Cover
Café Puente
OUR VOICE
CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION IN PETALUMA
FALL 2026
EDITION 03
SPECIAL EDITION SPONSORED BY SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
OUR ROOTS
Page 01 – Letter to the Community
Dear Café Puente community,
The strength of our Latino community has never been defined by the challenges we face, but by the way we respond to them: united, with hope, and with our hearts leading the way.
Even as we continue to face prejudice and discrimination, at Café Puente we have chosen to respond not with fear, but with solidarity, love, and the firm conviction that together we are stronger.
Every gathering, every program, and every celebration represents an opportunity to teach our children that the best way to confront racism is to remain united, support one another, and feel deeply proud of who we are and where we come from.
Looking back at this summer, our hearts are filled with gratitude. Thank you to every family, volunteer, collaborator, and ally who made Café Puente a place full of life, learning, and hope. Your participation shows that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, no challenge can stop it.
This new edition of our magazine celebrates exactly that: the power of our people, the richness of our culture, and the impact we create when we walk together. Every story, photograph, and memory you will find in these pages reflects the love, resilience, and commitment that define our community.
We will continue building a safe, loving, and opportunity-filled space where all families feel welcomed, valued, and supported. We firmly believe that the future we are building together will be even brighter for our children and the generations to come.
And in this spirit of unity, we extend our embrace to the communities of Venezuela and Colombia, who are experiencing moments of deep loss after the recent earthquakes. Their pain touches us, and from Café Puente we send solidarity, strength, and support to all families affected, both within and beyond our community.
Thank you for your trust, affection, and commitment to Café Puente. Our team will always be by your side and welcome you with open arms at every one of our upcoming programs, events, and celebrations.
With gratitude, Eliot Enriquez Co-Director, Onulive
Page 04 - Introduction: Our Roots
Our collaboration with Café Puente’s Raíces group began with the intention of creating community connections between our Ethnic Studies Department at Sonoma State University and the Latino community of the county.
Unlike other academic fields, Ethnic Studies—and more specifically Latino and Chicano Studies—emerged from social and community movements that, in the mid-20th century, demanded that the knowledge and culture of Latino communities in the United States be incorporated into university curricula. More than 50 years after this community victory, those of us who work in this field do so with the premise that public universities must serve the community and remain open to feedback.
We also recognize that knowledge is not only found in books or institutions like museums, libraries, and schools. The oral histories of our grandparents, parents, neighbors, and friends also teach us about our family past, our individual identity, and the history of the places we inhabit.
The profiles, testimonies, and micro-histories presented in this edition of Café Puente’s magazine make visible the presence of the Latino older adult community in Petaluma. They honor their voices and contributions to the social life of the city and clearly show Petaluma as a multilingual community where people think, live, and feel in Spanish.
These stories are also sites of knowledge that show the resilience of the Latino community as they navigate migration processes, factors such as war and poverty that push people to migrate, and systemic racism in labor and educational spaces. As the members of Raíces express, this resilience is sustained by multigenerational family and community bonds, individual and collective memories, and community spaces like Café Puente, which become medicine against loneliness and depression.
In the end, the testimonies of Raíces members teach us that what makes a community alive and active are the human connections and the biological or chosen families that form it.
Thank you, Natalia, María de Jesús, Edgar, Luisa, Aureliano, Roberto, Nelly, Margarita, Trinidad, Olivia, Janie, María, Chabela, Yolanda, and María del Carmen, for sharing your memories and reflections with us and with the readers of this edition. Thank you also to Emilie, Gyselle, Mely, Fer, and the entire Café Puente team for allowing us to be part of your community work.
Natalia Villanueva-Nieves & Silvia Soto Professors, Ethnic Studies Department Sonoma State University
Thank you to Sonoma State University for sponsoring the printing of this edition. Your support makes it possible to share the work and voice of our community.
Pages 06 - Stories: Raíces
Natalia
Santa María del Oro, Jalisco, Mexico 79 years old — 20 years in Petaluma
Torundas for Katy
I have a granddaughter who loves torundas. She is vegan. In this story, I want to share how I prepare vegan torundas for my granddaughter, Katy.
You knead the shortening with baking powder and a little baking soda. You cook the vegetables—onions, carrots, potatoes, celery, and whatever you like—and make a broth. You buy Maseca tamale flour. You place the flour where you warmed and kneaded the shortening. You add the Maseca little by little. I don’t measure. Then you mix in the broth. Everything. You knead the dough for a long time so it becomes fluffy.
Separately, you fry some beans—nice and oily with green chile so they release flavor.
Then you take small balls of dough, make a little tortilla, add the beans, and wrap it in a fresh green corn husk, not the dry tamale husk. You wrap it like a little molote. Then you boil water in the steamer. You arrange the torundas inside. Once they’re all arranged, you place the dry vein of the corn husk on top of the pot so it releases flavor.
You serve them with tomato chile, cream, cheese—however you like. My granddaughter eats them only with tomato chile. And these are the torundas I make for her when she asks, “Grandma, when are you going to make torundas again?” We share them with joy.
Nelly
Santa María del Oro, Jalisco 68 years old — 53 years in the U.S. — 35 years in Petaluma
My Family
I want to share a brief reflection. I used to be stressed and depressed because of the loss of my father, mother, and two siblings. However, now I feel happier because I met Café Puente. Here I have a family. We sing, play, dance, shout, and do many activities. I am very happy to have found Café Puente. And as we say: let’s keep going!
Aureliano
Santa María del Oro, Jalisco 76 years old — 36 years in Petaluma
When I Was a Bandit
I have so many stories to tell, but I want to share the most beautiful one.
When my family and I lived in Chicago, I started coming to California to hunt, and I liked it—especially the schools for my children. In Chicago I had work, a house, and family. My four children and my sister’s children were like siblings. We had family.
But in 1990, I told my family we should come to California for vacation and that if I found work, we would stay. They didn’t believe me. But we came, and luckily, I found work—and we stayed. We had nothing. We slept on the floor. A month later, I went back to Chicago for the rest of our things.
The biggest problem was that my children had left their cousins, who were like siblings, in Chicago.
One day, while watching a western movie with bandits and outlaws, my six-year-old son said: “You’re a bandit because you stole us from Chicago and brought us here.” It hurt me deeply. I wondered: What did I do? I felt terrible. A bandit?
Now that my children are grown, they are all happy and grateful that we moved to California. They visit their cousins in Chicago; we always visit. But they now understand that coming to California was the best thing for us.
Margarita
Punta Arenas, Chile 74 years old — 24 years in the U.S.
Memories of My Youth
I remember my parents. They are no longer in this world, but the lessons they gave me stay with me. They taught me to be a good person—respectful, loyal, friendly. From them I learned to love my children deeply and care for them.
We were seven siblings. I remember that we lived very united, but in poverty. We lived with scarcity in every sense—housing, clothing. We lived in what in Chile is called a rancho, the poorest type of home, without electricity or radio, so we didn’t listen to music. We cooked and baked bread using firewood.
To go to school, we walked along a rocky path at the foot of a hill. Even so, I managed to study through secondary school. I wanted to go to university, but money didn’t allow it.
Despite the difficulties, I kept moving forward. From my youth I learned that you must fight and keep going. You must motivate yourself. Here, I don’t have wealth, but I have what I didn’t have there. In the end, I am very happy here with my two daughters and granddaughter, who are the reason I live.
Edgar
Originally from Guatemala City 67 years old — In Petaluma since 1998
How I Found Motivation to Keep Studying
This is a story from my time as a student in this country. I had already visited the U.S., but I began living here in 1973, in San Francisco. I attended Lowell High School. My mother wanted me to go to a Catholic school. She didn’t want me in a public school. But Lowell was one of the best schools in the state, with high demand. My mother agreed to let me attend a public school only if I was accepted at Lowell because of its reputation.
They accepted my application, and my mother let me go.
In my second-to-last year of high school, I met with my counselor to talk about my plans for college. Lowell is a school focused on preparing students for the best universities in the country.
I told my counselor: “I want to go to the University of California.” He said: “Edgar, I think that’s a good idea, but realistically, let’s talk about the state university.”
I understood his advice as if he thought I didn’t have the ability to go there. I felt underestimated and wondered: “Is it because I’m Latino that he thinks I can’t go to the University of California?”
But I applied — and I was accepted at UC Berkeley, where I studied. Later, I attended the University of San Francisco to study law.
I am grateful that someone who didn’t believe in me gave me motivation to succeed.
Olivia
Uruapan, Michoacán 64 years old — 8 years in the U.S. — Lives in Petaluma
A Happy Life at Café Puente
One day I went for a walk in the park because I felt very sad, and I met Gyselle from Café Puente. She gave me a little paper with information about the Raíces group.
I am very happy to have found this program. It has helped me a lot with my depression, because before, I felt depressed all the time. At first, I thought I wouldn’t be able to come because I don’t drive, but I learned how to take the bus so I could attend.
The people in the group are very kind; they appreciate me. This program has helped me so much.
Luisa
Managua, Nicaragua 76 years old — 40 years in the U.S. — 22 years in Petaluma
A Sacrifice All My Own
I worked as a babysitter, and I feel very grateful for my job — and grateful to this country for giving me a place to live.
I have three children. Two came here as adults — one at 10 years old, the other at 23. But I lost a daughter at age 50 in Nicaragua. It was a very deep pain. She has been gone for nine years now.
I am proud of my work. I cared for many children who now have children of their own. First I cared for two, then another baby was born in another family. Then I began caring for three. They made me laugh because they fought with each other. The two brothers always teamed up against one another. The children took away my stress. I took them to the park, to the movies. I had so much fun with them.
I still visit the youngest one, who now has a baby of his own. Another lives in Los Angeles, and another in Mill Valley. Then the pandemic came, and I retired. I was caring for other children before the pandemic, but now I’m 76 — I have to take care of myself.
The last child I cared for was the one I enjoyed the most. His parents work in San Francisco. I took him to sports. He would say: “When you pick me up, bring me a different food.” One day I brought him a burrito, another day Subway, another day tacos, another day tortillas with beans. Every day was different. His name is Leo, and he is now in college. I visit him and bring him his favorite Chinese food. He’s tall now — 6'1".
You grow attached to children who aren’t yours. I love them all. I call them on their birthdays.
I thank God for bringing us to this country. How would I be in my country under the communist Daniel Ortega? I lived through a war there. Bullets flying. I hid under the bed — though what would that save me? To find food, we went to the market. We traded what we had for rice and beans. There was no food. Hunger — real hunger.
Planes flew overhead shooting. Tanks passed by. We hid inside our homes. We put wet mattresses up as protection. Horrible. Very hard.
We walked two hours to the market. We looted stores and traded goods for food. That’s why I came here — and because they took my son to war. He was 18. They almost killed him. A farmer came to tell us where he was. My husband went to get him wearing civilian clothes to avoid danger.
I came first, alone, to work and bring my son. I am happy because I brought him here. He studied English. He is an accountant now. Married with children.
Thank God we are here. I have grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
María de Jesús
Jalostotitlán, Jalisco 88 years old — Lives in Petaluma
Grateful to Café Puente
I am very grateful to Café Puente. I was very sad and depressed. My children brought me from Mexico after my husband died. I left my home and my country. I left everything. You feel lonely and sad.
I live on a ranch with my daughter, but she goes to work and I stayed alone. My granddaughter, Estrella, told me: “Grandma, do you want to go to Café Puente? There are people who speak Spanish. Do you want to go so you can have fun and not be alone?”
She is the one who brings me to Café Puente.
For me, it has been a joy. I spend time with others. You distract yourself in company, because when you stay alone, you get depressed. I am very happy with this group. It has helped me so much.
When you no longer work and have nothing to do, you sit in a corner thinking things you shouldn’t think. It’s better to come here and feel good.
I am very grateful for Café Puente.
Roberto
Jacona, Michoacán 75 years old — 6 years in Petaluma — In the U.S. since 2002
My Happy Childhood
I remember that I had many needs and hardships because of lack of money. There was no money at home to buy toys. Most of my friends were in the same situation, so we always tried to make our own toys.
We played with dirt, mud, old tires, jump rope, and many other fun games. One example is the zumbador. We flattened a bottle cap with a stone and prepared it so we could pass a string through the center — a string we took from my mother’s sewing box.
Another toy was the spinning top, with which we held competitions. We also organized soccer games with old, damaged balls or balls made of cloth because we didn’t have money to buy a real one.
I remember those times because there was a lot of poverty, but I learned to value things. I miss those times that will never return.
Trinidad
Rancho Amole, Guanajuato 76 years old — In the U.S. since 1970 — 19 years in Petaluma
My Family Story
I am very proud of my family. I thank God for giving me this long life, and I feel very happy to have my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In this story, I want to show my family as an example of unity and the importance of continuing our traditions.
The collage that illustrates my story includes a photo of my grandmother, María Guzmán, holding me; a photo taken around 1951 at Rancho Amole; photos of my parents, Simona Vega and Victorino González; a photo of my children Carlos, Guadalupe, Hernán, and Esther taken in the snow in Reno in 2001; a photo of my grandchildren taken in Petaluma in 2024; and a photo of my great-grandchildren.
I am very happy to have found this program at Café Puente. I love being part of it because I can distract myself from my routines, and it is very pleasant to participate. The people in the program are all happy faces. I am very grateful to Gyselle and Nelly.
Here, we forget our problems, worries, and sadness. Thank you, Café Puente, for helping us so much.
Janie
From Texas — Lifelong connection between the U.S. and Mexico
Gratitude
My childhood was very sad. My mother died when I was born, and my father left me with my grandmother. My father died when I was thirteen. My uncles and older cousins took care of me.
Right now, I am grieving the loss of my husband. My life has had many sadnesses and losses, but also many joys.
In the Raíces group, I have found friendships with whom I can share my feelings. The group has lifted my spirits. After my husband passed away, everyone was there for me.
Petaluma is a community with many resources and programs that help people with their needs.
Thank you to Gyselle, Nelly, and the entire Raíces group for being present for me.
Chabela
Lima, Peru 74 years old — 55 years in Petaluma
My Three Little Angels
I can say I was lucky — or more than that, God was with me. I have three sons, brave in spirit, mind, and body. I ask myself: Who taught them those virtues? I don’t take credit, because since they were born, I had to work nights.
Sometimes I think it was my sons who helped me change and become stronger emotionally.
My oldest son once told me: “Make your decisions without having to feel ashamed.” Those words were beautiful for me.
My middle son teaches me to set boundaries, to say “no” even to the people I love. When I hear him give me advice, I feel a strong inner strength.
My youngest — though he is now an adult — teaches me to be calmer. For example, when I can’t find my credit card and want to call immediately to cancel it, he tells me to think and wait a little before calling the bank.
In my living room, I had a large painting of the Virgin Mary with three little angels. Visitors admired the size of the painting, and I would say: “These three little angels are my three sons.”
María del Carmen
La Piedad, Michoacán 75 years old — 30 years in the U.S. — 8 years in Petaluma
What I Carry With Me
I begin my story by sharing about the Saint Benedict medal I carry with me. It is good to wear it because the cross is a protection. I am devoted to Saint Benedict because he protects me if someone wants to harm me.
I have five children — three sons and two daughters. I have seven granddaughters and seven grandsons. They all live nearby, in Petaluma and Sonoma.
When I go to Mexico, I visit my sisters. We are six sisters, and I am the youngest. One has already passed away. They are all older now. When I visit, we talk about our children. They ask when I will return and tell me that maybe they won’t be alive the next time I visit.
I ask about their daughters — my nieces — who are married and living near Joya de Mulas, Guanajuato, the ranch where my family is from. I am the only one of my sisters who moved to the U.S.
When I married, my husband bought me a house in La Piedad, where I lived with my children for many years. When my older children grew up — at 18 and 20 — they wanted to come to the U.S. with their father. My husband was able to arrange documents for all of us, and during a visit, we stayed.
I didn’t want to stay. I had my house in La Piedad, where I was happy. Here, I didn’t know anyone. Now I live in Petaluma. My children live nearby. I have two grandchildren in Mexico; I miss them, but I see them when I visit.
My daughters don’t want children — they only have cats, and well… they are our grandchildren too.
María
San Francisco del Rincón, Jalisco 75 years old — 35 years in Petaluma
Memories
I was born in San Francisco del Rincón, Mexico. I am 74 years old. I am the first of 13 siblings.
My parents are Alfonso Aceño and Carmen Hernández. Childhood was very different then. We played with very few things — broken dishes to pretend we were cooking, tag, hide-and-seek, and many fun games like lotería. There was no technology.
I grew up and came to California. I worked in the fields and later moved to Chicago, where I married. I have been married for 53 years. I have four children and seven grandchildren. Five live in California, and two live outside the country, so I miss them very much.
I am very happy to be part of this Café Puente group.
Yolanda
Santa María del Oro, Jalisco 65 years old — 38 years in Petaluma
The Torres Family
I have been in this country for 47 years. I arrived at age 18. It was a different country, where no one spoke my language. I arrived in San Rafael, newly married, without children.
I met my husband when he visited my town. We married, and I had to wait until I turned 18 to come to the U.S. We arrived in San Rafael. I didn’t know English.
Two weeks later, I started working — first cleaning hotel rooms, then houses and offices. In three months, I had plenty of work. When my husband lost his gardening job, I helped him find work in the homes I cleaned. We worked together — him outside, me inside.
When I arrived, I had a dream: to have children, give them an education, have a beautiful home, and give them what they deserved. And I achieved it. I made mistakes, but I learned and kept going.
I had three children. My oldest son experienced all those economic adjustments and transitions. He now has a son of his own. My daughter has two careers. She first studied to become a dental assistant, and later trained as a stylist. She is very sociable and loves working with people. She now has her own beauty salon and lives in Rohnert Park with her husband and children. My youngest son recently graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in engineering. He works in San Francisco and comes home on weekends.
I did everything for my children. My greatest wish was for them to have everything they needed. Everything I worked for, I worked for them. I dedicated myself fully to my family and my work, and it was worth it.
When I didn’t like the education my oldest son received in public school, I worked hard to send my two younger children to a private school. I fought for my children and was always attentive to them — giving them good examples, making sure they felt proud to be Latino, and guiding them to be good citizens.
I feel like a fulfilled woman; everything I dreamed of, I achieved.
Page 16 - RAÍCES
Well‑being and community for older Latinx adults
Raíces is a Spanish‑language space for Latinx adults ages 60+ who are looking for companionship, joy, and a place where they can feel at home. Every week, the group grows and fills with new smiles, new stories, and new friendships.
Every Monday, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Coffee and Community, where the tables fill with homemade dishes and treats that everyone brings to share. With the care of coordinators who accompany each activity, the group talks, plays, creates, remembers, and even goes on outings.
Here, our cultures are celebrated and brought together.
Raíces is a place where community embraces one another and flourishes together.
Page 18 - PUENTISTAS
Puentistas is a free Spanish‑language space for Latinx youth ages 15+ who are looking for a place where they can feel seen, heard, and supported. Here we celebrate our roots and biculturalism as a source of strength, creating a safe environment to connect, learn, and grow together.
First and third Friday of each month, 6:00–8:00 PM
With music, food, games, and deep conversations, the group strengthens confidence, friendship, and leadership.
Art, identity, and leadership. Youth who inspire and transform. Being a Puentista means being part of something alive.
Here we grow, create, and support one another.
Page 20 - PUENTECITOS
Puentecitos is a free Spanish‑language space for children ages 0 to 5 and their families. Here, play, music, and art become bridges to make friends, strengthen Spanish, and celebrate our cultures from early childhood.
Each session brings stories, songs, dancing, and creative activities in a warm, family‑friendly, joyful environment.
“In Puentecitos, my daughter makes friends… and so do I. It is a space where families support one another and grow together.”
PUENTECITOS SCHEDULE
Tuesday 10:30 AM Playgroup
Wednesday 10:00 AM Stories with Rhythm (third week of the month)
Thursday 10:30 AM Playgroup
Saturday 11:00 AM Story Hour
Like little bees in a hive: growing, exploring, and supporting one another.
Page 24 - LATIDOS
We make the heart dance!
LATIDOS is a space where dance becomes expression, community, and joy. People of all ages come together to move, learn, and feel the rhythm as a place of trust and connection.
Each class is living energy: music, stories, identity, and movement that strengthen confidence, celebrate diversity, and unite cultures.
Moving your body, stepping out of routine, and releasing stress — each class is an invitation to care for your physical and emotional well‑being while sharing with others. You do not need experience, only the desire to feel the rhythm and let yourself go.
At LATIDOS we dance in Spanish, with energy, culture, and a lot of heart. Here, movement unites, transforms, and brings joy back.
Weekly schedule:
Monday Urban Dances I — 4:30 PM (ages 4–6) Urban Dances III — 5:15 PM (ages 12+)
Wednesday Bachata and Merengue — 7:00 PM (ages 18+)
Thursday Partner Salsa — 7:00 PM (ages 18+)
Friday Urban Dances II — 4:00 PM (ages 7–11)
Page 26 - FESTIVAL OF LATINX ARTISTS
A stage to celebrate the talent of our community.
This festival brings together dancers, musicians, singers, rappers, and creators of all ages. It is a space where the community shares its art, identity, and cultural pride. Each performance is a reminder of the creative strength that lives within Café Puente.
Page 27 - LATIDOS ANNIVERSARY
We celebrate the progress, effort, and heart of our dancers.
The LATIDOS anniversary is our spring showcase: a moment to recognize each student’s growth, dedication, and the journey they have taken throughout the year. It is a celebration of movement, joy, and community, where the program shows how it has flourished thanks to those who dance with us.
Page 28 - Children’s Theater
Acting · Scriptwriting · Set Design
A new program! With great excitement, we present this new creative laboratory led by Latidos, inviting children ages 7–11 to discover theater through imagination, play, and collective creation. Through acting, movement, scriptwriting, and scenic design, participants will build an original play to present to the community.
Beginning January 13 Every Wednesday, 5:00–6:30 PM January – June 2027
The project is led by independent artist María Fernanda Rondón, with the support of actor and director Nikko Kimzin, founder of Kimzin Creative, who will contribute guidance in acting, directing, and stage presence.
Limited spots! Scan the code and register before December 19.
Page 29 - LUNA
Latinos United for Our Students
The LUNA Council was created to give Latino families a real path to participate in their children’s school. It is a space where parents can understand how decisions are made, how school administration works, and how their voice can influence their children’s learning and well‑being. LUNA offers families the opportunity to get involved and become leaders within their school community.
LUNA is currently active in two schools:
John Reed Elementary First Tuesday of the month 5:30–6:30 PM
McDowell Elementary First Thursday of the month 5:30–6:30 PM September 2026 – May 2027
If you would like to join your school’s council, scan the corresponding code. Your participation matters and creates change.
If you want LUNA to come to your child’s school, mention it to your administrators or call us. We are ready to support more families and open more spaces for Latino leadership.
Scan and register.
For more information, contact us: (707) 303‑0441
Page 30 - Chatino Classes
At Café Puente we celebrate the linguistic richness of Latin America by offering Chatino classes, an Indigenous language from southern Oaxaca. Guided by María Salinas — community leader and advocate for linguistic justice — these sessions are an act of resistance, healing, and cultural pride.No experience is required; only the desire to learn and honor our roots.
Every Tuesday, 4:30–5:30 PM
“When I teach Chatino, I feel like I am planting life for my community and for my history.” — María Salinas
Chatino Day of the Dead Celebration November 1, 2026
Page 32 - Mamás Unidas
A space of support and connection for Latina mothers
Mamás Unidas was born from the dream of a community mother, Kimberly: to find a place where Latina moms could feel heard and support one another. That desire became a support network that celebrates the strength and heart of Latina mothers.
More than a group, it is a safe space just for them. Here, moms talk, give advice, laugh, and take a break from routine. It is a corner to reconnect with their identity, build bonds, and discover what grows when we walk together.
Second and third Friday of the month 6:00–8:00 PM
Page 33 - Upcoming Events
September
18 - Poetry Night 6:00–8:00 PM
An evening to share words that connect us: poems, stories, culture, or something you have written and want to read. An open space for all voices, where every text finds a place within the community.
October
22 - Celebration of the Heart 6:00–8:30 PM
Our annual event where the community comes together to support Café Puente and the programs that bring this space to life. An afternoon full of music, performances, food, raffles, and moments that remind us of the strength of being together. Every contribution supports the work we do throughout the year and celebrates our community, which is the heart of Café Puente.
November
01 - Day of the Dead with the Chatino Community 3:00–6:00 PM
The Chatino community organizes this beautiful and powerful event where they celebrate Day of the Dead at Café Puente just as they do in their homeland in southern Oaxaca.Come see the impressive altar, learn about Chatino Indigenous culture, and enjoy traditional Oaxacan food such as mole and handmade tortillas.
December
05 - Latinx Artists Festival 5:00–8:00 PM
Organized by our dance program LATIDOS, the Latinx Artists Festival is a space to share talent, identity, and community. An evening where students, musicians, singers, dancers, and local creators come together on an open stage that celebrates our stories and the cultural strength that moves us.
12 - Holiday Celebration 5:30–8:30 PM
Professional photographer Laura LeCave returns this year to take family photos in front of a festive holiday backdrop. There will be tamales and champurrado from Angie’s Tamales. Come celebrate the season with your loved ones at Café Puente.As with everything at Café Puente, events are free and in Spanish.
Page 37 - Programs and Activities
Raíces Ages 60+ Coffee and Community Mondays, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Latidos Ages 4–6 Urban Dances I Mondays, 4:30–5:15 PM
Latidos Ages 7–11 Urban Dances II Fridays, 4:00–4:45 PM
Latidos Ages 12+ Urban Dances III Mondays, 5:15–6:00 PM
Latidos Ages 18+ Bachata and Merengue Wednesdays, 7:00–8:00 PM
Latidos Ages 18+ Partner Salsa Thursdays, 7:00–8:00 PM
Puentecitos Ages 0–5 Playgroup Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Puentecitos Ages 0–5 Stories with Rhythm Third Wednesday of the month, 10:00–11:00 AM
Puentecitos Ages 0–5 Story Hour Saturdays, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Puentistas Ages 15–30 Connection and Culture for Youth First and third Friday of the month, 6:00–8:00 PM
Chatino Classes All ages Indigenous language from southern Oaxaca Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 PM
Mamás Unidas Exclusive group for mothers Support and connection for Latina moms Second and fourth Friday of the month, 6:00–8:00 PM
Page 43 - Connect with Café Puente
Discover more, participate, and stay close to our community.
Scan the QR codes to access two key resources:
Our community app has become an essential tool for continuing to grow alongside our community.
Through it, we can register attendance, measure our impact, and continuously improve the programs we offer. Using the app is an important part of participating in our activities and programs, and it helps us keep this space alive, organized, and accessible for all families who are part of Café Puente.Scan the QR code to access our app and stay connected with everything we do.
Would you like to receive reminders, news, and important messages?
Join our official WhatsApp group and stay up to date with what is happening at Café Puente. Scan the code to join the group.
Your participation strengthens families, celebrates our roots, and builds community.
Thank you for being here.
Page 44 - Product Catalog
Poetry Night T‑shirt from $16.00
Black Hoodie — Dalya $33.00
Café Puente Hoodie — Amigos from $30.00
Corazón Puente T‑shirt from $16.00
Baby Outfit — Dalya $20.00
Café Puente T‑shirt Available in four colors from $16.00
Children’s Hoodie $33.00
Page 45 - Thank You to Our Sponsors
Your support makes every step we take as a community possible.
Peter E. Haas Jr. Family Fund
First 5 Sonoma County
Sonoma State University
City of Petaluma
Healthy Petaluma Foundation
Community Foundation Sonoma County
Kaiser Permanente
Sonoma County
Creative Sonoma
Bothin Foundation
Petaluma Valley Hospital - Providence
Measure I — Our Kids, Our Future
We lovingly thank our photographers: Laura LeCave, Miranda Carreño, and Autumn Fuentes Photographers’ Instagram: @chicacamera · @fotografia_nisa · @autumnslenspix
Cover: First Anniversary of Latidos — Café Puente dancer with her friend and her mother
Back Cover: Ballet Folklórico Ireri of Petaluma at our May Cultural Market
Scan this code to view the digital English version of this magazine.
Back Cover
Café Puente
OUR VOICE
CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION IN PETALUMA
FALL 2026
EDITION 03