KCSB-FM & La Casa de la Raza Present “Los Olvidados”

The second in KCSB’s three-part series of town-hall meetings on topics of interest to our community, “Los Olvidados: The Impact of Deportation and Immigration Policies in Our Community”offers a forum for community discussion about these issues and what some are doing to work towards more humane solutions.

Under current policies, people who are deported are often referred to as “illegals” or even criminals, but deportees can also be called Los Olvidados – The Forgotten. Both those who are removed from the community and those who are left behind become The Forgotten unless the rest of the community acknowledges these disappearances. Deportations are a daily occurrence throughout Santa Barbara County. Attention to this issue within the UCSB community has recently increased as student Cindy Reyna, a former KCSB News reporter and college senior, is currently being threatened with deportation. Cindy has already received significant support, as evidenced by the thousands of signatures gathered quickly on a petition on her behalf. Cindy Reyna is not only one of the many undocumented community members living in Santa Barbara but also one of the many undocumented students attending UCSB.

During “Los Olvidados,” a panel of experts will make statements and KCSB will also incorporate recorded testimonials by individuals who have been impacted by implementation of these policies. After these initial presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of our panel, to be comprised of the following special guests: Isabel Garcia, an Immigration Rights Attorney from Tucson AZ; Arnold S. Jaffe, a Santa Barbara Immigration Attorney; Nayra Pacheco, a member of the UCSB IDEAS organization (“Improving Dreams Equality Access and Success”); and Noemi Duran, a member of the organizing committee for California Opportunity and Prosperity Act (COPA).

KCSB welcomes the general public to participate in “Los Olvidados,” part of a series of radio programs and public events commemorating KCSB’s 50th Anniversary. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided, and the meeting will be recorded and broadcast later. This free event kicks off with a 630pm reception featuring the art of Alyssa Guerra Brown; the meeting begins at 7pm with an introduction by KCSB’s Associate News Director Elizabeth Gutierrez, will be moderated by KCSB News Director Monica Lopez, and co-facilitated by KCSB Assistant Engineer Christina Min.

• What: KCSB & La Casa de la Raza Present “Los Olvidados: The Impact of Deportation & Immigration Policies in Our Community”
• When: Thursday, March 8, 6:30 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Town Hall Meeting
• Where: La Casa de la Raza (601 E. Montecito St.)
• Free Admission All Are Invited

About KCSB

For 50 years, non-commercial community radio KCSB-FM has offered a range of sounds and perspectives from the Tri-Counties and free year-round training to individuals and groups who would not otherwise have access to such resources. Both student and non-student volunteers learn radio skills to produce music, news, sports, cultural arts, and public-affairs content airing 24/7/365 at 91.9 FM (streaming live at www.kcsb.org). Part of Associated Students at the University of California, Santa Barbara (and the UC’s first station), KCSB is funded by self-assessed student fees and listener support, and receives no money from the University.

About La Casa de La Raza

La Casa de la Raza Cesar E. Chavez Center (www.lacasadelaraza.org) was founded in 1971 as a non-profit community center on the Eastside of Santa Barbara. La Casa de la Raza’s mission is to develop, empower, affirm, and preserve Latino cultural heritage, providing an umbrella for services and advocating for participation in the larger community.