On April 8 Gov. John Kitzhaber signed a proclamation declaring April 26 Cesar Chavez Community Service Day in Oregon. In a release, Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs Chair Andrea Cano said the day not only honors the civil rights leader, but also commemorates the individuals and groups “working together to assure a quality of life and economy for our families, equity and quality in our education system, and labor justice for our work force, especially the women and men who contribute to the profitability of Oregon’s agribusiness.” The proclamation was celebrated on April 30 during a gathering at the Oregon Capitol, postponed from April 26 to coincide with the Oregon House’s vote on SB 833, Oregon’s Safe Roads Bill, which will grant driving rights to undocumented immigrants.

Oregon State University student Elizabeth González will be one of just 30 students nationwide to participate in the inaugural GEAR UP Alumni Leadership Academy (GUALA) in Washington, D.C., this summer. González will be the only Oregon student represented and will travel to the capitol for a week-long retreat in June to receive training in grassroots advocacy, social media advocacy, and leadership skills. A sociology major and alumna of Madras High School, González is active in the Kalmekak outreach program, the Meso American Student Association, and the College Assistance Migrant Program. “I am really excited to be able to give back to those who have helped me so much with my education, as well as being able to improve the GEAR UP program for those who come after me,” Gonzalez said in a release.

The Oregon Symphony will team up with Tiempo Libre for a concert conducted by Carlos Kalmar on May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (1037 SW Broadway, Portland). The Grammy-nominated Cuban timba band will be joined by the Oregon Symphony for medleys of traditional Cuban songs and selections from Tiempo Libre’s Cuban-Baroque fusion album, “Bach in Havana.” According to an Oregon Symphony press release, “… Tiempo Libre’s members see Cuban timba music as a living, breathing art form that continues to evolve over time. Tiempo Libre’s sound honors the group’s Cuban musical heritage, while incorporating their American experiences — funk, hip-hop, rap, jazz, ska and pop.” For tickets and information, visit orsymphony.org or call 503-228-1353.

Cynthia Carmina Gómez’s appointment to the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs (OCHA) by Gov. John Kitzhaber has been approved by the Oregon Senate. Gómez’s appointment carries a three-year term  on the 11-member commission. Gómez, Portland State University’s director of cultural centers in the Department of Diversity and Multicultural Student Services, is a first generation Mexican-American who has lived in Oregon since 1993. She is currently on the United Way Diversity Advisory Committee and is a parent representative on Bridger’s Portland Public School Site Council. “We are thrilled to have Cynthia’s expertise on the commission,” OCHA Chair Andrea Cano said in a press release. “Cynthia’s background in social justice, education, and working with adjudicated youth will contribute to the OCHA’s policy work in these areas.”

The city of Beaverton is seeking applications from performers, artists/crafters, and cultural exhibitors interested in participating in the third annual Beaverton International Celebration. This year’s event is slated for July 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. There is no entry fee to participate as an artist/crafter or exhibitor. Performing arts groups selected for this event will receive a stipend of $400. The application deadline has been extended to May 20. For information and to apply, visit BeavertonOregon.gov/InternationalCelebration/ or contact Deidre Schultz at schuetz.deidre@gmail.com or 503-730-4452.