Photographer Emilio Sanchez, 17, shows his photograph, "65 Impala" to Founder and Director of the Pico Youth and Family Center (PYFC), Oscar de La Torre and his son Oscar, 3, during his opening reception of "From Streets to Sunsets: The Photography of Emilio Sanchez" at Virginia Avenue Park's Teen Center Gallery on Monday, June 23, 2009. The exhibition will continue through August 8, 2009.

   It was less than two years ago that Emilio Sanchez took his first photograph in his ROP (Regional Occupational Program) class at Santa Monica High School. David Wood, SAMOHI’s photography teacher told him he had a “good eye” inspiring him to pursue the activity wholeheartedly. Since then Emilio has honed his skills with the camera, won a silver medal in the Los Angeles ROP Student of the Year competition, maintained his 3.5 grade point average, and is now establishing his career as a free-lance photographer. On the side, he has also taken up a career in boxing with his first professional bouts in the ring scheduled for this summer.

   Carla Fantozzi, director of the Teen Center, is very proud of the young man’s accomplishments during his tenure there. “Emilio is a multi-talented teen who follows through on his passions and interests which makes him an inspiration and role model for his friends,” she says without hesitation. Fantozzi first met Sanchez as a middle-school student taking boxing lessons at the Police Athletic League (PAL) gym. “In both boxing and photography,” she says, “Emilio is an amazing talent.”

   The multi-talented 12th grader’s work spans the gritty streets of Santa Monica’s Pico Neighborhood (Sanchez’ home turf) to the breathtakingly beautiful sunsets over the Santa Monica Beach.
The Teen Center Gallery at Virginia Avenue Park is open Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Virginia Avenue Park is located at the intersection of Cloverfield and Pico Boulevards. Ample parking is available at the Park.

   Virginia Avenue Park is served by Big Blue Bus Lines Nos. 7 and 11. The park is wheelchair accessible and welcomes persons of all abilities. For special accommodations, please contact 310.458.8688 or TTY 310.917.6626.

   Admission is free and open to all ages. For additional information, please call 310/458.8688 or e-mail Carla.fantozzi@smgov.net.

Oran Z. Belgrave from Pan African Black Facts & Wax Museum fixes President Barack Obama's tie during the 17th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Virginia Avenue Park on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States in 1865.

The Pan African Black Facts & Wax Museum has one of the world's largest collections of Black Americana artifacts including 1000's of postcards, sheet music, records, videos, books, stamps, coins, silverware, advertising, dolls, sculptures, signs, kitchen collections, baseball cards, first editions, quilts, African artifacts, slavery items, fine art, folk art, wax figures, autographs, cookie jars, salt shakers, pipes, games, toys, movies, jewelry, plaques, KKK paraphernalia, Adinkras and authentic antique Kente cloths.

(top) Children bounce on O2 MAX's Bosu Balls during the Third Annual Unity Resource Festival at Virginia Avenue Park on Sunday, March 8, 2008. (above) The Rock Climbing Wall was a popular attraction at this years fair. The fair was presented by the City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College and the Santa Monica – Bay Area Human Relations Council. This year’s festival theme was “Promoting a Strong and Sustainable Community” and featured information on city, business and nonprofit agencies that strengthen the community with supportive resources.

(1,2) El Grupo Folkoltico Centeotl (Goddess of Corn) perform the 'Danza De La Pluma'  (Oaxacan indigenous dance) during the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Virginia Avenue Park on Sunday, May 4, 2008. (3) Folkoltico Centeotl perform "Flora De Pina," during the Fiesta. (4) Car judge Mike Holguin, 30, examines a 1948 Chevy Fleetline Deluxe convertible during the Cinco de Mayo Car Show at Virginia Avenue Park. (5) Eddie Franco pushes his daughter Clarissa, 2, in her mini 1962 Checvy Impala on Sunday.