Connectopod™

Changing the Narrative-Pacoima episode 8: A Murder Mystery

You can't change the narrative if you don't address what the existing narrative is. The existing narrative of Pacoima is violence. It is violent. Over a six month period in 2019, there were 165 violent crimes. Compare that to 103 in Northridge or 66 in Sherman Oaks. The perception of violence is so normalized for Pacoima that it barely gets reported.  How does that weigh on young minds and souls? For Sergio Gonzalez, it weighs heavy.  When there was a murder on his block, it wasn't even reported on. To Sergio, that is the Murder Mystery he sought to solve. 
What is missing from the violent narrative of Pacoima is the strength and empathy of a community that rallies. To help him make sense of a difficult truth, Sergio turned to Lorenzo and Eric Chapman, two of the co-founders of The Gr818ers. As Pacoima natives and veterans of it's violent heritage, they acknowledge that violence, but show how it doesn't have to define who you are. 
 
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
The Changing the Narrative-Pacoima series is edited and engineered by Joe Foldes.
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
 

Changing the Narrative - Pacoima episode 7: The Vaughn Experience

The BBC (Big Brain Club) invites you on campus to have The Vaughn Experience. Eighth-grade- not always easy! First up, Wilfredo Bacca, always being caught lacking himself,  interviews security guard Aaron Camacho. In a "dope conversation" recorded by tech director Jenrry Gonzales, we learn why Mr. Camacho is respected by even the toughest of kids. The secret is he respects them. A former "lacker" himself, his empathy comes from understanding.
Then, interviewing her group partners, Jenrry and Wilfredo, producer Agueda de Santiago, highlights the challenges and success of eighth-grade life. 
 Running time: 15 min
We want to acknowledge the three students that did not turn in their media release forms. They contributed to Mr. Camacho's interview with astute questions and comments that spurred some of the answers you hear. They worked equipment and helped with the project overall behind the scenes. Good luck with volleyball and soccer!
Agueda, Wilfredo, and Jenrry
 Aaron Camacho
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
The Changing the Narrative-Pacoima series is edited and engineered by Joe Foldes.
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
Music for this episode can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-a-fQj_2eA&feature=emb_logo

Changing the Narrative-Pacoima episode 6: Fight Club

Boxing is very popular in Pacoima. Cesar Rosales, a boxer himself, and fellow Podcaster Natalia Arjon showcase the sport by interviewing Vaughn eighth grader and boxing prodigy Alejandro Morales. What does it take to be a champ? What inspires a kid to work so hard? What does boxing mean to this community? Savannah Briones records the interview on Vaughn Next Century Learning Institute's playground.
 
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
The Changing the Narrative-Pacoima series is edited and engineered by Joe Foldes.
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
 

Changing the Narrative - Pacoima episode 5: The Power of Sports

The Irrelevants team Oscar Pia and Adrian Lomeli started out to create just a segment but ended up with their own darn episode. Discussing the barriers of Pacoima's lack of sports clubs and the unstoppable athletes that live there, (including themselves!), Oscar and Adrian reveal the importance of parking lot playgrounds. These two thoughtful guys illustrate how sports makes great leaders. 
 
Shout out to guest artist musician and producer Joe Foldes who edited and engineered this piece with the team. Credit to tech director, Savanah Briones, who recorded the interview with the Connectopod "To-Go" kit.
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
The Changing the Narrative-Pacoima series is edited and engineered by Joe Foldes.
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
And thanks to Mr. Harmon, for sharing his class with us! 
 

Changing the Narrative - Pacoima episode 4: Pacoima Perspectives

What do you know about Pacoima? What makes a place, a community? During the first half of our Changing the Narrative program at Vaughn Next Century Learning Institute, our eighth grade podcasters explored the deep roots of art with muralist Levi Ponce, the power of advocacy with Pacoima Beautiful, and the rewards of leadership with Assembly Member Luz Rivas. Together we looked deeper into the narrative of Pacoima told in movies and media and found what was missing. We celebrated adversity grown into Hip Hop healing with the Gr818ers and their new Unite Cultural Center.
 Ready and armed with microphones and curiosity, Team JALV- Leilah Ortega (producer), Valerie Garcia, Jolene Caballero, and Aidyn Robles went in search of Pacoima beyond the stereotypes.  Asking local residents, as well as outsiders, "What do you know of Pacoima? What have you heard?" they've created a complex picture of the place they call home. Pacoima is for sure a place of challenges, but also friendship, family, love, and unexpected beauty. It's all in your perspective!
Read our Connectoblog for more about how this episode was created and see more pics go
 
Shout out to guest artist musician and producer Joe Foldes who edited and engineered this piece with the team. 
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
And thanks to Mr. Harmon, for sharing his class with us! 
 
 
 
 
 

Changing the Narrative Pacoima Ep.3 Advocate! An Interview with Yesenia Cruz of Pacoima Beautiful

Our research into Pacoima life continues with a visit from Yesenia Cruz from Pacoima Beautiful. What is Environmental Social Justice? What is a frontline community? How can Yesenia speak so fast? First-time Podcasters Ashley Lozano and Anthony Hernandez lead the class Q&A after Yesenia's presentation, featuring the very astute questions of Adrian Lomeli, Cesar Rosales, Sergio Gonzales, Analiss Fernandez , Leilah Ortega, Ashley Gonzales, Jenry Gonzales, and Angel Ponce. 
 
Changing the Narrative Pacoima is supported in part by a generous grant from the California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more at arts.ca.gov 
Thank you! 
  Changing the Narrative is Produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman

Changing the Narrative Pacoima ep. 2: Create! with Muralist Levi Ponce

Research for Changing the Narrative Pacoima continues! International muralist and Pacoima homey Levi Ponce dropped by to visit our podcasters at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center to share his artistic journey to fame, fortune, and happiness (hint- it has to do with doing what you love and sharing the joy of your talents to uplift your community). After Levi's presentation of past, present and future murals, first-time podcasters Agueda de Santiago and Aiden Robles Mares lead the group Q & A. Turns out Levi is quite comfortable in the "hot seat" and even turned the tables by grabbing the mic and interviewing Agueda about her art! Always lighthearted and fun, he manages to dive deep. Levi is a dynamic artist in every medium, including this one! 
Changing the Narrative Pacoima is supported in part by a generous grant from the California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more at arts.ca.gov 
Thank you! 
 
 
 
  Changing the Narrative is Produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman

Changing the Narrative-Pacoima episode 1: Lead!

TaDa! And just like that, the very first episode of Changing the Narrative Pacoima happened! Assembly Member, 39th district, Luz Rivas came to visit us at Vaughn Next Century Learning Institute. The podcasters were prepared with new tech and interview skills, preliminary research, and most importantly-QUESTIONS!
Assembly Member Rivas shared her Pacoima upbringing with a Single Mom (yes caps it's a career), her education journey from Pacoima public schools to MIT and Harvard, her advocacy as a non-profit founder of DIY Girls, and her rise to elected official of her hometown district. (Sheesh-Inspiration much?!)
After an informative introduction by Cesar Rosales and Angel Ponce, she answered a  barrage of questions prepared by the class and hosted here by first-time podcasters Ralphie Miranda, Jessica Esparza, with help from Jenrry Gonzalez-Vargas, Leilah Ortega, Valerie Garcia. 
 
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest teachers Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
 Changing the Narrative is Produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
 
 
 

LAPL What's Cookin'? Series episode 4: Healthy Recipes

Canoga Park Library's nutrition series continues...
In this episode first time podcasters Itzel Huerta and Ever Blanco-Cruz interview each other about recipes grounded in their family's cultures. Turns out healthy is delicious too!
Ever is standing in the back, and Itzy is the floating head in the corner because she was out that day!
 

LAPL What's Cookin'? Series episode 3: An Organic Debate

The Canoga Park Library's nutrition series continues...
First-time podcasters Safwan Muntasir and Ehram Subhan debate the pros and cons of organic vs GMO. Are we destroying natural resources or increasing our ability to feed a hungry world? 
 
Safwan on the far left and Ehram next to him.