April 25th: Italian liberation day, fascism in California, and Italian Americans
As Liberation Day approaches every April 25th, the editorial pages of Italy’s national newspapers reignite the national discourse over Mussolini, fascism, and the future of Italian democracy. Although the fall of nazi/fascism may seem remote, it remains relevant today, not only to Italians but also to Italian Americans. Italian fascist influence...
Traditional Sicilian caretta finds home at the new Caretta Bar at Kern County Museum
The Kern County Museum’s newest structure in Pioneer Village was christened last week by a small gathering of museum supporters, some with family names that are well known in Kern County. Longtime local grape grower George Giumarra was there with his wife, Marcia, and son Jeff. The family, with proud Sicilian roots, was central to Museum Director M...
The Anarchist Transmitter of Sabato Rodia
In the summer of 1910, an anarchist named Sabato Rodia arrived in Seattle, a humble Italian worker visiting his brother and their comrades. Later known to the world as Sam Rodia, back then he was Sabato; quiet, passionate, and fiercely committed to the beautiful idea of anarchism where there would no more masters or slaves but only free people livi...
In Sardinia – An Unexpected Journey in Italy
When: Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 PM - Where: Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco @INNOVIT, 710 Sansome St Beyond its fabled beaches, reconsidering how its unique history and ways have shaped Italy and Europe today, Jeff Biggers, in conversation with Valeria Orani, explores how travelers must first understand Sardinia and its ancient and modern...
A Story of Family: Playa Vista writer takes first film ‘The Italians’ to local festivals
Lisa Phillips Visca has dreamed of having one of her screenplays turned into a film. She recently had this chance with “The Italians.” It made its debut at the Los Angeles Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest on Monday, March 4. It also showed at the Cinequest Film Fest in San Jose on Saturday, March 9. Later in the year, the creative team has plan...
"Italy makes me happy! Confessions of an Accidental Tour Guide"
"ITALY MAKES ME HAPPY! Confessions of an Accidental Tour Guide" with Author Dolly Goolsby. SUNDAY, APRIL 21 @ 1:30 PM - The Italian Cultural Society, 6821 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA. ADMISSION $10 • REFRESHMENTS INCLUDED • DOORS OPEN AT 1:00pm Author Dolly Goolsby shares her experiences in Italy in this book talk about her love for this beautif...
The secret garden of community in San Diego
Spring is all about new beginnings. Animals awaken from their hibernation, flowers bloom, and renewal is in the air. Perhaps this inspires you to seek new connections, try new coffee…or learn Italian? The Convivio Society listens to you! As an introduction to the Convivio Society, feel free to stop on by the Amici House and connect with our ambass...
The adventures of Pinocchio | a new translation
Thursday April 4, 2024. 6 pm. Italian Cultural Institute @INNOVIT, 710 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA. Free Admission | Registration required here. Join Anna Kraczyna for a presentation of her new translation of The Adventures of Pinocchio and find out why Pinocchio has been growing in popularity since he first came to life over 140 years ago, and w...
How Bay Area Italians Were Treated as 'Enemy Aliens' During WWII
During a casual Christmas celebration with her 90-year-old grandmother last year, Becca Gularte, a self-proclaimed history buff and third-generation Californian, was rocked by a family story she had never heard before. In 1942, her grandma Laura Gularte, then an elementary school kid in Santa Cruz, was forced to leave her coastal home because her d...
Laura Lasorda shares her love for Italy at Fullerton Library on April 9, 2024
Laura Lasorda, daughter of Tommy and Jo Lasorda, will be attending the upcoming Fullerton Sister City Association Grand Tour of Italy Informational Meeting on Tuesday, April 9th at 5 pm inside Fullerton Library Osborne Auditorium. In 2021, Tollo (Chieti) in Abruzzo, Italy became Fullerton’s Sister City in honor of Tommy Lasorda, a 63-year Fullerto...
Italian gardens were once plentiful in Mokelumne Hill
When it comes to the history of Mokelumne Hill (CA), one of its most significant stories is that of the Italians who began settling in the area in the mid-19th century and established gardens that became a major part of the local landscape. Julia Costello, a Mokelumne Hill resident who has researched the history of Italians in her hometown, met wit...
“Hooray for Hollywood! - “Save Venice ‘Los Angeles Celebration’ Raises Funds for Historic Art Preservation Efforts in Venice, Italy
Over President’s Day Weekend from February 16th to February 18th, the American non-profit organization Save Venice hosted a three-day fundraiser based in and around Beverly Hills to benefit its mission to preserve the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy. The event, which drew nearly 100 guests from around the US and U.K., marked Save Venice’s triump...