Chicas’ 2022 Latina Book Club Picks

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Our Sacramento Latina book club began as a way to keep our community members connected during the pandemic, while celebrating our culture and supporting Latinx creators. Little did we know then that book club would be such a hit and we’d be here, still reading, nearly two years and twenty books later!

Thank you to everyone who has joined #CLBookClub in 2020 and 2021, from near and far! Incorporating a book club into our Sacramento Latina-powered nonprofit has been a wonderful, insightful, and healing experience. And it has allowed us to connect with Latinas from all over the country!

Each month #CLBookClub reads a new book (titles are voted on and listed months in advance) and book club discussions are held weekly, where participants discuss the assigned reading for the week. Reading and discussing books in sections has allowed members to dissect the reading as a group and have powerful and in-depth conversations. Register for Chicas Latinas’ book club via Eventbrite.

Before we announce our first book clubs picks for 2022, let’s take a look at the list of all the books Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s book club has read.


2021 Book List:

  • Feb.: “What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living Boldly” by Arianna Davis
  • March: “Once I Was You” by Maria Hinojosa
  • April: “Fat Chance, Charlie Vega” by Crystal Maldonado
  • May: “Of Women and Salt: A Novel” by Gabriela Garcia
  • June: “In the Dream House” by Carmen Maria Machado
  • July: “The Soul of a Woman” by Isabel Allende
  • Aug.: “The Distance Between Us: A Memoir” by Reyna Grande
  • Sept.: “Written in Starlight” by Isabel Ibañez
  • Oct.: “The Beautiful Ones” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
  • Nov.: “Furia” by Yamile Saied Méndez
  • Dec.: “Caramelo” by Sandra Cisneros 

2020 Book List:

  • April:  “How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents” by Julia Alvarez
  • May:  “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erika L. Sánch
  • June:  “Everyone Knows You Go Home” by Natalia Sylvester
  • July: “The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende
  • Aug: “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
  • Sept.: “Woven in Moonlight” by Isabel Ibañez
  • Oct.: “Things We Lost in the Fire: Stories” by Mariana Enriquez
  • Nov.: “Sabrina & Corina: Stories” by Kali Fajardo-Anstin
  • Dec/Jan.: “Clap When You Land” by Elizabeth Acevedo

A special thank you to the amazing Latina authors who have joined our book club discussions!


2022 Book Titles

Join us in 2022! Chicas Latinas’ book club titles have been selected for January and February, registration opens a month before our first discussion: https://chicaslatinas.eventbrite.com.

January 2022:
“The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina”
by Zoraida Córdova

inheritanceoforquideadivina.eventbrite

February 2022:
“For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges…”
by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez

forbrowngirlswithsharpedges.eventbrite

Stay tuned for more titles to be announced…

How You Can Connect & Give With Chicas Latinas in 2021

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It seems like only a few months ago when we were all filled with hope that 2021 would usher in normalcy. While we have been able to enjoy a few in-person events in the recent weeks, things are not yet normal for us and the organizations Chicas Latinas de Sacramento regularly partners and volunteers with.

We had many exciting plans for 2020 and 2021. These plans were mostly canceled or postponed — which we’ll touch on later in the post. But first, let’s talk about what we ARE doing and how YOU can join us!

Chicas Latinas Book Club:

The #CLBookClub November will be Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez.

Join us every Thursday during the month of November (excluding Thanksgiving Day) at 7pm PST to discuss Furia. Registration closes on Nov. 1! Book Club members are encouraged to shop local, whatever local means to them. Registrants from Sacramento are invited to purchase from Wild Sisters Book Co., which is giving members 10% off bookclub purchases.

*Participants are also invited to join us for our in-person book pick-up. Details available upon registration.

Chicas Latinas’ book club was started as a result of the pandemic, and has been a gift to us all! Thank you to all who have joined us, community members and authors alike. And if you haven’t had a chance to join us yet, we hope to see you at a meeting soon.

 #TeamChicas at Run to Feed the Hungry:

#TeamChicas is excited to join the 27th annual Run to Feed the Hungry benefiting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

All team members MUST register by Nov. 11, 2021

Sacramento’s annual run is the largest Thanksgiving Day run in the country, and we can’t wait to be a part of it — again!

View #TeamChicas page: https://bit.ly/ChicasRTFTH2021  (donate, join, invite, share…!)

For details about team benefits, pricing, and more view our Facebook event!

Holiday Drive for Sutter Cancer Patients

Chicas Latinas’ Holiday Drive this year is benefiting patients at the Sutter Cancer Center. With the help of our community members, we will provide stockings filled with self-care items for patients at the Sutter Cancer Center.

We have a goal of donating 100 “care packages” to 100 patients and are collecting NEW donated items from the list below (100 of each). View our Facebook event to share with your friends and family members!

  • Stocking or a nylon backpack to hold the items
  • Non-scratchy knit hat
  • Fuzzy socks
  • Antibacterial gel
  • Earbuds
  • Coloring books for adults
  • Coloring pencils
  • A deck of cards
  • Individually wrapped crackers & protein bars
  • Handwritten note/card of hope

Donations must be made by Nov. 22, 2021

Drop-off Locations:

Capsity Oakpark

3810 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95817
Drop-off hours: 9am-5pm
Closed: Saturday & Sunday

Wild Sisters Book Co.

3960 60th St, Sacramento, CA 95820
Drop-off hours: 10am-6pm
Closed: Sunday & Monday

St. Mark’s Methodist Church

2391 St. Mark’s Way, Sacramento, CA 95864
Drop-off by appointment only.
Please call Elizabeth @ 916-963-7885


UPDATE: “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive

Thank you to everyone who has donated to our shoe drive benefiting Woodridge Elementary. Due to COVID-19 we canceled a number of our 2020 shoe drive fundraiser events and the elementary school sponsored has been busy navigating digital-education and keeping their students and staff safe.

We’re all looking forward to a successful “Starting Off on the Right Foot” shoe drive and distribution event in 2022. Please stay tuned for future fundraiser events, which will benefit the students of Woodridge Elementary, and join us in volunteering for our distribution event in the fall, where we’ll provide each student at the school with a NEW pair of shoes for the 2022-23 school year!

More details to come.


In-person, in 2021…

#CLBookClub book pick-up / Hispanic Heritage Month Social / Latinos Run: Hispanic Heritage Month 5K

Congratulations to Chicas Latinas 2021 Scholarship Winner

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We are excited to announce the winner of Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s 2021 $2,000 Scholarship award!

Please join us in congratulating our 2021 Chicas Latinas Scholarship recipient, Sofia Aguirre!

Sofia Aguirre is a full time student at Sacramento City College. She plans to pursue medicine to become a pediatrician and advocate for improving access to healthcare for the immigrant population. Sofia plans to attend UC Davis after completing her academic requirements at Sac City College. We are honored to invest in Sofia’s education, who herself is an investment in the betterment of our communities and future.

Congratulations Sofia, and best of luck as your pursue your academic and professional goals! She se puede!

Chicas Latinas’ 2021 Scholarship Recipient: Sofia Aguirre

About Our Scholarship:

Applications were reviewed by our Scholarship Committee members, and the awardee was selected based upon their academic achievement and other eligibility requirements. Our annual scholarship award helps support Latinx students in Sacramento County who wish to pursue higher education. Thanks to the support from our community and their generosity, we are able to provide this type of important financial support.


To learn more about Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s annual undergraduate scholarship program, visit: chicaslatinasdesacramento.org

LOTERIA NIGHT! Come Play!

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Chicas Latinas’ Virtual Loteria Night!

Join us for an evening of online Lotería fun with Chicas Latinas de Sacramento and community members on Tuesday July 20 at 6PM PST.

We provide the virtual socializing, friends/networking, Lotería, laughs and more… you provide whatever you feel like sip’n and munch’n.

Click HERE to register for free! (And spread the word.)


July BookClub Registration closes July 1st

Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s July bookclub read is:

“The Soul of a Woman” by Isabel Allende:

“As a young woman coming of age in the late 1960s, she rode the second wave of feminism. Among a tribe of like-minded female journalists, Allende for the first time felt comfortable in her own skin, as they wrote “with a knife between our teeth” about women’s issues. She has seen what the movement has accomplished in the course of her lifetime. And over the course of three passionate marriages, she has learned how to grow as a woman while having a partner, when to step away, and the rewards of embracing one’s sexuality.

So what feeds the soul of feminists—and all women—today? To be safe, to be valued, to live in peace, to have their own resources, to be connected, to have control over our bodies and lives, and above all, to be loved. On all these fronts, there is much work yet to be done, and this book, Allende hopes, will “light the torches of our daughters and granddaughters with mine. They will have to live for us, as we lived for our mothers, and carry on with the work still left to be finished.”

July #CLBOOKCLUB Discussion Schedule:

Thurs 3/15 discuss pages 3-97 and Thurs 3/29 discuss pages 99-171

Register for the July Book club Here

August Book Club “The Distance Between Us: A Memoir” By Reyna Grande

Join us on August 12, to discuss the first half of the book and again on August 26 to discuss the conclusion. Reading schedule TBA! Book discussions are schedule for 7-8pm. Deadline to register is August 1st!

Register for the August book club Here!!

“The Distance Between Us: A Memoir” by Reyna Grande:

“Reyna Grande vividly brings to life her tumultuous early years in this “compelling…unvarnished, resonant” (BookPage) story of a childhood spent torn between two parents and two countries. As her parents make the dangerous trek across the Mexican border to “El Otro Lado” (The Other Side) in pursuit of the American dream, Reyna and her siblings are forced into the already overburdened household of their stern grandmother. When their mother at last returns, Reyna prepares for her own journey to “El Otro Lado” to live with the man who has haunted her imagination for years, her long-absent father.”

Please support local and/or BIPOC businesses! 

Purchase your book from a California Latinx retailer: Booklandia, Tia Chuchas, Other books LA

Purchase local: Underground Books (2814 35th St, Sacramento)

Learn how to protect yourself, your business and your virtual events!

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Cyber security consists of all the technologies and practices that keep computer systems and electronic data safe. And, in a world where more and more of our business and social lives are online, it’s an enormous and growing field. Cyberattacks affect all people and are now so common. Recent reports show that hackers attack a computer in the US every 39 seconds! Fast changes in technology cause a boom in cyberattacks. If an attack happens millions of people could be harmed. State-run organizations can be shut down, services can’t be provided to citizens, it can cause damage to businesses and loss of jobs. Did you know that Identity theft is one of the biggest threats to people?

Join Chicas Latinas de Sacramento for a Cyber Security workshop!

Event is open to the community with donation (of any amount). Participants will be able to ask our Cyber Security experts questions, to ensure you leave knowing how to protect yourself online!

Date: Thursday, June 17th

Time: 6:00-7:00pm PDT

Location: Online

REGISTER HERE!!


Also This month:

Chicas Latinas’ June Book Club read of the month is: “In the Dream House: A Memoir” by Carmen Maria Machado.

June Book Club deadline to register is 5/31 CLICK HERE

Weekly discussions on Thursdays, starting:

Thursday, June 3rd 2021 7:00-8:00PM PDT

YARD SALE FUNDRAISER

Benefits our annual “Starting Off on the Right Foot” shoe drive!

Saturday, June 5th. Volunteers and Donations are needed!

Chicas Latinas de Sacramento will be hosting our 4th Yard Sale on Saturday, June 5th. All proceeds will be used to help fund our Annual “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive event, which provides local children with new pairs of shoes. Shop, for a great cause!

DETAILS:
Saturday, June 5th
7am-2pm
2798 Wissemann Drive. Sac 95826
CASH/CARD accepted.

CHECK OUT EVENT PAGE!

Chica, It’s Time to Graduate (With an Extra $2,000 for College)!

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It is finally time to throw on those cap and gowns. It is finally time to grab your family, and friends to celebrate the hard years of your education. And trust us when we say, the celebration is a lot more fun when you have an extra $2,000 in your pocket to put directly towards the next steps in your education. Chicas Latinas wanted to celebrate our future Latinx-leaders in the Sacramento area that are pursing higher-education. With this scholarship, you could further your education in any way you please. All we want to see is your growth in learning!

Our community is one that uplifts one another, and ensures that you have support every step of the way. Through this scholarship, Chicas Latinas de Sacramento can help support your education goals!

There are only a few qualifications to make sure of before you apply:

  • Resident of Sacramento County
  • Currently full time student enrolled in High School or accredited Community College.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Must be Latino/a
  • Must enroll full time for 2021-2022 school year in accredited four year college or an accredited California Community College

We wanted this process to not be so stressful! Here are the only requirements when applying:

  • Complete scholarship application, all parts received by May 29, 2021
  • Personal statement with a maximum 1000 words per prompt
  • Current Unofficial school transcripts required for the winning recipient
  • Two non-family references with two points of contact, e.g. e-mail and phone
  • Signature and date on application stating application is true and accurate

All applications must be submitted by May 29th, 2021!

To apply visit: http://bit.ly/ChicasScholarship2021-22

If there you have any questions about the application or process… Don’t hesitate! Reach out to us:

Chicas Latinas de Sacramento is proud to be part of your journey to academic success. We have created this scholarship with the sole purpose to make a positive impact in the lives of Sacramento students interested in pursuing higher education!

Respect & Value in Everyday Change

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Sexual Assault Awareness Month – Reflections from a Panel Discussion

April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and each year numbers of community-based and government-funded organizations promote their campaign to end sexual violence.

I’m sure like myself many people get overwhelmed when they read or hear language like “gender-based violence” or “sexual violence” but we can break it down into ways that we can identify sexual violence in smaller moments — like the fact that I don’t feel safe to walk alone at night down an empty street, or that I worry about how my niece will be treated in school by her male peers. When we do this it makes it easier to identify, to take action, and to “do something” to stop and even prevent sexual violence. Through a collective everyday approach we can make changes big and small for a world we can all be free to live in; like developing programs that foster respect, that build and model healthy relationships for students and adults alike so that everyone feels safe and valued. For this reason, I was happy to join a recent panel discussion to explore what sexual assault awareness month (SAAM) means and looks like for our young girls and women of color. 

On April 16, 2021 I had the privilege to participate on a panel, National Girls & Women of Color Council Inc Presents: Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Panel, representing my professional work in the movement and as a member of Chicas Latinas de Sacramento. While I welcomed the opportunity to discuss ideas surrounding the topic of sexual violence prevention, what I enjoyed much more was sharing (virtual) space with and listening to the youth that were on the panel. To listen to their ideas and perspectives on the ways that communities can support, protect and uplift girls and women and non-binary folks of color was a treat at the end of a very harsh week.

Among the many speakers, Emeline inspired me when she spoke about her experience of participating in a program in Oakland California called Banteay Srei a mentorship and leadership program where participants are mentored by the staff but also mentor the current youth participants. This made me think of how much I wish I could have enjoyed the same program in my youth, but it wasn’t a feeling of resentment but of hope for what this and future generations can do based on the dreams and the wishes of generations before them. It made me reflect on what I have been doing with my time recently to support a movement toward equity and a world where our communities are safer and thriving.

Chicas Latinas de Sacramento… in turn, pushes growth toward a community where people are seen, valued, listened to and empowered…

When I joined Chicas Latinas de Sacramento I only thought about doing volunteer work for the sake of doing it, a sort of soul cleansing, but what I’ve come to realize as I reflect on my participation on the SAAM panel is that in many ways I joined a group that enriches a community where I feel empowered as a result of our collective efforts. I’ve found a loving supportive community of my peers. When I join a paint night or a book club I see myself and learn more through the experiences of all of the board members, committee members, and event participants. Chicas Latinas de Sacramento may not tout itself as an organization that works to end gender-based violence, but it doesn’t have to really. In the many ways, Chicas Latinas de Sacramento participates and contributes to the Sacramento community it, in turn, pushes growth toward a community where people are seen, valued, listened to, and empowered to take on small actions that grow to bigger change outcomes. Something like the Chicas Latinas de Sacramento shoe drive that provides a new pair of footwear for an entire school promotes not only learning but confidence.

I can imagine a little brown girl with black hair like myself, being happy on the playground because something as simple as having the right fit for a pair of shoes could make all the difference to enjoy the school day. That to me speaks volumes to the little ways we can all help our community move forward. These are the change-making ways that we can get closer to support, protect and uplift girls and women and non-binary folks of color.


Lorena is a Chicas Latinas de Sacramento volunteer and serves on both our Program & Events and Marketing & Outreach Committees.

Back in the Swing, This Spring: May Happenings

This month Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s offerings is filled with a diverse line up of events, something for everyone; If you want to help raise money, or rather focus on some more serious issues, or even perhaps some self care for a cause, we got something for you. Check out the events and mark your calendars!

Yard Sale Fundraiser: Saturday 5/01

Chicas Latinas de Sacramento will be hosting our 3rd Yard Sale. All proceeds will be used to help fund our Annual “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive event, which provides local children with new pairs of shoes.

Wear your mask and be prepared to shop… for a good cause!

DETAILS:
Saturday, May 1st
7am-2pm
2798 Wissemann Drive. Sac 95826
CASH/CARD accepted.

Facebook Event Link

(Chicas Latinas ~ want to volunteer? Let us know: committees@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org)

WEAVE INC. Virtual Sexual Assault Presentation: Monday 5/03

As we close out Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we invite community members to join Chicas Latinas de Sacramento for a presentation and discussion with WEAVE Inc. representatives on sexual assault awareness and bystander intervention.

This free and important workshop takes place on Monday, May 3rd, 6:00pm to 7:00pm PDT

Click Here to Register

NAMI Virtual Yoga with Tami: Saturday 5/22

Join #TeamChicas for NAMIWalks Your Way 2021! This year Chicas Latinas de Sacramento is hosting a free virtual yoga class on May 22 at 10am: Registration is free

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Please help us build awareness ~ by doing yoga with us in the comfort of your own home!

NAMIWalks Your Way: A United Day of Hope with the destination as always being Mental Health for All. Many events will coincide on May 22, 2021: Learn more

Chicas Latinas’ Scholarship Deadline: Saturday May 29

ATTN Students: Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Chicas Latinas de Sacramento Annual Scholarship deadline is May 29.

Scholarship Award: $2,000

Apply: http://bit.ly/ChicasScholarship2021-22

Scholarship General Eligibility

  • Resident of Sacramento County
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Be of Latino/a decent 
  • Currently full time student enrolled in High School or accredited Community College
  • Must enroll full time for 2021-2022 school year in accredited four year college or an accredited California Community College

Save the Date: #CLBookClub June Registration Opens May 1

Chicas Latinas de Sacramento’s June bookclub read is “In the Dream House: A Memoir” by Carmen Maria Machado: Learn more and register

Big Things Are Happening In 2021!

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Chicas Latinas De Sacramento has been busy planning some awesome events and although we’ve missed the social interaction with our community, we have maintained engagements much as we could during this pandemic. As the new year has begun, we remain hopeful that in-person gatherings are in our near future. However, we have found a way to still serve our community and remain connected as much as we possibly can. Check out what we have coming up this month, mark your calendars and get involved!

Chicas Latinas’ Undergraduate Scholarship is Live! Friday 4/16

Here’s your chance to get some mula for college! Chicas Latinas De Sacramento believes in the value to empower through higher education and are excited to be able to offer some financial aid to a student from our community. This is an annual award that we look forward to offering. To qualify you must be a resident of Sacramento and a full time high school or community college student, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must be Latino/a. Click HERE to apply! You can also find the event page on Facebook.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Panel with National Girls & Women of Color Council Inc. Friday 4/16

Our very own Lorena Campos of Chicas Latinas De Sacramento was one of the five panelists participating in a discussion that explored what Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) means and looks like for our young girls and women of color. What kind of world are we envisioning which is free from sexism, body shaming, harassment, violence and oppression? How can we collectively work towards this vision? NGWCC is a non-profit organization formed to be a council for educators, administrators, business leaders, parents/guardians, students, community leaders, and community organizations to address and discuss historical and societal perspectives, conduct research, educate, mentor, and be advocates for girls and women of color. We look forward to sharing her upcoming blog post.

Chicas Latinas Brunch Event – Saturday 4/24

Feliz Cumpleaños Chicas Latinas! Sacramento’s premiere Latina Volunteer & Leadership Cultivation 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Chicas Latinas de Sacramento is 12 years old! And you are cordially invited to our brunch celebration! We will provide the Zoom, the friends/networking, AM party games, laughs and more! You provide whatever you feel like sip’n and munch’n.

The festivities take place on Saturday April 24 at 11AM! 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

JOIN US IF….

  • You’re a part of Chicas Latinas,
  • You’ve volunteered with Chicas Latinas,
  • You’ve donated to us or to one of our community causes, 
  • You’ve read a book or 12 with us,
  • You’ve seen us on Social Media and/or in the community… and wondered who we are.  All are invited to our simple Zoom celebration ~ come as you are and break pan dulce with us!

#CLBOOKCLUB MAY REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL SATURDAY 4/24!

Chicas Latinas’ May book club read is “Of Women and Salt: A Novel” by Gabriela Garcia. Join us each Thursday during the month of May, at 7pm, to discuss “Of Women and Salt.” Registrants can access instructions and links in “Online Event” section of this Eventbrite event. Reading schedule will be sent to registered participants no-later than April 25, with Zoom link. Club participants meet virtually on Thursdays to discuss the assigned reading section for that week. REGISTER HERE!

Happy (Socially Distanced) Holidays, Sacramento!

Happy holiday’s to Chicas Latinas members, volunteers, friends and family! We miss our community dearly and are working hard to identify opportunities to give and stay engaged with the Sacramento Latino community. We’ve been in contact with many of the local organizations we regularly work with and are working to identify safe ways Chicas Latinas can volunteer and continue making a difference in our community this holiday season, and beyond — virtually or at a safe 6-foot distance. Here’s hoping in-person gatherings are in our near future. In the meantime…

Here’s how you can give in Sacramento, this holiday season:

  • Volunteer: Chicas Latinas is looking for 2-3 volunteers to help wrap gifts for WEAVE’s “Winter Wonderland” on Friday Dec. 18, from 1-4pm — for Sacramento area families. Can you help? Email us: info@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org
  • Donate to The Sacramento Children’s home via its Holiday Giving Program, adopt a child (family from the nursery) or donate gift cards.
  • Donate to Sacramento Loaves & Fishes and follow them on social media, where they often post urgent/timely needs.
  • Join our Program & Events Committee, and help us start planning for a reemerging in 2021! Meetings are evenings via zoom, all are welcomed. Email for more info: committees@chicaslatinasdesacramento.org

Here’s where you can find some holiday cheer:

Join La Familia Counseling Center, Inc. on Friday, December 11th at their Maple Neighborhood Center from 3-5pm for our Annual Posada Navideña. It will be a safe drive-thru event, following social distance guidelines. Sacramento families will be able to enjoy Christmas decorations, goodie bags, raffles and even an appearance from Santa!

  • On Dec. 20, check out The Latino Center of Art and Culture’s LA PASTORELA DE SACRAMENTO.” Expect a modern (Zoom) version of Mexico’s traditional Christmas pageant, registration is free!

And lastly, we’d be honored if you become a Chicas Latinas donor. Chicas Latinas’ has done ZERO fundraising for its own costs this year. Whether you’re able to contribute a one-time donation or a reoccurring donation — every donation adds up and helps us reach and stay active in the Sacramento community. Can’t donate? Share our efforts with your network and/or join us as a volunteer! (Extra points if you’re the digital type.)

Happy Holiday’s from Chicas Latinas de Sacramento!