Commentary

Kwanzaa still relevant today

Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration beginning on Dec. 26; but this time, the occasion is different than in past years. This Kwanzaa, we have a black man in the White House.
Kwanzaa, which was first observed more than 40 years ago and is often mistakenly called the “Black Christmas,” is undeniably about race. But it is also about cultural heritage, as it recalls the fact that millions of Americans came to this country from Africa as slaves.

Would You Like Cheese With That Whine?

Sacramento lawmakers are unhappy with their jobs. Recent complaints by members of the Legislature include: People don’t appreciate them; solving problems is hard work; they don’t have the power they think they deserve; their retirement is mandated by term limits; there is no lucrative pension; and their pay is being cut – although they will remain the highest paid lawmakers in all 50 states at nearly $100,000 annually along with a car and another $30,000 a year in tax free expense money.

Countdown to Be Counted on April 1 – Census 2010

President of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 
In about 100 days, the 2010 Census – the nationwide head count – begins. It is critical for Latinos, the largest minority in the nation – and one that has been historically under-counted – to be counted.
The once-in-a-decade census is vital to the health and well-being of Latino communities. Why?

Combating Graffiti

Most residents work hard to maintain the beauty of their homes and neighborhoods and nothing can ruin a community’s image faster than graffiti.
But graffiti is not just a quality of life issue. It is an expensive problem for cities and public agencies that have to spend money to erase graffiti; money that could be better spent on services for the public.

The dream that community colleges offer fading away

What the New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Mean for Women

It’s not surprising that women are confused about the recently changed recommendations for cancer screening and prevention. New guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – the leading medical group that provides health care for women – say women should wait longer to begin cervical-cancer screening and that they should be screened less frequently. On the heels of similar changes to breast-cancer screening guidelines, it’s understandable that many women might see this as a step backward.

We Can Make It Here

This is not your father’s recession, nor your grandmother’s depression. In size, scope and duration, this economic downturn is different. And off-the-shelf solutions will not suffice.
President Barack Obama has undoubtedly been hearing from businessmen, labor leaders and economists on how to reverse America’s record high unemployment. Pedestrian proposals are inevitable. But truly innovative ideas that can be implemented immediately are what American really needs.

Bring back Los Reyes Magos!

Old Tradition Could Boost Latino Community’s Economy

Commentary:
By Andy Porras

If America’s millions of Latinos remained true to their culture this Christmas, they could save millions.

All they have to do is say no to gift-giving on December 25 and yes to gifting on January 6, el Día de los Santos Reyes or, Three Kings Day, the official Hispanic day to share gifts.

Reflections on Publisher Dan Muñoz

This past year I was saddened to learn of the passing of Dan L. Muñoz, former publisher and editor of .
I met Muñoz in the early 1980s while I was a journalism student at San Diego State University.
Even though I was studying journalism, I had absolutely no confidence in my writing. I knew if I was to become a writer, I had to get some writing experience and produce news clips for my portfolio.

The Election of Our Next Sheriff: A Latino Perspective

The candidates for San Diego County Sheriff would do well to take note of the following:  Latino voters may be in a position to decide this county-wide race – a race in which the vote promises to be badly split.
From the start, Latino voters have had distinct concerns about each candidate’s record, or the lack thereof. And the candidates’ performance since then hasn’t done much to reassure Latinos, who constitute approximately 20% of San Diego County’s likely voters.

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