Corporations Should Invest In Legalizing Illegal Workers

Editorial: A New Year's Resolution On Immigration Reform

December 31, 2009

Companies should invest in legalizing their undocumented workers, rather than paying hefty fines to Feds!

TX -The recent major multi-million settlement between Pilgrim's Pride Corp., a major corporation and federal prosecutors in Texas for hiring illegal workers has raised legal options for the New Year. The President Barack Obama administration and the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano should now consider allowing major corporations, companies, and manufacturers the opportunity to legalize illegal workers rather than to spend millions in government immigration probe investigations in hiring undocumented workers.
For a major corporation to pay out that much money in fines to the feds, Pilgrim's Pride Corp. executives should have taken the option to legalize the 338 undocumented workers. They should have hired an immigration attorney to legalize the undocumented workers before getting raided in 2007-08 by USICE. It would have cost the company a lot less, and with $4.5 million... imagine how many undocumented immigrants they could have actually legalized.
Companies and manufacturers should start legalizing their workers for the New Year! They would save millions compared to paying fines for hiring illegal workers to the feds.
Another New Year's resolution, if acted upon would save millions in immigration reform costs. President Barack Obama should use his Executive power to pardon more than 12 million undocumented immigrants residing within the U.S. border. Once pardon, all non-criminal undocumented immigrants waiting for deportation, in custody and waiting trial in deportation hearings would be set free. They could than register for legalization and work authorization permits with the federal government. Obama's historic Pardon Act will help put our nation back into economic recovery.
Check out: A Call For President Obama To Pardon 12 Million Undocumented Immigrants http://bit.ly/6QYLZx

New Year's Editorial Resolutions By H. Nelson Goodson

Wishing everyone a Prosperous New Year!

On the News:

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 30, 2009

Pittsburg, TX - Pilgrim's Pride Corporation one of the largest chicken companies in the United States and Mexico settled this week with the U.S. Attorney's office to pay $4.5 million dollars in fines for hiring illegal workers. The company will be allowed to make payment installments within a period of three years.
Two years ago, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE) raided five plants in two separate years between 2007-08 and arrested 338 undocumented workers.
In agreement with federal prosecutors, the company did not admit any wrongdoing, and civil or criminal charges would not be filed against Pilgrim's Pride Corporation. The company also agreed that it would do a better job in screening workers before being hired.
A two year probe by the U.S. Department of Justice found workers at five plants using false identities to work, which attributed to identity theft. USICE agents discovered numerous workers did not have authority to work in the U.S.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation net sales in fiscal 2008 totaled $8.5 billion, and is currently ranked No. 304 on the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. corporations.
Pilgrim's Pride employs approximately 41,000 people in the U.S.A., Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The company has facilities in Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico and Mexico.
The company has the capacity to process more than 45 million birds per week for a total of more than 9 billion pounds of poultry per year, according to Pilgrim's Pride Corp. web site.

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Pilgrim's Pride Corp. Agrees To Pay $4.5 Million To Feds For Hiring Illegal Workers

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 30, 2009

Pittsburg, TX - Pilgrim's Pride Corporation one of the largest chicken companies in the United States and Mexico settled this week with the U.S. Attorney's office to pay $4.5 million dollars in fines for hiring illegal workers. The company will be allowed to make payment installments within a period of three years.
Two years ago, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE) raided five plants in two separate years between 2007-08 and arrested 338 undocumented workers.
In agreement with federal prosecutors, the company did not admit any wrongdoing, and civil or criminal charges would not be filed against Pilgrim's Pride Corporation. The company also agreed that it would do a better job in screening workers before being hired.
A two year probe by the U.S. Department of Justice found workers at five plants using false identities to work, which attributed to identity theft. USICE agents discovered numerous workers did not have authority to work in the U.S.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation net sales in fiscal 2008 totaled $8.5 billion, and is currently ranked No. 304 on the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. corporations.
Pilgrim's Pride employs approximately 41,000 people in the U.S.A., Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The company has facilities in Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico and Mexico.
The company has the capacity to process more than 45 million birds per week for a total of more than 9 billion pounds of poultry per year, according to Pilgrim's Pride Corp. web site.

Blog Editors note:

Companies should invest in legalizing their undocumented workers, rather than paying hefty fines to Feds!

For a major corporation to pay out that much money in fines to the feds, Pilgrim's Pride Corp. executives should have taken the option to legalize the 338 undocumented workers. They should have hired an immigration attorney to legalize the undocumented workers before getting raided in 2007-08 by USICE. It would have cost the company a lot less, and with $4.5 Million.. imagine how many undocumented immigrants they could have actually legalized.
Companies and manufacturers should start legalizing their workers for the New Year! They would saved millions compared to paying fines for hiring illegal workers to the feds.

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Scammers Faking Family Emergencies To Milk Relatives Out Of Thousands of Dollars

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 30, 2009

Mexico - Countless of relatives in Mexico have received a call from scammers using 1.333.555.0000 and saying that Mexican nationals living abroad or entering the country need money. They talk to parents or relatives urging them to send money to a certain bank, to be used to bail out a relative from a certain problem or emergengy. Reports indicate thousands of dollars and pesos have been scammed out of unsuspecting victims.
The scam is spreading from country to country and milking victims out of money. People should not send money to someone they don't know, but fear that a relative is in a predicament allows the transfer of money to take place.
Unfortunately, the scammers get phone numbers of relatives from lost phones or hacking and accessing computer data information and email address lists with phone numbers. Family members believe the scammers were able to get information from financial companies specializing in sending cash through wired money transfers to Mexico. These companies in the U.S. and companies in Mexico where the money is recovered, also do have the vital information needed by scammers to contact family members.
To avoid such a scam, let relatives know not to send money when requested by strangers. Relatives can give them a pass word for emergencies and contact certain people to confirm an emergency. 
Police say that scammers use a lot of different ways, tactics and tricks to con victims out of money. Once the money is transferred or sent, it can be difficult to trace, especially if sent to another country. Although, some international scammers have been busted by authorities and Interpol.
Scammers using1.333.555.0000 to fake family emergencies http://bit.ly/4A0bZj
Scammer faking family emergencies http://bit.ly/51xWwc

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Wauwatosa Officer Pavlik Testifies How She Was Shot

Officer Abby Pavlik

Three suspects charged in Wauwatosa Police Officer's shooting

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 29, 2009

Wauwatosa - Police Officer Abby Pavlik, 28, from the City of Wauwatosa testified Tuesday in court during a preliminary hearing for three suspects charged in connection with an armed robbery, and how she was shot by one of them. Pavlik was responding to a 911 call from the Happy Wok restaurant when she spotted Michael S. Dengsavang, 28, Paul M. Phonisay, 39, and Thongsavahn Rodthong, 27, all wearing masks and black running from the restaurant they had just robbed at gun point.
The criminal complaint states, two masked men tied up Yongjian Dong, the owner of a Wauwatosa Happy Wok restaurant, and his wife, Xiuqing Zhao, about 10:15 p.m on December 13. The men took more than $1,000 from Zhao's purse and a set of keys and then went to the couple's residence, according to their 8-year-old son who freed himself and called police.
During the preliminary hearing, Office Pavlik testified that one of the suspects (Dengsavang) turned towards her vehicle and began shooting at her while she was inside her squad car. Pavlik was wearing a bullet proof vest, but a bullet hit Pavlik in her abdomen.
"I heard them coming closer, I then heard and felt my window shatter, and then I felt the bullet strike me... It entered through the left side of my abdomen," Pavlik said in court.
The owner of the Happy Wok restaurant testified through an interpreter, that the three men bound him with duct tape and threatened to kill his 8-year-old son. He tearfully testified that one of the suspects who was holding the gun had threaten him "If you don't give me your money, I will kill your son," Yongjian Dong said.
Dengsavang, Phonisay, and Rodthong, were charged in Milwaukee County with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and burglary, if convicted they face more than 40 years in prison each.

Michael S. Dengsavang waived his preliminary hearing and he was bound for trial.
Both Phonisay, and Rodthong will be back in court on Jan. 16, to continue their preliminary hearing.

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Antojitos Mexicanos A Bursting Flavor Experience During The Holidays And New Year

Holiday season brings out the best of Mexican antojitos (snack craving for candies or food) flavors

Milwaukee -Some of the imported rationed antojitos Mexicanos...So, I have begun consuming them one by one to satisfy my long over due sweet/chile stimulants that trigger my own taste buds to the point of bursting with true flavors of the antojito culture acquired while maturing in life.
Latinos through the ages have acquired a snack craving for various popular candies and foods since childhood attributed by parents and relatives. During the Holidays like Christmas and the New Year such antojitos arise and are usually satisfied by relatives importing or sending them to relatives and love ones all over the world.
Some are candies like, Mexican products Candy La Barca con Dulces de Tamarindo, Aldama mini Obledas con cajeta y bolas de Tamarindo con chile y asucar. A special thanks to la Guera, Odette and her husband Ramon for the antojito experience.
La pura vida con sabor de ser Mexicano-Americano con corazon de Boricua y Latino/Hispano Internacional. {:{) ¡Feliz Prospero Año Nuevo mí gente!
The antojito Mexican flavor experience was shared by H. Nelson Goodson.

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Christmas Eve Surprized Proposal And Getting Married!

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 24, 2009

Getting Married! Jose Angel Rosario, 25, in a surprized proposal during a family and friends gathering on Christmas Eve asked Yara Maria Ramos Perez, 24, to marry him. Yara accepted!!! "The wedding date is set for March 13th," Rosario said.
Rosario is well known in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois area as DJStyle. The Christmas Eve party took place at the Hospitality Inn located in the City of Greenfield, Wisconsin. Congrats!

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Illegal Aliens In My Yard Song Parody Of Feliz Navidad Ignites Controversy

Anti-immigrant lyrics of song "Illegal Aliens In My Yard," a parody of "Feliz Navidad" brewing controversy over the Holidays

December 23, 2009

(HNNUSA) The bigoted burlesque mocking song geared to undocumented immigrants entitled "Illegal Aliens In My Yard," was posted in early December in a podcast format at Human Events  www.humanevents.com, a right wing web site where you could have listen to the offensive version of the famed Christmas carol originally called "Feliz Navidad, Merry Christmas" by Jose Feliciano.
By late Wednesday night, the Human Events web site administrators had pulled the anti-immigrant song reciting "Illegals in my Yard" three times, the chorus is followed by the sentence: "Throw them some pesos and they work so hard."
Jose Feliciano on Wednesday said, "Feliz Navidad" lyrics were written and sang in both Spanish and English for everyone to enjoy during the Holidays. Feliciano condemn the Anti-immigrant version.
Website editor Jed Babbin apologized Wednesday and said the song would be removed from the Human Events site. The link to the song's page was no longer available by Thursday. "We regret any offence that Mr. Feliciano may have taken from this parody, Babbin said. However, copies of the Human Events site "Illegals In My Yard" parody posting appeared on Youtube.
The parody is one more of the many productions of Talk Radio Network’s Matt Fox and AJ Rice’s "The Fox and Rice Experience."

Listen to "Illegal Aliens in my Yard" song
in Youtube: http://bit.ly/6pUhw5

Full Youtube version:

http://bit.ly/6K2HKB

Song Lyrics:

"Illegal Aliens in My Yard"

Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
Throw then some pesos and they work so hard

Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
I don’t even ask if they got green card

They’re going to pave up my driveway this Christmas
They’re going to clean all my cars this Christmas
They’re going to shovel all the snow this Christmas
Those illegals in my yard

They’re going to dig me a pool this Christmas
They’re going to landscape my law this Christmas
They’re going to cook me up some tacos this Christmas
Those illegals in my yard

Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
Sixteen arrive in a stolen car

Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
When they’re not working, they sit at the bar

They’re going to drink some cervezas this Christmas
They’re going to shoot some tequila this Christmas
They’re going to get DUIs this Christmas
Those illegals in my yard

They’re getting free organ transplants this Christmas
They’re going to have anchor babies this Christmas
They’re going to scream “sí, se puede” this Christmas
Those illegals in my yard

Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
One at a time run past those border guards

Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
Illegals in my yard
Hugo Chavez sends his kind regards

They’re going to tackle Pat Buchanan this Christmas
They’re going to chase down Lou Dobbs this Christmas
They’re going to join up with La Raza this Christmas
Those illegals in my yard

They’re going to spread bubonic plague this Christmas
They’re going to bring me lots of bed bugs this Christmas
They’re going to pass tuberculosis this Christmas
Those illegals in my yard

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Jose Feliciano’s Grammy Hall of Fame iconic Christmas Classic, “Feliz Navidad,” has oftentimes over the years been the subject of light-hearted parody. That I actually a compliment, of sorts. Recently, however, a mean-spirited version has surfaced which demands our attention. Without our wanting to “give it legs” per se, by justifying it with a response, we need to issue the following statement:
“Upon hearing a parody regarding the heated topic of the illegal immigration situation in America, Jose and his Team are revolted beyond words. ‘This song has always been a bridge to the cultures that are so dear to me, never as a vehicle for a political platform of racism and hate. It’s disgusting and my only wish that my song and I are distanced from the whole affair as soon as possible.’ –Jose Feliciano”
* Posted by josenews at 12:23:36 in Archives

Jose Feliciano gets apology from Human Events site editor, a right wing group who first posted the parody. http://bit.ly/cC7du5

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Chicago Police Investigate Legalización Mexicano de Autos, Business Chain In Legalizing Vehicles For Export To Mexico

Chicago Police cited an employee of Legalización Mexicano de Autos for not producing a commercial license to operate business, and the owner believed to be in Mexico

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 18, 2009

Milwaukee - A multi-business in Illinois and Wisconsin operating a vehicle legalization known in the South side of Milwaukee as Legalización Mexicano de Autos (Auto Imports To Mexico Legalized) 1239 S. Cesar E. Chavez Dr. is no longer accepting requests for auto legalized documents to temporarily travel or import vehicles to Mexico. Currently, three businesses are located in Chicago, one in Waukegan, and another in Milwaukee, which are affiliated to the parent company Mex-Tel Inc.
On Wednesday, Chicago local investigators cited an employee of Legalización Mexicano a total of $3,000 for not providing a business license to operate at 3121 W. 26th St., and was ordered to appear in court at a later date. The owner Agustin Acosta-Valdez, a Chicago resident could not be located by police, and is believed to be in Mexico, according to sources in Chicago.
By Wednesday afternoon, the Legalización Mexicano de Autos in Milwaukee, and Waukegan, IL located at 913 Grand Ave. began to limit their operation to just delivering vehicle legalized documents to customers. In Chicago, the business located at 3121 W. 26th St., 2nd Floor was closed as a result of an investigation by Chicago police. The two other businesses in Chicago continued to operate, however an undated postcard flyer indicated Acosta-Valdez was operating 10 business locations.
The Acosta-Valdez company specializes in temporary legalized travel vehicle permits into Mexico from nine months to a year and with option to renew on a yearly basis, until year to permanently import vehicle arrives. Legalización Mexicano can provide legalization permits to vehicles already in Mexico and could use up to two different names if desired by the clients. The Legalización Mexicano website assures their practices in issuing permits is legal and has legalized at least 10,000 vehicles.
Customer complaints to Legalización Mexicano employees date back at least five months. The permit holders alleged the import documents provided to them by Legalización Mexicano were fraudulent.
Numerous inquiries to Mexican border authorities alerted local and federal authorities concerning Mexican nationals traveling to Mexico with bogus documents and permits legalizing their vehicles for export to Mexico.
Under U.S. and Mexico agreement, vehicles dating 10 years old from the U.S. would only be allowed to be registered permanently in Mexico. Before October 31, only 1999 year model of vehicles could be legalized to be imported to Mexico, and after that date only 2000 year model autos could be legalized for import into Mexico, according to Mexican government officials.
Once across the border, Legalización Mexicano clients who paid between $800 to $1,500 or more for the permits, and plates from the businesses in Chicago, Waukegan, and Milwaukee discovered they were bogus. A Chicago employee who didn't want to be identified said that it's unfortunate and felt sorry that there was no recourse to compensate clients. Some family members of the victims alleged Mexican authorities confiscated their vehicles and arrested people trying to cross autos when the vehicles VIN numbers didn't match the VIN in the documents. The documents weren't even legally registered with the Mexican government.
In most of these cases, family members traveling with what they thought were legal documents were left out in the cold. Those arrested face hefty fines and jail time in Mexico.
The alleged fraud scheme by Legalización Mexicano, according to customers whose vehicles were confiscated in Mexico triggered a five month investigation into the practices conducted by the Midwest Acosta-Valdez businesses in Waukegan, Chicago and Milwaukee.

Advertising for Legalización Mexicano de Autos has promoted that they can legalize any kind of vehicle between year models 1993 to 2009 and no documents required and everyone qualifies. Most clients using Legalización Mexicano de Autos are believed to be undocumented immigrants, which makes them easy targets for alleged scams or document fraud. Undocumented immigrants usually choose not to report these type of scams to authorities.
A majority of clients using Legalización Mexicano have a success rate to import their vehicles into Mexico, but some clients have had their vehicles confiscated in Mexico for document fraud. Legalización Mexicano is connected to Mexican officials from the following three states, Mexico, Morelos, and Michoacan who send legalized documents, and license plates from Mexico to Acosta-Valdez' businesses.
The investigative report revealed, when a person was returning to Mexico and is originally from the State of Guanajuato (state used as an example) he/she would get legalized documents and registered Mexican license plates indicating the vehicle was of Mexican origin from either of the previously three mentioned states. Once in the interior of Mexico, they could transfer the registration to their home State of Guanajuato.  
When contacted on Thursday, the business phone in Waukegan was temporarily disconnected, in Chicago the voice massage box was full in one line and the other phone line was temporarily disconnected, and in Milwaukee a voice message was still recommending callers to stop by, but the chain business operation and its future seem uncertain on Wednesday. 

Chicago's Legalizaciones Mexicano at 3121 W. 26 St. closed signed on door said "Oficinas cerradas, no hay información a donde se movieron" Offices closed, no information where they moved. Offices were located in La Villita business sector.

As of Friday, the Legalización Mexicano de Autos websites www.mex-tel.com/home, 'Mexicano Si Se Puede' and www.legalizacionesmexicano.com, 'Mexicano Si Se Puede' were still online and says it has been in business for ten years.
For years, legalization companies have setup business in predominately Latino communities in the U.S. offering and selling documents to temporarily travel or permanently import vehicles into Mexico. Some local Latino businesses do offer the service, it is convenient for people to buy the documents locally instead of going to the Chicago Mexican Consulate and are legitimate. But to safe guard from bogus vehicle legalization documents, people should travel to the Chicago Mexican Consulate to get legalized vehicle temporary travel permits or import documents processed to avoid any problems while crossing the border. People can use bordertown vehicle legalization businesses and if any problems arise they can resolve most problems in the border compared to a business located in the midwest.
On Friday, attempts to contact Acosta-Valdez were unsuccessful, his personal cell phone voice mail box was full. The answering massage said, Legalización Mexicano de Autos was a professional business and specialized in legalization of vehicles from 1993 to 2009 to be imported into Mexico. Acosta-Valdez has not been seen for about one month in his businesses.
Previously, Acosta-Valdez had launched an ad blitz campaign targeting customers by advertising in local Spanish newspapers, radio, and magazines that Legalización Mexicano was buying autos, and heavy construction equipment with or without titles. People could buy vehicles in Milwaukee and they would be delivered in Mexico, no documents required, and everyone qualified, according to the ads.
The U.S. Attorney's office in Chicago, IL was contacted on Friday for information concerning Acosta-Valdez and his business practices. The federal public information officer with the U.S. Attorney's office could not confirm, if Acosta-Valdez has a pending investigation or a federal indictment and charges are expected.

  
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A Call For President Barack Obama To Pardon 12 Million Undocumented Immigrants

An Open Letter To President Barack Obama

From H. Nelson Goodson
Taxpayers for Immigration Reform
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
December 15, 2009

Mr. President Barack Obama,

As I write this letter to you, more than 12 million of undocumented immigrants remain in the shadows within our borders. So be it, with my outmost respect and with the hope you might get an opportunity to actually read this letter before the year ends.
I congratulate you for accepting your Nobel Peace Prize with your humble speech acknowledging a "slight accomplishment." Mr. President, one of your great accomplishments has been to unite our nation for a common goal, and that would be to get us out of the recession and putting Americans back to work, which would include an affordable national health plan.
The holidays are upon us and December 25 is just days away. A time when friends, relatives, families and neighbors share some things in common like Peace and Happiness regardless of economic well being.
I would like to recommend the following, Mr. President you can actually exercise your Executive Privilege and pardon all the undocumented immigrants within our borders, in detention by USICE, and those waiting for a decision concerning their legal status in our country. Your decision to pardon the more than 12 million of undocumented immigrants would be an act of humanity and of colossal accomplishment surpassing any modern day human achievement.
I did sent a similar letter to former President George W. Bush, but it seemed to have fallen on deaf ears or he never received it for what ever reason.
I hope President Barack Obama will hear my call to do the right thing, and use sound judgement to pardon those whose families helped elect as President.

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Hmong Community Celebrates New Year 2009-2010

Pa Houa Xiong crowned Miss Hmong Milwaukee 2010

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 13, 2009

West Allis -The Wisconsin Hmong community held their annual New Year's cultural celebration last Saturday and Sunday at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo Center. The two day indoor festival attracted thousands of people. Music, a pageant, crafts, food and ethnic herbal healing items were provided by an array of vendors.

Pa Houa Xiong, 22, was crowned Miss Hmong Milwaukee 2010, and for first place in the Hmong Traditional competition, 'Nkauj Hmoob Hnub Qub' won the contest. Xiong as the queen will be awarded a prize of $3,000, and Nkauj Hmoob Hnub Qub won a prize of $800, according to the Hmong Milwaukee New Year pageant organizers.
The event was sponsored by the Milwaukee Hmong Committee composed of various Hmong non-profit organizations.
Hmong's residing in the state were able to enjoy the New Year celebrations in two counties, which includes Waukesha and Milwaukee. In Waukesha, the event was hosted by the Lao Family Community and in Milwaukee, the event was sponsored by the Hmong Milwaukee New Year Committee composed of four Hmong organizations, known as a Hmong Consortium.
The Consortium is dedicated to preserving, promoting, enriching and educating the general public about their culture encompassing 18 Hmong Clans. Milton Moua is the current chairman of the Hmong Milwaukee New Year's Committee reported that over the weekend an estimated 14,000 people attended the two day New Year's celebration.
On December 6-7, the Lao Family Community held its New Year's celebration at the Waukesha Expo Center. The following results were released for, Miss Hmong pre-teen winners: 1st Kao Liag Yang, 2nd Sheng Xiong, 3rd Feng Chong Vang; Traditional Dancer winners: 1st Kao Hnu Qou (Nkauj Hnub Qub), 2nd Kao Lee Chee, 3rd Kao Hmong Sam Nuer; Singer winners: 1st Kao Nhia Yang, 2nd Ka lia Vang, and 3rd Cha Yang.

Honorary guest and Hmong Leader General Vang Pao, 79, and his wife participated in the Waukesha event.  It was Gen. Vang Pao's third time to participate in Lao Family Community New Year's celebration.  In his speech to the attendees, Gen. Vang Pao said, not to use their last name to discriminate one another, but to use the last name only for marriage purposes. He encourage for women not to rush into marriage, but to continue their higher education. Education is very important in a marriage for both men and women. He called for unity and to continue to work together among the many Hmong clans.  "We must work together as Hmong," Gen. Vang Pao said. Pao was previously charged in federal court with conspiraring to over throw the Lao government, but charges against him were later dismissed on September 18, 2009. 
Between December 26, 2009 through January 2, 2010, an eight day Hmong International New Year's celebration and Miss Hmong International pageant will also take place in Fresno, California, which is considered the largest gathering of Hmong people in the nation. People from all over the world visit Fresno during the Hmong festival.
In Wisconsin, the largest Hmong gathering takes place during Labor Day weekend in the City of Oshkosh.
Wikipedia.org provides an overview of the Hmong culture and costumes. The Hmong New Year celebration is a cultural tradition that takes place annually in select areas where large Hmong communities exist and in a modified form where smaller communities come together. During the New Year's celebration, Hmong dress in traditional clothing and enjoy Hmong traditional foods, dance, music, bull fights, and other forms of entertainment. Hmong New Year celebrations have Hmong ethnic traditions and culture, and may also serve to educate those who have interest in Hmong tradition. Hmong New Year celebrations frequently occur in November and December (traditionally at the end of the harvest season when all work is done), serving as a thanksgiving holiday for the Hmong people.
Historically, the Hmong New Year celebration was created to give thanks to ancestors and spirits as well as to welcome in a new beginning. Traditionally, the celebration lasts for ten days, has been shortened in America due to the difference between the traditional Hmong farming schedule and that of the American 40-hr work week schedule. It has also served the double purpose of a convenient meeting place and time for the Hmong leadership, from the days of China even until now.
During the Hmong New Year celebration, the Hmong ball tossing game pov pobs is a common activity for teenagers and young adults. Boys and girls form two separate lines in pairs that are directly facing one another. Girls can ball toss with other girls or boys, but boys cannot ball toss with other boys. It is also taboo to toss the ball to someone of the same clan. The pairs toss a cloth ball back and forth, until one member drops the ball. If a player drops or misses the ball, an ornament or item is given to the opposite player in the pair.
Ornaments are recovered by singing love songs (hais kwv txhiaj) to the opposite player. But in recent times, in such areas as China, the young lovers have been seen to carry tape players to play their favorite love songs for one another. The Hmong New Year celebration—specifically based on both religious and cultural beliefs—is an “in-house” ritual that takes place annually in every Hmong household.

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Pasteles A Holiday Family Tradition

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 13, 2009

Milwaukee -The holiday season in December becomes a time to share traditional joy among many Latinos. A favorable pass time is making and cooking those favorite traditional Puerto Rican (PR) foods for local family members and relatives living abroad. Pasteles (PR style tamale dish), morcillas de puerco (blood pork sausage), and requeson with guayava paste (homemade goat milk cheese) are just a few.
Making and serving pasteles during the holidays, especially at Christmas time is a Puerto Rican special occasion food. They are many recipes of the savory cakes in banana leaves.
Family members and relatives usually get together in an assembly-line-style to make large numbers of these starchy, tamal-like cakes and prepare them for the boiling pot. No Boricua Christmas is complete without pasteles.
On Wednesday, Eduardo Velez and Leslie Velez of Milwaukee had a shipment of the above foods delivered from the Island of enchantment. Leslie's mother, Dr. Carmen Sein from Arecibo, Puerto Rico prepared the food from products and vegtables grown in her back yard and garden. It took Dr. Sein between a day to three days to actually cook the pasteles and other delicacies.

Eduardo said, "My mother in law began cooking at about 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday and by 10:00 p.m., I was already taking a bite of one of the pasteles." The pasteles are made from yuca, ñame, panapén, guineo, ajise (pique) and carne de puerco. Dr. Sein's recipe makes these pasteles a family choice and no doubt they pack an assortment of flavors that trigger a taste bud eruption while eating them.  

Elier Velez, 3, enjoys eating his grandma's traditional and delicious pastel at the E&J Record store, 1242 S. Cesar E. Chavez Dr.

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Parker Elected Houston Mayor

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 12, 2009

Texas -Houston residents elect Annise D. Parker Mayor with 81,652 votes 53.62% and challenger Gene Locke received 70,631 votes 46.38% with 99.86% of Precints reporting just after 10:00 p.m in Harris County.
Parker becomes the first woman elected mayor of a major U.S. city who openly admitted she was a Lesbian. Her honesty, integrity, experience, a well run campaign, and persistence to lead Houston paid off. 
A bitter and negative campaign against Parker was waged by those who opposed her alternative sexual preference. The results of the election indicate sexual orientation was not an issue for the majority of voters, but who would do the best job.
Parker a former City Controller congratulated her supporters at her campaign victory gathering and credits the Victory Fund and its donors for raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to help fund her successful campaign. "I am so grateful to the Victory Fund and its supporters for believing in this campaign from the beginning. This race was about the future of Houston, and whether we will face that future proud to be an open, welcoming, and fair-minded city. Tonight Houstonians said yes to a future like that, and I am glad the Victory Fund helped make that happen," Parker said.

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund sent out the following press release calling this "a watershed moment in American politics."

Washington, D.C. -Houston, Texas has become the largest city in the United States to elect an openly gay mayor after City Controller Annise Parker was declared the winner of a runoff election tonight.  Social conservatives fought her election, funding a campaign aimed at turning out likeminded voters to support her opponent, former city attorney Gene Locke.  But Parker's endorsements from labor, police, women's, gay rights and other groups were echoed by the Houston Chronicle, the area's major daily newspaper, and her campaign ran a superior get-out-the-vote effort.
Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which endorsed Parker, said her victory holds tremendous significance for the gay community.  "This is a watershed moment in American politics.  Annise was elected by fair-minded people from across the city because of her experience and competence, and we're glad Houston soundly rejected the politics of division. This victory sends a clear signal that gays and lesbians are an integral part of American civic life, that we're willing to lead, and that voters will respond to candidates who are open and honest about their lives,"  Wolfe said.
Newly elect Mayor Parker's election was the Victory Fund's top political priority in 2009, a year that saw 54 of its 79 endorsed openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) candidates elected to public office.

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Economic Influence of Latino and Asian Immigrants in Wisconsin

NEW AMERICANS IN THE BADGER STATE: The Political and Economic Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in Wisconsin

Report published by Immigration Policy Center
331G Street, NW. Washington, D.C. 20005
www.immigrationpolicy.org
Posted by courtesy of www.hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

December 10, 2009

The Immigration Policy Center has compiled research which shows that immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an important part of Wisconsin's economy labor force, and tax base. Immigrants and their children are a growing economic and political force as workers, consumers, taxpayers, and entrepreneurs. 
Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians account for growing shares of the economy and population in Wisconsin. Immigrants make up 4.5% of the state's population, and more than one-third of them are of the state's population, and more than one-third of them are naturalized U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote. "New Americans"-immigrants and the children of immigrants-account for 3.0% of registered voters in the state. Immigrants are not only integral to the state's economy as workers, but also account for tens of million of dollars in tax revenue and consumer purchasing power. Moreover, Latinos and Asians wield nearly $8.3 billion in consumer purchasing power, and the businesses they own had sales and receipts of $2.5 billion and employed more than 20,500 people at last count. At a time of economic recession, Wisconsin can ill-afford to alienate such a critical component of its labor force, tax base, and business community.

Immigrants and their children are growing shares of Wisconsin's population and electorate

• The foreign-born share of Wisconsin's population rose from 2.5% in 1990,1 to 3.6% in 2000,2 to 4.5% in 2007,3 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Wisconsin was home to 252,150 immigrants in 2007, 4 which is more than the total population of Jersey City, New Jersey. 5

• 41.2% of immigrants (or 103,921 people) in Wisconsin were naturalized U.S. citizens in 20076 -meaning that they are eligible to vote

• 3.0% (or 88,438) of registered voters in Wisconsin were "New Americans"-naturalized citizens or the U.S.-born children of Americans"-naturalized citizens or the U.S.-born children of immigrants who were raised during the current era of immigration from Latin America and Asia which began in 1965-according to an analysis of 2006 Census Bureau data by Rob Paral & Associates. 7

1 in 16 Wisconsinites are Latino or Asian

• The Latino share of Wisconsin's population grew from 1.9% in 1990,8 to 3.6% in 2000,9 to 4.8% (or 268,879 people) in 2007.10 The Asian share of the population grew from 1.1% in 1990,11 to 1.7% in 2000,12 to 1.9% (or 106,431 people) in 2007,13 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

• Latinos accounted for 2.3% (or 66,000) of Wisconsin voters in the 2008 elections, and Asians 1.1% (31,000), according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 142

Latino and Asian entrepreneurs and consumers add billions of dollars and tens-of-thousands of jobs to Wisconsin's economy.

• The 2008 purchasing power of Latinos in Wisconsin totaled $5.3 billion-an increase of 576.8% since 1990. Asian buying power totaled $3.0 billion-an increase of 468.0% since 1990, according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia. 15

• Wisconsin's 4,957 Asian-owned businesses had sales and receipts of $1.5 billion and employed 11,603 people in 2002, the ast year for which data is available.16 The state's 3,750 Latino- owned businesses had sales and receipts of $975.5 million and employed 9,011 people in 2002, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Survey of Business Owners. 17

Immgrant workers are integral to Wisconsin's economy as laborers and taxpayers

• Migrant workers constituted more than 40% of all hired dairy employees (totaling roughly 5,316 individuals) in 2008, according to a study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 18

• More than 5,000 migrant workers, plus 1,000 dependents, arrive annually in Wisconsin to work in canning, food-processing, and agriculture, according to 2003 study at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. 19

• Migrant workers' direct spending generated about $14.9 million per year in income to Wisconsin residents and business, roughly $8.7 million in tax revenue to state and local governments and the creation of 417 jobs for Wisconsinites annually, according to the same study. 20

Immigrants are integral to Wisconsin's economy as workers

• Immigrants comprised 5.1% of the state's workforce in 2007 (or 155,990 workers), according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 2

• Unauthorized immigrants comprised 1.8% of the state's workforce (or 55,000 workers) in 2008, according to a report by the Pew Hispanic Center. 22

• If unauthorized immigrants were removed from Wisconsin, the state would lose $2.6 billion in expenditures, $1.2 billion in economic output, and approximately 14,579 jobs, even accounting for adequate market adjustment time, according to a report by the Perryman Group. 23

Immigrants are integral to Wisconsin's economy as students

• Wisconsin's 8,647 foreign students contributed $195.3 million to the state's economy in tuition, fees, and living expenses for the 2008-2009 academic year, according to the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA). 243

Naturalized Citizens Excel Educationally

• In Wisconsin, 31.7% of foreign-born persons who were naturalized U.S. citizens in 2007 had a bachelor's or higher degree compared to 25.1 of noncitizens. At the same time, only 23.6% of naturalized citizens lacked a high-school diploma, compared to naturalized citizens lacked a high-school diploma, compared to 34.1% of noncitizens. 25

• The number of immigrants in Wisconsin with a college degree increased by 46.1% between 2000 and 2007, according to data from the Migration Policy Institute. 26

• 28.0% of Wisconsin's foreign-born population age 25 and older had a bachelor's or higher degree in 2007, compared to 25.3% of native-born persons age 25 and older. 27

• In Wisconsin, 68.0% of all children between the ages of 5 and 17 in families that spoke a language other than English at home also in families that spoke a language other than English at home also spoke English "very well" as of. 2007. 28

Endnotes:

1 U.S. Census Bureau, The Foreign-Born Population: 2000 December 2003
2 Ibid
3 2007 American Community Survey (1-Year Estimates)
4 Ibid
5 Ibid
6 Ibid
7 Rob Paral and Associates, The New American Electorate: The Growing Political Power of Immigrants and Their Children(Washington, DC: Immigration Policy Center, American Immigration Law Foundation, October 2008)
8 U.S. Census Bureau, The Hispanic Population: 2000, May 2001
9 Ibid
10 2007 American Community Survey (1-Year Estimates)
11 U.S. Census Bureau, The Asian Population: 2000, February 2002.
12 Ibid
13 2007 American Community Survey (1-Year Estimates)
14 U.S. Electoral College, 2008 Presidential Election: Popular Vote Totals
15 Jeffrey M. Humphreys, The Multicultural Economy 2008 (Athens GA: Selig Center for Economic Growth, University of Georgia, 2008) p. 64
16 U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic-Owned Firms: 2002, August 2006
17 U.S. Census Bureau, Asian-Owned Firms: 2002, August 2006.
18 Jill Harrison, Sarah Lloyd, and Trish O'Kane, Overview of Immigrant Workers on Wisconsin Dairy Farms (Madison, WI Program on Agricultural Technology Studies, University of Program on Agricultural Technology Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, February 2009), p. 2
19 Doris P. Slesinger and Steven Deller, Economic Impact of Migrant Workers on Wisconsin's Economy (Madison, WI: Center for Demography and Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison February 2003), p. 27
20 Ibid., p. 26
21 2007 American Community Survey (1-Year Estimates).
22 Jeffrey S. Passel and D'Vera Cohn, A Portrait of Unauthorized Immigrants in the United States (Washington, DC: The Pew Charitable Trusts., April 14, 2009), p. 30
23 The Perryman Group, An Essential Resource: An Analysis of the Economic Impact of Undocumented Workers on Business Activity n the US with Estimated Effects by State and by Industry (Waco in the US with Estimated Effects by State and by Industry (Waco TX: April 2008), p. 69
24 Association of International Educators, The Economic Benefits of International Education to the United States for the 2008-2009 Academic Year: A Statistical Analysis (Washington, DC: Nationa Association of Foreign Student Advisors, 2009)
25 Migration Policy Institute Data Hub, Wisconsin: Language & Education
26 Ibid
27 Ibid
28 Ibid

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MPD Awards Block Watch Captains And South Side Businesses For Crime Reduction

Chief Flynn credits neighborhood Block Watch programs, residents, local businesses, and police officers in both Districts 2 and 6 for a 12% reduction of crime in the South side

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 10, 2009

Milwaukee -On Wednesday, the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) hosted a "Block Watch Award Ceremony" and reception for both Police Districts 2 and 6. The awards ceremony was held at Aurora Medical Center, Stiemke Auditorium, 2900 W. Oklahoma Ave. where food, and special recognition awards were given to neighborhood Block Watch captains and local businesses. Auxiliary officers were also recognized by Dist. 6 Captain Michael D. Young and Dist. 2 Captain Donald J. Gaglione.
There was a minute of silence in recognition and remembrance for the four fallen Lakewood Police Department Officers in Washington, Sgt. Mark Renninger, Officers Ronald Owens, Tina Griswold and Greg Richards.
More than 150 people filled Stiemke Auditorium for the event. Both Mayor Tom Barrett and MPD Chief Edward A. Flynn gave a personal thank you and appreciation to all the Block Watch captains, and businesses. "People like yourself sharing information with officers, by reporting crimes and suspicious activity has helped us prevent crime, so that we can continue to make our neighborhoods safe. Thank you for your support," Chief Flynn said. Flynn also thanked the women and men in blue for working in a united and collaborating effort with neighborhood residents and businesses resulting in a 12% reduction of crime in the near South side.
Both Mayor Barrett and Chief Flynn had prior commitments and couldn't be present at the awards ceremony, but had their video address played to residents.
"The awards tonight are for community involvement and we are also grateful to Auxiliary officers for taking their time to volunteer with MPD," Captain Michael D. Young said. 

Afterwards, Captain Gaglione said, "Thank you, we are here tonight to recognize you for the great job and for taking time to become Block Watch captains who gave us information on crimes around the area. Your help and information has made it easier for our police department of 1,800 officers to close down drug houses and respond to crimes otherwise without your help wouldn't have been solved. Especially, information we received about the suspects robbing numerous businesses along S. 27 St., it was your information that helped us catch them."
Community Liaison Officers from District 2, Jose Arzaga and Jesus Gloria, along with Community Liaison Officers from District 6, Carlos Felix and Cheryl Wolf were recognized for creating and organizing Block Watch units in their districts and getting businesses involved too.
Many of the citizens that were recognized brought their family and children to the special occasion. Block Watch captains received an "Appreciation Award for their dedication and efforts on keeping our neighborhoods safe through the Milwaukee Police Department Block Watch Program 2009." The ceremony provided the children a memorable and a positive example of their parents getting a recognition award for helping police reduce crime and making their neighborhood a safe place to work and live.
In early December, District 2 officers were credited by Capt. Gaglione for recovering over 1,200 items believed stolen in jewelry worth more than $75,000 from four South side Jewelry stores. A two month police sting operation discovered the following South side stores, Star Jewelry, Gold N Cash Jewelry, Reflections Jewelry, and John's Jewelry were buying gold jewelry as scrap and weren't asking for proper identification and not  keeping records of who sold each item as state law and local ordinances require. The stores involved received 85 citations totaling over $41,000.

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Butt Grab Ends Up With Double Homicide

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 8, 2009

Jefferson, WI -Andrew J. Wirth, 24, was charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide on Monday in connection with the deaths of Gregg T. Peters, 40, and Jennifer K. Luick, 37. Wirth is facing two life terms without parole, if convicted. He remains at the Jefferson County jail and is being held in a $1 million cash bond.
On Monday, Wirth made an outburst while making some obscene remarks as he pushed a deputy during a court hearing. He was tased twice and immediately restrained by deputies.
The criminal complaint states that on late Saturday night, Luick an off-duty Town of Oconomowoc Police Officer had grabbed Wirth in the butt while he had a date. Wirth responded to Luick's pinch and said something to offend her. She went back to Peters, her boyfriend and complained. Peters confronted Wirth inside Vinnie's Rock Bottom tavern, but they calmed down. Their altercation resumed after Peters decided to go back inside and confront Wirth again.
Witnesses say Wirth then pulled out a .380 handgun and fatally shot both Peters and Luick. They died later.
The complaint says that Peters and Luick had walked out of the tavern, when patrons heard Luick tell Peters "what a jerk" referring to Wirth. Peters then turned around and went inside to pick a fight with Wirth just after 1:00 a.m. Sunday.

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DNA From Victims Required By Franklin Police To Recover Stolen Vehicles

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 7, 2009

Franklin - Over the weekend, a 36-year-old man and a 38-year- old woman who reported an SUV stolen to Franklin police in late October received an unusual request by a traffic officer. Officer Steven Horn working under authority of his supervisor requested the couple to submit to a DNA cotton cheek swab in order to recover the SUV and for use to identify ownership of items found in the vehicle.
The SUV was found last week in the North side on N. 16th St. in Milwaukee, after it had been reported stolen a month and a half ago. Someone spotted the SUV parked on the street with several parking citations and notified Milwaukee police who then had it towed to the Franklin police lot for recovered vehicles.
The 36-year-old man said, that he met a woman in late October at a local bar, and afterwards both had gone to a motel in Franklin. When he woke up, the woman, keys and the SUV were gone. He called Franklin police to make a stolen vehicle report.
Both victims say that they felt like suspects when Officer Horn requested their DNA after the SUV Lexus 2000 was recovered. The SUV is worth about $10,000, according to the male victim.
The female victim who the SUV is registered to says she reluctantly submitted to the DNA cheek swab by Horn, but the male victim refused to take one. Although, Officer Horn confiscated a sports cap from the male victim found in the SUV for DNA testing.
When Franklin Police Chief Richard Oliva was contacted by electronic email concerning their unusual process to require victims of stolen vehicles to submit DNA, he wrote the following, "When testing for DNA which might come from a suspect, it is necessary to have DNA samples of people known to have been in the vehicle in order to eliminate them as suspects. Unidentified DNA is then compared to the database of subjects who have their DNA on file. The unidentified DNA Will also be compared to any future identified suspect believed to be responsible for the crime. Both victims (names withheld by request) DNA samples will not be entered into the state or national DNA database. This is not an unusual practice.
We use the State Crime Lab and only submit for more serious offenses. If a victim refuses to give DNA we are not taking advantage of the state of the art way of establishing a suspects presence at the scene of a crime. Consequently, we have to go back to other traditional methods of investigation," Chief Oliva said on Monday.
When asked if other police departments in the area have similar DNA policy to require victims to submit DNA samples? Also, if Franklin Police Department kept statistics of people prosecuted for vehicle thefts using their DNA process?
"I do not comment on other police departments, and sorry, I have no statistics," Chief Oliva responded.
With the lack of DNA prosecution statistics for vehicle thefts by Franklin police, taxpayers are left without any justification to spend city funds to process specimen analysis from victims. The DNA analysis from victims won't be entered into the DNA database as felons are, according to Oliva. Chief Oliva didn't explained where the victims' DNA would actually end up after the case is closed. Will the DNA be kept on file or discarded?
In Wisconsin, the average cost for DNA testing is $390.00 per case. The State Crime Laboratory received 2,226 DNA cases in 2006, and was only able to process 1,152 cases, compared to an expected backlog of more than 3,000 cases by 2010, according to a report by the State Crime Lab Resources for DNA Analysis. 
The state crime lab is required to analyze specimens of DNA from suspects submitted by Police Chiefs and other law enforcement entities in regards to felony investigations. The law fails to authorize law enforcement officials to require victims of a felony (stolen vehicles) to submit DNA for analysis.
In September, the DNA controversy erupted when Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen discovered some 12,000 convicts in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and other entities like the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department failed to collect DNA cheek swab's from inmates convicted and sentenced before transferring them to state prisons. 
"Felons are required to submit a DNA sample for entry in the Combined DNA Index System or CODIS, when convicted. The collection of the samples and development of the profiles has led to arrests and convictions in other cases. What it means at worst, is that there are offenses that have been committed for which we have DNA evidence and we don’t have a known offender in the data bank to tie that offense to," Van Hollen said.
The arrest of suspected serial killer Walter Ellis in Franklin led to the discovery of the absent DNA profiles. Ellis apparently had another inmate submit his sample. When crime lab technicians realized the profile was a duplicate, it was discarded.
In 21 states, similar laws require county sheriffs to collect a cheek swab from adults arrested on suspicion of felony crimes and juveniles found delinquent for certain sexual offenses at the time they're booked into jail, according to the New Mexico-based group DNA Saves. But, not from victims of stolen vehicles or other crimes perpetrated on them by suspects. Unless, the victim is killed, raped or seriously injured and their DNA is believed transferred to the suspects body, clothing and other items.

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Café Tacuba Packs Concert In Milwaukee

Full house at the Rave/Eagles for Café Tacuba, a Spanish rock band

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 5, 2009

Milwaukee - The popular Mexican rock band Café Tacuba brought a full house within an hour on Friday. At about 7:30 p.m., the early arrival of about 50 fans at the Rave/Eagles made the ballroom look extremely empty. An hour later, a huge wave of Spanish rock fanatics took over the entire ballroom.
Most were teenagers, and secondly they shared the concert with older age groups. They chanted "culero...culero..." sending a massage directly to Tacuba, for them to come on stage.
People came to the concert from Chicago, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha, and as far away as Sheboygan with one thing in common, and that was to rock in Spanish and to party hard. "El concierto estuvo espectacular anoche, Last night, the concert was spectacular," Rosa Barber said of the Café Tacuba's concert. No doubt it was a spectacular event, the Café Tacuba Spanish rock fanatics who were mostly Latinos ruled last night in Milwaukee.
Before the live concert, the fans were asked by a DJ, would you like hear a duranguense, or a cumbia, the crowd shouted in unison "No!" and more Spanish rock was played by a popular local DJ with Sonido Galerías from Milwaukee before Tacuba went on stage.
Café Tacuba began the concert at about 9:40 p.m., and they electrified the crowd. "Tonight, we are one family and we are all like pebbles from roses and one bouquet of roses, so let's rock. Mí gente (my people), let loose the pressure, take your frustration into the dance floor and enjoy tonight's concert. Afterwards, take your energy home and continue to party," Rubén Albarrán, the bands lead singer said.
The attendees sway from side to side causing a massive human Tsunami throughout the floor. Then the fans began to jump up and down along with Tacuba's lyrics shaking the floor into a simulated earthquake.
Tacuba gave an excellent performance, especially for a Spanish rock band today. Despite, some of the fans throwing their full beer cups with ice into the crowd. Within the crowd, one guy pulled out a joint and lit it. The smoke from the joint seemed to smell like Marijuana. He smoked it with three other guys. It looked like no one really seemed to mine. 
About the band, this year they have been celebrating their 20th Anniversary. Café Tacuba (often spelled Café Tacvba) is a Grammy Award and Latin Grammy Award-winning musical group from Naucalpan, Mexico. They were founded in 1989, and since then have had the same musical lineup.
The event on Friday was sponsored by Promociones Fiesta and their MC Alex Preciado said, "We keep our word about bringing pop music to Milwaukee." Preciado also wanted to thank everyone for their support, especially www.hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com for exclusively posting the Milwaukee, Wisconsin coverage of the Café Tacuba concert on the Internet.
On Saturday, Café Tacuba will be performing in Chicago's Congress Theater.

The following two photos were provided by courtesy of Rosa Barber,

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Police Sting Operation Nets 1,200 Items In Stolen Jewelry

Jewelry stores fined more than $41,000 for buying suspected stolen items and not keeping records

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 4, 2009

Milwaukee - Second District police officers recovered more than 1,200 pieces of stolen gold jewelry from four South side jewelry stores after serving search warrants. Police cited the stores involved with 85 citations totaling over $41,000 in fines.
Captain Donald Gaglione said, the jewelry was stolen in burglaries between Oct. 1 and Nov. 24 throughout the Milwaukee area and then illegally purchased by gold and precious metal stores.
Gaglione credited an undercover police sting for the recovery of the stolen jewelry worth over $75,000. A tip from a suspect led officers to neighborhood stores that were buying suspected stolen jewelry. They weren't asking for identification or recording buys from individual sellers as required by law. Police went back to the jewelry stores and executed search warrants. Officers seized jewelry from Star Jewelers at 1212 W. Lincoln Ave., Cash N Gold at 1214 S. Cesar E. Chavez Dr., John's Jewelry at 1119 W. Historic Mitchell St,, and Reflections Jewelry at 1306 W. Forest Home Ave.

Gaglione said, "The items that were purchased illegally were confiscated. We have several items that we've already connected to crimes within the City of Milwaukee, and we believe some of these items may be connected to crimes in surrounding jurisdictions. We will be working to identify items taken in their jurisdictions and in surrounding suburbs."
Wisconsin law and city ordinances require stores that buy gold as scrap, to keep records of people selling them each piece of jewelry.
Officers confiscated crosses, watches, chains, rings, and bracelets, when they discovered none were legally recorded. "When these stores don't follow the rules they only encourage criminals to steal jewelry to make some quick cash. I hope that similar businesses will be more attentive to discourage criminal activity," Capt. Gaglione said.
Some people who filed a stolen report and gave a description of the stolen items have already recovered their jewelry. If victims believe that stolen jewelry could be identified in the confiscated items, they should call 414.235.6633 to make arrangements to identify it and recover it.
Recently, the Milwaukee Police Department received a grant from the Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance of $187,724 and it will be used to fund foot beat police patrols over time in Police District 2. "Foot beat officers work closely with the communities they police to help residents gain control of their streets," said Edward A. Flynn, Milwaukee Police Chief.

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Facebook Sets Record For 350 Million Users Worldwide

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 2, 2009

California - In an open letter on Tuesday to Facebook users, founder Mark Elliot Zuckerberg, 25, confirmed that Facebook has reached more than 350 million users worldwide and changes are coming within the next two weeks. The Facebook administrators will add more privacy settings for users to control who sees their content, information or uploads. Regional networks will be eliminated and replaced with a simpler network, Zuckerberg said.
Will the new changes include for Facebook to go public in 2010? Not now, according to executives at Facebook. Zuckerberg did not address or mentioned the public issue to users.
Facebook shares presently are valued at $10 billion, 1/3 lower compared to $15 billion in 2007.
Zuckerberg wrote the following statements in the Facebook blog and also posted it on every users home page, "Facebook has grown, some of these regional networks now have millions of members and we've concluded that this is no longer the best way for you to control your privacy. Almost 50 percent of all Facebook users are members of regional networks, so this is an important issue for us. If we can build a better system, then more than 100 million people will have even more control of their information.
The plan we've come up with is to remove regional networks completely and create a simpler model for privacy control where you can set content to be available to only your contacts.
We're adding something that many of you have asked for — the ability to control who see each individual piece of content you create or upload. In addition, we'll also be fulfilling request made by many of you to make the privacy settings page simpler by combining some settings."

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Man Suspected Of Killing Four Lakewood Police Officers Is Killed

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 1, 2009

Washington -Maurice Clemmons. 37, wanted in connection with killing four Lakewood police officers early last Sunday in Parkland while they drank coffee has been fatally shot. Clemmons died during a confrontation with police in Seattle on Monday.
A police officer working alone, was investigating a stolen vehicle report when he spotted Clemmons and gunfire erupted between each other. The Seattle police officer then shot and killed Clemmons in the shootout.
Police found a gun belonging to one of the officers killed next to Clemmons' body.
Four other suspects who helped Clemmons evade police since last Sunday have been also arrested, including the driver of the get away vehicle, according to Seattle police.
Clemmons had told friends that he planned to kill police officers before he actually committed the homicides, investigators said.

(Clockwise from top left) Lakewood Police officers Greg Richards, 42,; Sgt. Mark Renninger, 39; Tina Griswold, 40; and Ronald Owens, 37; are pictured above in this handout released by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department on November 29, 2009.

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Identifican Policías de Lakewood asesinados

(De izquerda a la derecha) Los cuatro policías asesinados de Lakewood fueron identicados el pasado 29 de noviembre como: Greg Richards, 42; Sgt. Mark Renninger, 39; (abajo) Ronald Owens, 37; y Tina Griswold, 40.

Por H. Nelson Goodson
1 de diciembre de 2009

Washington -La policía de Lakewood estan buscando a Maurice Clemmons, 37, en conexión con el asesinato de cuatro policías de Lakewood el pasado domingo por la mañana. Los policías estavan tomando un café y trabajando en sus computadoras portátil dentro del establecimiento Forza donde se sirve café en la ciudad de Parkland cuando el sospechoso entro y les disparo varias veces mortalmente. El sospechoso también fue herido por uno de los policías antes de morir.
El lunes, la policía especial de SWAT entro a una residencia en Seattle buscando a Clemmons, pero el sospechoso huyo antes. Se ofrece una recompensa de $15,000 dolares por la captura de Clemmons, según el Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Pierce.


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Lakewood Police Officers Killed Over The Weekend By Known Suspect Identified

(Clockwise from top left) Lakewood Police officers Greg Richards, 42,; Sgt. Mark Renninger, 39; Tina Griswold, 40; and Ronald Owens, 37; are pictured above in this handout released by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department on November 29, 2009.

By H. Nelson Goodson
November 30, 2009

Washington -Homicide investigators are searching for a known suspect in the deaths of four Lakewood police officers over the weekend.
On Sunday morning at about 8:15 a.m., the four officers were shot and killed at a Forza coffee shop in Tacoma, a Washington suburb of Parkland.
The gunman escaped and a $15,000 reward for information and arrest has been offered. Police are searching for Maurice Clemmons, 37, in connection with the four Lakewood police officers deaths.
On Monday, a SWAT team went to a Seattle residence where Clemmons was believed hiding, but when police entered the home they found that he had eluded them. An acquaintance of Clemmons told police, Clemmons had said that he wanted to shoot some police officers a day before the four officers were killed.
Investigators are trying to figure out what led Clemmons to ambush, and execute the officers while they drank coffee and logged in to their laptops before startng their shift.
The officers deaths have sent shock waves to other police departments throughout the nation. Numerous police departments are reviewing procedures and talking to officers concerning their safety while they are in public.

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Chheda Elected Milwaukee Democratic Party Chair

By H. Nelson Goodson
November 30, 2009

Milwaukee -Sachin Chheda was elected Chairman of the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County on November 23, 2009, and is serving his first term as the head of the party in the district. He and his team ran unopposed, and claimed victory last week Monday. The Chheda for Chair website says the following, Chheda has a long history in supporting Democratic candidates, policy, and organizing. He started as a College candidates, policy, and organizing. He started as a College Democrat at UW-Milwaukee, led the local campus effort to elect Bill Clinton and Al Gore in 1992, and went on to serve as President of the College Democrats of Wisconsin. of the College Democrats of Wisconsin.
Chheda currently works as a partner at Nation Consulting, a Wisconsin-based public strategies firm. He is an experienced nonprofit advocacy, communications, and government relations professional at Nation Consulting. Chheda is focused on serving nonprofit advocacy groups and contributing to progressive social change in his work. He works primarily with the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty and with the Wisconsin Fair Trade Coalition, as well as assisting with the firm’s other clients.

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