Rising Sun Entrepreneurs and La Placita welcome SBA Deputy Director, Marie Johns. Ms. Johns was given a tour of
Ms. Johns was given a tour of the Historic building which has been converted into a people-friendly Micro Business Center that nurtures the East Bay’s culturally diverse entrepreneurial community. While visiting the facilities, Ms. Johns met several La Placita members such as hot dog vendors, caterers and pizza chefs.

This is a wonderful thing you are doing for people I commend your efforts in helping entrepreneuers thrive

The tour included a visit to the 2nd floor where Rising Sun Entrepreneurs provides low cost office space to small businesses, giving her further insight into how Fruitvale’s vibrant micro business center helps low income community members take their first steps towards becoming successful, self-sustaining entrepreneurs.

It’s important for people to see whats going on here. This is our own little revolution. Low income community members are actually prospering in a sagging economy, for crying out loud. In a world where people can no longer afford a meal in even the simplest restaurant, (much less the tip), more people are turning to surprisingly delicious street food that is made by passionate people from all walks of life. FYI: La Placita ensures that the food people out there will surely consume is properly prepared according to state health standards.

STAFF COMMENTARY

SBA Newsletter featuring our Micro Business Center

I received SBA’s newsletter in my inbox the other day and felt very… humbled. Yeah,that’s the word. It feels incredibly good to experience that brief moment when you realize that no matter how tough the effort, you are part of a solution which is actually making a difference in the life of one person, or two, three, thirty, one hundred people… still relatively small, on a micro level, but nonetheless helping people somehow. When I got this newsletter I caught my breath for a second. I stopped what I was doing, and just for moment I  reflected on this notion.

There is an steadfast cooperation taking place here at any given moment throughout the day, in the kitchen prep area, in the deli or in the halls up on the 2nd floor. .. it’s  happening all the time between every single one of us here. All races, all sexual orientations, all types, no colors, no nothing… just people… good hearted people. It’s an absolute “one-on-one” cooperation which reminds us that despite our racial differences, we all want the same things: a better life, a better future for our children and decent job that pays well… a tolerable way to ride out the tides of change. This “one on one” cooperation, “face to face” conversation that happens every day here at LP helps us hold on to those simple, common human values and at the same actively engages us all in this New Thinking.

President Obama promised us that this change he so adamantly spoke about would NOT be easy. He said that there would be a lot of sacrifice involved and in his own sagacious way, he asked us to ‘brace’ ourselves for a long haul. I believed him then, I believe him now more than ever.

Almost 4 years ago, our country was returned to us in absolute shambles… our spirits left in the dust… our economy, California in particular, destroyed. We were left to fend for ourselves. Some of us lost our jobs, so many of us lost our homes… we had to start picking up the pieces one by one. I am so proud to say that part of what we do here at La Placita and Rising Sun Entrepreneurs is helping people rise from the rubble, dust themselves off, get back up on their feet and reach for the stars. Helping people become self-sufficient and helping people thrive on a local level, is the key to a stronger economy.  Entrepreneurs and micro business owners choose to carve their own path. They are effectively making their lives better, today. They Know that today is the future. They Understand that the  future begins every morning when the sun rises and they make a conscious decision to improve their quality of life. We applaud that.

Let me just add one final anecdote: I was driving my little girl to daycare the other day and she started singing the ‘Bob the
Builder’ theme song just as I was working out the details in my revolutionary mind about a daring new program for La Placita, yet all I could hear was the sound of her dinky little voice as she sang: “Bob the builder… Can we fix it?… Yes we can!” I didn’t need more than that to get my day started. The light turned green and I sped off with a genuine smile, filled with hope.

Exhibitors, Artists & Food Vendors reserve your booth asap!

5 De Mayo- Oakland invites vendors to participate in the 5 De Mayo Festivities on Sunday, May 1, 2011
Food Vendors, Caterers, Artists and Local business are welcome to participate. Download the Vendor Application or request one via email to help – AT – laplacita.info

The workshop focuses on ways to empower yourself and your family through informed nutritional decisions. Learn how to improve overall health, diet, reduce stress and cope with environmental conditions in this 4-class workshop being held in Oakland and led by instructor A. Raheemah Nitoto.

Worshop Overview and Schedule:

COST: Individual Class: $15 – Complete Workshop: $40
Sign Up: (510)978-0863 – or e-mail: shelly@laplacita.info

• General Health & Nutrition

How does work related stress, family life, pollution and diet affect our health? Discover what you
can do to lessen the negative effects while strengthening your health.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

6:00pm – 7:30pm

• Child Development & Nutrition

How can we help our children grow up healthy? In this class, we find ways to tackle childhood obesity, diabetes and common childhood allergies. We also discuss ways to promote better mental and emotional health in children.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

6:00pm – 7:30pm

• Simple Steps to Weight Loss

Weight loss can be simple if you just take a moment to understand and listen to your body. Follow these simple steps towards successful weight loss.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010

6:00pm – 7:30pm

• Illness & Nutrition

Explore traditional foods and herbs can do to lessen symptoms,strengthen the body and speed recovery during an illness. We will also discuss whatfoods to avoid during sickness.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010

6:00pm – 7:30pm

About the instructor – A. Raheemah Nitoto

A. Raheemah Nitoto has devoted her life to researching Human Health and Wellness. She holds a B.A. in Biology with an emphasis on Human Biochemistry and is currently pursuing a Doctorate (ND) in Naturopathic and Holistic Nutrition. She has recently studied at La Casa de Saude in Capim Gross, Brazil a non profit clinic focused on Natural Healing and Herbal Remedies.

Sign up now!

Call (510)978-0863

Email: shelly@laplacita.info

Join us every Sunday to try some of these healthy, delicious and exotic vegetarian dishes!

• Baked Tofu
• Moro Rice
• Plantain or Fries
• Mixed Salad
• Jamaica Water

Eggplant Delight: $8.50

• Eggplant
• Brown Rice
• Squash
• Mixed Salad
• Beans

Hungry Rice Plate: $10.00

• Brown rice w/ tofu turkey & veggies
• Mashed plantain
• Mixed Salad

See El Rincon de la Prima on Facebook!

Join us at our 3rd Annual Cinco De Mayo at La Placita!

When: Sunday, May 1st -11:00am -6:00pm.

Where: 2345 Fruitvale Ave. (corner of Galindo and Fruitvale)

Entertainment will include:

Mariachi, Marimba, Las Bomberas de La Bahia , Danza Azteca & More…

Food Booths will include: ( La Placita Entrepreneurs)

Mexican Cuisine, Hawaiian Soul food, Salvadorian Cuisine,Vegan Cuban Cuisine, Chinese Cuisine, Specialty Candy, Gourmet Cookies & much more!

We hope to see you at LA PLACITA for CINCO DE MAYO 2011!

For more information please feel free to contact Shelly Garza – shelly@laplacita.info

For more information about our facilities for rent, email us help @ laplacita.info