Aurora-Marie Dolopo Zhivago is an American Cartoonist and Published Children’s Book Author, “The Sakura”. Based in Chula Vista, California since 1996.

Her pen-name is Dr. Zhivago, nicknamed by Surgeons and Anesthesiologists she assisted as a former Surgical Scrub nurse for over 18 years of her medical career.

With both Fashion Design Degree from FIDM, Los Angeles and a Degree in Surgical Technology, Southwestern college, Dr. Zhivago’s dream was to create Cartoons and Educate youth in the School District. The Environmental Theme was the spirit of her Cartoon characters and Education is the foundation.

After retiring Surgery Career Marie carried the name Dr. Zhivago into the schools teaching Cartoon Design and Animation and began production of her Cartoons in the Amazon and online market.

Marie is an Owner and Lead Teaching Artist in Visual & Performing arts and culture Education, in the borderland region that empowers families and community members to build healthy, resilient, and equitable communities.

After serving as one of Chula Vista’s Cultural Arts Vice Chairwoman and Commissioner, the importance of service to promote Arts and Culture in the second-largest city in San Diego County for Chula Vista’s Master Arts Plan is indeed Historic to help build a growing city in business and tourism.

“I feel that my parents long residents of West Chula Vista and my Grandfather, Tomas Dolopo, one of USNavy’s First Filipinos to enlist during WW1 1903, instilled in me that sacrifice and service for the good of community will lead to a positive outcomes.”

History is important and we need to share our path of life struggles and ambitious dreams come true, to our community and youth, so we never forget where we came from.

I am proud to be a Board member of such an esteemed collection of leaders thus far.