 Edición Semanaria de Noticiero Latino |
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December 2003
December 5th | Listen to the program
RISKY CUTS - In California, several community organizations are questioning Governor Schwarzenegger's plan to solve the state's budget problems. The governor proposes a $15 billion bond and a constitutional cap for public spending. However, his plan would result in serious cuts in services for children, students and people with disabilities, according to Angela Sanbrano, director of CARECEN, the Central American Resource Center of Los Angeles. Ms. Sanbrano was interviewed by correspondent Sara Shakir, after a press conference organized by State Treasurer, Phil Angelides.
CONSTRUCTION FATALITIES - Recent figures indicate that in the U.S., 2 of every 3 fatalities resulting from work related accidents happen in the construction industry. Many of the close to 9 million workers in the industry are Latino and not fluent in English. This is why OSHA has offered Spanish-language workshops, in an effort to reduce the high incidence of accidents at construction sites. Correspondent Patricia Ramos reports from Atlanta.
COVERING THE UNINSURED - Even though access to health services is a basic right, in the U.S. there are close to 40 million people who lack health insurance. However, several states still offer some services for children and low-income people. Silvia Parra reports on two California organizations that work to inform eligible families about available services.
December 12th | Listen to the program
GUADALUPE TORCH - The Antorcha Guadalupana binational race organized by New York's Tepeyac Association concluded this Friday, December 12. The group of relay runners left from Mexico City two months ago, in order to get to NYC in time for the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. When the runners arrived in Washington, D.C., they visited the Capitol to urge legislators to support immigrant legalization efforts. Patricia Guadalupe reports.
MEXICAN COUNCIL MEMBER - A new council member just became the first elected official of Mexican descent in the state of New York. Democrat Roberto López was certified as a council member for New Rochelle, one month after his election in November was questioned in court by his Republican opponent. López won with a 14 vote difference, and he now thinks that the delay in certifying his victory has to do with the fact that it was a surprise, in a city traditionally dominated by people of Italian and Irish ancestry. Marco Vinicio González shares the story.
HYPERTENSION - High blood pressure is one of the main causes of chronic disease among farm workers. However, it is often difficult for them to control their hypertension. In an effort to support farm laborers, some migrant camps in Northern California are helping to disseminate information on healthy diets and other simple ways of helping to control high blood pressure. Araceli Martinez reports from San Francisco.
December 19th | Listen to the program
SPECIAL FEATURE REPORT
THIRST IN CIUDAD JUAREZ - As urban populations grow, water is becoming an ever decreasing and critical resource in the arid regions. In the Chihuahua desert, Juarez Mexico, across the Rio Grande from El Paso, depends on a single aquifer as its only source of water - and it is fast running out of fresh water, putting the future of this burgeoning border town into question. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez narrates the story, filed by independent producer Sandy Tolan from Homelands Productions.
December 26th | Listen to the program
LEGALIZATION PROSPECTS - Many immigrants have a reason to feel optimistic about including a green card among their New Year resolutions. For the first time in two years, and despite unrelenting opposition, Washington seems ready to approve the legalization of farm workers, young students, and other immigrants. That’s what immigrant advocates and independent observers predict. Sara Shakir files the story.
ELDERS AND HEALTH CHECK UPS - Latino elders often underestimate their illnesses and wait too long when it comes to visit the doctor for their physical check ups. This eventually complicates the treatment for the conditions of Latino elders. Those are some of the findings of California scientists, who recommend better communication between the doctors and their Spanish-speaking patients. The report is submitted by Alberto Hauffen.
SHOPPING SEASON - To find relief from the hardships of the year, Mexicans celebrate the holiday season with an unstoppable marathon of shopping and spending. This period is popularly known as Puente Guadalupe Reyes. It begins on December 12, the Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and concludes on January 6th, Day of the Wise Kings. In this report, Citlali Sáenz features the mood of some residents in the shopping areas of Mexico City.