Take Action: Requiring King County Businesses to Accept Cash and the 2023 Roberto Felipe Maestas Legacy Awards Nominations

King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles has introduced an ordinance that would make it illegal for businesses in unincorporated King County to refuse payments in cash. There is a lot of data out there that shows cashless businesses hurt communities of color, seniors, undocumented residents and refugee and immigrant communities, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. Everyone should be able to participate in our economy, be able to purchase food and other basic items, and be able to pay with cash if they’re unbanked or underbanked or prefer not using bank cards because of privacy concerns.

The first hearing on this ordinance will on March 28 at 9:30 in the Local Services Committee. Please email or call your Councilmember to show your support of this ordinance! You can find your district and Councilmember contact information here and sample email and phone messages below.

Sample email:

Dear Councilmember [NAME OF YOUR COUNCILMEMBER]:

My name is [YOUR NAME] and I live in the [DISTRICT NUMBER] District. I’m writing to you to express my support for the recently introduced ordinance by Councilmember Kohl-Welles that would make it illegal for businesses in unincorporated King County to refuse cash payments
. Cashless businesses have been show to hurt already marginalized communities, like people of color, seniors, undocumented, refugee and immigrant communities, disabled people, and those experiencing homelessness

According to the FDIC’s Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2020 (May 2021), 18% of adults in the U.S. are unbanked or underbanked, meaning they may lack access to digital forms of payment, including credit or debit cards. This problem is worse for minority households, adults with less education and adults with lower income.

Another concern is that noncash transactions generate vast amounts of data. Paying with cash provides consumers with significantly more privacy than do electronic forms of payment.

Furthermore, when consumers are forced to pay for goods and services in cashless transactions, they (as well as the businesses where they shop) are also often forced to incur added expenses in the form of network and transaction fees.

It is crucial for people to be able to obtain necessities at their local stores and restaurants without being turned away because they want to pay with cash.

Thank you for your leadership on these important issues,
[YOUR NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION]

Sample phone message:

My name is [YOUR FIRST & LAST NAME] and I am your constituent. I’m calling to express my support for the recently introduced ordinance by Councilmember Kohl-Welles that would make it illegal for businesses in unincorporated King County to refuse cash payments.

Cashless businesses hurt communities that are more likely to be unbanked or underbanked, which include people of color, seniors, undocumented, refugee and immigrant communities, disabled people, and those experiencing homelessness. Cash payments also provide more privacy and do not incur added expenses in the form of network and transaction fees which burden lower margin businesses.

It is crucial for people to be able to obtain necessities at their local stores and restaurants without being turned away because they want to pay with cash.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue!

Also, read the ACLU blog post about the importance of requiring businesses to accept cash.

2023 Roberto Felipe Maestas Legacy Award Nominations

El Centro de la Raza’s late founder, Roberto Maestas helped organize the 1972 peaceful occupation of the abandoned Beacon Hill school, which later became El Centro de la Raza as we know it today. Roberto Maestas’s life was dedicated to building “Beloved Community” through multi-racial unity. He deeply believed that poverty, racism, and social inequity could only be eradicated if people of all races and backgrounds came together to do so.
 
In honor of Roberto and his legacy, the 13th Annual Roberto Felipe Maestas Legacy Award recognizes two individuals who have exemplified Building the Beloved Community through multi-racial unity and working to eliminate poverty, racism, and social inequity. We encourage people of all races, ethnicities, ages, and gender identities to apply for this award. 
 
El Centro de la Raza will celebrate awardees and their contributions by making a $1,000 gift in their name to an organization of their choice. Award recipients will be recognized at El Centro de la Raza’s Building the Beloved Community Gala, which is set to take place on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
 
Legacy Award applicants can self-nominate or be nominated by someone else here.

The Deadline for application submission is Tuesday, May 31, 2023 at 5:00pm Pacific Time.

Cuentos from Our Work: March 2023

Skate and Connect Community Night

On Monday February 20th, we welcomed over 200 attendees to our Skate and Connect event at our recently acquired El Centro Skate Rink.

Familias from across King County came out to enjoy our skate rink and connect with local community organizations. The event was an opportunity for community members to create relationships while also having fun and staying active.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support this event, and to our community partners who helped make it a success! We look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for our community to come together and connect in meaningful ways.

Hip Hop is Green

Some of our youth program participants have recently been working with Hip Hop Is Green (HHIG), the first Hip Hop plant-based climate change health and wellness organization. They give the students the opportunity to increase their leadership skills and participate in multiple community-based projects throughout the Seattle area. Through workshops and activities, our scholars have learned about the global impact of external factors such as pollution and government. They have also learned about the importance of selecting healthy food decisions and advocating for their rights. Most importantly, students have developed their confidence on how to create community-driven innovative solutions in their community.

Federal Way Mirror Article of the Year 2023

The Federal Way Mirror recently named the story of our acquisition of the former Pattison’s West skating rink as their 2023 Article of the Year. It is a testament to the dedication and support of our community. Gracias to reporter Alex Bruell for his wonderful article and the whole Federal Way Mirror for this honor!

Read the original winning article on the Federal Way Mirror website.

Our Executive Director Estela Ortega, left, stands with Mirror reporter Alex Bruell and Liz Huizar, director of Youth Services at El Centro de la Raza.
(Photo credit Olivia Sullivan / The Mirror)

Events: March 2023

March 17th: Spring Day Market | Mercado Día de la Primavera

Let’s celebrate spring with music, entertainment, handicrafts, jewelry, handmade candles and more! Come join us and support our local small businesses!

¡Celebremos la primavera con música, entretenimiento, artesanías, joyeria, velas artesanales y más! ¡Únase a nosotros y apoye a nuestras pequeñas empresas locales!

Dates: March 17th, 10 AM – 6 PM

Location: 1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144

RSVP Here: https://fb.me/e/2tUTcmTxA

March 17th: Saint Patrick’s Day Adult Skate Night

Join us for a fun-filled evening of skating and great music! 18+ only.

¡Acompañanos a una velada divertida patinando y con excelente musica! Solo para mayores de 18 años.

Dates: March 17th, 7:30 PM – 10 PM

Location: El Centro Skate Rink, 34222 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003

Buy Tickets: https://www.elcentroskaterink.com/event-details/st-patricks-day-adult-skate

April 8th: Easter Market | Mercado Día de Pascua

We invite you to take your picture with the Easter Bunny, enjoy music, entertainment, crafts, jewelry, handmade candles, spicy gummies and much more! Come join us and support our local, small vendors.

¡Te invitamos a tomarte la foto con el Conejo de Pascua, disfrutar de música, entretenimiento, artesanías, joyería, velas artesanales, gomitas enchiladas y mucho más! ¡Únase a nosotros y apoye a nuestras pequeñas empresas locales!

Dates: April 8th, 10 AM – 4 PM

Location: 1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144

RSVP Here: https://fb.me/e/3h57mDv0v

April 12th: April National Minority Health Month

Every April, the U.S. observes National Minority Health Month to highlight the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities. Fred Hutch will be putting on a series of weekly Brave Space Discussions throughout April, hosted by local community leaders. Join our very own Estela Ortega on April 12th, who will be giving a talk titled “Health and Justice”

Dates: April 12th, 12 – 1 PM

Location: Virtual, via Zoom

RSVP Here: bit.ly/2023NMHM2

A complete schedule of all the Brave Space Discussions can be found here!

April 28th: Children’s Day Market | Mercado del Día del Niño

Let’s celebrate the little ones with a clown show, music, handcrafts, jewelry, handmade candles, spicy gummies and many more surprises! Come join us and support our local small businesses!

¡Celebremos a los más pequeños con un espectáculo de payasos, música, artesanías, joyas, velas artesanales, gomitas enchiladas y muchas sorpresas más!

¡Únase a nosotros y apoye a nuestras pequeñas empresas locales!

Dates: April 28th, 10 AM – 6 PM

Location: 1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144

RSVP Here: https://fb.me/e/3kqq1SJeK

May 6th: Cinco de Mayo Celebration

We are so excited to invite you celebrate our culture with us in an amazing outdoor event at our Plaza! We will have delicious food, music and lots of entertainment! We hope you’ll join us!

Interested in tabling at our celebration? Applications are now open! Please get in touch with Berenice at babarca@elcentrodelaraza.org or at 360.986.7019 to apply.

Acompáñenos con su familia a celebrar nuestra cultura en nuestro gran evento! Tendremos variedades de deliciosa comida, ¡música y muchas sorpresas de entretenimiento! Los esperamos!

¿Está interesado en participar en nuestra celebración? ¡Las aplicaciones ya están abiertas! Comuníquese con Berenice en babarca@elcentrodelaraza.org o al 360.986.7019 para presentar su solicitud.

Dates: May 6th, 10 AM – 6 PM

Location: 1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144

RSVP Here: https://fb.me/e/2i4EdqGSx

On-going till April 15th: Free Bilingual Tax Prep

The United Way Free Tax Experts are back and ready to help you maximize your refund!

Bring your income and tax documents, meet with a tax preparer, and walk out knowing your maximized tax refund is on its way!

Masks are required.

Dates: January 10th-April 15th, Tuesday and Thursday from 5-9PM, or Sunday from 10AM-4PM. UWKC observes all federal holidays.

Location: El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144

Learn more here: https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/tax-help/

On-going till April 18th: Free ITIN Services

We have partnered with United Way of King County, Seattle Credit Union and Express Credit Union to offer free ITIN help.

We will provide all necessary forms, including a W-7, Certificate of Accuracy, and an official letter stating the applicant is opening an interest-bearing account. Bring your proof of foreign status and identity (such as a passport).

Masks are required.

Dates: February 7th-April 18th, Tuesdays: 6:15PM – 9PM Thursdays: 5PM – 9PM

Location: El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144

Download the flyer with more information below!

Events: February 2023

On-going till April 15th: Free Bilingual Tax Prep

The United Way Free Tax Experts are back and ready to help you maximize your refund!

Bring your income and tax documents, meet with a tax preparer, and walk out knowing your maximized tax refund is on its way!

Masks are required.

Dates: January 10th-April 15th, Tuesday and Thursday from 5-9PM, or Sunday from 10AM-4PM. UWKC observes all federal holidays.

Location: El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144

Learn more here: https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/tax-help/

On-going till April 18th: Free ITIN Services

We have partnered with United Way of King County, Seattle Credit Union and Express Credit Union to offer free ITIN help.

We will provide all necessary forms, including a W-7, Certificate of Accuracy, and an official letter stating the applicant is opening an interest-bearing account. Bring your proof of foreign status and identity (such as a passport).

Masks are required.

Dates: February 7th-April 18th, Tuesdays: 6:15PM – 9PM Thursdays: 5PM – 9PM

Location: El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144

Download the flyer with more information below!

February 20th: Skate and Connect Resource Fair

This free event is an opportunity for local community agencies to connect with individuals and familias. Our goal is to bring together organizations that provide services related to education, pre-apprenticeships, and health to enhance the well-being of our community. All while having fun on skates con nuestra comunidad. Acompañanos!

Dates: February 20th, 6PM-8PM

Location: El Centro Skate Rink, 34222 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003

RSVP Here: https://fb.me/e/4cHnIfIrs

March 2nd: Café con El Centro de la Raza Tour

Join us for Café con El Centro de la Raza the first Thursday of each month (except holidays) at our historic Beacon Hill building in room 307.

This is a monthly opportunity for members of the community to visit our historic main building, learn more about the history of the organization and the work our programs do, and possibly get more information about volunteering. We will meet in room 307 for café, snacks and a tour of our building and programs. See how we’re building our “Beloved Community” and how you can join us.

Dates: March 2nd, 8:30AM-9:30AM

Location: El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144

Learn More & RSVP Here: https://fb.me/e/2d3mSR0iB

Take Action: Vote yes on I-135: Social housing for a diversity of incomes will give everyone an opportunity to thrive

The following was written by Estela Ortega, executive director of El Centro de la Raza and Shalimar Gonzales, CEO of Solid Ground. It was originally published in The Seattle Times on Friday, January 20, 2023.

Every day, our organizations hear from people across Seattle facing the same crisis: Ever-increasing housing costs that rise far faster than wages, leaving families desperately looking for a new place they can afford. They might spend a night in the car while they look, but then a night becomes a week, a week becomes a month, and so another family is exposed to the trauma of homelessness — a trauma now shared by more than 40,000 people in King County each year.  

This is what happens when a city’s skyrocketing population and job growth collides with a private housing market that hasn’t been able to keep pacepushing rents up 50% in metro Seattle over just the last decade. But it doesn’t have to be like this.  

Starting next week, Seattle voters will be asked to consider a grassroots ballot initiative called Initiative 135 that would create a new public agency, the Seattle Social Housing Developer, to buy, build and maintain a new kind of permanently affordable housing across the city. By law, these energy-efficient, union-built, city-owned homes would be available to people with a wide range of incomes, from people with no income at all to folks who are fully employed with good jobs but still struggling with the cost of housing in Seattle. That includes educators, health care staff, child-care providers and the front-line human service workers that are so vital to organizations like ours. Rent would be based on income: People who earn more would pay more, but nobody would pay more than 30% of their income on housing. 

Instead of concentrating and isolating low incomes renters — as public housing projects have often done in the past — these self-governed properties would be home to a healthy diversity of incomes, giving everyone a better opportunity to thrive. What’s more, the flexible income requirements would allow residents to pursue better-paying jobs without losing their housing, giving more people an opportunity to escape poverty and build a better future for themselves. 

Now, you might be thinking, “Sounds great, but aren’t there already a bunch of organizations building affordable housing? Why do we need another?” The answer is yes, there are, and their work continues to be vital in our effort to close Seattle’s staggering shortage of affordable homes — which is why we need to renew the Seattle Housing Levy this fall. But we also know that everything we’re doing now is still not enough. In fact, it has been estimated that King County needs to spend an additional $450 million to $1.1 billion per year to make up for years of housing underproduction.

The Social Housing Developer proposed by I-135 would be able to chip away at that deficit without taking resources from existing affordable housing programs because it would be funded primarily through municipal bonds that would be repaid in part through rental income. And this would be an investment that keeps on giving: Once the bonds on each project are paid off, the rental income generated by each building can be used to pay for the development of additional properties. 

This kind of affordable housing production would be completely new to Seattle, but it has been used successfully for decades all around the world, in places like New Zealand, Austria and Uruguay. In Montgomery County, a fast-growing suburb of Washington, D.C., an agency similar to the Seattle Social Housing Developer recently created a revolving $50 million housing production fund that is expected to produce nearly 8,800 units of housing. We can do the same in Seattle. 

Critics of I-135 have argued that we should focus all our resources on building homes for our lowest-income neighbors. But the truth is we can — and must — do both things at the same time: Build more housing for people with no income at all as well as for those who work full time but still can’t afford the astronomical cost of housing in Seattle. As it is, nearly 46,000 households in Seattle are spending more than half of their income on housing, leaving little left for other basic living costs. 

Building more affordable housing in our city isn’t just the right thing to do; it is literally the only way we can hope to end our homelessness crisis. If we don’t find ways to build new affordable homes more quickly, we will continue to see more of our neighbors priced out of the private housing market and pulled into homelessness every year. Please vote yes on I-135 and help us build a better future for Seattle.  


Estela Ortega is the executive director of El Centro de la Raza, an organization that works to build unity across all racial and economic sectors, to organize, empower and defend our most vulnerable and marginalized populations.

Shalimar Gonzales is the CEO of Solid Ground, a community action agency that works to solve poverty by meeting basic needs, nurturing success and dismantling barriers that keep our communities from thriving.

Read another article about Initiative 135 at PubliCola here.

Events: December 2022

January 5: Día de Los Reyes

El Centro de la Raza invites you to come celebrate Three Kings Day! Support and meet our local artisans, enjoy a children’s show, and free king’s bread!

We will have two locations to celebrate, one in Beacon Hill and one in Federal Way.

If there are any vendors or organizations interested in participating, please contact Ivette Aguilera at (206) 883-1981 or via email at iaguilera@elcentrodelaraza.org.

We look forward to celebrating with you and your family!

Dates: January 5, 2022, 2-8 PM

Location: Centilia Cultural Center, 1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144 or El Centro Mercado – Federal Way, 34110 Pacific HWY S, Federal Way 98003

January 16th: Martin Luther King Jr Day March and Rally

2023 marks forty years that the residents of Seattle and King County have and continue to honor the legacy and the mission of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a rally, march, internships, workshops, youth led programming and job fair.

Dates: Meet January 16, 11 AM at Garfield High School for the rally and march.

Learn more here: https://www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/

El Centro Skate Rink Now Open! 

Formerly known as Pattison’s West Skating Center, we purchased the rink in early October as part of our on-going expansion into South King County. The newly renamed “El Centro Skate Rink” reopened in November and is available to rent for your private holiday parties. It also hosts a variety of themed skate nights for people of all ages, lessons, skate shop, and a snack bar offering Latino-themed food!

Learn more here: https://www.elcentroskaterink.com/

Events: November 2022

November 20-December 20: Christmas Tree Sale

Support the children, youth, families and seniors in our 43 programs and services by purchasing a fresh organic Christmas tree during our Annual Christmas Tree Sale!

We are pleased to be able to safely offer high quality, locally sourced fresh organic Christmas trees for purchase. Proceeds benefit our all our vital programs and services, which have sustained. You do not need to sign-up for a timeslot to purchase a tree. 

Dates: November 20 through December 20, 2022 (or while supplies last) Monday-Friday 3:00-7:00 PM and Saturday-Sunday 10:00-6:00 PM

Location: El Centro de la Raza’s North Parking Lot, 2524 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

Learn more here: https://www.elcentrodelaraza.org/christmas-tree-sale/

November 1-January 15: Washington Health Plan Open Enrollment: 

It’s time to turn the page in your health care story. We can help you write your next chapter. Open enrollment, the time of year when Washingtonians can enroll in a health or dental plan through the state’s insurance marketplace, is here from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. Washington Healthplanfinder has the tools to help you navigate health coverage and find new health plan options like Cascade Care. These plans cover primary care visits, mental health services, and generic drugs all before meeting a deductible. Start your next chapter off right by enrolling in your 2023 health plan at WAHealthplanfinder.org.

Enroll here: https://wahealthplanfinder.org/

Staff Corner: Mari Rico Promotion to Director of Cedar Crossing JMCDC

We are excited to announce that long time El Centro de la Raza teacher Mari Rico was promoted to Director of our new Jose Marti Child Development Center at Cedar Crossing! This year marks Mari’s 25th year with us! The new 6,443 SF multi-cultural, bilingual affordable child development center will serve 68 children at Cedar Crossing. Congratulations to Mari for this well deserved honor!


While working full-time, Mari obtained her Child Developmental Associate’s (CDA) degree at Seattle Central Community College, and her Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences (AAAS) with a specialization in Bilingual/Bicultural Education at Shoreline Community College. She then completed a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Education from the Praxis Institute, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master’s Degree from Goddard College.

Under Mari’s supervision, the Luis Alfonso Velásquez Afterschool Program achieved accreditation from the National Afterschool Association in 2008. In 2018, School’s Out Washington recognized Mari with its Champion Award. As a STARS state-approved trainer and Early Childhood Education coach, she also trains other teachers in the field.

When asked how she manages to teach and find time to learn, innovate, and contribute to her field, she said it makes her job easier. Teaching as a profession is constantly evolving; everything from toys to technology is continually changing, and staying ahead of the curve is important to meet students where they are.

Events: October 2022

October 24-26: National FIELD School Conference on Incubator Farming and Food Systems

Join your fellow land-based beginning farmer trainers, ag service providers, incubator farm program staff, apprenticeship mentors and others in Seattle, WA at El Centro de la Raza. Back in person for the first time since 2019, plan to be there and network with your peers across the country. New Entry Sustainable Farming Project looks forward to joining the community and reuniting to learn, share, and gain new skills and connections to improve their incubator and apprenticeship training programs.  

Dates: Monday, October 24, 2022 to Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 8am – 4pm

Location: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109

Register here: 11th Annual National FIELD School – Seattle, WA | New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (tufts.edu)

October 27: Grand Opening of Si Se Puede Academy: 

Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of Sí Se Puede Academy, with food, fun, music, and entertainment for the entire family!

Date: Thursday, October 27, 2022, 4-7pm

Location: 1625 S 341st Place, Federal Way 98003

Register here: https://fb.me/e/307EWmgWi  

November 5: Día de los Muertos | Day of the Dead

We invite you to enjoy our traditional exhibition of ofrendas, variety of vendors, delicious food, and a spectacular catrinas fashion show. Let’s celebrate the memories of those before us!

Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022, starting at 11am

Location: Plaza Roberto Maestas, 1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144

November 3: Poquitos Dia de los Muertos Day After Fundraiser

Keep the celebration rolling! Join Poquitos for dinner Thursday, November 3rd and help raise money for El Centro de la Raza with every margarita you drink! Poquitos will be donating 20% of the evenings sales to help fund our vital programs and services.

Date: Thursday, November 3rd, starting at 4pm

Location: Poquitos Capitol Hill, Bothell and Tacoma

February 2022 : Noticias Relevant to Our Community

FAFSA Support

Seattle Promise will be hosting two FAFSA/WASFA Completion Workshops for all Seattle Public Schools students during the month of February. These workshops are for any students/their families who would like to learn about state and federal financial aid applications.

Below, a checklist for the documents needed to successfully complete the FAFSA or WASFA.

Additionally, Seattle Promise will host the Discover Seattle Colleges series, where instructors will share different career streams and trajectories.

Applications for Seattle Promise and Seattle Colleges are due March 1, 2022. To apply or to learn more, click here.

Get Free Citizenship Assistance

February Citizenship Day
Dat
e: Saturday, February 26, 2022

Time: 10am-5pm by appointment.
Location: OneAmerica Offices in Seattle 

More information:  To make an appointment please fill out our intake form.

It is important to have all the required documents ready for Citizenship Day. For a full list of required documents, check here . If you have ever been arrested, detained, or have had to appear in court, you will need all the certified court documents and police reports. 

 If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact us at (206) 926-3924 by call or text. You can also reach us at wna@weareoneamerica.org

Free Tax Preparation until April 21st!

Inquilinos: Tienen derecho a Apoyo Legal para Evitar el Desalojo

Biden Administration Proposes Change to ‘Public Charge’ Rule, Allowing Immigrants More Benefits

On Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a change to the “public charge” rule that would increase the number of government benefits immigrants can receive without affecting their green card applications. Read More Here