Lights, Cameras, Action!

The day of our reunion is finally nearing. What started out as a backyard pig roast using Manny Ariza's caja china promises to be a night we'll all remember.

Yesterday I had my final meeting at Sony. We had final discussions of the placement of the band, tables and chairs, the bars and food. Taking care of the final details, making choices out of our options, doing the best to assure that everyone will be able to comfortably enjoy our special evening. Decisions, decisions.

Knowing that any one of us might have made any given decision I made differently my one hope is that the party goes well and that most people enjoy it without too many complaints. After all, planning a party of this size and importance in two-month's time is hardly optimal but with mostly good attitudes and good vibes we'll accomplish what we've set out to do and be all the better for it. We'll have the opportunity to embrace each other once again, laugh together and express our friendship and love for one another. Oh yeah, and enjoy some fabulous entertainment and music.

If I had to do it all over again knowing what I know now I would probably set the entry fee higher. Scratch that. I should have set the entry fee higher. After all it would have been groovy to have an administrative assistant, bookkeeper and one of those fabulous, stressed out event planners. But the reunion grew like wildfire and in this economy I wanted to keep the cost low to make sure everyone who wanted to attend could do so. We've done good in this area. No one interested in attending will miss our special evening.

While more money would have made this better I know that most of us will agree that the venue is FABULOUS. We are fortunate to be able to have our "little" party at Sony and the weather prediction for Saturday night is the usual great Southern California weather we all love.

There will be seating indoors and outdoors. There will be a bar outside where the band will be set-up, a bar and food inside the room at Sony named the Rita Hayworth Room, or Rita's, which you'll find a short distance from the band. The Rita Hayworth Room is a beautiful art deco decorated room. It will be a good setting for those who want to chat more than they would like to dance yet close enough to the music to hear it loud and clear.

This indoor/setting still has me concerned but I think it will turn out to be alright. It seemed optimal a couple of weeks ago when the evenings in Culver City were cold. Still Rita's will shelter from the weather and it really is an awesome setting for talk, laughter and sharing. Don't forget to bring pictures to share with your friends!!

BARTENDERS WILL BE ON DUTY AT 6:45 PM. I suggest arriving between 6:30 and 7. Please keep in mind that with over 200 guests there will be a line at the gate to get in so be patient. ID may not be required I was told yesterday but bring it just in case please. PARKING IS FREE.

Once you're on the lot you will enter the left and then make a right on the first studio street. You'll see the red carpet and ropes, the outdoor tables and chairs and a well lit marquee which is the entrance to the Rita Hayworth Room, you'll see the stage just past Rita's.

The food stations will open at 7:30 PM. It is a special Cuban Flare menu that Wolfgang Puck Catering is preparing for our reunion. It includes pork, garlic chicken, rice, beans and plantains. Desert will be cake from Porto's bakery that is being donated by Tony and Yolanda Garcia of Professional Carpet Layers. Thank you for your generosity Tony and Yolanda! It is very much appreciated. I have no doubt everyone will enjoy the cakes. I've done business with Tony before when remodeling a recreation room. He provided our carpeting and did a fabulous job. Tony can be reached at (310) 836-4748.

We will also have Porto's croquetas de jamon, bocaditos and papa rellenas. They are being generously donated by Raymond Garcia and Ivet Sanchez. Two life-long friends who have joined together to give us this Porto's treat. We could not have a real Cuban party without bocaditos. Thank you Raymond and Ivet for your generosity and for adding a touch to our reunion that we could not do without.

Our old friend Danny Medina of Liborio's Market has sponsored the band. Look for the Liboria's banners which we will proudly display with gratitude and pride. You've done good Danny! Can't wait to see you. Look for Danny and his lovely wife Randy at their table near the stage.

Our announcements and entertainment will start around 7:30 PM. These will include giving thanks to the businesses who have expressed their affection for us by sponsoring and making our reunion better than it would otherwise be without them. The announcements will be done in Spanish by Luis-Leon Capa who has fearlessly agreed to take the stage. He is not only handsome (but ladies, uhum....single) and I'm told by his sister Dulce Leon-Capa an excellent public speaker. I know he'll be great.

The help of Dulce and Luis have given me has been indispensable. Dulce has used her pen as it it were a machete to improve my writing leaving my blurbs looking like "a sea of red". That is a private joke. Luckily, she did not correct my writing as much as I feared she would being the fabulous editor that she is. Maybe her red pen ran out of ink. The best part is that she works cheap. She knows English grammar as good as any Gringa. So much so I suggested she consider doing it for a living. The frustrated writer in me THANKS you Dulce. You are not only great at what you do but a hoot to work with!

When it came time to do some Spanish translation Dulce recommended Luis. I relied on him to translate a Press Release about our event that I had drafted. Luis can work magic with words, or is it that our language is simply beautiful? I think it's both. Thank You Luis for making our Spanish press release read so beautifully.

During our announcements and introductions we will enjoy a poem written and recited by Agustin Prado. We all remember Agustin as the owner of Prado Signs and the choreographer of the comparzas danced at the Cuban Sports Club and at Fiesta La Ballona. He was also very involved in Culver City organizations as President of the CC Chamber of Commerce and as President of the Lions Club. Agustin has not only been a man about town in Culver City, a community leader, and superb business man but he has now also authored a book of poems titled Rapsodias de mis Memorias. His book includes poems about his love for Cuba, America, friends and family and it's dedicated to the memory of his son Michael who died at the age of 13 from cancer. Michael's Friend's Foundation, the charity that Agustin and his wife Mayra established in memory of Michael, continues to raise funds to purchase bicycles and school supplies for children who live in low-income households.

Next we will enjoy a very beautiful Spanish Dancer who is hot from the word go! She will be accompanied by a Spanish guitarist. The Spanish dancer and guitarist have been made possible by Dr. Gina Gonzales. Beautiful Gina. Not only a successful, self-actualized woman but one who knows how to have fun! Love you Gina! Thank you so very much for bringing Celina Zanbon to us. Those of you who are too curious to wait can look up Celina at www.celinazambon.net. Those of you need a great dentist can contact Gina at Santa Monica Esthetic Dentistry (310) 451-5557. In the meantime, look for Gina having a great time at the reunion!!

Last but not least, the dancing will start with the long anticipated reunion of Los Gringos. Did you know they started out as simply Gringos but in time as they continued to be referred to as Los Gringos they decided to change their name. The 4 original members are still part of the band but they are now a band of 8 members and they are great!! Seeing them again will not only bring back memories but it will make the entire evening worthwhile. Their new band is great and just as fun to dance to as they used to be so dust off your dancing shoes ladies and gentlemen it's.........Los Gringos? Yes, we'll announce the results of the Name of the Band Survey that evening. Many of you have voted but many have not. Please take the time to do so before Saturday at http://tinyurl.com/ccreunion2009 The band will play until 11PM.

We have a few other business sponsors. Johnny's Pastrami was our first one. They are sending two guests to the reunion. Two guests who should not be surprised to see some of us enjoy a pastrami with Swiss after the reunion. Can't forget the hot mustard! Luis Montesdeoca, owner of Havana Mania, donated the table centerpieces and is giving us Tostones Rellenos for the reunion. He will not be able to join us because he will be in Miami with his family this week but yummy! The trick for me will be to serve them warm. John Delgado of Delgado and Associates gave funds to cover the costs of those who could not afford to join us. John has been helping his clients negotiate down their debt with the IRS for 17 years. He can be reached at (408) 288-6900. Last but not least we have a sponsorship from Just Right Plumbing. The company that my son works for. Please look for us at a table near the stage so I can introduce you to my children and grandchildren and the most beautiful lady that will attend the reunion, the mother of my grandchildren. Hey I know who to be nice too!!

I want to thank all of you who have been so supportive of our reunion and offered me help. Your moral support and Radio Bemba, word-spreading, has been invaluable and made this reunion a successful one. Thank you for your help. A special thanks to those of you who allowed me to vent and allowed me to bend your year when I was stressed and a deeply grateful BIG thank you to those of you who wrote every once in a while and just asked how I was doing or complimented me. You made a big difference to me. Some of the names I remember are Marcela, Marita N., Norma Fernandez Stiller, Liz Stergious, my friend and "sister" Milly Santa Cruz, her friend Stan, Pete Sanchez and Lulu but I'm sure there were others. I apologize for not remembering you now. Thanks to those of you who responded to me when I asked for your opinions. A lot of you were the M's in my saved email addresses. Maite, Marita, Marcia......Quick question......Isel, Julio, Barbara, Dulce. I would ask about.....table linen color, start time, cost. Questions that seem silly to me now but from my very first Radio Bemba posting I wrote that I wanted to include others because it was OUR reunion so I'm thankful to those who graciously shared your opinions, thoughts, ideas and your time for the benefit of our reunion.

A sincere thanks to Jorge Gonzales who has been my moral support during this time. He was my go to guy for venting and called me regularly to see how I was doing. See it does help to remain friends with all your exes. Thank you Jorge and thank you for picking up the plantains this Saturday. Muah!

A deep and endless thanks to my new good friend Ivet Sanchez Flexon. There has been hardly a day in the last 2 months that has gone by that Ivet and I didn't talk about the reunion. Her help and morale support has truly been invaluable to me. She has not only been my right hand assisting with the RSVPs and posting reminders but she has been creative, classy and fun offering up the perfect idea or solution when I needed it most. Ivet, I don't know how to truly thank you. Your help to me has been priceless! I'm definitely going to have to buy you a drink! Hah! Can't wait to see you girlfriend. Thank you for your gracious donation of Cuban goodies from Portos and the posters size reproduction of the Cuban Sports Club Boletin Mensual. I'm looking forward to seeing how you decide who you will share them with at the end of the evening.

Each of us will walk away from the reunion with some good memories. For me the best memory of this journey will remain the old friendships that have been reignited and the new friendships that have been formed. I'm very happy to have re-established my old special friendships like my friendship with Lulu, a renewed friendship that was the very spark that started this reunion when she called me one day after not having seen each other for 13 years and saying, "I'll be in Los Angeles on August 26th". Somehow in my mind that registered as, "time to schedule a reunion of our friends". I feared I had lost forever my girlfriend Milly Santa Cruz but she will be at the reunion. I always wondered how Robert Gonzalez was all these years. He is just fine and will join us. I am so looking forward to seeing my old boss and friend Michael Gold. I know I have left out some names but I will not fail at giving out many great big hugs when I see the happy souls that have become a part of my life because of this reunion. My new friends include my Facebook friends Ivet, Marcela Delgado, Liz, Lorena Garcia who I have had countless discussions with about religion which I have enjoyed. I have deep respect for you Lorena and so wish you would join us. My new Facebook friends also include Isabel Cristy Bella Sanchez who so graciously shared the story of her uncle with me so that we could post it on the blog and who is a real hoot!! The others are Manny Rodriguez and his lovely wife, Elloy, Carlos and Maricel who I met on Manny's boat and who have arrived from Cuba less than 5 years ago. They're very interesting to speak to. I strongly recommend you look for them at the reunion. I include Marita and Isel on mhy list of new friends becasue we were not friends back in the days. Talk about fun girls to party with! Thanks for sharing the story about your family for the blog. Thank you to Dulce as well. 125 Capas Wow! Last but not least I now have a new "little brother", Julio Santa Cruz. Can't wait to see you and meet your family. Love you.

Please look on the sidebar Reunion Update for the final posting about the location, time, parking etc. See you all on Saturday.

It's time to Party!! Someone buy me a drink! I think I need one.

Peace. Love.

C.

For CC Cubans Who are Traveling to the Reunion

What has taken the CC Redevelopment Agency decades to actualize has come to pass and even with government and committees involved they've have done a fantastic job! Downtown CC has become a mecca of restaurants that are mostly good.

First things first, if you're in the mood for fine dining make reservations now for Fraiche. It is across from the Culver Hotel and by far the best restaurant in downtown CC. It is the CC fine dining experience.

Up the street and east of Fraiche where Culver turns back into Washington is Wilson's Food and Wine. This is one of the number of restaurants owned by a relative of someone famous. In this case it's a relative of one of the Beach Boys. Wilson's is at least as good, if not better than Fraiche, and at least as pricey. Another fine dining experience with prices to match.

For not so fine dining Novecento on Main Street next to the old La Ballona Restaurant which is still there offers better than average Italian food at reasonable prices. Ugo's one block west is busier. It's smack dab in the middle of downtown CC. They have a popular outdoor eating area. Their "Italian" food is average but won't disappoint. They also have a wine bar where wine lovers can order a multitude of wines by the glass as does Bottle Rock next to La Ballona Restaurant on Main Street and I hear Bottle Rock has a good happy hour. Thanks for the hot tip Marcela.

Whip around to Tender Greens going west of Ugo's on Culver for a great salad. Tender Greens is very popular. They have great salads and pretty good cupcakes for desert. You can also find cupcakes at Hotcakes on Centinela at Washington near B&B and Pacos Restaurant.

Next door to Tender Greens is Ford's Filling Station owned by Harrison Ford's son. Ford's gets mixed reviews. I like it. The best plates are the flat bread pizza, their better than average fish and chips and for those who indulge their steak tartar.

Rush Street is a bar across the street on the south side of Culver is a few doors down from the new art deco movie and theater and the Culver Hotel. It's a good bar with average bar food. They have a lounge upstairs that is cozy and they play classic rock and roll. It's one of the new hot spots.

Father's Office another bar is up the street in the Old Helms Bakery Building. They have the best burger in town bar none albeit they serve it their way, and only their way, no exceptions, don't even ask, as it says on their menu. The only other great burger in town is made by my son Chris. Father's Office also has a good selection of beers.

Le Dejonaise also in the old Helm's Bakery building is great for breakfast as is S&W Country Diner back on Washington at the end of the block where Brotman Hospital can still be found. The first offers a lighter fare and Mimosas, the latter heartier food. At S&W's you can get biscuits with gravy and fried tomatoes. A French or country breakfast take your pick. They're both good as is Dolce Vita next to the Taco Bell on Culver and Braddock. They get creative with their French toast. They make it with croissants! Try it or consider making it that way at home one day. Yumm.

The best sushi in Culver City is Sushi Karen on Washington across from Culver Center and directly across CC's Best Buys. Yokahama in Culver Center is less pricey and will do well enough.

Exotic foods can be found on Fairfax where there are multiple Ethiopian Restaurants. Try them, you'll like 'em. Ethiopian food is eaten without silverware. While you're in the area be sure to visit The Grove. It's a fabulous new shopping center attached to the old Farmer's Market which is still there. Visiting both is a treat. You can walk between the two or take the very short trolley ride. There are plenty of good places to eat at either and a bit of shopping including a Nordstrom's.

Reyhan Persian Grill in CC on Jefferson just west of Slauson is a good Persian restaurant but they serve no alcohol. The best Indian food is in Santa Monica at Gate of India.

Last but certainly not least, there are 3 Starbucks in CC. One one Washington and Overland where the Ships Restaurant once was, one in downtown CC on Culver just east of Duquesne, and one in the Pavillion's supermarket on Jefferson at Sawtelle - and of course there is still Tito's and Johnnie's Pastrami. A Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf can be found on National at Sepulveda just north of Charnock Road Elementary School.

Points of Interest:

The old Meralta theater is now an office plaza, the old Culver theater is now the Kirk Douglas Theater and playhouse as is the Ivy Substation where Culver meets Venice. The best new building is CC's new City Hall. It's still on the corner of Duquesne and Culver but the only thing remaining from the last City Hall is the arch in front of the building.

Those of you who recall the old Toppers in Santa Monica in the Huntley Hotel can still see their great view but now it's called the Penthouse and it is as they bill it, a chic ultra lounge. It's chi-chi and the best place for a view of the coastline north and south.

I hope those of you who are visiting from near and not so far take a stroll through downtown CC. If you're interested in something I haven't mentioned just whistle. I know LA, and our restaurants, all too well.

THE ENTRANCE TO HAVANA'S CHINATOWN

THE ENTRANCE TO HAVANA'S CHINATOWN

CULVER CITY CUBANS REUNION 2009

Since June 26 our reunion has moved 4 times. It started out as a plan for a backyard pig roast, I considered the beach or a Culver City park, then the Manhattan Beach Versailles, later to the Rita Hayworth sound stage at Sony and now to the street within Sony Pictures Studios with the New York city backdrop so that everyone that has RSVPd can attend.

The reunion grew from what I thought might be 30 then 100 to 300 people and the reservations are still trickling in. In the process of gathering names for the reunion old friends who feared they would never see each other again have become reacquainted and new friendships have been formed and the anticipation over seeing those friends again is charged with happiness, caring and love for one another and with love for our country.

With these changes the costs have inevitably increased. Now there are chairs to rent, food costs to negotiate, bartenders and servers and numerous other expenses I won’t list. After doing and redoing the math, I find that we can not have the type of event that this has turned into for less that $40 per person, a cost that is not uncommon for a party of this caliber. Anyone who is on the RSVP list who cannot afford to pay this amount should write me directly at cecilia@dlsextreme.com and we will find a way for you to make the event. Que Viva Cuba Libre!

The Impressive Stats of the Capa/Avila/Leon Clan

by Dulce Maria Leon

The “Capa” clan came to Culver City via “The Los Angeles Dodgers!” In 1962, Vicente Capa Sr. was recruited as a pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers after scouts spotted him playing in Cuba. He then brought from Cuba his parents Francisco (Pancho) and Aurelia Capa and their 9 other children and 10 grandchildren. We took up residence on Vinton Avenue and covered the entire block! Francisco (Pancho) Capa opened “Cuba Market” which was on the ground floor of the building that housed the “other” Cuban Club appropriately named Culver City Cuban Club on Venice Blvd. (Yes! This is where you all bought what we all bring when attending a party that says “BYOB”). At last count (2008) there are 125 family members and more on the way! We have lost our grandfather Pancho (1975) and our grandmother Aurelia (1986). We have also lost two aunts, Argimira (Gimi) Capa Estevez (1986) and Yolanda Capa Pastor (2005).

Living in Culver City and being part of the Cuban Community of Culver City allowed all of us to be faithful to our Cuban roots while attempting to learn another culture in another country which has served us well. On behalf of the Capa family, we thank you for your friendships and the bonds that keep us still very “Cuban”.

Yolanda Capa Garcia still lives in California and is married to Frank Garcia. They have 2 children (Yvette and Frank both Graphic Artists). Vivian Capa Greene lives in Orlando, Florida and is married to Joe Greene and they have 2 boys (Alex and Christopher one attending FSU and the other still in High School). Laura Avila Capa lives in California and is married to Pedro Triana and they have 3 boys (Alex, Adam and Andres). Lissette Avila Capa lives in California and has a daughter Bianca Perez (in college). Lelia (Janet) Capa Martinez lives in California and is married to Raymund Martinez. They have 2 children. Luis Leon Capa lives in Miami, Florida and has 3 children (Derek, Devin and Tatiana – in college). Luis has a Grandson named Lucas. Frank Leon Capa lives in California and married Mary Fraser and they have 2 children (Frank Anthony (EMT) and Daniel (still in high school). Dulce Leon Capa lives in Miami, Florida and has 2 children (Jacques and Kasey – in college). Ana Maria Capa Infante lives in Jacksonville, Florida and is married to Frank Infante and they have 3 children (Frank Jr., Briana and Sophia). Vincent Capa lives in California and is married to Connie. They have 2 children. Jorge Capa lives in California. Pablo Leon Guerra Lives in California and has 3 children. Pablo is a grandfather twice over. Juan (Juanchi) Leon Guerra lives in Tampa, Florida and is married to Norma. Juan has 3 children and is a grandfather thrice over. Sam Leon Guerra lives in Lakeland, Florida and has 4 children. He is a grandfather thrice over.

After reading Dulce’s story about her family I could help wonder how such a large family has stayed close when so many small can’t keep it together. Her response to me was the following.

My grandfather was the ultimate Gallego. When he said something he said it only once. My aunts and uncles were taught that they can argue all they wanted but that distance between brothers and sisters was just NOT ACCEPTABLE. The idea of "this is my life and I will do want I want with it" did not exist with them. When one of them would get out of line, the others corrected him or her. This philosophy trickled down into the 2nd generation. Distance is just not acceptable. We have raised our kids with the same philosophy. We learned by watching the generation before us and knew that the generation after us would be watching us. We left our egos at the door.

Bravo, bravo to your grandfather and to all 125 of you for following in his footsteps.

Pedro H. Sanchez, A Great Man. A Beloved Hero.

Pedro Sanchez, born in San Cristobal, Pinar del Rio Cuba on July 17, 1932 was the son of Dr. Pedro Sanchez and Maria Cecilia Sanchez. He received his BA from the University of Habana in Business Administration, and worked for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals as a medical rep. In November 1961, Pedro immigrated with his young family to Argentina fleeing the brutal Castro Dictatorship where he continued working for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals. In 1963 he immigrated to Florida and began his life as an American. The early years were very hard because the competition for work in Florida was fierce. Pedro became an expert in everything. If a sign needed to be painted, he was a sign painter in Cuba. If a truck needed to be driven, he was a truck driver in Cuba.

In 1966, he moved to Southern California to start his career with United Air Lines. Through hard work, he moved up within the company, retiring as a Executive Manager. In1970 he began the neighborhood watch program in Culver City. He later joined the Culver City Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer. He served his community as a patrol officer, community service officer and a traffic officer. Pedro proudly wore the uniform of the CCPD for many years, until he retired from the reserve program in the 1990’s.

After retirement, Pedro continued his involvement in his community. He was invited to the white house by by President Ronald Reagan to discuss migratory reform for Latinos in America. His service continued throughout the years helping many organizations such as the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, the National Latinos Peace Officers Association, the Lupus Foundation and also serving as a Board Member for the United States Selective Service System. Pedro was a true patriot, he never forgot his countrymen living under the oppression of communism and a totalitarian regime.

Over the last several years, Pedro had an extensive email list that he used to keep his readers and the public informed of the true conditions within Cuba. Among Pedro’s many talents, was his gift for helping. He was the go to guy for all his family and friends. If you had a problem or needed help, all you needed to do was call Pedro, and he would find a solution to your problem.

Pedro H. Sanchez died on April 15, 2009 but he will live in the hearts of all those he touched forever. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Pedro is survived by his wife Aurora Sanchez, and his son's Peter Sanchez, Frank Sanchez, and Fred Sanchez and his niece Isabel Christina Sanchez. Peter and Isabel will be attending the reunion.

To see a beautiful photo montage of Mr. Sanchez, one that I highly recommend, go to: http://mem.com/movie/MovingMemories.asp?ID=2968536. I also suggest that you take a moment to open the comment below this post that was written by his son, Peter Sanchez.

Cecilia is on holiday...

The creator and mastermind of this blog Cecilia Gutierrez is on holiday until Sunday... we will have more details regarding the reunion in the very near future....

Please note: The sound stage at Sony Picture Studios has a limit of 200 guest, please get your name on the RSVP list as soon as possible...ivetflexon@aol.com or cecilia@dslextreme.com

We are having the time of our lives connecting with old friends and making new ones and we feel honored to be making this reunion a reality.

Hasta manana and don't ever forget that "Cuba Sera Libre".

Love,

Ivet Sanchez Flexon

The Culver City Cubans Reunion with Old Havana

That has such a nice ring to it doesn't it? First our reunion with the band, later our reunion with the band in our old city. Do we dare dream of hearing them play in Havana someday? Por supuesto!

There have been some questions regarding the new venue. Manny Rodriguez was able to get Sony Picture Studios for our reunion. Manny works at Sony and made the arrangements. Mil gracias Manny! This is fabulous! Everyone that has communicated with me is really excited about the new location and the entire group has been itching to see the band since the rumors of their reunion surfaced. And per Manny, the band is just as excited to be playing for us. This is special for them because we were their original fans. Perhaps its also because they recall all the beautiful Cubanitas that used to swoon for them (I have it under good authority that the moms swooned for them too).

Cost: The cost is not firm but it is our intention to keep the cost at $25 or less. When we firm up the amount I will announce it. We will have hors d'oeuvre and there will be a cash bar.

Time: Also not firm but the band usually starts playing around 9PM. We will definitely meet earlier for group hugs.

Attire: Fox will be at the event to film and I will schedule the Culver City papers. We would love it if guys would wear their best guayabera in keeping with the Old Havana theme. As for the ladies, no one needs to tell a Cuban woman how to dress. God help them if they even try. The ladies will wear what they please and we hear that in keeping with the theme some will wear Old Havana Chic.

Very Important: There is limitted capacity. Surely it's a good number but it's more critical now than ever that everyone RSVP and give me the number in their reunion party. Please write me at cecilia@dslextreme.com or write ivetflexon@aol.com.

A word about Radio Bemba:

I asked someone today if they knew what Radio Bemba was. They thought it was loud mouth. Although I may seem like a gritona, it is not. Here is an article by Mary Murray, NBC News producer that explains it better than I can:

Staying on top of events is no easy task for the average Cuban.

Cuba’s communist government regulates the Internet as a controlled substance. At the same time, the state owns all domestic media outlets – managing 19 newspapers, 20 television stations and 87 radio outlets across the island.

But one domestic information source has slipped through the state’s fingers: the traditional word on the street. Cubans even have a name for it: they call it "Radio Bemba."

Even though most folks trust it as much, if not more, than what they read in the Communist Party’s Granma newspaper, Radio Bemba is just Cuban slang for the rumor mill, the grapevine, street-side chitchat as news.

More times than not, some nugget of news rolling along Radio Bemba’s "airwaves" turns out to be right, or at least to contain a grain of truth.

‘I-know-a-guy...’The rumor mill that makes up Radio Bemba draws some of its energy from Spanish language television originating in the United States and entering thousands of Cuban homes on illegal cable or DIRECTV dishes. The shows that are especially popular are Telemundo’s "Al Rojo Vivo" and Evening News with Pedro Sevcec. Other sources of news and information for Radio Bemba include the I-know-a-guy variety:

A few months back, my neighbor, Juan Carlos, warned me to fill up the tank of my car, "I know a guy who says there’s a breakdown at the processing plant… Gasoline is going to run out by the weekend." He was only partly wrong. The gasoline lasted through the weekend, but ran out on Monday.

Another time, a different neighbor reported that the island had lost another top musician to the Florida glitter. "My cousin in Miami told me that he saw Issac Delgado at Publics," referring to a Florida supermarket chain.

Also true, and that was at least two weeks before Delgado’s publicist officially announced that the musician had defected to Tampa with a signed album deal. Fueling Radio Bemba is the lack of entertainment news on Cuban TV where programming slants toward science shows, political talking heads and late-night movies.

So, for celebrity gossip, Radio Bemba is the only place to go. And, just like in places that do thrive on celebrity news, Radio Bemba is prone to stretching the truth – the juicier, the better.

Ask Pedrito Calvo, the former lead singer for Los Van Van, Cuba’s number one dance band. Back in the 1980s, when Calvo was a charismatic sex symbol, rumors circulated that he was infected with HIV. To set the record straight, Calvo recorded a song entitled "El Negro no Tiene Na’" (The Black Guy Doesn’t Have Anything). He even went so far as to drive around town with that phrase painted on the side of his Volkswagen beetle.

Often only really source of information
But, gossip is only part of the picture. Radio Bemba is also about uncovering news the government aims to repress.

Last summer when a deadly outbreak of dengue fever spread across the island and made thousands ill, the government treated the epidemic as a state secret. There were no newspaper articles, no TV or radio reports and no public admissions until the disaster passed.

Shortly after the crisis hit, the health ministry mobilized an army of 300,000 to fumigate door-to-door and community-based doctors to check their patients for symptoms.
As you can imagine, word spread fast on Radio Bemba. It’s pretty impossible to keep a secret with that many people involved.

On a lighter note, Alberto Santiago spends his afternoons in what’s known as "la esquina caliente" (the hot corner) in Havana’s Central Park. Radio Bemba, for Santiago and other baseball fanatics, is a "great source of news on Major League Baseball," which is ignored by the government press.

Today, Radio Bemba travels an unofficial path, but its origins lie in Fidel Castro’s rebel army broadcasts from Cuba’s eastern mountains. His transmitters reached only so far, so word of his exploits got passed along by word of mouth.

Then and now, Radio Bemba can exaggerate or change the news. But as comedian Carlos Ruiz de la Tejera points out, "It remains one of the most effective means of communication" in Cuba.

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/15/57534.aspx

NEW TO OUR GUEST LIST:

Aimee Dominguez
Eddy Garcia
Betty Infante
Danny Medina

STILL AT LARGE:

Robert Gonzalez, I left a message for him today.
Noemi (Mimi) Medero. Awaiting an email reply.
Many from the Capa, Leon and Campos family.
Choco, Guayaba, Fifo, Laura & Lorena and many, many more please continue to spread the word. Radio Bemba is working for us.

FAMILY BLOGS:

I would love to do stories on your family. I don't want anyone left out. Please email me the particulars and pictures.

Old Havana, here we come! We've been waiting a long time to see you!!!!

Ciao

Suavecito Porque Ahora Esta Cosa Si Se a Puesto Buena

Yesterday we heard from Manolito Rodriguez. He called to confirm that they will play at our reunion. I look forward to doing a blog posting about the old Gringos and the new and improved Old Havana and hope to include pictures.

I'm awaiting pictures for a story of a Culver Cuban Family that came to the US because a family member was recruited to the Dodgers. Any guesses people? Stay tuned.

I also hope to write about and post some great pictures of the mystery peluquera and truly one of the finest of CC's finest, one of our own, who is in a better place.

If you want your family or someone you loved please don't be shy. Send me the information and pictures to cecilia@dslextreme.com and don't forget to look at the comments people post here they ca be pretty funny.

Since yesterday's post isn't quite ready I'm sharing a half-ass story with you.

"Medio" by Jose Reyes

Cubans like to use the "Medio" word all the time. The "Medio" word accompanied by an adjective, a verb or a noun expresses an uncertainty or an insecure feeling one has of an individual or individuals. The word we use, which follows "Medio" is always the negative half that describes or degrades the individual or individuals, but because a person cannot possibly be half good and half bad, we are actually stating that the person or persons is a "Phony" or are "Phonies". We go a step further than the English version, for example; "The glass is half full" and "The glass is half empty" analogy, where one would examine something in a positive way or in a negative way. Cubans aren't examining anything, we are stating our opinion or the opinions of many, but most of the times, because of careful analysis, it is a "fact" which we are expressing. We just make it look good with the word "Medio" before it.

"Esa Tipa o Ese Tipo es .......

Medio Estupido
Medio Comemierda
Medio Raro
Medio Anormal
Medio Sinberguenza
Medio Tramposo
Medio Jodio
Medio Retardado
Medio Exagerada
Medio Fastidiado
Medio Complejado

RECENT GUSANO RSVPs:

Lily Echazabal
Eddy Garcia

I added Pilly and Humbe as a joke. They have not confirmed but we have our fingers crossed.

MOST WANTED:

We're hot on the trail of Robert Gonzalez and Mimi Medero.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:

#1. I will be doing a future post on what is your favorite thing about being a Cuban. Our non-Cuban friends can also comment about what they like about us. Come on folks surely you can think of something!! Please email me your comments to cecilia@dslextreme.com.

#2 This one is for extra credit. Who were the members of KISS in the photo attached. You'll find a bigger picture in Marita Nogueira's fb page. Yes that is Jorge Gonzalez on the right dressed as a not so hot blonde. Class dismissed!

About the beautiful Velasco Sisters. Pictures and More.

Many of you remembered the Helms Bakery Truck. Well, who remembers this logo of a Spanish Conquistador? This is the logo of Balboa Records on Washington Blvd. and Elenda where Marita and Isel's father, Valentin, worked as president of the company for over 40 years.

Around 1984, while he was still working as the company’s president, they bought El Camaguey Market on Venice Blvd. Their mother, Mara worked at the market and their father worked at the market and at the record company. Their father retired in 2007 for health reasons and their mom retired when their market was sold.

Marita ran several businesses in the last few years until she decided to go to school to study law. She studied from 1993-2000 and obtained her AA, BA and then her Juris Doctorate (JD) Law Degree. Armando, Maritas’ husband, owns a body shop in Downey. He followed his family’s footsteps having worked at his family’s auto body shop as a child.

Martia’s son Chris, her eldest, works with his dad at body shop and her son Daniel works wit her at her law office and one of her sons just bought a home near hers.

Isel is happy divorced and lives in the Santa Monica area with her two children Sarah who is 9 and Brian 13. Isel and Marita both help with the care of their parents. Is this a close family or what? Yes and the family that works together plays together. They will both be attending the reunion.

Since yesterday we heard that Gina Gonzalez and Gustavo Ungo will be attending. George G. is in touch with Choco who will be letting him know within the next few days if he will join us. Come Choco!!! Alina Enrique just returned from a cruise to all our facebook comments and enjoyed them. She, Lilly and others are going to try to make it.

REUNION MOST WANTED:

We are still searching for Robert Gonzalez. We have heard that he may be working as a firefighter in LA County somewhere or the surrounding areas. I hear there is a reward out for Robert and Ricky Galan. We have also heard that Laura, Lorena’s Sister (who married Fifo) was known to be the owner of a bridal shop located in a So. Cal beach city. We would love to see them one and all. I’m still searching for Noemi (aka Mimi) Medero.

Marita will be visiting with Maria Sanchez, previously known as Maria Elena Pedre. She is in the southland visiting with her mother. We know she will not attend but hope to get some pictures of her from their visit. Frank and Dulce were looking into tickets and there is still a slim chance one or both of them can make it. We haven’t heard a definite no from them so we’re still hopeful specially since Frank mentioned he thought I was still looking good. Thanks Frank! Muah!

Asta la proxima,

RB

El Barbero de la Sepulveda

Ia there anyone who doesn't remember the Cuban barber on Sepulveda? I imagine most of us do. Here he is, Gerardo Rodriguez, with his daughter Barbara. Barbara and I, and Maite went to St. Augustine's. I spoke to Barbara yesterday. We had a nice conversation. Barbara has 3 "kids". The oldest, a girl, is off to college with several scholarships. Barbara is now living in Colorado after spending a lifetime moving every three years with her career military husband. She hopes to move back to the Golden State in 2 to 3 years.

Gerardo is living with his wife in Laguna Niguel where they moved to several decades back. He is still cutting hair. I think they both look great. It's nice to see they're well. Great talking to you Barbara!!!

They are related to the Planas and to Jesus, of Ivis and Jesus (don't know their last name) and recently had a big family reunion.

Maite is living somewhere in So. Cal. and will be attending our reunion. She is planning a big birthday bash for her upcoming 50th and hopes to have the Gringos play. We hope you have a fabulous celebration, Maite! Happy 50th!! You're like fine wine. Looking forward to seeing my St. Augustine's friends on the 29th.

Speaking of the Gringos.....I'm convinced that the rumors of the Gringos being back together are grossly exaggerated, as exaggerated as the rumors of Castro's many deaths. I had heard that they were back together. I was told they had a different name and their music was also different, more jazzy. I was given enough details to make it sound plausible. Then Tony Garcia advised me they were not playing yet. He said they were still practicing and would advise me when they got together. This weekend we were told that they were playing last night at a restaurant in CC and 6 of us were ready to go see them. At this point I'll only believe it when I see them in action. When someone knows for sure they've resurrected themselves please let us know. It will be nice to see them and to let them know about the reunion.

The latest. Radio Bemba (aka me) had neglected to check the comments made on this blog. Little did I know several had responded saying they would attend. It was a pleasant surprise to discover the 8 comments. You can find the comments at the end of this blog by selecting the tiny envelope with a number in front of it. You'll find an Argentinian, our honorary Cuban, reporting that she would attend and in the meantime be practicing her conooooooo and someone who suggested that even the mothers of the group drooled over Juan Carlos Dominguez. Here again, I must have been outside because I don't remember him but no regrets. Still, pictures please, for the viewing pleasures of his adoring fans, not so much to see what I missed (yea right).

Please feel free to become a follower of the blog. Duly (aka La Flaca) Gonzales joined yesterday. Fabulous to hear your voice yesterday Duly. Would trade my nickname for yours any day.

More of the latest. I spoke to Betty Infante but haven't heard back from her and also asked her to be my friend on fb. Hoping to find Alex her brother and his wife Alma through her. Vivian Vazquez is going to follow up with Fernando (Shortstop) and Silvia Linares. If anyone is close to Ricky Galan please contact him. I spoke to his mother but have not heard from him. There is also a special request for his brother, whose nickname was Wichii. I'm also seeking out Noemi Medero and need to confirm Gina Gonzalez and I've asked George G. to Pretty Please track down Gustavo Ungo and Choco and upon finally reading the comment Norma Fernandez had left on this blog I now realize she was going to track down Armando Serano and his brother Jorge and contact Patti (Geneyro) Abad, an Argentinian that went to the club, and she made a special request for Luis Leon and the Marrero sisters, one who I know is living in CC and the other in Manhattan Beach. I was going to follow up with Dulce Leon and begin a search for the Capas but Dulce lost her dog this week and I know how tough that can be. Sorry Dulce. I'll be in touch with you later about the reunion. You can see why RB asks for help tracking people down. If you know of any of the people we're looking for and others I haven't mentioned please nudge them for us and ask then to confirm to cecilia@dslextreme.com or 310.488.9837 - and don't forget to email me or ivetflexon@aol.com group pictures for the posters we want to make. Muchisimas Gracias.

Raymond, is off to Cuba tomorrow with a request from Marcia Enrique to kick Castro for her whether he is dead or alive. Tis' true Raymond, we should not be bitter, we would not have what we have now if it weren't for him. We might have a hell of a lot more but ok we won't be bitter. Still we love the idea. Please kick him whether he's dead or alive and kick his brother for us too!! And make your trip a marvelous one!!

That is it for today,

RB

Here is a pictures of Ivet with Oscar Plana and his parents. I was able to get a hold of Victor Plana yesterday. He was easy to find on the net. He is selling real estate in Santa Barbara. He's been married for 17 years and raised two children. He wrote that Oscar lives in London with his wife and child and visits annually. Oscar is working for BPI, British Petroleum. Per his father he has a very high level management position with the company and travels internationally. Tony Plana originated the role of Rudy in the LA production of Zoot Suits and played the role when the production moved to Broadway. He is now a regular on the show Ugly Betty playing the part of Betty's father. It's good to know they're all doing very well but we don't expect any of them to attend.

"Isabel Christina Sanchez's family story is very intersting. Her granddfather was a doctorfor 40+ years in Cuba. They didn't let him out until his eyesight got bad with glaucoma. He was also the town coronor and mayor. Their house was so big they are now using it fora Children's Hospital. Not only that but she is a sweetheart and has great pictures of the good old days in her facebook photo albums. Thanks for sharing, Isabel.

The Enrique Sisters then and Now

Marcia, her husband, and their 3 year old son, Rylan and Alina and Raymond (Mundo) Garcia at Lilly Echazabal's Quinces.

Ivet's Quinces



Radio Bemba can be reached at 310.488.9837 or cecilia@applessq.com

The picture of Silvana, Norma and Isabel (Chabela) Fernandez and me was taken on the day Silvana and I graduated from Culver in June of 77.

My best friend Lulu and I on my 21st Birthday. The picture Lulu and I are holding is a picture of of us that came out in Velvet Magazine. We skated a couple of summers away at the beach in those days.

Calling all CC Cubans

Alright guys I've been thinking about doing this an awfully long time and now I got some time to make it happen. No matter what date we pick someone will not be able to make it so I'll pick any date. Let's get together Saturday, August 29th for a good old fashion Cuban pig roast. All CC Cubans are welcome, every single one. I would say leave your Cuban egos at the door but what fun would that be. It's one of our best traits, she said.

I'm looking for Choco, George, Gina and Duly G., all their friends, Eddy and Tony Garcia, your brother and cousin, Panadero (he was your cousin right?) and your friends, Eddy just found Danny Medina, cool. Danny I hope to see you again. Raymond, of course, and William, the Twins, and the whole Garcia Gang. I hear some people know where Humberto is and Pilly(SP?) and their sister? Noemi, Marita, etc., Alina Enrique (where the F are you) and Marcia! Jesus, Pepito's cousin, and my old elementary school friends Norma, Chabela, Mario, Soraya Blanco (now Soraya Newton, I think), Maite, and her cousin, Barbara (her father, and Jesus' uncle, was the Cuban barber on Sepulveda). You get the picture. All living Cubans are invited. This is OUR Reunion, not mine, I'm just the facilitator, consider me Radio Bemba (for this event only, don't need a new nickname).

I recall the last name Leon, but forgot his first name (perdoname) and surely I recall the name Campos and Capas and the Prietos, Rolando, Leo and Maricela. My best friend Lulu will be there and it would be great to see Maria Tapias and Adelina Gutierrez.

Those who have gone before us will be remembered fondly. Those of us that are still here - hell we might as well do this in 09 cause ya never know!!

No doubt I'm hoping for the Gringos for entertainment. I believe Tony Garcia knows where Pepito and the boys are (I might be able to find him too).

That's it for now. Sorry about all those I've forgotten. My only family are my children, who will be the only relations I have that will join us (but mostly because I want my son to bring my grandchildren who are 2 years and 3 months).

Next......Cuban please ......

(BTW, Silvana Ferrer, honorary Cuban as well as any others are invited).