TEMEWhaaaat? Dept.
A Boondocks Puerto Rican
philanthropic, social group to tout heritage, generate
scholarships EMECULA, CA ---- A longtime resident of
Temecula, Rita Hernandez said she has been looking for ways
to give back to the community.
Last year, she ran for City Council and, although she didn't
win, she said it was an eye-opening experience that prompted
her to find new ways to get involved.
This year, she has decided to tackle an effort that has been
on her mind for years ---- forming a Puerto Rican
Philanthropic and Social Club that could highlight the
culture, collect money for scholarships and serve as a venue
for social activities, she said.
"Our heritage and culture is something worth
putting out to people," Hernandez said. "The Puerto Rican
people are very warm, loving, kind people." Hernandez said
the group would have several goals, including speaking to
students at area schools, taking part in local civic
activities, hosting fundraising events ---- in part to raise
money for scholarships ---- and gathering for social
activities, such as dances.
"The events will raise money, but also I want to give people
an awareness, a social consciousness, of what the Puerto
Rican people are," she said.
Ideally, the group's coming out of sorts would take place at
Temecula's annual Fourth of July parade, with a float,
Hernandez said.
Hernandez, 74, said she worked in the medical field for 34
years, until she retired from her job as a medical office
manager in 1986. She has been a volunteer for the Temecula
Valley International Film & Music Festival,The Arts
Council of Temecula Valley, the pastoral council at St.
Catherine's Catholic Church, and Birth Choice.
Hernandez was born in Puerto Rico, and although she moved to
New York when she was an infant, by the time she visited her
native land as a teen she already knew a lot about the
country, she said.
"I knew about its history, its music," she said. "We love
life, love our families and love other people." She said
sometimes she gets frustrated with certain portrayals of
Puerto Ricans in
movies, or generalized misconceptions about the ethnicity.
"We get grouped into the whole Latino thing, and are not
recognized as who we are," Hernandez said. "We are United
States citizens, we speak English, we are very well educated
and have the most talented people." She's forming the group with Ramon diSanchez, a
business owner in Old Town Temecula. So far, the two have
heard from about 20 people interested in joining, but they
are hoping for more, Hernandez said.
An informational meeting is in the works for later
this
month, and those who wish to attend should
call (951)
693-0880 or (951) 676-5655.
EMECULA, CA ---- A longtime resident of
Temecula, Rita Hernandez said she has been looking for ways
to give back to the community.
