AARP California

AARP’s “Portraits of Community” is a unique project that presents a vibrant visual representation of how communities can embody the 8 Domains of Livability. These 8 Domains highlight the idea that our neighborhoods, roadways, and social interactions should be constructed in a way that benefit people of all ages and abilities, and that building communities in such a way has a lasting, positive impact. “Portraits of Community” is a “visualization” of the wants and needs of community members.

Very few people have had as much impact in shaping California as Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. Vallejo was born in Monterey in 1807, when that city was the capital of Alta California in the Viceroy of New Spain. As a young man, Vallejo worked as a clerk for English merchant William Hartnell, learning English, French, and Latin. Vallejo was serving as personal secretary to the Governor of California, Luis Arguello in 1821, when news of Mexico’s independence from Spain reached Monterey. He then enrolled as a cadet at the Presidio of San Francisco.

Pío de Jesus Pico was a first-generation Californio, born in Alta California to parents who emigrated from the part of New Spain that is now Mexico. He was born at the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel on May 5, 1801. After the death of his father in 1819, Pico settled in San Diego, where he married María Ignacia Alvarado on February 24, 1834.

We just have to look at the names of several cities and places in California to see how integral Hispanic/Latino culture has been to our state. Some of the most obvious examples are Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Fresno, Santa Monica, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Sacramento and many more. Indeed, all of the state’s largest cities, as well as the majority of smaller ones, have Spanish names. So, as Californians, when we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we are actually celebrating our own history! In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we'll be posting weekly articles on California's history. And we are starting today, with a short and fun quiz that will reveal how much you know about our Hispanic Heritage. Follow this link to take the quiz and look for a new article next Thursday.

This series inc ludes four events held by AARP at the Arthur F. Turner Community Library in West Sacramento. Each monthly event will feature a different topic about living healthy as an older adult. You are welcome to bring a lunch. No registration is required.

By Laura Mecoy

Gardena, CA – At a ceremony today at the Second Time Around Senior Club, Representative Maxine Waters (CD 43) was presented with AARP’s “Champion of 50+” award, in recognition of her strong support for a new U.S. Department of Labor rule, which requires that retirement plan advice be given in the best interest of consumers – a rule which could save American families billions of dollars per year. Rep. Waters also voted AGAINST legislation that would have stopped the rule from taking effect.

AARP is one of the largest non-profit, non-partisan organizations in the world. With more than 38 million members (3.3 million in California), AARP is committed to improving the quality of life for ALL as they age. We are currently looking for a few dynamic individuals to join our California team. If you have a passion for positive social change, AARP just might be the place for you! We are now interviewing for the following positions:

Español. Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to reflect upon your salud, dinero y amor. After all, doing more for yourself helps you do more for your family.

Español The City of National City and its partners, together with AARP of San Diego, invite you to join the "Westside Pedestrian & Bicycle Enhancements" Active Living Workshop. Active Living Workshops are designed to engage communities in making their streets and neighborhoods more walkable and livable.