Special Guest: Ted G. Loza

Community Organizing

Ted Loza is the Director and Founder of UNiTED Consulting Associates LLC, a consulting firm based in the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., which specializes in government relation, intergovernmental affairs, community advocacy, small businesses, events planning, translations and interpretations.

Ted has nearly three decades of experience in local governments, advocacy and coordinating events. While at DC Government, he worked on educational programs for the Department of Correction, the Office of Personnel, and the Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining, to name a few. He later worked as Chief of Staff in the City Council—the legislative power—of the District of Columbia. Ted has also volunteered as a court interpreter for non-English Speaking Latinos in the Juvenile and Domestic Court of Fairfax County, Virginia, mentored Latino inmates in Arlington and Alexandria county jails, as well as other programs of social impact in the DMV. 

Ted migrated to the United States from Ecuador at an early age without speaking a word of English. Today he speaks four languages and has traveled to more than forty nations across four continents. He grew up in Northern Virginia.

Opinion - Opinión

The Absurdity of “Self-Deport” Signs in Airports

As Seen in Miami International Airport

The Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection have filled airports with “self deport” signs, a stunt that reveals more about political theater than immigration policy. The message is simple: undocumented residents should turn themselves in. The reality is laughable. Airports are the most controlled spaces in the country. To even reach the concourses where these signs hang, you must show a REAL ID-compliant license, a U.S. passport, or another government-approved form of identification. The very people these signs supposedly target cannot get past the first checkpoint.

That makes the signs nothing more than a performance. They are not designed to convince anyone to board a plane and leave the country. They are designed to intimidate, to remind every lawful traveler that the government’s obsession with deportation is never far away. They serve as propaganda, not policy, aimed at voters and taxpayers rather than undocumented residents.

This is not only cruel but wasteful. Millions of dollars are poured into signage campaigns that have no practical purpose. Meanwhile, the real issues in immigration remain untouched. Courts are backlogged, asylum claims are stalled, and industries that rely on immigrant labor are buckling under worker shortages. Instead of fixing a broken system, DHS spends money on empty gestures.

The absurdity of these signs cannot be overstated. They criminalize the air we breathe in airports, spaces that are already secure and exclusive to documented travelers. This is not about enforcement. It is about normalizing fear, turning every corner of public life into a reminder of the state’s appetite for removal.

“Self deport” signs in airports do nothing to solve the immigration crisis. They are propaganda in fluorescent lighting, a waste of money, and a cruel joke on the American public.



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Click on the picture of the sign above to see the text and translation.

TEJANO ICON BOBBY PULIDO IS OFFICIALLY RUNNING FOR CONGRESS: SOUTH TEXAS IS ‘IN MY DNA’

The singer behind hits like “Desvelado” is stepping away from music and into politics, hoping to unseat Republican Monica De La Cruz in Texas’ 15th district

By TOMÁS MIER

September 17, 2025

Last year, musician Bobby Pulido tearfully announced that he’d be going on one final tour to celebrate more than 30 years as a Tejano icon. His reason for retiring? To trade concerts for a career in politics.

MSNBC Alex Witt Reports - Bobby Pulido iinterview

“Let’s be honest, this is the most conservative district in South Texas,” Pulido tells Rolling Stone. “I think you need to have a candidate that is tailor-made for the district in order to flip it. I don’t think a progressive will ever be able to flip this district — doesn’t matter how popular you are, it’s just not made that way.”

He puts it simply in his campaign video: “I’m not team red. I’m not team blue. South Texas, I’m team you.”

The 15th district spans more than 300 miles across South Texas, covering rural areas along the border where Pulido says many residents have felt disenfranchised and disconnected from the Democratic Party, but also upset with some aspects of the Trump administration’s approach to immigration and other issues. He says he isn’t afraid to go against the party line, centering his campaign on three issues: immigration, healthcare, and the economy.

On immigration, he says he opposes both Biden’s “open borders” approach and Donald Trump’s deportation push that has separated families. On the economy, he wants to champion working families by “investing in skills and apprenticeships, and creating high-wage jobs that keep our talent right here at home.” And on health care, Pulido admits he doesn’t have insurance himself, citing skyrocketing prices, and says he wants to put people ahead of Big Pharma.

“I really feel like the country’s off kilter right now. There’s a tremendous imbalance and I can either stay on the sidelines and be a guy with an opinion or I can actually attempt to do something that most people think is not doable, which is win in a heavily gerrymandered district,” Pulido says.

For his campaign, Pulido is spotlighting his family values, Mexican American identity, and lifelong ties to South Texas as the son of immigrants who built a life in the community. He hopes to draw on both his cultural roots and the respect he’s earned over his storied music career to connect with voters and represent the region he feels deeply tied to on a national stage.

Read the entire interview HERE and watch the interview by clicking the video above.

Current Events - Eventos Actuales

The Latin Recording Academy® Announces 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® Nominees

The Latin Academy's membership body of music creators, who represent all genres and creative disciplines—including recording artists, songwriters, producers, recording engineers and mixers—vote during the Awards Process.

This year's Album Of The Year category features an exceptional group of creators across a variety of genres who reflect the diversity within Latin music and its growing cultural influence worldwide: Rauw Alejandro, Bad Bunny, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Gloria Estefan, Vicente García, Joaquina, Natalia Lafourcade, Carín León, Liniker, Elena Rose and Alejandro Sanz.

Read more HERE and watch the announcement in Spanish by clicking the video above.

This prestigious award celebrates a rising Latino/a changemaker demonstrating remarkable leadership, potential, and commitment to community impact. You can watch it here by clicking the video above.

Quick Takes

Resources - Recursos

Braddock District Supervisor Special Election to fill the vacancy created when James Walkinshaw was elected to Congress

Firehouse Primary

October 4, 2025

Any registered voter in the Braddock District may cast their ballot

in person at 3 locations on Saturday, October 4th, or securely online by pre-registering from September 27th to October 1st, and then casting their vote by October 4th @ 5 PM.

Click HERE to learn about the candidates, how ranked-choice voting works, and how the ElectionBuddy online voting system works.

Special Election

December 9, 2025

GENERAL ELECTION

Early In-Person Voting

Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Your General Assembly Delegate

September 19, 2025

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Pkwy, Conference Rooms 2/3,

Fairfax, 22035

September 19 – November 1

Monday – Friday: 8 am – 4:30 pm

Saturdays (Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 1): 9 am – 5 pm

Sundays (Oct. 26): 1 pm – 5 pm

OPEN Monday, October 13 (Columbus Day): 8 am – 4:30 pm

Mt. Vernon Governmental Center

2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, 22306

and

North County Governmental Center

1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston, 20190

September 19 – November 1

Monday – Friday: 1 pm – 7 pm

Saturdays (Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 1): 9 am – 5 pm

Sundays (Oct. 26): 1 pm – 5 pm

OPEN Monday, October 13 (Columbus Day): 1 pm – 7 pm

Early Voting

September 19, 2025

Abigail Spanberger, other candidates and elected officials joined voters from across Fairfax County to cast their early in-person votes for the General Election.

Latino Caucus members Leonel Rojas and Marta Calderon joined Abigail Spanberger welcoming voters to the Fairfax County Government Center to cast their early in-person votes.

At all three open early voting locations on the first day:

• 2,432 people voted
• more than 2/3 were Democrats

Events - Eventos

Library of Congress Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Tejas Roots Music and Tambuco Percussion Ensemble

American Folklife Center

Library of Congress

September 24, 2025 @ 7 - 8 pm

Thomas Jefferson Building

10 1st Street SE, Washington, DC

Free event.

The Library of Congress is honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with a performance by acclaimed musician Nick Gaitán and his band playing Tejas Roots Music and a high-profile concert by Mexico’s Grammy-nominated Tambuco Percussion Ensemble. Click HERE or the picture to learn more and get tickets.

38th Hispanic Heritage Awards

September 26, 2025 @ at 9:00 pm

Airs on PBS

Click the images above to learn more.

The program celebrates the achievements of Hispanic and Latino artists and visionaries. The ceremony will be hosted by actress and producer Mayan Lopez (Lopez vs. Lopez), featuring special musical performances by honoree Gloria Trevi, and a lineup of chart-topping, award-winning artists including Daymé Arocena, DannyLux, Lisa Lisa, and RaiNao. The evening promises an electrifying celebration of music and culture, with appearances by iconic artists and trailblazers such as Ivy Queen, Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), Paulina Chavez, Crazy Legs, Humberto Gatica, Members of Menudo Gina Torres, Ivette Rodriguez, Julian Works, and more.

2025 Honorees: RAUW ALEJANDRO (Vision), FELIX CONTRERAS (Journalism), CHEECH MARIN (Arts),  ROSIE PEREZ (Leadership), JULISSA PRADO (Entrepreneurship) and GLORIA TREVI (Legend)

Festival Latinoamericano

September 27, 2025 @ 5 - 9 pm

Arlington Mill Community Center

909 S Dinwiddie St, Arlington, VA 22204

Enjoy the rich tapestry of Latin American art, food, and culture found right here in Arlington, celebrating the vibrant and diverse cultures that enrich our community. Our mission is to showcase the rich tapestry of Latin American art, food, and culture in Arlington County, providing a platform for local artists, chefs, and performers to share their talents and traditions with the public.

Festival Latinoamericano is FREE. Registration is not required, but heavily encouraged to allow us to have an accurate count of anticipated attendance.

Manassas Latino Festival

September 27, 2025 @ 11 am - 6 pm

The Loy E. Harris Pavilion

9201 Center Street

Manassas, VA 20110

The Manassas Latino Festival is an annual event which includes live music, dance performances, diverse foods and other fun activities for the entire family, all in celebration of the cultural heritage and contributions of the Latin American community to our City, surrounding areas and to our nation. 

The Manassas Latino Festival is a project of Sambos USA, Inc.

Fiesta DC

September 27 & 28 @ 11 am - 7 pm

Pennsylvania Ave NW

between 7th NW and 3rd St NW

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Fiesta DC! This two-day extravaganza transforms Washington, D.C. into a global fiesta celebrating Latino cultures. Savor authentic and diverse Latin American cuisine, lose yourself in the infectious rhythms of live music and dance performances, and explore a marketplace brimming with handcrafted artisan creations. Fiesta DC is a celebration for all ages, offering engaging activities and fostering a spirit of community and cultural exchange.

Immigration Challenges for Unity and Community Action

Virginia Latino Leaders Council

October 2, 2025 @ 6 - 8:30 PM

Location upon registration

Lia Parada

Consultant, Parada Strategies

Vanessa Cardenas

Executive Director, America's Voice

Zuraya Tapia-Hadley

Member, Arlington School Board

Elizabeth Guzman's

6th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Gala

October 7, 2025 @ 6 - 10 pm

Army Navy Country Club

Arlington, VA

Please join Keynote Speaker Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13 & Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus), Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8) and other special guests.

Click on the pictures for tickets.

30th Annual

Kennedy-King Dinner 2025

October 23, 2025

6:00 pm reception; 7:00 pm dinner

Doubletree by Hilton Crystal City

300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington 22202

Featuring Special Guests

Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8)

& Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42)

We come together from across Northern Virginia to celebrate the legacies and aspirations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, to advance the Democratic Party’s mission for peace, justice and equality, and to Turn Virginia Blue.

PURCHASE YOUR TABLE OR TICKETS EARLY TO SECURE PREFERRED SEATING VIA KENNEDYKING.NET

Rep. Don Beyer (VA - 8)

Rep. Robert Garcia (CA - 42)

26th Annual Latin GRAMMYs

November 13, 2025 @ 8 pm

Broadcast Live on Univision

The show will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. 

2025 Latin GRAMMYs: Album Of The Year Nominations

2025 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Full Nominations List

2025 Latin GRAMMYs: Record Of The Year Nominations

2025 Latin GRAMMYs: Song Of The Year Nominations

Meet the Candidates and Get Involved

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Statewide Candidates

We have excellent candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Click on any picture to learn more about the candidate and how you can help.

Abigail Spanberger

for Governor

Ghazala Hashmi

for Lieutenant Governor

Jay Jones

for Attorney General

Click HERE to download talking points for Jay Jones.

Latino Candidates for House of Delegates

Alfonso Lopez

District 3 (Arlington & Alexandria)

Elizabeth Guzmán

District 22 (Prince William County)

Michelle Maldonado

District 20 (Manassas and Manassas Park)

Fernando “Marty” Martinez

District 29 (Leesburg)

Phil Hernandez

District 94 (Norfolk)

Alfonso Lopez, the first Latino Democrat elected to the General Assembly, has led efforts to pass the Virginia DREAM Act and expand driver’s license access for immigrants.

Elizabeth Guzmán was the first Latina elected to the Virginia General Assembly in its 200-year history and is now running to continue bringing inclusive, values-driven leadership to one of Virginia’s most competitive districts, while capturing for the Democrats the last Republican-held seat in Prince William County.

Michelle Maldonado is a long-time resident of Prince William County and the City of Manassas and has proudly served in the House of Delegates fighting for families, a cleaner and greener economy, accessible and affordable housing, healthcare and reproductive rights, technology and innovation to keep Virginia competitive, and funding for schools and teachers as our students recover from learning loss.

Phil Hernandez, a civil rights attorney and former Obama administration official, brings a strong policy background to the legislature and is fighting for public education and working families.

Fernando Martínez, elected in 2023, is a rising voice for housing affordability, immigrant protections, and inclusive economic growth in Northern Virginia.

https://www.youtube.com/@FCDCLatinoCaucus

Latino Caucus

Fairfax County

Democratic Committee

Click HERE to join FCDC

www.FairfaxDemocrats.org

 ‌or HERE to join our mailing list



Maritza Zermeño — Chair

Marta Calderon — Secretary

Leonel Rojas — Social Media Master



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