Monday, February 22, 2010

A Great Goodbye

Thank you to all of my friends and family for a truly memorable last few weeks. I feel extremely blessed to have you in my life, and it is with your support that I go into the Peace Corps with high spirits and confidence in myself!
Thanks Jenna for my beautiful necklaces and coordinating a great last night out in Portland!
Katie, Karen, Kate, and Ashley. A special thanks to Karen for driving up from Eugene and my gorgeous journal!
Thanks Becca for making a special effort to fly to Oregon and for the beautiful book you made! It mean't so much to me.
Jon, Zach, and Joel (missing Fenny). You guys have been there for me since forever, especially you brother! Thanks!

5 at 25

My brother, Joel Perez, has set out on a courageous goal of running 5 marathons this year. Joel is asking that you support him in his goal by donating to the Boys and Girls Club in Bend, Oregon.

I have set up a secure website on active.com for donations. Please visit Joel's website, 5 at 25, to learn more about his journey to the finish line.





If you are in one of the following cities during race day, please support Joel along the course!
Los Angeles Marathon : March 21
Eugene Marathon : May 2
San Francisco Marathon : July 25
Portland Marathon : October 10
Las Vegas Marathon : December 5

What i'm Listening to: MIXTAPE: 3


Track ........................................................... Artist

1. The High Road........................................................................Broken Bells
2. Zebra........................................................................................Beach House
3. She's Got You High................................................................Mumm-Ra
4. There Goes the Fear..............................................................Doves
5. Furr..........................................................................................Blitzen Trapper
6. Lets Go....................................................................................The Feelies
7. Under the Milky Way............................................................Sia
8. Duet.........................................................................................Rachael Yamagata
9. Take Care................................................................................Beach House
10. Beach Baby............................................................................Bon Iver
11. The End..................................................................................Zee Avi

Thursday, January 21, 2010

What i'm Listening to: MIXTAPE: 2


See MIXTAPE: 1 here.

Track ................................................................. Artist

1. Wake Up...............................................................Arcade Fire
2. Sweet Disposition..............................................Temper Trap
3. Lisztomania........................................................Phoenix
4. Animal.................................................................Miike Snow
5. Stay Illogical.......................................................Under the Influence of Giants
6. White Sky............................................................Vampire Weekend
7. Fences..................................................................Phoenix
8. Silver City...........................................................Ghostland Observatory
9. Silvia....................................................................Miike Snow
10. Mama's Room..................................................Under the Influence of Giants
11. The Reeling.......................................................Passion Pit
12. Run......................................................................Vampire Weekend

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Go Dad x 3!

On Monday my dad, Carlos Perez, received the "Keep Alive the Dream" lifetime achievement award from the World Arts Foundation as we honored Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The following is an article written on my dad's accomplishments in The Hillsboro Argus.

Perez to receive award for keeping the ‘Dream’ alive

By Kurt Eckert, The Hillsboro Argus


perez 12-22.jpgView full size

Hillsboro educator and activist Carlos Perez will receive the “Keep Alive the Dream” lifetime achievement award Jan. 18 as Greater Portland joins hands to celebrate the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 2004, Perez became a founding member of the Human Rights Council of Washington County and was recently behind the formation of the Latino Leadership Forum.

Perez, a teacher, counselor and administrator for the Hillsboro School District for more than three decades was shocked when in 2003, a newspaper survey found that Hillsboro residents’ least favorite part about living in the city was the influx of Latino immigrants.

Ever since he was a boy, when his teacher suggested he change his name to Charles to help him fit in better, he knew that assimilation was no way to promote the diverse nature of the great American way.

Focusing on academic achievement in an atmosphere free of bias, Latino Leadership Forum members serve as mentors for children of color. Hired by the school district in 1978, Perez was invariably the first Latino to hold each of the administrative positions he achieved.

Because of his experiences, he believes it’s important that children have role models who look like them and share some cultural experiences.

“These kids know that they can aspire to be in those positions if they choose to do that,” he said.

The Human Rights Council meets monthly to focus a lens on education about the value of diversity and advocate against civil injustice with the help of members in government, law enforcement and other agencies and businesses.

Members also hold listening meetings at local schools to identify human rights issues from the viewpoint of the younger generation.

In a lot of respects, talking with the students shows that while some issues surrounding prejudice and human rights have gotten better, there’s still a lot of work to be done, he said. This includes ending bias, whether based on age, gender, sexual orientation or disability, he said.

“The civil rights movement has existed for over 50 years, and we’re still dealing with (many of) the same issues that Dr. King dealt with in the 1960s,” Perez said. “We’re in it for the long haul. There is no quick fix. If we can learn to work with our differences, that’s where we break the cycle of mistrust.”

Perez is confused by a growing group who believes the way to solve differences is to remove foreign languages from American schools, while the rest of the world sees bilingualism as a huge asset.

“I don’t disagree that Hispanic students should learn English, but not at the expense of Spanish,” he says. “This mindset that you are less of a citizen because you speak another language in my view is (strange).”

In its 25 years of commemorating the life and legacy of MLK, “Keep Alive the Dream” attempts to give voice to common citizens and acknowledge the struggle for civil rights. Admission is $5 donation or five cans of non-perishable food.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

New on DVD: Trouble the Water

Trouble the Water is a gritty first hand account of Hurricane Katrina told by ninth ward victims. Recently featured on Time Magazine's Short List picks of the week, Trouble the Water allows you to experience the horror of Katrina like never before. 

To read my review of Trouble the Water please click here.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Spotlight: Stephanie Whitney

Please explore recent USF grad Stephanie Whitney's website swhitneydesigns.com. Not only is she my best friend, but she is also an extremely talented graphic designer who is dedicated and devoted to good design. 

Here are few samples of her work that can be found at her website.


RVCA shelving for flagship store in SF


Regina Spektor redesigned CD cover


Dia De Los Muertos Poster for a USF event