Ever wonder why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the US and Mexico? Every May 5th, Americans take the opportunity to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with parades, mariachi, Mexican folk dancing, Mexican food, and margaritas. A relatively minor holiday in Mexico has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United States. But the question is, what does May 5th really celebrate?
It is not the birth of Captain William G. Dana, settler of Rancho Nipomo in 1839, although it falls on the same day. Nor is it Mexican independence from Spain as most might think. A talk by DANA docent, Stephen Siemens, titled “More Than Mariachis – The Origins of Cinco-de-Mayo” invites you to discover California’s unique connection to this popular holiday, from the events surrounding the Battle of Puebla (May 5, 1862) to early observances in California.
The talk will take place at the DANA Adobe Cultural Center on Sunday, April 29, at 2:00 PM. DANA members are able to attend the talk for free, otherwise, admission is $5.00.
Stephen Siemsen (SEEM-sen) was born in Venice, California, and lived in Lompoc from 1958 to 1965. A 34-year career with the Army and Department of Defense sent him everywhere but California. Now retired, Stephen and his wife Lisa reside in Orcutt. Besides his interest in California history, Stephen also enjoys birdwatching, camping, and genealogy.
Last Updated: April 25, 2018 by Marina Washburn Leave a Comment
DANA Featured on Monarch Radio
Tune into 107.9 FM Monarch Radio at 8 AM, to listen to Jan Schmidt interview Marina Washburn, Executive Director of DANA about the long-awaited grand opening of the DANA Adobe Cultural Center!
You can also listen to the interview on SoundCloud, Click Here to listen now.
Last Updated: April 25, 2018 by Marina Washburn Leave a Comment
More Than Mariachis – The Origins of Cinco-de-Mayo
It is not the birth of Captain William G. Dana, settler of Rancho Nipomo in 1839, although it falls on the same day. Nor is it Mexican independence from Spain as most might think. A talk by DANA docent, Stephen Siemens, titled “More Than Mariachis – The Origins of Cinco-de-Mayo” invites you to discover California’s unique connection to this popular holiday, from the events surrounding the Battle of Puebla (May 5, 1862) to early observances in California.
The talk will take place at the DANA Adobe Cultural Center on Sunday, April 29, at 2:00 PM. DANA members are able to attend the talk for free, otherwise, admission is $5.00.
Stephen Siemsen (SEEM-sen) was born in Venice, California, and lived in Lompoc from 1958 to 1965. A 34-year career with the Army and Department of Defense sent him everywhere but California. Now retired, Stephen and his wife Lisa reside in Orcutt. Besides his interest in California history, Stephen also enjoys birdwatching, camping, and genealogy.
Posted: April 18, 2018 by Marina Washburn Leave a Comment
Last Updated: April 6, 2018 by Marina Washburn Leave a Comment
S.L.O.P.E. at the Dana Adobe
We are happy to announce that the San Luis Outdoor Painters for the Environment (S.L.O.P.E.) will be participating in this year’s NatureFest! Join S.L.O.P.E. as they host an interactive watercolor art project for children with artist Rosanne Seitz, while Bernie Kurtz & Larry Kappen paint en plein air on the Dana Adobe grounds.
Alongside that, DANA will be hosting S.L.O.P.E.’s “Art at the Dana Adobe” art exhibit until September 30! Bringing art and history together for this community event. The new cultural center is the result of dedication & hard work to preserve not only the Dana Adobe but educate & keep the community history alive. S.L.O.P.E. artists are honored to be part of this new beginning and to show the work they have been doing for many months in painting the Adobe and surrounding area.
See paintings by S.L.O.P.E. members: Laurel Sherrie, Bernie Kurtz, Rosanne Seitz, Larry Kappen, Dennis Curry, Bruce Everett, Mark Mertens & Denise Schryver.
Dana Adobe Cultural Center will receive a portion of art sales.
Last Updated: April 6, 2018 by Marina Washburn Leave a Comment
DANA Has Been Awarded a Grant from California ReLeaf!
DANA CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING BY PLANTING TREES, WITH A GRANT FROM CALIFORNIA RELEAF
DANA RECEIVED A PASS-THROUGH FUNDING FOR LOCAL CALIFORNIA ARBOR WEEK EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
DANA will be holding a tree planting ceremony with the support of Pacific Gas & Electric and California ReLeaf! The event will take place on Sunday, May 20 to celebrate the grand opening of the DANA Adobe Cultural Center, the newest nature education facility on the Central Coast. The tree planting will start at 11 AM and last until 12 PM, which will then be followed by NatureFest. The public is invited to join in planting trees in honor of California Arbor week and DANA’s grand opening!
“We’re excited to finally be opening the Cultural Center,” said Marina Washburn, Executive Director of DANA. “Since one of the main goals of the DANA Adobe Cultural Center is educating the public on the importance of nature and environmental stewardship, we feel that planting native trees is the perfect way to celebrate its grand opening.”
“Arbor Week is a celebration of the coming of spring, honoring the importance of trees for Californians,” said Cindy Blain, Executive Director of California ReLeaf. “Yet trees are more than a celebration: urban trees are absolutely critical to the health of our families and communities – as demonstrated by the rapidly growing body of research.”
California ReLeaf’s mission is to empower grassroots efforts and build strategic partnerships that preserve, protect, and enhance California’s urban and community forests. California Arbor Week runs March 7 – 14 each year. For more on the California Arbor Week Celebration Program, visit www.arborweek.org.
DANA Cultural Center
DANA Facebook
Sign-Up for our Email Newsletter!
Take Me Off the Mailing List
Tell Us About Your Experience at Dana Adobe