January 8th

DEALING WITH THE FREEZE. Thousands of farmworkers in California's Central Valley, the nation's leading producer of agriculture, find themselves in dire straits days after a freeze that caused extensive damage to the citrus industry. Already in Tulare County, one of the most affected areas, 75 percent of the workers in a citrus packing plant have been laid off. This week, we will hear from some of those workers. In addition, Juan Arambula, Fresno County Supervisor, will talk about the progress in getting federal aid for the affected families.

MEXICO: THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY'S INFLUENCE OVER THE YOUTH. It's estimated that there are one million smokers between the ages of 12 and 18 in Mexico. And, although rules regarding advertising tobacco to minors exist, they are rarely enforced. Subsequently, experts believe that advertising campaigns aimed at the youth are largely to blame for the great number of young smokers. This week, we have the latest segment in a series on the tobacco industry's activities south of the border. Our reporter Raul Silva spoke with a health expert, a member of congress and an educator on what steps the country needs to take to protect its youth.

ROSCA DE REYES. Mrs. Carmen Dominguez, a Mexican baker, has helped maintain the Catholic tradition of the Three Wise Kings alive in San Francisco's Mission District. For over thirty years, Mrs. Dominguez has personally baked thousands of Roscas de Reyes (rolls of bread), the center of this family celebration for the children. Correspondent Citlali Saenz found Mrs. Dominguez busy completing orders from customers throughout the region on the eve of January 6th.

January 15th

A CALL TO ACTION. Small businesses can be instrumental in helping with the reconstruction of Central American and Caribbean countries affected by hurricanes George and Mitch. This week, Aida Alvarez, administrator of the Small Business Administration, will detail the SBA's role in the "Marshal Plan" for these countries. Ms. Alvarez will also discuss the goals of a trade mission to Mexico that will try to "open export and partnership opportunities for U.S. firms."

MEXICO: PROFILE OF AN ANTI-TABACCO ACTIVIST. In Mexico, the fight against tobacco use is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, Dr. Carmen Gutierrez has devoted the last 12 years of her life offering courses and counseling to thousands of people who want to stop smoking. And, last year, the Mexican government recognized Dr. Gutierrez' pioneering work by naming her Woman of the Year. This week, we have a report from Raul Silva, who caught up with this very busy woman and got an insight into her work and her views on the fight against tobacco use in her country.

BABY BULL: A LATINO BASEBALL LEGEND. Before there was Sammy Sosa, there was Orlando Cepeda, a 1960's Puerto Rican baseball player known as Baby Bull. Cepeda played for the San Francisco Giants and was named Most Valuable Player in 1967. Currently, he still works for the Giants, now as a community representative. This week, we have an interview with Mr. Cepeda on his recently published memoirs. In this report, the legendary baseball player tells our reporter, Citlali Saenz, about the struggles he faced being one of the first Latinos in the sport.

January 22nd

CLINTON'S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS. President Clinton made history this week as the first president ever to give his State of the Union Address while under impeachment. Making no direct mention of the trial, Clinton laid out his ambitious agenda, giving top priority to protecting and expanding Social Security and Medicare. In this report, we take a look at the President's plan and get reactions from the Republican Party on the proposals that Clinton hopes will carry the United States into the 21st century.

MEXICO: GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS IN GUERRERO. The Southern Mexican state of Guerrero has experienced its share of conflicts in the recent years. In addition to growing poverty and government corruption, Guerrero has had to deal with two armed insurgency groups. Furthermore, the imminent state elections have brought all these issues to the forefront with the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party and the oppositinist Party of the Democratic Revolution dueling for governors seat. This week we have a report from Kent Patterson, who spoke with the two leading candidates on the issues and their plans to lead the state.

YOLANDA KING SPEAKS ABOUT HER FATHER'S LEGACY. Speaking at a dedication ceremony at California State University, Fresno, held in her father's honor, Yolanda King maintains that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream is still a dream. The eldest daughter of the slain civil rights leader adds that it is naïve to seek a color blind society, instead we must recognize and accept our differences and move on. This week, we he have highlights from her speech in which she beseeches all of us to continue the work that her father died for.

January 29th

IMPEACHMENT TRIAL IN THE SENATE. After more than two weeks, the second impeachment trial in U.S. history is nearing a crucial moment. While Democrats propose to dismiss all charges, the Republican House Managers press for calling witnesses, making a speedy resolution to the case seem unlikely. This week, we have Attorney, Luis Perez, and President of the National Hispanic Assembly, Jose Rivera, talk about their desired outcomes for the trial.

CENTRAL AMERICANS WARY OF TPS. In the wake of the destruction left by Hurricane Mitch, Central Americans in the U.S. were granted a temporary stay in the country. Nevertheless, the US Immigration and Naturalization Service say that only a few have applied for the Temporary Protection Status. And, while immigration advocated are encouraging Nicaraguans and Hondurans to apply for the TPS, they also warn that the benefits are not for everyone, and they should seek legal advice. Reporter Citlali Saenz, visited the INS office in San Francisco and bring some reactions.

THE POPE'S MESSAGE IN LATIN AMERICA. In what is considered to be his final trip to Mexico, Pope John Paul II, attempted to leave a lasting message aimed at the government, the church and the people of the Americas. During his four and a half day trip, the Pope condemned
economic injustice, the death penalty, and abortion. In addition, the Pontiff reiterated his demand for human rights and respect for indigenous people, their culture and their land. This week, we have a report on this historic visit and the reaction of those who heard his message.

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