EL

INDEPENDIENTE 1976 ~ 31 Years of Service ~ 2007

South Tucson’s Bilingual Newspaper

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Memorial Pide Fondos Del Congreso

April 27 / 27 de abril

Clinic Seeks Clearer Vision

INSIDE Defensa Propia Dos hermanas les dan poder a mujeres con clases de defensa propia en español.

Por Maayan Katz Traducido por Derrick Del Pilar

‘Tribus’/vea página 6

...vea página 3

Sunnyside student Adilene Villalobos has been choosen as one of the top three players in the region.

BY

ANTHONY D. ÁVILA

Girls’ Basketball

PHOTO

Geraldo Vasquez receives free eyeglasses from St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic in Nogales, Ariz., two days before turning 7. Volunteer Suzanne Maya, left, said eyeglasses and an eye exam could cost $100 at a local Nationwide Vision store.

By Anthony D. Ávila Crowded in the corner of a small church storage room, Rafael García watches intently as a Tucson doctor adjusts the ankle brace on his 15year-old son Fernando. Other doctors and volunteers frequently squeeze by them, hustling to treat the next child. The Garcías have come to Nogales, Ariz., for St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic, a nonprofit that provides free medical treatment and referrals once a month for children whose families bring them from Mexico. The patients get a one-day visa to visit and often travel several hours from home to arrive early in the morning. Fernando, the oldest of four, was born with a deformity in his left foot, making it painful for him to walk. So on April 5 his dad took

him from their home in Nogales, Sonora, to get the specialized treatment set up at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. The longest-running cross-border medical care organization that began 34 years ago as a small effort to help children with cerebral palsy now treats about 250 families like the Garcías every month, with the help of unpaid physicians and other volunteers. Despite the long-running success of the clinic, some volunteers say there is room for improvement. Ed Estrada, who volunteers with his wife Dell from Green Valley, says he likes what the clinic does but the operations can seem somewhat chaotic. “I don’t think they’re very well organized,” Ed Estrada says. Bob Phillips, the nonprofit’s executive director since November, agrees that though St. Andrew’s is

successful at treating hundreds of patients each month, the lack of organization is keeping the clinic from meeting its full potential. One of Phillips’ first goals is to get all the staff and volunteers on the same page regarding St. Andrew’s purpose and its plan for growth. “There are many St. Andrew’s depending on who you talk to,” Phillips says. Providing top-notch health care is expensive, and the clinic doesn’t currently have the financial resources to accomplish everything it wants to do, Phillips says. His long-term goals for the clinic include hiring a volunteer coordinator to take advantage of the hundred people who help out every month, finding or building a permanent facility, and also offering

...see page 5

Help for Vets The Southern Arizona VA Hospital’s rehabilitation program helps polytrauma patients.

...see page 7

‘Clinic’/see page 6

La mayoría de las medidas para el ahorro de costo usualmente se reparten por recomendación verbal. Albert Leal, un nativo de Tucsón, escuchó rumores sobre cuidados dentales baratos en México. Hizo la jornada sin una cita y pagó $107 menos por un empaste dental de lo que hubiera pagado en los Estados Unidos. Con el aumento de costos de drogas de prescripción y seguros médicos, las personas como Leal van a México para costos más asequibles. “Era poco el tiempo de espera y también había poco papeleo,” dijo Leal. “Definitivamente recomendaría los servicios a cualquier persona que no tenga seguros.”

Su historia no es rara. Steve Campbell, un bombero jubilado, recientemente tuvo 15 extracciones, unas postizas instaladas y el tratamiento posoperatorio que no tendrían comparación en los E.E.U.U. “La oficina estaba inmaculada,” dijo Amber Jackson, su hija. La oficina era mucho más avanzada de las que había visto en América. “Los americanos específicamente son el público destinatario, por lo tanto eran muy acomodadores,” dijo Jackson. El cuidado dental no es la única atracción para los americanos. La compra de las drogas de prescripción es un proceso relativamente fácil y asimismo es su transportación. Los compradores tienen que tener una prescripción válida

de un doctor licenciado americano y pueden comprar hasta un abastamiento de tres meses. Las personas que no tengan una prescripción legítima pueden comprar medicina no prescrita con tal de que la cantidad no sobrepase 50, y éstos no son una sustancia controlada, según Brian Levin, el portavoz para la Aduana Estadounidense. La Aduana Estadounidense define la sustancia controlada como medicinas sumamente adictivas que tienen el potencial de ser abusadas o vendidas de nuevo. Estas sustancias incluyen Xanax, morfina, los cuales son dos drogas callejeras muy provechosas. “Nuestra meta principal es de interceptar a terroristas, no arrestar a una abuela,” dijo Levin. La mayoría de las drogas pre-

BY

Por Megan Brigode Traducido por Anders Peterson

ASHLEY ALEXANDER

México Atrae los No Asegurados de E.E.U.U.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Imagínese que usted no podría levantar el teléfono y discar 911 si hubiera una emergencia. Hasta llamar a la farmacia para sus medicamentos podría ser un obstáculo sin teléfono, y olvídese del uso de correo electrónico. En la época informática de hoy en día, muchos dan por hecho su acceso a teléfonos celulares, correos electrónicos, o mensajes de texto. Pero para muchos amerindios viviendo en sus tierras tribales en Arizona, aun un línea telefónica básica es inalcanzable. Una legisladora de Arizona quiere cambiar todo eso. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick quiere que el Congreso les dé más dinero a las tribus de Arizona para adelantos telecomunicativos y que les deje regular sus propios servicios de comunicación bajo un memorial concurrente patrocinado por la Cámara de Representantes. El Memorial Concurrente de la Cámara 2007 (HCM 2007) mandaría una carta al Congreso de la Legislatura de Arizona pidiendo una enmienda al Acto Telecomunicativo de 1996. Dará más poder a las tribus amerindias para que desarrollen, mejoren, y mantengan sus servicios telecomunicativos, evitando las regulaciones del gobierno estadounidense. También pide que el Congreso proporcione fondos de Seguridad Nacional y abastezca recursos a las tribus para combatir el tráfico de drogas y de seres humanos raptados. HCM 2007 fue ratificado por la Cámara de Representantes de Arizona en marzo y está esperando la aprobación del Senado. El iniciativo es resultado de la falta de servicio telefónico y de Internet, y un desigualdad digital creciente en los 21 terrenos reservados de los amerindios en Arizona, dijo Kirkpatrick (Demócrata de Flagstaff), patrona del memorial. Kirkpatrick dijo que las tres áreas críticas afectadas por los problemas de comunicación son el acceso a cuidado médico, el avance en la educación y el mejoramiento de los servicios de emergencias. “Eso realmente afecta a la gente,” dijo Kirkpatrick. “Es un problema verdadero que tiene que ver con la vida cotidiana y está afectando a todos, de nuestros niños hasta nuestros ancianos.” Travis Lane del Concilio Intertribal de Arizona dijo que el Acto Telecomunicativo necesita ser enmendado porque no considera las posiciones de las tribus al nivel nacional. “La mayoría de las tribus son rurales y tiene una falta de recursos,” dijo Lane. “Aunque estamos muy cerca de poblaciones no-indí-

scritas y servicios médicos se adquieren fácilmente en México. Sin embargo Jeff Kosanke, un farmacéutico de Tucson, advierte a los ‘México’/vea página 6

EL INDEPENDIENTE

Page / Página 2

April 27 / 27 de abril 2007

Testing the Waters: Tucson Bars to Ban Smoking By Chelsea D’Amico Severe droughts and the growing population in the desert have Tucson officials pondering where we are going to get our water in the future. Tucson has three water sources: groundwater, the Colorado River and purified waste water — or effluent. Every year Tucson uses about 20 billion gallons of water from the Colorado River. Prolonged droughts and increased use by upperbasin states are drying up the river and decreasing Arizona’s water supply. Arizona and Nevada share whatever Colorado River water is left over after California takes its share. But Arizona would be the first state cut off from the river’s water when the supply becomes low. “We essentially get what California doesn’t take,” said Tom Maddock, head of the hydrology department at the University of Arizona. David Modeer, director of Tucson Water, said that Arizona has the lowest priority because of the Colorado River Basin Project Act of 1968, which authorized the construction of water development projects such as the Central Arizona Project (CAP). The main source of water is a mixture of CAP water from the Colorado River and groundwater. Arizona can’t count on ground-

water alone if it does get cut off from the river because the deeper the drills go into the ground the worse the water quality becomes. Water that is drilled from deep wells is murky. It is also very expensive to keep drilling deeper into the ground due to energy costs. One idea that seems drastic, but may become a reality in the long term, is to purify sewage water and run that through Tucson taps. “If we have enough of a population to use CAP water, we can acquire additional resources from somewhere. The only resource that we can control is effluent water,” Modeer said. This may sound unappealing, but there are places in Tucson that already use this effluent water. Some golf courses use “reclaimed” water on the grass. But watering grass with reclaimed water is different than drinking it. According to Modeer, a reverse osmosis treatment plant would have to be built to purify the sewage water. This won’t be happening anytime soon, he said, but it could be a possibility in 25 to 30 years. A 50-million-gallon per day plant would have to be built, which could cost about $350 million, ormore once inflation is factored into the cost. But, Modeer said, “A lot can happen in over 25 to 30 years though.”

EL

INDEPENDIENTE South Tucson’s Bilingual Newspaper El Independiente encourages letters from all its readers, but reserves the right to edit correspondence for grammar, style, clarity and length. UA Journalism P.O. Box 210158B Tucson, AZ 85721 Phone: 621-3618 [email protected]

Adviser

Graphics and Layout Adviser John deDios

News Editor

Design

Anthony D. Ávila

Laura Haas Michelle Weinberg

Managing Editor Sean Morris

Mercedes García

Design Editor Suzanne Lambert

Photo Editor Ashley Alexander

Community Events Editor

Reporters Rachel Allocco Caitlin Altendorf Megan Brigode Uma Goyal Greg Haber Maayan Katz Meghan Martin Nathan Olivarez-Giles Sam Scheurich Kathy Van Voorhees

Fernanda Echávarri

News Room Manager

Translators

Chelsea D’Amico

Derrick Del Pilar Anders Peterson Fernanda Echávarri

Copy Chief Ellen Ranta

Bars and restaurants in South Tucson will soon become smokefree, as the smoking ban approved by voters in November 2006 is enacted May 1. Some bar owners are providing outdoor areas for their smoking customers, now that the state has identified the exact regulations regarding the Smoke-Free Arizona Act. “They said we can have smokers outside, as long as the smoke doesn’t come in through the door,” said Esperanza Chavez, owner of the new Guajira Bar, 1632 S. Fourth Ave., which is expected to open within the next couple weeks. “I guess we’ll have to have a bouncer outside to make sure the smoke doesn’t get in,” she said. The owners recently finished building a large patio in anticipation of the new ban, Chavez said. They plan to install ashtrays along the outer wall of the patio so people are aware that it is a smokerfriendly area. “Everybody is pretty pissed off about it,” Chavez said of the new regulations. “People in bars like to smoke. But I don’t think it will harm our business that much. Since every bar is doing it, people will just get used to it. They are still going to go to bars. ” Andy Anaya, a bartender at the Silver Saddle Lounge, 310 E. Benson Highway, isn’t worried about the ban because the Silver Saddle already eliminated smoking last December, he said. “We were actually losing tables because people didn’t want to sit near smokers,” Anaya said. “Our lounge used to function as our smoking-section of the restaurant, but it was never full, and so we were just wasting open tables. People are much more willing to sit and eat in here now that it is smoke-free.” Anaya said the ban has also helped the restaurant to retain large business parties from companies like Raytheon and the Southern Arizona VA Hospital,

Trying to get into a new routine for the smoking ban that goes into effect May 1, bar manager David Wyse, 32, sparks up his cigarette outside.

which in the past wouldn’t want to be in the lounge area due to the smoking. However, there were a couple of regular customers who were unhappy when the lounge decided to prohibit smoking, Anaya said. “They complained a lot and made themselves scarce for about a week,” he said. “Then they were right back at the same table.” The lack of smoking has also made it easier for him to work in a bar, Anaya said. “It’s pretty nice not having smoke blown in my face all night and smelling like steak instead of like an ashtray when I go home at night,” he said.

BASICS OF THE BAN People must be 20 feet from a door or window while smoking, except in outdoor patios. Owners must ensure that smoke does not enter the building, but patios can be within 20 feet of the entrance. The ban will not affect casinos or tobacco stores. For more information visit www.smokefreearizona.org

Uninsured Seek Medicine in Mexico By Megan Brigode

Maggy Zanger

Spanish Editor and Translator

By Ellen Ranta

PHOTO BY ASHLEY ALEXANDER

Need for a New Source

Most money-saving ideas are usually passed on by word of mouth. Albert Leal, 25, a Tucson native, heard rumors about cheap dentistry in Mexico. He made the trek without an appointment and paid $107 less for a composite filling than he would have paid in the United States. With the rising costs of prescription drugs and medical insurance, people like Leal go to Mexico for more affordable rates. “There was hardly any wait and not a lot of paperwork,” said Leal. “I would definitely recommend the services to anyone without insurance.” His story is not an unusual one. Steve Campbell, a retired firefighter, recently had 15 extractions, a set of dentures fitted and after-care that he said would have been unmatched in the U.S. “The office was immaculate,” said Amber Jackson, his daughter. The office was much more advanced than she had seen in America. “They target Americans specifically, so they were very accommodating,” Jackson said. Dentistry is not the only lure for Americans. Buying prescription drugs is a relatively easy process and so is transporting them. Buyers must have a valid pre-

scription from a licensed American doctor and can purchase up to a three-month supply. People without a legitimate prescription may purchase unprescribed medication as long as the count does not exceed 50, and they are not a controlled substance, said Brian Levin, a U.S. Customs spokesman. U.S. Customs defines controlled substances as highly addictive medications that have the potential to be abused or re-sold. These substances include Xanax and morphine, two highly profitable street drugs. “Our main goal is to intercept terrorists, not to arrest grandma,” said Levin. Most prescription drugs and medical services are easily acquired and affordable in Mexico. But Tucson pharmacist Jeff Kosanke warns American prescription drug tourists about the quality and the effectiveness of foreign medication. Kosanke tells the tale of some clients who went to Nogales in the summer to buy progesterone, an infertility drug. “The building was not airconditioned,” said Kosanke. “Infertility drugs along with many other medications are heat-sensitive and become less effective. That’s part of the risk-and-reward chance people take when buying drugs from Mexico.”

Pocketbooks often dictate patients’ decisions. Once prices are compared, it becomes obvious why some overlook the risk. “It’s a buyer-beware atmosphere,” Levin said. “Sometimes you don’t always get what is advertised on the box.” A three-month supply of Lipitor, a medication that regulates cholesterol, costs $246.89 at a local Walgreens. The same dosage runs $147.45 at the largest Mexican drugstore chain, Farmacia Benavides, located in Nogales, Sonora. Similarly, dental services are offered at a fraction of the cost. Patient procedure is different in the U.S. than Mexico. In Nogales, the system allows patients to avoid multiple visits and fees for a single procedure and can have the consultation, X-rays and procedure done in one day. Dentist Roger Bied charges uninsured patients $66 for an initial consultation, $111 for X-rays, and $137 for a molar extraction. For the same services, Jose Saturno’s dental practice in Nogales, Sonora, charges $60, which is a $254 difference. “My clientele is 90 percent American,” Saturno said. “I have adapted my office to deal with a high demand, and everything in it is up to American standards and safety.”

EL INDEPENDIENTE

April 27 / 27 de abril 2007

Page / Página 3

Desert Tortoise as Muse for Downtown Arena By Samuel Scheurich

PHOTO COURTESY

OF

HNTB ARCHITECTURE

If everything goes to plan for Rich Singer, director of the Tucson Convention Center, a gigantic, $130 million desert tortoise should lumber into downtown soon. The desert-dwelling creature in question is actually a new shellshaped arena still in the design and planning phase. It would feature a 120-foot-high ceiling and reflect its desert environment. “We have three projects coming up soon: a new arena that holds 12,500 people, a downtown headquarters hotel and a renovation of the current meeting and convention space,” Singer said. Besides representing the desert community, the curved roof will benefit the acoustics, which will allow the arena to house concerts with immaculate sound. Joe Diesko, vice president and director of sports architecture at Though still in the designing phase, this rendering of the $130 million arena shows the sloped roof line, which will benefit acoustics during concerts. HNTB Architecture, said the The specifics on the “headquar- be grouped together as a package 35,000 square feet of new meeting visitors would help the economy,” indoor space would be used for ters hotel” – a deal, Singer said. The project is not rooms. Once the old arena is gutted, Srisdy said. “I’ve got two restausporting events, name that Singer expected to begin until a hotel it will be converted into exhibit rants, so it is definitely going to benconcerts and posdubbed because developer is chosen, because profit space and provide 40,000 extra efit both locations.” sible rodeos and Srisdy said that his familyit will act like a from it will help fund all three parts square feet for events such as car motocross races. The tortoise just kind owned restaurants are used to and boat shows, Singer said. hub of activity of the project. When coming up Singer said South Tucson busi- patrons who enjoy personal atten“On top of the money the hotel near the convenwith the design, of came to us. We tion center – is will bring, I am confident that we nesses would enjoy the new changes tion, but his locations would defithe planners said, ‘Whoa, this the key ingredi- will request Rio Nuevo funding as because the hotel and arena are nitely be able to handle bigger wanted something expected to draw 700,000 people crowds. ent that city plan- well,” Singer said. other than a “big looks like a tortoise,’ HNTB Architecture is the same Singer also said that Rio Nuevo annually who could help fuel local ners are lacking box” frame. so we just kind of company that recently renovated the at the moment, is funded as part of a Tax Increment businesses. “The tortoise went with that. “This is also a great opportunity Tucson International Airport and but he said it is Funding district or “TIF.” The disdesign just kind of expected the trict goes from the downtown core, for people to visit the excellent has done road design on the Papago came to us. We hotel would have all the way up both sides of restaurants in South Tucson,” Singer Freeway in Phoenix. As of now, said, ‘Whoa, this – Joe Diesko they will be handling the design of an occupancy of Broadway Boulevard to Park Place said. looks like a torVice President and Director of Abalrdo Srisdy, owner of Las the new arena and may do work on around 700 and Mall. The TIF is funded by the state, toise,’ so we went Sports Architecture would be owned meaning that all of the revenue Cazuelita’s Authentic Mexican and the expansion of the existing conwith that,” Diesko by a Marriott, comes from the increase in sales tax Seafood, said he is excited for the vention center. said. Hilton or a simi- in the district. From the date the dis- influx of people that the new strucDiesko said his trict is created, the money goes into tures could bring. His restaurant team, which includes architects and lar caliber corporation. already caters to snowbirds, gem The firm’s completed projects The $130 million for an arena the Rio Nuevo fund. mechanical and structural engineers, The $60 million for the conven- show visitors and rodeo patrons. has been working on the conceptual and hotel and $60 million for the can be viewed at “We’re excited because more convention center renovation will tion center renovation will include project for the last two years. http://www.hntb.com.

“

”

BY

After being a victim of domestic violence, Carla Turqo and her sister Florencia Turqo took a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class. But Carla said she had difficulty understanding the teachers because she had to translate everything from English to Spanish. “The classes move too fast for Spanish-speaking people,” Carla said, “and a lot of people here don’t speak English.” In an effort to provide selfdefense classes to the large Spanish-speaking community in Tucson, the sisters created ELLA Group. ELLA Group is the only Spanish-speaking organization in Tucson that teaches physical defense and empowerment to women and children. The class is free for women and children who want to learn self-defense, but a $40 donation is requested. The classes teach basic selfdefense and Kubaton defense. A Kubaton is a small stick that attaches to a key chain and is used for self-defense. “If you think pepper spray is bad you should see this thing,” said Ann Turqo, Carla’s sister-in-law and former class member. The ELLA Group also acts as a support group for class participants

and everything discussed with instructors is confidential. “It’s very self-empowering,” Ann said. “You feel like a different person.” One of the issues that the group addresses is that women have a hard time saying “no” and meaning it, Carla said. The training is intended to “give them the selfconfidence to take on the world.” The length of class varies depending on the day and the age of the participants. Classes held during the week are usually shorter due to work schedules, but weekend classes tend to be four to five hours long. Recently, Carla and Florencia have been going to schools, where they teach a onehour class for students. “My favorite group is high school and college students because that is the age when I was a victim,” Florencia said. After the class is over, the participants receive a signed book about the class that shows they have completed the class. With this book, a person can gain entry to any of the ELLA Group or R.A.D. classes around the country. Awareness is the most important thing, Florencia said. “Most of the time the attacker is a person you know,” she said. “It’s very rare the person is hiding in the bushes.”

PHOTO

By Greg Haber

Después de ser una víctima de violencia doméstica, Carla Turqo y su hermana Florencia Turqo tomaron una clase de Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.Defensa Agresiva de Violación), pero ellas tuvieron dificultades en entender a las maestras porque tenían que traducir todo del inglés al español. “Las clases se mueven demasiado rápido para los hispanohablantes,” dijo Carla “Y muchas personas aquí no hablan inglés.” A fin de proveer clases de defensa propia para una comunidad grande de hispanohablantes en Tucsón, las hermanas crearon el grupo ELLA. El grupo ELLA es la única organización hispanohablante en Tucson que enseña defensa física y empoderamiento a las mujeres y a los niños. La clase es gratis para mujeres y niños que quieren aprender defensa propia, pero se solicita una donación de $40. Las clases enseñan defensa propia básica y defensa Kubaton. Un Kubaton es un palito que se ata al llavero y se usa para autodefensa. “Si usted piensa que la rociada de pimienta es perjudicial debe ver esta cosa,” dijo Ann Turqo, cuñada de Carla y miembro previo de la clase. El grupo ELLA también funciona como un grupo de apoyo para los participantes de la clase y todo lo que se comparta con los instructores es confidencial. “[Es] algo que te da poder,” dijo Ann. “Te sientes usted como una persona diferente.” Uno de los asuntos que el grupo discute es que las mujeres tienen dificultad para decir “no” y realmente queriéndolo decir, dijo Carla. El entrenamiento pretende “darles auto confianza y tomar sobre sí el mundo.” La duración de la clase varía dependiendo en el día y en la edad de los participantes. Las clases que se llevan a cabo durante la semana usualmente son más cortas debido a los horarios de trabajo, sin embargo las clases de los fines de semana suelen durar cuatro a cinco horas.

GREG HABER

Sisters Empowered by Tragedy Clases de Defensa Propia en Español Por Greg Haber Now Teach Others Self-Defense Traducido por Anders Peterson To Help the Spanish Community

Florencia Turqo enseña defensa propia a un grupo de mujers en Pima Hall en la Iniversidad de Arizona.

Recientemente, Carla y Florencia han estado visitando las escuelas, donde enseñan una clase de una hora para los estudiantes. Los estudiantes de la secundaria y de la universidad son mis grupos predilectos porque es durante esa edad que son víctimas,” dijo Florencia. Después de que se termina la clase, los participantes reciben un libro firmado que muestra que han completado la clase. Con este libro, una persona puede entrar en cualquier clase del grupo ELLA o R.A.D. en el país. La conciencia es la cosa más importante, dijo Florencia. “Durante la mayor parte del tiempo el asaltante es alguien que usted conoce,” dijo ella. “Es muy raro que la persona esté escondiéndose en los arbustos.”

EL INDEPENDIENTE

Page / Página 4

April 27 / 27 de abril 2007

BY

Alto y delgado, con un sombrero ranchero, Lalo Baca se para mirando hacia el estudio de baile de la zona sur que estableció hace 10 años. Tal como la mayoría de los martes de noche cuando el grupo practica, Baca sonríe orgullosamente al esfuerzo duro, sudor y dedicación de sus estudiantes. “Me hace feliz de ver a mis niños divirtiéndose bailando, sonriendo,” dijo Baca, 53. “Eso es lo que les llamo, mis niños. Todos los estudiantes son mis niños.” Actualmente Baca tiene más de 125 “niños,” quienes bailan como miembros del Ballet Folklórico Tapatío. Baca inició el grupo en el porche de su hogar en la zona sur para darles a sus tres hijos algo que hacer. El grupo ha crecido del porche de frente a un estudio casi el tamaño de un garaje de seis automóviles, ubicado al lado de Baca Upholstery (Tapicería Baca), 2100 S. Fourth Ave., un negocio que Baca estableció hace 22 años. “Él ha tenido un gran impacto en esta zona de Tucsón,” dijo bailadora Miria Biller. “Este grupo ha mantenido a muchos jóvenes fuera de las calles.” Muchos de los bailadores todavía están en la secundaria, y folklórico enseña habilidades similares a cualquier deporte de la secundaria, dijo Biller. “Hay una unidad fuerte en nuestro grupo aquí — los maestros y el ‘juvenil’ y los grupos principiantes – porque la mayoría de

nosotros hemos estado bailando aquí por mucho tiempo,” dijo Biller. “Requiere dedicación y mucho esfuerzo, pero puedes ver cómo afecta a la gente. Aumenta su confianza, son capaces de trabajar en grupos, contribuyen a algo, ejecutan enfrente de grupos grandes de personas, no puedes no ser afectado por este tipo de cosa.” Sergio Valle, el instructor de la clase de maestros en Tapatío, dijo que el baile hace que la gente sea mejor en todos los aspectos de su vida. “No hay estrellas en este grupo,” dijo Valle. “Las estrellas están en el cielo.” Describiendo su estilo de enseñanza como “disciplinado” y tradicional,” Valle dijo que se les enseña a los bailadores a verse a ellos mismos como iguales. “Las lecciones que se aprenden en el grupo se pueden aplicar en la vida cotidiana de una persona,” dijo Valle. “Es obvio que los estudiantes están haciendo eso, con nuestros estudiantes bailando en otros lugares y enseñando folklórico en las escuelas y por toda la ciudad. Esto es uno de mis más grandes orgullos.” El grupo aprende estilos de bailes tradicionales de todo México: Guadalajara, Veracruz, Tabasco, Colima y Nuevo León, dijo Valle. “Folklórico es una historia de la cultura mexicana y de todas las diferentes personas que han contribuido a este arte,” dijo Valle. “Al aprender folklórico, muchos estudiantes están aprendiendo sobre su cultura y edificando orgullo en el arte y también dentro de ellos mismos.” Flor Ramírez, una estudiante de primer

PHOTO

Por Nathan Olivarez-Giles Traducido por Anders Peterson

NATHAN OLIVAREZ-GILES

El ‘Libertador’ de Folklórica

Sergio Valle habla con los bailarines del nivel más alto en el estudio de Ballet Folklorico Tapatío. Cada ensayo termina con una platica por Valle sobre los eejrcicios hechos esa noche y formas de perfeccionarlos. Estudiantes han dicho que la forma en que Valle enseña es lo que los atraé al programa.

año en la Universidad de Arizona, dijo que folklórico provee un escape necesitado para ella. “En el baile, puedo pretender que soy muchas cosas diferentes,” dijo Ramírez, 19. “Me libero cuando bailo. Ninguna otra cosa me hace sentir así.” José Luís Baca, hijo de Baca, está entre los que han sido entrenados por Valle y ahora enseña folklórico a otros. Enseña las clases de nivel intermedio en

Tapatío y además enseña clases de folklórico en Cholla High Magnet School. “Honestamente no tenía idea que el grupo estaría alrededor de una década más tarde,” dijo José Luís Baca. “Mi padre estableció Ballet Folklórico Tapatío así que mi hermano, hermana y yo podemos hacer algo que disfrutamos, y ha crecido. Quiero verlo crecer más, y yo me aseguraré que este grupo existirá para la gente para que pueda participar en él mientras que [yo] viva.”

Centro de Ley Ayuda con Derechos de Discapacidad Por Kathy Van Voorhees Traducido por Anders Peterson Las discapacidades no discriminan entre raza, ingreso ni género. Pero las personas que tienen una discapacidad mental o física pueden enfrentar discriminación en el sitio laboral, una estación electoral o cuando solicitan por una vivienda. Aun peor, algunos enfrentan negligencia y abuso en las manos de sus familiares o por los contratados para cuidarlos. El Arizona Center for Disability Law (Centro de Arizona para La Ley de Discapacidad) tiene una meta para parar eso—sin costo. Es la única empresa sin fin lucrativo de interés público en Tucson dedicada a proveer servicios legales a niños y adultos lisiados que es gratis. El sistema legal que está establecido para los niños y adultos

con discapacidades puede ser difícil de navegar. Muchas personas no saben donde comenzar, explicó Peri Jude Radecic, el director ejecutivo en función del sucursal del centro en Tucson. “Es importante que los padres y adultos con discapacidades consigan la información correcta para empujar el sistema y obtener resultados para ellos mismos o para sus hijos,” dijo Radecic. Sin embargo el centro no puede ayudar a todo el mundo con cada problema; simplemente no tienen los recursos para facilitar cada necesidad de cada persona con una discapacidad. Si alguien tuviera una pregunta sobre la salud, el Centro enfocaría sus esfuerzos sobre la gente con discapacidad que reciben Medicare o Medicaid. Si alguien llamara con una pregunta sobre una empresa privada de seguros, el centro podría dar una guía de auto protección para ayudar

a la persona a tratarse con su propia compañía privada de seguros. Casi 833,000 personas en Tucson sobre la edad de cinco años tienen una discapacidad, según el censo del 2005. Sólo en el Sur de Tucson, 1,423 personas sobre la edad de cinco años tienen una discapacidad, según un reporte del año 2000 del City of Tucson Department of Urban Planning (Departamento de Planeamiento Urbano de la Ciudad de Tucson). Estos números incluyen discapacidades sensoriales, físicas y mentales que limitan una o más actividades de la vida como definido por el Americans with Disabilities Act (Acto de Americanos con Discapacidades). No obstante, Radecic aconseja a la gente de no diagnosticarse a ellos mismos, sino llamar al centro para hablar con un consejero para describir los asuntos que están enfrentando.

El Centro de Arizona para La Ley de Discapacidad ayuda con estos asuntos: lEducación especial lCuidado médico (Medicare y/o Medicaid) lCuidado médico mental (Medicare y/o Medicaid) lAbuso y negligencia lDerechos electorales lEmpleo lViviendas lAcomodaciones públicas lTransportación lTecnología de asistencia

No pueden ayudar con: lDivorcio lBancarrota lDisputas de custodia lTestamentos

de hijos

Para más información: Número telefónico: 520-327-9547 http://www.azdisabilitylaw.org/DefaultSpa.htm (Español)

Sunnyside Girls’ Basketball Team Has Standout Guard

PHOTO

BY

GREG HABER

By Greg Haber “You never really lose unless you quit trying.” That is the philosophy of Adilene Villalobos, the starting point guard for the girls’ basketball team at Sunnyside High School. The 5-foot-5-inch, 135 pound guard has been playing basketball since she was 7 and just finished her junior season, during which the Sunnyside Blue Devils had a record of 10 wins and 13 losses. She averaged 14.9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.5 steals per game. Villalobos was inspired to play basketball by her father and brother. Her father is a talented athlete, she said. “That’s where I get my athletics from.” As a freshman, Villalobos was named to the all 5A Southern Region Team. The last two years she was named to the all 5A Southern Region first team, making her one of the top six players in the region as a sophomore by other coaches. This past season she was voted as one of Adilene Villalobos, who is seen as one of the top players in the the top three players in the region by other coaches. region, practices her free throws after school.

Villalobos practices almost everyday for two hours, and her hard work has paid off. “When I’m on the court nothing gets in my way,” she said. “It’s all about basketball.” Villalobos plans to continue playing the sport in college, after she graduates in 2008. As a 3-point shooting, defensive-minded guard, she is going to look for schools that play in a system with small guards. Duke University and the University of Tennessee are her top two choices. She would like to study science or forensics, she said. Sunnyside’s coach Monica Montijo, a Harvard graduate, stresses academics to her players more than athletics. “They’re student athletes, not athlete students,” said Montijo, who has been the head girls’ basketball coach at Sunnyside for the past two years. This past season Montijo cut the junior varsity program because so many of the students’ grades were not up to standards. “I try to get my players to focus on college whether they’re going to play basketball or not,” said Montijo.

Montijo has been a great influence on Villalobos, she said. “She has been there for me though everything,” Villalobos said. “If it wasn’t for her I might have quit playing basketball.” One of the difficulties that Montijo said she faces is convincing students that they can get out of Tucson and get a college degree. “It’s not their fault,” said Montijo. “The system isn’t built to sends kids to college. It’s built to have them graduate [high school].” Montijo is waiting for the Villalobos’ summer league basketball schedule so she can send it to recruiters. There is a designated time when recruiters are allowed to contact players they are interested in. It is difficult to know who has a lot of interest in recruiting Villalobos because this designated time has not started, but she has received informational packages from some universities. Pressure is one of the things that Villalobos loves in all aspects of life, she said. “I like it both on and off the court,” she said.

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April 27 / 27 de abril 2007

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Folklorico Unites Youth Under Mexican Culture

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BY

NATHAN OLIVAREZ-GILES

By Nathan Olivarez-Giles

Dancers Raul Urbina and Chantel Ralls finish a dance move, gesturing a kiss, at the Ballet Folklorico Tapatio dance studio as they prepare for their performances at the Tucson Mariachi Conference and La Fiesta de Girabaldi.

Tall and slender, wearing a cowboy hat, Lalo Baca stands looking into the south side dance studio he started 10 years ago. Like most Tuesday nights when the group practices, Baca grins proudly at their hard work, sweat and dedication. “It just makes me happy to see my kids having a good time dancing, smiling,” said Baca, 53. “That’s what I call them, my kids. All the students are my kids.” Today Baca has more than 125 “kids,” who dance as members of Ballet Folklorico Tapatio. Baca started the group on the porch of his south side home to give his three children something to do. The group has grown from a front porch into a studio about the size of a six-car garage, located next door to Baca Upholstery, 2100 S. Fourth Ave., a business Baca started 22 years ago. “He’s had a huge impact on this side of Tucson,” said Tapatio dancer Miria Biller. “This group has kept a lot of kids off the streets.” Many of the dancers are still in high school, and folklorico teaches similar skills to that of any high

school sport, Biller said. “There is strong unity in our groups here — the masters and the ‘juvenile’ and beginners groups — because most of us have been dancing here a long time,” Biller said. “It takes dedication and it’s hard work, but you can see how it affects people. Their confidence grows, being able to work in groups, contribute to something, performing in front of large groups of people, you can’t not be affected by this kind of thing.” Sergio Valle, the masters class teacher at Tapatio, said the dance makes people better in all aspects of their lives. “There are no stars in this group,” Valle said. “The stars are in the skies.” Describing his teaching style as “disciplined” and “traditional,” Valle said the dancers are taught to view themselves as equals. “The lessons learned in the group can be applied to a person’s daily life,” Valle said. “It is clear that students are doing that, with our students dancing in other places and teaching folklorico at schools and all over the city. This is one of my biggest prides.” The group learns traditional dance styles from all over Mexico:

Guadalajara, Veracruz, Tabasco, Colima and Nuevo Leon, Valle said. “Folklorico is a history of Mexican culture and all of the different people who have contributed to this art,” Valle said. “By learning folklorico, many students are learning about their culture and building pride in the art and in themselves.” Flor Ramirez, a University of Arizona freshman, said folklorico provides a much needed escape for her. “In the dance, I can pretend that I’m so many different things,” said 19-year-old Ramirez. “I’m freeing myself when I’m dancing. Nothing else makes me feel like that.” Baca’s son, Jose Luis Baca, is among those who have been trained by Valle and now teaches folklorico to others. He teaches intermediate level classes at Tapatio as well as folklorico classes at Cholla High Magnet School. “Honestly I had no idea that the group would be around a decade later,” said Jose Luis Baca. “My dad started Ballet Folklorico Tapatio so me and my brother and sister could do something we enjoy, and it has grown. I want to see it grow more, and I’m going to make sure this group is around for people to take part in as long as [I] live.”

Tribes Need Money to Become Digitally Connected By Maayan Katz Imagine not being able to pick up the phone and dial 911 in an emergency. Even calling in a simple prescription can be an obstacle without a telephone, and you can forget about checking e-mail. In today’s information age, many take for granted the accessibility of cell phones, e-mails or text messages. But for many American Indians living on tribal lands in Arizona, even a basic phone line is unattainable. An Arizona lawmaker wants to change all that. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick wants the U.S. Congress to give more money to Arizona tribes for telecommunication improvements and to give them the right to regulate their own communication services under a Housesponsored concurrent memorial. House Concurrent Memorial 2007 would send a letter to Congress from the Arizona Legislature asking it to amend the 1996 Telecommunications Act. It will allow American Indians more authority to develop, improve and maintain their telecommunication services, bypassing

the many U.S. government regulations. It also asks Congress to set aside funds from Homeland Security and provide resources to tribes to address drug trafficking and human smuggling. HCM 2007 was passed by the Arizona House of Representatives in March and is waiting for approval by the Senate. The initiative is a result of the lack of telephone coverage and Internet service and a widening digital divide on Arizona’s 21 American Indian reservations, said Kirkpatrick, D-Flagstaff, the memorial’s sponsor. Kirkpatrick said three crucial areas affected by communication problems are access to health care, advancement in education and improved emergency response services. “This really impacts people,” she said. “It’s a real problem that deals with everyday life and it’s impacting everyone from our infants to our elderly.” Travis Lane of the Intertribal Council of Arizona said the Telecommunications Act should be amended because it didn’t consider tribes’ situations on a national level. “Most tribes are rural and have a lack of

resources,” Lane said. “While we are very close to non-Indian populations, the resources are not available to tribes, and it has not been equitable to what states and counties get.” Kirkpatrick said the problem is statewide; not only in her largely tribal District 2 but also in Southern Arizona. The 2000 census revealed that out of nearly 5,000 homes in the Tohono O’odham Nation, north and west of Tucson, almost 20 percent, or 1,000 homes, did not have telephone service. Just south of Tucson, nearly 6 percent of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s 1,000 homes did not have telephone service in 2000. Because the Tohono O’odham Nation spreads across 2.8 million acres of land in Arizona and Mexico, there are rural areas without access, said Adam Andrews, executive assistant to Chairwoman Vivian JuanSaunders. The Nation has its own utility company that manages residents’ telephone, cellular, Internet, electric, water and propane services. While this might limit the number of service providers a resident can choose from, it also protects them from being overcharged

by outside companies, said Ron Lee, president of the lobbying firm Native Policy Group and a supporter of the memorial. Whether a tribe chooses to go with outside companies or create their own, Tohono O’odham’s Andrews said tribes should have the authority to decide. Lee said apart from access issues, tribes face a bigger hurdle for economic development. “The tribes want to get connected to a position where they’ll be able to compete in the global economy,” he said. While some cities have established economies that bring in money, many tribes instead have an “invisible economy” that relies heavily on tourism. Lee said better access would allow for competition outside of the standard tourism periods. “Rather than waiting for seasons, they’ll be able to compete over the Internet,” Lee said. Lee argues that tribes should collect more tax money from Arizona. “We need to get on the band wagon, but in order to do that, we need to get connected,” he said.

Familias Viajan Millas en Busca de Ayuda Médica Por Meghan Martin Traducido por Fernanda Echávarri Fabián Acosta tomó el día libre en el trabajo, pidió un carro prestado y manejó toda la noche solamente para traer a su hijo a los Estados Unidos. Él ha encontrado formas de venir a este país por ocho años. Acosta junto con otras 200 familias de diferentes partes de México, hacen el viaje a Nogales, Ariz. para ir a St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic (Clinica de Niños San Andrés). Las familias vienen el primer jueves de cada mes porque la clínica ofrece cuidado pediátrico a pacientes que no pueden pagar por el tratamiento. “Con ayuda de la terapia ya se puede parar,” dijo Acosta. “Poco a poco las cosas han cambiado.” Fabián Acosta Jr. tiene 11 años y

tiene parálisis cerebral. Este día él recibe terapia física y medicinas gratuitas. La clínica ofrece ayuda ortopédica, exámenes de la vista y auditivo, terapia física, consejos de nutrición, distribución de medicamentos y recomienda doctores que puedan arreglar fisura de paladar a niños Mexicanos. La clínica atiende a niños desde la infancia hasta la adolescencia. Coca Romero, la directora de servicios a pacientes, le pregunta a los padres de familia cuáles son los problemas de sus hijos para ver si son candidatos para La Clínica. Pero La Clínica no puede ayudar a todos. Cuando Yajaira Solís se enteró que había una clínica que ofrecía servicios gratuitos, pensó que sus oraciones habían sido escuchadas. Su hijo José Marconi nació tres meses prematuro. A los casi tres años, Marconi prefiere gatear y

parece entender más de lo que comunica. Solís llevó a su hijo a dos ortopedistas en Nogales, México quienes dijeron José necesitaría una andadera o un aparato ortopédico en sus piernas para mejorar su condición. Solís, madre de dos niños, trabaja en una joyería y no puede pagar más citas con los doctores, ya que cuestan $60 cada una. Solís hizo una cita la cual fue negada inicialmente porque la lista de espera para el departamento ortopédico tenía 60 nombres antes que ella. Dos meses después de su primer intento, Solís logró hacer una cita. Después de siete horas en la sala de espera llena de padres angustiados, una señora con fólder en mano, gritó “Marconi!” En el consultorio improvisado dentro dun salón de la iglesia, dos médicos y dos estudiantes del University Medical Center,

examinaron sus piernas delgadas. La sábana que dividía los pacientes no fue suficiente para bloquear el llanto de un niño a quién revisaban a pocos metros de Marconi. Una interprete intentó calmar al pequeño ofreciéndole un pastelito. El diagnóstico por fin llegó. “Retrazo de desarrollo,” los doctores le dijeron a la interprete. Cuando Solís escuchó esto en Español, su expresión no demostró entendimiento. “No,” dijo ella. “Y qué va a pasar con su forma de caminar? El necesita ayuda caminando.” Los doctores intentaron explicarle claramente. “Cómo se dice, tu hijo no es lo más brillante del candelabro?” dijo Alfred Kritter, un médico voluntario, hablando del estado mental de Marconi. Después de una pausa larga, y un vistazo a la fila de pacientes era obvio. No había mucho más que los

doctores pudieran hacer. “No estamos aquí para cuidarlos,” dijo Francisco Valencia, un médico voluntario. “Estamos aquí para darles consejos.” Parecía como si la frustración de Solís no fuera solamente con el idioma. Era más la reacción natural de una madre, al recibir noticias difíciles de escuchar. Al salir del consultorio, Solís mostró sus sentimientos. Con los ojos llenos de lágrimas le dijo a Romero, la directora de servicios a los pacientes, que no se iría sin algo de ayuda. Romero dijo que la clínica había sobrepasado sus recursos y su forma de ayudar a pacientes como el hijo de Solís. “Si tenemos que decirles que no, tratamos de recomendarles doctores amables en México quienes puedan darles una cita,” dijo Romero. “De verdad duele, y me dan ganas de llorar.”

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April 27 / 27 de abril 2007

Wildcat School Blasts Off After its First Year

ANTHONY D. ÁVILA

By Michelle Weinberg

at the UA and offers hands-on activities, Rosenberg said. Students have enjoyed proSouth side students will take a journey studying technology used in grams through the BioSciences space exploration and catch a department, which enabled them to glimpse of NASA’s upcoming mis- see a real tiger skull, Gila monsters sion to Mars, without even leaving and a sea turtle shell, and the College of Education, which the city. The Wildcat School, a charter recently presented the Physics Bus, school affiliated with the a scientific museum on wheels. “There was fire, there were University of Arizona that opened last fall, is one of only three chemicals … The kids even got to schools in the country that will par- shoot a potato gun,” Rosenberg ticipate in MarsBots, a program said. “The program made physics designed by the Phoenix Mars very exciting for the kids.” The school’s Mission education affiliation with the and public outUA is essential to reach team. its success, said Carla Bitter, There was fire, Jaimie Leopold, the manager of the there were Wilcat School’s team, said the prochemicals ... program manager. gram takes the Since August, form of a summer The kids even Wildcat students camp. got to shoot a have worked with “[MarsBots] more than 80 UA will run during potato gun. graduates and Phoenix’s launch undergraduates. week and culmi– William Rosenberg Every week, nate with campers members of UA getting to see the Director of the Students in Free launch, hopefully Wildcat School Enterprise (SIFE) live, on NASA visit the school for TV,” Bitter said. Prior to the launch, set for Aug. Wildcat Wednesdays, and use 3, members of the UA Society for games and activities to teach stuAdvancement of Chicano and dents important financial skills, Native Americans in Science will including how a bank works and be trained to facilitate the program how to save money. In March, Wildcat students for Wildcat School students. In July and August, Bitter said, were able to put their newly the students will be provided with obtained personal financial skills materials, scholarships and a in action at SIFE’s “Junior Duel in chance to meet scientists from the the Desert,” where they placed third and proudly accepted a troKennedy Center. Though students will not literal- phy and a $200 prize. “The UA students have acted ly board the Phoenix shuttle on its journey, they will offer ground sup- as mentors and tutors as well as port. Students will regroup in May leaders,” Leopold said. Currently, 84 sixth and seventh 2008, when the Phoenix shuttle lands, said William Rosenberg, the graders are enrolled at the school, up more than a dozen since January. school’s director. Eighth graders will enter this Rosenberg said MarsBots is just one of the many programs that pro- fall, and a subsequent grade will vide his students with the chance to follow each year until 2012, when the seventh graders of today “see real science at work.” Once a month, the school, become the first class of Wildcat which is hidden behind a strip mall School graduates. After that, the school plans to and a Circle K off South 12th Avenue and West Drexel Road, reverse the process, and eventually holds an enrichment program enroll students K-12. “We just want to provide a place called Saturday School to emphawhere students can succeed,” size math and science to students. Saturday School is usually held Rosenberg said.

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Tucson prosthetist Jim Druwe helps adjust an ankle brace for Fernando García, 15. Rafael García, Fernando’s father, said they were visiting for a fourth time.

Clinic Provides Free Care to Children ‘Clinic’ Continued from page 1 dental care to the children. Phillips says all of the goals are feasible, but he needs to meet with the 11 members of the board of directors to develop a “common purpose through a strategic plan.” “My hope is by beginning of summer we’ll have the agreements and be ready to forge ahead,” he says. Lilia Warne, office manager of the Green Valley location, says one change she’d like to see is more involvement from the South Tucson and Latino communities. The clinic needs translators who can also relate to the patients. “I think it’d be nice also for (the patients) to know there are Hispanics that live here in the U.S. and are willing to help, and who know the language and the culture and the things that they go through,” says Warne, 32. “It would be cool to see more volunteers of the Hispanic community.” The organization’s leadership is pushing to increase and strengthen the clinic’s services because of the growing need for high-quality, affordable health care in Mexico. About 40 percent of the people who live in the Mexico border

region lack access to subsidized health care services, according to a 2003 report by the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission. Those families must pay full price, which is cost-prohibitive for a large portion of the population, like in the United States. Even with some access to health care, however, Rafael García wouldn’t be able to get Fernando the care he needs. Jim Druwe, a prosthetist volunteer from Tucson, says the brace and fitting he provided Fernando for free might cost $500 or more in a regular facility. “The cost is so high,” says García, who makes about $8 a day as a “crucidad” selling trinkets to cars crossing the border into the U.S. Phillips hopes that strong leadership and a clear vision will attract larger contributions for the clinic from the private sector and from people donating their wills and estates. About half of the funding right now comes from individual donations. A donation of property would also allow them to begin designing their own facility, which could store better diagnostic equipment and provide an

environment better suited for proper medical care. There’s a lot of work to be done before such a vision could be implemented, Phillips admits, but the miracles he witnesses every month are reason enough to keep going. “When you see the lights in the eyes of those kids, all the meetings, the hassles, the bureaucracies, they dissolve away and make it worth it,” he says.

How you Can Help: St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic needs Spanish translators, physicians and other volunteers to help with various tasks each month. If you are interested in volunteering with the St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic, please call 648-3242.

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Tribus Reciben Ayuda para Conectarse Ahorros Sur de la Frontera ‘Tribus’ Continúa de página 1 genas, los recursos no son disponibles a los tribus, y no ha sido equivalente a lo que reciben los estados y condados.” Kirkpatrick dijo que el problema abarca todo el estado, no sólo su Distrito 2 (en su mayoría tribal), pero también el Sur de Arizona. El censo de 2000 reveló que de los casi 5,000 hogares en la Nación Tohono O’odham, al norte y oeste de Tucsón, casi 20 por ciento, o sea 1,000 hogares, no tenía servicio de teléfono. Justo al sur de Tucsón, casi 6 por ciento de los 1,000 hogares de la Tribu Pascua Yaqui no tenía servicio de teléfono en 2000. Debido a que la Nación Tohono O’odham se extiende por 2.8 millones de acres de tierra en Arizona y México, hay áreas rurales sin acceso, dijo Adam Andrews, asistente ejecutivo a la directora Vivian Juan-Saunders. La Nación tiene su propia compañía de utilidades que maneja los servicios de teléfono, celular, elect-

‘México’ Continúa de página 1 ricidad, Internet, agua, y propano por sus residentes. Aunque eso pueda limitar el número de compañías entre las cuales los residentes pueden escoger, también les protege de ser cobrados demasiado por otras, dijo Ron Lee, presidente de la organización cabildera Native Policy Group (Grupo de Pólizas Nativas), que apoya el memorial. “Proveer a todos un teléfono celular suena como una cosa buena, pero después se necesitan receptores y más infraestructura,” dijo Lee. Aun si una tribu escoge compañías ajenas o crea sus propias, Andrews de los Tohono O’odham dijo que las tribus deben tener la autoridad de decidir para sí mismos. “Debe ser nuestra decisión para hacer si queremos una autoridad de utilidades,” dijo Andrews. Lee dijo que aparte de las cuestiones de acceso, las tribus enfrentan un obstáculo mayor con

respecto al desarrollo económico. “Las tribus quieren conectarse a una posición en donde podrán competir en la economía global,” dijo Lee. Mientras que muchas ciudades tengan economías establecidas que les recaudan dinero, muchas tribus tienen una “economía invisible,” la cual se apoya mucho en el turismo. Lee dijo que mejor acceso permitiría más competición fuera de los períodos usuales de turismo. “En vez de esperar las temporadas, podrán competir por el Internet,” dijo Lee. Lee argumenta que hay una desigualdad en fondos entre las tribus y que ellas deben recibir más dinero de impuestos del estado de Arizona. “Vivimos en la época de la información y la economía se basa en la información,” dijo Lee. “Necesitamos rejuntarnos con la corriente, pero para hacer eso, necesitamos conectarnos.”

turistas americanos de drogas prescritas sobre la calidad y eficacia de medicina extranjera. Kosanke cuenta la historia de unos clientes quienes fueron a Nogales en el verano para comprar progesterona, una droga de infertilidad. “El edificio no tenía aire acondicionado,” dijo Kosanke. “Drogas de infertilidad junto con otras medicinas son sensibles al calor y llegan a ser menos eficaces. Es parte del riesgo que la gente toma cuando compran drogas de México.” A menudo las billeteras dictan las decisiones de los pacientes. Una vez que se comparan los precios, llega a ser obvio por qué algunos pasan por alto al riesgo. “Es un ambiente de tener cuidado para el comprador,” dijo Levin. “A veces no recibes lo que se anuncia en la caja.” Un abastecimiento de tres meses de Lipitor, una medicina que regulariza el colesterol, cuesta $246.89 en un Walgreens local. La misma dosis cuesta $147.45 en la

cadena farmacéutica mexicana más grande, Farmacia Benavides, ubicada en Nogales, México. Similarmente, servicios dentales se ofrecen a una fracción del costo. Los procedimientos de los pacientes son diferentes en los EEUU que en México. En Nogales, el sistema permite a los pacientes evitar múltiples visitas y gastos para sólo un procedimiento y pueden tener la consulta, radiografía y el procedimiento hechos en un día. Dentista Roger Biede, cobra $66 para los pacientes que no tienen seguros para la consulta inicial, $111 para la radiografía y $137 para la extracción de una muela. Para los mismos servicios la práctica dental de José Saturno en Nogales, México cobra $60, lo cual es una diferencia de $254. “Mi clientela es 90 por ciento americana,” dijo Saturno. “He adaptado mi oficina para tratar con una demanda alta, y todo dentro de ella sigue las normas y seguridad americana.”

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A thin-sheeted partition was not enough to block out the cries of another child being examined inches away from Marconi. A translator tried to soothe the shrieks of the young patient by offering cupcakes. The diagnosis finally arrived. “Delayed development,” the doctors said to the translator, who relayed the information to Marconi’s mother. Solis’ face showed no comprehension. “No,” she finally said. “What about his walking? He needs help walking.” The doctors made it clear to her. “How do you say your child is not the prize ball of the chandelier?” said Alfred Kritter, a volunteer physician, to the translator. There was a long silent pause. A long line of orthopedic patients waited. There wasn’t much more they could do for Solis and her son. “We’re not here to take care of you,” said Francisco Valencia, another volunteer physician. “We’re here to give you advice.” It seemed Solis’ denial was not a matter of information lost in translation, but a mother’s natural reaction to news that was difficult to hear. Solis said she came to the clinic for answers but left with more questions. Outside the examination room, Solis released the tears she had been holding while in front of the doctors. In a tearful plea to Romero, the patient services director who originally booked her into the clinic, she made it clear she didn’t want to leave without help. Romero could only reply that the clinic had maxed out its

But the clinic can’t help everyone. When Yajaira Solis heard about Fabian Acosta took the day off from work, borrowed a car and a clinic offering free services she drove through the night to get his thought her prayers had been son across the border. He’s been answered. Her son Jose Marconi doing this every month for the last was born three months premature. Now nearly 3 years old, Marconi eight years. Acosta, along with over 200 prefers to crawl and seems to other families throughout Mexico, understand more than he can conmake the journey to St. Andrew’s vey. His vocabulary is limited but Children’s Clinic in Nogales, Ariz. he understands directions from his The families come on the first mother. Solis took her son to two orthoThursday of every month because the clinic provides free pediatric pedic doctors in Nogales, Mexico care to patients who otherwise who said he would need a walker or braces to correct could not afford his condition. treatment. Solis, who is 21 “With theraThe families come on and a mother of py now he can the first Thursday two, works at a stand,” Acosta jewelry store and said. “Little by of every month cannot afford furlittle things have because the clinic ther appointments, changed.” which cost $60 per Fabian Acosta provides free pediatric visit, much less Jr., 11, has cerecare to patients who corrective braces. bral paralysis. A customer told His twin sister otherwise could not her about St. does not, and on afford treatment. Andrew’s clinic. this day she is by However, inihis side while he tially she was receives his routine physical therapy session and denied an appointment because the wait list for orthopedics was 60 receives free medication. The clinic provides Mexican names long. Two months after her first children with orthopedic assistance, audiology and vision screen- attempt, Solis was approved and ing, physical therapy, cleft palate eagerly awaited diagnosis for her referrals, nutritional advice and son. After seven hours in a large waiting room filled with the faces pharmacy distribution. The clinic sees children from of anguished parents, a woman infancy until their late teen years. holding a manila folder shouted Parents call Coca Romero, director “Marconi!” Cramped in a makeshift docof patient services, to make an appointment. Romero asks parents tor’s office, two physicians and two what problems their children are University Medical Center students showing and decides if they are began torquing the boy’s slender legs. candidates for the clinic.

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By Meghan Martin

MAGGY ZANGER

Families Travel Miles Hoping for a Healthy Future

Yajaira Solis comforts her son Jose Marconi as they wait to see the volunteer physicians at St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic.

resources and couldn’t help patients like Solis’ son. “If we have to turn them down we try to refer them to friendly doctors in Mexico who try to slip them in,” Romero said. “It really hurts and makes me want to cry.”

St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic 648-3242 www.standrewsclinic.org

Polytrauma Vets Get Therapy at VA Hospital Latin Beats

Uma Goyal BY

John Torres, 21, was in Tucson for a National Guard drill training in 2006. He was on active duty, assigned to border patrol and worked with the Joint Counter Narcotic Task Force. But in one moment, his life changed. As John was crossing a street, he was hit by a 16-year-old driver and landed in the bike lane. He is currently receiving rehabilitation treatment at the Polytrauma Network Site at the Southern Arizona Veteran Affairs Health Care System, 3601 S. Sixth Ave., for traumatic brain injury. Although John’s injuries did not come during combat, many young veterans including soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan return home with polytraumatic injuries. Polytrauma is when many parts of the body are injured, possibly leading to long-term disability. Such injuries include burns, amputations, spinal cord injuries, hearing and visual damage and posttraumatic stress disorder. In January 2006, the Southern Arizona VA Hospital was designated by Congress to have a Polytrauma Level II Program. Through this program, each polytrauma veteran’s case is analyzed by a team of health professionals to come up with a rehabilitation treatment plan. For example, one veteran may need speech therapy, whereas another patient may require occupational therapy. “Each case is different,” said Kent Wilson, co-director of the Polytrauma Network Site. “They’re always going to have residual problems, but it depends on motivation and complications.”

By Rachel Allocco

As for John, he was in a coma after the accident and eventually went through the VA polytrauma process. “EMTs had to resuscitate him and took him to UMC,” said his mother, Diana Torres. John was sent to Palo Alto, Calif., and in a month, Diana saw a difference. “He was awake after being in the coma and more alert,” Diana said. “I was very excited. Every time I went back, he was doing better.” After bouncing from different hospitals, John was transferred to the Southern Arizona VA hospital due to his short-term memory loss. “I was disappointed because he was doing so well at [Palo Alto]. I felt like they were giving up on Johnny because they were sending him away,” Diana said. “The case worker at Palo Alto said him staying was not an option.” The level II polytrauma program provides outpatient rehabilitation to veterans after they have been to a level I unit, such as Palo Alto, Calif., for intensive inpatient care. Level II professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and neuropsychiatrists further treat the veterans’ conditions. The Southern Arizona VA hospital is currently treating 51 polytrauma veterans, 16 of whom live in Tucson. “Folks from other states actually move here to get treated at this VA,” said Pepe Mendoza, assistant public affairs officer. Polytrauma treatment for each veteran is also discussed between health care teams at different VA hospitals to ensure consistency in

PHOTO

By Uma Goyal

Kelli Garcia, an Army veteran from Tucson, receives assistance from physical therapist Cynthia Lind as part of the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System’s polytrauma treatment plan.

care. This allows teams to alter treatment plans if needed. “Team members will also let others know of weaknesses in treatment,” Mendoza said. Despite her hesitation about John coming to the Southern Arizona VA hospital, Diana has been happy with the treatment he gets in Tucson. However, she thinks resources can be improved by providing more money to treat specific injuries. “It seems like Johnny is receiving special attention. They’ve been doing a lot for him,” she said. “But I don’t think they have resources for traumatic brain injuries. They should allocate money for brain injuries here.” The federal government has given special funding to the program. The Southern Arizona VA hospital received $505,000 for this year, and much of this money has

gone toward equipment and staffing the polytrauma health care team. “They appropriated special monies for this program,” said Florence Gores, co-director of the Polytrauma Network Site. “A lot of money, but its not enough. As the number of people coming back from overseas grows, the amount of money [Congress] gave will not be enough.” Patients and their families who have issues about the amount of money and resources allocated should get in touch with their Congressional representative, Mendoza said. “I’ve done it,” Diana said. “It all does come down to money.” As for John, he wants to get up out of bed, said Diana. “My sister told him she’d give him a $100 bill if he got up,” she said, “and he grabbed the rail to get up.”

As the week winds down and you are looking for some much needed relief, head downtown and dance your blues away to some of Tucson’s finest salsa and Spanish rock groups. “There is nothing better than letting go of a bad work week with fast-paced, good music and some choice people,” said Tucson resident Joshua Mallett. Sharks Night Club, 256 E. Congress St., offers an escape from Tucson’s typical bar and club scene. The club offers patrons a chance to move their hips and work up a sweat on the dance floor with live salsa music every Thursday night. On Friday nights, music lovers and those who just like to jump around can rock out to local Latino rock groups. Featuring a different band every week, Sharks provides entertainment and variety to the overstressed, overworked college students and working stiffs of the Old Pueblo. The club brings pizzazz and authentic south of the border flavor to the heart of Tucson. “Growing up where I did in Phoenix, I used to listen to a lot of Mexican rock with my friends and go out to Latino clubs on the weekends,” Mallett said. Sharks features a number of local Latino musicians, including the mellow sounds of Latin jazz group Los Nawdy Dawgs and the fast-paced and hard moving rhythms of El Ultimo Tren. Both bands were featured at the Sharks stage during Spring Club Crawl, April 21. Sharks is open only to those 21 and over and offers a full bar. There is a $5 cover on Thursday and Friday nights.

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By Fernanda Echávarri Traducido por Derrick Del Pilar

EL INDEPENDIENTE

QUE PASA ? 28 de abril

Fiesta de Garibaldi

April 23-28

Tucson International Mariachi Conference

PHOTO

BY

FERNANDA ECHÁVARRI

This famous mariachi conference is a place to come together and enjoy mariachi culture. There will be student workshops, a mariachi mass at the St. Augustine Cathedral at 9 a.m. on April 28 and the Fiesta de Garibaldi will conclude the conference. Most events will take place at the Tucson Convention Center, 206 S. Church Ave. For more information call (520) 8383919 or visit www.tucsonmariachi.org

April 28

Finding My Future Expo

Mariachi Conference

There will be games and activities as well as career information and financial aid education. This event, put on by Pima Community College and Tucson Unified School District, is free and will have food, music and entertainment. It will take place at the Pima Community College East Campus, 8181 E. Irvington Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call (520) 2067427.

The week long Tucson International Mariachi Conference took place this past week, attracting more than 1,000 students and teachers of mariachi music and folklorico dance from around the world. Above: Alex Garcia’s level one guitarron class practices in the west hall of the Tucson Convention Center.

April 28

April 28

Fiesta de Garibaldi

PHOTO

May 3

Bilingual Story Time

The Fiesta de Garibaldi is a reenactment of the shows held at Garibaldi Plaza in Mexico City, which is known for its spontaneous mariachi performances and gatherings. It will feature music on two stages, as well as Mexican food and arts and crafts vendors. Entrance fee is $5 for adults and free for children. The fiesta from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Reid Park, 1100 S. Randolph Way. For more information call (520) 838-3919.

This is a free service of the Pima County Public Library that gives parents and their children a chance to read together in a fun way. Children can read, sing songs and do crafts that promote the learning of language as their parents participate. This event is for all ages. It starts at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. at the the Sam Lena-South Tucson Branch Library located on 1607 S. Sixth Ave. For more information call (520) 791-4791 or visit www.library.pima.gov

May 1

May 5-6

Healthy Family Lecture The Little Chapel of All Nations will host a free family lecture by Dr. Bebacqua. The lecture will cover nutritional and scientific information so parents can learn about healthy family habits. It will take place at the Ada Pierce McCormick building inside the chapel, 1401 E. First St., from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information call Freia at (520) 975-5138.

May 3

Derechos Humanos Meet The Human Rights Coalition “Coalición de Derechos Humanos” is having a community meeting to address the militarization and respect for human and civil rights of the U.S.-Mexico border. This organization fights discrimination and human rights abuses by federal, state and local law enforcement officials. The meeting, 5 p.m to 7 p.m., is open to the public and will be held at the Sam LenaSouth Tucson Branch Library, 1607 S. Sixth Ave. For more information call (520) 7914791 or visit www.library.pima.gov

Below: A student practices on his own while waiting for the group class to begin.

BY

FERNANDA ECHÁVARRI

Health Insurance Hearing This free public hearing, coordinated by the Pima County Tucson Women’s Commission, will help evaluate the problems facing women due to the absence or inadequacy of health insurance coverage, and some potential solutions. It goes from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Northwest Neighborhood Center, 2160 N. sixth Ave. (Four blocks from Grant, on bus route 19) For more information call (520) 624-8318.

April 27 / 27 de abril 2007

22nd Annual Tucson Folk Festival The Tucson Folk Festival brings homegrown acoustic folk music and more than 100 acts of country blues and acoustic roots on three stages over the course of the two days. Tucson native group Sister Morales will perform Saturday and Grammy nominated duo Trout Fishing in America will perform Sunday. This year’s festival will take place at El Presidio Park, 115 N. Church St. For more information visit www.tkma.org

May 5

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Celebrate Mexican history by remembering the victory over the French in Puebla in 1862. This party will have an open stage with Mexican music, dancing, crafts, food and tequila. It is free and takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Kennedy Park, 3700 S. Mission Road. For more information call (520) 2929326.

23-28 de abril

La Fiesta de Garibaldi es una representación de los espectáculos en la Plaza Garibaldi en la Ciudad de México, la cual se conoce por sus desempeños espontáneos de mariachi. Contará con música en dos escenarios con grupos de todo el Suroeste, y también con comida mexicana y vendedores de arte. La entrada cuesta $5 por adultos, y los niños entran gratis. Dura desde las 10 a.m. hasta las 10 p.m. en Reid Park, 1100 S. Randolph Way. Para más información llame (520) 838-3919.

1 de mayo

Clase de Familia Saludable The Little Chapel of All Nations hospedará a una palestra gratis de Dr. Bebacqua. Esta clase brindará información nutricional y científico para que los padres aprendan de hábitos familiares saludables. Tendrá lugar en el edificio Ada Piece McCormick dentro de la capilla, 1401 E. First St., desde las 10 a.m. hasta las 12 p.m. Para más información llame a Freia al (520) 975-5138.

3 de mayo

Junta Coalición de Derechos Humanos La Coalición de Derechos humanos tendrá una reunión para enfrentarse a la militarización y falta de respecto para los derechos humanos y civiles el la región fronteriza entre los EE.UU. y México. Esta organización lucha en contra de la discriminación y abusos de derechos humanos por la policía federal, estatal y local. La reunión, desde las 5 p.m. hasta las 7 p.m. está abierta al público y tendrá lugar en la Biblioteca Sucursal Sam Lena del Sur de Tucsón, 1607 S. Sixth Ave. Para más información llame al (520) 791-4791 o visite al www.library.pima.gov

Conferencia Internacional de Mariachi de Tucsón

3 de mayo

Esta famosa conferencia de mariachis es un lugar para juntarse y disfrutar de la cultura mariachi. Habrá talleres para estudiantes, una Misa de Mariachi en la Catedral de San Agustín a las 9 de la mañana el 28 de abril y la Fiesta de Garibaldi más tarde ese día concluirá la conferencia. La mayoría de los eventos tendrán lugar en el Tucson Convention Center, 206 S. Church Ave. Para más información llame al (520) 8383919 o visite www.tucsonmariachi.org

Este es un servicio gratis de la Biblioteca Pública del Condado Pima que da a los padres y sus hijos la oportunidad para leer juntos de una manera divertida. Los niños pueden leer, cantar, y hacer actividades que promueven el aprendizaje del lenguaje mientras sus padres participan. Empieza a las 10:30 a.m. y termina a las 11 a.m. en la Biblioteca Sucursal Sam Lena del Sur de Tucsón, 1607 S. Sixth Ave. Para más información llame al (520) 791-4791 o visite al www.library.pima.gov

28 de abril

1ª Exposición Familiar Habrá juegos y actividades junto con información sobre carreras y ayuda financiera para educación. Este evento, patrocinado por Pima Community College y el Tucson Unified School District, es gratis y habrá comida, música y diversión para toda la familia. Tomará lugar en el Pima Community College East Campus, 8181 E. Irvington Rd., desde las 9 a.m. hasta la 1 p.m. Para más información llame al (520) 206-7427.

28 de abril

Foro Público sobre Seguros Médicos para las Mujeres Este foro público y gratis, coordinando por Pima County Tucson Women’s Commission, ayudará a evaluar los problemas que las mujeres enfrentan debido a la ausencia o insuficiencia de seguro médico y algunas soluciones potenciales. Dura desde las 10 a.m. hasta las 11:30 a.m. en el Northwest Neighborhood Center, 2160 N. 6th Avenue (a cuatro cuadras de Grant Road, por la ruta de autobús número 19). Para más información llame 624-8318.

Hora de Cuentos Bilingüe

5-6 de mayo

22ª Anual Festival de Folk de Tucsón El Festival de Folk de Tucsón trae la música acústica de folk y más de 100 grupos de blues en tres escenarios por dos días. El grupo nativo de Tucsón, Sister Morales, tocará el sábado y los nominados al Grammy, Trout Fishin in America, tocarán el domingo. El festival tendrá lugar este año en El Presidio Park, 115 N. Church St. Para más información, visite al www.tkma.org

5 de mayo

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Celebre la historia mexicana al recordar la victoria contra los franceses en Puebla en 1862. Esta fiesta tendrá un escenario libre con música mexicana, baile, arte, comida mexicana y tequila. Es gratis y tomará lugar entre las 10 a.m. y las 10 p.m. en Kennedy Park, 3700 S. Misión Rd. Para más información, llame al (520) 292-9326. Upcoming Community Events can be submitted to [email protected].