AARP California

By: Deborah Banda

In 2015, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program will return to provide free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income. Heading into its 46 th year, the program is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service , giving special attention to the older population. Not 50+ or an AARP member? You can still receive the service – no one is turned away.

The Los Angeles coastal area was first settled by the Tongva and Chumash Native American tribes thousands of years ago. In 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese-born explorer, claimed the area of southern California for the Spanish Empire. Gaspar de Portolà and Franciscan missionary Juan Crespí, reached the present site of Los Angeles on August 2, 1769.

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.

California has rich history, and Hispanic/Latino culture has played a major role shaping the state. “ Alta California” was founded as a province of the Viceroy of New Spain in 1804, and subsequently became part of Mexico when that country declared its independence from Spain in 1821.

September marks Hispanic Heritage Month (from September 15 th to October 15 th) and we'll be sharing interesting facts about this month-long celebration every Wednesday until October 15th. We hope you will enjoy learning important information about Latino heritage.

It’s an exciting time to be a Dodgers fan and AARP would like to meet up with you at Viva Los Dodgers, La Gran Fiesta, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month to enjoy food, fun, great music, and festivities. This family-friendly pregame festival is held at the refurbished 76 station (near Lot 6) four hours prior to the home game (which starts at 6:10 p.m.), where fans can enjoy live music, players’ autographs, and other fun activities. AARP has even arranged discounted ticket prices for members and their guests!

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, AARP California offered its members, and their members’ friends and relatives, the exclusive opportunity to enjoy a free prescreening of the movie, “ Cantinflas”a day before its world premiere, which took place in the city of Whittier. The first 100 attendees were also treated to a free popcorn and soda.

By Nicole Duritz, Vice President of Health at AARP in the Education and Outreach group

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