Julián Castro Launches “People First Future” Political Action Committee

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Julián Castro is helping the progressives…

The 45-year-old Mexican American politician and former member of President Barack Obama‘s cabinet, has launched a new political action committee aimed at supporting progressive down-ballot candidates who he believes are “prioritizing people, rather than special interests.”

Castro, the former secretary of Housing and Urban Development and presidential candidate in 2020, plans to use the group — called “People First Future” — to “identify and support candidates up and down the ballot,” according to a press release from the newly formed organization.

The group also made their first endorsement on Thursday, backing 12 candidates running for U.S. Congress, including seven running in Castro’s native Texas and others in races Democrats hope to be competitive in come November.

“It’s never been more important to elect leaders in our statehouses, governor’s offices, school boards, and halls of Congress who will stand up for the most vulnerable Americans,” said Castro said in a statement. “While hardworking families struggle to pay rent, get good health care, or send their kids to decent schools, well-connected and deep-pocketed special interests get their way.”

The group plans to not only provide financial support to candidates to help beef up the bench of progressive Democrats, but also mobilize progressives across the country to support those candidates.

Castro’s list of endorsements includes his brother, Joaquin Castro, who is running for reelection in Texas’s 20th Congressional District, and Gina Ortiz Jones, who is running for the second straight cycle in Texas’s 23rd Congressional District.

Castro’s Texas endorsements also include Wendy Davis in Texas’s 21st Congressional District; Candace Valenzuela in Texas’s 24th Congressional District; Julie Oliver in Texas’s 25th Congressional District; Sima Ladjevardian in Texas’s 2nd Congressional District; and Sri Preston Kulkarni in Texas’s 22nd Congressional District.

The former presidential candidate has also endorsed Lucy McBath, a congresswoman who first won Georgia’s 6th Congressional District in 2018; J.D. Scholten, an Iowa Democrat challenging controversial Rep. Steve King in the state’s 4th Congressional District for the second straight cycle and Mondaire Jones, a Democrat running in New York’s 17th Congressional District. Castro has also endorsed Marie Newman, the Illinois Democrat who unseated an incumbent in the state’s congressional district earlier this year, and Lauren Underwood, another Illinois Democrat who won her suburban Chicago seat for the first time in 2018.

The former cabinet secretary has begun to layout his post-campaign plans in recent weeks and just announced he was joining Voto Latino, a large political organization focused on registering and mobilizing Latino voters, as an adviser with the goal of registering one million Latino voters before November’s general election.

Castro ran for president for nearly a year, announcing his bid in January 2019 and dropping out in January 2020 after failing to garner needed support in either early states or nationally. The former cabinet secretary, though, did win goodwill from progressive operatives and voters during the campaign.

The new political organization will be run by many of the same people who staffed his presidential campaign. Natalie Montelongo, Castro’s campaign political director, will work as the group’s executive director, and Sawyer Hackett, Castro’s campaign spokesman, will work as a senior adviser to the organization.

Quijano Named Anchor of CBS Weekend News

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Elaine Quijano’s weekends have filled up…

The Latina television journalist will anchor CBS News’ evening newscasts, which are being rebranded as CBS Weekend News starting this weekend.

Jim Axelrod, who has anchored the Saturday edition since 2012, and Jeff Glor, who has anchored Sundays, “remain in important roles in the organization,” CBS News said. Axelrod continues as senior national correspondent and Glor as national correspondent and 60 Minutes Sports contributor.

Quijano and Nina also anchor for CBSN, the news operation’s 24/7 digital news service, and the changes to the weekend broadcasts reflect those franchise’s closer ties to the streaming news service going forward. The broadcast network’s weekend newscasts routinely suffer frequent pre-emption and special-out-ings, owing to sports and other considerations. This season to date, the Saturday edition has aired in pattern – in time slot and at full length – just 11 times in 31 weeks, the Sunday edition has aired in pattern just four times.

Quijano, who will anchor Saturdays, joined CBS News in 2010 and has covered the Boston Marathon bombings, Superstorm Sandy and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Quijano was also part of the CBS News team that received an Alfred I. duPont Award for the network’s coverage of the 2012 Newtown shootings.

In 2011, Quijano revealed in a report that the White House did not send presidential condolence letters to the families of service members who committed suicide, after which broadcast President Barack Obama reversed that policy. Prior to joining CBS News, Quijano worked for CNN since 2006, most recently as a Washington, D.C.-based correspondent, covering the Pentagon, White House and Supreme Court.

Rodriguez to Host Democratic National Committee Fundraiser with President Barack Obama

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Robert Rodriguez is preparing for a presidential experience…

The award-winning Mexican-American filmmaker will host President Barack Obama at his home in Austin, Texas, on July 17 to raise money for the Democratic National Committee‘s midterm election efforts, according to The Hollywood Reporter .

Rodriguez, whose cult classic El Mariachi was selected in 2011 for preservation in the National Film Registry, is the latest in a growing number of Hollywood Latinos throwing their money and influence behind the Democratic Party.

Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Demi Lovato and Danny Trejo are among those who’ve signed on to support the event. Tickets for the Austin fundraiser range from $5,000 to $32,400.

Obama and Rodriguez – the founder of the El Rey Network – first met in 2012, when the filmmaker traveled to Washington to speak with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute about the importance of diversifying the distribution networks.

While there, Obama invited Rodriguez to participate in a roundtable discussion about the importance of Hispanics in the U.S.

Since then, Rodriguez has emerged as a strong advocate of Latino issues in the country

Following his film debut with El Mariachi, Rodriguez has helped launch the film careers of several prominent Latino actors and actresses, including Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek andAlba. His insistence on casting a Latino family for the popular Spy Kids series built the first major theatrical family franchise featuring Latinos in heroic roles.

Diaz to Appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night”

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It’s game on for Cameron Diaz…

The 41-year-old half-Cuban American actress will appear during Jimmy Kimmel’s primetime editions of Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night.

For the seventh consecutive year, in conjunction with the NBA Finals, ABC will air the late night talk show host’s primetime specials, which will air every night of the NBA Finals beginning with Game 1 on Thursday, June 5.

Broadcasts will feature basketball editions of Kimmel’s signature comedy bits Mean Tweets and Lie Witness News.

In addition to Diaz, guests for these shows include Jason Segel, Tracy Morgan, Mila Kunis, Martin Lawrence, Snoop Dogg, Psy, Ice Cube and more.

Previous JKL: Game Night guests include President Barack Obama, Adam Sandler, David Beckham, Liv Tyler, Magic Johnson, Will Ferrell, Matthew McConaughey, Ashton Kutcher, Drew Barrymore, Chris Rock, Danny DeVito and Denzel Washington.

Previous JKL: Game Night specials have premiered comedy pieces featuring Mike Tyson, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Dwyane Wade.

Sotelo Launching New Entertainment Station ‘Piolin Radio’ with Sirius XM

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo will now be heard from coast to coast…

The popular Mexican Spanish-language radio host has signed a contract with Sirius XM Radio.

The deal comes just days after Sotelo left Univision Radio abruptly amid charges of sexual harassment, which he adamantly denies.

Sirius XM announced Tuesday in a press release the creation of the new entertainment station Piolin Radio, which will include Sotelo’s live morning program El Show de Piolin.

“Building on the fast wit and humor he is known for, El Show de Piolin will include lively discussion of the day’s events, surprise interviews with celebrity guests, listener call-ins, pranks, music and much more,” said the satellite broadcaster.

“I can’t wait to fly free and for the first time be truly available coast-to-coast,” said Sotelo.

“I am excited that my listeners will be able to tune in to Piolin Radio at home, in the car or anywhere mobile,” he said.

During his tenure at Univision, Sotelo’s program included interviews with personalities likes President Barack Obama, George Lopez, Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull, among many others.

Sotelo’s syndicated Univision show, which managed to become the program with the biggest audience in multiple markets nationwide, made a sudden exit from broadcasting in late July after a 10-year run and with neither the company nor the host providing any reason why the show was canceled.

The Los Angeles Times reported, however, that the decision stemmed from accusations of sexual harassment against the show host by an ex-fellow worker.

Sotelo, recently named to the National Radio Hall of Fame, rejected the accusations.

Vergara to Receive National Humanities Medal

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Camilo José Vergara has a date with President Barack Obama…

The 69-year-old Chilean-born, New York-based writer, photographer and documentarian will receive the 2012 National Humanities Medal on July 10 in the White House.

The president will bestow the humanities awards, as well as the 2012 National Medal of Arts, in a ceremony in the East Room also attended by First Lady Michelle Obama.

Vergara is being heralded for “his stark visual representation of American cities. By capturing images of urban settings over time, his sequences reflect the vibrant culture of our changing communities and document the enduring spirit that shines through decay.”

Joining Vergara in the humanities spotlight are Edward L. Ayers, William G. Bowen, Jill Ker Conway, Natalie Zemon Davis, Robert Putnam, Kay Ryan, Frank Deford, Joan Didion, Robert B. Silvers, Anna Deavere Smith and Marilynne Robinson.

At next week’s event, the President will deliver remarks and present the awards to the following individuals and organizations:

2012 National Medal of Arts

Herb Alpert, Malibu, CA
Lin Arison, Bal Harbour, FL
Joan Myers Brown, Philadelphia, PA
Renée Fleming, New York, NY
Ernest Gaines, Oscar, LA
Ellsworth Kelly, Spencertown, NY
Tony Kushner, New York, NY
George Lucas, San Anslemo, CA
Elaine May, New York, NY
Laurie Olin, Philadelphia, PA
Allen Toussaint, New Orleans, LA
Washington Performing Arts Society, Washington, DC

2012 National Humanities Medal

Edward L. Ayers, Henrico, VA
William G. Bowen, Princeton, NJ
Jill Ker Conway, Boston, MA
Natalie Zemon Davis, Toronto, CANADA
Frank Deford, New York, NY
Joan Didion, New York, NY
Robert Putnam¸ Cambridge, MA
Marilynne Robinson¸ Iowa City, IA
Kay Ryan, Fairfax, CA
Robert B. Silvers, New York, NY
Anna Deavere Smith¸ New York, NY
Camilo José Vergara, New York, NY

Shakira to Host Virtual Baby Shower for Charity

Posted on January 19, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

You’re cordially invited to Shakira and Gerard Piqué’s baby shower…

The 35-year-old Colombian singer and the 25-year-old Spanish soccer star, expectant parents of their first child early this year, are inviting fans to join an online baby shower to benefit underprivileged children.

A UNICEF-hosted website invites those attending the virtual baby shower to buy gifts costing as little as $5, which can buy a mosquito net to ensure a sleeping baby stays safe from malaria — a leading cause of child deaths worldwide. Guests can spend $10 for polio vaccines to protect 17 children, or $37 for a baby scale, and many accessories to be ready to when do boys start to talk.

“To celebrate the arrival of our first child, we hope that, in his name, other less privileged children in the world can have their basic needs covered through gifts and donations,” reads a message from Shakira, a goodwill ambassador for the UN children’s agency, and Pique. “Thank you for sharing this unforgettable moment with us.”

The site also features never-before-seen photos of the couple, which were taken in December.

In a black-and-white image, a shirtless, Piqué poses with his right arm around a pregnant Shakira, who wears a bikini top and hip-hugging skirt that shows off her exposed belly.

A second photograph shows her in a white full-length gown that accentuates her expanding torso.

Shakira is well-known for her philanthropic work in organizations that work for children and education. She founded Pies Descalzos Foundation, which builds schools and education centers in Colombia. She’s also served as a member of President Barack Obama’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, as well as an advocate for Latino children in the U.S. to help children who become part of undocumented families.

Blanco Named 2013 Presidential Inauguration Poet

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Richard Blanco is about to have a presidential experience…

The 44-year-old Cuban American writer has landed the role of a lifetime, 2013 presidential inauguration poet.

Blanco, the 44-year-old son of Cuban exiles, will join the ranks of legends like Maya Angelou and Robert Frost.

“I’m beside myself, bestowed with this great honor, brimming over with excitement, awe, and gratitude,” Blanco said in a statement released by the inaugural committee.

“In many ways, this is the very stuff of the American Dream, which underlies so much of my work and my life’s story —America’s story, really. I am thrilled by the thought of coming together during this great occasion to celebrate our country and its people through the power of poetry.”

Blanco‘s selection as the poet of President Barack Obama’s inauguration ceremony marks several firsts. He’s the first Hispanic, gay and the youngest person to be chosen as the inaugural poet.

Blanco’s selection also comes on the heels of last week’s announcement that Vice President Joseph Biden had chosen Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to serve on the high court, to swear him in at the inauguration.

Sotomayor is the first Hispanic to swear in a president or vice president.

“I’m honored that Richard Blanco will join me and Vice President Biden at our second Inaugural,” Obama said, according to the committee statement.

“His contributions to the fields of poetry and the arts have already paved a path forward for future generations of writers. Richard’s writing will be wonderfully fitting for an Inaugural that will celebrate the strength of the American people and our nation’s great diversity,” Obama added.

Blanco’s works explore his family’s exile from their native country and “the intersection of his cultural identities as a Cuban-American gay man,” the inaugural planners said.

Blanco was born in Spain to a mother who worked as a bank teller and a father who was a bookkeeper.

The New York Times said in a story about the poet that he was named after Richard Nixon, admired by Blanco’s father because of the Republican president’s strong opposition to Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Blanco moved to New York City with his parents when he was an infant, and then moved to Miami, where he was raised and educated. He worked as a consultant engineer while he pursued his poetry, and in 1999 joined the creative writing faculty at Central Connecticut State University until 2001. He later taught in various places, including American and Georgetown universities.

The inaugural committee noted that “Blanco’s career as an English-language Latino poet gained momentum when his first collection, City of a Hundred Fires, won the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize from the University of Pittsburgh.”

His second book of poetry, Directions to The Beach of the Dead, won the PEN American Center Beyond.

Rodriguez Helps the Obamas Light the National Christmas Tree

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Rico Rodriguez is helping the first family ring in the holiday season in Washington, DC…

The 14-year-old Modern Family star participated in the annual White House Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, alongside James Taylor, Babyface, Jason Mraz and Phillip Phillips.

Neil Patrick Harris hosted the annual ritual on the Ellipse adjacent to the White House, welcoming to the stage President Barack Obama, the first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha and Malia. Shortly before 6:00 pm ET, the president led a countdown from five and pressed the button to light the large Christmas tree, complete with a yellow star on top.

Rodriguez later joined first lady Michelle Obama for a reading of the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (aka “The Night Before Christmas“). The actor joked that he hoped to join the Obama family in Hawaii for their holiday vacation.

The president noted that the White House has had three separate trees in the last three years.

“A longstanding tree was lost in a storm, then the replacement didn’t take hold — just goes to show nobody’s job is safe in Washington,” said Obama . “I feel good about this one. It was planted just days before Hurricane Sandy, and it made it in one piece.”

An estimated 17,000 people attended the event, according to the U.S. National Park Service.

Castro to Serve as the Democratic National Convention Keynote Speaker

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He’s a rising star in the Democratic Party… And now Julián Castro will be making political history.

The 37-year-old Mexican-American politician, the two-term mayor of San Antonio, will be the first Latino keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention, an event chaired by another famous Latino politician: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

“Not only was the administration and Democratic National Committee recognizing the importance of Hispanics in America, but also I think it tells you that they’re seriously looking at Texas, at the demographic changes that have occurred in Texas [that] are making this state a state that quickly will turn purple and then blue after that,” said Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa, the first Latino to hold that post. “This honor … is a recognition of that.”

To many, Castro—the son of famous activist Rosie Castro—represents the future of the party, which is making every effort to solidify its role as the party of choice for Latinos.

In 2010, he attended President Barack Obama‘s national jobs-and-growth economic forum at the White House, an event where the president actually joked that he thought Castro was an intern.

Many believe Castro could be considered the future face of the party, and someone who could win the presidency one day.

In a video announcing the address, Castro praised Obama’s 2004 speech, as well as his health reform act and foreign policy.

“Julián really stands out,” Raúl Hinojosa-Ojeda, an associate professor of Chicano and global studies at the University of California Los Angeles, told the New York Times in what has become a widely cited profile. “There are other talented young Hispanic politicians around, but few have his stature or national potential. He’s from San Antonio, but he’s very much admired in California. He’s like Obama — one of us, but someone who also comes out of a broader American experience.”

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: President Barack Obama