Jay Dunn: Journalism for Social Justice

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USA "Salinas in 2014" Jay Dunn 100 images Created 28 Dec 2014

At the end of my second full year as a multimedia reporter for the Salinas Californian, I know a little bit more about the plainspoken, hard-working people that live here. Incorporated in 1874 and best known as the home of literary great John Steinbeck, the town today is predominantly Latino - proud, conscientious, family-oriented and often conservative. Daily life in Salinas follows some regular patterns, most dictated by natural cycles. Others, of course, are those made by man - fundraisers and fairs, soccer tournaments and school events fill the social calendar. The city continues to be solidly anchored by the valley's multimillion dollar agricultural industry. Although the sharp divide between rich and poor is as clear as ever, the economy is looking up. Main Street is undergoing a renaissance, of sorts, and the city as a whole is humming with energy. As I noted my first year here, civic participation here is strong. Just as Salinas loves a parade, with equal energy, it will support a protest as well. In that, it is as American a place as any.
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  • From right, Crystal Castillo, Julie Juarez and Octavio Mendez celebrate Sunday's San Francisco 49ers victory over the Carolina Panthers. Bars such as Lallapalooza in south Salinas were full of football fans for the occasion.
    140112 jd sunday49ers01.jpg
  • At the Pizza Factory in Salinas, Bronco fans Shawna and Bobby Valenzuela react to a Seahawk advantage during the first half of Sunday's Super Bowl matchup.
    140202 jd superbowl01.jpg
  • Morgan Scettrini, 17, helps this two-day old calf feel at home during a visit by third graders to Farm Day at Grower's Street in Salinas. More than three thousand elementary school children participated in this annual hands-on educational event about agriculture.
    140206 jd farmday01.jpg
  • Yamilet Moreno, 3, just hangin' out on the swings at Natividad Creek Park on Sunday in Salinas.
    140216 jd sliceofsalinas05.jpg
  • At right, Destiny Garcia, 9, and her twin Cassandra work out on the heavy bags at the Salinas Boxing Club in Closter Park.
    140324 jd garciatwins01.jpg
  • Parishioners receive blessings from Father Mark Vinas, 84, at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Salinas.
    140330 jd stjohn07.jpg
  • Father Mark Vinas, 84, holds his hands in prayer at the St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Salinas.
    140330 jd stjohn10.jpg
  • Dance music by DJ Anima kept the crowd up well into Thursday morning at the third year anniversary of "Social Wednesdays" at Casa Sorrento in Salinas. DJ Luna, Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations, and a supportive community have made these regular evenings popular.
    140403 jd socialwed12.jpg
  • Julisa Salazar, 3, has fun crawling through this colorful play tunnel at Sunday's Dia Del Niño Event at La Paz Park in Salinas. The family event, co-sponsored with Poder Popular, drew children and their parents from all over the community to enjoy music, food and games from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
    140413 jd diadelnino01.jpg
  • In her job at Spreckels Elementary School, Audrey Dueñas is sometimes called "The Singing Secretary." From a musical family, Dueñas loves Easter, and singing with the St. Joseph's choir.
    140415 jd singing01.jpg
  • Eva Turner, left, and Esperanza Grant dance it up during the Senior’s Easter Party at the Firehouse Recreation Center on Wednesday in Salinas.
    140416 jd easterseniors01.jpg
  • A churchgoer is lost in Easter music at Fuente de Vida Church in east Salinas.
    140420 jd fuentedevida01.jpg
  • Mason Moore, 4, has a whale of a time learning to swim under the guidance of instructor Michael Robinson during spring break "Splash Week" at the Salinas Community YMCA.
    140421 jd YMCA01.jpg
  • An unprecedented joint effort between Dorothy's Place staff, CSUMB's Service Learning Institute and a number of dedicated volunteers helped allay resident's anxiety prior to a City of Salinas sweep of the Chinatown homeless encampments in the Soledad Street area. Packing materials were gathered weeks in advance of the regular cleanup, and at first light teams of volunteers woke people up, offering coffee, breakfast, and moving supplies such as boxes and large plastic containers to the needy. In an innovative move, CSUMB's fenced area next to the Chinatown Community Learning Center was designated a secure belongings zone for the day, manned by a check-in system, enabling residents to reclaim their possessions at the end of the day. Food and music was planned for later in the day inside the Chinatown Community Gardens. This well-organized plan made a noticeable difference to everyone. Residents were more prepared for the event, and that made the city's effort to ensure cleanliness in the area less traumatic.
    140424 jd sweep01.jpg
  • Pamela Ramos, 11, in a white dress after her First Communion ceremony presided over by Father Joey Buena of Madonna del Sasso Church in Salinas. First Communion is an important tradition for Catholic families and individuals.
    140503 jd firstcommunion02.jpg
  • Pastor Andrew Lopez comforts an ecstatic parishioner taken away by the message during services at Apostolic Life Community Church on Williams Road in east Salinas. An award-winning gospel choir raises the roof here every Sunday, accompanied by an enthusiastic congregation joining together for music and prayer.
    140504 jd apostolic01.jpg
  • A parishioner is fully baptised by Pastor Andrew Lopez during services at Apostolic Life Community Church on Williams Road in east Salinas. An award-winning gospel choir raises the roof here every Sunday, accompanied by an enthusiastic congregation joining together for music and prayer.
    140504 jd apostolic02.jpg
  • Oakland's Lucid, a.k.a. Christian Calderon, leads a break dancing workshop held Sunday at the Cesar Chavez Library. A number of local and out-of-town stars guided an afternoon of art, dance and music - modern culture infused with ethnic pride. Teachers and performers included Ricardo Garcia, of the library, Salinas dancer Verenice Portela, rap from indigenous rapper Mare, from Oaxaca, Mexico, music by Lombris and activities such as painting and chalk drawing.
    140504 jd breakdancers01.jpg
  • Members of Disruption hang out after their set. In a well-attended, all-ages music event organized by Salinas' own In Your Face Productions, five area metal bands played their hearts out on Saturday night at the Rock Boxing Gym on East Alisal Street. I
    140517 jd metal02.jpg
  • Gonzales' The Art of Torture in mid-set on Saturday. In a well-attended, all-ages music event organized by Salinas' own In Your Face Productions, five area metal bands played their hearts out at the Rock Boxing Gym on East Alisal Street.
    140517 jd metal16.jpg
  • Several hundred protesters gathered on Wednesday afternoon at the scene of Tuesday's officer-involved shooting near the Sanborn Plaza Market at the corner of Del Monte Avenue and North Sanborn Road in Salinas.
    140521 jd wed protests03.jpg
  • Several hundred protesters gathered on Wednesday afternoon at the scene of Tuesday's officer-involved shooting near the Sanborn Plaza Market at the corner of Del Monte Avenue and North Sanborn Road in Salinas.
    140521 jd wed protests05.jpg
  • A young girl holds a sign expressing the general sentiment on Wednesday afternoon at the scene of Tuesday's officer-involved shooting near the Sanborn Plaza Market at the corner of Del Monte Avenue and North Sanborn Road in Salinas.
    140521 jd wed protests07.jpg
  • At a particularly busy time of the morning for transportation, the Taylor building rises quietly above Oldtown Salinas in this view from North Main and Rossi streets.
    140522 jd taylorbuilding01.jpg
  • Hundreds of marchers from the community filled east Salinas on Sunday with cries for "Respect, Dignity, and Justice." The well-organized, peaceful protest started in Closter Park, and paused for prayer at two sites where residents have been killed recently in recent officer-involved shootings.
    140525 jd protestmarch01.jpg
  • Hundreds of marchers from the community on filled east Salinas on Sunday with cries for "Respect, Dignity, and Justice." The well-organized, peaceful protest started in Closter Park, and paused for prayer at two sites where residents have been killed recently in recent officer-involved shootings.
    140525 jd protestmarch03.jpg
  • Soquel pitcher Anna Gurr releases a fastball during Tuesday's CCS Division III semifinals matchup against Soquel in Salinas.
    140527 jd NDsoftball02.jpg
  • A peace banner marks a utility pole across the street from Emmanuel Bilingual Baptist Church in Salinas, where a community reflection on Wednesday night on recent violent events drew a number of involved citizens and local representatives.
    140528 jd emmanuelchurch06.jpg
  • Grads file into The Pit at Salinas High School's 2014 commencement ceremony on Thursday in Salinas.
    140529 jd sal high grads01a.jpg
  • Kids really enjoyed the gigantic inflatable "Boot Camp" obstacle course at the Breadbox Recreation Center event on Saturday night in Salinas.
    140531 jd teen party01.jpg
  • On Thursday, June 5th, the last day of classes, Mission Park Elementary School parents and children protested the reassignment of principal Brinet Greenlee with a march to the Salinas City Elementary School District Offices on S. Main St.
    140605 jd mission park03.jpg
  • A perfect confluence of light & opportunity on Monday beneath the Hwy 101 bridge along East Alisal Street in Salinas. The multicolored murals on both sides of this busy underpass reflect proud traditions and themes of Salinas' ethnic heritage.
    140609 jd paletero and mural01.jpg
  • Family members and friends surprised Salinas resident Marina Ocampo on her 80th birthday with a traditional "Mariachi Mañanitas" at her doorstep on Sunday morning. Ocampo is still actively serving the migrant community through the Diocese of Monterey, bringing spiritual and practical support to migrant camps throughout the county. She was an undocumented wife/mother herself in the 50’s and 60’s, living in a small shack on Rider Avenue in Salinas.  She managed to raise seven kids and sent them all to college, later becoming a community leader. For her 28 years of service to the migrant community, Ocampo received the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross" in 2013, the highest honor given to a lay person from the Vatican.
    140615 jd ocampo02.jpg
  • Photographed from the fire escape of the nearby Glikbarg building, a construction worker at the Taylor Building site in Oldtown Salinas is framed by the flag and the star at the top of the National Steinbeck Center.
    140617 jd taylor worker01.jpg
  • Six-year old Cloy Rosas, right, reads with a friend after "checking out" a Sesame Street book on opening day of Salinas' first Little Library at El Gabilan Park in Salinas. Two more Little Libraries were installed on Wednesday, in Central Park and McKinnon Park, with two more slated to start this summer.
    140618 jd little library01.jpg
  • Ana Martha Abundiz rocks the house at the Pizza Factory on Natividad Road in Salinas as Mexico scores first in their 3-1 World Cup win over Croatia on Monday. Mexico moves on to the next round win two wins and a tie.
    140623 jd mexico VS croatia01.jpg
  • Mexico fans at La Hacienda in Salinas exult at Giovani Dos Santos' opening goal in Sunday's World Cup match against Holland. With only minutes left to go in the game, however, the Dutch scored twice to win the match, dashing Mexico's beautiful dream of advancing.
    140629 jd worldcup01.jpg
  • Gabriela Scaroni, 11, practices her solo routine while coach Linda Aguilar of the California Classics Baton Club looks on. The Salinas group will be sending a five-person team to compete next week at the U.S. National Twirling Championships in Stockton, CA, while seven members will offer individual routines.
    140703 jd twirlers01.jpg
  • Thousands of cheerful spectators lined South Main Street on Saturday night, July 12th, for the traditional lighted Colmo del Rodeo Parade, one of the many events to kick off the 2014 California Rodeo Salinas.
    140713 jd colmoparade01.jpg
  • Thousands of cheerful spectators lined South Main Street on Saturday night, July 12th, for the traditional lighted Colmo del Rodeo Parade, one of the many events to kick off the 2014 California Rodeo Salinas.
    140713 jd colmoparade10.jpg
  • Thousands of cheerful spectators lined South Main Street on Saturday night, July 12th, for the traditional lighted Colmo del Rodeo Parade, one of the many events to kick off the 2014 California Rodeo Salinas.
    140713 jd colmoparade17.jpg
  • Wednesday's 2014 Professional Bull Riders event at the Salinas Sports Complex.
    140717 jd PBR 03.jpg
  • Bull riders in various stages of preparation for Wednesday's 2014 PBR event at the Salinas Sports Complex.
    140717 jd riders01.jpg
  • The crown for 2014's Miss California Rodeo Salinas at Thursday's "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" night.
    140718 jd rodeo thurs05.jpg
  • Mateo Chaidez, 2, makes a bubble big enough to walk in at Thursday's "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" night at the 2014 California Rodeo Salinas.
    140718 jd rodeo thurs08.jpg
  • Colton Brown, 4, gets some parental advice before his mutton bustin' run at Thursday's "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" night at the 2014 California Rodeo Salinas.
    140718 jd rodeo thurs11.jpg
  • Hanging on for dear life at the mutton bustin' contest at Thursday's "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" night at the 2014 California Rodeo Salinas.
    140718 jd rodeo thurs14.jpg
  • A girl enjoys hanging on the fence at Thursday's "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" night at the 2014 California Rodeo Salinas.
    140718 jd rodeo thurs22.jpg
  • Families enjoy the traditional Horse Parade on S. Main Street before Saturday's "Salute To Military Day" at the 2014 California Rodeo Salinas.
    140719 jd horseparade05.jpg
  • Young roper Max Cohn, 3, gets some practice before Friday's "Fight Hunger Night" at the California Rodeo Salinas.
    140719 jd rodeo FRI 01.jpg
  • Jennifer Domeno has got the fighting spirit during the lightning-fast Cowboy/Cowgirl race at Friday's "Fight Hunger Night" events at the California Rodeo Salinas.
    140719 jd rodeo FRI 08.jpg
  • Cowboy Kenny and his fellow riders soar through the air in their finale at Friday's "Fight Hunger Night" events at the California Rodeo Salinas.
    140719 jd rodeo FRI 13.jpg
  • A bull rider is unceremoniously dumped just outside the chutes during Saturday's events at the 2014 California Rodeo Salinas.
    140719 jd SAT rodeo09.jpg
  • In a morning ritual throughout the warmer months in Salinas, Sabino Martinez, left, and Lydia Quintana stock the ice cream pushcarts of vendors working from Paleteria La Mexicana at 734 East Market St. From this tiny hub full of low white freezers, up to a dozen vendors ringing their rack of bells might cover half the city on foot or by bike in a day's work, making very little money but overjoying children and an occasional adult.
    140722 jd paleteros01.jpg
  • From left, Elvira, 7, Jessica, 6, and Stormy Ferrel, 4, sign in at the El Dorado Park Recreation Center for a four-hour City of Salinas Parks and Community Services program in which they can use the play facilities under gentle supervision. The center has toys, games, art supplies and sports equipment, and offers free lunch and snacks daily through August 8th. Similar comprehensive summer programs are offered by the city at the Breadbox, Central and Firehouse Recreation Centers, as well as the Hebbron Family Center in Salinas.
    140724 jd el dorado kids01.jpg
  • Skateboarder Ramon Camberos, 21, practices his moves on Sunday in an empty parking structure at the corner of Lincoln and Clay Street in Salinas.
    140824 jd skate sunday 01.jpg
  • Soledad Street residents Shorty Soto, right, and her sister Diana were displaced during Thursday morning's sweep of Chinatown by the city of Salinas. Diana is holding Ashley, mother of little Teacup.
    140828 jd sweep05.jpg
  • Kids play in the shade at Sunday’s “El Grito” celebration in Salinas marking September 16th's anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain. The annual fiesta, which occupies East Alisal Street between Wood and Sanborn, brimmed as usual with booths selling patriotic souvenirs and all manner of food and drink. Local businesses and nonprofits manned booths with information about health and community programs, while traditional “bandas” filled the afternoon with dance music and good cheer.
    140914 jd elgrito08.jpg
  • From left, Loma Vista Elementary School students Monzerrat Mata, 11, Frida Aguirre Ceja, 10 and Monzerrat’s sister Marisol, 10, take a selfie after school on Monday behind the Hebbron Family Center. Monzerrat’s 12th birthday is tomorrow, September 16th, the anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain.
    140915 jd indybirthday01.jpg
  • From left, Salvador Martinez, 12, Salvador Mexicano, 11, and Jesús Saldaña, 11, take a break from shooting hoops at the Breadbox Recreation Center on Monday in Salinas. The City of Salinas Recreation-Park Division offers free after school programs for youth at several of its recreation facilities Monday-Friday between the hours of 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. These programs offer a safe, fun and positive environment where youth can participate in a variety of enrichment activities in a recreational setting. Staff is available for homework assistance and computer access is available at some locations.
    140922 jd breadbox01.jpg
  • US Air Force Thunderbirds appear to join in mid-air at Sunday’s annual California Airshow Salinas. Aviation action, plenty of food and drink, and multiple attractions kept families happy.
    140928 jd airshow01.jpg
  • The giant water bubbles were popular at Sunday’s annual California Airshow Salinas. Aviation action, plenty of food and drink, and multiple attractions kept families happy.
    140928 jd airshow02.jpg
  • Parishioners attending the second “Maria La Luz Divina” Congress on Sunday raise their hands in prayer at Sherwood Hall. The well-attended, all-day event is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Monterey, and helps raise funds to keep radio programs at 1570 AM on the air.
    140928 jd maria03.jpg
  • Hands raised in prayer at the second “Maria La Luz Divina” Congress on Sunday at Sherwood Hall. The well-attended, all-day event is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Monterey, and helps raise funds to keep radio programs at 1570 AM on the air.
    140928 jd maria12.jpg
  • Nicole Petitt plays with ther son Hunter at Monday’s grand opening of the “Salinas PAL Youth Center” inside the old California National Guard Armory.
    140929 jd PAL04.jpg
  • Jovanni Cazarez, 9, works out on a training ladder at Tuesday's CCFA clinic at Cesar Chavez Park in Salinas.
    141015 jd chavezfutbol01.jpg
  • Agustin Martinez, a former resident of 1337 Garner Avenue, rescues some of his possessions with the help of neighbor Sonia Garcia. A fast-moving, three-alarm blaze on Saturday in Salinas consumed nine vehicles in a carport and residential units 1 and 2 above them.
    141019 jd garnerfire01.jpg
  • Children play in an undamaged apartment at 1337 Garner Ave in east Salinas. Saturday's intense fire ravaged part of the complex, leaving many families homeless.
    141021 jd martinez06.jpg
  • Spectral figures haunt the soccer fields early Sunday morning on Constitution Boulevard in Salinas. The approach of Halloween only adds to the mystery of such apparitions.
    141026 jd ghostsoccer01.jpg
  • Firefighters mount an American flag on ladder trucks at Monday's ceremony in Salinas celebrating the completion of the Prunedale Improvement Project for Route 101.
    141027 jd prunedale02.jpg
  • Members of Tonatiuh perform Danzas de La Viejada, traditional dances from Veracruz at Sunday’s annual Caminos Del Arte Day of The Dead Festival in Closter Park in Salinas.
    141102 jd DayofDeadFest01.jpg
  • Liliana Garcia, 6, chose her own face paint colors at Sunday’s annual Caminos Del Arte Day of The Dead Festival in Closter Park in Salinas.
    141102 jd DayofDeadFest06.jpg
  • Members of dance group Tonatiuh take a selfie before performing at Sunday’s annual Caminos Del Arte Day of The Dead Festival in Closter Park in Salinas.
    141102 jd DayofDeadFest13.jpg
  • Dancers from Tonatiuh perform at Sunday’s annual Caminos Del Arte Day of The Dead Festival in Closter Park in Salinas.
    141102 jd DayofDeadFest14.jpg
  • Enthusiastic crowds turned out on a cool gray Tuesday afternoon in Salinas for the annual Monterey County Veterans Day Parade, now in its fourth incarnation. Veterans of every stripe enjoyed the support of citizens waving flags and cheering their progress along the Main Street parade route from Salinas High to Gabilan Street.
    141111 jd vet parade09.jpg
  • Fallen leaves grace a pool of water on a Creekbridge sidewalk during Thursday early morning rains in Salinas.
    141113 jd thursday rain01.jpg
  • Close to 9,000 local and international runners participated in the 12th annual presentation of the Big Sur Half Marathon on Sunday in Monterey. In support of their athletes, family and friends lined the scenic course, which winds along Monterey Bay from El Estero Park to Pacific Grove and back, finishing at Fisherman’s Wharf.
    141116 jd halfmarathon07.jpg
  • One happy Girl Scout, five year-old Angelina Villegas does her homework at the Alisal Program Center near Closter Park in Salinas. Through the center, these girls have a wealth of safe after-school activities from Monday through Friday from 2:45 to 5:45 PM, with Wednesdays starting at 1:45 PM. Their Monday afternoon consisted of homework help, a healthy meal provided by the district, a mile walk, their weekly visit from the bookmobile, and a science lesson. Tuesdays are devoted to Journey, their incremental path toward higher levels of Scouting, Wednesdays to cooking and arts, Thursdays to folkloric dancing and Journey, with Fridays featuring computer and general fun and games. In anticipation of the upcoming Holiday Parade of Lights, the troop will also be making a hundred colorful arts and crafts pins to be traded with other participating groups.
    141117 jd happyhomework01.jpg
  • The vivid colors of fallen leaves after a late November rain in Salinas.
    141130 jd fallenleaves01.jpg
  • Girls from Sacred Heart prepare their Nativity float before the parade on Sunday evening. Thousands of Salinas residents turned out to experience the magic of the 14th annual Holiday Parade of Lights in Oldtown Salinas.
    141130 jd parade01.jpg
  • Motorcycles bearing presents wait for the start of the parade. Thousands of Salinas residents turned out on Sunday evening to experience the magic of the 14th annual Holiday Parade of Lights in Oldtown Salinas.
    141130 jd parade02.jpg
  • A snow queen waves to the crowds during the parade on Sunday. Thousands of Salinas residents turned out to experience the magic of the 14th annual Holiday Parade of Lights in Oldtown Salinas.
    141130 jd parade04.jpg
  • Thousands of Salinas residents turned out on Sunday evening to experience the magic of the 14th annual Holiday Parade of Lights in Oldtown Salinas.
    141130 jd parade17.jpg
  • Students at York School help re-bag 600 lbs. of rice and beans into family-sized portions.
    141202 jd givingtuesday02.jpg
  • Sunset skies over Salinas after a day of turbulent weather on December 2, 2014.
    141202 jd sunset01.jpg
  • Leaves wait for a storm drain opening to clear at the corner of Clay Street and Lincoln Avenue on Tuesday in Salinas. Rain showers are expected throughout the week.
    141202 jd tuesdayrain01.jpg
  • As photographed from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Hill, chiaroscuro skies churn over Salinas as a Pacific storm brings high winds and occasional heavy rain to the Monterey Bay area. Rain is expected to continue through Thursday this week.
    141202 jd weather01.jpg
  • Standing at the corner of W. San Luis St. and Cayuga St. in Salinas at 2:00 PM, resident Miguel Payan wonders at the volume of rain caused by Thursday's "Pineapple Express" storm.
    141211 jd superstorm01.jpg
  • As seen from the Chinese Cemetery on E. Laurel Drive and Natividad Road, heaven and earth reflect in flooded fields in Salinas. The area received close to four inches of much-needed rain on Thursday, December 11th, 2014.
    141214 jd mirror01.jpg
  • In a pre-Christmas tradition which began in 1957, the Jimenez family of Castroville put on their annual "posada," with friends, family and guests celebrating the holiday season together. Posada” means “inn” in Spanish, and for this occasion, children dressed as Biblical figures reenacted Mary and Joseph's search for shelter during their Biblical journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Moving from house to house, the “peregrinos,” or pilgrims, trade touching verses in song with the “hosteleros,” the innkeepers, inside, until at last, shelter is found.
    141214 jd posadas05.jpg
  • In a pre-Christmas tradition which began in 1957, the Jimenez family of Castroville put on their annual "posada," with friends, family and guests celebrating the holiday season together. Posada” means “inn” in Spanish, and for this occasion, children dressed as Biblical figures reenacted Mary and Joseph's search for shelter during their Biblical journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Moving from house to house, the “peregrinos,” or pilgrims, trade touching verses in song with the “hosteleros,” the innkeepers, inside, until at last, shelter is found.
    141214 jd posadas08.jpg
  • In a pre-Christmas tradition which began in 1957, the Jimenez family of Castroville put on their annual "posada," with friends, family and guests celebrating the holiday season together. Posada” means “inn” in Spanish, and for this occasion, children dressed as Biblical figures reenacted Mary and Joseph's search for shelter during their Biblical journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Moving from house to house, the “peregrinos,” or pilgrims, trade touching verses in song with the “hosteleros,” the innkeepers, inside, until at last, shelter is found.
    141214 jd posadas13.jpg
  • In a pre-Christmas tradition which began in 1957, the Jimenez family of Castroville put on their annual "posada," with friends, family and guests celebrating the holiday season together. Posada” means “inn” in Spanish, and for this occasion, children dressed as Biblical figures reenacted Mary and Joseph's search for shelter during their Biblical journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Moving from house to house, the “peregrinos,” or pilgrims, trade touching verses in song with the “hosteleros,” the innkeepers, inside, until at last, shelter is found.
    141214 jd posadas20.jpg
  • After school on Wednesday, several hundred area East Salinas children had a joyous afternoon with a full-fledged Christmas party, courtesy of the second annual Cesar Chavez Library Snow Day.
    141217 jd snowday03.jpg
  • Complete with snow, children from East Salinas enjoy a full-fledged Christmas party on Wednesday afternoon,  courtesy of the second annual Cesar Chavez Library Snow Day.
    141217 jd snowday07.jpg
  • The Posadas Navideñas procession approaches a home at Acosta Plaza on Thursday in Salinas. The event recreates the search of Mary and Joseph for shelter during their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
    141218 jd Acosta posadas02.jpg
  • From inside a home at Acosta Plaza, innkeepers and pilgrims exchange symbolic verses on Thursday in Salinas. The event recreates the search of Mary and Joseph for shelter during their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
    141218 jd Acosta posadas03.jpg
  • The Posadas Navideñas procession wends its way through the Acosta Plaza apartment complex on Thursday in Salinas. The event recreates the search of Mary and Joseph for shelter during their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
    141218 jd Acosta posadas04.jpg
  • Deacon Omar Solis enters Christ the King Church in Salinas during late morning mass on the 4th Sunday of Advent. A period of four weeks before the birth of Jesus, Advent is a time of celebration during which Western Christians prepare themselves spiritually for the Nativity. The word is derived from the Latin “adventus,” meaning ”arrival,” or “approach.” Advent is often marked by the lighting of four candles, one each week until the evening of the 24th, when a fifth one is lit, symbolizing the life of Christ.
    141221 jd adventMAIN.jpg
  • Reverend Jim Luther leads a Christmas Eve candlelight service at the United Methodist Church in Salinas.
    141224 jd XmasEve01.jpg