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Canal Welcome Center draws crowd for Christmas celebration
Nancy Isles Nation
Marin Independent Journal
Article Launched: 12/23/2006 10:34:12 PM PST
Children gather around Santa Claus (College of Marin Latino Student Union president Hector Gomez) before he hands out presents during the celebration. The party drew more than 500 people. (IJ photo/Alan Dep)
San Rafael's Canal community embraced the holiday season with a festive celebration at Pickleweed Community Center on Saturday.
The fourth "Christmas in the Canal" or "Navidad en el Canal" was celebrated by residents with music, carols, entertainment and 500 taco lunches.
The event was sponsored by the Canal Welcome Center, an organization that serves immigrants. The organization offers programs to help residents obtain services, learn English and develop the skills needed to earn a living.
"The Welcome Center brings the community social good and economic well-being," said Douglas Mundo, executive director.
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Luis Martinez of San Rafael holds his 2-year-old son, Luis, as they listen to musicians Saturday during the Canal Welcome Center's Christmas party at Pickleweed Community Center. (IJ photo/Alan Dep)
Canal honors Cesar Chavez
03/26/06
Mark Prado
Marin Independent Journal
Sun, sprinkles and smiles were in abundance Saturday in San Rafael in the Canal neighborhood as hundreds turned out to celebrate the birthday of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.
"Cesar Chavez knew the power of the community and that's what we see here today," said Douglas Mundo Duran, director of the Canal Welcome Center, which helped put on Saturday's celebration. "This type event brings people together and unifies. That is important in times like now when we see people coming together and marching again."
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'We are all immigrants'
Many turn out to show support
Rob Rogers and Tad Whitaker
Marin Independent Journal
Thousands of people left work and school Monday and took to the streets, voicing support for immigrant rights in marches, vigils and rallies in San Rafael.
An estimated 3,000 people gathered on the steps of Mission San Rafael Arcangel at 10 a.m. before marching three miles to the Marin Civic Center, where they held a rally at the lagoon
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