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Los Angeles Times
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
What the Dodgers can learn from Angel City about community
So that's why they're called the Dodgers. For the better part of the last two weeks, the Los Angeles baseball franchise has evaded calls from fans begging that it speak up and show support for communities terrorized by ongoing immigration raids taking place across the Southland. When thousands of Angelenos took to the streets for a series of protests, the Dodgers buried their heads in the sandlot and pretended the unrest wasn't happening. 'We're not going to comment,' Dodgers executive vice president and chief marketing officer Lon Rosen told my colleague Dylan Hernández, who included the quote in a scathing column published Saturday morning in which he accused the team of cowardice and letting down their Latino fan base. But as the team found out later that evening, the issue was not going to go away. Before the start of Saturday night's game against the San Francisco Giants, Nezza performed 'El Pendón Estrellado,' a Spanish-language version of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' commissioned by the State Department in 1945 and composed by Clotilde Arias. In a TikTok video uploaded on Sunday, the 30-year-old L.A.-based pop singer, whose real name is Vanessa Hernández, revealed that she sang the national anthem in Spanish against the team's wishes. She also claimed that the Dodgers banned her from the stadium, an assertion the club denies. The incident became national news by Monday, and the Dodgers came out looking like a franchise that only cares about its Latino fans when it's trying to make money off of them. On Wednesday, after initially saying that they would not be commenting, a team spokesperson told my colleague Jack Harris that the Dodgers were working on a plan to assist immigrant communities, and that they would announce the specifics soon. (As I write this, the team has not yet unveiled what said plans are.) On Thursday morning, the Department of Homeland Security brought the immigration debate to the team's doorstep after several federal agents were spotted near a Dodger Stadium parking lot gate. Rumors spread on social media that the team had allowed ICE agents to use their parking lot as a staging area. Hours later, the Dodgers took to social media to clarify that no such thing had transpired. 'This morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization. Tonight's game will be played as scheduled,' the statement said. In response, DHS said that the agents were not with ICE, but with the Customs and Border Protection — the department oversees both agencies. That people believed the Dodgers were collaborating with ICE shows you just how much trust they have lost with fans — on Thursday night, protesters gathered outside the stadium and some of the anger appeared to be directed at the club. The team's inaction over the last two weeks should be used in crisis management classes as an example of what not to do. It was a self-inflicted wound, and it didn't have to play out that way. Just look at what the Angel City Football Club did. On June 7, the day after the start of the immigration raids, the National Women's Soccer League franchise released a pro-immigrant statement on X. 'We are heartbroken by the fear and uncertainty our Los Angeles community are feeling right now,' it read. 'At Angel City, we believe in the power of belonging. We know that our city is stronger because of its diversity and the people and families who shape it, love it, and call it home.' It wasn't an empty gesture. The following week, ahead of Saturday's match against the North Carolina Courage, Angel City players and coaches walked on to the pitch donning black shirts with 'Immigrant City Football Club' emblazoned in the front, and 'Los Angeles is for everyone/Los Ángeles es Para Todos' written on the back. In addition to distributing them to fans in attendance, Angel City has been selling the shirts from its team store, with net proceeds going to the nonprofit Camino Immigration Services. 'The statement was the beginning. The statement was our way of making sure that our fans, our players, our staff felt seen in that moment,' Chris Fajardo, Angel City's vice president of community, told Times soccer writer Kevin Baxter. 'The next piece was, I think, true to Angel City. Not just talking the talk but walking the walk.' It's a lesson the Dodgers ought to learn. At some point in the last week, the topic of pro-immigrant and Latin music protest songs came up on the De Los team Slack channel. I asked the team to send me some of their favorite tracks, and a brief description about why they picked it. Here's what they said. 'The Battle of Los Angeles' by Rage Against the Machine – As Angelenos take the streets to defend the city's immigrant communities, this classic 1999 rap metal album feels more relevant than ever. Born in Long Beach to Mexican American parents, Rage frontman Zack de la Rocha wasn't a prophet so much as he was a student of history — which he illustrated with righteous fury in songs like the Grammy-winning 'Guerilla Radio' and 'Sleep Now in the Fire.' —Suzy Exposito 'Latinoamérica' by Calle 13 – This song is an ode to the strife and joy that simultaneously permeates across the Americas; it's an affirmation that its land, and its people, will never be crushed by unforeseeable forces. Layered with powerful chants by Afro-Peruvian folklore singer Susana Baca, Afro-Colombian singer Totó la Momposina and Brazilian singer Maria Rita, 'Latinoamérica' is a timeless fight song that marches in step with the pulsing heartbeat of Latin America. —Andrea Flores 'Clandestino' by Manu Chao – Multilingual reggae rocker Manu Chao was born in Paris to Spanish parents who fled the Franco regime; as a result, he felt called to promote the rights of refugees and migrants all over the world. His 1998 song 'Clandestino' would become a global anthem for the undocumented. —Elana Szczepanski 'Tres Veces Mojado' by Los Tigres Del Norte – The song reflects on the difficult and dangerous journey of an immigrant crossing borders — and the challenges of being seen as an outsider in other Latin American countries. —Lupe Llerenas 'Invalid Litter Dept.' by At the Drive-In – This Texas post-hardcore band was founded in El Paso, but their eyes were cast across the border, in the neighboring Ciudad Juárez, where hundreds of Mexican women went to work in factories and never returned home. In confronting the Mexican government for its failure to prevent the femicides, the band also challenges a culture in which commerce is valued more than the lives of the workers who keep it running. —S.E. 'La Carencia' by Panteón Rococó – 'La carencia' translates to 'the lack' — and as such, the song captures the lack of opportunities given to the working class in a globalizing world. —Anthony Solorzano 'Pa'l Norte' - Calle 13 ft. Orishas – A vibrant song celebrating the strength and resilience of immigrants who've traveled far from home for better lives, while acknowledging the sacrifices and injustices they face. —L.L. 'El Mojado' by Ricardo Arjona – A poetic reflection on the experience of being undocumented, working hard and still not belonging where you are. —L.L. 'Gimme Tha Power' by Molotov – Criticizing government corruption is always timely, no matter which administration or time period. Mexico City band Molotov decry state agents who extort the same communities that pay their salaries, and make a plea for power to be returned to the people. — Carlos De Loera 'La Jaula de Oro' by Julieta Venegas – Mexican singer Julieta Venegas paid an electronica-infused tribute to the original song by legendary norteño band Los Tigres del Norte, 'La Jaula de Oro,' which translates to 'The Golden Cage.' The song warns immigrants that, while there's much money to be made in the U.S., it can come at a high personal cost. —L.L. 'Al Millón' by Los Dos Carnales – This song embodies a strong sense of pride and resilience, emphasizing staying true to oneself and facing challenges with courage and integrity. The lyrics express a willingness to go 'all in' and not back down. —L.L. 'The Star-Spangled Banner' by José Feliciano – At the zenith of anti-war and counterculture protests throughout the world, Puerto Rican icon José Feliciano performed the national anthem before Game 5 of the 1968 World Series and infused his signature sound to the song. His rendition garnered mixed reactions as some fans booed him at the park — and the New York Times called his take 'controversial.' Really, it's just beautiful. — C.D.L. Trump can command National Guard as California's legal challenge moves forward, appeals court says The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided Thursday to leave troops in Los Angeles in the hands of the Trump administration while California's objections are litigated in federal court, finding the president had broad — though not 'unreviewable' — authority to deploy the military in American cities. ICE issued new rules for Congress members visiting detention centers. Experts say they're illegal Members from California, Illinois and New Jersey have been denied access in recent weeks to immigrant detention facilities in their states. Oversight experts say that's a substantial departure from past practice. Jorge Ramos on his new digital series: 'I have a few pending battles left' Six months after leaving TelevisaUnivision, the renowned Mexican journalist turns to social media programming with 'Así Veo las Cosas.' From ICE raids and spirituality to babysitting, 'Trans Los Angeles' examines life in the city 'Trans Los Angeles' film director Kase Peña and star Carmen Carrera talk about authentic portrayals of the trans community, and the financial challenges that come with making an independent feature. 'It's a risk to come to work': Terror and a touch of desperation in L.A. Around certain immigrant hubs, The Times found that daily life had been significantly altered because of the fear and panic around the ongoing immigration raids. South L.A. mother deports herself to Mexico amid Trump's immigration crackdown, family says A South Los Angeles mother deported herself last week to Mexico after living in the U.S. for 36 years, according to her family. Video shows military-style vehicle in what witnesses say was a Compton immigration raid A military-style vehicle was used in an immigration raid in Compton on June 9, according to witnesses and video of the incident. Immigrant protests, unrest in L.A. reverberate in Mexico News coverage of the immigration raids and protests in Southern California has transfixed Mexico, where reports have heavily sided with the immigrants against U.S. efforts to detain and deport them. 18 immigrant-founded restaurants in L.A. from our Hall of Fame list Immigrant cuisines form the backbone of L.A.'s food scenes. Here are 18 spots to support from the Times' Hall of Fame guide. Protesters are chasing federal agents out of L.A. County hotels: 'A small victory' In hotels across L.A. County, federal immigration agents come face-to-face with a public that is often highly critical of their enforcement actions. Farms, hotels and restaurants press Trump to exempt their businesses from immigration raids As confusion swirls around whether Trump will exempt farms and other businesses from immigration raids, businesses are emphasizing the importance of their immigrant workforce. ICE flights out of L.A. area more than doubled in the last month A majority of the ICE flights departing Victorville were headed to airports near detention centers in Arizona and Texas. Bad Bunny calls out ICE for conducting raids in Puerto Rico In a recent Instagram video, Bad Bunny criticized ICE agents for continuing to conduct raids in his native Puerto Rico. 'Real Women Have Curves: The Musical' bows out of Broadway The Boyle Heights-inspired production will close out its final performance on June 29, less than two months from its official spring debut. Diego Luna says Hollywood offered him only drug dealer roles before 'Star Wars' During a roundtable discussion with the Hollywood Reporter, the 'Andor' star spoke candidly about his career before taking on the Empire.
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Nezza's national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium ignites debate over team's immigrant support
LOS ANGELES — As fans removed their caps and stood for the national anthem Saturday night at Dodger Stadium, they were met with a surprising rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Latin pop and R&B singer Nezza stood in front of the crowd, closed her eyes and belted the song out — in Spanish. Her 90-second rendition, and a behind-the-scenes video she shared on social media of team representatives discouraging it beforehand, quickly went viral and have become a flashpoint for Dodgers fans frustrated by the team's lack of vocal support for immigrant communities impacted by the deportation raids across the U.S., including numerous neighborhoods in and around Los Angeles. Protests over the arrests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have captured international attention and mostly been held in areas a short drive from Dodger Stadium. Nezza says even after the discouragement from the team's representative, she hadn't yet decided whether to sing in English or Spanish until she walked out onto the field and saw the stands filled with Latino families in Dodger blue. 'This is my moment to show everyone that I am with them that we have a voice and with everything that's happening it's not OK. I'm super proud that I did it. No regrets,' the 30-year-old singer told The Associated Press. The team has yet to make a statement on the record regarding the arrests and raids. Manager Dave Roberts has said he doesn't know enough about the issue to comment, but Dodgers hitter Kiké Hernández separately spoke out on Instagram over the weekend. 'I am saddened and infuriated by what's happening in our country and our city,' he said in a post in English and Spanish. 'I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart. ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.' In her viral TikTok video, Nezza is shown speaking with an off-camera Dodgers employee who tells her, 'We are going to do the song in English today, so I'm not sure if that wasn't transferred or if that wasn't relayed.' She's received an outpouring of support since Saturday from celebrities like Jason Mraz, Kehlani, Chiquis, Ava DuVernay, The Kid Mero, Becky G and more. 'Don't you dare turn your backs on us now. We, as a city, have embraced you and need your support more than ever. Think about who fills up your stadium,' said Becky G, addressing the Dodgers in her Instagram story. The Spanish-language version Nezza sang, 'El Pendón Estrellado,' is the official translation of the national anthem and was commissioned in 1945 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt from Peruvian-American composer Clotilde Arias. Column: Pride and community at Chicago White Sox's Mexican Heritage Night game amid immigration crackdownsNezza says her manager immediately received a call from an unidentified Dodgers employee saying their clients were not welcome at the stadium again, but the baseball team said in a statement to the AP: 'There were no consequences or hard feelings from the Dodgers regarding her performance. She was not asked to leave. We would be happy to have her back.' Dodger Stadium has a long history with immigrant communities in Los Angeles. Many proudly wear Dodger blue jerseys and merchandise as an extension of their love for the city — the team still sells special 'Los Dodgers' jerseys on its official website — and attend the stadium's multiple heritage nights honoring Mexican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan and more immigrant communities, including those from outside Latin America. The Dodgers' fan base is heavily Latino, and the team is among the select few to offer Spanish-language television broadcasts. The franchise is also frequently praised for its history seeking out diverse talent, including Jackie Robinson (baseball's first Black player), Fernando Valenzuela (a Mexican icon who transcended baseball) and Chan Ho Park (the first Korean in the big leagues). But the relationship is not without tension, with some Mexican American and Latino residents resentful of the team's forceful eviction of Latino families in the 1950s to build Dodger Stadium in what is popularly known as Chavez Ravine. Fans have since called for a boycott online, while others say they'd be willing to return if the team spoke out. 'We love you. You've been so much a big part of our lives. … We would like to understand that you love us just the same. Or are we just money to you?' asked Power 106's Brown Bag Mornings host Letty Peniche in an Instagram video. Los Angeles resident Alora Murray is considering a temporary boycott. 'Nobody is messing around about this,' said Murray. 'Los Angeles is built upon the Dodgers. For them to not kind of be with us, I feel like us boycotting or not going to games will send that message.' Many in the Latino community have been sharing videos of stadium security confronting fans who have political signs or messages on their clothing. Longtime Dodger fan Emeli Avalos says she doesn't believe the team is apolitical since they released a statement to condemn Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. 'If it's really about staying out of politics, then why do they support that? But when people down the street from them are getting taken, kidnapped, why do they stay silent?' she said. Avalos attended Pride Night on June 13 wearing a shirt that said 'Abolish ICE' on the front and 'FDT' — an acronym for an expletive directed at President Donald Trump — on the back. In a popular TikTok video, Avalos is seen speaking with Dodgers security. She says she thought she was going to be asked to leave but was instead asked to cover the back of her shirt with her jersey. 'They told me, 'The front is fine, you just gotta cover the back,'' said Avalos, who said she will not be returning to the stadium. Another video of a fan being confronted by security for holding a banner with 'ICE' crossed out circulated online over the weekend, furthering criticism of the team. When asked about the incidents, a Dodgers spokesperson pointed to the team's stadium guidelines, which state the team 'does not allow signs or banners of any kind.' Also prohibited is any attire the Dodgers deem — at their sole discretion — to be obscene, profane, vulgar, indecent, violent, threatening, abusive or prejudiced against any individual or group. Nezza does not think she will return to the stadium, despite the Dodgers' statement, but says she hopes her performance will inspire others to use their voice and speak out. 'It's just shown me like how much power there is in the Latin community,' she said. 'We gotta be the voice right now.'
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Lea Salonga sings US National Anthem at New York Yankees game
Tony Award-winning actress and Broadway star Lea Salonga sang the United States National Anthem at the New York Yankees game. The Yankees posted the video of her performance on social media, showing Salonga singing 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' earning 7.7 million views on Facebook as of writing. 'Thank you to Tony-Award Winning Actress Lea Salonga for tonight's beautiful rendition of our National Anthem,' the baseball team wrote in a caption. Salonga is currently starring in 'Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends' on Broadway, a popular theater show in New York City. On her Instagram story, Salonga shared the Yankees' post and expressed her gratitude. 'Thanks for having me! Go NY!!!,' she wrote. A week earlier, Salonga attended the 78th Tony Awards as a presenter. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lea Salonga (@msleasalonga) Related Articles
Japan Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Nezza's Spanish anthem at Dodger Stadium ignites debate over team's immigrant support
FILE - Music artist Nezza sings the national anthem prior to a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh,File) baseball By LESLIE AMBRIZ As fans removed their caps and stood for the national anthem Saturday night at Dodger Stadium, they were met with a surprising rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Latin pop and R&B singer Nezza stood in front of the crowd, closed her eyes and belted the song out — in Spanish. Her 90-second rendition, and a behind-the-scenes video she shared on social media of team representatives discouraging it beforehand, quickly went viral and have become a flashpoint for Dodgers fans frustrated by the team's lack of vocal support for immigrant communities impacted by the deportation raids across the U.S., including numerous neighborhoods in and around Los Angeles. Protests over the arrests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have captured international attention and mostly been held in areas a short drive from Dodger Stadium. Nezza says even after the discouragement from the team's representative, she hadn't yet decided whether to sing in English or Spanish until she walked out onto the field and saw the stands filled with Latino families in Dodger blue. 'This is my moment to show everyone that I am with them that we have a voice and with everything that's happening it's not OK. I'm super proud that I did it. No regrets,' the 30-year-old singer told The Associated Press. The team has yet to make a statement on the record regarding the arrests and raids. Manager Dave Roberts has said he doesn't know enough about the issue to comment, but Dodgers hitter Kiké Hernández separately spoke out on Instagram over the weekend. 'I am saddened and infuriated by what's happening in our country and our city,' he said in a post in English and Spanish. 'I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart. ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.' In her viral TikTok video, Nezza is shown speaking with an off-camera Dodgers employee who tells her, 'We are going to do the song in English today, so I'm not sure if that wasn't transferred or if that wasn't relayed.' She's received an outpouring of support since Saturday from celebrities like Jason Mraz, Kehlani, Chiquis, Ava DuVernay, The Kid Mero, Becky G and more. 'Don't you dare turn your backs on us now. We, as a city, have embraced you and need your support more than ever. Think about who fills up your stadium,' said Becky G, addressing the Dodgers in her Instagram story. The Spanish-language version Nezza sang, 'El Pendón Estrellado,' is the official translation of the national anthem and was commissioned in 1945 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt from Peruvian-American composer Clotilde Arias. Nezza says her manager immediately received a call from an unidentified Dodgers employee saying their clients were not welcome at the stadium again, but the baseball team said in a statement to the AP: 'There were no consequences or hard feelings from the Dodgers regarding her performance. She was not asked to leave. We would be happy to have her back.' Dodger Stadium has a long history with immigrant communities in Los Angeles. Many proudly wear Dodger blue jerseys and merchandise as an extension of their love for the city — the team still sells special 'Los Dodgers' jerseys on its official website — and attend the stadium's multiple heritage nights honoring Mexican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan and more immigrant communities, including those from outside Latin America. The Dodgers' fan base is heavily Latino, and the team is among the select few to offer Spanish-language television broadcasts. The franchise is also frequently praised for its history seeking out diverse talent, including Jackie Robinson (baseball's first Black player), Fernando Valenzuela (a Mexican icon who transcended baseball) and Chan Ho Park (the first Korean in the big leagues). But the relationship is not without tension, with some Mexican American and Latino residents resentful of the team's forceful eviction of Latino families in the 1950s to build Dodger Stadium in what is popularly known as Chavez Ravine. Fans have since called for a boycott online, while others say they'd be willing to return if the team spoke out. 'We love you. You've been so much a big part of our lives. … We would like to understand that you love us just the same. Or are we just money to you?' asked Power 106's Brown Bag Mornings host Letty Peniche in an Instagram video. Los Angeles resident Alora Murray is considering a temporary boycott. 'Nobody is messing around about this,' said Murray. 'Los Angeles is built upon the Dodgers. For them to not kind of be with us, I feel like us boycotting or not going to games will send that message.' Many in the Latino community have been sharing videos of stadium security confronting fans who have political signs or messages on their clothing. Longtime Dodger fan Emeli Avalos says she doesn't believe the team is apolitical since they released a statement to condemn Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. 'If it's really about staying out of politics, then why do they support that? But when people down the street from them are getting taken, kidnapped, why do they stay silent?' she said. Avalos attended Pride Night on June 13 wearing a shirt that said 'Abolish ICE' on the front and 'FDT' — an acronym for an expletive directed at President Donald Trump — on the back. In a popular TikTok video, Avalos is seen speaking with Dodgers security. She says she thought she was going to be asked to leave but was instead asked to cover the back of her shirt with her jersey. 'They told me, 'The front is fine, you just gotta cover the back,'' said Avalos, who said she will not be returning to the stadium. Another video of a fan being confronted by security for holding a banner with 'ICE' crossed out circulated online over the weekend, furthering criticism of the team. When asked about the incidents, a Dodgers spokesperson pointed to the team's stadium guidelines, which state the team 'does not allow signs or banners of any kind.' Also prohibited is any attire the Dodgers deem — at their sole discretion — to be obscene, profane, vulgar, indecent, violent, threatening, abusive or prejudiced against any individual or group. Nezza does not think she will return to the stadium, despite the Dodgers' statement, but says she hopes her performance will inspire others to use their voice and speak out. 'It's just shown me like how much power there is in the Latin community,' she said. 'We gotta be the voice right now.' © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Toronto Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Nezza's anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium ignites debate over team's immigrant support
LOS ANGELES (AP) — As fans removed their caps and stood for the national anthem Saturday night at Dodger Stadium, they were met with a surprising rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Latin pop and R&B singer Nezza stood in front of the crowd, closed her eyes and belted the song out — in Spanish. Her 90-second rendition, and a behind-the-scenes video she shared on social media of team representatives discouraging it beforehand, quickly went viral and have become a flashpoint for Dodgers fans frustrated by the team's lack of vocal support for immigrant communities impacted by the deportation raids across the U.S., including numerous neighborhoods in and around Los Angeles.
