Mom's Big Night

Last Friday night was my mom's retirement party. She worked at Nogales High School for 26 years, and has earned the well-deserved opportunity to spend her time however she wants to. I know she's going to enjoy her new freedom, and that she'll stay active and experience many new places and things.

A lot of people showed up to her party, many of whom who had left Nogales years ago. But they made a point of saying farewell in person, which says a lot. A number of people spoke, and they said very nice things about her. It was easy to see that she was a well-respected and loved friend and co-worker. She's an awesome lady, a great mom, and I'm proud of her. Congratulations, Mom- you deserve it.




Lay down those '50s tracks, and watch out!


Learning a few old school moves from the source.




There were some lovely parting gifts, including a weekend for two in Cambria.

On Sunday afternoon, I hung out for awhile in downtown Santa Ana. It's become an almost completely Mexican area, full of taquerias, street vendors and all kinds of Mexican businesses. It seems most of Southern California is a "Mexican area" these days, but Santa Ana is especially saturated and there's a very authentic vibe in the air. I think it's due in large part to the fact that most of the people there seem to be recent immigrants, as opposed to areas like East L.A., which has a more unsettling, Cholo/gangbanger element to it.

There is a part of downtown which is designated as the Artists Village, which provides a sharp contrast with it's galleries, studio lofts and hip eatieries like Memphis and the Gypsy Den. Downtown Santa Ana is registered in the National Register of Historical Places, and it's a great place to enjoy the architecture of many old buildings which are still in use.