Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising’s Image of Women

City College World Cultures Presents the Film:

Killing Us Softly 4:
Advertising’s Image of Women

Tuesday, March 15, 9:40 a.m.
Saville Theatre

“Ads sell more than products. They sell values, they sell images, they sell concepts of love and sexuality, of success, and perhaps most important, of normalcy.”—Jean Kilbourne

Filmmaker Jean Kilbourne takes a fresh look at how advertising traffics in distorted and destructive ideals of femininity. The film marshals a range of new print and television advertisements to lay bare a stunning pattern of damaging gender stereotypes—images and messages that too often reinforce unrealistic, and unhealthy, perceptions of beauty, perfection, and sexuality.

Killing Us Softly 4 stands to challenge a new generation of students to take advertising seriously, and to think critically about popular culture and its relationship to sexism, eating disorders, and gender violence.

This is a free event.

Centro Cultural de la Raza

San Diego's Centro Cultural de la Raza was founded in 1970 as a Chicano Community Cultural Center and functions as an alternative space that encourages and facilitates artistic growth and cultural interchange in the San Diego/Tijuana region. The Centro provides classes and features a dynamic interdiscipinary schedule of events which includes exhibits, musical performances, installation art, readings, receptions, Azteca dance, Teatro Chican@, Ballet Folklorico, film screenings and other events.

Contact information:
Enrique de la Cruz

San Diego School Board Rally to Fight Layoffs

When: Thursday, March 10 - 4:15 p.m.
Where: SDUSD Ed. Center - 4100 Normal St.

On March 10 the Board will vote on issuing 910 layoff notices. This number includes literally the entire state preschool program as well as 20 elementary schools worth of elementary teachers, two high schools worth of secondary teachers and a reduction of nursing, counseling and other support services to abysmal levels.

Layoffs are always devastating to our schools and our membership. But
this year the threat of layoffs poses a greater threat to all of us, not
just our least senior members. A recent lawsuit in Los Angeles has
prohibited LAUSD from issuing layoffs based solely on seniority. Already
groups in San Diego have begun contemplating a similar suit, while
California State Senator Bob Huff has introduced legislation that would
render layoffs based on seniority illegal. If successful, either would
gut seniority protections out of our contract.

Fighting layoffs right now is not only the right thing to do to protect
our students and our jobs, it is crucial in order to protect our core
contractual union rights!

The way we can successfully fight back is to fight together. More than
400 teachers, nurses, counselors and librarians packed the Board meeting
on Feb. 22 for the first reading of the Particular Kinds of Services
(PKS) layoff list to urge the Board to seek real alternatives to laying
off front line educators. We need to triple those numbers for the March
10 vote. Wear red and bring a friend! If we are going to protect our
jobs, our classrooms, and our union contract, the Board must hear all of
our voices speaking together saying NO LAYOFFS.

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!

San Diego Latino Film Festival

Mar 10-20


The San Diego Latino Film Festival cordially invites you to attend the 18th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 10-20, 2011.

UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center
Off 163 Freeway and Friars Rd

We will showcase over 180 films from Latin America, Spain and the United States. The wide range of genres, cultural topics.

Please visit our website: www.sdlatinofilm.com for film synopses and to purchase your tickets online.

All students receive a $2 discount on tickets when they enter “stu” upon checkout. Students will also receive a $2 discount at the box office by showing their student ID.

Latino Film Festival
Recommended Films

REVOLUCION
Dir. Fernando Aimbcke, Patricia Riggen, Amat Escalante, Carlos Reygadas, Mariana Chenillo, Gerardo Naranjo, Rodrigo Plá, Rodrigo García, Gael García Bernal, & Diego Luna
(2010, 105 min., Mexico, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
FRI 3/11 / 7:00 / S7
TUE 3/15 / 7:00 / S7
Co-produced by Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, “Revolución” brings together ten of the most accomplished Mexican film directors of our time to celebrate the Hundredth Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. This multi-faceted and impressionistic compilation of 10 short films explores that pivotal historical moment which still echoes in today’s society. Stars Academy Award nominee Adriana Barraza (“Babel”) and Ari Brickman (“5 días sin Nora”).

EL ATENTADO
Dir. Jorge Fons
(2010, 120 min., Mexico, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
THUR 3/10 / 7:00 / S7
FRI 3/18 / 4:00 / S7
SAT 3/20 / 11:00 / S7
“The Attempt Dossier” tells the story of Arnulfo Arroyo, a young terrorist who in 1897 attempts to assassinate Mexican dictator Porfirio Díaz. During a parade, Arroyo hurls himself angrily at Díaz, armed with a rock. This film tells the story of his subsequent arrest and imprisonment. Starring Daniel Gimenez Cacho (“Arrancame la Vida”).

CHICOGRANDE
Dir. Felipe Cazals
(2010, 95 min., Mexico, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
SAT 3/12 / 7:00 / S7
TUE 3/15 / 5:00 / S2
SAT 3/19 / 1:30 / S7
Chicogrande was a compadre and loyal supporter of Pancho Villa. Set during the Mexican revolution of 1916, this fierce western follows the exploits of Villa and Chicogrande as they flee into the mountains after the failed invasion of New Mexico, with the American troops hot on their heels. Directed by veteran
Mexican filmmaker Felipe Cazals (“Canoa”), this epic film was influenced by the likes of John Ford. Starring Damián Alcazár (“La ley de Herodes”).

CIUDAD EN ROJO
Dir. Rebeca Chávez
(2009, 100 min., Cuba, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
SAT 3/12 / 10:15 / S6
SUN 3/13 / 2:30 / S2
Based on the novel “Bertillón 166” by José Soler Puig, this film is set in the late 1950’s in Santiago de Cuba, one of the main supply cities of the rebels led by Fidel Castro. Rebeca Chavez’s debut depicts the insurrection, rebelliousness and also the solidarity in Santiago de Cuba during the clandestine struggle of the urban fighters against Batista's dictatorship.

EL EFECTO TEQUILA
Dir. Leon Serment
(2010, 111 min., Mexico, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
SUN 3/13 / 7:00 / S7
SAT 3/19 / 10:30 / S1
“The Tequila Effect” is a story of love and corruption set in the 1990’s. José Fierro is an ambitious young stock broker who yields to the temptation of an apparent Mexican economic boom, which will lead to national disaster. He becomes involved in dangerous and illicit deals that will have drastic consequences in his personal life, in this drama from Mexico. Starring Juan Carlos Colombo (“5 días sin Nora”) and Karla Souza (“From Prada to Nada”).

GO FOR IT!
Dir. Carmen Marron
(2010, 83 min., USA, English)
THUR 3/10 / 7:30 / S2
In this high-energy, coming-of-age tale, feisty college student Carmen spends her days working and her nights wowing underground club crowds with her dancing. But an opportunity to win admission to a prestigious dance school forces Carmen to choose between fulfilling her obligations to her family and urban community or moving on to a brighter but uncertain future.

HABANA EVA
Dir. Fina Torres
(2010, 106 min., Venezuela/Cuba, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
THUR 3/10 / 6:00 / S6
SAT 3/12 / 4:00 / S7
THUR 3/17 / 8:00 / S6
In a Havana shaken by Fidel's retirement, a young seamstress, trapped in a sweatshop job, dreams of designing beautiful dresses. Frustrated by her lazy, though adorable Cuban boyfriend, she meets a sophisticated ex-patriot Cuban-Venezuelan who dazzles her with a glamorous future. After many deceptions and surprises, Eva has to choose between the two men she loves. Hers is an unexpected decision... a humorous metaphor of Cuba's options for the future. Directed by Fina Torres, co-writer of “From Prada to Nada.”

HERMANO
Dir. Marcel Rasquin
(2010, 97 min., Venezuela, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
SUN 3/13 / 12:00 / S2
WED 3/16 / 9:30 / S7
SAT 3/19 / 8:30 / S1
This engrossing and exciting film follows two teenagers, raised together as brothers in a slum, strugglingto become professional soccer players. The opportunity of their lives arrives when a scout from a renowned professional club invites them to a tryout. But the hard reality of life in the slums and sudden tragedy threaten to derail their future. They will have to make the most important decision of their lives and choose what is more important: their family or their dreams? Venezuela’s official submission to the 2011 Academy Awards.

HIDALGO - LA HISTORIA JAMAS CONTADA
Dir. Antonio Serrano
(2010, 115 min., Mexico, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
FRI 3/11 / 9:30 / S7
WED 3/16 / 10:15 / S6
SAT 3/19 / 7:00 / S7
From his jail cell at Chihuahua's Military Hospital, Hidalgo begins to remember moments of his life, particularly his tenure as Parish Priest in the town of San Felipe Torres Mochas where he translated and produced the stage play "Tartuffe" by Moliere. During this time he fell in love with Josefa Quintana with whom he had three children and for whom he left the priesthood during a brief period in his life. Starring Ana de la Reguera (“El Traspatio”, “Cowboys & Aliens”) and Demian Bichir (“Che: Part One”, “Che: Part Two”).

Jose Marti: El Ojo del Canario
Dir. Fernando Perez
(2009, 120 min., Cuba, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
FRI 3/11 / 8:00 / S6
SAT 3/12 / 1:30 / S7
“On a daily basis I am in danger of giving my life for my country and for my duty ... I know how to die, but my beliefs will not die…” - José Martí. The formative years of Cuban national hero José Julián Martí Pérez are explored in Fernando Pérez's handsome, robust historical epic, set during the 1860s in colonial
Havana. Martí, The Eye of the Canary follows "El Apóstol" from the age of 9 to 17, as he is played with deep conviction by Raúl Pérez Ureta as he experiences firsthand the often brutal inequalities of Spanish colonial rule, and feels the fire of injustice rise within him. Through patient detail, Pérez charts the changing spiritual tide and dawning political consciousness within Martí. It is said that every Cuban has their own Martí; Perez's majestic, generous film is an invitation to both discover and rediscover.

LISANKA
Dir. Daniel Díaz Torres
(2010, 110 min., Cuba, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
FRI 3/11 / 4:00 / S7
MON 3/14 / 8:00 / S6
FRI 3/18 / 10:30 / S1
Set in a rural village on the eve of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis tells the story of Lisanka, a young Cuban girl who cannot choose between her two suitors, Sergio and Aurelio. To complicate matters further, she becomes involved with Volodia, a Russian poet from the nearby military base in this delightful Sputnik romantic comedy.

MARIMBAS DEL INFIERNO
Dir. Julio Hernández Cordón
(2010, 74 min., Guatemala, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
THU 3/17 / 10:30 / S1
FRI 3/18 / 10:15 / S6
SUN 3/20 / 6:30 / S1
Two unlikely characters join forces in this bittersweet comedy about an unlikely duo. Harassed by extortionists, Don Alfonso goes on the run taking a job playing the marimbas to an indifferent audience in one of Guatemala City’s grandest hotels. When he meets fellow outcast, “Black,” a doctor whom patients
fear because of his long hair and tattoos, they decide to combine their talents and create a new band called Marimbas From Hell. From the director of “Gasolina,” this bittersweet farce delivers biting social commentary on contemporary Guatemala.

LA MIRADA INVISIBLE
Dir. Diego Lerman
(2010, 97 min., Argentina, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
THUR 3/10 / 10:15 / S6
SAT 3/12 / 6:00 / S6
THU 3/17 / 9:30 / S7
Set during the inception of the military dictatorship in Argentina, “The Invisible Eye” paints an engrossing portrait of Maria Teresa, a repressed teacher at a Buenos Aires private school. Being somewhat naive and sheltered, she accepts without thought the rigid rules of the school. The head professors’ ideas about “the cancer of subversion” and a need for surveillance lead to an unhealthy obsession with a student, and a dramatic breakdown of order that parallels that of the country. “La Mirada Invisible” is co-presented by the Global Film Initiative and is part of the Global Lens 2011 film series. For more information, visit www.globalfilm.org.

NACO ES CHIDO
Dir. Sergio Arau
(2010, 90 min., Mexico, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
SAT 3/12 / 10:30 / S1
WED 3/16 / 4:00 / S7
FRI 3/18 / 8:00 / S6
When a long-lost record of the legendary Mexican band Botellita de Jerez, the creators of “Guaca Rock,” is found and becomes a huge success, the executives at Mexican Records hire a private detective to track down the missing band members in the hopes of putting on a reunion concert. He finds one of them in a psychiatric hospital and another among the homeless in the streets of L.A. Will these has-beens be able to play again? From the director of “A Day Without a Mexican”, and co-starring Yareli Arizmendi (“Like Water For Chocolate”).

RETRATOS EN UN MAR DE MENTIRAS
Dir. Carlos Gaviria
(2010, 91 min., Colombia, Spanish w/ English Subtitles)
MON 3/14 / 7:30 / S2
SUN 3/20 / 1:00 / S6
Winner of the 2010 Guadalajara Film Festival. After the death of their grandfather, Jairo and Marina decide to go back to recover the land from which she was displaced years ago. They travel from Bogotá to the coast in an old beat-up Renault 4. During the trip the story of her traumatic past begins to unfold. Upon reaching their hometown, their lives take a dramatic turn as they are kidnapped by paramilitaries in this moving portrait of Colombia’s civil war.





City College Fair Trade Coffee Campaign

CAFE at City College

You are invited you to join us in a campaign to fight for
Fair Trade coffee at City College!

Mar 9, Wednesday
9:35 to 11 am
San Diego City College
Room A 213

Every day, hundreds of us purchase a cup of coffee at City College. This is fine—but we believe that the money we pay for that coffee should go to the hard-working farmers who grow and pick that coffee. We should not be drinking coffee that is polluted with the sweat and blood of exploited laborers in Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia and many other coffee-producing nations. When we buy coffee, our money should go to support worker-owned coops that allow workers and their families to live with dignity and justice. We want to see City College become a campus that only sells coffee with the taste of justice—coffee that is “Fair Trade certified”.

Most of the world’s coffee is controlled by three corporations: Phillip Morris, Nestlé and Sara Lee. These huge companies often pay coffee farmers miserable prices without guaranteeing a stable wage. Farming coffee becomes a gamble: the farmers who invest the most work in our coffee are paid a few pennies, while middlemen and corporate distributers keep the profits for themselves.

Considering all of the violence and injustice involved in the coffee trade, it’s no wonder that many coffee farmers leave their home towns and migrate to the city or to another country. For many, it’s just not possible to survive farming coffee.

But there is another way…

Fair Trade-certified coffee offers a real alternative to the unjust status quo of coffee. Coffee that bears the Fair Trade label was bought from worker-owned co-ops that make decisions democratically and negotiate a fair price for their product.

This campaign for Coffee with Justice will not stop until the day that not a single cup of unfairly traded “exploitation coffee” is served at City College.

We would like to ask you to join us in bringing this demand to the administration of City College. We hope you will join us.

More information:

Carolina Moreno: pheem527@yahoo.com


In solidarity,
City College C.A.F.E. (Creating Alternative and Fair Enterprise)

Palestine Awareness Week at San Diego State University

March 1st to March 11th

Students for Justice in Palestine at San Diego State University is a non-profit advocacy group committed to a core set of principles to which it expects its members to adhere. SJP believes that while the Palestinian people must ultimately be able to decide their future in Palestine, certain key principles grounded in international law, human rights and basic standards of justice are fundamental to a just resolution of the plight of the Palestinian people.

March 1st and 2nd
Life Behind the Wall

SJP at SDSU will display a mock Apartheid Wall on Campanile Walkway at SDSU depicting the quality of life and the disparities on each side of the wall. Israel refers to this wall as their "Security Fence" which separates communities and annexes more Palestinian land.

The wall will be displayed from 8 AM until 5 PM on both days.

Tuesday, March 1st at 12 PM: TBA

Wednesday March 2nd at 12 PM:
Leena Barakat will present on her experiences in Palestine.

Wednesday, March 2nd
"Exposing AIPAC: Undoing the Zionist Myth"

Lecture by Miko Peled
@ 7 PM in Casa Real (Aztec Center)

Miko Peled, is an Israeli writer and activist living in the US. He is about to publish his book "The General's Son" a personal narrative of an Israeli discovering Palestine. Miko is the son of Israeli General Matti Peled, who was among Israeli top decision makers in the 1967 Six Day War. In 1997 Miko's 13 year old niece was killed in a suicide attack in Jerusalem urging Miko to learn more about the conflict and engage with his Palestinian neighbors to learn what can be done to stop the killing of innocent people. Miko, along with Palestinian Nader Elbanna is co founder of the Elbanna-Peled Foundation, dedicated to empowering groups who work for reconciliation efforts in Israel/Palestine.

Wednesday, March 9th
Talk w/ Huwaida Arraf

@ 7 PM in Casa Real (Aztec Center)

Huwaida Arraf is one of the co-founders of the International Solidarity Movement. She has a been a long time activist in the Occupied Territories maintaining her political stance of non-violent resistance. She was also the co-chair for Students for Justice in Palestine at the Washington School of Law. Arraf chairs the Free Gaza Movement, the organization behind the Gaza Freedom Flotillas- a series of groups of ships carrying activists and humanitarian aid that were organized to break Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. She was aboard the 2008 Free Gaza boats and the 2010 flotilla that was raided by Israeli commandos on May 31, 2010.

Friday, March 11th
Palestine Cultural Night

@ 6:30 PM in Backdoor (Aztec Center)

FREE Authentic Palestinian Food
Featuring:
Spoken Word
Oud performance
Tabla perfomance
Visual Art
Dabke

More info:
Lorain Rihan
lrihan515@googlemail.com
Facebook: SDSU Students for Justice in Palestine






















Tijuana Maquiladora Tour

TIJUANA MAQUILADORA TOUR
Come to learn about Tijuana workers' conditions and struggles!
Saturday, Mar. 5, 2011, 9 am to 3:30 pm

MAQUILADORAS EN TIJUANA: UN RECORRIDO
Conoce las luchas y condiciones de trabajo de los y las trabajadoras de las maquilas
Sábado 5 de Marzo, 2011, 9 am a 3:30 pm

http://www.sdmaquila.org/

 

English Version
Versión en español: ver abajo

TIJUANA MAQUILADORA TOUR
Come to learn about Tijuana workers' conditions and struggles!
Saturday, Mar. 5, 2011, 9 am to 3:30 pm

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Citizens returning from Mexico should present an U.S. passport. (Otherwise, they need an official ID, birth certificate, and waiting in line when returning to the U.S. for a period of time to be decided by the border gate officer.) For more information, see the State Dept. web site at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

All tour participants must read the US travel alert to Mexico and sign the tour waiver. Please see the alert below.

SCHEDULE (THERE MAY BE SLIGHT VARIATIONS FROM TOUR TO TOUR.)

9:00 am sharp: San Ysidro/Tijuana border-bus station. We will walk together to cross the border gate and travel to our locations in Tijuana using chartered buses for transportation.

9:45-10 am: The crosses at the border: Mora than 7,000 immigrants have died trying to cross the border.

10:30- 11:15 am: Otay Industrial Park: Sanyo, Metales y Derivados, other maquiladoras

NOTE: We will visit the Tijuana industrial area but won’t enter any factory.

11:30 – 12:00 pm: Community Ejido Chilpancingo-Rio Alamar: industrialization, health, environment

12:30- 1 pm: Lunch

1-2:30 pm: Maquiladora workers and Indigenous immigrants: NAFTA and fair trade, immigration and exploitation, industrialization and labor health, activism and social change

NOTE: Working women in Tijuana are organizing artisan cooperatives and promoting an alternative economy. They will bring their handcrafts to the tour. To learn in advance about these cooperatives, please go to http://www.ollincallicm.blogspot.com/

2:30-3:00 pm: Return to the bus station

DONATIONS

Reservations for the tours can be made online at http://sdmaquila.org.

US: $30 regular, $20 students

Donations cover the bus, lunch, and a donation to the workers’ organizations.

If you prefer to use the postal system, or for more information, please contact:

Herb Shore: sdmaquila@cox.net,
(619) 287-5535

Sponsored by Colectivo Ollincalli Tijuana, Colectivo Chilpancingo for Environmental Justice, San Diego Maquiladora Workers' Solidarity Network, and Coalition for Justice in the Maquiladoras


Version en Español

MAQUILADORAS EN TIJUANA: UN RECORRIDO
Conoce las luchas y condiciones de trabajo de los y las trabajadoras de las maquilas
Sábado 5 de Marzo, 2011, 9 am a 3:30 pm

Nota importante:

Ciudadanos de EUA necesitan pasaporte para regresar a EUA.

Ciudadanos de EUA tienen que leer la alerta del Departamento de Estado y firmar el waiver. Please see the alert below.

AGENDA DEL TOUR (PUEDE VARIAR UN POCO DE UNO A OTRO TOUR)

9:00 am en punto en la estación del trolley de San Ysidro o la estación de taxis de la entrada a Tijuana desde San Ysidro. Desde la estación de trolley cruzaremos la frontera a pie para abordar un autobús particular que nos transportará en Tijuana

9:45-10 am: Visita a las cruces en la frontera: Más de 7,00 emigrantes han muerto tratando de cruzar la frontera.

10:30- 11:15 am: Parque Industrial de Otay: Sanyo, Metales y Derivados, otras maquiladoras

NOTA: Visitaremos una zona industrial de Tijuana pero no entraremos a ninguna fábrica.

11:30 – 12:00 pm: Comunidad Ejido Chilpancingo-Rio Alamar: industrialización, salud, medio ambiente

12:30- 1 pm: Lunch

1-2:30 pm: Trabajadoras y trabajadores de la maquila e indígenas inmigrantes: TLC y libre comercio, emigración y explotación, industrialización y salud laboral, activismo y cambio social

NOTE: Trabajadoras de Tijuana están organizando cooperativas artesanales y promoviendo una economía alternativa. Ellas traerán su producción al tour. Para saber de ellas, favor de visitar la página: http://www.ollincallicm.blogspot.com/

2:30-3:00 pm: Regreso a la terminal del autobús en la frontera

DONACIONES

Para reservar, favor de escribir a maquilatijuanasandiego@earthlink.net. O si prefiere, puede reservar en la página web (en inglés) at http://sdmaquila.org.

USA: $30 regular, $20 students
México: $20 regular, $10 estudiantes, algunas becas a estudiantes $5, gratis a trabajadoras/es
Las donaciones cubren el autobús, almuerzo y una donación a las organizaciones de trabajadoras

Invitan: Colectivo Ollincalli Tijuana, Colectivo Chilpancingo por Justicia Ambiental, Red de San Diego en Solidaridad con los y las Trabajadoras de las Maquiladoras, y la Coalición Pro-Justicia en las Maquiladoras

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

TRAVEL WARNING U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Mexico, Sep 10, 2010 http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_4755.html

The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the security situation in Mexico…

Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year. This includes tens of thousands who cross the border every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major drug trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.

It is imperative that U.S. citizens understand the risks involved in travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and who to contact if one becomes a victim of crime or violence. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where criminal activity might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

General Conditions: Since 2006, the Mexican government has engaged in an extensive effort to combat drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs). Mexican DTOs, meanwhile, have been engaged in a vicious struggle with each other for control of trafficking routes. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops throughout the country. U.S. citizens should expect to encounter military and other law enforcement checkpoints when traveling in Mexico and are urged to cooperate fully. DTOs have erected unauthorized checkpoints, and killed motorists who have not stopped at them. In confrontations with the Mexican army and police, DTOs have employed automatic weapons and grenades. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. According to published reports, 22,700 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since 2006. The great majority of those killed have been members of DTOs. However, innocent bystanders have been killed in shootouts between DTOs and Mexican law enforcement or between rival DTOs.

Recent violent attacks and persistent security concerns have prompted the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to defer unnecessary travel to Michoacán and Tamaulipas, to parts of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, and Coahuila… and to advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution.

Violence Along the U.S.-Mexico Border: Much of the country’s narcotics-related violence has occurred in the northern border region. For example, since 2006, three times as many people have been murdered in Ciudad Juarez, in the state of Chihuahua, across from El Paso, Texas, than in any other city in Mexico. More than half of all Americans killed in Mexico in FY 2009 whose deaths were reported to the U.S. Embassy were killed in the border cities of Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana.

Since 2006, large firefights have taken place in towns and cities in many parts of Mexico, often in broad daylight on streets and other public venues. Such firefights have occurred mostly in northern Mexico, including Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, Piedras Negras, Reynosa, Matamoros and Monterrey. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area.

The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution when traveling throughout the region, particularly in those areas specifically mentioned in this Travel Warning…

In recent months, DTOs have used stolen trucks to block major highways and thus prevent the military from responding to criminal activity, most notably in the area around Monterrey. Also in Monterrey, DTOs have kidnapped guests out of reputable hotels in the downtown area, blocking off adjoining streets to prevent law enforcement response. DTOs have also attacked Mexican government facilities such as military barracks and a customs and immigration post.

U.S. citizens should defer non-essential travel to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua…

The Consular agency in Reynosa, Tamaulipas was closed temporarily in February 2010 in response to firefights between police and DTOs and between DTOs. In April 2010, a grenade thrown into the Consulate compound at 11:00 PM caused damage to the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. The Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo and the Consular Agency in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, were closed for one day as a result. The Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo prohibits employees from entering the entertainment zone in Nuevo Laredo known as “Boys Town” because of concerns about violent crime in that area.

Between 2006 and 2009, the number of narcotics-related murders in the state of Durango increased ten-fold…

Travelers on the highways between Monterrey and the United States (notably through Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros) have been targeted for robbery that has resulted in violence and have also been caught in incidents of gunfire between criminals and Mexican law enforcement. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana…

The situation in the state of Chihuahua, specifically Ciudad Juarez, is of special concern…

Safety Recommendations: U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican law enforcement officials and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City or the nearest U.S. consulate as soon as possible. Any U.S. visitor who suspects they are a target should consider returning to the United States immediately. U.S. citizens should be aware that many cases of violent crime are never resolved by Mexican law enforcement, and the U.S. government has no authority to investigate crimes committed in Mexico.

U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure…

U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks…

Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items… U.S. citizens should be alert for credit card fraud, especially outside major commercial establishments.

U.S. citizens should be alert to pickpockets and general street crime throughout Mexico, but especially in large cities. Between FY 2006 and FY 2009 the number of U.S. passports reported stolen in Mexico rose from 184 to 288.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings: Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly… During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas.

Demonstrators in Mexico may block traffic on roads, including major arteries, or take control of toll-booths on highways. U.S. citizens should avoid confrontations in such situations…

The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

Further Information: U.S. citizens are urged to monitor local media for information about fast-breaking situations that could affect their security… For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays)… For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the U.S. Embassy or the closest U.S. Consulate… The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City… telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000; e-mail: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov

Internet: http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

Tijuana Consulate: Tapachula 96, telephone: 011-52 (664) 622-7400. http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/service.html.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY / ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I have read and understood the current Travel Alert for Mexico, posted by the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Bureau of Consular Affairs. I have voluntarily joined a Maquiladora Tour to Tijuana, Mexico. I understand that there are great differences between this country and my own. These differences include climate, living conditions, diet, water quality, transportation, medical care, and physical safety. I also understand that health care facilities in Mexico are minimal and that access to all types of health care, including for emergencies, may be difficult. I understand that I will not be able to expect the same type of health care as I would receive in my own country. I understand that the San Diego Maquiladora Workers’ Solidarity Network (SDMWSN) and other individuals and organizations that sponsor, organize and promote this maquiladora tour are not responsible for my health care or coverage, either during the tour or afterwards. Furthermore, I realize that there are no guarantees against personal injury, robbery, or death while part of this Maquiladora Tour.

I understand that there are specific legal requirements for travel to Mexico, and illegal activity could result in grave legal consequences for myself, the SDMWSN, and individuals and organizations that sponsor, organize and promote this maquiladora tour. For this reason, I agree to abide by Mexican law while I am in Mexico. I understand that the Maquiladora Tour ends with the final planned activity of the tour followed by the immediate return across the border, and after this time SDMWSN and individuals and organizations that sponsor, organize and promote this maquiladora tour are discharged and held harmless in any participant’s decision which deviates from this process after the tour is completed in Mexico.

With this understanding, and in consideration for my participation in the Maquiladora Tour, I completely accept and assume all responsibility for any and all risks of damage, sickness, or personal injury which may occur during, or resulting from my participation in the tour, including, but not limited to, those risks described above. In signing this document I expressly release, discharge, and hold harmless the SDMWSN and individuals and organizations that sponsor, organize and promote this maquiladora tour to the maximum extent permitted by law in any state, territory, district, or country.

I have read and understand the foregoing and sign it voluntarily. I am of sound mind and act of my own free will and without any coercion or duress in signing this WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK.

Name:
Signature:
Date:
 
















































































































Labor and Community in Times of Crisis



Labor and Community in Times of Crisis


2011 Labor Notes
Troublemakers School San Diego

Friday, March 4th
San Diego City College
Education Technology Center (B Building)
Registration begins at 9AM and continues all day

Labor Notes is a network of rank-and-file members, local union leaders, and labor activists who know the labor movement is worth fighting for. We encourage connections between workers in different unions, workers centers, communities, industries, and countries to strengthen the movement—from the bottom up.


Schedule of Events:

9:00-9:30 AM                    
Registration

9:30-10:30 AM                  

Greeting and “Lessons from Labor History: Bread and Butter versus Social Justice Unionism” (B103)
Discussion with Jim Miller, Professor of Labor Studies, San Diego City College, Political Action/Community Outreach Vice President, American Federation of Teachers Local 1931

This panel will address the history of the American Labor Movement with an eye toward the future.  From the Knights of Labor in the populist era to the IWW at the turn of the century, the CIO in the 1930s, and the Memphis Sanitation Strike and the UFW in the late 1960s, the labor movement has always been strongest when it fought for the rights of all workers regardless of race, gender, profession, or union status.  What scholars call “social movement unionism” or “social justice unionism” holds the key for survival and success labor and working peoples’ movements in the 21st Century.


Greeting and “Maquiladora Workers’ Struggles and Cross-Border Solidarity” (B203)
Panel Facilitator: Enrique Davalos, Professor of Chicana/o Studies, San Diego City College, AFT Local 1931
Panel Participants: Alberto Rios, Cristina Diaz and Lidia Gutiérrez, Club CAFÉ City College; David Schmidt, CAFE, San Diego; Herb Shore, San Diego Maquiladora Workers Solidarity Network; Margarita Avalos, Collective Ollin Calli, Tijuana Sarina Sanchez; Nancy Cruz, Student Worker Front, UCLA

In this panel, the speakers will explore the current situation of the maquiladora workers' struggles in Tijuana and the border area as well as some experiences of cross-border solidarity.

 Luchas de los y las trabajadoras de la maquila y la solidaridad transfronteriza (B203)
Facilitador: Enrique Davalos, Estudios Chicanas/os City College
Participantes: Alberto Rios, Cristina Diaz and Lidia Gutiérrez, Club CAFÉ City College; David Schmidt, CAFE, San Diego; Herb Shore, Red en SD en Solidaridad con los y las Trabajadoras de la Maquila; Margarita Avalos, Collectivo Ollin Calli, Tijuana Sarina Sanchez; Nancy Cruz, Frente Estudiantil Laboral, Univ de California en Los Angeles

En este panel, los y las oradoras explorarán la situación actual de las luchas en las maquilas en Tijuana y la frontera y algunas experiencias de solidaridad transfronteriza.


10:30-11:30 AM
“Women in Labor” (B103)
Panel Chair: Kelly Mayhew, City College Labor Studies Coordinator, AFT Local 1931

Panel Participants: Lorena Gonzalez, Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council; Camille Zombro, San Diego Education Association; Jennifer Badgeley, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; and Geri Jenkins, California Nurse’s Association

This panel will focus on women's relationship to Labor as women workers. What affects women workers in particular?  What are their roles in unions?  How do women mentor new leaders? How is the economic downturn effecting women workers?  These and many other questions will be addressed.

“Immigrant Labor Rights” (B203)
Panel Chair: Justin Akers Chacon, Professor of Chicana/o Studies, San Diego City College, AFT Local 1931
This panel will discuss a wide range of issues with regard to immigrants’ rights and labor. 

11:30-1
ACTIVIST LUNCH (provided) in D121 (Faculty-Staff Lounge)
“Making Change at Walmart”
Panel Chair: German Ramirez, Organizing Director, United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 135
Panel Participants: Silvia Fabela, UFCW International Union and Hevily Ambriz-Espinosa, UFCW Organizer


1-2:30
“Social Justice Work in San Diego” (B103)
Roundtable Discussion with: Rabbi Laurie Coskey and Elizabeth Maldonado, Interfaith Committee on Worker Justice; Susan Duerkson, Center on Policy Initiatives; Peter Zschiesche and Alor Calderón, Employee Rights Center.

This panel will address ICWJ’s faith-based organizing campaigns, CPI’s anti-privatization efforts, and the ERC’s work to aid non-union workers fighting for their rights in the workplace and community at large.

“Labor and the Environment” (B203)
Panel Chair: Jennifer Badgley, IBEW
This panel will discuss the impact of Sempra Energy’s cross-border transmission line on workers and the environment on both sides of the border and other pressing issues. 


2:30-3:30
“Student Activism” (B103)
Panel Chair: Larissa Dorman, Professor of Political Science, San Diego City College, AFT Local 1931
Panel Participants: Jose Rodriguez, Cody McCormack, Sasha Marie, Allie Tarantino, Kallie Sandtrom. 

This panel will discuss the host of actions taking place on college campuses throughout the San Diego area with representatives from City, Mesa, Cuyamaca, Grossmont, SDSU and UCSD.  The goal of the panel is to create solidarity among student groups and share tactics that have proven to be helpful in organizing students specifically around the issue of budget cuts.  Additionally, there will be a short brainstorming session to produce a vision of how we can create a stronger, more cohesive movement in San Diego utilizing community and union relationships.
 

3:30-5:00
“The California Budget Crisis and Its Impact on the Economy, the Public Sector, and the Community” (B103)
Roundtable Discussion with: Fred Glass, Communications Director, California Federation of Teachers, AFT 2121, San Francisco; Mathew Kostrinsky, Assistant Political Director, United Domestic Workers of America; Dave Lagstein, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), San Diego

This panel will address the stark realities of the current California budget crisis and how they impact the public sector and our communities with an eye toward solutions.


4:00-5:00
Rank and File Speak-Out (B203)
Roundtable Chair: Tony Perez, Teamsters Local 542
Panelists: Jeff Graves, union steward SEIU 221; Michael Anderson NABET CWA Local 54; Lucilia Conde, President, San Diego Pride at Work; David Guiterrez, Shop Steward, Teamsters Local 542. 

This roundtable will deal with a wide range of issues including organizing tactics, politicizing the workplace, pride at work, and rank and file democracy. 


5-6:30
“Education ‘Reform’ in San Diego and the Nation at Large” (B103)
Roundtable Discussion with: Richard Barrera, San Diego Unified School District Board President; Bill Freeman, SDEA President; Cindy Martin, Principal, Central Elementary School, San Diego; Jonathan McLeod, AFT Local 1931; Sandy Mattson, Parent McKinley Elementary

This panel will deal with the top-down corporate reform trends both nationwide and here in San Diego with particular attention paid to an upcoming ballot initiative that would end democratically elected school boards as we know them.  Panelists will both outline the issues and discuss how community based reform and labor-community alliances hold the key to a brighter future for all. 


6:30-close
Closing Remarks: Labor and Community in Times of Crisis (B103)
Doug Moore, Executive Director, United Domestic Workers of America; Josh Pechthalt, United Teachers of Los Angeles