hands and just watch it go by. you're doing something about it. poncho: well, i mean, that's the thing that gives me hope. you know, i think we all have to operate on that sense of hope, you know, that we can actually build something better than this. i mean--i think the reason i joined sacred heart, you know, 17 years ago was the fact that i was, you know, raising a young one and i wanted to make sure that we were building a community worthy of not only my child but every child. and how are we able to kind of do that? the idea of seeing, you know, people invested in creating change and helping others and supporting others is something

that gives me hope about what it means to be part of a community and part of a society. and so while the challenges are still there and sometimes they feel like they get harder, you know, in every year, i see the kind of the hope and aspirations of every parent. the realities they're coming true for--you know, for so many kids that are building a better life like my young staff person or--you know, and in knowing that we can actually make that work happen together. so i appreciate your contribution to this, damian, and the work that you're doing covering some of the social challenges and the bright spots that are happening in our community 'cause we need more of that today than ever. damian: that's wonderful. any final thoughts, poncho, before we let you go? poncho: just want to thank again your--the folks that follow you and follow the kind of work that happen and the folks at "comunidad del valle," you know, and really encourage people to come out and volunteer, especially, you know, folks that can communicate with--you know, with different populations, especially latino community, the asian-american communities.

we need those volunteers to actually be out and helping to support, you know, communities that--those that are struggling and be an example and be part of this fabric that keeps us strong. damian: i've said this to you directly. poncho, you're a human treasure here in silicon valley. we're very lucky to have you. poncho: well, thank you. and feel the same about you. damian: thank you. i appreciate you. poncho guevara, the executive director of sacred heart community services agency. again, folks, few things you can do here. you can volunteer at sacred heart; they could use the help there. there is their address for more information. you can also donate. they do have the holidays coming up. they have a lot of children that they want to help make sure that they brighten up their holidays. you can sign up for that as well. anything you can do to make things better for someone else, that's an agency that you want to go to. sacred heart community services agency on south first street. there's the web address and their phone number for more information. and thanks again to poncho guevara, the executive director. well, up next here on "comunidad del valle," another special interview and some christmas caroling by

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damian: well, if you wanna get ahold of us here on "comunidad del valle," you can follow me on instagram. my handle is @newsdamiantrujillo. call our warm line at twitter it's @newsdamian. well, we thank you once again for sharing a part of your sunday with us on "comunidad del valle." we're going to leave you with another special interview that we played with julie chavez rodriguez, the senior advisor to the president of the united states, followed by some christmas caroling by little joe. we'll see you next week. julie chavez rodriguez: well, i keep so many quotes of my grandfather very close to me because he, you know, was both a role model but also a hero, and i feel really fortunate to have had the opportunity to, you know, get to grow up with him and see him in action and, you know, ride alongside him and march alongside him on so many ways. and there's one in particular for me that really kind of sings true and that i oftentimes share, and it's his quote where he says, "when social change begins, it cannot be reversed. you cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read.

you cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. you cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore." and it's just, to me, a really powerful reminder of why we continue to do this work and why we continue to, you know, serve the american people. damian: you didn't have a choice growing up, right? you didn't have an option: social justice, the fight for social justice, you-- it was in you. julie: exactly, you know, i-- my parents tell a story that when i was 5 i marched into their room--'cause i didn't usually walk, i usually marched everywhere--that i marched into their room asking when i could start my first job at the age of 5, and that's 'cause my older sister, who i idolized, started working with my grandmother at the farmworker credit union when she was 5, throwing trash and helping to fold receipts and sending them in the mail to the farmworkers. and so i was ready.

it was like, "put me in, coach." but, i mean, since those early days, you know, whether it was farmworker conventions that we were preparing for or silk-screening flags for big marches, i mean--you know, my cousin christine often jokes and says some families went on family picnics, we went on family pickets. so it was just sort of--you know, it was all one. there wasn't really a separation between our family life, you know, the farmworker movement. and it was, i think, one of the richest childhoods that anyone can have. damian: just a couple more. latinas are taking over. they run for office and they win. they're at the forefront. they're vocal. they're leaders. what is it about the power of latinas that says, "aquí estamos y no los vamos. we're here. we're not going anywhere"? julie: well, i think, you know, a lot of the latinos that i

work with have been, i think, really--you know, have shown me that--so many of us, right, we come from humble beginnings and oftentimes those roots are what keep us really grounded and really focused on who it is that we're fighting for and why it is that we're doing this work, and i think that oftentimes, you know, whether it's on behalf of, you know, their own family or on behalf of other families, oftentimes latinos do take on that, you know, important role. and so, you know, i think we've seen it time and time again. it's just the leadership and ability to, you know, step in and to bring people together. and, you know, i'm fortunate i get to work alongside emmy ruiz, our political director, another amazing latina who, you know, had some--you know, we've sort of worked alongside one another, but, you know, it wasn't until the vice

president's primary campaign that we actually got a chance to work directly together, and it's just--it's been, you know, great to have her here in the building but also just so many others that we've continued to groom and work with along the way. ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ i'm dreaming ♪ ♪ of a white christmas ♪ ♪ just like the ones i used to know ♪

♪ where the treetops glisten ♪ ♪ and children listen ♪ ♪ to hear sleigh bells in the snow. ♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ i'm dreaming ♪ ♪ of a white christmas ♪ ♪ with every christmas card i write. ♪ ♪ may your days be-- ♪♪

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