New Mexico

Four UNM faculty and staff members will spend their summer learning how to write research grants for proposals funded by the National Institutes of Health. In turn they will act as a resource for faculty and staff members who are seeking grants from NIH.

It’s part of a joint Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services program to improve grant awards to Hispanic serving institutions like UNM.”*

A group of Latinos want to make environmentalism more relevant and more accessible to that constituency through a new organization called the Latino Sustainability Institute. The group’s mission includes promoting conservation policies and social equity, building relationships between conservation groups and Latino organizations, supporting Latino land and water based organizations and preserving sustainable lifeways and cultural landscapes across New Mexico.

The founding board includes Jim Baca, director of the Bureau of Land Management under Bill Clinton and former New Mexico Public Lands Commissioner, Arturo Sandoval, Western coordinator for the first Earth Day in 1970 and long-time wilderness and community advocate (and short-time HCN board member) and president DeAnza Valencia, a law student with a broad background in environmental and justice issues. An advisory board consists of 16 Latino academics, farmers and conservation and social activists from throughout the state (including me). At its first annual meeting last week the group charted an ambitious agenda to become a presence and start making a difference in New Mexico environmental politics.”*

Two civil rights organizations have settled a suit against the Otero County Sheriff’s Department that alleged civil rights were neglected during immigration sweeps last September.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, in a joint news release, said that the sheriff’s department raided homes in Chaparral without search warrants and interrogated families without evidence of any criminal activity.”*

*From: http://kob.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Today, John McCain released his first Spanish-language general election TV ad, which will air in battleground state New Mexico.

It’s the same ad that he released last week in English but with a Spanish soundtrack. released last Friday. “62487,” which is the title of the ad, was also McCain’s official Navy identification number. “*

*From: http://www.cbsnews.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, the nation’s only Hispanic governor, is endorsing Sen. Barack Obama for president, calling him a “once-in-a-lifetime leader” who can unite the nation and restore America’s international leadership.

Richardson, who dropped out of the Democratic race in January, is to appear with Obama on Friday at a campaign event in Portland, Ore., The Associated Press has learned.

The governor’s endorsement comes as Obama leads among delegates selected at primaries and caucuses but with national public opinion polling showing Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton pulling ahead of him amid controversy over statements by his former pastor.”*

*From: http://ap.google.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Centennial Broadcasting II is acquiring four New Mexico outlets from Univision Radio and Univision Albuquerque Trust for $24 million. Included in the deal are Rhythmic CHR KKSS-FM (97.3), Regional Mexican KJFA-FM (105.1) and Spanish Oldies KKRG-FM (101.3)/Albuquerque from Univision Radio, and Classic Rock KIOT-FM (102.5)/Albuquerque from the trust.”*

*From: http://news.radio-online.com
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Kevin Robinson-Avila, a reporter with the New Mexico Business Weekly, has been named the 2008 New Mexico Small Business Journalist of the Year by the New Mexico Small Business Administration.

The annual Small Business Week Awards event includes recognition of a small business person, a small exporter, and small business champions. The awards will be presented at a gala event May 1 at the Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town.”*

*From: http://www.bizjournals.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

The office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of New Mexico hosts, “Unidos en Nuestra Lucha: Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations,” a Latino higher education national policy summit at UNM June 5-7.

The purpose of the summit is to bring together Hispanic/Latino leadership, educators, appointed and elected officials, student leadership and numerous other representatives from public and private sectors throughout the Southwest and other parts of the country to dialogue on selected critical issues that have a societal economic impact on Hispanic/Latino communities.

“Leadership will come together in the spirit of collaboration to reach consensus on recommendations to be translated into strategic policy statements that will be disseminated and presented for implementation nationally,” said Eliseo “Cheo” Torres, UNM vice president of Student Affairs.

The summit topics are:
Higher Education Leadership; Faculty and Administration
Crisis in Higher Education Achievement
Immigration Impact
Towards Math and Science Achievement

“If we are to realize a brighter future that reflects inclusion, educational, professional and economic success, it is our responsibility to continue such collaborative efforts,” Torres said.

For more summit information including registration and hotel information, visit: Latino Summit.”*

*From: http://www.unm.edu
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Gov. Bill Richardson remains undecided on whether to make an endorsement in the Democratic presidential race, but he said Sunday the party needs to unify behind a candidate to avoid a protracted and negative campaign.

In an interview, Richardson – a former presidential candidate – said he doesn’t know when he’ll make a decision or if he will endorse either of his former rivals, Hillary Rodham Clinton or Barack Obama.”*

*From: http://www.signonsandiego.com
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Karina Acosta’s senior year at Roswell High came to an abrupt end after she was ticketed for blocking a fire lane outside a school and driving without a license.

The officer who stopped her — a Roswell policeman assigned to the school — asked her for proof of legal U.S. residency. Acosta, an illegal immigrant, had none. The officer telephoned immigration authorities, and Acosta, 18 and pregnant, was sent back to Mexico.

The episode has caused a furor in town, with teachers and others complaining that Acosta’s treatment violated the spirit, if not the letter, of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that has all but made the nation’s public schools safe havens for illegal immigrants.”*

*From: http://ap.google.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Felipe Gonzales is happiest engaged in research and writing, yet administration has again pressed him into service, this time as associate dean for faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Gonzales earned his bachelor’s in sociology from UNM in 1972, he earned both a master’s and doctorate at Berkeley. He joined the UNM faculty in 1987 and served as chair of the Sociology Department for three years and director of the Southwest Hispanic Research Institute for six.

The challenges in his current role are many. A&S employs 369 faculty, making it three times larger than the next largest, the College of Education, he said.”*

*From: http://www.unm.edu/
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

A school security officer stopped Karina Acosta, an 18-year-old pregnant Roswell High School senior, and discovered she was in the country illegally. He called federal immigration authorities, who swiftly deported her.

The district superintendent protested and the officer was removed from the school and transferred back to the city Police Department. About three dozen angry students and parents marched on police headquarters — a notable event in a town not accustomed to controversy — and were met by a handful of counterdemonstrators who backed the officer.

The schools suffered a sudden drop in attendance as students whose parents were in the country illegally kept them home. The local newspaper was peppered with angry letters to the editor denouncing illegal immigrants. And even two months later, unease permeates the community.”*

*From: http://www.latimes.com
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February always seems to be a special month for New Mexico history buffs. Particularly along the lower Rio Grande.

It was in February 1862, when about 2,600 Texans carrying the Confederate flag invaded the serene Rio Grande Valley. They arrived to capture Fort Craig on Feb. 16 — the Battle of Valverde was fought on the 21st — three days later the “enimigo del Confederada” demanded the surrender of Socorro.

The Confederate flag flew over the Socorro Plaza until late April.

February is the month to remember these historical events.”*

*From: http://www.dchieftain.com
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So did you know this? If you didn’t, perhaps you could send it to someone you know to help spread the knowledge and please tell them about HispanicTips.

View more “Did You Know?” facts in our “Did You Know?” section

From: http://www.abqtrib.com
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Unless you’re a tried-and-true loyalist to the New Mexico Democratic Party, the name Hector Balderas may not mean much to you. He’s only held one statewide office, and that for just a year.But in recent weeks Balderas — who is the state auditor, by the way — has been a topic of discussion among the Democratic front-runners for president.

The campaigns of Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama sought his endorsement.”*

*From: http://www.abqtrib.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) hosted a reception for community leaders and VIPs in honor of New Mexico’s Latino Legends of Leadership Saturday, January 26 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The recognition is part of AT&T’s community outreach efforts, which emphasizes diversity and inclusion making for better and healthier communities.

The goal of the Latino Legends of Leadership event was to focus attention on the historic efforts and contributions by individuals whose community service activities have helped to establish economic, educational and political opportunities for Latinos throughout New Mexico and the USA.

The honorees included: Richard J. Bela, community and economic development advocate; Dr. Henry J. Casso, educator, community organizer, mentor; New Mexico Chief Justice Edward L. Chavez, jurist, educator, public servant; Dr. Mari-Luci Jaramillo, educator, administrator and former Ambassador to Honduras; Dr. Ed Romero, community advocate, entrepreneur and former Ambassador to Spain and Andorra; and Dr. Vicente Ximenes, decorated veteran, public servant, co-founder of the American GI Forum. (Bios available.)

“We’re honored to pay tribute to some of Albuquerque’s most respected leaders, which is just one of the many ways in which we support the Hispano community in New Mexico and beyond,” said Jeff McElfresh, vice president and general Manager for wireless services, AT&T. “These individuals are truly “Latino Legends of Leadership” – not only in this city and the state of New Mexico, but also throughout our nation. We’re proud to organize this event as part of our continuing efforts to contribute to the continuing progress and development of the nation’s Latino community.”

AT&T has been widely recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. In 2006, AT&T ranked No. 1 among DiversityBusiness.com’s “Top Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities.” Hispanic Business magazine has listed AT&T as one of the top corporations for U.S. Latinos every year since 1989. DiversityInc ranked AT&T No. 3 among its 2007 “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” based on the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and marketplace. “*

*From: http://www.hispanicprwire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

As the highest-ranking Hispanic in the Democratic Party, Richardson’s endorsement is being aggressively sought by the Clinton and Obama campaigns. California, Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico are among the 22 states voting next week, and each have sizable Hispanic electorates. Richardson, who cruised to re-election as New Mexico governor in 2006, is a popular figure in the Hispanic community.

Richardson’s torn. He served in the Clinton White House, first as ambassador to the United Nations, then as Clinton’s Secretary of Energy. “I have a history with the Clintons,” Richardson said. “And I’ve always liked her. She always seems very genuine.” But Richardson considers Kennedy, who’s long been respected by Hispanics, as “a mentor.” In 1982, when Richardson ran for Congress for the second time — he lost two years before — Kennedy flew to Santa Fe and campaigned for him. “That might have been the reason I was elected,” Richardson said. And he said he likes Obama, telling a story about how Obama saved him during one of last year’s Democratic debates:”*

*From: http://blog.washingtonpost.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Friday looked for ways to improve infrastructure along the border so legal goods and visitors can cross more easily.

Richardson, a former energy secretary and U.S. ambassador to the U.N., met with Calderon at the presidential residence, Los Pinos, Calderon’s office said.”*

*From: http://www.lcsun-news.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Somos un Pueblo Unido, an immigrant-rights organization, is getting money from the Hispanics in Philanthropy Funders’ Collaborative for Strong Latino Communities to hire a communications consultant to develop a statewide media strategy. And YouthWorks, a nonprofit that helps youth gain job skills, is getting money to hire a consultant to create a fundraising plan for long-term sustainability.”*

*From: http://www.santafenewmexican.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

González died Saturday morning after being hospitalized with pneumonia. He was cremated Sunday after a ceremony at Madrid’s Almudena Cemetery.
González is survived by his widow, Susana Rivera.

Many writers, artists, teachers and others who were friends of González, a lover of late-night chats in the bars and cafes of Madrid, attended.

González was a member of the Spanish Royal Academy, the prestigious, official watchdog of the Spanish language, and won awards that included the Asturias Prize for Letters in 1985.”*

*From: http://www.unm.edu
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The state’s League of United Latin American Citizens announced a trio of legislative goals Saturday — housing, business and health care — to take to Santa Fe when the state Legislature starts its session Tuesday.

The league’s directors also unanimously approved a boycott of a motel in Las Cruces for what they claimed were discriminatory practices against Hispanics.”*

*From: http://www.lcsun-news.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Javier Trujillo, political director of the governor’s Nevada campaign, said representatives of other contenders had already come calling, looking to poach seasoned staffers.

In the frantic world of electioneering, yesterday’s adversary can become tomorrow’s employer. So despite the somber mood at Richardson’s campaign headquarters Thursday, many workers already were looking ahead.”*

*From: http://www.lasvegassun.com
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Hispanic women have higher rates of invasive cervical cancer (16.2 per 100,000) than any other group except Vietnamese, according to the Baylor College of Medicine’s Intercultural Cancer Council. The ICC also says cervical cancer in Mexican-American and Puerto Rican women two to three times higher among Latinas than Caucasian women.

Many factors have been blamed for Hispanic women not getting Pap smears. Poverty, a lack of access to health care, lack of insurance and ignorance of the importance of cervical checkups are perhaps the most common reasons. But Hugo Vilchis, director of New Mexico State University’s Border Epidemiology and Environmental Health Center, says the significant role of culture is often overlooked.”*

*From: http://www.lcsun-news.com
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Gov. Bill Richardson has created several new cabinet-level agencies since taking office in 2000, including the Indian Affairs Department, which was specifically created to assist the state’s Native American population.

So, why not a new cabinet-level department devoted to the state’s Hispanic population?

Ralph Arellanes, who serves as an officer for several Hispanic organizations in the state, issued a press release last week that included a letter to state lawmakers calling for the creation of a new cabinet level department, and renewed criticism that Richardson has not done enough for Hispanic residents in the state.”*

*From: http://www.lcsun-news.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

A Roswell police officer was removed from school campuses after turning a pregnant 18-year-old student over to immigration authorities.

Police Chief John Balderston defended the action by Officer Charlie Corn, a 10-year veteran who was working at Roswell High School as a student resource officer.

But he said Roswell Independent School District Superintendent Michael Gottlieb asked for Corn’s removal “because he didn’t want the officer checking on the immigration status of the students.”"*