La Opinion

Araceli Martinez- Ortega
Correspondent of La Opinion

May 5, 2006

The California Latino Legislative Caucus yesterday recognized the efforts and achievements of eight outstanding Latinos ranging from sports, the media, the arts, and public and political activity.

In the Assembly session, during the fifth annual presentation of the Latino Spirit Awards, actor and political activist Esai Morales; journalist Giselle Fernandez; writer Yasmin Davidds; university softball player Jessica Mendoza; boxer Carlos "Famoso" Hernandez; the late Assemblymember Marco Firebaugh and Senator Martha Escutía were honored.

An emotional Carmen Ramos Garcia, mother of the late Firebaugh and former leader of the Latino Caucus, told La Opinion that the award received yesterday makes her remember that the spirit of his son still lives on and has not disappeared.

"His spirit goes on with the fight just as he wanted even when he was no longer with us,'' his mother expressed as she was held by Cecilia Diaz, sister of Marco and her son Gerald Montaño.

Senator Martha Escutía, who plans to retire next November after 14 years of work with the Legislature, expressed that education is what led her to political office.

For that reason she recommends to all Latinos “education, education and education.”

The president of the Assembly, Fabian Núnez, made a public recognition of the accomplishments of Senator Escutía.

"Martha was the key element in obtaining the migratory reform of 1986 with President Ronald Reagan who allowed the legalization of 3.5 million undocumented immigrants," he expressed.

For many years Martha lobbied from The National Council of La Raza to achieve this reform. Núñez remembered how Escutia worked very hard behind Cruz Bustamante, the first Latino president of the Assembly.

"Martha has really been the power behind the throne and we are going to miss her dearly," said Núñez to the Democratic senator from Los Angeles, who in 1992 was elect to the 50th assembly district.

The journalist Giselle Fernandez, born in Mexico but who at the age of 4 years arrived at the United States, affirmed to feel proud of her award but felt more indebted to continue being an example in the Latino community.

"What I would like to tell our community is that the key for the triumph is to think on a grand scale, to put a plan of goals into action and never to stop before achieving them," she suggested.

"Sometimes we feel limited because we are not anglos, but were better equipped because we master two languages and that gives us an advantage," she commented. Currently, Giselle dedicates herself to giving conferences on the capacity, education and health of Latinas.

Softball player, Jessica Mendoza, appeared to be very proud of her Mexican heritage when she received her recognition because it showed her how far Latinos have come in this country.

"Education has opened an enormous world to me," expressed Jessica, who in 2002 was recognized as the Athlete of the Year at Stanford University, where she is a student.

Jessica led the Women’s softball team to their first presentation in the world-wide series of the NCAA.

She added that Latino immigrants, even though they have little time for study because of long working days, must find the time to become educated; even if it takes them years to finish a race, they must finish it.

Jazmín Davidds, author of eight books directed toward helping Latina woman in the United States, conveyed how she was moved with the recognition.

"There are so many people helping our communities and they picked me, what a great honor."

Davidds suggests that Latina women prevail when they are educated and seek a support group, which could simply be a close friend.

The boxer, of Salvadoran parents, Carlos "Famoso" Hernandez, who has won 41 fights in his 35 years, indicated that discipline has been the key element that has taken him to the triumph. Also the inspiration of seeing his parents work two jobs in Los Angeles to make it.

The Latino Spirit Awards recognizes Latinos who are examples of the Latino community by promoting the understanding of their values, culture and traditions.

The legendary Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana, the world-wide champion of boxing Oscar de la Hoya, actor Andy Garcia and NFL player Jeff Garcia were past Latinos given the Latino Spirit Award by the Latino Caucus.