L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 2 A C o n s u l a t e i s a bastion of Italian- ness. It serves as a n a g e n c y t h r o u g h w h i c h the Italian Republic exercis- es public, administrative, and sometimes jurisdictional func- tions within the territory of another State. Beyond diplo- matic relations, it facilitates the development of commer- cial ties and scientific collabo- rations, promotes culture and the arts, and supports businesses. It is an institution that assists, represents, and protects Italians abroad. Essentially, it is a service Italy provides to its citizens, wherever they have chosen to live, stay, study, or work. A point of reference, offering protection and representation. From this perspective, California stands out as exception- ally fortunate, as it hosts two Consulates within its borders. With a substantial Italian-American community and an enduring history of immigration that, while transformed, continues to this day, the West Coast has always been a steadfast anchor for national representation offices. Notably, two of the ten US Consulates act as pivotal links across Cali- fornia, not just connecting Los Angeles to San Francisco but also embodying the narrative of a large community of Ital- ians and Italian-Americans. A community that, over approxi- mately a century and a half, has deeply rooted itself, seam- Upholding Italianness, from the Consular network to teamwork that fosters collective growth From the Editor lessly integrating and making significant contributions to the growth of their adopted nation. The numerous individuals who have excelled in fields ranging from the arts to technology, culture, industry, poli- tics, society, academia, crafts, entertainment, medicine, and space exploration, exemplify the rich, dynamic, and lively nature of this relationship. Their stories, regularly featured in L'Italo-Americano, are tangible evidence of this com- plex yet vibrant network: they trace the evolution, dissolu- tion, and regeneration of the first Little Italies, highlighting a modern engagement with Italian heritage not as a mere inheritance, but as a conscious choice to cultivate and honor one's Italian origins. In this context, Roots Tourism acquires a special signifi- cance. It represents a journey back to Italy, a return to one's origins, and an invitation to explore familial beginnings in the lands of those who brought a slice of the Italian peninsu- la to the USA, complete with its language and dialects, culi- nary traditions, memories, and tales. Hence, it's essential to recognize that every Italian in America serves as a custodian of Italianness, representing millennia of culture and acting as an ideal intermediary between the two nations. They play a crucial role in forging bridges, nurturing relationships, and facilitating exchanges that go from culture to import-export activities, and from business initiatives to scientific and tech- nological partnerships. In this light, the importance of the Sistema Italia is paramount: this network of institutions and entities not only promotes Italian entrepreneurship abroad and champions our "Made in Italy" brand but also con- tributes significantly to the nation's development. Envi- sioned as a team, it comprises a diverse group of individuals, skills, and roles, working together with professionalism to lay the groundwork for widespread development with posi- tive repercussions on both sides of the Atlantic. Here, the role of the Consulate is crucial: it acts as a vital connector and a privileged observatory, tasked with estab- lishing and maintaining diplomatic relations as well as facili- tating exchanges and, importantly, initial meetings, because friendships often stem from mutual understanding. Such is the case with the deep bond between Italy and the United States, a relationship reaffirmed during the latest bilateral meeting in Washington, both in the institutional and social spheres. The message that the Prime Minister wrote in the White House study exemplifies this, reflecting the extensive and vital nature of daily exchanges between the two coun- tries, especially considering the significant presence of expa- triates in the States: "Another meeting to reinforce our solid friendship and cooperation, boosted by 20 million Italian Americans." Film, space exploration, technology, digital media, star- tups, the agri-food sector and cuisine, innovation alongside tradition, design, tourism, beauty, and our immensely rich culture, all serve as manifestations that illuminate the vast scope of the relationship that an Italian American personi- fies perfectly: a dynamic amalgamation of Italy and the USA. Indeed, it is within this creative, fluid, and constructive relationship that L'Italo-Americano navigates, and where the present and future of the Italian American community should be contemplated. This community is encouraged to come together to support the excellence of Made in Italy, including both those born and raised in Italy and those who possess an Italian "philia" — not only in their DNA or cultur- al and social formation but in their preference for all that is Italian. Simone Schiavinato, Editor Simone Schiavinato NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS Member of FUSIE (Federazione Unitaria Stampa Italianaall'Estero), COGITO L'Italo-Americano Please send correspondence to P.O. BOX 6528, ALTADENA, CA 91003 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano Newspaper (a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization), www.italoamericano.org, is the largest and longest-running Italian news- paper in America, not to mention the cultural and news resource for all things Italian in the US. A bilingual newspaper which represents an historical landmark for the Italian American Communities in the West Coast and throughout the US. L'Italo-Americano benefits from subsidies by the Italian Government, Memberships and Donations intended to support and not interrupt a mission that began in 1908 to preserve and promote the Italian language and culture in the USA Periodicals postage paid at Monrovia, California 91016, and additional mailing offices. PUBLISHER Robert Barbera Grande Ufficiale EDITOR IN CHIEF Simone Schiavinato ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Patrick Abbate EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Barbara Minafra COPY EDITOR Francesca Bezzone LOS ANGELES CONTRIBUTOR Silvia Nittoli SAN FRANCISCO CONTRIBUTOR Serena Perfetto SEATTLE CONTRIBUTOR Rita Cipalla CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mariella Radaelli, Matt Walker, Francesca Bezzone, Luca Ferrari, Stefano Carnevali, Paula Reynolds, Teresa Di Fresco Nicoletta Curradi, Generoso D'Agnese, Jessica S. Levy, Fabrizio Del Bimbo, Maria Gloria, Chuck Pecoraro, Anthony Di Renzo Serena Perfetto, Kenneth Scambray, Chiara D'Alessio, Luca Signorini, Giulia Franceschini © 2020 L'Italo-Americano Membership: One year $59 - Single copy $2.25 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to L'Italo Americano PO Box 6528 Altadena, CA 91003 W e are saddened to announce the passing of Chef Ale Gambini, a cherished pillar of Italian cuisine in Los Angeles. Ale's profound dedication to authentic Italian cooking and her efforts to share Italy's rich culinary traditions far from home made her a beloved figure. Through her books and culinary initiatives, she educated and inspired us about the power and beauty of cooking. Ale's legacy as a passionate Ambassador of Italian food and culture will continue to inspire many: she will be remem- bered fondly for her contributions to the culinary world and the joy she brought to those around her. Our thoughts are with her family, her friends, and all those who loved her.

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