The beautiful new Piazza Costanza in Little Italy
On November 28, 2023, the new Piazza Costanza was dedicated in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. The public space, filled with inviting tables and umbrellas, honors Margaret “Midge” Costanza, a trailblazer who became the first woman to hold the title of Assistant to a United States President. Costanza was a daughter of Sicilian immigrants. Her...
California WWII veteran, 103, shares remarkable life story and advice for young people: 'Pray every night'
A California WWII vet who ran the Nuremberg Opera House — welcoming the likes of Mickey Rooney and Bob Hope — turned 103 last month. Now, he's sharing his tips for a fulfilling life — which include good food, good wine and a wonderful wife. "I’m Italian, so pasta is the first thing that comes to my mind," Sam Avolicino of Danville told Fox News Dig...
Desert Arc celebrates 65th anniversary at Italian festival, car show in Indian Wells
It was a glorious day on Nov. 18 as Desert Arc celebrated its 65th anniversary with an Italian Festival & Car Show hosted by Southwest Church in Indian Wells. Mario Del Guidice, owner of Mario’s Italian Cafés, who has championed Desert Arc’s mission for more than 40 years, generously underwrote the food for the event, with 100% of proceeds donated...
Italian military jet team will be at the 2024 California Capital Airshow
Just over two months after the 2023 California Capital Airshow, organizers announced an appearance from an Italian military jet demonstration team at the 2024 edition. The Frecce Tricolori will appear for an evening airshow on July 13 and 14, one of seven appearances the team will make in the United States, according to organizers. The Italian team...
Jingle all the way to Little Italy in San Diego!
The most wonderful time of the year is finally upon us, and Little Italy San Diego has saved the best for last! Dressed in festive finery, the historic neighborhood of Little Italy has transformed into a winter wonderland, bringing the magic and joy of the holidays to locals and visitors alike. So, hitch a ride on Santa’s sleigh and make your way d...
Napa biz buzz: Italian holiday market pops up at First Street Napa
Biordi Art Imports will open an “Authentic Italian Holiday Market” in downtown Napa this holiday season. The temporary shop opens at First Street Napa on November 24 at 1300 First St., Suite 251 in Napa. The selection of Italian items will include: hand-painted Italian ornaments, Christmas decorations, serving platters and bowls, Champagne buckets,...
Riccardo Rossati - Villa Arconati and imaginary worlds
From November 16, 2023 to March 31, 2024. The Museo Italo Americano (Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd. Building C, San Francisco, CA) is delighted to present: Riccardo Rossati – Villa Arconati & Imaginary Worlds, an exceptional exhibition featuring the works of an Italian artist, whose vision is characterized by surreal and imaginative qualities. T...
Ambassador Zappia’s visit to Berkeley Lab and SkyDeck and meetings with Italian and Italian-American associations in San Francisco
A visit to Berkeley Lab, a research platform founded in 1931, supported by the Department at Energy and endowed with more than $1 billion in annual budget, kicked off Ambassador Zappia’s second day of mission to the Bay Area. Welcomed by Carol Burns, Deputy Director and Chief Research Officer, the Ambassador met with Professors Alberto Sangiovanni...
Botticelli Drawings in San Francisco
November 19, 2023 – February 11, 2024. Legion of Honor - Rosekrans Court: Lincoln Park. 100 34th Avenue (at Clement Street), San Francisco, CA. Botticelli Drawings is the first exhibition ever dedicated to the drawings of Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli (ca. 1445 – 1510). Exploring the foundational role drawing played in Botticelli’s work, the...
Castello di Amorosa, a Romantic 14th Century Tuscan Castle–But It’s in California!
A 14th century Tuscan castle in the middle of Napa Valley? No, your eyes are not deceiving you. This is the surprise that greets many visitors to California’s wine country. Castello di Amorosa is a winery located near Calistoga, California, that was built by Dario Sattui, a fourth-generation vintner who wanted to honor his Italian heritage and his...
LA’s Italian hub and history
The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) is located in downtown’s Italian Hall at 644 North Main. Built in 1908 as a community center, the hall is one of the oldest remaining structures in historic Little Italy and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I can only speak for myself, but I didn’t even know we had a Little It...
Emigration: from the Silver Screen to daily life through history
Italy once again sets its sights on the Oscars, spotlighting a theme that’s as relevant as it is enduring: immigration. This issue, marked by identity and turmoil, has been part of the nation for decades, echoing a shared experience with many other countries. Io Capitano (Me Captain) by Matteo Garrone is Italy’s latest nominee for Best Internation...