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UPDATE: July 2008 – The Italian American Education Bill California calls on Italian Americans nationwide to write letters of support for the Bill. You can also subscribe to Assembly Bill 1863 to get updates on progress.

Assemblymember

Anthony Portantino

Assemblymember Portantino, thank you for taking some time with us today. As the author of Assembly Bill 1863, you know the importance of preserving our heritage and building our future as Italian Americans. On behalf of our readers and the Italian American community in general, I would like to express our gratitude for your efforts towards this goal, especially AB1863.


1. Assemblymember Portantino, I understand you were born in Long Branch, New Jersey. Tell us about your experience growing up, and how your mother, Barbara, influenced your life and who you are today.


AP: Yes, I grew up about an hour outside of New York City, and was the youngest of four children. My father, a veteran of WWII, suffered a heart attack at age 42, and then again at age 48 – the second of which took his life. My mother was left to raise us on my father’s pension, which was a fraction of our household income while he was alive.

     My mother lived for her children. She made decisions in life based solely upon the welfare of her family – putting her childrens’ future, and their pursuit of the American Dream in front of everything else. There were times when I took her last dollar for lunch money – she would rather I have it than her.

   My father’s side of the family was very supportive after his death. My uncles spent a lot of time with me. They were always close to my mother, and did what they could to provide warmth and comfort after the tragedy.

     On July 3rd of this year, I was particularly honored to introduce the Italian American Heritage Month Resolution (ACR145) on my mother’s  birthday, in her honor. She was very excited to hear that.


2. I understand you were a filmmaker before entering into the political arena? What did you learn from that experience that you still utilize today in your life and /or career?


AP: Yes, I came to California to pusue a career in filmmaking. I worked as Art Director for the popular show “Unsolved Mysteries” for many years, and produced a family film called “Time of Tears”, a story of a young Italian boy learning about life and death from his great uncle.

     Working in film, you have to be able to take an idea from “Point A to Point B”; you have to take what’s on paper and make it into a movie. You learn to think in logistical terms, and break it down into components; who will the actors be, what will the set look like, how many extras will we need? I think that helps as a politician as well – if I want to solve a problem, how do I get from Point A to Point B and how do you navigate through the system – it’s a lot like making a movie.


3. Do you feel that your upbringing and heritage has influenced your public life in any way?


AP: Well, Italians come from a warm, fun-loving, friendly culture – we are social people. When I walk into a room full of people that I’ve never met before, I’m very comfortable because I’ve been doing that all my life. It’s like going to a big family party! My mother taught me to be proud of who I am, and go out and let people know that I like them, and be myself.
That’s the key.


4. Are there many Italian Americans in your district of Pasadena?


AP: We have several thousand  Italian Americans, at last count, I believe around 5,000 reside in my district. Northeast Los Angeles used to be a traditional Italian area, and there are still some of the old-timers there.


5. Assemblymember Portantino, it is obvious that Assembly Bill 1863 is personally very important to you. Please share with us some of the reasons why it is, and what prompted you to author this bill?


AP: As I said before, we all have to be who we are, and I am a proud American and also a proud Italian American. Our state and country were founded by immigrants, and it’s important to respect and appreciate the role of all cultures in our great state. We have a long litany of successful Italian Americans who have played a role in the shaping of our society, and I think it’s important for every generation to look back on that. I’m proud to be in a position to ask the State to recognize it.


6. What needs to happen now for Assembly Bill 1863 to pass into law?


AP: Well, first we have to get through the Senate, though we are well-received there. Senator Don Perata is a co-author on the bill, and we hope it will go straight to the Governor’s desk.


7. How can the public help, and what must we continue to do to ensure that the contributions of Italian Americans remain updated and complete in our curricula in the future?


AP: Your readers should be writing letters to the Governor asking him to recognize the contributions of Italian Americans and sign the bill. Assembly Bill 1863 will keep the history updated. We all should be proud of our heritage, and appreciate all cultures who
have contributed.


Thank you again, Assembly Member Portantino, for your time today, and your passion for your heritage. We want you to know that we also recognize your career as an outstanding contribution to the state of California by an
Italian American.


* Editors’ Note: THIS IS AS IMPORTANT AS VOTING! In a sense, you are voting, because you have a roll to play in the passing of this bill. In Buona Salute Magazine™ has made it easy for you – just use the letter to the right as a template. You can customize it if you want; the first paragraph is the most important. Visit www.saluteitalianmagazine.com to download it, and email it to the Governor – or just call! All the information you need is at the top of the sample letter. This bill requires your action now!