Al Pizano, Latino Business Leader, Dies

Al Pizano, a mover and shaker in Santa Barbara Latino business and cultural circles from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, has died. He was 84. Pizano moved to Santa Barbara in the ’70s to become district manager for Southern California Gas Company, and he took advantage of that position to jump feet first into civic affairs. Among other things, Pizano started the Hispanic Achievement Council. In addition, he cofounded the Mariachi Festival and the Flamenco Arts Festival.