NUESTRA VOZ (OUR VOICE)
CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION IN PETALUMA
BRENDA GARCÍA
ROOTS THAT UNITE US
FROM CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY
FALL 2025
EDITION 01
ROBERTO AND ROSARIO
Page 2 – Letter from the Directors
Dear Café Puente Community,
Thank you to all of you who have helped us grow so much this year. 2025 has brought many very difficult things, but at the same time, there have been so many beautiful moments full of community and joy here at Café Puente.
We are proud to present this new magazine titled OUR VOICE. We hope to publish three editions each year to keep you informed about our programs and community. We also hope it will be a way to celebrate the people who make this place shine so brightly!
In this first edition, you’ll find inspiring stories from participants of Raíces, Puentecitos, and the Concilio Latino. You’ll also see details of all the programs we offer and seasonal monthly calendars you can use to plan your activities with us.
It is thanks to our beloved volunteers and donors that 100% of our programs are free. Thank you so much to all who support as volunteers and donors. Our mission to provide a multicultural Latin center in Spanish and Indigenous languages would not be possible without you!
Our hearts are full of gratitude. We hope you enjoy this first edition and take it as an invitation to get more involved in our community, because we know that together we can achieve more.
It is our vision that there will not be a single Latin person in Petaluma who does not feel deeply connected to their community. Help us achieve this goal by inviting a friend or family member to Café Puente! May this magazine be a concrete way to spread the word about everything we are creating here.
In community,
Eliot and Emilie
Co-Directors of Café Puente
Page 3 – Index
INDEX
Roots that unite us: Roberto and Rosario, pillars of Café Puente
From Caterpillar to Butterfly: The story of Brenda and Café Puente
Honoring Julia: Volunteer, donor, friend of Café Puente
Puentistas: Program for youth
Raíces: Wellness and community for older Latinx adults
Chatino Classes: Indigenous language from southern Oaxaca
Latidos: We make the heart dance!
Puentecitos: Program for children ages 0–5
Events: Learn about seasonal events
Calendars: Community activities and opportunities
Page 4–5 – Roberto and Rosario
ROOTS THAT UNITE US: ROBERTO AND ROSARIO, PILLARS OF CAFÉ PUENTE
A place to gather and flourish
“Café Puente has been very enriching for people like us, older adults,” shares Roberto. “Here we spend time with new people, avoid isolation and stress, and feel as if we were one family.”
Rosario adds enthusiastically: “It’s like being in our country. We can talk, open our hearts, socialize… and the time feels too short. I wish there were more days to meet.”
The dream of a vibrant community
Roberto dreams of seeing the program grow: “I’d love for more people to join, for us to have celebrations like Christmas posadas or New Year’s. Even though life here is different from our countries, we can be united, joyful, and grow our community.”
Both highlight the importance of Café Puente for the Latin community: “It brings us together more,” says Roberto. “There are programs for all ages, many activities, and all of this helps us get to know each other better and strengthen our community.”
In this edition, we celebrate the story of Roberto Zaragoza and Rosario Arreguín, a beloved couple who have been present since the beginnings of Raíces, a program for Latin adults 60+ seeking connection and joy. With more than seven decades of life and a loving family, they have found in this space a second home—and in their community, a new family.
Rosario adds: “For us, as Latins, it’s like opening a door to what we are used to: gathering, sharing, feeling at home.”
A personal transformation
Since joining Raíces, their routine has changed. “It’s a great distraction that relieves stress,” says Roberto. Rosario adds: “Before, I didn’t like to go out or meet new people. Now I feel great sharing. For those with a partner, it’s wonderful; and for those without one, it’s even more special!”
With pride and affection, Rosario concludes: “The coordinator is very special. I’m happy to be part of Café Puente. I invite everyone to come, because you don’t know what you’re missing!”
Page 6–8 – Brenda
FROM CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY: THE STORY OF BRENDA AND CAFÉ PUENTE
A life-changing invitation
When Brenda García arrived in Petaluma, she had been living with her husband for four years without her extended family nearby. After her daughter Emma was born, she found herself trapped in loneliness, postpartum depression, and deep anxiety. “I endured it for a year without seeking help, just thinking it would pass,” she recalls. One day someone told her about Café Puente—a place that became her refuge.
“It was so beautiful to arrive there, meet many people, and see my daughter start socializing and sharing. I never imagined Puentecitos would become so special for us. Thanks to God and Puentecitos I’ve come out of my depression and anxiety.”
Transformation and joy
“The first time I arrived, I was like a zombie, with my hair in a messy bun, no energy. But they welcomed me with a ‘hello,’ and I felt I wasn’t alone. Before I cried from sadness, now I cry from joy, from feeling alive. It’s a hug to every mother’s heart. We arrive as caterpillars and end up as butterflies.”
Her daughter Emma blossomed too: “Before she was afraid to enter, and now she arrives excited, greets everyone, says her name out loud. She loves going to Café Puente, using crayons and watercolors. She became more sociable.”
The strength of community
Over time, Brenda found not only community but also purpose. “I met wonderful people I now call friends, and my daughter has friends too. It’s something we hope never ends, because it helps so much emotionally—for both moms and children.”
From the Latino Council to the city
From day one she showed leadership. She was invited to join the Café Puente Latino Council, which works with the City of Petaluma to uplift Latin voices. “Thanks to Café Puente I felt strong and like a better person again. I never would have dared, but I understood the Latin voice matters.”
Brenda shined in the council and then took another step: joining the City of Petaluma’s Parks & Recreation Commission. “I did it for my daughter, because I want her to grow up in a city with safe parks. Also for the children and grandparents of Petaluma. And because the Latin voice deserves to be heard.”
A visible change in the city
When Brenda and her council partner José Alegre joined the city committee, it was the first time they recognized the need to have materials and meetings in Spanish. Brenda witnessed the positive changes: “Before, nothing was in Spanish. Now I get calls, emails, and papers translated. That motivates me—change is happening. Our voice matters.”
Her message: “Latin families should feel encouraged to participate. Don’t be afraid of the language. We are almost a third of Petaluma. We have a voice and a vote.”
A heartfelt proposal
Recently Brenda brought a new idea to Café Puente leaders: opening a second Puentecitos playgroup day. She not only raised the need but also offered to volunteer as coordinator herself. “We thought another day was needed and I dared to say it. The most beautiful part is Café Puente listened. I’m ready to help because I know it will support more moms and kids.”
Dreams for the future
“Now I dream big,” she says. “I want Café Puente to grow, for more spaces like this to exist. There’s no other place like it. Café Puente is a hug for Latins, a reminder of our roots.”
Thinking of her daughter Emma: “I want her to keep her Spanish, learn other languages, dance, share, and be proud of being Latin. Café Puente is key, because here Spanish lives—with accents, pronunciation, traditions.”
A butterfly with a voice
From loneliness and depression to community leadership and civic action, Brenda’s story is proof of what Café Puente means. “I came in like a little worm that wasn’t moving forward. Now I feel like a butterfly. Before I cried because I was unwell, now I cry because I’m okay.”
Her voice now inspires an entire community. And it reminds us that when someone feels supported, they can transform not only their own life but also the lives of those who come after them.
Page 9 – Café Puente App & WhatsApp
We launched our app!
Café Puente takes a big step toward the future!
We are happy to share with you the launch of our very own application: a tool designed for you, your family, and our entire community.
From now on, you’ll be able to:
Register for your favorite programs
Receive reminders and news
See your activities in one place
Participate in events and raffles
And much more!
Scan the QR code to download it and be part of this new chapter. We want everyone to have it on their phone! It’s easy to use and made with love for you.
Would you like to receive reminders, news, and important messages?
Join our official WhatsApp group and stay updated with everything happening at Café Puente. Scan the code to join.
Your participation strengthens families, celebrates our roots, and builds community.
Thank you for being here. Discover more, participate, and stay close to our community.
Scan the QR codes to access two key resources:
Connect with Café Puente.
Page 10–11 – Honoring Julia
Honoring Julia: Volunteer, donor, friend of Café Puente
When Julia Fornage heard about Café Puente’s very first event in 2018, she was studying Spanish twice a week and was excited for the opportunity to meet native Spanish speakers in her community. She came to the event and immediately fell in love with Café Puente’s mission.
From the start, Julia gave so much to the organization as a volunteer, being the only non-Latin person to do so. Her high level of Spanish helped her make genuine connections with Spanish speakers.
At that very first event, this photo (shown here) was taken. Our graphic designer, Grecia Charry, was so inspired by it that she created the design for the next event—Poetry Night—based on the moment Julia was making a connection with a future friend.
When we opened our space on East Washington Street in 2023, Julia was the very first volunteer to commit to a fixed day at the center. She was present every Saturday for months, and her smile welcomed everyone who came through the doors.
That same year Julia became a generous donor to Café Puente, helping us employ more staff so that the organization could grow.
In September 2025 Julia passed away from cancer, leaving many family and friends missing her radiant presence that lit up every space she entered.
The month before she passed, the Café Puente team set a goal to raise money specifically to launch this magazine, OUR VOICE. Without knowing anything about this goal, Julia’s husband, Martin Fornage, donated the exact amount of money needed in her memory.
For this reason, this first edition is dedicated to Julia and everything she gave us as a community.
Thank you to Julia for her dedication and passion for our mission, and thank you to Martin for this generous gift. We will always honor Julia’s memory by growing Café Puente more and more, just as she always dreamed.
Page 12 – Donor Message
LIVE YOUR VALUES: SUPPORT CAFÉ PUENTE WITH YOUR RESOURCES
Café Puente is a nonprofit organization, which means we depend on donations to serve our community. We believe that giving is not only generous but also deeply transformative. It’s a way of saying: “I can also contribute. I too am part of the change.”
We live in an unequal world where most wealth belongs to a small few. Because of exploitation and discrimination, many Latins in our community work very hard but earn little. That’s why Café Puente is dedicated to offering all of our programs 100% free, and also making more things accessible—like providing discounts on products sold at the center.
Even though not everyone can give at the same level, we dream of seeing many more names of our program participants on our donor list. Because giving—even $5, $10, or $20 a month—is a way of empowering yourself: recognizing that you too can strengthen what is ours.
If this message resonates with you, we invite you to scan the QR code and become a monthly donor.
Your support—in whatever way works best for you and your family—is valuable and deeply appreciated.
We believe in a community where everyone contributes what they can. Whether with time, talent, food, or a small monthly donation, your contribution is part of something bigger: a movement that celebrates our roots, our dignity, and our ability to build together.
Thank you for walking with Café Puente. Thank you for believing that change starts with you.
We also know that not all of our participants want to become Café Puente donors—and that’s okay. We also depend on volunteers who give their time or families who cook at home and bring dishes to share in community. Every kind of support is important.
Page 13 – Puentistas
PUENTISTAS
Puentistas is a free space in Spanish for Latin youth ages 15 and up.
Here we celebrate Spanish and biculturalism as strengths, creating a safe environment to share ideas, connect with local leaders, and develop leadership skills.
With music, games, and deep conversations, every gathering builds confidence, respect, and friendship.
We believe that when youth come together, change begins.
We meet the first and third Friday of each month. Just show up!
"Being young and Latin in this country is a powerful force—when we come together, we weave the future with our voices, roots, and dreams."
Join us every other Friday at 6:00 PM!
Page 14 – Raíces
RAÍCES – Wellness and Community for Older Latinx Adults
Raíces is a Spanish-speaking community space for Latinx people ages 60+ who are looking for connection, joy, and holistic health. We meet twice a week and offer:
Coffee & Community: A social hour to share sweet bread, chat, and get out of the house with friends.
Every Monday, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM.Wellness & Healing: Workshops that explore our emotions as older Latin adults living in this country, with care and respect. This group will reopen in January. Contact us if you are interested in joining.
Here, deep roots are cultivated: cultural, emotional, and collective.
Page 15 – Chatino Language Classes
Chatino Classes
At Café Puente we celebrate the linguistic richness of Latin America by offering classes in Indigenous languages such as Chatino, which comes from southern Oaxaca.
Led by María Salinas, community leader and defender of language justice, these classes are an act of resistance and cultural healing.
Every Tuesday from 4:30–5:30 PM. No experience required.
"When I teach Chatino, I feel like I am planting life for my community and for my history."
—María Salinas
If you want to learn or teach an Indigenous language, contact us!
Page 16–17 – Latidos
LATIDOS – We make the heart dance!
More than dance classes, LATIDOS is a space of expression, community, and joy. People of all ages gather to move, learn, and heal through rhythm.
Each class celebrates diversity, builds confidence, and connects cultures. Here it’s not just about learning steps—it’s about sharing stories, identity, and energy.
Weekly Schedule
Urban Dances I (ages 4–6) – Monday, 4:30 PM
Urban Dances III (ages 12+) – Monday, 5:15 PM
Latin Rhythms (ages 18+) – Monday, 6:00 PM
Salsa in Pairs (ages 18+) – Monday, 7:00 PM (every other week)
Urban Dances II (ages 7–11) – Wednesday, 4:00 PM
Moving the body, freeing the mind, and reconnecting with joy: our classes are an invitation to care for your physical and emotional health while sharing with others.
No experience necessary—just the desire to feel the rhythm and let yourself go.
We dance in Spanish, with energy, culture, and lots of heart!
Page 18 – Puentecitos
PUENTECITOS
Puentecitos is a free Spanish-language program for children ages 0 to 5. Through play, music, and art, children form bonds with new friends while developing their Spanish and celebrating Latin cultures in community.
Each session includes stories, songs, dance, and creative activities in a warm, family-like environment. Families enjoy time together, sharing language and joy in the heart of the cultural center.
"Growing in community strengthens the soul from a young age!"
Page 20 – Upcoming Events
UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER
Celebración del Corazón – Oct 23, 6:30 PM (Annual fundraiser)
NOVEMBER
Día de los Muertos with the Chatino Community – Nov 2, 3:00–6:00 PM
The Chatino community organizes this beautiful and powerful event, celebrating Día de los Muertos at Café Puente just like in their hometown in southern Oaxaca. Come see the breathtaking altar, learn from Chatino Indigenous culture, and enjoy traditional Oaxacan food like mole and handmade tortillas.Know Your Rights – Nov 18, 6:00–7:30 PM
Eliot Enríquez, Co-Director of Café Puente, leads an informative session about immigrants’ rights in the U.S. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones in case of an encounter with ICE agents.
DECEMBER
Festival of Latin Artists – Dec 6, 6:00–9:00 PM
Organized by our dance program LATIDOS, this festival will showcase participants’ artistic growth alongside special guests. Through performances and hand-decorated shirts by each artist, we celebrate the power of art to heal, connect, and strengthen our community.Holiday Party – Dec 18, 5:30–9:00 PM
Professional photographer Laura LeCave returns to take family portraits with a holiday background! Angie’s Tamales will serve tamales and champurrado. Come celebrate the season with your loved ones at Café Puente!
As with everything at Café Puente, all events are free and in Spanish.