Fiesta Hall - Chanclazo

On October 17th, 2008, the Los Angeles City Employees Chicano Association (LACECA), Latin American Law Enforcement Association (LA LEY) and Los Bomberos (Latin City Firefighters) celebrated Latino Heritage Month by hosting the 15th Annual Fiesta Hall – Chanclazo. The event is a way of recognizing Hispanic city employees and members for their achievements and accomplishments throughout the year.

This year’s Master of Ceremonies was Daniel Castro, Ph.D., the voice of the “Sancho Show” which aired on public radio back in the 90’s, which broadcasted on public radio from Pasadena City College. He gave words of encouragement to the Hispanic employees and not to give up the struggle to be successful.

Council Member of the 6th District, Tony Cardenas greeted the members and guests in attendance. Tony Cardenas acknowledged the members of the 2006-2008 Executive Board with a Commendation for their dedicated service during their term in office. Next, he administered the oath of office to the 2008-2010 LACECA Executive Board of Officers.


Executive Board 2006-2008
Jacqueline Zarate, President
Stella Sias, 1st Vice President
Luis Reyes Lamas, 2nd Vice President
Bertha Lopez, Treasurer
Sonia Sanchez, Executive Secretary


Executive Board 2008-2010
Miguel Range;, President
Leonor Garcia, 1st Vice President,
Dora Sanchez, 2nd Vice President
Ann Marie De La Riva, Treasurer
Eduardo Garcia, Executive Secretary
Lupe Durazo, Recording Secretary


Council Member Cardenas also presented a beautiful plaque to the presidents of each of the three hosting organizations acknowledging their efforts in recognizing Latino Heritage Month by hosting Fiesta Hall for the 15th year: Miguel Rangel, LACECA President; Arturo Placencia, LA LEY President; and Philip Dominguez, Los Bomberos President.

The City Hall Rotunda featured an Art Exhibit featuring the talents of artists Sergio Hernandez, Corina Hernandez, Yolanda Rodriguez and Mario Trillo.

Everyone enjoyed their delicious enchiladas, chile rellenos, and beef birrea, complete with warm tortillas, from the kitchen of “Casa Blanca” restaurant. Hors d’ouevres of Potato balls and empanadas from Portos Bakery were also very delicious.

Los Pinguos”, a musical group from Argentina entertained with a mixture of Latin rhythms performed with Spanish guitars and harmonizing vocals. You can visit their website: LosPinguos.com


After the dinner and awards presentation, members and guests were up on their feet, dancing the night away to the sounds of “Smooth Touch”, a 10-piece band from the Inland Empire. You can learn more about them at their website: Thebandsmoothtouch.com

LACECA would like to express their appreciation to the many sponsors whose contributions helped with this celebration: Council Members Richard Alarcon, Tony Cardenas, Eric Garcetti, Janice Hahn, Jose Huizar, Jan Perry. Ed Reyes, Dennis Zine; and Ace Beverage Company, AFSCME Local 3090, City Employees Club of Los Angeles, SEIU Local 721, and Smart & Final.

A special thank you to Fiesta Hall Chairperson, Laura Rangel and Co- Chairperson, Edna Meraz for their behind-the-scenes planning and dedicated efforts that helped make chanclazo a great success. Additional support was provided from LACECA members: Chris Barajas, Adam Broderick, Anthony Castro, Soly Corona, Stephanie Herron, Lena Herron, Anabel Luna, Rosie Perez, Fernando Ramirez, Charles Aguilar Rogers, Yolanda Mendo, Diana Salas, Manuel Villalpando, and Fred Zermeno. They helped with set-up, check-in table, and servers. Mil gracias por todo.