We started the new year full of hope, promise and change. We were sobered by the cataclysmic events which took place in Washington DC. We take a deep breath, and move forward.

No need to recount the calamities of the past months. We can only express our sincere sympathies to those families who have been struck by the effects of the pandemic, and to those who have been rocked by the economic distress the pandemic created. You will not be forgotten.

Signs of inspiration broke through the greyness of the year as our community stood strong to face the challenges head on. We cheered championship wins by the Dodgers and the Lakers; many thousands continued to keep essential businesses opened, while others volunteered to assist those most in needs; local artists kept our spirit alive by expressing their work in new creative ways; communities spoke loudly for social justice; and LA Plaza continued to provide relevant programming through digital platforms.

And in the nation’s capital, the long-sought National Latino Museum on the National Mall moved a step closer to reality and the new Administration brings hope of a new era of equitable leadership with the help of two of LA’s finest, Alex Padilla and Xavier Becerra, as U.S. Senator and Cabinet Secretary, respectively.

We at LA Plaza are especially grateful to the many supporters who have been with us since day one, and to the new supporters who discover us every day. Every social media share, every dollar contributed helps us fulfill our mission. You make the difference. 2021 marks LA Plaza’s ten-year anniversary and we intend to start the celebration in April.

The promise of widespread vaccinations moves us closer to a reopening date. You can be sure that when that day arrives, we’ll be ready to welcome you back with open and safe arms. Until then, we’ll continue to maintain an active, informative and entertaining presence on social media.

We extend our warm wishes to all for a healthier and happier new year.

¡Adelante!

John Echeveste, CEO