 Edición Semanaria de Noticiero Latino |
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May 2005
May 6th | Listen to the program
CHICANO LEADER DIES - One of most recognized leaders of the Chicano civil rights movement died recently. Rodolfo Corky Gonzalez, whose epic poem I am Joaquin became a political manifesto for Chicano students during the 60’s and 70’s, died in his native Denver. Today, followers of the legendary leader along with university students hold tributes in remembrance of Gonzalez’ crusade for social justice. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez attended one such event in San Diego, at the dawn of 5 de mayo celebrations.
JAZZ WITH INDIGENOUS ROOTS - Indigenous wind band musicians from Oaxaca, located in Mexico’s southern mountains, have teamed with prominent Latin American song figures to create a sound that is half popular tradition and half piano, flute, jazz vocals and other modern rhythms. This musical gift was recently recorded and is now on sale under the title “Sones de Tierra y Nube.” Raul Silva shares the following report.
LEGAL PROBE AGAINST MEXICO CITY MAYOR ENDS - Mexico’s federal prosecutor’s office apparently puts an end to weeks of intense political conflict after it decides to dismiss legal action against Mexico City Chief, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, clear favorite for country’s 2006 elections. At the same time, President Vicente Fox and Lopez Obrador agree to meet in order to mend differences. This happens after the sudden change of the head of the general attorney’s office. Citlali Saenz reports from Mexico City.
May 13th | Listen to the program
DEBATE OVER CAFTA - This week, a heated debate over CAFTA, the Central American Free Trade Agreement, took place at the nation's capital. Central American Presidents met with president Bush and lobbied members of Congress, in an attempt to curve the growing public sentiment against the treaty. Meanwhile, union leaders and CAFTA opponents protested on the streets. Patricia Guadalupe shares the details from Washington, D.C.
CONVICTED NAVY OFFICER RECEIVES SUPPORT - Peace groups gathered in California this week to support Navy Petty Officer Pablo Paredes, who was found guilty of missing-movement during a court-martial. Last December, Paredes declared himself a conscientious objector, and refused to deploy with his ship heading to the Persian Golf. In a San Diego's Naval Station, the court-martial rejected Paredes' defense as conscientious objector. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez has followed the case and shares details.
FAREWELL TO TOP LATINO UNION LEADER - Unions around the country regretted this week the death of Miguel Contreras, the highest ranking Latino within the powerful labor federation AFL-CIO. The union leader died in Los Angeles of a heart attack, at age 52. Contreras started his organizing work among Cesar Chavez's farm workers union. Now, Contreras is recognized for successfully influencing decisive political campaigns, creating numerous alliances among workers from all industries, and for giving voice to the immigrant workers within the union movement. Rubén Tapia shares details.
May 20th | Listen to the program
NEW LATINO MAYOR IN LOS ANGELES - It took 133 years for the city of Los Angeles, the second largest city in the nation, to elect again a Latino Mayor. Last Tuesday, democratic councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa got elected to the post with the support of a multi-ethnic coalition. Now, Villaraigosa is preparing for all the challenges coming with his new job. Ruben Tapia reports from Los Angeles.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE FIELDS - Last January, Olivia Tamayo, a Mexican farm worker living in California, won the first federal case against a company in the agricultural industry accused of sexual harassment. However, the company, Harris Farms, says is not over yet. The unanimous verdict found them liable for allowing the sexual harassment, retaliating against the worker and forcing her to quit her job. Tamayo was warded almost a million dollars in damages. Sara Shakir interviewed the parties and files the report.
TURTLES PARADISE - On the coast of the Southern state of Oaxaca, Mexico, is Mazunte, a small village where turtles arrive every year to nest their eggs. Before 1990, Mazunte lived of turtle slaughter, now its economy relies on protecting the four turtle species that arrive to its shores. Several projects have promoted the region's development and its significance for the world's environment. Raul Silva reports.
May 27th | Listen to the program
SENATE ENDS FILIBUSTER - After several days of intense negotiations, the U.S. Senate ended a debate to alter filibusters, the last resource used by the Senate minority to block decisions made by this legislative body. The Republican majority, which sought to do away with the filibuster for judicial nominations, accepted to withdraw its offensive, known as the nuclear option. Democrats on the other hand, opt to allow voting on certain judicial nominations. Patricia Guadalupe reports from the Capitol, on the points of view of Latino legislators.
BITTERSWEET LATINO VICTORY IN ARIZONA - Arizona’s Democrat Governor, Janet Napolitano halted a package of measures considered anti-immigrant, making Republican legislators angry. The governor’s decision also left a bittersweet aftertaste in the Latino community. Elivia Diaz explains.
TEXAS LEGISLATIVE BATTLE - While Republican legislators in Texas seek new restrictions for immigrant residents, pro-immigrant groups propose expanding protections and benefits for the community. Raul Feliciano Sanchez reports from Houston, TX.
ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA - Los Angeles Mayor-Elect Antonio Villaraigosa tries to put a sobriety touch on his recently earned fame as a rising Latino political star. Villaraigosa says that his government will be made up of the diverse groups that make up the nation’s second largest city. In interview with Radio Bilingue’s News Director Samuel Orozco, the new mayor insists that he will concentrate his energy in reducing high school dropout rates, gang violence and clearing the air at the nation’s smog capital.