Latina of the Month Jessica Márquez has been chosen as the Spirit of Fiesta to lead the parade... El Presidente Tim Taylor - El Presidente Fiesta 2008 - I really enjoy how Fiesta brings the community together... History of Old Spanish Days Fiesta is unique among festivals, both local and national.... Fashion Couture for Santa Barbara's Old Spanish Days Fiesta.... Art Pedro De La Cruz doesn’t mind comparisons to other great Latin artists... Entrepreneur of the Month Gene Montesano is living proof that where there is a will there is a way... Junior Spirit Ashley Almada Dances Her Way Into Old Spanish Days... Socials Latest images from the Santa Barbara Social Scene... Health What to do after you discover that the person you love is having an affair … Chumash Dictionary Speaking of California’s rich cultural history, one would be remiss not to acknowledge the Chumash Calendar of Events Letter from the Editor           Ashley Almada Dances Her Way Into Old Spanish Days By Lea Boyd   Seven years ago, a 5-year-old named Ashley Almada watched the Junior Spirit of Fiesta dance on the steps of the Santa Barbara Mission and dreamed of one day being that girl. This April, after competing against 16 other young dancers, Almada achieved that dream and proudly accepted the title of 2008 Junior Spirit of Fiesta. “The one thing that sets her apart is her passion and love of dance,” says Alicia Almada, Ashley’s mother. “That love really shines through whenever she dances.” In her third and last attempt at Junior Spirit, Ashley’s passion ignited her skills, convincing judges that she represented the finest young dancer that Santa Barbara had produced. As she danced in the competition, she drew from experience that stretched back to her first pair of ballet slippers at age 3 and her first twirl of flamenco skirts at age 4. Now that the competition is complete and the congratulatory words from friends and admirers have sunk in, Ashley prepares for her position in the Old Spanish Days festivities. A decision by the Old Spanish Days committee will change the role of Junior Fiesta this year, and Ashley will not be performing at the Mission during opening ceremonies of La Fiesta Pequena. True to her title, however, Ashley’s spirits remain high. She looks forward to donning her elaborate white dress and leading the 78th annual children’s parade on Saturday, Aug. 2. She is eager to assume her role as the ambassador to the children and “provide the youth of the community someone they can really relate with,” according to Alicia. Alicia describes Ashley’s accomplishment as the “fulfillment of one of her greatest dreams and goals.” Being recognized as Junior Spirit may prove to be the first of a great number of Ashley’s achievements. Perhaps Ashley’s most important contribution to this year’s Old Spanish Days will be demonstrating to Santa Barbara’s youth that setting goals and working hard can transform dreams into reality.