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.