In El Charro the children gravitated toward the historic photos on the wall and sat down to talk with Pedro, who told us he has worked there for close to thirty years. All the children in this story are four years old. They are the interviewers and the photographers.
Theo: Is there trucks who do delivering?
Sy, noticing the exchange between Pedro and Theo, he stated his friend’s question a little louder: Do trucks deliver stuff here?
Pedro: Yeah.
Chloe Paloma, who is fluent in Spanish and English asked: Tienes limonada? (Do you have lemonade?)
Pedro: No. Tengo jugo de manzana. (No, I have apple juice.)
Ren: Do you have napkins?
Sy interpreting for everyone now, he points them out to Ren: Yeah, right there.
The children plan to return to try the chips and quesadillas, they smelled so good!
Come on in and try them for yourself at: 12819 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles (310) 391-1885 Volume 1 Issue 4 contact: thenewschoolwest@gmail.com
Interviewing at Alex Party Rentals fell on the week of Thanksgiving and the children had a list of supplies they needed for our school feast: Sprinkles, sparkles, hearts, turkey decorations, light up things, plates, forks, napkins, and tablecloths. They went for decora- tive inspiration.
James: Do you have leaves?
Manny: We do have some leaves.
Quinton: Do you have tablecloths?
Manny: Yeah, we do have plenty of tablecloths.
The children went down their list and previewed the items in the store. Manny was very welcoming as the children touched many items with respect and delight. We asked Manny if he had children in his life.
Manny: No. (he seemed to reflect, then laughed) Actually I have a nine month old baby!
Manny’s relaxed attitude toward the children was shown in his willingness to let them wander among the glassware, plates and decorations for rent. He answered the phone and stayed at his desk without conveying any cautions or warnings to the children. As teachers on this journey with the public, we are often surprised at our own assumptions of how the children will be received. We assume the image of children is a low one in the public eye, perhaps because of our intimate knowledge of the politics that pertain to young families, and we are delighted by the receptiveness of the vendors on Venice Blvd.
For a welcoming and rich array of party rentals, visit Manny at: 12801 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 915-7338