Looking at the pictures of Los Angeles and of the Italian American community in the early 20th century, one can only imagine how hard it must have been for a minority of immigrants to find its own voice in a foreign country. On the one hand, they had to integrate in a new society; on the other hand, they needed to stick together without losing their Italian identity.
In 1908, Gabriello Spini, a native of Florence, founded L’Italo-Americano newspaper with the aim of helping preserve the Italian language and cultural heritage, and of providing information to the growing Italian American community of Los Angeles.
His nephew Cleto Baroni succeeded him as owner and editorial director in 1933. The cultural and social value of the publication constantly increased over the years and, in order to ensure continuity of service, in 1971 Cleto Baroni sold the paper to the Scalabrinians, a religious congregation whose mission was to “maintain the Catholic faith and practice among Italian emigrants in the New World.”
Under the direction of the new editor Fr. Mario Trecco, L’Italo-Americano underwent major improvements, including the transition to the tabloid format.
In the 1980, it bought out the San Francisco newspaper L’Eco d’Italia, remaining the only and oldest Italian American publication of the West Coast.
Fr. Mario Trecco was in charge until 1990 – succeeded by Fr. Augusto Feccia, and then by Fr. Ermete Nazzani -, and again from 1998 until 2004 when the paper became property of L’Italo Americano Foundation, owned by Mr. Robert J. Barbera.
A native of New York and of Sicilian descent, Robert J. Barbera moved to California in 1955 and graduated from the California State University Los Angeles.
His profound attachment to his Italian background is testified by his involvement in several causes and organizations such as the Italian Catholic Federation, the Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California, the department of Italian studies of the University of Long Beach, the Pepperdine University, and the California State University Northridge, the Patrons of Italian Culture, the Italian American Scholarship Club of Pasadena, the Italian Heritage and Culture Foundation, Fondazione Italia, and Lingua Viva offering Italian language classes at the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles.
In recognition of his outstanding service on behalf of the community, he was also awarded the title of Commendatore by the Italian Government.
Under his direction, Fr. Mario Trecco was confirmed as editor in chief until 2009, followed by Laura Battaglia Mesrobian and, in March 2011, by present director Simone Schiavinato.
Over the last 3 years, a significant effort has been put in the modernization of the newspaper’s image and content, in order to keep pace with the contemporary Italian reality and to involve the new generations of Italian Americans.
By developing new sections and innovative digital services, the newspaper is continuously growing in terms of subscriptions, outreach, and prestige.
Participation is also encouraged through periodical newsletters and Facebook contests, relating to the most interesting events taking place in the areas of California covered by the paper.
Information about Italy are provided in the Italian language section, while the English one mainly focuses on the life and activities of the local communities.
Besides the updated web site and the brand new digital edition, future additions will include a video section and a smart-phone application, aimed at making quality information more and more accurate and accessible to the public.
Over a hundred years have passed since L’Italo-Americano’s first edition, which demonstrate the serious commitment towards and in the interest of the entire Italian American community.
“L’Italo-Americano is a sounding board for knowing not only what happens here, but also for keeping future generations informed about our history, culture, and traditions”, says publisher Robert J. Barbera.
On March 1, the history and crucial role of L’Italo-Americano newspaper will be acknowledged on the occasion of a magnificent gala organized by Mr. Barbera at the Casa Italiana, inspired by the famous Carnival in Venice.
Presented by Emcee Fernando J. Scarpa, the event will feature exquisite food – an authentic Venetian menu including salted codfish and polenta -, live music with soprano Elisabetta Russo, Commedia dell’Arte entertainment with actors from the renowned company Actors’ Gang, amazing gifts and raffle prizes provided by prestigious sponsors. Among them are tickets to Italian composer Ennio Morricone’s concert taking place at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on March 20, Italian language classes, typical Venetian masks, original Italian products like espresso coffee and chocolate, and much more.
Complimentary carnival masks and gift bags will be given to all the guests, to create the perfect party atmosphere.
Gathering together a large number of loyal friends and readers, it will be the occasion not only to enjoy an awesome Italian-style celebration, but also to show appreciation and support towards one of the most distinguished sources of information about Italy and of shared values.
The extraordinary achievements obtained in over a century, also thanks to the generous contribution of the members of the Italian American community, associations, and institutions, represent just the first steps towards a brilliant future development.
L’Italo-Americano’s long standing mission to preserve the Italian heritage reflects a common objective and the feeling of unity that has been binding the community together since the early 1900, and that will always continue to keep it alive.
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