U.S. Suspends Funding For Key Farmworker Survey
ByDaffodil Altan
In a move that stunned researchers, policy-makers and nonprofit organizations, the U.S. Department of Labor has suspended funding for the only national survey that collects data on the working and living conditions of the country’s difficult-to-track migrant farmworker population.

Diputado Migrante Asume Puesto en Michoacán
En medio de grandes ex-pectativas a ambos lados de la frontera México-EE.UU, el pasado 14 de enero asumió el primer representante de los michoacanos residentes en Estados Unidos a la legislatura de ese estado de México.
Por Eduardo Stanley
Morelia, Michoacán (México) —Entró tímidamente al recinto de la legislatura y miró hacia arriba, donde estaban su familia y amigos, y saludó sonriente. Apenas pasadas las 11 de la mañana, Jesús Martínez Saldaña juramentó como uno de los 40 diputados a la 70ava Legislatura Estatal de Michoacán.

Immigrant Representative Takes Office in Michoacán
In the midst of high expectations on both sides of the US Mexican border, this past January 14, the first elected official representing citizens of the Mexican state of Michoacán residing in the United States was sworn into office in Michoacán.
By Eduardo Stanley
Morelia, Michoacán (Mexico) — He entered the legislative chambers almost shyly and looked up toward the public gallery, where his relatives and friends were seated, and smiled in greeting to them. Scarcely past 11:00 a.m., Jesus Martinez Saldaña took his oath as one of the 40 elected deputies of the 70th State Legislature of the state of Michoacán.

First Person
We can’t forget how to sing
By Heriberto Escamilla
A few weeks ago, I found myself in an elementary school auditorium in Pacoima California. My assistant and I were there to present the latest results of a door-to-door survey that we have been conducting every year beginning in 2001. The auditorium was in a festive mood, with colorful Christmas decorations and children’s crayon creations taped on the ordinary gray walls that we often see in schools. As our hosts prepared the projector and screen, we passed the time by watching the children come in, most with lively eyes looking for buddies, others dragging their feet as if each step taken was the result of unrewarded effort. Some faces betrayed the anxiety characteristic of someone looking to please, while a few faces carefully hid away their wounded spirit. In a few minutes, the wooden bleachers at the base of the stage were completely filled with some fifty fidgeting brown-faced songbirds (with a few güeros here and there) ready to start their day.

Stories

Impulsan Enlace Fronterizo Entre Representantes Gubernamentales de México y de EE.UU
El Consulado Mexicano en San Diego informó que el pasado 20 de enero de 2005, se verificó una reunión de Representantes Gubernamentales de México y de los Estados Unidos de América, en la sede de la Asociación de Gobiernos de San Diego (SANDAG por sus siglas en inglés) con el fín de dar un nuevo impulso al Mecanismo de Enlace Fronterizo (MEF), en la región comprendida entre la ciudad de San Diego, Ca. y la ciudad de Tijuana, B.C.

México del Norte
Por Jorge Mújica Murias
De las remesas y otros números
Sin sorpresas se recibió en México del Norte la noticia de que, otra vez, sus ciudadanos rompieron el récord de remesas enviadas al Sur durante 2004: 17,000 millones de dólares, según el Banco de México. En comparación, los 17 mil millones de dólares del 2004 son iguales a lo que todos los estados recibieron gracias a los excedentes petroleros. Desde 2001 las remesas le han ganado al turismo, y desde el 2003 son mayores a la inversión extranjera directa, es decir, a los negocios extranjeros en México.

Chula Vista Councilmember and Planning Commission Chair Propose a Moratorium on Check Cashing/Pay Day Lending Industry
Chula Vista - Chula Vista Councilmember Steve Casta-neda and Planning Commission Chair Marco Cortes proposed a moratorium on the approval of new check cashing and payday lending businesses in the City Of Chula Vista. The officials also requested that the City Attorney and Planning Department to provide language to develop new regulations limiting the number and locations where the operations can be located in the city.

Mozart para toda la familia
Por Luis Alonso Pérez
La música es alimento para el alma. Nos hace bailar, reír, cantar y en ocasiones hasta llorar. La música nos inspira y nos divierte, sin embargo para muchos la música “Clásica” no es más que un sinónimo de aburrimiento, que solo puede ser entendida, y por lo tanto disfrutada, por los grandes conocedores de las bellas artes.

When Sleepless Nights Become Dangerous
By Tracy Nelson
Ever woke up in the morning and felt just as exhausted as when you went to bed? For about nine percent of the U.S. population, and up to 25 percent in the elderly, this isn’t a one-time occurrence: it’s an ongoing reality. These people suffer from a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea literally means ‘no breath’ when sleeping. Sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea experience temporary and repeated blockages of the throat resulting in snoring, choking, shortness of breath and frequent awakening. In the morning, these individuals complain of tiredness and excessive sleepiness.

LA COLUMNA VERTEBRAL
Por John Suval
En tierra firme: Para la sismóloga Inés Cifuentes, los terremotos y maremotos son un asunto personal
Inés Cifuentes era una niña pequeña cuando un gran terremoto en el año 1960 sacudió una buena parte del territorio chileno, incluyendo la capital Santiago, adonde ella y su familia se habían mudado un mes antes de esa catástrofe. Durante cinco interminables minutos la tierra se estuvo moviendo, hasta el punto de que parecía que se avecinaba el fin del mundo. Luego vino la calma, pero lo peor estaba por venir para la larga y estrecha franja de territorio que cubre Chile.

NASA Scientist’s Career Spans Agency History
A Goddard Senior Fellow, Dr. Mario Acuña is a long way from his native land. Acuña was born and raised in Argentina. He had not planned on a career at NASA; however, a series of events and political turmoil in Argentina eventually brought him to America.

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards A Search for Hispanic High School Seniors to Serve as Role Models
The Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation (HHAF) launched its eighth annual search for the top Hispanic high school seniors in 12 regions in an effort to identify and promote the next generation of role models. Students can apply online at www.HispanicHeritageAwards.org. Applications are due February 11, 2005.

Cal State San Marcos Helps Middle School Students Plan College Path
February is College Awareness Month in California, and Cal State San Marcos is using this time to help local middle school students prepare for the future during “College: Making it Happen.” The programs, which are being held at area middle schools during February and March, are free and open to the public:

BPW Foundation Scholarships for Women in Need
Scholarships Help Women Advance Their Careers through Education
The BPW Foundation is accepting applications for Career Advancement Scholarships. These scholarships are open to women seeking the education necessary for entry or re-entry into the workforce or advancement within it. Career Advancement Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic merit, volunteer work, and previous academic and work history. Since 1969, the BPW Foundation has awarded over $6 million in scholarships, loans and grants to over 8,000 women wanting to further their education and improve their careers and earning power. Last year the BPW Foundation awarded 81 scholarships.

Grossmont College adds scores of class sections for spring semester
EL CAJON – Students can look forward to many more course offerings as the spring semester gets under way next week at Grossmont College.

Bronze Triangle CDC Event to Help Region Capture $50 Million in Unclaimed Earned Income Tax Credits
On January 29 from 12pm – 2pm, the Bronze Triangle Community Development Corporation, will officially kick off its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help qualify community residents for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Editorials

Editorial:
He, who makes the rules, controls the game!
There is an old saying in power politics, “He who makes the rules, controls the game”. In the case of the City of San Diego, the present rules no longer serve the interest of the elected power structure within the City. However, to try and retain power, the entrenched power brokers are trying to change the rules to fit their needs and solidify control into the hands of a few. The concept of the ‘Strong Mayor’ system of government was placed on the ballot, in the last election, without any input what so ever by the Citizens of the City.

Commentary
Why is it so Hard to say Goodbye?
By Ernest McCray
“Bersin’s position hangs in balance” is the title of a newspaper article I just read as I relaxed at my crib. But I have to ask: Why? Why should it be hard to say goodbye to a school superintendent who promised us a “World Class” school system and delivered one that isn’t even “County Class.”

National City Spotlight:
Our Children’s Education in the Sights of a Deceitful Governor
By Ted Godshalk
Recently our family visited the Sacramento area. Our fourth grader is studying California history and he benefited from the seeing Sutter’s Mill, the place along the American River where gold was first found, the Chaw-se Indian village, and other important sites. Driving into the city of Sacramento, the white dome of the Capitol was pointed out as the seat of government in our state. A child’s education, I believe, is always enhanced by many varied activities outside the classroom.

Commentary:
‘Occupied Democracy’: A New American Foreign Policy
By Jamal Dajani
During the last year the United States has sought to bring elections to Afghanistan, Iraq and what may become Palestine. If American ideology is embraced by the Muslim world, the thinking goes, our heavy military and financial involvement in these areas will be validated. This strategy has spawned a new trend in U.S. foreign policy that might aptly be called “occupied democracy.”

Commentary:
Iraqi Elections: Lessons from Puerto Rico
By Donna R. Hernández
In his inaugural address, President Bush promised that “America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling.” His words and actions, however, indicate otherwise. According to media reports, large sectors of the Iraqi population will be excluded from the Jan. 30 elections. Iraq’s introduction to “democracy” will occur under U.S. military occupation and in a time of extreme danger and war. Democracy imposed with the threat of force is not democracy at all. It didn’t work in Puerto Rico a century ago, and it’s not going to work in Iraq this week.

Comentario:
Aguantar Otros Cuatro Años
Por Humberto Caspa, Ph.D.
Con bombos y platillos, el Presidente George W. Bush reinició otra temporada en la Casa Blanca el día jueves. El clima de inestabilidad y zozobra que predominó en la gente hace cuatro años, esta vez, no fue tan marcada. A diferencia de la primera inauguración, el Presidente y su esposa, aunque con mucha vigilancia por agentes del servicio secreto, pudieron incluso salir de su auto novelesco y saludar efusivamente a la gente que se presentó para rendirle homenaje.

CONGRESSIONAL HISPANICS BREAK WITH NATIONAL LATINO ORGANIZATIONS AND REFUSE TO ENDORSE ATTORNEY GENERAL NOMINEE ALBERTO GONZALES
WASHINGTON, DC — House Democratic Caucus Chairman Bob Menendez (NJ), the highest-ranking Hispanic in Congress and chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Standing Committee on Nominations, CHC Chair Grace Napolitano (CA), and CHC Civil Rights Task Force Chair Charlie Gonzalez (TX) today sent letters to Senators Harry Reid (NV), Patrick Leahy (VT), Arlen Specter (PA) and Bill Frist (TN) to inform the Senate leaders that the CHC has not endorsed Alberto Gonzales, breaking with major national Latino organizations. Following is a sample letter:

Tezozomoc Speaks
United State’s Senators (Republican that is) flunked the test for Integrity, Sincerity, and Character in the recently held Senate hearings on Condoleezza Rice to be the next Secretary of State. The public hearings demonstrated how little backbone there is within the Republican Party. No lie was too big for Mz Rice. Whatever lie she said to provide a cover for the ineptitude was all right for the Republican members. They forgot that what was at stake was our country. Presidents come and go, but our nation must survive. Condoleezza Rice strikes fear in our hearts for the fate of our Nation.

Etc. Etc. Etc.
Entertainment, Reviews, Sporting news, and other tid bits

Kung Food: New Cultural Space To Enrich Body, Mind and Spirit
By Michael Klam
Dinner and dancing? Dinner and a movie? How about dinner and Funk Fusion? Meet local recording artist, Al Howard, of Alfred Howard & the K23 Orchestra: “I personally feel that fusion, whether in music, art, food or culture is a key step in evolution and innovation. Bringing unlikely elements together has lead to many of humanity’s finest expressive achievements.” On February 11, Alfred and his band will perform their own brand of funk rhythms and spoken word as part of Kung Food’s Grand Opening.

El Controversial e Irreverente Cantautor Catalán de la Escena Española Albert Pla se presenta en Concierto en Tijuana
Por: Paco Zavala
El próximo viernes 4 de febrero Tijuana recibe al controversial y exitoso cantautor catalán Albert Pla, compartiendo el escenario con Diego Cortés, guitarrista gitano, el cual a su vez ha compartido experiencias musicales en el escenario con Mike Oldfield, Santana, Larry Corryell, Paco de Lucía y otros más; complementa el espectáculo la dj. Judith Farres.

CONCIENCIA ARTISTICA
Después de un año, “Casi Perfectas”
Por Geneva Gamez
“Casi Perfectas,” exhibición completa e individual de Mely Barragán –una de las jóvenes más destacadas en el ambiente artístico de la frontera, nos da la oportunidad de retroceder a cuando la mujer vivía una posición social más limitada, nos muestra la evolución de roles femininos ante la sociedad y el continuo efecto de los patrones que se van dejando pero no olvidando en una generación nueva.

Latinos brillan con seis nominaciones al Oscar
Los premios más importantes del cine brindan muchas sorpresas a los latinos
Por Jose Daniel Bort
La colombiana Catalina Sandino Moreno podría convertirse en apenas la segunda latina ganadora del Oscar y la primera como mejor actriz en la próxima entrega de los Oscares a lo mejor del 2004, el próximo 27 de febrero. Tan solo Rita Moreno ha conseguido el galardón entre los actores latinos, por “West Side Story” en 1959. Hace apenas tres años, Salma Hayek fue nominada por “Frida”, pero perdió ante Nicole Kidman ese año.

VAMOS AL CINE
La necesidad de la obra maestra
“A very long engagement” es hermoso, agraciado y largo
Por Jose Daniel Bort
Jean Pierre Jeunet es quizá el cineasta francés más importante haciendo películas hoy en dia. El director pareció haberle tomado el pulso a su país con Amelie, un éxito de crítica y taquilla, reminiscente en su urgencia y vitalidad a trabajos de Godard y Truffaut. A pesar de que el primero todavía sigue haciendo películas, Jeunet es visto como el verdadero innovador, gracias a una muy cuidada estética y la capacidad de contar historias palpables y reconocibles en la vida diaria.

VAMOS AL CINE
Escondiendo el talento
“Hide and Seek” no hace buen uso del maravilloso elenco que ostenta
Por Jose Daniel Bort
Durante los créditos de la película “Hide and Seek” se puede apreciar el primer cartel (Robert de Niro) acompañado de un impresionante elenco de reparto. No solo Dakota Fanning, una niña que ha demostrado una y otra vez sus inmensas cualidades histriónicas lo secunda, también están excelentes actores como Famke Janssen, Elisabeth Shue, Melissa Leo y Dylan Baker alrededor. Todos actores con una reputación intachable, inclusive con varios créditos de teatro en Nueva York de primera línea. Por lo menos, el actor y director John Polson sabe como formar un elenco.

Jeff Bridges Club Films Series to be Held at the Museum of Photographic Arts
The Museum of Photographic Arts offers four extraordinary films starring one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors, Jeff Bridges this

Aguiar and Baladez Find Sharing the Key at Hilltop High
By John Philip Wyllie
A year after they won a South Bay League championship and defeated cross town rival Bonita Vista for the first time in 23 years, the Hilltop Lancer women’s soccer team had great expectations coming into the 2005 season. But a slow start against murderous competition left them with an unimpressive 0-6-1 pre-league record. Now that they have reached the intra-league portion of their schedule, the Lancers expect to return to their winning ways.

Mercado: PLNU’s Homegrown Basketball Star
By John Philip Wyllie
At 17-2 and ranked seventh among the nation’s NAIA collegiate women’s basketball programs, Pt. Loma Nazarene expects to advance deep into postseason national championship tournament. A year ago the Sea Lions reached the quarter-finals. That won’t be good enough this time around for their returning senior All-American guard, Jessica Mercado.

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