September 3rd

SOCIAL SECURITY CAMPAIGN. Anticipating the continued debate on the future of Social Security, the Clinton Administration is launching a national campaign to inform the public about benefits covered by Social Security. The campaign will also alert contributors to the upcoming mailing of account statements. This week, Patricia Guadalupe reports from Washington, DC.

REGULATING FARM-LABOR VANS. In the wake of the deadly van crash that took the lives of 13 tomato workers in Fresno, California, state lawmakers rush legislation to eliminate the current exemptions from car seat and safety seatbelt requirements for farm vehicles. Ana Lilia Barraza reports on a public hearing held in Fresno, sponsored by Assemblyman Dean Florez. The report includes voices of farmworkers, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez and local growers.

A COMMUNITY OF READERS. The Los Angeles Latino Book and Family Festival, billed as the nation's largest Latino book trade show, attracted nearly 50,000 people in this year's event. On its third year, the festival has more than doubled in size and offers a variety of adult and children's literature in both Spanish and English. The event also celebrated culture with performances by dance groups, musicians and poets. Silvia Parra interviewed participants and performers at the festival.

September 10th

SELF-HELP FOR VICTIMS OF ABUSE. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, a Latina women's cooperative called Mujeres en Accion is offering survivors of domestic violence a way out of abusive relationships. Our correspondent Kent Patterson reports on how the co-op combines emotional support with a business program to help these women become independent.

MEDI-CAL CAMPAIGN. In California, thousands of people, especially Latinos, lack medical insurance, despite the fact that they qualify for government assistance. This week, Araceli Garcia reports on a campaign coordinated by the state and local community organizations geared to enroll more people in Medi-Cal, the state-funded medical insurance program.

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE. The use of medicinal plants is part of everyday life in Mexico and other Latin American countries. And this tradition has grown in the United States through immigration. This week, Raul Silva interviews practitioners of traditional medicine who believe people in the U.S. can benefit from these natural remedies.

September 17th

FOCUS ON BUSINESS. During the U.S. Hispanic Congressional Caucus' three day conference bilingual education, immigration and social security reform were all topics of discussion. But, for the first time, Latino legislators focused on important business issues including technology, commerce with Latin American and the Internet. This week, Patricia Guadalupe reports from Washington D.C.

AIDS AND MIGRATION. According to official statistics of the Mexican government there are approximately 40,000 AIDS/HIV cases in the country. Out of those cases, 2,000 have been reported in rural areas, where the AIDS cases have tripled in the last four years. This week, Raul Silvia reports that despite the increase in HIV/AIDS cases, the federal government has done little in terms of prevention.

MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE. The city of Los Angeles boasts the largest Mexican population outside of Mexico. This week, thousands of Angelinos celebrated Mexican Independence day with a variety of events. Silvia Parra reports from the Placita Olvera, in downtown Los Angeles, were many gathered last Sunday to eat, dance and celebrate Mexican culture.

September 24th

PROTECTION AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA. In Mexico, 450 homicides have been linked to homophobia, yet often the legal system does little to prosecute or prevent these crimes. This week, Citlali Saenz reports on the case of Eduardo Alberto, a native of Oaxaca, who was granted political asylum in the United States because of persecution he experienced as a gay man in Mexico.

MEDICAL AND PUBLIC CHARGE. There are about 10 million families in California, where one or more of the family members are not U.S. citizens, according to a recent study. As a result, many of these families are unwilling to apply for state-funded health insurance programs such as Medi-Cal, afraid that they will be considered a public charge. This week, Araceli Garcia reports on efforts being made to inform immigrants and to alleviate unfounded fears.

WOMEN IN TWO WORLDS. Immigrant women have a hard time reconciling their traditional roles with the modern values of individuality, independence, informality and gender equality in their adoptive society. This week psychologist Ivette Ortiz Florez talks about how to make the best of the two worlds. Ana Lilia Barraza reports.

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