Volume XXVIII Number 9 March 5, 2004

FrontPage Stories

Students Walk-Out for Books Not Bombs

By Raymond R. Beltrán

Students from community colleges and high schools across San Diego County participated in the second annual National Day of Campus Walk-Out yesterday, Thursday, March 4, in opposition to the war in Iraq and in support of more school funding. “Books Not Bombs!” was the peace cry from San Diego City College through Downtown San Diego as approximately thirty students of all ages held signs, beat drums and implored city dwellers to recognize the state of education during a time of mass budget cuts and violence abroad.

A Books Not Bombs march began on 12th Avenue and B Street in downtown yesterday. Photo by R. R. Beltrán.

“We’re here to bring awareness to people in general about the budget cuts and programs being cut from high schools, which leaves JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) instead of college outreach,” said 22-year-old Fernanda Rios, a Southwestern Community College arts student.

Rios is also a co-organizer of the action yesterday and a member of CCAP (California Coalition Against Poverty), an organization that “promotes direct action in order to challenge unfair policies against poor working people and students.” In outreaching to student youth, CCAP gathered students from high schools such as Patrick Henry, Hoover, Will C. Crawford, San Diego High and Chula Vista High as well as community colleges like City College and Southwestern.

15-year-old Patrick Henry High School freshman, Federico, approached the crowd of activists to relay the conditions in his high school, noting that out of the many bathrooms on his campus, only one is regularly available to students. He highlighted that his textbooks are extremely tattered and that his history books are missing pages with vital information necessary to pass the course.

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Mexico’s Forgotten Disappeared: The Victims of the Border Narco Bloodbath
By Mark Getty
Ciudad Juárez’s endemic violence generated new world headlines in late January 2004 when federal Mexican police recovered the bodies of 12 tortured and murdered men from a “narco grave”. In a stunning declaration, Santiago Vasconcelos, the head of the federal anti-organized crime unit known as SIEDO announced that members of the Chihuahua State Judicial Police (PJE) had carried out the forced disappearances and executions of the victims at the behest of the Carrillo Fuentes drug cartel.


The Passion of Christ is not about Anti-Semitism, it’s about love!
By Joe Ortiz
 I, like so many throughout the country, went to see The Passion, Mel Gibson’s movie about Christ’s last 12 hours leading up to His death. I walked away feeling so many great and deep emotions; however, I did not walk away with any anti-Semitic feelings, whatsoever!

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Stories

Teen Producers Put It On the Big Screen
By Raymond R. Beltrán
Ethan Van Thillo wears many hats in San Diego’s active media communities, one of which is co-founder of the San Diego Latino Film Festival beginning next week. In sifting through hundreds of film submissions each year, he began to recognize “great projects” coming from youth in New York, Chicago and San Francisco, leading him to ask, “Why not locally?” In answering his question through action, he and a staff of media arts educators organized and created the Teen Producers Project.

Next Generation of Latino Writers
New group of talent chosen for intensive development program
After a nationwide search for the most promising Latino television writers in the country, the National Hispanic Media Coalition and NBC have selected the next group of talent to be part of their development program.


Latinos Give “Service Above Self” In Carlsbad High School Rotary Interact Club
“Service Above Self” is the International Rotary Clubs motto. It is this motto that is foremost in the minds of high school students all over the world that join the service oriented “Interact Clubs.” Under student president, Jessica Fisher, the Carlsbad High School Interact Club has lived this motto. Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club sponsors this high school club under the leadership of Rotarians Dr. Pat Landis, Interact Chair and Walter Waggener, Vocational Director. Jeff Brandemeyer is the faculty sponsor and advisor.


Breast Cancer Prevention
By Paul Reeves
Ever wonder about your chances of getting breast cancer? You are not alone. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. The Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center and AVON Foundation have joined together to study how to educate women about breast cancer. They want women from all communities, including the Latina community, to know about breast cancer. The study teaches women about their chances of getting breast cancer, and looks for ways to prevent getting it. The AVON-funded study is exploring how best to offer screening and prevention programs to women from various ethnic groups. Program participants can get a free breast cancer risk assessment, free clinical breast exam, free mammogram, free genetic counseling, and free dietary counseling.


Inicia Registro de Citas Para Tramitar Documentación en el Consulado Móvil de Encinitas
Los interesados en tramitar documentos como pasaporte o Matrícula Consular deberán hacer una cita marcando el teléfono (619) 308-9963, hasta el próximo viernes 5 de marzo del 2004, como fecha límite.

PROJECT NEW VILLAGE TO HOST 3RD ANNUAL CESAR E. CHAVEZ BIRTHDAY COMMEMORATION AND TRIBUTE
On Saturday, March 27, 2004, Project New Village, working in conjunction with a resident-driven advisory committee in the community of Lincoln Park, will sponsor its fourth annual tribute to Cesar Chavez, the venerable labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW).


EUHSD and YMCA collaborate to offer computer training
Basic computer training for Spanish speakers will be available in March
Spanish-speaking parents will soon have the opportunity to learn basic computer skills for free at the Palomar YMCA’s Teen Center in Escondido.


First-Time Homebuyer Information Now Available in Spanish
As part of the California Housing Finance Agency’s (CalHFA) commitment to serve a wide segment of our state’s diverse culture, the Agency announced today a new resource for the Spanish-speaking population: CalHFA now offers its comprehensive set of homeownership program information in Spanish on the Agency web site (www.calhfa.ca.gov ).


UCSD Event Features Free College Prep Workshops For Parents, And PSAT Exams For Students
By Michael Dabney
While their high school children practice for the SAT college entrance exam, parents will be able to receive other important information about how to prepare their children for successful college admission during a series of free workshops at the University of California, San Diego on Saturday, March 13.


2004-05 Polanco Fellows Wanted
Paid positions available for public policy leadership program
By Lisa Baca-Sigala
California Latino Caucus Institute - Polanco Fellowship Application 2004-2005

Editorials

Editorial:
Time to Give Credit, One Huge Surprise, and Disappointment
It was through the sheer will power and political savvy of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that Prop. 57 and 58 passed this week. Prop. 57, a $15 billion bond, and Prop. 58, a balanced budget proposal, met with early resistance, but the Governor was able to put together a broad based coalition of politicians and groups to take what seemed to be a close race to an overwhelming victory.


Comentario
Los Usos y Abusos en Haití
Por Humberto Caspa, Ph.D
A pocos días de la renuncia del Presidente Jean Bertrand Aristide, y su eventual refugio en la República de África Central, la situación en Haití se ha convertido en un huracán político y social sin control. Aristide se fue y se llevó todo, incluyendo a la democracia de su país, al cual dejó desmantelada, desnuda, a merced de unos forajidos políticos y criminales a sueldo que tuvieron participación directa durante los regímenes dictatoriales de la familia Duvalier y el ex-comandante militar Raul Cedras.


Commentary
A Statue for Pete?
by Ernie McCray
Based on my impressions of Pete Wilson, when I first heard that some of his friends are planning to honor him with a statue, all I could picture in my mind was him drop-kicking people across the U.S./Mexico border, people struggling to feed their families and maintain their dignity.


Commentary
Decade-Old Three Strikes Law Still Striking Out
By Vincent Schiraldi and Geri Silva
On November 18, 1995, Leandro Andrade shoplifted four videotapes worth $68.84 from a Kmart store in Montclair, California. Instead of the three years such petty thievery would have previously netted him, California’s newly enacted “Three Strikes” law, combined with Andrade’s prior record, sent him to prison for 25 years to life.


Comentario:
De sal, de chile y de limón
Por: Paco Zavala
La panorámica política de México se ha manchado como nunca, por tanto escándalo de corrupción en los que se han involucrado elementos pertenecientes a todos los partidos políticos.


Tezezomoc Speaks
 Q-V0 Hommies! Que gusto that el Jefito moved La Prensa San Diego to National City! It was getting a little tough being in Hillcrest. All the Vatos de Hillcrest are very busy getting married to each other! Pero es lo que quieren! Este Indio prefers being among Gente that at least knows whether they are Homies or Rucas!

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

Mariachi Bonita Vista Set to Debut
By John Philip Wyllie
Following the lead of high schools throughout the Sweetwater Union High School District, Bonita Vista High School added an elective class this fall in mariachi musicianship. Under the direction of veteran band director, Del Bangle, the students have been practicing hard on their instruments as they prepare to represent the South Bay high school on stage. Starting from scratch, the group, called Mariachi Bonita, will make its public debut in April as part of the Tucson International Mariachi Conference.


Poetry Jam Celebrates African American History
MIRA MESA – An exciting evening of professional poetry and Open Mic is planned for all who enjoy the Spoken Word and Hip Hop on Friday, March 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in lecture hall I-10I at Miramar College.

Reseña:
 El Capitan de los Dormidos
Por: Paco Zavala
En el año 2002, se tiraron tres ediciones de esta fabulosa narración “El Capitán de los Dormidos” escrito por la cubana Mayra Montero.

MACUILXOCHITL KIVA
Latino Hard Rockers, Cu, at the Latino Film Festival to Rock the House
By Francisco Ciriza
The Cu, as their fans affectionately call them, may just be the best group of Latino hard rockers you may not have heard much from. Formally known as Curanderos, this Los Angeles based quartet made up of brothers Mario and Rick Lomar and joined by Larrhy Ruiz and David Palacios have over the years put together quite a list of accomplishments. Since 2000, the band has stringed together a series of awards for best Latin Alternative band and best independent album according to a variety of web based fanzines. They have also accumulated a significant loyal fan base not only in Los Angeles, but also in all of Southern California even reaching into northern Baja California.


VAMOS AL CINE
A la sombra del policial
Andy García se enfrenta a las dualidades de su personaje en ‘Twisted’
Por Jose Daniel Bort
Es famoso por su afabilidad ante los medios, y esta vez no decepcionó. A pesar de que su película Twisted es un completo fracaso ante los críticos (89 críticas negativas contra solo una positiva), la entereza del artista se puso una vez más de manifiesto para hablar de su participación como el investigador de homicidios Mike de Marco.

VAMOS AL CINE
Amigos que hacen magia
Owen Wilson y Ben Stiller se comen a “Starky y Hutch”
Por Jose Daniel Bort
Separados tienen sus altos y bajos, juntos simplemente son inigualables. Los comediantes Owen Wilson y Ben Stiller son amigos íntimos en la vida personal, y su química trabajando juntos hace fuegos artificiales en la creación de la serie policial de TV de los ’70, “Starky y Hutch”.


Latino Filmmakers Score on “The Short List”
Five award-winning Latino filmmakers are among the 42 filmmakers featured this season on “The Short List,” the showcase for international short film produced in SDSU’s Production Center for Documentary and Drama.


Mosaico de Actividades Culturales en Tijuana
Por Paco Zavala
Cuando el individuo tiene la firme convicción de superarse lo logra con extrema facilidad; este fenómeno se está realizando en estos días, impulsado con el apoyo de Sistema Educativo Estatal del Gobierno del Estado de Baja California.

Madstone’s Premier Pic Series Returns To San Diego
Critically acclaimed series debuts six films over six-week period!
Madstone Theaters is thrilled to announce the return of the Premier Pic Series for a Spring 2004 session in San Diego, running for six weeks, March 19 through April 29, 2004. The six-week series will roll out the red carpet for six titles that made waves in the film world and are now premiering for the first time in San Diego. Each film screens for one week only! The films titles and opening dates are: 


Brave Warriors Indeed Collided
By Fiona Manning
Jesus “El Matador” Chavez might have lost his WBC 130 pound championship on Saturday night, but the plucky, Mexican-born fighter fought like a one-armed tiger in a gripping, 12 round fight considered a “throw-back” to the old days of fighting.


Zuluaga Set to Play in Pacific Life Open
By J. Fred Sidhu
Fabiola Zuluaga, Colombia’s most famous tennis player, is coming to Southern California to play in the Pacific Life Open tennis tournament, which begins Monday at the Indian Wells Garden in the nearby Coachella Valley.


Men’s Basketball Eliminated After Amazing Regular Season Jaguars Fall Short Of Completing Second Half Comeback
By Shauna Caldwell
During March Madness, talk centers around the 4-12 seed match-up or the 5-13 match-up as possible upset games.


Santillan to Battle in Bakersfield
By John Philip Wyllie
112 pound San Diego County Masters wrestling champion Sergio Santillan will be in Bakersfield this weekend battling against the state’s top high school wrestlers. Santillan, who qualified for the prestigious event last year, hopes to cap a brilliant 2004 campaign with his best performance of the season.