Voter Mobilization in November!

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada spoke out about the impact of voter registration in the Latino community in Virginia in the recent Congressional elections, to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Tejada said, "We are more encouraged from the results we had in the last elections. In some areas, Hispanics voted against candidates who opposed illegal immigration. Instead, they voted for many moderate Democrats who supportcomprehensive immigration changes Hispanic voters also largely voted against candidates who support construction of a fence at the Mexican border and mass deportation. If you propose anti-immigrant legislation at the national, local and state level, you will pay the consequences."

The article also noted that exit polls nationwide showed about 70 percent of Latinos voted Democrat. In Virginia, 17,653 immigrants became citizens, ranking it eighth in the nation in the number of naturalized citizens in 2005.

Gang Prevention in Arlington

"The Justice Department has given a $172,000 grant to three Arlington nonprofit organizations to continue funding a series of programs that aim to keep students out of gangs," according to The Connection and The Examiner. The initiatives were sponsored by Congressman Jim Moran and are to be administered by the Hispanic Committee of Virginia and run by Barrios Unidos and the Greenbrier Learning Center.

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada led the 'Attention to Prevention' press conference on December 4 and was joined by Congressman Moran and the leaders of the three nonprofits. Tejada said that for there to be success in this effort, "there has to be a whole community involvement," according to The Connection.

The photo shows Walter with Barrios Unidos' Kevin Sanchez who mentors Arlington middle and high school students. (Photo: Seth Rosen/The Connection.)

Fitness Arlington Gets Traction

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada and his work on 'Fitness Arlington' was included in an article on childhood obesity in the Washington Post. "Although the obesity epidemic costs Virginia, Maryland and the District $3 billion annually, localities in the region have few programs designed to help obese children, a group of health directors and other officials were told recently." (See earlier post on 'Fitness Arlington'.)

Tejada is "launching a countywide program called 'Fitness Arlington' next year that he hopes will be a selling point to employers eyeing vacant office space in Crystal City. That area will be hard hit with the coming loss of 17,000 defense and contracting jobs recommended by the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission."

Tejada also said "it is in localities' best interests to promote healthy lifestyles, given rising health-care costs. Employers often look at obesity rates in states where they're looking to relocate. "It's a big deal, and we have to get involved," Tejada said.

NOTE: You are invited to attend the Fit Arlington Cafe, a community-wide dialogue on how to inspire fitness, with County Board Member Walter Tejada and Arlington Schools Board Member Ed Fendley on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Walter Reed Community Center (2909 16th Street South). To RSVP, email ELegg@arlingtonva.us. If you have any questions, contact Laura Lazour at (703) 228-3324. Healthy refreshments will be served.

Tejada Speaks on Immigration

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada will be discussing immigration issues in a talk sponsored by Arlington League of Women Voters, tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Career Center, according to the Washington Post.

This event is free; the Center is located at 816 S. Walter Reed Drive.
For more information, call (703) 536-8270.

Fitness Arlington!

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada yesterday announced “Fitness Arlington,” a year-long effort looking at both physical and emotional health, according to the Sun Gazette. Tejada said, “We're going to find out what makes a healthy community - [and] we want to have fun."

You are invited to attend the Fit Arlington Cafe, a community-wide dialogue on how to inspire fitness, with County Board Member Walter Tejada and Arlington Schools Board Member Ed Fendley on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Walter Reed Community Center (2909 16th Street South). To RSVP, email ELegg@arlingtonva.us. If you have any questions, contact Laura Lazour at (703) 228-3324. Healthy refreshments will be served.

Update: The Dec 2 Fit Arlington Cafe event was highlighted in Back Fence.

(Full Sun Gazette Article Below)

Fitness to Be County Focus in 2007
by Scott McCaffrey, Staff Writer
(Created: Wednesday, November 15, 2006 8:08 AM EST)

Arlington government officials are hoping that 2007 is a year when county residents commit to get fit.“We're going to hit the ground running, literally,” said County Board member Walter Tejada, who on Nov. 14 announced plans for “Fitness Arlington,” a year-long effort looking at both physical and emotional health.“We're going to find out what makes a healthy community - [and] we want to have fun,” Tejada said.

Working with Tejada will be School Board member Ed Fendley. They, along with staff (and, this being Arlington, no doubt a task force), will look at issues ranging from elevating eating habits to reducing stress.” A kickoff brainstorming session is slated for Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Walter Reed Community Center. Residents of all ages are invited to participate.While the effort isn't slated to start until the new year, at least one elected official has gotten a head start.

County Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman has increased his exercise routine throughout the year, largely through biking and running, and has shed some weight.“I've had a great time,” Zimmerman said at the Nov. 14 board meeting.

Tejada Visits Drew School

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada visited a Montessori classroom at Drew Model School today at the bequest of several elementary students. His visit was blogged on by the teacher, Ms. Perera. Drew is a countywide and neighborhood school named in honor of Dr. Charles Richard Drew.

Tejada Works for Webb

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada's support for US Senate Candidate Jim Webb was highlighted in the article 'Webb, Allen court Hispanic, white-collar voters in N. Va.' in the Virginia Pilot. Earlier this week, Tejada organized a public event for Webb, emphasizing the need for leadership in the US Senate.

See also 'Tejada Endores Webb' on October 3, 2006 and 'Tejada Supports Webb' on October 24, 2006.

(Full Article from the Virginia Pilot below.)

Webb, Allen court Hispanic, white-collar voters in N. Va.
By Dale Eisman, The Virginian-Pilot © October 25, 2006

Bailey's Crossroads - Democrat Jim Webb made his pitch to a gathering composed largely of Latino carpenters and other blue-collar workers, promising them "a voice where there is no voice today" if he's elected.

Republican incumbent George Allen delivered a business-oriented appeal to a mostly white-collar audience, talking of lower taxes and insurance pools he said would give Hispanic and other minority entrepreneurs a better chance to prosper and expand their businesses.

In vote-rich Northern Virginia, where one in four residents is either Hispanic or Asian in origin, the immigrant vote could prove critical in the tight Allen-Webb race. Each candidate has worked this week to go after it.

On Monday, Webb lunched with about 60 supporters convened by Arlington County Board chairman Walter Tejada, the area's highest-ranking Hispanic official. Webb accepted a $4,000 campaign donation from a group of carpenters and told them it meant far more to him coming from working people than would the same amount donated by a wealthy benefactor.

On Tuesday it was Allen's turn. At a midday gathering at a Latino-owned bakery, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez endorsed his candidacy and Allen emphasized his support for lower taxes and his opposition to gay marriage.

Allen also claimed the endorsement Tuesday of the Latino Coalition, a business-oriented group that has endorsed a broad spectrum of candidates in both major parties, ranging from conservative Republican Allen to liberal Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York.

While appealing for Latino support, both men trod carefully on the issue that Hispanic leaders say is most important to their voters: immigration. Allen, who has called for construction of real and "virtual" fencing to control the nation's border with Mexico and who insists that illegal immigrants must be prosecuted, did not even mention immigration in his appearance Tuesday.

Webb told his supporters on Monday that he favors "secure" borders and "fairness" in dealing with thousands of immigrants who are in the United States illegally but have gotten jobs and are productive members of their communities.

Reach Dale Eisman at (703)913-9872 or icemandc@msn.com.

Tejada & Urban Policy

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada's selection by Governor Timothy M. Kaine to be part of the Governor's Urban Policy Task Force, a Cabinet-level task force that will review economic, social, and fiscal conditions in Virginia's urban areas, was noted in The Connection.

Tejada Supports Webb

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada spoke about his support for Virginia Senate Candidate Jim Webb in the Washington Times.

"With two weeks until the Nov. 7 election, Mr. Webb, 60, and Mr. Allen, 54, are in a statistical tie. The race could decide which party controls the U.S. Senate, and sets the agenda on the Iraq war, immigration reform and President Bush's tax cuts. Tejada said yesterday that Mr. Webb's early opposition to the war, his push to raise the minimum wage and his ideas on immigration resonate "very well" in the Hispanic community. "He knows what it's like to be poor," Mr. Tejada said. "He also feels earned citizenship needs to be an option for those who can show they have done well, not violated law, who pay taxes. Why should they be denied the opportunity in this country if they have been here for many generations in some cases?"

Mr. Webb, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, favors a path to citizenship for the estimated 12 million to 20 million illegal aliens who are in the U.S. "People who say 'no amnesty' or that we are not going to do anything with the individuals who are here are basically looking at a fairy tale," Mr. Webb told reporters yesterday. "The people who actually have put down long roots in these communities, we need to find a process to bring them properly into society and into the work force."

See also 'Tejada Endorses Webb' October 3, 2006.

Tejada Dances for Charity

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada participates tonight in a 'Dancing with the Stars' fundraiser for the Bonder and Amanda Johnson Community Development Corporation in Arlington's Nauck neighborhood, according to the Washington Post. The event will take place tonight at 6pm at the NRECA building. Also participating in the event are County Board Chair Chris Zimmerman and Del. Albert Eisenberg with WJLA's Elliott Francis as the master of ceremonies.

The event will support affordable housing in Arlington and "will feature a dancing competition inspired by ABC's television show 'Dancing with the Stars'." The Washington Post article featured a dancing Walter with two photographs, one on the cover of the Metro section, and another inside. (The current Arlington Connection has several more photographs though they are not online.)

Tejada Named To Urban Policy Task Force

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada has been appointed to Virginia's Urban Policy Task Force by Governor Tim Kaine, according to the Washington Post. This Task Force is "a Cabinet-level task force that will review economic, social, and fiscal conditions in Virginia’s urban areas."

According to the press release, the task force is charged with developing "a comprehensive state urban policy that will give particular attention to actionable, top priorities and establish specific quantifiable benchmarks to address economic and social conditions and inequities within urban areas."

Tejada Endorses Jim Webb

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada joined other Latino leaders in endorsing Jim Webb's candidacy for the U.S. Senate and announced the formation of 'Adelante con Webb,' at the Gran Palenque restaurant, according to this press release, the Fairfax County Times, and the Raising Kaine blog.

Walter said, "We need someone in the Senate who will inspire us and work to bring us together. Jim Webb offers leadership with hope, inclusiveness and opportunity.”

For more, visit the Jim Webb for Senate website.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada helped start Arlington County’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, according to the Arlington Connection. Tejada offered a speech on "Latinos Making a Difference in Arlington" and lauded the achievements of staff Sgt. Felix Herrera. Herrera is a graduate of Washington-Lee High School and taught at Wakefield High School. He completed two tours of duty, in both Afghanistan and Iraq."

Tejada said, "too many times we focus on the challenges, and not the other 99.9% of the population thriving."

The County has a press release that highlights events for Hispanic Heritage Month including salsa lessons and family-oriented programs at local libraries including Central Library and Columbia Pike Library.

What A Great Fiesta Politica!

Update: The Fiesta Latina was highlighted in the Daily Kos.

Thanks to all who participated in yesterday's Fiesta Politica!

Those who were able to attend know that the room quickly filled with children and grandparents, with union representatives and Delegates, with high school students and activists, all eating tasty empanadas and arroz con pollo.

The room rocked when Walter Tejada introduced the great Governor of Virginia, Tim Kaine. And it would be hard to believe that all of Ballston didn't hear the room explode with appreciation when the Governor said, "This is the real world of Virginia!"

Photos will be online soon.

Community Role Models Continued

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada helped host the Community Role Models' Second Annual Summer Celebration at Whitlow's on Wilson on July 17, according to The Connection. This initiative "was started in 2004 by County Board Member Walter Tejada, as a way to familiarize Arlington's young adults with the nonprofit organizations and volunteer options available to them."

Tejada said at the Celebration, "Arlington has a pool of very talented, energetic, young people … who are eager to participate and help" and he cited Arlington’s highest per capita population of young adults as evidence for why the community should reflect diversity, not just pertaining to race and ethnicity, but diversity of ages, viewpoints and gender as well.

According to Tejada, "We need to encourage young people to engage in civic life in a way that they enjoy it" including celebrating Arlington’s diverse community, providing its young adults with leadership roles, and encouraging them to become part of the 'Arlington Way' tradition."

Volunteer Christie Amberman said, "It’s easy to be too focused on your job or education," she said. "CRM is a great opportunity to feel more connected … it makes a difference in making Arlington your home. We have a different activity each month. You can try out something new, and if you like it, find a long-term opportunity, like mentoring a child or working in the Arlington public libraries."

Upcoming CRM events include the Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment’s Pickup & Drinkup and Offender Aid and Restoration’s Project Christmas Angel. For more information, visit CRM’s Web site. Tejada declared that "Community Role Models' future is bright, its limit is whatever limit you want to set."

See Also:

• Tejada's CRM Program in Action (June 2, 2005)
• Tejada and Community Role Models (June 2, 2004)

Tejada: We Need Affordable Housing

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada spoke out about affordable housing, "the most challenging subject facing our community," in The Connection. Speaking at the Civic Federation earlier this year, Tejada declared, "We continue to struggle as best as we can, but we need to come up with different options. We need to try new things."

The article reported that "between 2000 and 2005 the county lost 9,900 affordable housing units, or 52 percent of its total. Since November 2004, owners of more than 2,300 rental units have begun the process of converting them into condos, and another 500 units are scheduled to be demolished to make way for townhouses and other high-priced dwellings."

SUMMER FIESTA - THIS SATURDAY!

WALTER TEJADA'S SUMMER FIESTA POLITICA

This Saturday!

August 19, 6pm - 8pm

with
Guest of Honor Governor Tim Kaine

Saturday, August 19, 2006
NRECA Conference Center
4301 Wilson Boulevard in Ballston

(free parking using the North Taylor entrance/underground garage)

CLICK HERE for more information!

Or contact (703) 379-7487 or TejadaRSVP@aol.com.

ALSO APPEARING! Los Quetzales Mexican Dance Ensemble!

Columbia Pike Transformation

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada commented on the building of a grocery store on Columbia Pike, "which neighbors and county officials hope will someday serve as a catalyst for the transformation of the south Arlington corridor," according to the Arlington Connection. Tejada said he was "committed to making [a new grocery store] happen. It might take a few months longer, but it's worth waiting."

Supporting the Voting Rights Act

Michael Paul Williams, a columnist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch calls for the need for unity between the African American and Latino communities, particularly through the renewal of the U.S. Voting Rights Act of 1965, in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Tejada says, "Why are we putting more impediments out when we'd all like people to vote in greater numbers?"

Ya Marchamos, Ahora Votamos

"Arlington County Board member Walter Tejada joined elected Latino officials from across the region last week to announce the start of a voter registration drive, with the goal of getting tens of thousands of Spanish-speaking citizens to the polls this November for the first time," according to the Arlington Connection.

More about the campaign can be learned from the website, www.yamarchamosahoravotamos.org. "The organizers of the registration drive believe they can get 50,000 new voters across the region, with perhaps several thousand from Arlington. They harbor no illusions that the thousands of Latinos marching earlier this year will — or can — vote this fall. But they do believe that by raising the community’s political awareness, they can have a massive impact on elections in the coming decades."

Clarendon Center Success

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada was cited in an article in the Arlington Connection that reports on the success of the urban renewal around Clarendon Center. This project builds new office, residential and retail project while preserving historic structures. Tejada said, "This is a good lesson that we don’t need to rush to do a project that doesn’t meet the standards of the neighborhood."

Tejada Seeking 500,000 New Voters

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada is helping lead the effort, with other local Hispanic elected officials, on "a regional voter-registration campaign with the hope of gaining at least 500,000 new Hispanic voters by Election Day," according to the Washington Times. Tejada said, "We've got to educate our community overall on what are the nuances of voting. It's important people know who, where and by when they can vote."

To learn more about this voter-registration campaign, visit: http://www.yamarchamosahoravotamos.org/.

Tejada: US Senate Moves Are Positive

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada said that there is positive movement in the immigration reform in the US Congress, according to the Washington Times. Tejada said, ""A lot of the lobbying seems to have paid off, at least within the Senate. And while many of the things in the Senate do concern me, and a lot of other people, it's something to work from."

Tejada on Bush's Immigration Initiative

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada was cited in an article on President Bush's public announcement on immigration on Monday night, in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Tejada said Bush "took a very significant step. We acknowledge that there is no silver bullet. But by asking for a middle ground, that means there will be no amnesty and no arrest-and-deport. Those are the extremes, and we need to find middle ground."

Tejada Joins Walk for Animals

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada joined other County Board Members today in the Animal Welfare League of Arlington's '2006 Walk for the Animals.'

"This year’s Walk for the Animals was another record-breaker, raising over $70,000!" The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is a private, non-profit, progressive humane society committed to the humane treatment of animals and to the promotion of animal welfare.

Tejada Speaks at Business Council

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada spoke this morning on 'Immigration, Business, & Opportunity for the Democratic Party' at the monthly meeting of the Northern Virginia Democratic Business Council. He was joined by Dan Restrepo of the Center for American Progress.

Tejada on Buckingham Village

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada spoke out against the demolition of the 444 apartments at Buckingham Village. On April 19, the Arlington County Historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board took a step on April 19 that may protect the complex, "at least temporarily,", according to the Arlington Connection. Tejada said, "I will leave no stone unturned to try to preserve our community within the boundaries of the law."

Tejada Calls for Civic Participation

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada called for a day of "peaceful civic participation" on May 1, according to a press release today. He encouraged "all residents of the Washington metro region to “participate in activities on May 1st in support of our hardworking immigrant community, particularly activities that are peaceful, educational and raise awareness of the contributions immigrants make to our nation."

Tejada also declared that “Civic participation, community service, and speaking out are the finest traditions of our American society.”

Latino & Jewish Community Lobby for Education

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada was one of the leaders of the Latino and Jewish community who will join together in Richmond on February 1 to lobby Virginia Legislators on behalf of immigrants rights and access to education, according to a press release.

This effort is sponsored by VACOLAO (Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations) and the American Jewish Committee (AJC). "The two teams prepared together for the lobbying session and are scheduled to meet a number of legislators during the all-day session, the first of many programs of advocacy, training, and education planned for the coming 12 months."

Tejada is a former Chair of the Virginia Latino Advisory Commission.

Tejada: "How About Affordable Housing?"

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada expressed his disappointment with the recent County Board vote approving the creation of “a western entrance to the Ballston Metro station, after the County Board narrowly approved a controversial high-rise building in return for the developer’s assistance in constructing the new Metro portal,” according to the Arlington Connection.

Said Tejada, “At the end of the day we could have gotten more in public benefits. This may cause us to revise the way we evaluate these things. We don’t need to incentivize to this level.” The newspaper said that Tejada “voted against the proposal because there was no developer contribution toward affordable housing. He questioned how his fellow board members could approve granting so much increased density to a project without the county receiving any affordable units, or cash contributions to a housing fund, in return.”

“I’m disappointed … there should have been other components here toward affordable housing,” Tejada said.”

True Cost of Immigrant Benefits

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada is cited in an article titled, 'Immigrants' Benefits to be Debated' in the Virginian-Pilot. "The cost of undocumented immigrants to Virginia taxpayers will be debated by legislators during the upcoming General Assembly session, which opens Wednesday."

On the one hand, some legislators say "the reforms are needed for the state’s safety and because immigrants are stretching thin government resources earmarked for public benefits." On the other hand, "some Hispanic leaders in Virginia think the initiatives are largely directed at Latin American immigrants, and they question legislators’ motives."

“Where is the evidence that they’re draining the system?” asked Walter Tejada, chairman of the Virginia Latino Advisory Commission. He called the proposed measures mean-spirited and divisive. “If you’re just saying this because you think people who look a certain way and have a certain accent are a problem, then that’s another context,” he said. Tejada stressed that he does not support illegal immigration and believes the federal government must pass comprehensive immigration reform. But to find solutions statewide, he said, legislators also must weigh how legal and unauthorized immigrants contribute to the state’s economy. “Some people like to paint it as, 'Let’s just get rid of all of them,’ ” Tejada said. “If you have that mentality, we really cannot work constructively.”

The article also highlights the impact on higher education and how much public money is at stake:

• “Last year, a bill was introduced to prohibit unauthorized immigrants from attending state universities, but it was killed. Some college-age youth who would be affected were brought to the United States unlawfully by their parents and have spent most of their lives here. Tejada said denying young people a college education is relegating them to second-class status.”

• “It is unknown exactly how much public money is spent on undocumented immigrants. A 2003 study by the state Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission found that the use of major social service benefit programs by Virginia’s foreign-born residents is negligible. “We have had, and continue to have, policies in place that prevent undocumented aliens from obtaining public assistance benefits,” said Duke Storen, director of benefit programs for the state Social Services Department. “We really don’t have this problem that some purport that we do.”

(In fact, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission study states that “Review of available data shows that Virginia’s foreign-born population is an integral part of the Virginia economy. ... costs associated with disproportionate usage of services by the foreign-born appear minor.”)

Latino Reception for Tim Kaine

TONIGHT: Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada is a co-chair (with Mickey Ibarra & Philip Vasquez) of the Official Pre-Inaugural Latino Hour Reception for Governor-elect Tim Kaine. This event is hosted by the Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia. For more information, contact (703) 379-7487 or KaineJan6RSVP@aol.com.

Agenda 2006

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada was cited in two articles in the Arlington Connection today.

In an article on 'The Ten Things to Look For in 2006' in the Arlington Connection. "Arlington Latino leaders and Democratic politicians have denounced these proposals and said they would exacerbate bigotry in the state. “We can expect an antagonistic and negative environment in the General Assembly this year,” said County Board member Walter Tejada. “We will do our best to bring the facts forward and show there are a lot of benefits of having a big immigrant community in Virginia.”

Separately, in an article on the 'Priorities for Year-Long County Board Term,' Tejada said the lack of affordable units was an important issue to address in 2006. He would conduct "a public forum to discuss housing cooperatives as a viable alternative in Arlington."

Affordable Housing for 2006

Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada suggested a possible initiative for local affordable housing is "creating cooperatives, where tenants can buy into the building," according to WTOP News. The County Board sees affordable housing as a priority for 2006. Arlington is "a place where you can walk to the Metro, shopping, or most anything else. But finding a place to live in Arlington is becoming more difficult and expensive. ... [The County] has 5,000 units that are considered affordable housing, but more than 9,000 have disappeared over the past five years."

Separately, Tejada was reappointed to several regional committees and bodies, according to Arlington County's Organizational Meeting on Regional Appointments. These included:

• Human Services Policy Committee, Council of Governments
• Public Safety Policy Committee, Council of Governments
• Northern Virginia Regional Commission