2008-02-25 02:57:27 -

- OBS News Jeff Smith, 916-868-3033 On Saturday night in downtown Sacramento more than 800 people celebrated at an awards dinner sponsored by the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that was highlighted by the presentation of an impassioned keynote address by the former Treasurer of the United States, Rosario Marin. Marin, the first foreign-born individual ever to hold the Treasurer's

post, is currently serving in the administration of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as the secretary of the California State and Consumer Services Agency.

Secretary Marin's words about empowerment and belief in the American dream of opportunity for all who are willing to work hard were well received by the resplendent crowd of business owners, politicians, labor leaders, and other community representatives. Her keynote comments about hard work, overcoming obstacles, and helping others to overcome barriers were very much in line with the focus of this year's dinner: "Latinas, La Siguient Ola - Latinas, The Next Wave."

One of the other women honored last night as an outstanding Latina business owner was the Chair of the Board of the Chamber, Griselda Barajas-Keolanui, owner of Griselda's Catering and Tex-Mex Restaurant. Griselda was honored as the incoming chair of the Board of the Chamber.

Barajas-Keolanui's restaurant recently re-opened after a forced shut-down last year because of the city's efforts to take her landlord Moe Mohanna's K Street properties away via eminent domain. She echoed Secretary Marin's calls for unity, "if it weren't for the support we receive from our fellow members of the Chamber, and my landlord and business partner Moe Mohanna, I know that I could not possibly still keep my restaurant open."

Developer Moe Mohanna, who was also in attendance at the awards dinner, when asked about his involvement with the Tex-Mex Restaurant, said, "I am proud to have worked with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses for years. I feel that my relationship with my business partner Griselda has brought me closer to the Hispanic community. As an immigrant myself, I am inspired by the words Rosario I believe ultimately the people of Sacramento believe in opportunity for all, human rights, and property rights."

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¶ More Than 800 People Attend the Chamber's 36th Annual Awards Gala