LINEA ABIERTA | THIS WEEK | PREVIOUS PROGRAMS

Linea Abierta Programs for April 2003

Tuesday, April 1st

PROGRAM # 3856 - 12:00 PDT
THE WAR. As the fighting in Iraq gets worse, civilian and military casualties increase anxieties about the war. This program looks into the humanitarian toll, the propaganda battle in U.S. media, and the views of the congressional Hispanic caucus.

Guests: Congressman Xavier Becerra, D-LA, Washington, DC; Dr. Ernesto Velazquez, representative, Doctors Without Borders, New York, NY; Alex Nogales, National Hispanic Media Coalition, Los Angeles.

PROGRAM # 3857 - 13:00 PDT
THE WAR. Anxiety about the war is also apparent in immigrant communities. Some fear the new security measures and travel less and become more isolated. Others complain of undue harassment and abuse at airports and border checkpoints. A Mexican Consulate official released a memo entitled “Ten Golden Rules for the Immigrant in Times of War,” advising Mexicans on risks at immigration checkpoints.

Guests: Mariana Bustamante, Immigrant Rights Project, American Civil Liberties Union, Oakland, CA; Marco Zamora, Peruvian-born US citizen who complains about racial profiling at airports, Fresno, CA; Bernardo Mendez, spokesperson, Consulado General de Mexico en San Francisco.

Wednesday, April 2nd

PROGRAM # 3858 - 12:00 PDT
ADVANCED DIRECTIVES. Latinos value family. A powerful way to help one’s family is to fill out an advance directive. An advance directive is a document that declares how a person wants to be cared at the end of life. An advance directive can determine whether or not the signer is kept alive while in coma; who is responsible for medical decisions; what kind of treatment is desired; even such details as who may visit and “Massages are welcome!” This week, this edition of the series Últimos Cuidados focuses on the value of advance directives: By signing an advance directive, one frees one’s family from the painful confusion of having to guess a loved one’s last wishes.

Guests: Attorney Jim Bridgman, Aspelin and Bridgman LLP, San Francisco, CA; Mary Lesten, director, TLC Hospice, Ventura, CA.

PROGRAM # 3859 - 13:00 PDT
MINORITY ADMISSIONS. On April 1, the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on lawsuits filed by White students who were rejected from schools at the University of Michigan. The lawsuits question the legality of affirmative action policies used to admit students from diverse ethnic and cultural origins. This is a debate on the issue.

Guests: Victor Viramontes, attorney, Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Washington, DC; Pedro Celis, President, National Hispanic Republican Assembly, Redmont, WA; Xavier Perez, student, Oakland High School, Oakland, CA; Maria Echaveste, former deputy chief of staff, The White House, current official for the National Democratic Committee.

Thursday, April 3rd

PROGRAM # 3860 - 12:00 PDT
PUERTO RICO EDITION. WRTU, Radio Universidad de Puerto Rico brings interviews and commentary on news developments in the Caribbean basin.

Host: Wanda Colón Cortés.

PROGRAM # 3861 - 13:00 PDT
MEXICO EDITION. Francisco “Paco” Huerta, a veteran radio journalist and civic journalism’s foremost advocate, is the program host. He offers a weekly, tape-delayed edition of the series “Voz Pública,” a call-in program airing from Mexico City.

Host: Francisco Huerta, www.vozpublica.com

Friday, April 4th

PROGRAM # 3862 - 12:00 PDT
IMMIGRATION EDITION. Attorney Carlos Spector Calderón, in El Paso, TX, provides news and commentary on major developments regarding U.S. immigration law. Listeners are encouraged to call in with comments and questions on immigration and citizenship issues. This week, Spector comments on the Marine soldiers who were granted posthumous citizenship. He expects renewed legislative efforts to benefit immigrant soldiers after the war.

PROGRAM # 3863 - 13:00 PDT
CESAR CHAVEZ HOLIDAY FESTIVAL. Anti-war and pro-labor themes highlighted this year's celebration of Cesar Chavez' birthday in San Francisco. In this program, leaders interviewed during the festival comment on Chavez' message of non-violence, efforts to enact a national Cesar Chavez holiday, a postage stamp honoring Chavez, and the current hopes and challenges for farm workers.

Interviews: Dolores Huerta, co-founder, United Farm Workers Union; Sen. John Burton, D-San Francisco, Senate President Pro Tem; Evelina Alarcon, national coordinator, National Cesar E. Chavez Holiday Campaign, Los Angeles; Juanita Ontiveros, veteran organizer and UFW representative in Sacramento; Dr. Salvador Murillo, veteran supporter from Berkeley, CA; Eloy Martinez, veteran supporter from Oakland, CA; Francisco Herrera, movimiento singer, composer and community organizer, San Francisco.

Monday, April 7th

PROGRAM # 3864 - 12:00 PDT
HEALTH EDITION – SARS AND SMALLPOX SHOTS. Dr. Elmer Huerta, a regular commentator, shares news developments in the health area. Health authorities release travel warnings to prevent the spread of the mystery flu-like illness from Asia known as SARS. Also, California, New York, Illinois and other states suspend smallpox shots until further review.

PROGRAM # 3865 - 13:00 PDT
LATINO CASUALTIES. Two Latino soldiers from Southern California who died in Iraq as immigrant foreign nationals were granted posthumous citizenship. Of the first ten Californians killed in the war, five were non citizens. Family members of Latino soldiers who died discuss this and other developments. Mr. Fernando Suarez demands answers about the goals of the war from the White House. Mr. and Mrs. Gonzalez would like to see more educational/training choices open for Latino youth, other than careers in the armed forces.

Invited guests: Fernando Suárez, father of Lance Cpl. Jesús Suárez; Rosa and Mario González, parents of Cpl. Jorge González.

Tuesday, April 8th

PROGRAM # 3866 - 12:00 PDT
BRACERO CENSUS. This week, Mexican federal officials begin collecting documents from elders who worked in the fields and railroads of the U.S from 1942 to 1946 under the Bracero program. Eligible beneficiaries might receive five thousand dollars in backpay compensation. This is a debate on the issue.

Guests: Congressman Sergio Acosta, International relations commission, Mexican Congress, Mexico City; Ventura Gutierrez, coordinator, Alianza Braceroproa, Mexico City; Ignacio Gomez, president, Alianza Braceroproa, chapter Salinas, CA.

PROGRAM # 3867 - 13:00 PDT
BILL FOR UNDOCUMENTED DRIVERS. A new bill allowing driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee in California. Immigrant groups hope to count on Gov. Davis' support this time around. Davis is not running for reelection this year.

Guest: Jose Sandoval, coordinator, Voluntarios de la Comunidad, San Jose, CA.

ALSO, COLLEGE AID FOR IMMIGRANTS. A proposal pending in California’s legislative Assembly would allow high-achieving undocumented students tuition assistance during their college years. Assemblyman Ronald Calderón, D-Montebello, author of the bill, talks about the prospects of the measure.

Wednesday, April 9th

PROGRAM # 3868 - 12:00 PDT
TAX FILING DEADLINE. As the deadline for this year’s tax filing season nears, a federal official joins this program to talk about recent changes in tax laws, and provide tips on ways to reduce the tax bills. The program reviews Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility, paying taxes while working in Mexico, the most common mistakes, and advice to avoid tax scams.

Guest: Rebecca Villalobos, spokesperson, West Coast office, U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

PROGRAM # 3869 - 13:00 PDT
VIOLENCE AND PUBLIC HEALTH. Widespread incidents of interpersonal abuse, assault and killing have led some to call the U.S. a violent nation. In response, health professionals are taking the challenge, recognizing violence as an epidemic more than a criminal issue. This program discusses the health impact of violence and what’s being done at the community and government levels to prevent and treat the problem. This program is aired in conjunction with KQED, San Francisco's public radio.

Guest: Dra. Nuria Ciofalo, psychologist, senior evaluation analyst, The California Endowment, Sacramento, CA; Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, D-Los Angeles, Washington, DC; Richard Huerta, mentor, All for One Program, Santa Barbara, CA; Alex Sanchez, director, Homies Unidos, Los Angeles.

Thursday, April 10th

PROGRAM # 3870 - 12:00 PDT
PUERTO RICO EDITION. WRTU, Radio Universidad de Puerto Rico brings interviews and commentary on news developments in the Caribbean basin.

Host: Wanda Colón Cortés.

PROGRAM # 3871 - 13:00 PDT
MEXICO EDITION. Francisco “Paco” Huerta, a veteran radio journalist and civic journalism’s foremost advocate, is the program host. He offers a weekly, tape-delayed edition of the series “Voz Pública,” a call-in program airing from Mexico City.

Host: Francisco Huerta, www.vozpublica.com

Friday, April 11th

PROGRAM # 3872 - 12:00 PDT
CHOLA CON CELLO. Chicana cellist and humorist María Elena Gaitán (“Chola con Cello”) from Los Angeles, premieres in San Francisco her newest show entitled The Teta Show! This is a performance about the stereotypes of the breast, produced at the invitation of Las Isabelas, a breast cancer survivor support center for Latinas. Gaitán alternates her stand-up comedy with renditions of soothing cello music.

PROGRAM # 3873 - 13:00 PDT
IMMIGRATION EDITION. Attorney Carlos Spector Calderón, in El Paso, TX, provides news and commentary on major developments regarding U.S. immigration law. Listeners are encouraged to call in with comments and questions on immigration and citizenship issues.

Monday, April 14th

PROGRAM # 3874 - 12:00 PDT
HEALTH EDITION – MS. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. While there is no cure for MS, medication can help reduce the duration and severity of the attacks. What are the problems of MS and how to fight them?

Guest: Mercy A. Murcia, spokesperson, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Los Angeles, CA; others TBC.

PROGRAM # 3875 - 13:00 PDT
LISTENER COMMENTS. Listeners are encouraged to comment on headline news stories of the week. Voice-mailed and e-mailed comments from listeners are also aired in this open-line edition.

Tuesday, April 15th

PROGRAM # 3876 - 12:00 PDT
PATRIOT ACT/TAX CUT PLAN. The city of Watsonville, CA, recently approved a resolution opposing the USA Patriot Act, joining 75 other cities that have passed similar resolutions. Councilman Ramon Gomez, who sponsored the resolution, explained that with close to 70% of Watsonville's residents being farm workers, there was concern that they could be adversely affected by the controversial provisions of the Act. Additionally, Gomez, said Japanese-American residents actively supported the resolution, arguing they do not want other people to go through the experience they had in internment camps during World War 2. The resolution calls on city employees not to officially cooperate with investigations, interrogations and arrest procedures that violate individual's civil rights or civil liberties.

Also, U.S. Treasurer, Rosario Marin, reminded listeners about today's deadline to pay taxes or file an extension. Marin also explained President Bush's decision to keep pushing his tax cut plan, even though he just lowered the proposed cut to around $550 billion. The Treasurer denied charges that the president's plan would mostly benefit the rich, insisting that all taxpayers would receive some benefit, although proportional to taxes they pay.

PROGRAM # 3877 - 13:00 PDT
IMMUNIZATION SHOTS. The National Alliance of Hispanic Health is reaching out to Latino parents to encourage immunization shots for their kids. Why should kids receive immunization shots? When? Where to find free or low-cost shots?

Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Valdez, executive director, Concilio Latino de Salud, Phoenix, AZ.

Wednesday, April 16th

PROGRAM # 3878 - 12:00 PDT
GOLDMAN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE. A conversation with two recipients of this year’s Goldman Environmental Prize, the world’s largest prize honoring grassroots environmentalists. A community organizer of Peru’s fishmeal industry and a Spanish physicist who spearheaded an effort to maintain a river free from damning, are among this year’s winners of the $125,000 fund.

PROGRAM # 3879 - 13:00 PDT
ELDER MARATHON RUNNER. Rafael Silva, a 75-year-old retired farm worker, is now an avid marathon runner in California. In this interview, he shares advice for novice runners. He also talks about the challenges of running as an elder, training for the races and winning.

Thursday, April 17th

PROGRAM # 3880 - 12:00 PDT
MEXICO EDITION. Francisco “Paco” Huerta, a veteran radio journalist and civic journalism’s foremost advocate, is the program host. He offers a weekly, tape-delayed edition of the series “Voz Pública,” a call-in program airing from Mexico City.

Host: Francisco Huerta, www.vozpublica.com

PROGRAM # 3881 - 13:00 PDT
PUERTO RICO EDITION. WRTU, Radio Universidad de Puerto Rico brings interviews and commentary on news developments in the Caribbean basin.

Host: Wanda Colón Cortés.

Friday, April 18th

PROGRAM # 3882 - 12:00 PDT
LATINO CASUALTIES. Two Latino soldiers from Southern California who died in Iraq as immigrant foreign nationals were granted posthumous citizenship. Of the first ten Californians killed in the war, five were non citizens. Family members of Latino soldiers who died discuss this and other developments. Mr. Fernando Suarez holds the White House accountable. Mr. and Mrs. Gonzalez would like to see more educational/training choices open for Latino youth, other than careers in the armed forces. This is a repeat program.

Guests: Fernando Suárez, father of Lance Cpl. Jesús Suárez; Rosa and Mario González, parents of Cpl. Jorge González.

ALSO, POSTHUMOUS CITIZENSHIP. Dan Kane, spokesperson for the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS), talks about the citizenship granted posthumously to two immigrant Marines killed in the Iraq war. He explains recent changes in the law that help immigrant soldiers get a fast-track naturalization.

PROGRAM # 3883 - 13:00 PDT
LATINO MATHEMATICIANS. Dr. Luis Ortiz Franco, a math professor and leader of mathematicians, is an advocate of expanding the knowledge and teaching of mathematics among Latinos and increasing the representation of Latinos in mathematics-based careers. He speaks about his studies on pre-Columbian mathematics achievements by Olmecs, Aztecs and Incas, and current mathematics activity in Latin America and among U.S. Latinos. This is a repeat program.

Guest: Dr. Luis Ortiz Franco, mathematics professor, Chapman University in Orange, CA; vice-president, International Study Group on Ethnomathematics.

Monday, April 21st

PROGRAM # 3884 - 12:00 PDT
HEALTH EDITION - ORAL HEALTH. Oral diseases are the most prevalent and most untreated childhood diseases in the country and tooth decay alone could interfere with eating, sleeping, speaking, and learning. Those are some of the findings of a study in California. This program reviews what's being done to halt the epidemic. An expert also shares tips on how to ensure healthy teeth for babies and children.

Guest: Dr. Francisco Ramos-Gomez, DDS, MS, MPH, associate professor at the Department of Growth and Development, Division of Pediatric Dentistry, UCSF School of Dentistry.

PROGRAM # 3885 - 13:00 PDT
EASTER MESSAGE ON IRAQ. President Bush sent an Easter message to U.S. troops in Iraq, while Pope John Paul II sent a contrasting message praying for immediate peace in Iraq. Listeners comment on the motives of President Bush and the lasting consequences of the war. The father of a soldier in Iraq calls in to defend the troops while opposing the war.

Tuesday, April 22nd

PROGRAM # 3886 - 12:00 PDT
EARTH DAY EDITION. TRANSGENIC CORN IN MEXICO. UC Berkeley biologist, Ignacio Chapela, provides an update on the debate created when he published research stating that native corn varieties in southern Mexico are contaminated with genes from transgenic corn. Dr. Chapela foresees serious damage to Mexico's environment, farming economy and public health if genetically-manipulated corn is not controlled.

Guest: Dr. Ignacio Chapela, assistant professor at the Department of Environmental Science, UC Berkeley.

ALSO, TAX CREDIT FOR FARMWORKER HEALTH INSURANCE. Agricultural employers who provide health coverage to their farm workers may receive tax credits, under legislation sponsored by the United Farm Workers and the California Medical Association. Proponents of AB 923 discuss the measure.

Guests: Assemblyman Marco Antonio Firebaugh (D-LA), Assembly Majority Floor Leader, Sacramento, CA; Lupe Martinez, national vicepresident, UFW, Delano, CA.

PROGRAM # 3887 - 13:00 PDT
ADVISING PRESIDENT FOX. A special Consulting Council was recently created to advice Mexico's President Vicente Fox on issues of interest for Mexicans living abroad. Members of the Council representing California's Central Valley join this edition to inform on issues discussed during the Council's convening meeting, which took place in Mexico City in March.

Guests: Retired judge Armando Rodriguez; Teresa de la Rosa, advocacy director, OLA Raza, Porterville, CA; Noe Hernandez, member, Asociacion de Pastores, Ministros y Lideres, Parlier, CA; Ricardo Flores, former president, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fresno, CA.

Wednesday, April 23rd

PROGRAM # 3888 - 12:00 PDT
BRACERO REGISTRY. The Mexican government has agreed to give monetary support to former Braceros who worked in the United States from 1942 to 1946. Authorities are currently collecting information on those who qualify during a three month period that started in early April. Leaders U.S. pro-Bracero organizations discuss strengths and shortcomings of Mexico's plan to address old debts.

Guests: Congressman Sergio Acosta Salazar (PRD-Morelia), chairman of the international relations commission, Mexican Congress; Luis Magana, coordinator, Organizacion de Trabajadores Agricolas de California, Stockton, CA; Sergio Moreno, executive director, Union de Ex Braceros Mexicanos, Chicago; Daniel Morfin, Alianza Braceroproa, Toppenish, WA.

PROGRAM # 3889 - 13:00 PDT
FALSE EVIDENCE TO JUSTIFY THE WAR: UN's BLIX. Listeners comment on the aftermath of the U.S. and Britain war against Iraq. Some call the invasion an illegal war and suggest impeaching President Bush. NEWS COMMENTARY. Review of news of the day and open-line for listeners comments.

Thursday, April 24th

PROGRAM # 3890 - 12:00 PDT
MEXICO EDITION. Francisco “Paco” Huerta, a veteran radio journalist and civic journalism’s foremost advocate, is the program host. He offers a weekly, tape-delayed edition of the series “Voz Pública,” a call-in program airing from Mexico City.

Host: Francisco Huerta, www.vozpublica.com

PROGRAM # 3891 - 13:00 PDT
PUERTO RICO EDITION. WRTU, Radio Universidad de Puerto Rico brings interviews and commentary on news developments in the Caribbean basin.

Host: Wanda Colón Cortés.

Friday, April 25th

PROGRAM # 3892 - 12:00 PDT
VEGETARIANISM. A veteran vegetarian and yoga instructor discusses ways in which a person wanting to avoid eating meat can still maintain a healthy nutrition and wellness.

Guest: Edwin Lopez, yoga instructor, El Centro Reformation, San Jose, CA.

PROGRAM # 3893 - 13:00 PDT
IMMIGRATION EDITION. Attorney Rosalba Piña, member of American Immigration Lawyers Association in Chicago, provides an update on immigration related news, and answers listeners questions on immigration procedures. News analysis included the announcement by AG John Ashcroft that entire groups of undocumented immigrants seeking asylum can be detained indefinitely.

Monday, April 28th

PROGRAM # 3894 - 12:00 PDT
HEALTH EDITION – DIABETES SUIT. Pharmaceutical company Warner-Lambert (now part of Pfizer, Inc.) faces civil lawsuits from Latino patients who used Rezulin, a drug to treat diabetes. According to attorneys representing the plaintiffs, the company knew that the drug could cause liver problems but chose to keep marketing it, especially among Latinos.

Guests: Attorney Catalina Manzano, Schimmel-Hillshaefer and Loewenthal, Sherman Oaks, CA; Diana Alvarenga and Margarita Garcia, Gruber and Kantor, Sherman Oaks, CA; attorney Laura de Santos, Warner-Lambert/Pfizer, Inc., Houston, TX.

PROGRAM # 3895 - 13:00 PDT
“MY NAME’S NOT RODRIGUEZ.” A conversation with acclaimed poet Luis J. Rodríguez on his first album of poetry and music entitled My Name’s Not Rodriguez. The CD is described as a synthesis of 1970’s Urban Funk/Chicano rock-like beats mixed with the spirit of today’s spoken word movement. April is National Poetry Month.

Tuesday, April 29th

PROGRAM # 3896 - 12:00 PDT
MEXICANS VOTING. Mexican émigrés from the state of San Luis Potosí meet in Chicago to work on a legislative bill that would grant political rights to Potosinos living abroad. Organizers of the community forum seek the right to elect governor and have an elected representative in SLP’s state Congress.

Guest: Rogelio Martínez Faz, Asociación de Clubes y Organizaciones Potosinas de Illinois, Chicago.

ALSO, HEALTH CARE FOR ALL. A conversation with Congressman Ciro Rodriguez (D-TX), chair of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus. He calls on Washington to use the multi-billion-dollar tax cuts to help pay for health care needs of Blacks and Latinos, the most uninsured populations.

PROGRAM # 3897 - 13:00 PDT
LISTENER COMMENTS. Listeners comment on recent developments in Iraq, including the shooting of a public demonstration by U.S. troops.

Wednesday, April 30th

PROGRAM # 3898 - 12:00 PDT
BUSH’S ECONOMIC PLAN. President Bush economic plan now before Congress was announced as a jobs and growth plan to strengthen the American economy. But many think the tax-cut package is a gift to the wealthy. This program includes a broadcast of the weekly radio message by President Bush, focusing this week on his economic package.

Guests: Congressman Mario Diaz Ballart (R-FL), Miami, FL; Maria Elena Martinez, executive director, CorpWatch, San Francisco, CA.

PROGRAM # 3899 - 13:00 PDT
LISTENER COMMENTS. Listeners comment on Bush's economic plan. Voice-mailed comments also focus on the U.S. war in Iraq and the recent national farm agreement in Mexico.

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