By Miriam Raftery

May 9, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- For the first time, the United States government will offer legal counsel to immigrant detainees with mental disabilities facing deportation hearings. This is the first expansion of the right to counsel in 30 years – the result of an ACLU lawsuit. Before to last week's federal court ruling, these individuals were not guaranteed legal representation  even though they clearly demonstrated tremendous difficulty in representing themselves in the complicated legal proceedings against them.

José Gonzalezis a 33-year-old man who doesn't know his own age and, in many aspects of his life, has the cognitive ability of a two-year-old. Both his parents are lawful permanent residents of the United States, and José had a pending petition for residency. Until last week's historic ruling, the government expected José to represent himself in a deportation hearing – after holding him for five years in a detention facility.

May 4, 2013 (El Cajon) – Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District’s Board of Trustees voted on April 16 to adopt a resolution calling on Congress to enact the comprehensive immigration reforms being hammered out by a bipartisan “gang of eight” legislators (four Republicans and four Democrats).

The resolution was introduced by trustee Mary Kay Rosinski  and passed with five votes in favor.  The action comes on the heels of similar resolutions adopted by San Diego Unified School District and the San Diego City Council.

April 25, 2013 (Crest) – The County library in Crest will hold El Dia de los Niños/El Dia de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) on Tuesday, April 30 at 4:30 p.m.  The celebration includes bilingual story times in Spanish, French and Arabic. In addition, you can enjoy music and refreshments, plus learn how to make paper flowers.

The library is located at 105 Juanita Lane in the Crest community of El Cajon.  For more information on county library events, visit www.sdcl.org.

By Miriam Raftery

April 19, 2013 (San Diego) – A jury today has acquitted U.S. Border Patrol agent Luis Fonseca of using unreasonable force.  Fonseca was shown on Border Patrol video strangling a migrant to unconsciousness while the undocumented migrant,  Adolfo Cesar Escobar, tood with his hands against a wall waiting to be fingerprinted at the Imperial Beach Border Patrol station. Jurors found the video evidence inconclusive.

“This sends the wrong message to Border Patrol and fuels a culture of impunity in the agency,” said Andrea Guerrero, Executive Director of Alliance San Diego in a statement released today.  The rights activist added, “It should never be acceptable to strangle someone who poses no threat, then kick him while he is down and walk away as if no harm had been done.”

By Nadin Abbott

Photos by Tom Abbott

April 9, 2013 (San Diego)—At the cusp of the U.S. Senate taking on immigration reform, the San Diego City Council today sent a bipartisan message to Washington. With a unanimous vote, the San Diego City Council passed a resolution asking for comprehensive, common sense, immigration reform. The partisan divide in Washington was not evident in San Diego, where Republicans joined their Democratic colleagues to stand united on this issue.

Council Member David Alvarez chaired the effort with Council Member Mark Kersey.  Before the vote, Alvarez said, “The language is meant to send a message to Washington DC...This is a united message.” He noted that almost everybody is affected by this issue; immigration touches all of us.

By Nadin Abbott

April 7, 2013 (San Diego) Updated April 8 with statement by Evolution Hospitality—East County residents and Congressman Juan Vargas (D-51), whose district includes the border areas in East County, turned out yesterday in support of low wage workers staging a hunger strike at the Mission Valley Hilton. Vargas spoke with ECM on immigration reform and how it applies to this situation.

The workers want the right to organize a union and collectively bargain for a labor contract. Employees contend that management is using immigration status to selectively threaten union organizers—while at the same time outsourcing housekeepers’ work to undocumented workers paid more than long-time employees.

Proposed resolution calls for pathway to citizenship and respect for human and civil rights in enforcement

April 4, 2013 (San Diego) --Following the lead of the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and the San Diego City Council, the Board of Trustees of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) may also add their voice to the immigration reform discussion taking place around the City and the nation.

Festivities, friendship and food are the order of the day as the Downtown El Cajon Library at 201 E. Douglas Avenue hosts its fourth annual Multi-cultural Family Fiesta.  The event is Saturday, April 13, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Bring the family and enjoy musical entertainment, food, community information and free admission.

By Janis Mork

April 1, 2013 (San Diego)- In honor of César Chávez day, all  state administrative offices, most local government offices and schools will be closed today, and all trash/recyclables will be delayed by one day. For a full list of closures and the businesses that will remain open, visit: http://fox5sandiego.com/2013/04/01/closures-for-cesar-chavez-day/#axzz2PEZ9g7Tf.

Chávez was born March 31, 1927. He became active with the Community Service Organization, which helped fight racial and economic discrimination against Chicanos. He co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in the 1960’s. He believed in non-violence and organized strikes and boycotts to gain rights for migrant farm workers, gaining support to have his organization be the first successful farm workers’ union in the United States. Up until his death on April 23, 1993, he remained president of United Farm Workers of America (AFL-CIO).

March 13, 2013 (San Diego)-- In separate incidents this week, two U.S. Border Patrol agents were assaulted while performing patrol duties in San Diego County, the Border Patrol reports.

The first assault occurred Monday at approximately 8 p.m. in the Otay Mountain area, when a Border Patrol agent attempted to arrest a male undocumented Mexican national who had entered the U.S. illegally.  During the arrest, the suspect became assaultive and struck the agent in the face and head, according to a release issued by the U.S. Border Patrol today.  After a brief struggle, the agent was able to  detain the man.  The suspect is being held by the Department of Homeland Security pending charges for assault on a federal agent.

February 28, 2013 (San Diego)—San Diego Mayor Bob Filner and Tijuana Mayor Carlos Bustamante officially opened a San Diego City office south of the border on Friday, February 22, in a show of unity and commitment to encouraging both economic growth and cultural respect.

“Somos dos ciudades pero una region.  We are two cities, but one region.  This office opening is not just a symbolic gesture, we are going to solidify our relationship and work together to build a great border community,” said Mayor Filner.

February 20, 2013 (San Diego)--As San Diego comes together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF),  mix and mingle with celebrities, filmmakers, and civic and community leaders.

Showcasing the latest in Latino cinema, from the highly anticipated documentary Hecho en Mexico featuring Diego Luna, the historical drama Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla; to Colosio, the film that delves into the life and mystery shrouded murder of the Mexican presidential candidate.

February 11, 2013 (Juchitan) –A wind farm worker was slain and the facility’s general manager injured by gunshots, a Mexican media outlet reported on February 8, 2013.  Witnesses reportedly told police that four hooded persons walked into a party in a residential neighborhood “with both pistols and rifles, straight to the two people.” The assailants escaped in a black vehicle.

By Miriam Raftery

January 30, 2013 (Washington D.C.) –One day after a bipartisan coalition of Senators (four Republicans and four Democrats) introduced a framework for immigration reforms,  President Barack Obama has announced a four-part plan for comprehensive immigration changes 

The President's plan includes a pathway to citizenship, strengthening border security, cracking down on employers who hire undocumented workers, and streamlining our legal immigration system.  For details on the President's plan, see http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/01/29/watch-live-president-obama-speaks-comprehensive-immigration-reform.  For the Senators' framework, see http://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/562528/reform0128principlessenatefinal.pdf.

By Patrick Osio

December 1, 2012 (San Diego)--The election of Bob Filner as Mayor of San Diego can have positive trans-border economic growth with his plan of San Diego’s opening an office in Tijuana for direct and timely communications with that city’s mayor, other city and state officials and business and community leaders. It's long overdue.

To be sure, the idea of closer cooperation between the cities of San Diego and Tijuana have been important with former San Diego mayors as most recently exemplified by Mayor Jerry Sanders who had a strong and amicable relationship with the former and present Tijuana mayors. Going back to Pete Wilson who worked closely with Tijuana city, state and federal agencies on the location of the Otay Mesa  Port of Entry, and Susan Golding establishing a direct telephone (Red Line) between her office and then Mayor of Tijuana, Hector Osuna Jaime, after the devastating El Niño storms that crippled Tijuana’s economy.

by Laura A. Lewis (Duke University Press, Durham, North Carolina, 2012, 370 pages)

Book Review by Dennis Moore

November 29, 2012 (San Diego) -- Before reading Chocolate and Corn Flour, I did not know that there was such a thing as a "Black" Mexico.” Having lived in Tijuana, Mexico for a number of years and visited a number of Mexican cities, such as Cancun and Rosarito Beach, this book comes as a revelation to me.

November 3, 2012 (Tijuana) -- On November 1, 2012, the new border crossing from San Ysidro to Tijuana began operations. The crossing, known as El Chaparral, will have 22 lanes equipped with the latest technology for fast access to Mexico.

Vehicles headed southbound on I-5 will turn right once they reach the border onto the modern facilities which create a more convenient crossing into Tijuana and other locations.

2 out of 3 Californians support work permits for children who were brought to U.S. illegally and have since completed high school or military service; Majority also support content of Arizona’s S.B. 1070.

October 29, 2012 — California voters support tough law enforcement policies on illegal immigration in large numbers, but more than two-thirds of Californians are willing to carve out exceptions for children who arrived in the United States without documentation, according to results of the largest statewide poll of registered voters.

By Bill Weaver

October 29, 2012 (San Diego) –San Diego is home to immigrants and refugees from around the world.  The Mano A Mano Foundation has provided the following list of scholarships available to non-citizens as well as citizens and AB 540 students. AB540 is a California bill passed on October 12, 2001 that allows undocumented students who meet certain requirements to pay in-state tuition instead of out-of-state tuition in California's higher institutions. For more information see ab540.com.

October 21, 2012 (Tijuana)--Tijuana Innovadora ended with a joyous celebration Sunday night that had thousands dancing in the city's streets.

“This conference showed, particularly to our young people, that they can do it!,” exclaimed the event´s co-founder and president, José Galicot hours before the event ended. “Sí se puede!” 

By Mayan Avitable

October 30, 2012 -- Halloween has become a very popular holiday being celebrated in many communities for days and even weeks before October 31. Just look in the  local entertainment sections of the community newspapers and websites will confirm the many parties, carnivals, concerts, sales, and displays provided for those interested in a spooky celebration! Halloween celebrations create fear of the dead, zombies, and displays of creepy graves where ghoulish spirits return to disturb one and all.

On the other hand, Día de los Muertos, traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, honors death. The holiday is celebrated to celebrate the memories and spirits of friends and relatives who have crossed over. In the past, it was celebrated for as many as two months. The dates are observed in many Latin American countries and in the U.S. as well.

Apple co-founder urges audience to be independent thinkers

Story provided by Aida Garcia at Tijuana Inovadora

October 20, 2012 (Tijuana)--Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak would like to develop a computer whose chips operate on light instead of electricity. If possible, it would make computing dramatically faster and use virtually no power.

By Dennis Moore

Kyocera, TurboTec, and String Quartet photos by Eric Ragin

October 18, 2012 (Tijuana)--As an American living in Tijuana, I have a unique perspective and vantage point on Tijuana Innovadora 2012, the 10-day showcase of business technology and culture in Tijuana, Mexico, that opened October 11, 2012 and ends on October 21, 2012. The eyes of the world will once more turn to Tijuana, truly a mosaic of Mexico, and discover what creativity and courage has led them to create. There’s no doubt, they are bound for greatness.

Raúl Alcalá presides over event to promote bike riding

By Dennis Moore

Photos by Eric Regan

October 17, 2012 (Tijuana)--An estimated 3,000 cyclists took to Tijuana streets Tuesday evening “Pedaling Toward Greatness,” as part of Tijuana Innovadora.

The  20-kilometer ride capped a day at the conference focused on the medical industry.

October 14, 2012 (Tijuana) -- Four Mexican designers presented a historic fashion show Sunday night outdoors as part of the Tijuana Innovadora conference before a standing-room audience of more than 700 fans. It was the first time such a large-scale show had been presented in the border city.

The designers were Louis Verdad and Ximena Valero, both based in Los Angeles, and Emedel Garcia and Daniela Villa, from Tijuana.

Join San Diego Film Festival to celebrate the power of cinema and dance

October 2, 2012 (San Diego) -- Cinema en tu Idioma closes October 5 - 11 with Flamenco, Flamenco, a stunning dance film from Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura. Flamenco, Flamenco was the winner of the Audience Award at SDLFF 2011. All screenings at UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center (off 163 Freeway & Friars Rd.).



Buy your individual tickets now!

September 20, 2012 (San Diego) -- Join SAME and The "Centro Cultural De La Raza" as we Co-Host this important subject on  September 29th, 2012 from 6 –9p.m. at Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego, 92101.

Experienced attorneys will speak about issues impacting LGBT immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, including the progress made in adjudicating claims by same-sex  bi-national couples, the impact of DOMA litigation or repeal of DOMA on LGBT immigrants and much more.

September 17, 2012 (San Diego) – Daphne Hearn, Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego FBI Office, and Chris Maston, Director of Field Operations, Customs Border Protection (CBP) announced the arrest of CBP Officer Thomas Silva, age 33, a nine-year veteran with the CBP. Silva was arrested on Friday, September 7 2012, at approximately 8:30 a.m, at the San Ysidro Port of Entry by CBP and FBI Agents assigned to the FBI Border Corruption Task Force (BCTF) pursuant to a federal arrest warrant based on a complaint filed with the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, case number 12MJ3305. The complaint charges Silva with wire fraud and concealing a person from arrest.