La Quinceañera family update

Throughout the past few weeks I have been in touch, by phone and e-mail, with the family who appears in "La Quinceañera"documentary that I produced. It was great to talk to Ana Maria, Lili, and Teresa on the phone. the latest correspondence started a few weeks ago when Ana Maria sent me an e-mail saying that she had found a very nice van in good condition and was wanting to purchase it. During my last visit in August I had told the family that a portion of all festival prize money and DVD sales was going into an account for Ana Maria and the family. Ana Maria asked if she could use some of this money to help buy the van. Well the family now has a van that holds them all which I hope will make life more convenient and help them save money on daily taxis and such. Ana Maria is really the only one of the girls that drives so we joked that her job will now be Chauffeur to the family.

For More information on "La Quinceañera" Visit www.laquinceaneradocumentary.com

Visited the Family in Tijuana

I just returned from a trip out to California and Tijuana. Approaching the San Diego airport we could see thick clouds of smoke to the left and right of the plane from the wild fires that were ravaging Southern California. Upon landing in smelled of spoke and wood. I made my way to Tijuana by trolley and crossed the border on foot. It was snowing ash at the border but after I reached the Colonia Xico higher up in the hills by taxi the air improved. I had a great visit with the family although too short. Karinas daughter Karely continues to grow and is so cute. There is a new little one in the family by the name of Joseline, Janeth's first daughter. I talked to Oscar by phone and he is in Mexicali finishing the seminary to be a catholic priest. Maggie has graduated highschool and is saving for college. Ana Maria is in her last year of highschool and is planning on going to the university next year. Teresa is expecting a marraige proposal from her boyfriend sometime in December and Lili and Charlie are dating and have a good relationship. The girls relationship with their dad has improved a lot so that is great. It is not perfect but much better. Lili's health is of some concern but she is visiting the doctor this week and we await word.