La Voz de Aztlan, September 24 1987
Item
Title
La Voz de Aztlan, September 24 1987
Creator
Associated Students of Fresno State
Relation
La Voz de Aztlan (Daily Collegian, California State University, Fresno)
Coverage
Fresno, California
Date
9/24/1987
Format
PDF
Identifier
SCUA_lvda_00171
extracted text
U.F. W. continues struggle for .
farmworkers
Photo bv An el De Jesus
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz editor
The National Safety Council in 1971
reported that farm work was the 3rd
most dangerous U.S. occupation. If a
similiar report were done today in view
of the tremendous outcry and concern
from states where chemical poisonings
and contaminated soil and water is
prevalent, it would come as no surprise
to most leaders of The United Farmworkers Union, (U.F.W.) if this occupation now were to top the list as the
most dangerous in the United States.
In Califo'rrua' alone thepe are over
1,000 registered active ingredients for
pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and
other chemicals. There are 27 of these
chemicals used in grapes alone.
When you consider these startling
facts you may be alarmed to know that
the pay for this highly dangerous and
life threa~nirig vocation is hardly
commensurate for the nature of the
risk taking t:oll in lives, limbs, and health. In 'fact, according to the U. S. Senate
Subcommittee on Agricultural Labor,
in 1976 the average yearly income
nationwide for migrant worker families hardly registered on the scale at $2,
475.00
In· spite of these facts, growers like
H. P. Metzler Inc., refuse to negotiate
with U.F.W. representatives who until
August represented their workers. A
growing reluctance of many growers
to renew contracts for their employees
with the U.F.W. are ignoring their
employees pleas for just wages, fair
benefits, and safe working conditions.
Gov. Deukmejian's personal charge t:o
dissolve the power and effectiveness of
the Agricultural Labor Relations Board
(A.L.R.B.) is a major contributor t:o this
problem as the AL.R.B. in the past had
~n the enforcer of fair labor practices
for the farmworker. Now just an image
of its former self it serves only as a
token concession, subjucating farmworkers to the greedy, manipulative,
and bureacratic restrictions proposed
by the growers and ranchers at the
pleasure of both, the aforementioned
and the governor. This action by Deukmejian has all but assured him that his
campaigns chests will be full of
contributions from those he serves and
rubs elbows with at the $1,000 a plate
luncheons.
Many think that the U .F.W."s hey
day has passed and that it will never
again regain the stature, prestige, and
power it once exerted over politicians
and bureaucratic, government juggernauts. Efforts to make sure this possibility stays an impossibility have been
taken by those in control of the political
power structure by squirming for ways
to hinder this recoupment with their
quid pro quo legislation such as the
Immigration Control and Reform Act
of 1986, the Simpson-Mazzoli-Rodino
Bill, and the desolution of the AL.RB.
for all intents and purposes.
In reality however, the Chicano
movement which was spawned on the
heels of the first farm labor organizational struggle led by a then much
younger, Cesar Chavez, has never been
stronger. A concerted effort by all
Hispanic-Chicano-Latino's is being forged consisting of students, parents,
educators, professionals, the young ,the
old, and many organized labor unions.
When you consider how vital the
farmworker is to California's- economy
for the harvest and production of its
cash crops, people have got t:o realize
that their needs must be recognized
and handled fairly.
An article in the Fresno Bee,
September 1 7 exhibited a local
growers, H. P. Metzler Inc., idea of
what fairly is all about. It was reported
in The Fresno Bee t.o be " Their last,
. Jesus and Maria Genara with their son, Jaime
man the picket at one of H.P. Metzlers farms
best, and final offer." Consider that this
offer cut workers pay from $5.20 an
hour t:o $4.25 and reduced fringe
benefits, and refused t.o disclose the
chemicals th~y were utilizing on their
crops it is no wonder the workers
walked out and are still picketing to this
day. After alll these farmworkers are
already paid inade-quate wages for the
arduous work they perform: have the
highest frequency of chemical poisonings and job related sicknesses-over
300,000 affectations a year; their children experience birth defects much
higher than the national average; and
their children experience a cancer
frequency estimated to be four times
higher than the expected rate for the
Central San Joaquin Valley.
These people need support and your
prayers. If you would like t.o help or get
more information write t.o: UNITED
FARMWORKE~ OF AMERICA, La
Paz, Keene, Ca. 93570.
~oors.boycott 1nay soon be over
concerning relations with labor unions
and minorities, it's not difficult to
For decades, COORS has accumul- understand why certain organizations
ated a horrendous track record of con- are not buying Coors beer. During the
tempt and' insensitivity towards Chi- late 60's and early 70's Joseph Coors,
canos, Blacks, women, labor unions and while serving as a University of Colorthe environment. For these reasons a ado agent, opposed campus groups such
boycott was called towards Coors as. Students for a Democratic Society
Corporation that spands over twenty (SDS), United Mexican American Stuyears. Some feel that people should let dents (UMAS), and the Black Student
bygones be bygones and make use of the Union (BSU).
In the same period, the Equal Employcompanies seeming posture to redeem
itself by winning over the graces of ment Opportunity Commission (EEOC),
those it offended. For others, the boycott charged Coors with unlawful employis as fresh in their minds as if these ment practices against Chicanos and
injustices had happened yesterday. In Blacks. In 1970, the Colorado Civil
many cases they may be right as more Rights Commission found Coors guilty
and more evidence is being revealed to of "racial discrimination" in its brewerindicate that the company is still a wolf ies.
Coor's has also brewed contempt for
in sheeps clothing.
labor
union organization efforts. Coors
Although the AFL-CIO called off its
boycott on Coors many groups, par- for a long time disallowed the formation
ticularly Hispanic organizations, are of labor unions. According t.o informcontinuing the boycott started 20 years ation from F.S.U. MEChA, "Coors has
ago by the Colorado G.I. Forum and destroyed nineteen unions representing
Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales' Crusade for Coor's workers in the past 20 years." In
1977, for instance, the Brewers Workers
Justice.
If one researched Coors· history Local 366 protested the companies
By Bill Lerch
La Voz staU writer
"human dignity" policies because Coors
forced its employers t:o polygraph tests
and involuntary searches and seizures.
Within a year and a half, Local 366 was
"decertified" with no voting power.
Last month, the American Federation
of Labor and Congress of Industrial
Organizations (AFL-CIO) called off its
boycott. "Because Coors had agreed not
to interfere with union organizing in its
plants", said president Lane Kirkland.
United Farm Workers vice president,
Dolores Huerta, responded to the CoorsAFL-CIO Labor union c ~~promise by
saying, "We will follow whatever the
union workers at Coors want." Having
come to this compromise only a month
ago, it is unlikely that a boycott that has
las~d 20 years will be called off until the
workers have something firm, as in a
valid contract, before we call off our boycott, said Huerta.
According to an August 21st article in
the Fresno Bee, Jimmy Harnmoch,
president of Teamsters Local 431 was
noted as saying that, ''his organization
has not released the boycott on Coors."
The Teamsters Union is the largest labor
union organization in the United States.
MAPA del Valle is still boycotting
Coors, an act theyve been involved in
since 1966. According to Ben Benavidez,
MAPA del Valle's vice-president, they
boycott Coors for several notable reasons.
"For o~e, we openly boycott because
of (Joseph) Coors support of the
Heritage Foundation. Secondly, we
boycott because Coors donates monies
to the Contra's."
The Heritage Foundation, is an
organization partly founded by Joseph
Coors, has initiated proposals to the
Reagan administratiou that would
terminate "affirmative action" and the
"minimum
wage".
According
to
Benavidez, Coors still subsidizes The
Heritage Foundation.
During the Iran-Contra hearings, Lt.
Col. Oliver North testified that Joseph
Coors personally came to his office and
contributed $65,000.00 in cash for
Contra-aid, when asked if private
citizens had ever donated monies to
·freedom fighter's cause in Nicaragua.
See Coors. page 4
LaVoz
Page2
MOVIE REVIEW -
BORN IN EAST L. A.
By .Randall F. Guerra
and Melinda Hall
La Voz writers
Born in East LA is an uncomparable
comedy based on a true st.ory that
displays the magical talent of Richard
"Cheech" Marin. He fills the viewer with
laughter and at the same time wakes the
viewer with some very socially relevant
and challenging points, by exposing not
condemning issues.
Cheech casts himself as Rudy Robles,
a third generation Hispanic auto mechanic, who cannot speak Spanish, and
an East Los Angeles native. He is not
very updated on his roots but he receives a quick lesson when this nonSpanish speaker gets caught up in an
immigration raid without his wallet.
Rudy finds himself in Tijuana with noone seeing past his brown skin, or
believing his vain efforts to rescue
himself when explaining his dilemma to
realize he is an American. Rudy is suddenly in a situation penniless, homeless,
and where he is a foreigner. He is
reconnected to his roots as he struggles
to survive and get back home to East L.
A.
The infamous coyote soon takes advantage of a desperate Rudy as he tries
to find passage home. The coyote is
amused at how incredibly ingenius and
witty Rudy's efforts ro explain his plight
and vindicate himself are presented
with such conviction, unaware that he is
telling the truth. He gives Rudy one job
after another to raise the money needed
to return home, and it is in the course of
these jobs that he meets and falls in love
with a beautiful Salvadoran refugee.
She gradually changes her rash judgements of Rudy as being insensitive to the
plight of Mexicans after she witnesses
bis compassion for a poor Mexican family by giving them the cart of oranges
he was trying to sell, as well as several
other altruistic acts.
When Rudy finally raises the money
necessary to pay for his transit home he
is overcome by compassion, and gives
his passage to a poor, old woman
paralyzed with fear of the prospect of
being left behind, never to be reunited ,
with her husband who is leaving alone
since they only had money to pay for
one person.
Cheech wraps up his film in such a
moving and exhilarating fashion that
the power of the moment is hard to miss.
Cheech humanely reveals sensitive and
risky issues, such as the second class
citizenship felt by many Hispanics, the
desperation of illegal aliens as they
attempt t.o flee poverty stricken, undeveloped countries for economic security,
the influence and power the Catholic
church plays in our culture, and finally
relates a sense of disconcemment alot of
us have about our ethnicity and culture.
He depicts many other aspects of our
culture throughout the movie such as
the dress, lingo (calo), and personal flair
that is indigenous to East L.A. and other
barrios where homeboys can be found
cruising in their low, low ridershydraulics and all; our appreciation for
the unsurpassed beauty to, be found in
Latino women; our appreciation for
music; and our innate love and
compassion for mankind. Two scenes I
found particulary funning and that I
could relate to wholeheartedly were
when his cousin, played by aka Pablo
was convinced that' Jesus was speaking
personally to him when infact it was t~e
phone recorder; and when they surfaced
through the manhole onto the street
surface only to find a parade
commemorating the Cinco de Mayo in
progress. When his girlfriend ~ked the
reason for the parade he replies, "I don't
know but we have one every year on
this day."
Marin directing production
M(;HAEL B~CKc R
Bom in East L. A is a beautifully
directed and enlightening depiction of
some issues that are very sensitive, and
to many still obscure. In the film Richard
Cheech Marin comes of age from the me
generation to the now generation. He
gives viewers a chance to laugh instead
EDITORIAi~
of cry. To relate and emphathize instead
of obstracizing or being indifferent.
Lastly, a lesson to learn that poverty,
strife, and disillusionment are not
exclusive to any one group in the world,
as they exist not only within the borders
of our great country, but beyond them
as well.
lempo
a1,fw~ fo'l. d/-lL Oaaelilon.s.
Don't be a
VE-N DIDO
Support the
BOYCOTT
ELAINE
733-2389
STANLEY
VISALIA, CA.
732-!5279
LaVoz
Page3
•
•
•
_C.A.M.1;:? reaches minority/ Fake 1D s: A Pandora·s Box
agn·culture students
ByTeresaNa~arro
.
La Voz staff wnter
By Maribel Hernandez
La Voz staff reporter
As a newcomer t.o campus and first
time reporter, writing for La Voz I was
a little apprehensive t.o begin this article,
and after the editor told me to cover the
College Assistance Migrant Program
(C.A.M.P.), I was more than a little
discouraged. I wanted to write about
something that I considered savory and
worth writing about. However, once I
talked to Raul Diaz, coordinator of the
C.S.U. Fresno C.AM.P., I was immediately impressed with this organization,
its value, and its purpose.
The program is one of only five in the
nation and started in 1981. It focuses on
incoming freshmen who come from an
agricultural
related
background.
C.A.M.P. provides supportive and
retention services to help students
explore the options available, while
helping the student remain in school.
Keeping in mind that incoming freshmen are exposed to several academic
and social challenges, C.A.M.P. helps
students adjust to their distinct environment by assisting them in areas .such as:
personal and academic counseling,
career advisement, cultural enrichment,
assistance in obtaining financial aid, and
the provision of tutorial services.
According to Raul Diaz, "Completion
of the freshman year is most critical."
1
Statistics have shown that if a student is
Peer pressure, the excitement of have his legal license revoked for 3
able to succeed during his first year in
being away from home, and exploring weeks. Once he has gone t.o court, he
college, then he has an 80% chance of. boundaries beyond one's limit lead could face 2 months-3 years in jail
acqwnng a college degree. The
many college students to purchase false and/or be fined $250.00 and up.
This punishment is only the tip of the
freshman needs to meet the eligibility
I.D.'s having little if no concern for the
iceberg. If an accident had occured he
requirement for C.AM.P. which is the
consequences they may face if arrest.ed.
qualification of being a migrant or seaThere are essentially three reasons would have additional charges brought
sonal farm worker, or a dependent of
why people obtain false identification against him.
Purchasing or consuming alcohol
farmworkers. Diaz shared that he was
cards: (1.) To get into bars. (2.) To
motivated to help with th~ program
purchase it.ems. (3.) To drive aft.er their may seem like a "harmless crime" but it
has caused millions of deaths by drunk
because he clearly recalls the experience license has been suspended.
drivers under 21 years of age. FurtherThe
awareness
of
how
serious
these
of coming from an agricultural backconsequences are will hopefully dis- more, "This isn't a traffic ticket that goes
ground, and he can relate to the fears
and doubts to which these students are courage this "harmless crime." Possess- off' your record after three years. This
ion of a false I.D. is considered a felony stays on your record for life," warns Mel
exposed.
Last year the program received a · and slightly alt.ering a drivers license in Velmick, investigator in charge of Bur$244,403 grant to provide for a total of any way is considered a misdemeanor. eau Investigations in California.
Ten years from now, John Doe may
For instance, if John Doe is 18 years old
eighty students. In addition to financial
be
a responsible, intelligent graduate, but
and
decides
to
get
a
fake
I.D.
to
purchase
assistance from the Camp Alliance
group, C.A.M.P. is federally funded. beer, he will be charged with a felony. if he applies for a job that will not hire
Funding for this fiscal year is presently John Doe, the aspiring college student, anyone who has committed a felony- he
will spend at least one might in jail and is still paying for the "harmless crime."
uncertain.
Basically, Raul Diaz and C.A.M.P.'s
staff have their goal centered on helping
stimulate those freshmen whose migrant family background tends to·expose
them to a greater risk offailure. C.A.M.P.
programs are having a significant
THE MARKS WE LEAVE
impact upon students, and their success
rate has been higher than that of the
usual population. C.A.M.P. takes a
As life goes on and we reflect
progressive attitude and is highly
The things we've said and done,
worthy of any coverage that relays the
The places we've traveled,
messages of this special outreach
-~~am.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE
In or der for us to maintain our schedule of publishing
bi-weekly we need your support. Our associated student
body has funded us for printing and salaries for only 4
issues this semester. We plan to publish 8 more times, but
without help this will be impossible. Please complete the
sucription form and return with your check payable to La
Voz De Aztlan at C.S.U. FRESNO, Mail st.op #42 Fresno,
Ca . 93740-0042
Enclosed is my check for $10.00. Please send me the
next 8 issues of La Voz.
NAME _____________
The people we've met,
And think of all the fun,
We realize the marks we leave in life
Aren't made of stone and steel
But rather of the lives we've touched
And how we made folks feel.
For people are far more valuable
_Than achievements great and high,
than cars or planes or rocketships
Or buildings reaching to the sky.
We can leave our mark in life
By doing all we can
To encourage, serve and uplift
The lives of our fellow men.
Mark H. Sanborn
· ADDRESS_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
CITY_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
TELEPHONE
La Voz back to school dance a ·success
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz Editor
Last Wednesday in celebration of the
16th of September La Voz held a free
dance at the Satellite C,olle~ Union
featuring live bands, Gang's Back a local
favorite, and Shantez who can really
play La Musica Mexicana con gust.a.
Also donating their equipment and
services were two local DJ's, Mark
Lozada (Lozada's Mobile Sound), and
Danny Malcolm (D.J.M.). Many people
responded to our request for canned
food for the Christmas food drive La Voz
is sponsoring. Their were over 100
people out having a good time,- even
though it was the middle of the week.
On behalf of my staff and as editor of La
Voz I thank every one of you who
attended and supported this function. A
speci~ thanks t.o the class musicians.
Gang's Back in action on the gala dance celebrating the 16th of September
LaVoz
Page4
nooooooooooooooooooooo~
Wally
875-3147
Santos
646-2857
'D. j. ®It.
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CALENDARIO
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oSeptember24th, ContactoLatino,a g
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o 7pm in C.U .#309 to share theirg
• WEDDINGS
• DANCES
gcultures.
o
• PARTIES
• SHOWS
o
September
26th,
The
Commission8
D.J.
.g for the Review of the Master Plano
Richard
2512 5th St. Apt. 110
Gil
DANNY MALCOLM
Danny
o for Higher Education wil beg
638-7275
Sanger,
CA
93657
591-8263
(209) 875-3583
591-6814
g holding public hearings in Joint0
.__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ;:::::::;;:::::::::::::;:::::::::::~•committeeatCalStateLA.
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September 29th, Save the Oid0
Administration Building a12
Fresno City College. 4:30pm,0
FRESNO
F.C.C. Theatre. Save the plac~
~PRIVATE INDUSTRY
where it all started for C.S.u.o
~
COUNCIL
oFresno
g
TAAINING FOR BLJSINESS
gSeptember 30th, U.S. Hispanic0
o ChamberofCommerce8thannual,g
Angle Rios
g nationalconv~ntion.LosAngeles.o
Public Informal/on O(flc~r
Bert Cox
Phone
oFor information call: Davidg
Operations Manager
(209) 233-5239
0Mendoza442-1008.
o
1736 E. Lewis Street
O
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Fresno, CA 93701
(209)266-3742
.0
o
- - - • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __. 0Octoberlst,CentroLaFamiliadeo
hosting a reception8
0honoring Assemblyman John0
II1111~ Memi8vasconcellos, Chair, Assemblyg
i IIIII' Amer!can Optometric Association
1CFTV21 - 0Ways & Means Committee.a
gR.V.S.P. $15.00 before 9/25 at theg
0Golden
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o
Daniel Lopez, 0.0.
goctober 5th, Hispanic Businessg
Family Optometry
ostudent Association will beo
Contact Lenses
Suky Magdaleno
gmeeting at 7:00pm in the Collegeg
Account Executive
0Union.
o
2570 Jensen Avenue
goctober
10th,
Special
Saturdayg
Suite 107
Telephone:
3239 West Ashlan Ave., Fresno, California 93711 (209)222-2121
Sanger, California 93657
(209) 875-7164
oSeries . offered by the Chicano-a
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___. gLatino Studies program begins. 1g
ounit. CffiCANO-LATINOS INo
gEDUCATION 0900-1700.Formoreg
oWormation call: 294-2848
o
goctober12th,Dia de laRaza.Foodg
ofair,entertainment, and a showofo
gunity for Chicano-Latino com-g
omunity on campus and off. 12pmo
_g c.S,U. FRESNO free·speech area. g
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.SHANTEZ
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--------------------.. r--------------------gFresno is
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f:HlflllAHDA~ INC:.
0
gNovember 7th, La Raza Lawyersg
oAssociation will hold their 8tho
Annual Sc~olarship Banquet. g
oAwarding of scholarships too
MERCADO & TORTILLA FACTORY
g deserving Hispanics and install-g
·c ation of new officers. For moreo
.
feSOO CJ fee
ginformation call: Ralph Avila org
C
·
o Susan Medina at 488-3546.
o
L.,__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ ; : . . , ; ; . . . : : . . . : : . . : .B
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Coors continued from page 1
ELQUETZAL.
~ine·
mex1caR Food
RODEO PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER
44 Shaw Ave., Clovis
Phone: 298-1271
LA MORENA
Tortilleria
Corn ·& Flour
All Kinds of
Mexican· Foods
and Spices
716 "L" Street
Sanger, CA
Retail & Wholesale
We Deliver Fresh Daily
Phone 87 -
Para Servi rie
LUIS MERCADO, Mgr.
Benavidez went on to mention that a
good proportion of the Contra's are
Mexicanos, and that Coor's contributes
"to upgrade against the Chicano
Heritage."
"Coors is detrimental t,o La Raza.
Forty percent of the Contras are
Mexicanos. That's Raza against Raza.
Those Chicanos who support Coors are
down and out vendidos" (sell outs)
added Benavidez.
Sal Quintero, president of the Fresno
chapter of the League of United Latin
American Citizens (LULAC), was
unreachable for comment. However,
according to ·the same article in the
Fresno Bee, Quintero's "Paint-a-thon", to
be sponsored by a $10,000 t,o $12,000
Coors donation,' was annuled by
pressure from labor unions and
membership faction. Venancio Gaona, a
Fresno City College Counselor and
· member of LULAC said he did not
support the joint sponsorship with Coors
and instead openly boycotts them.
"Our boycott in Fresno and the
Southwest must continue as a force that
will bring pressure to Coors in
bargaining for Union representation.
Until there is a solid agreement to allow
for unions t,o form, I will continue to
boycott", said Gaona.
Movimient,o Estudiantil Chicano de
Aztlan (MEChA), at C.S.U.F. is continuing its boycott because of (Joseph) Coors
funding to Ultra-conservative groups
like the John-Birch Society. According to
MEChA, "The John Birch Society has
had overlapping membership, leadership and programs with the Klu-KluxKlan and Klan type groups such as the
White Citizen Council, Minute Men, and
American Mercury. MEChA also
boycotts because of Coors monetary
support to the Contras and anti-labor
union tendencies.
Others on campus voice opposite
viewpoints. According to Rueben Lugo,
Hispanic Business Student Association
member, the boycott on Coors has no
part in University activism. "Nobody
~es anymore and a lot of people don't
even know there was a boycott on
Coors. It was a good idea, but now we
(Chicanos) have t,o leave that behind."
In addition, the Fresno State Food
Services has welcomed Coors because
their sales on this beer have "been
profitable". Pat Hamilton, Food Services
Manager, said the sales ofCoors'Lightis
higher than Bud-Light, and that she was
pleased that she tried Coors. "I tried
Coors' Light on Tap several years ago
and rm glad I did because the sales have
expanded dramatically."
Currently, Coors has improved
relations with minority organizations by
sponsoring festivities for Cinco de Mayo
and 16 de Septiembre Fiestas, IndianPow Wows and other activities. But for
many this is not good enoug~: And the
boycott continues.
farmworkers
Photo bv An el De Jesus
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz editor
The National Safety Council in 1971
reported that farm work was the 3rd
most dangerous U.S. occupation. If a
similiar report were done today in view
of the tremendous outcry and concern
from states where chemical poisonings
and contaminated soil and water is
prevalent, it would come as no surprise
to most leaders of The United Farmworkers Union, (U.F.W.) if this occupation now were to top the list as the
most dangerous in the United States.
In Califo'rrua' alone thepe are over
1,000 registered active ingredients for
pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and
other chemicals. There are 27 of these
chemicals used in grapes alone.
When you consider these startling
facts you may be alarmed to know that
the pay for this highly dangerous and
life threa~nirig vocation is hardly
commensurate for the nature of the
risk taking t:oll in lives, limbs, and health. In 'fact, according to the U. S. Senate
Subcommittee on Agricultural Labor,
in 1976 the average yearly income
nationwide for migrant worker families hardly registered on the scale at $2,
475.00
In· spite of these facts, growers like
H. P. Metzler Inc., refuse to negotiate
with U.F.W. representatives who until
August represented their workers. A
growing reluctance of many growers
to renew contracts for their employees
with the U.F.W. are ignoring their
employees pleas for just wages, fair
benefits, and safe working conditions.
Gov. Deukmejian's personal charge t:o
dissolve the power and effectiveness of
the Agricultural Labor Relations Board
(A.L.R.B.) is a major contributor t:o this
problem as the AL.R.B. in the past had
~n the enforcer of fair labor practices
for the farmworker. Now just an image
of its former self it serves only as a
token concession, subjucating farmworkers to the greedy, manipulative,
and bureacratic restrictions proposed
by the growers and ranchers at the
pleasure of both, the aforementioned
and the governor. This action by Deukmejian has all but assured him that his
campaigns chests will be full of
contributions from those he serves and
rubs elbows with at the $1,000 a plate
luncheons.
Many think that the U .F.W."s hey
day has passed and that it will never
again regain the stature, prestige, and
power it once exerted over politicians
and bureaucratic, government juggernauts. Efforts to make sure this possibility stays an impossibility have been
taken by those in control of the political
power structure by squirming for ways
to hinder this recoupment with their
quid pro quo legislation such as the
Immigration Control and Reform Act
of 1986, the Simpson-Mazzoli-Rodino
Bill, and the desolution of the AL.RB.
for all intents and purposes.
In reality however, the Chicano
movement which was spawned on the
heels of the first farm labor organizational struggle led by a then much
younger, Cesar Chavez, has never been
stronger. A concerted effort by all
Hispanic-Chicano-Latino's is being forged consisting of students, parents,
educators, professionals, the young ,the
old, and many organized labor unions.
When you consider how vital the
farmworker is to California's- economy
for the harvest and production of its
cash crops, people have got t:o realize
that their needs must be recognized
and handled fairly.
An article in the Fresno Bee,
September 1 7 exhibited a local
growers, H. P. Metzler Inc., idea of
what fairly is all about. It was reported
in The Fresno Bee t.o be " Their last,
. Jesus and Maria Genara with their son, Jaime
man the picket at one of H.P. Metzlers farms
best, and final offer." Consider that this
offer cut workers pay from $5.20 an
hour t:o $4.25 and reduced fringe
benefits, and refused t.o disclose the
chemicals th~y were utilizing on their
crops it is no wonder the workers
walked out and are still picketing to this
day. After alll these farmworkers are
already paid inade-quate wages for the
arduous work they perform: have the
highest frequency of chemical poisonings and job related sicknesses-over
300,000 affectations a year; their children experience birth defects much
higher than the national average; and
their children experience a cancer
frequency estimated to be four times
higher than the expected rate for the
Central San Joaquin Valley.
These people need support and your
prayers. If you would like t.o help or get
more information write t.o: UNITED
FARMWORKE~ OF AMERICA, La
Paz, Keene, Ca. 93570.
~oors.boycott 1nay soon be over
concerning relations with labor unions
and minorities, it's not difficult to
For decades, COORS has accumul- understand why certain organizations
ated a horrendous track record of con- are not buying Coors beer. During the
tempt and' insensitivity towards Chi- late 60's and early 70's Joseph Coors,
canos, Blacks, women, labor unions and while serving as a University of Colorthe environment. For these reasons a ado agent, opposed campus groups such
boycott was called towards Coors as. Students for a Democratic Society
Corporation that spands over twenty (SDS), United Mexican American Stuyears. Some feel that people should let dents (UMAS), and the Black Student
bygones be bygones and make use of the Union (BSU).
In the same period, the Equal Employcompanies seeming posture to redeem
itself by winning over the graces of ment Opportunity Commission (EEOC),
those it offended. For others, the boycott charged Coors with unlawful employis as fresh in their minds as if these ment practices against Chicanos and
injustices had happened yesterday. In Blacks. In 1970, the Colorado Civil
many cases they may be right as more Rights Commission found Coors guilty
and more evidence is being revealed to of "racial discrimination" in its brewerindicate that the company is still a wolf ies.
Coor's has also brewed contempt for
in sheeps clothing.
labor
union organization efforts. Coors
Although the AFL-CIO called off its
boycott on Coors many groups, par- for a long time disallowed the formation
ticularly Hispanic organizations, are of labor unions. According t.o informcontinuing the boycott started 20 years ation from F.S.U. MEChA, "Coors has
ago by the Colorado G.I. Forum and destroyed nineteen unions representing
Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales' Crusade for Coor's workers in the past 20 years." In
1977, for instance, the Brewers Workers
Justice.
If one researched Coors· history Local 366 protested the companies
By Bill Lerch
La Voz staU writer
"human dignity" policies because Coors
forced its employers t:o polygraph tests
and involuntary searches and seizures.
Within a year and a half, Local 366 was
"decertified" with no voting power.
Last month, the American Federation
of Labor and Congress of Industrial
Organizations (AFL-CIO) called off its
boycott. "Because Coors had agreed not
to interfere with union organizing in its
plants", said president Lane Kirkland.
United Farm Workers vice president,
Dolores Huerta, responded to the CoorsAFL-CIO Labor union c ~~promise by
saying, "We will follow whatever the
union workers at Coors want." Having
come to this compromise only a month
ago, it is unlikely that a boycott that has
las~d 20 years will be called off until the
workers have something firm, as in a
valid contract, before we call off our boycott, said Huerta.
According to an August 21st article in
the Fresno Bee, Jimmy Harnmoch,
president of Teamsters Local 431 was
noted as saying that, ''his organization
has not released the boycott on Coors."
The Teamsters Union is the largest labor
union organization in the United States.
MAPA del Valle is still boycotting
Coors, an act theyve been involved in
since 1966. According to Ben Benavidez,
MAPA del Valle's vice-president, they
boycott Coors for several notable reasons.
"For o~e, we openly boycott because
of (Joseph) Coors support of the
Heritage Foundation. Secondly, we
boycott because Coors donates monies
to the Contra's."
The Heritage Foundation, is an
organization partly founded by Joseph
Coors, has initiated proposals to the
Reagan administratiou that would
terminate "affirmative action" and the
"minimum
wage".
According
to
Benavidez, Coors still subsidizes The
Heritage Foundation.
During the Iran-Contra hearings, Lt.
Col. Oliver North testified that Joseph
Coors personally came to his office and
contributed $65,000.00 in cash for
Contra-aid, when asked if private
citizens had ever donated monies to
·freedom fighter's cause in Nicaragua.
See Coors. page 4
LaVoz
Page2
MOVIE REVIEW -
BORN IN EAST L. A.
By .Randall F. Guerra
and Melinda Hall
La Voz writers
Born in East LA is an uncomparable
comedy based on a true st.ory that
displays the magical talent of Richard
"Cheech" Marin. He fills the viewer with
laughter and at the same time wakes the
viewer with some very socially relevant
and challenging points, by exposing not
condemning issues.
Cheech casts himself as Rudy Robles,
a third generation Hispanic auto mechanic, who cannot speak Spanish, and
an East Los Angeles native. He is not
very updated on his roots but he receives a quick lesson when this nonSpanish speaker gets caught up in an
immigration raid without his wallet.
Rudy finds himself in Tijuana with noone seeing past his brown skin, or
believing his vain efforts to rescue
himself when explaining his dilemma to
realize he is an American. Rudy is suddenly in a situation penniless, homeless,
and where he is a foreigner. He is
reconnected to his roots as he struggles
to survive and get back home to East L.
A.
The infamous coyote soon takes advantage of a desperate Rudy as he tries
to find passage home. The coyote is
amused at how incredibly ingenius and
witty Rudy's efforts ro explain his plight
and vindicate himself are presented
with such conviction, unaware that he is
telling the truth. He gives Rudy one job
after another to raise the money needed
to return home, and it is in the course of
these jobs that he meets and falls in love
with a beautiful Salvadoran refugee.
She gradually changes her rash judgements of Rudy as being insensitive to the
plight of Mexicans after she witnesses
bis compassion for a poor Mexican family by giving them the cart of oranges
he was trying to sell, as well as several
other altruistic acts.
When Rudy finally raises the money
necessary to pay for his transit home he
is overcome by compassion, and gives
his passage to a poor, old woman
paralyzed with fear of the prospect of
being left behind, never to be reunited ,
with her husband who is leaving alone
since they only had money to pay for
one person.
Cheech wraps up his film in such a
moving and exhilarating fashion that
the power of the moment is hard to miss.
Cheech humanely reveals sensitive and
risky issues, such as the second class
citizenship felt by many Hispanics, the
desperation of illegal aliens as they
attempt t.o flee poverty stricken, undeveloped countries for economic security,
the influence and power the Catholic
church plays in our culture, and finally
relates a sense of disconcemment alot of
us have about our ethnicity and culture.
He depicts many other aspects of our
culture throughout the movie such as
the dress, lingo (calo), and personal flair
that is indigenous to East L.A. and other
barrios where homeboys can be found
cruising in their low, low ridershydraulics and all; our appreciation for
the unsurpassed beauty to, be found in
Latino women; our appreciation for
music; and our innate love and
compassion for mankind. Two scenes I
found particulary funning and that I
could relate to wholeheartedly were
when his cousin, played by aka Pablo
was convinced that' Jesus was speaking
personally to him when infact it was t~e
phone recorder; and when they surfaced
through the manhole onto the street
surface only to find a parade
commemorating the Cinco de Mayo in
progress. When his girlfriend ~ked the
reason for the parade he replies, "I don't
know but we have one every year on
this day."
Marin directing production
M(;HAEL B~CKc R
Bom in East L. A is a beautifully
directed and enlightening depiction of
some issues that are very sensitive, and
to many still obscure. In the film Richard
Cheech Marin comes of age from the me
generation to the now generation. He
gives viewers a chance to laugh instead
EDITORIAi~
of cry. To relate and emphathize instead
of obstracizing or being indifferent.
Lastly, a lesson to learn that poverty,
strife, and disillusionment are not
exclusive to any one group in the world,
as they exist not only within the borders
of our great country, but beyond them
as well.
lempo
a1,fw~ fo'l. d/-lL Oaaelilon.s.
Don't be a
VE-N DIDO
Support the
BOYCOTT
ELAINE
733-2389
STANLEY
VISALIA, CA.
732-!5279
LaVoz
Page3
•
•
•
_C.A.M.1;:? reaches minority/ Fake 1D s: A Pandora·s Box
agn·culture students
ByTeresaNa~arro
.
La Voz staff wnter
By Maribel Hernandez
La Voz staff reporter
As a newcomer t.o campus and first
time reporter, writing for La Voz I was
a little apprehensive t.o begin this article,
and after the editor told me to cover the
College Assistance Migrant Program
(C.A.M.P.), I was more than a little
discouraged. I wanted to write about
something that I considered savory and
worth writing about. However, once I
talked to Raul Diaz, coordinator of the
C.S.U. Fresno C.AM.P., I was immediately impressed with this organization,
its value, and its purpose.
The program is one of only five in the
nation and started in 1981. It focuses on
incoming freshmen who come from an
agricultural
related
background.
C.A.M.P. provides supportive and
retention services to help students
explore the options available, while
helping the student remain in school.
Keeping in mind that incoming freshmen are exposed to several academic
and social challenges, C.A.M.P. helps
students adjust to their distinct environment by assisting them in areas .such as:
personal and academic counseling,
career advisement, cultural enrichment,
assistance in obtaining financial aid, and
the provision of tutorial services.
According to Raul Diaz, "Completion
of the freshman year is most critical."
1
Statistics have shown that if a student is
Peer pressure, the excitement of have his legal license revoked for 3
able to succeed during his first year in
being away from home, and exploring weeks. Once he has gone t.o court, he
college, then he has an 80% chance of. boundaries beyond one's limit lead could face 2 months-3 years in jail
acqwnng a college degree. The
many college students to purchase false and/or be fined $250.00 and up.
This punishment is only the tip of the
freshman needs to meet the eligibility
I.D.'s having little if no concern for the
iceberg. If an accident had occured he
requirement for C.AM.P. which is the
consequences they may face if arrest.ed.
qualification of being a migrant or seaThere are essentially three reasons would have additional charges brought
sonal farm worker, or a dependent of
why people obtain false identification against him.
Purchasing or consuming alcohol
farmworkers. Diaz shared that he was
cards: (1.) To get into bars. (2.) To
motivated to help with th~ program
purchase it.ems. (3.) To drive aft.er their may seem like a "harmless crime" but it
has caused millions of deaths by drunk
because he clearly recalls the experience license has been suspended.
drivers under 21 years of age. FurtherThe
awareness
of
how
serious
these
of coming from an agricultural backconsequences are will hopefully dis- more, "This isn't a traffic ticket that goes
ground, and he can relate to the fears
and doubts to which these students are courage this "harmless crime." Possess- off' your record after three years. This
ion of a false I.D. is considered a felony stays on your record for life," warns Mel
exposed.
Last year the program received a · and slightly alt.ering a drivers license in Velmick, investigator in charge of Bur$244,403 grant to provide for a total of any way is considered a misdemeanor. eau Investigations in California.
Ten years from now, John Doe may
For instance, if John Doe is 18 years old
eighty students. In addition to financial
be
a responsible, intelligent graduate, but
and
decides
to
get
a
fake
I.D.
to
purchase
assistance from the Camp Alliance
group, C.A.M.P. is federally funded. beer, he will be charged with a felony. if he applies for a job that will not hire
Funding for this fiscal year is presently John Doe, the aspiring college student, anyone who has committed a felony- he
will spend at least one might in jail and is still paying for the "harmless crime."
uncertain.
Basically, Raul Diaz and C.A.M.P.'s
staff have their goal centered on helping
stimulate those freshmen whose migrant family background tends to·expose
them to a greater risk offailure. C.A.M.P.
programs are having a significant
THE MARKS WE LEAVE
impact upon students, and their success
rate has been higher than that of the
usual population. C.A.M.P. takes a
As life goes on and we reflect
progressive attitude and is highly
The things we've said and done,
worthy of any coverage that relays the
The places we've traveled,
messages of this special outreach
-~~am.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE
In or der for us to maintain our schedule of publishing
bi-weekly we need your support. Our associated student
body has funded us for printing and salaries for only 4
issues this semester. We plan to publish 8 more times, but
without help this will be impossible. Please complete the
sucription form and return with your check payable to La
Voz De Aztlan at C.S.U. FRESNO, Mail st.op #42 Fresno,
Ca . 93740-0042
Enclosed is my check for $10.00. Please send me the
next 8 issues of La Voz.
NAME _____________
The people we've met,
And think of all the fun,
We realize the marks we leave in life
Aren't made of stone and steel
But rather of the lives we've touched
And how we made folks feel.
For people are far more valuable
_Than achievements great and high,
than cars or planes or rocketships
Or buildings reaching to the sky.
We can leave our mark in life
By doing all we can
To encourage, serve and uplift
The lives of our fellow men.
Mark H. Sanborn
· ADDRESS_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
CITY_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
TELEPHONE
La Voz back to school dance a ·success
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz Editor
Last Wednesday in celebration of the
16th of September La Voz held a free
dance at the Satellite C,olle~ Union
featuring live bands, Gang's Back a local
favorite, and Shantez who can really
play La Musica Mexicana con gust.a.
Also donating their equipment and
services were two local DJ's, Mark
Lozada (Lozada's Mobile Sound), and
Danny Malcolm (D.J.M.). Many people
responded to our request for canned
food for the Christmas food drive La Voz
is sponsoring. Their were over 100
people out having a good time,- even
though it was the middle of the week.
On behalf of my staff and as editor of La
Voz I thank every one of you who
attended and supported this function. A
speci~ thanks t.o the class musicians.
Gang's Back in action on the gala dance celebrating the 16th of September
LaVoz
Page4
nooooooooooooooooooooo~
Wally
875-3147
Santos
646-2857
'D. j. ®It.
-g
0
CALENDARIO
g
0
oSeptember24th, ContactoLatino,a g
gstudentorganizationconsistingofg
DANCE TO THE
o students from Central and South o
C1)441C j ~
MUSIC OF
gAmerica will be meeting at 6 pm- o
~~
o 7pm in C.U .#309 to share theirg
• WEDDINGS
• DANCES
gcultures.
o
• PARTIES
• SHOWS
o
September
26th,
The
Commission8
D.J.
.g for the Review of the Master Plano
Richard
2512 5th St. Apt. 110
Gil
DANNY MALCOLM
Danny
o for Higher Education wil beg
638-7275
Sanger,
CA
93657
591-8263
(209) 875-3583
591-6814
g holding public hearings in Joint0
.__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ;:::::::;;:::::::::::::;:::::::::::~•committeeatCalStateLA.
g
September 29th, Save the Oid0
Administration Building a12
Fresno City College. 4:30pm,0
FRESNO
F.C.C. Theatre. Save the plac~
~PRIVATE INDUSTRY
where it all started for C.S.u.o
~
COUNCIL
oFresno
g
TAAINING FOR BLJSINESS
gSeptember 30th, U.S. Hispanic0
o ChamberofCommerce8thannual,g
Angle Rios
g nationalconv~ntion.LosAngeles.o
Public Informal/on O(flc~r
Bert Cox
Phone
oFor information call: Davidg
Operations Manager
(209) 233-5239
0Mendoza442-1008.
o
1736 E. Lewis Street
O
O
Fresno, CA 93701
(209)266-3742
.0
o
- - - • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __. 0Octoberlst,CentroLaFamiliadeo
hosting a reception8
0honoring Assemblyman John0
II1111~ Memi8vasconcellos, Chair, Assemblyg
i IIIII' Amer!can Optometric Association
1CFTV21 - 0Ways & Means Committee.a
gR.V.S.P. $15.00 before 9/25 at theg
0Golden
State Plaza.
o
Daniel Lopez, 0.0.
goctober 5th, Hispanic Businessg
Family Optometry
ostudent Association will beo
Contact Lenses
Suky Magdaleno
gmeeting at 7:00pm in the Collegeg
Account Executive
0Union.
o
2570 Jensen Avenue
goctober
10th,
Special
Saturdayg
Suite 107
Telephone:
3239 West Ashlan Ave., Fresno, California 93711 (209)222-2121
Sanger, California 93657
(209) 875-7164
oSeries . offered by the Chicano-a
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___. gLatino Studies program begins. 1g
ounit. CffiCANO-LATINOS INo
gEDUCATION 0900-1700.Formoreg
oWormation call: 294-2848
o
goctober12th,Dia de laRaza.Foodg
ofair,entertainment, and a showofo
gunity for Chicano-Latino com-g
omunity on campus and off. 12pmo
_g c.S,U. FRESNO free·speech area. g
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.SHANTEZ
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--------------------.. r--------------------gFresno is
0
f:HlflllAHDA~ INC:.
0
gNovember 7th, La Raza Lawyersg
oAssociation will hold their 8tho
Annual Sc~olarship Banquet. g
oAwarding of scholarships too
MERCADO & TORTILLA FACTORY
g deserving Hispanics and install-g
·c ation of new officers. For moreo
.
feSOO CJ fee
ginformation call: Ralph Avila org
C
·
o Susan Medina at 488-3546.
o
L.,__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ ; : . . , ; ; . . . : : . . . : : . . : .B
; ; . . ~ . . . . . . . ; ; : ; . . . ; ; ; ; . ; ; . ; , ; ~ ; ; . . ; . . ; ; ~ - - - - - - - - - - - t)O0O0O000000OOOO00000O0<
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Coors continued from page 1
ELQUETZAL.
~ine·
mex1caR Food
RODEO PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER
44 Shaw Ave., Clovis
Phone: 298-1271
LA MORENA
Tortilleria
Corn ·& Flour
All Kinds of
Mexican· Foods
and Spices
716 "L" Street
Sanger, CA
Retail & Wholesale
We Deliver Fresh Daily
Phone 87 -
Para Servi rie
LUIS MERCADO, Mgr.
Benavidez went on to mention that a
good proportion of the Contra's are
Mexicanos, and that Coor's contributes
"to upgrade against the Chicano
Heritage."
"Coors is detrimental t,o La Raza.
Forty percent of the Contras are
Mexicanos. That's Raza against Raza.
Those Chicanos who support Coors are
down and out vendidos" (sell outs)
added Benavidez.
Sal Quintero, president of the Fresno
chapter of the League of United Latin
American Citizens (LULAC), was
unreachable for comment. However,
according to ·the same article in the
Fresno Bee, Quintero's "Paint-a-thon", to
be sponsored by a $10,000 t,o $12,000
Coors donation,' was annuled by
pressure from labor unions and
membership faction. Venancio Gaona, a
Fresno City College Counselor and
· member of LULAC said he did not
support the joint sponsorship with Coors
and instead openly boycotts them.
"Our boycott in Fresno and the
Southwest must continue as a force that
will bring pressure to Coors in
bargaining for Union representation.
Until there is a solid agreement to allow
for unions t,o form, I will continue to
boycott", said Gaona.
Movimient,o Estudiantil Chicano de
Aztlan (MEChA), at C.S.U.F. is continuing its boycott because of (Joseph) Coors
funding to Ultra-conservative groups
like the John-Birch Society. According to
MEChA, "The John Birch Society has
had overlapping membership, leadership and programs with the Klu-KluxKlan and Klan type groups such as the
White Citizen Council, Minute Men, and
American Mercury. MEChA also
boycotts because of Coors monetary
support to the Contras and anti-labor
union tendencies.
Others on campus voice opposite
viewpoints. According to Rueben Lugo,
Hispanic Business Student Association
member, the boycott on Coors has no
part in University activism. "Nobody
~es anymore and a lot of people don't
even know there was a boycott on
Coors. It was a good idea, but now we
(Chicanos) have t,o leave that behind."
In addition, the Fresno State Food
Services has welcomed Coors because
their sales on this beer have "been
profitable". Pat Hamilton, Food Services
Manager, said the sales ofCoors'Lightis
higher than Bud-Light, and that she was
pleased that she tried Coors. "I tried
Coors' Light on Tap several years ago
and rm glad I did because the sales have
expanded dramatically."
Currently, Coors has improved
relations with minority organizations by
sponsoring festivities for Cinco de Mayo
and 16 de Septiembre Fiestas, IndianPow Wows and other activities. But for
many this is not good enoug~: And the
boycott continues.
U.F. W. continues struggle for .
farmworkers
Photo bv An el De Jesus
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz editor
The National Safety Council in 1971
reported that farm work was the 3rd
most dangerous U.S. occupation. If a
similiar report were done today in view
of the tremendous outcry and concern
from states where chemical poisonings
and contaminated soil and water is
prevalent, it would come as no surprise
to most leaders of The United Farmworkers Union, (U.F.W.) if this occupation now were to top the list as the
most dangerous in the United States.
In Califo'rrua' alone thepe are over
1,000 registered active ingredients for
pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and
other chemicals. There are 27 of these
chemicals used in grapes alone.
When you consider these startling
facts you may be alarmed to know that
the pay for this highly dangerous and
life threa~nirig vocation is hardly
commensurate for the nature of the
risk taking t:oll in lives, limbs, and health. In 'fact, according to the U. S. Senate
Subcommittee on Agricultural Labor,
in 1976 the average yearly income
nationwide for migrant worker families hardly registered on the scale at $2,
475.00
In· spite of these facts, growers like
H. P. Metzler Inc., refuse to negotiate
with U.F.W. representatives who until
August represented their workers. A
growing reluctance of many growers
to renew contracts for their employees
with the U.F.W. are ignoring their
employees pleas for just wages, fair
benefits, and safe working conditions.
Gov. Deukmejian's personal charge t:o
dissolve the power and effectiveness of
the Agricultural Labor Relations Board
(A.L.R.B.) is a major contributor t:o this
problem as the AL.R.B. in the past had
~n the enforcer of fair labor practices
for the farmworker. Now just an image
of its former self it serves only as a
token concession, subjucating farmworkers to the greedy, manipulative,
and bureacratic restrictions proposed
by the growers and ranchers at the
pleasure of both, the aforementioned
and the governor. This action by Deukmejian has all but assured him that his
campaigns chests will be full of
contributions from those he serves and
rubs elbows with at the $1,000 a plate
luncheons.
Many think that the U .F.W."s hey
day has passed and that it will never
again regain the stature, prestige, and
power it once exerted over politicians
and bureaucratic, government juggernauts. Efforts to make sure this possibility stays an impossibility have been
taken by those in control of the political
power structure by squirming for ways
to hinder this recoupment with their
quid pro quo legislation such as the
Immigration Control and Reform Act
of 1986, the Simpson-Mazzoli-Rodino
Bill, and the desolution of the AL.RB.
for all intents and purposes.
In reality however, the Chicano
movement which was spawned on the
heels of the first farm labor organizational struggle led by a then much
younger, Cesar Chavez, has never been
stronger. A concerted effort by all
Hispanic-Chicano-Latino's is being forged consisting of students, parents,
educators, professionals, the young ,the
old, and many organized labor unions.
When you consider how vital the
farmworker is to California's- economy
for the harvest and production of its
cash crops, people have got t:o realize
that their needs must be recognized
and handled fairly.
An article in the Fresno Bee,
September 1 7 exhibited a local
growers, H. P. Metzler Inc., idea of
what fairly is all about. It was reported
in The Fresno Bee t.o be " Their last,
. Jesus and Maria Genara with their son, Jaime
man the picket at one of H.P. Metzlers farms
best, and final offer." Consider that this
offer cut workers pay from $5.20 an
hour t:o $4.25 and reduced fringe
benefits, and refused t.o disclose the
chemicals th~y were utilizing on their
crops it is no wonder the workers
walked out and are still picketing to this
day. After alll these farmworkers are
already paid inade-quate wages for the
arduous work they perform: have the
highest frequency of chemical poisonings and job related sicknesses-over
300,000 affectations a year; their children experience birth defects much
higher than the national average; and
their children experience a cancer
frequency estimated to be four times
higher than the expected rate for the
Central San Joaquin Valley.
These people need support and your
prayers. If you would like t.o help or get
more information write t.o: UNITED
FARMWORKE~ OF AMERICA, La
Paz, Keene, Ca. 93570.
~oors.boycott 1nay soon be over
concerning relations with labor unions
and minorities, it's not difficult to
For decades, COORS has accumul- understand why certain organizations
ated a horrendous track record of con- are not buying Coors beer. During the
tempt and' insensitivity towards Chi- late 60's and early 70's Joseph Coors,
canos, Blacks, women, labor unions and while serving as a University of Colorthe environment. For these reasons a ado agent, opposed campus groups such
boycott was called towards Coors as. Students for a Democratic Society
Corporation that spands over twenty (SDS), United Mexican American Stuyears. Some feel that people should let dents (UMAS), and the Black Student
bygones be bygones and make use of the Union (BSU).
In the same period, the Equal Employcompanies seeming posture to redeem
itself by winning over the graces of ment Opportunity Commission (EEOC),
those it offended. For others, the boycott charged Coors with unlawful employis as fresh in their minds as if these ment practices against Chicanos and
injustices had happened yesterday. In Blacks. In 1970, the Colorado Civil
many cases they may be right as more Rights Commission found Coors guilty
and more evidence is being revealed to of "racial discrimination" in its brewerindicate that the company is still a wolf ies.
Coor's has also brewed contempt for
in sheeps clothing.
labor
union organization efforts. Coors
Although the AFL-CIO called off its
boycott on Coors many groups, par- for a long time disallowed the formation
ticularly Hispanic organizations, are of labor unions. According t.o informcontinuing the boycott started 20 years ation from F.S.U. MEChA, "Coors has
ago by the Colorado G.I. Forum and destroyed nineteen unions representing
Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales' Crusade for Coor's workers in the past 20 years." In
1977, for instance, the Brewers Workers
Justice.
If one researched Coors· history Local 366 protested the companies
By Bill Lerch
La Voz staU writer
"human dignity" policies because Coors
forced its employers t:o polygraph tests
and involuntary searches and seizures.
Within a year and a half, Local 366 was
"decertified" with no voting power.
Last month, the American Federation
of Labor and Congress of Industrial
Organizations (AFL-CIO) called off its
boycott. "Because Coors had agreed not
to interfere with union organizing in its
plants", said president Lane Kirkland.
United Farm Workers vice president,
Dolores Huerta, responded to the CoorsAFL-CIO Labor union c ~~promise by
saying, "We will follow whatever the
union workers at Coors want." Having
come to this compromise only a month
ago, it is unlikely that a boycott that has
las~d 20 years will be called off until the
workers have something firm, as in a
valid contract, before we call off our boycott, said Huerta.
According to an August 21st article in
the Fresno Bee, Jimmy Harnmoch,
president of Teamsters Local 431 was
noted as saying that, ''his organization
has not released the boycott on Coors."
The Teamsters Union is the largest labor
union organization in the United States.
MAPA del Valle is still boycotting
Coors, an act theyve been involved in
since 1966. According to Ben Benavidez,
MAPA del Valle's vice-president, they
boycott Coors for several notable reasons.
"For o~e, we openly boycott because
of (Joseph) Coors support of the
Heritage Foundation. Secondly, we
boycott because Coors donates monies
to the Contra's."
The Heritage Foundation, is an
organization partly founded by Joseph
Coors, has initiated proposals to the
Reagan administratiou that would
terminate "affirmative action" and the
"minimum
wage".
According
to
Benavidez, Coors still subsidizes The
Heritage Foundation.
During the Iran-Contra hearings, Lt.
Col. Oliver North testified that Joseph
Coors personally came to his office and
contributed $65,000.00 in cash for
Contra-aid, when asked if private
citizens had ever donated monies to
·freedom fighter's cause in Nicaragua.
See Coors. page 4
LaVoz
Page2
MOVIE REVIEW -
BORN IN EAST L. A.
By .Randall F. Guerra
and Melinda Hall
La Voz writers
Born in East LA is an uncomparable
comedy based on a true st.ory that
displays the magical talent of Richard
"Cheech" Marin. He fills the viewer with
laughter and at the same time wakes the
viewer with some very socially relevant
and challenging points, by exposing not
condemning issues.
Cheech casts himself as Rudy Robles,
a third generation Hispanic auto mechanic, who cannot speak Spanish, and
an East Los Angeles native. He is not
very updated on his roots but he receives a quick lesson when this nonSpanish speaker gets caught up in an
immigration raid without his wallet.
Rudy finds himself in Tijuana with noone seeing past his brown skin, or
believing his vain efforts to rescue
himself when explaining his dilemma to
realize he is an American. Rudy is suddenly in a situation penniless, homeless,
and where he is a foreigner. He is
reconnected to his roots as he struggles
to survive and get back home to East L.
A.
The infamous coyote soon takes advantage of a desperate Rudy as he tries
to find passage home. The coyote is
amused at how incredibly ingenius and
witty Rudy's efforts ro explain his plight
and vindicate himself are presented
with such conviction, unaware that he is
telling the truth. He gives Rudy one job
after another to raise the money needed
to return home, and it is in the course of
these jobs that he meets and falls in love
with a beautiful Salvadoran refugee.
She gradually changes her rash judgements of Rudy as being insensitive to the
plight of Mexicans after she witnesses
bis compassion for a poor Mexican family by giving them the cart of oranges
he was trying to sell, as well as several
other altruistic acts.
When Rudy finally raises the money
necessary to pay for his transit home he
is overcome by compassion, and gives
his passage to a poor, old woman
paralyzed with fear of the prospect of
being left behind, never to be reunited ,
with her husband who is leaving alone
since they only had money to pay for
one person.
Cheech wraps up his film in such a
moving and exhilarating fashion that
the power of the moment is hard to miss.
Cheech humanely reveals sensitive and
risky issues, such as the second class
citizenship felt by many Hispanics, the
desperation of illegal aliens as they
attempt t.o flee poverty stricken, undeveloped countries for economic security,
the influence and power the Catholic
church plays in our culture, and finally
relates a sense of disconcemment alot of
us have about our ethnicity and culture.
He depicts many other aspects of our
culture throughout the movie such as
the dress, lingo (calo), and personal flair
that is indigenous to East L.A. and other
barrios where homeboys can be found
cruising in their low, low ridershydraulics and all; our appreciation for
the unsurpassed beauty to, be found in
Latino women; our appreciation for
music; and our innate love and
compassion for mankind. Two scenes I
found particulary funning and that I
could relate to wholeheartedly were
when his cousin, played by aka Pablo
was convinced that' Jesus was speaking
personally to him when infact it was t~e
phone recorder; and when they surfaced
through the manhole onto the street
surface only to find a parade
commemorating the Cinco de Mayo in
progress. When his girlfriend ~ked the
reason for the parade he replies, "I don't
know but we have one every year on
this day."
Marin directing production
M(;HAEL B~CKc R
Bom in East L. A is a beautifully
directed and enlightening depiction of
some issues that are very sensitive, and
to many still obscure. In the film Richard
Cheech Marin comes of age from the me
generation to the now generation. He
gives viewers a chance to laugh instead
EDITORIAi~
of cry. To relate and emphathize instead
of obstracizing or being indifferent.
Lastly, a lesson to learn that poverty,
strife, and disillusionment are not
exclusive to any one group in the world,
as they exist not only within the borders
of our great country, but beyond them
as well.
lempo
a1,fw~ fo'l. d/-lL Oaaelilon.s.
Don't be a
VE-N DIDO
Support the
BOYCOTT
ELAINE
733-2389
STANLEY
VISALIA, CA.
732-!5279
LaVoz
Page3
•
•
•
_C.A.M.1;:? reaches minority/ Fake 1D s: A Pandora·s Box
agn·culture students
ByTeresaNa~arro
.
La Voz staff wnter
By Maribel Hernandez
La Voz staff reporter
As a newcomer t.o campus and first
time reporter, writing for La Voz I was
a little apprehensive t.o begin this article,
and after the editor told me to cover the
College Assistance Migrant Program
(C.A.M.P.), I was more than a little
discouraged. I wanted to write about
something that I considered savory and
worth writing about. However, once I
talked to Raul Diaz, coordinator of the
C.S.U. Fresno C.AM.P., I was immediately impressed with this organization,
its value, and its purpose.
The program is one of only five in the
nation and started in 1981. It focuses on
incoming freshmen who come from an
agricultural
related
background.
C.A.M.P. provides supportive and
retention services to help students
explore the options available, while
helping the student remain in school.
Keeping in mind that incoming freshmen are exposed to several academic
and social challenges, C.A.M.P. helps
students adjust to their distinct environment by assisting them in areas .such as:
personal and academic counseling,
career advisement, cultural enrichment,
assistance in obtaining financial aid, and
the provision of tutorial services.
According to Raul Diaz, "Completion
of the freshman year is most critical."
1
Statistics have shown that if a student is
Peer pressure, the excitement of have his legal license revoked for 3
able to succeed during his first year in
being away from home, and exploring weeks. Once he has gone t.o court, he
college, then he has an 80% chance of. boundaries beyond one's limit lead could face 2 months-3 years in jail
acqwnng a college degree. The
many college students to purchase false and/or be fined $250.00 and up.
This punishment is only the tip of the
freshman needs to meet the eligibility
I.D.'s having little if no concern for the
iceberg. If an accident had occured he
requirement for C.AM.P. which is the
consequences they may face if arrest.ed.
qualification of being a migrant or seaThere are essentially three reasons would have additional charges brought
sonal farm worker, or a dependent of
why people obtain false identification against him.
Purchasing or consuming alcohol
farmworkers. Diaz shared that he was
cards: (1.) To get into bars. (2.) To
motivated to help with th~ program
purchase it.ems. (3.) To drive aft.er their may seem like a "harmless crime" but it
has caused millions of deaths by drunk
because he clearly recalls the experience license has been suspended.
drivers under 21 years of age. FurtherThe
awareness
of
how
serious
these
of coming from an agricultural backconsequences are will hopefully dis- more, "This isn't a traffic ticket that goes
ground, and he can relate to the fears
and doubts to which these students are courage this "harmless crime." Possess- off' your record after three years. This
ion of a false I.D. is considered a felony stays on your record for life," warns Mel
exposed.
Last year the program received a · and slightly alt.ering a drivers license in Velmick, investigator in charge of Bur$244,403 grant to provide for a total of any way is considered a misdemeanor. eau Investigations in California.
Ten years from now, John Doe may
For instance, if John Doe is 18 years old
eighty students. In addition to financial
be
a responsible, intelligent graduate, but
and
decides
to
get
a
fake
I.D.
to
purchase
assistance from the Camp Alliance
group, C.A.M.P. is federally funded. beer, he will be charged with a felony. if he applies for a job that will not hire
Funding for this fiscal year is presently John Doe, the aspiring college student, anyone who has committed a felony- he
will spend at least one might in jail and is still paying for the "harmless crime."
uncertain.
Basically, Raul Diaz and C.A.M.P.'s
staff have their goal centered on helping
stimulate those freshmen whose migrant family background tends to·expose
them to a greater risk offailure. C.A.M.P.
programs are having a significant
THE MARKS WE LEAVE
impact upon students, and their success
rate has been higher than that of the
usual population. C.A.M.P. takes a
As life goes on and we reflect
progressive attitude and is highly
The things we've said and done,
worthy of any coverage that relays the
The places we've traveled,
messages of this special outreach
-~~am.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE
In or der for us to maintain our schedule of publishing
bi-weekly we need your support. Our associated student
body has funded us for printing and salaries for only 4
issues this semester. We plan to publish 8 more times, but
without help this will be impossible. Please complete the
sucription form and return with your check payable to La
Voz De Aztlan at C.S.U. FRESNO, Mail st.op #42 Fresno,
Ca . 93740-0042
Enclosed is my check for $10.00. Please send me the
next 8 issues of La Voz.
NAME _____________
The people we've met,
And think of all the fun,
We realize the marks we leave in life
Aren't made of stone and steel
But rather of the lives we've touched
And how we made folks feel.
For people are far more valuable
_Than achievements great and high,
than cars or planes or rocketships
Or buildings reaching to the sky.
We can leave our mark in life
By doing all we can
To encourage, serve and uplift
The lives of our fellow men.
Mark H. Sanborn
· ADDRESS_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
CITY_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
TELEPHONE
La Voz back to school dance a ·success
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz Editor
Last Wednesday in celebration of the
16th of September La Voz held a free
dance at the Satellite C,olle~ Union
featuring live bands, Gang's Back a local
favorite, and Shantez who can really
play La Musica Mexicana con gust.a.
Also donating their equipment and
services were two local DJ's, Mark
Lozada (Lozada's Mobile Sound), and
Danny Malcolm (D.J.M.). Many people
responded to our request for canned
food for the Christmas food drive La Voz
is sponsoring. Their were over 100
people out having a good time,- even
though it was the middle of the week.
On behalf of my staff and as editor of La
Voz I thank every one of you who
attended and supported this function. A
speci~ thanks t.o the class musicians.
Gang's Back in action on the gala dance celebrating the 16th of September
LaVoz
Page4
nooooooooooooooooooooo~
Wally
875-3147
Santos
646-2857
'D. j. ®It.
-g
0
CALENDARIO
g
0
oSeptember24th, ContactoLatino,a g
gstudentorganizationconsistingofg
DANCE TO THE
o students from Central and South o
C1)441C j ~
MUSIC OF
gAmerica will be meeting at 6 pm- o
~~
o 7pm in C.U .#309 to share theirg
• WEDDINGS
• DANCES
gcultures.
o
• PARTIES
• SHOWS
o
September
26th,
The
Commission8
D.J.
.g for the Review of the Master Plano
Richard
2512 5th St. Apt. 110
Gil
DANNY MALCOLM
Danny
o for Higher Education wil beg
638-7275
Sanger,
CA
93657
591-8263
(209) 875-3583
591-6814
g holding public hearings in Joint0
.__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ;:::::::;;:::::::::::::;:::::::::::~•committeeatCalStateLA.
g
September 29th, Save the Oid0
Administration Building a12
Fresno City College. 4:30pm,0
FRESNO
F.C.C. Theatre. Save the plac~
~PRIVATE INDUSTRY
where it all started for C.S.u.o
~
COUNCIL
oFresno
g
TAAINING FOR BLJSINESS
gSeptember 30th, U.S. Hispanic0
o ChamberofCommerce8thannual,g
Angle Rios
g nationalconv~ntion.LosAngeles.o
Public Informal/on O(flc~r
Bert Cox
Phone
oFor information call: Davidg
Operations Manager
(209) 233-5239
0Mendoza442-1008.
o
1736 E. Lewis Street
O
O
Fresno, CA 93701
(209)266-3742
.0
o
- - - • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __. 0Octoberlst,CentroLaFamiliadeo
hosting a reception8
0honoring Assemblyman John0
II1111~ Memi8vasconcellos, Chair, Assemblyg
i IIIII' Amer!can Optometric Association
1CFTV21 - 0Ways & Means Committee.a
gR.V.S.P. $15.00 before 9/25 at theg
0Golden
State Plaza.
o
Daniel Lopez, 0.0.
goctober 5th, Hispanic Businessg
Family Optometry
ostudent Association will beo
Contact Lenses
Suky Magdaleno
gmeeting at 7:00pm in the Collegeg
Account Executive
0Union.
o
2570 Jensen Avenue
goctober
10th,
Special
Saturdayg
Suite 107
Telephone:
3239 West Ashlan Ave., Fresno, California 93711 (209)222-2121
Sanger, California 93657
(209) 875-7164
oSeries . offered by the Chicano-a
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___. gLatino Studies program begins. 1g
ounit. CffiCANO-LATINOS INo
gEDUCATION 0900-1700.Formoreg
oWormation call: 294-2848
o
goctober12th,Dia de laRaza.Foodg
ofair,entertainment, and a showofo
gunity for Chicano-Latino com-g
omunity on campus and off. 12pmo
_g c.S,U. FRESNO free·speech area. g
e~
.SHANTEZ
__ nl
--------------------.. r--------------------gFresno is
0
f:HlflllAHDA~ INC:.
0
gNovember 7th, La Raza Lawyersg
oAssociation will hold their 8tho
Annual Sc~olarship Banquet. g
oAwarding of scholarships too
MERCADO & TORTILLA FACTORY
g deserving Hispanics and install-g
·c ation of new officers. For moreo
.
feSOO CJ fee
ginformation call: Ralph Avila org
C
·
o Susan Medina at 488-3546.
o
L.,__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ ; : . . , ; ; . . . : : . . . : : . . : .B
; ; . . ~ . . . . . . . ; ; : ; . . . ; ; ; ; . ; ; . ; , ; ~ ; ; . . ; . . ; ; ~ - - - - - - - - - - - t)O0O0O000000OOOO00000O0<
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Coors continued from page 1
ELQUETZAL.
~ine·
mex1caR Food
RODEO PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER
44 Shaw Ave., Clovis
Phone: 298-1271
LA MORENA
Tortilleria
Corn ·& Flour
All Kinds of
Mexican· Foods
and Spices
716 "L" Street
Sanger, CA
Retail & Wholesale
We Deliver Fresh Daily
Phone 87 -
Para Servi rie
LUIS MERCADO, Mgr.
Benavidez went on to mention that a
good proportion of the Contra's are
Mexicanos, and that Coor's contributes
"to upgrade against the Chicano
Heritage."
"Coors is detrimental t,o La Raza.
Forty percent of the Contras are
Mexicanos. That's Raza against Raza.
Those Chicanos who support Coors are
down and out vendidos" (sell outs)
added Benavidez.
Sal Quintero, president of the Fresno
chapter of the League of United Latin
American Citizens (LULAC), was
unreachable for comment. However,
according to ·the same article in the
Fresno Bee, Quintero's "Paint-a-thon", to
be sponsored by a $10,000 t,o $12,000
Coors donation,' was annuled by
pressure from labor unions and
membership faction. Venancio Gaona, a
Fresno City College Counselor and
· member of LULAC said he did not
support the joint sponsorship with Coors
and instead openly boycotts them.
"Our boycott in Fresno and the
Southwest must continue as a force that
will bring pressure to Coors in
bargaining for Union representation.
Until there is a solid agreement to allow
for unions t,o form, I will continue to
boycott", said Gaona.
Movimient,o Estudiantil Chicano de
Aztlan (MEChA), at C.S.U.F. is continuing its boycott because of (Joseph) Coors
funding to Ultra-conservative groups
like the John-Birch Society. According to
MEChA, "The John Birch Society has
had overlapping membership, leadership and programs with the Klu-KluxKlan and Klan type groups such as the
White Citizen Council, Minute Men, and
American Mercury. MEChA also
boycotts because of Coors monetary
support to the Contras and anti-labor
union tendencies.
Others on campus voice opposite
viewpoints. According to Rueben Lugo,
Hispanic Business Student Association
member, the boycott on Coors has no
part in University activism. "Nobody
~es anymore and a lot of people don't
even know there was a boycott on
Coors. It was a good idea, but now we
(Chicanos) have t,o leave that behind."
In addition, the Fresno State Food
Services has welcomed Coors because
their sales on this beer have "been
profitable". Pat Hamilton, Food Services
Manager, said the sales ofCoors'Lightis
higher than Bud-Light, and that she was
pleased that she tried Coors. "I tried
Coors' Light on Tap several years ago
and rm glad I did because the sales have
expanded dramatically."
Currently, Coors has improved
relations with minority organizations by
sponsoring festivities for Cinco de Mayo
and 16 de Septiembre Fiestas, IndianPow Wows and other activities. But for
many this is not good enoug~: And the
boycott continues.
farmworkers
Photo bv An el De Jesus
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz editor
The National Safety Council in 1971
reported that farm work was the 3rd
most dangerous U.S. occupation. If a
similiar report were done today in view
of the tremendous outcry and concern
from states where chemical poisonings
and contaminated soil and water is
prevalent, it would come as no surprise
to most leaders of The United Farmworkers Union, (U.F.W.) if this occupation now were to top the list as the
most dangerous in the United States.
In Califo'rrua' alone thepe are over
1,000 registered active ingredients for
pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and
other chemicals. There are 27 of these
chemicals used in grapes alone.
When you consider these startling
facts you may be alarmed to know that
the pay for this highly dangerous and
life threa~nirig vocation is hardly
commensurate for the nature of the
risk taking t:oll in lives, limbs, and health. In 'fact, according to the U. S. Senate
Subcommittee on Agricultural Labor,
in 1976 the average yearly income
nationwide for migrant worker families hardly registered on the scale at $2,
475.00
In· spite of these facts, growers like
H. P. Metzler Inc., refuse to negotiate
with U.F.W. representatives who until
August represented their workers. A
growing reluctance of many growers
to renew contracts for their employees
with the U.F.W. are ignoring their
employees pleas for just wages, fair
benefits, and safe working conditions.
Gov. Deukmejian's personal charge t:o
dissolve the power and effectiveness of
the Agricultural Labor Relations Board
(A.L.R.B.) is a major contributor t:o this
problem as the AL.R.B. in the past had
~n the enforcer of fair labor practices
for the farmworker. Now just an image
of its former self it serves only as a
token concession, subjucating farmworkers to the greedy, manipulative,
and bureacratic restrictions proposed
by the growers and ranchers at the
pleasure of both, the aforementioned
and the governor. This action by Deukmejian has all but assured him that his
campaigns chests will be full of
contributions from those he serves and
rubs elbows with at the $1,000 a plate
luncheons.
Many think that the U .F.W."s hey
day has passed and that it will never
again regain the stature, prestige, and
power it once exerted over politicians
and bureaucratic, government juggernauts. Efforts to make sure this possibility stays an impossibility have been
taken by those in control of the political
power structure by squirming for ways
to hinder this recoupment with their
quid pro quo legislation such as the
Immigration Control and Reform Act
of 1986, the Simpson-Mazzoli-Rodino
Bill, and the desolution of the AL.RB.
for all intents and purposes.
In reality however, the Chicano
movement which was spawned on the
heels of the first farm labor organizational struggle led by a then much
younger, Cesar Chavez, has never been
stronger. A concerted effort by all
Hispanic-Chicano-Latino's is being forged consisting of students, parents,
educators, professionals, the young ,the
old, and many organized labor unions.
When you consider how vital the
farmworker is to California's- economy
for the harvest and production of its
cash crops, people have got t:o realize
that their needs must be recognized
and handled fairly.
An article in the Fresno Bee,
September 1 7 exhibited a local
growers, H. P. Metzler Inc., idea of
what fairly is all about. It was reported
in The Fresno Bee t.o be " Their last,
. Jesus and Maria Genara with their son, Jaime
man the picket at one of H.P. Metzlers farms
best, and final offer." Consider that this
offer cut workers pay from $5.20 an
hour t:o $4.25 and reduced fringe
benefits, and refused t.o disclose the
chemicals th~y were utilizing on their
crops it is no wonder the workers
walked out and are still picketing to this
day. After alll these farmworkers are
already paid inade-quate wages for the
arduous work they perform: have the
highest frequency of chemical poisonings and job related sicknesses-over
300,000 affectations a year; their children experience birth defects much
higher than the national average; and
their children experience a cancer
frequency estimated to be four times
higher than the expected rate for the
Central San Joaquin Valley.
These people need support and your
prayers. If you would like t.o help or get
more information write t.o: UNITED
FARMWORKE~ OF AMERICA, La
Paz, Keene, Ca. 93570.
~oors.boycott 1nay soon be over
concerning relations with labor unions
and minorities, it's not difficult to
For decades, COORS has accumul- understand why certain organizations
ated a horrendous track record of con- are not buying Coors beer. During the
tempt and' insensitivity towards Chi- late 60's and early 70's Joseph Coors,
canos, Blacks, women, labor unions and while serving as a University of Colorthe environment. For these reasons a ado agent, opposed campus groups such
boycott was called towards Coors as. Students for a Democratic Society
Corporation that spands over twenty (SDS), United Mexican American Stuyears. Some feel that people should let dents (UMAS), and the Black Student
bygones be bygones and make use of the Union (BSU).
In the same period, the Equal Employcompanies seeming posture to redeem
itself by winning over the graces of ment Opportunity Commission (EEOC),
those it offended. For others, the boycott charged Coors with unlawful employis as fresh in their minds as if these ment practices against Chicanos and
injustices had happened yesterday. In Blacks. In 1970, the Colorado Civil
many cases they may be right as more Rights Commission found Coors guilty
and more evidence is being revealed to of "racial discrimination" in its brewerindicate that the company is still a wolf ies.
Coor's has also brewed contempt for
in sheeps clothing.
labor
union organization efforts. Coors
Although the AFL-CIO called off its
boycott on Coors many groups, par- for a long time disallowed the formation
ticularly Hispanic organizations, are of labor unions. According t.o informcontinuing the boycott started 20 years ation from F.S.U. MEChA, "Coors has
ago by the Colorado G.I. Forum and destroyed nineteen unions representing
Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales' Crusade for Coor's workers in the past 20 years." In
1977, for instance, the Brewers Workers
Justice.
If one researched Coors· history Local 366 protested the companies
By Bill Lerch
La Voz staU writer
"human dignity" policies because Coors
forced its employers t:o polygraph tests
and involuntary searches and seizures.
Within a year and a half, Local 366 was
"decertified" with no voting power.
Last month, the American Federation
of Labor and Congress of Industrial
Organizations (AFL-CIO) called off its
boycott. "Because Coors had agreed not
to interfere with union organizing in its
plants", said president Lane Kirkland.
United Farm Workers vice president,
Dolores Huerta, responded to the CoorsAFL-CIO Labor union c ~~promise by
saying, "We will follow whatever the
union workers at Coors want." Having
come to this compromise only a month
ago, it is unlikely that a boycott that has
las~d 20 years will be called off until the
workers have something firm, as in a
valid contract, before we call off our boycott, said Huerta.
According to an August 21st article in
the Fresno Bee, Jimmy Harnmoch,
president of Teamsters Local 431 was
noted as saying that, ''his organization
has not released the boycott on Coors."
The Teamsters Union is the largest labor
union organization in the United States.
MAPA del Valle is still boycotting
Coors, an act theyve been involved in
since 1966. According to Ben Benavidez,
MAPA del Valle's vice-president, they
boycott Coors for several notable reasons.
"For o~e, we openly boycott because
of (Joseph) Coors support of the
Heritage Foundation. Secondly, we
boycott because Coors donates monies
to the Contra's."
The Heritage Foundation, is an
organization partly founded by Joseph
Coors, has initiated proposals to the
Reagan administratiou that would
terminate "affirmative action" and the
"minimum
wage".
According
to
Benavidez, Coors still subsidizes The
Heritage Foundation.
During the Iran-Contra hearings, Lt.
Col. Oliver North testified that Joseph
Coors personally came to his office and
contributed $65,000.00 in cash for
Contra-aid, when asked if private
citizens had ever donated monies to
·freedom fighter's cause in Nicaragua.
See Coors. page 4
LaVoz
Page2
MOVIE REVIEW -
BORN IN EAST L. A.
By .Randall F. Guerra
and Melinda Hall
La Voz writers
Born in East LA is an uncomparable
comedy based on a true st.ory that
displays the magical talent of Richard
"Cheech" Marin. He fills the viewer with
laughter and at the same time wakes the
viewer with some very socially relevant
and challenging points, by exposing not
condemning issues.
Cheech casts himself as Rudy Robles,
a third generation Hispanic auto mechanic, who cannot speak Spanish, and
an East Los Angeles native. He is not
very updated on his roots but he receives a quick lesson when this nonSpanish speaker gets caught up in an
immigration raid without his wallet.
Rudy finds himself in Tijuana with noone seeing past his brown skin, or
believing his vain efforts to rescue
himself when explaining his dilemma to
realize he is an American. Rudy is suddenly in a situation penniless, homeless,
and where he is a foreigner. He is
reconnected to his roots as he struggles
to survive and get back home to East L.
A.
The infamous coyote soon takes advantage of a desperate Rudy as he tries
to find passage home. The coyote is
amused at how incredibly ingenius and
witty Rudy's efforts ro explain his plight
and vindicate himself are presented
with such conviction, unaware that he is
telling the truth. He gives Rudy one job
after another to raise the money needed
to return home, and it is in the course of
these jobs that he meets and falls in love
with a beautiful Salvadoran refugee.
She gradually changes her rash judgements of Rudy as being insensitive to the
plight of Mexicans after she witnesses
bis compassion for a poor Mexican family by giving them the cart of oranges
he was trying to sell, as well as several
other altruistic acts.
When Rudy finally raises the money
necessary to pay for his transit home he
is overcome by compassion, and gives
his passage to a poor, old woman
paralyzed with fear of the prospect of
being left behind, never to be reunited ,
with her husband who is leaving alone
since they only had money to pay for
one person.
Cheech wraps up his film in such a
moving and exhilarating fashion that
the power of the moment is hard to miss.
Cheech humanely reveals sensitive and
risky issues, such as the second class
citizenship felt by many Hispanics, the
desperation of illegal aliens as they
attempt t.o flee poverty stricken, undeveloped countries for economic security,
the influence and power the Catholic
church plays in our culture, and finally
relates a sense of disconcemment alot of
us have about our ethnicity and culture.
He depicts many other aspects of our
culture throughout the movie such as
the dress, lingo (calo), and personal flair
that is indigenous to East L.A. and other
barrios where homeboys can be found
cruising in their low, low ridershydraulics and all; our appreciation for
the unsurpassed beauty to, be found in
Latino women; our appreciation for
music; and our innate love and
compassion for mankind. Two scenes I
found particulary funning and that I
could relate to wholeheartedly were
when his cousin, played by aka Pablo
was convinced that' Jesus was speaking
personally to him when infact it was t~e
phone recorder; and when they surfaced
through the manhole onto the street
surface only to find a parade
commemorating the Cinco de Mayo in
progress. When his girlfriend ~ked the
reason for the parade he replies, "I don't
know but we have one every year on
this day."
Marin directing production
M(;HAEL B~CKc R
Bom in East L. A is a beautifully
directed and enlightening depiction of
some issues that are very sensitive, and
to many still obscure. In the film Richard
Cheech Marin comes of age from the me
generation to the now generation. He
gives viewers a chance to laugh instead
EDITORIAi~
of cry. To relate and emphathize instead
of obstracizing or being indifferent.
Lastly, a lesson to learn that poverty,
strife, and disillusionment are not
exclusive to any one group in the world,
as they exist not only within the borders
of our great country, but beyond them
as well.
lempo
a1,fw~ fo'l. d/-lL Oaaelilon.s.
Don't be a
VE-N DIDO
Support the
BOYCOTT
ELAINE
733-2389
STANLEY
VISALIA, CA.
732-!5279
LaVoz
Page3
•
•
•
_C.A.M.1;:? reaches minority/ Fake 1D s: A Pandora·s Box
agn·culture students
ByTeresaNa~arro
.
La Voz staff wnter
By Maribel Hernandez
La Voz staff reporter
As a newcomer t.o campus and first
time reporter, writing for La Voz I was
a little apprehensive t.o begin this article,
and after the editor told me to cover the
College Assistance Migrant Program
(C.A.M.P.), I was more than a little
discouraged. I wanted to write about
something that I considered savory and
worth writing about. However, once I
talked to Raul Diaz, coordinator of the
C.S.U. Fresno C.AM.P., I was immediately impressed with this organization,
its value, and its purpose.
The program is one of only five in the
nation and started in 1981. It focuses on
incoming freshmen who come from an
agricultural
related
background.
C.A.M.P. provides supportive and
retention services to help students
explore the options available, while
helping the student remain in school.
Keeping in mind that incoming freshmen are exposed to several academic
and social challenges, C.A.M.P. helps
students adjust to their distinct environment by assisting them in areas .such as:
personal and academic counseling,
career advisement, cultural enrichment,
assistance in obtaining financial aid, and
the provision of tutorial services.
According to Raul Diaz, "Completion
of the freshman year is most critical."
1
Statistics have shown that if a student is
Peer pressure, the excitement of have his legal license revoked for 3
able to succeed during his first year in
being away from home, and exploring weeks. Once he has gone t.o court, he
college, then he has an 80% chance of. boundaries beyond one's limit lead could face 2 months-3 years in jail
acqwnng a college degree. The
many college students to purchase false and/or be fined $250.00 and up.
This punishment is only the tip of the
freshman needs to meet the eligibility
I.D.'s having little if no concern for the
iceberg. If an accident had occured he
requirement for C.AM.P. which is the
consequences they may face if arrest.ed.
qualification of being a migrant or seaThere are essentially three reasons would have additional charges brought
sonal farm worker, or a dependent of
why people obtain false identification against him.
Purchasing or consuming alcohol
farmworkers. Diaz shared that he was
cards: (1.) To get into bars. (2.) To
motivated to help with th~ program
purchase it.ems. (3.) To drive aft.er their may seem like a "harmless crime" but it
has caused millions of deaths by drunk
because he clearly recalls the experience license has been suspended.
drivers under 21 years of age. FurtherThe
awareness
of
how
serious
these
of coming from an agricultural backconsequences are will hopefully dis- more, "This isn't a traffic ticket that goes
ground, and he can relate to the fears
and doubts to which these students are courage this "harmless crime." Possess- off' your record after three years. This
ion of a false I.D. is considered a felony stays on your record for life," warns Mel
exposed.
Last year the program received a · and slightly alt.ering a drivers license in Velmick, investigator in charge of Bur$244,403 grant to provide for a total of any way is considered a misdemeanor. eau Investigations in California.
Ten years from now, John Doe may
For instance, if John Doe is 18 years old
eighty students. In addition to financial
be
a responsible, intelligent graduate, but
and
decides
to
get
a
fake
I.D.
to
purchase
assistance from the Camp Alliance
group, C.A.M.P. is federally funded. beer, he will be charged with a felony. if he applies for a job that will not hire
Funding for this fiscal year is presently John Doe, the aspiring college student, anyone who has committed a felony- he
will spend at least one might in jail and is still paying for the "harmless crime."
uncertain.
Basically, Raul Diaz and C.A.M.P.'s
staff have their goal centered on helping
stimulate those freshmen whose migrant family background tends to·expose
them to a greater risk offailure. C.A.M.P.
programs are having a significant
THE MARKS WE LEAVE
impact upon students, and their success
rate has been higher than that of the
usual population. C.A.M.P. takes a
As life goes on and we reflect
progressive attitude and is highly
The things we've said and done,
worthy of any coverage that relays the
The places we've traveled,
messages of this special outreach
-~~am.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE
In or der for us to maintain our schedule of publishing
bi-weekly we need your support. Our associated student
body has funded us for printing and salaries for only 4
issues this semester. We plan to publish 8 more times, but
without help this will be impossible. Please complete the
sucription form and return with your check payable to La
Voz De Aztlan at C.S.U. FRESNO, Mail st.op #42 Fresno,
Ca . 93740-0042
Enclosed is my check for $10.00. Please send me the
next 8 issues of La Voz.
NAME _____________
The people we've met,
And think of all the fun,
We realize the marks we leave in life
Aren't made of stone and steel
But rather of the lives we've touched
And how we made folks feel.
For people are far more valuable
_Than achievements great and high,
than cars or planes or rocketships
Or buildings reaching to the sky.
We can leave our mark in life
By doing all we can
To encourage, serve and uplift
The lives of our fellow men.
Mark H. Sanborn
· ADDRESS_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
CITY_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
TELEPHONE
La Voz back to school dance a ·success
By Randall F. Guerra
La Voz Editor
Last Wednesday in celebration of the
16th of September La Voz held a free
dance at the Satellite C,olle~ Union
featuring live bands, Gang's Back a local
favorite, and Shantez who can really
play La Musica Mexicana con gust.a.
Also donating their equipment and
services were two local DJ's, Mark
Lozada (Lozada's Mobile Sound), and
Danny Malcolm (D.J.M.). Many people
responded to our request for canned
food for the Christmas food drive La Voz
is sponsoring. Their were over 100
people out having a good time,- even
though it was the middle of the week.
On behalf of my staff and as editor of La
Voz I thank every one of you who
attended and supported this function. A
speci~ thanks t.o the class musicians.
Gang's Back in action on the gala dance celebrating the 16th of September
LaVoz
Page4
nooooooooooooooooooooo~
Wally
875-3147
Santos
646-2857
'D. j. ®It.
-g
0
CALENDARIO
g
0
oSeptember24th, ContactoLatino,a g
gstudentorganizationconsistingofg
DANCE TO THE
o students from Central and South o
C1)441C j ~
MUSIC OF
gAmerica will be meeting at 6 pm- o
~~
o 7pm in C.U .#309 to share theirg
• WEDDINGS
• DANCES
gcultures.
o
• PARTIES
• SHOWS
o
September
26th,
The
Commission8
D.J.
.g for the Review of the Master Plano
Richard
2512 5th St. Apt. 110
Gil
DANNY MALCOLM
Danny
o for Higher Education wil beg
638-7275
Sanger,
CA
93657
591-8263
(209) 875-3583
591-6814
g holding public hearings in Joint0
.__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ;:::::::;;:::::::::::::;:::::::::::~•committeeatCalStateLA.
g
September 29th, Save the Oid0
Administration Building a12
Fresno City College. 4:30pm,0
FRESNO
F.C.C. Theatre. Save the plac~
~PRIVATE INDUSTRY
where it all started for C.S.u.o
~
COUNCIL
oFresno
g
TAAINING FOR BLJSINESS
gSeptember 30th, U.S. Hispanic0
o ChamberofCommerce8thannual,g
Angle Rios
g nationalconv~ntion.LosAngeles.o
Public Informal/on O(flc~r
Bert Cox
Phone
oFor information call: Davidg
Operations Manager
(209) 233-5239
0Mendoza442-1008.
o
1736 E. Lewis Street
O
O
Fresno, CA 93701
(209)266-3742
.0
o
- - - • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __. 0Octoberlst,CentroLaFamiliadeo
hosting a reception8
0honoring Assemblyman John0
II1111~ Memi8vasconcellos, Chair, Assemblyg
i IIIII' Amer!can Optometric Association
1CFTV21 - 0Ways & Means Committee.a
gR.V.S.P. $15.00 before 9/25 at theg
0Golden
State Plaza.
o
Daniel Lopez, 0.0.
goctober 5th, Hispanic Businessg
Family Optometry
ostudent Association will beo
Contact Lenses
Suky Magdaleno
gmeeting at 7:00pm in the Collegeg
Account Executive
0Union.
o
2570 Jensen Avenue
goctober
10th,
Special
Saturdayg
Suite 107
Telephone:
3239 West Ashlan Ave., Fresno, California 93711 (209)222-2121
Sanger, California 93657
(209) 875-7164
oSeries . offered by the Chicano-a
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___. gLatino Studies program begins. 1g
ounit. CffiCANO-LATINOS INo
gEDUCATION 0900-1700.Formoreg
oWormation call: 294-2848
o
goctober12th,Dia de laRaza.Foodg
ofair,entertainment, and a showofo
gunity for Chicano-Latino com-g
omunity on campus and off. 12pmo
_g c.S,U. FRESNO free·speech area. g
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.SHANTEZ
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--------------------.. r--------------------gFresno is
0
f:HlflllAHDA~ INC:.
0
gNovember 7th, La Raza Lawyersg
oAssociation will hold their 8tho
Annual Sc~olarship Banquet. g
oAwarding of scholarships too
MERCADO & TORTILLA FACTORY
g deserving Hispanics and install-g
·c ation of new officers. For moreo
.
feSOO CJ fee
ginformation call: Ralph Avila org
C
·
o Susan Medina at 488-3546.
o
L.,__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ ; : . . , ; ; . . . : : . . . : : . . : .B
; ; . . ~ . . . . . . . ; ; : ; . . . ; ; ; ; . ; ; . ; , ; ~ ; ; . . ; . . ; ; ~ - - - - - - - - - - - t)O0O0O000000OOOO00000O0<
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Coors continued from page 1
ELQUETZAL.
~ine·
mex1caR Food
RODEO PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER
44 Shaw Ave., Clovis
Phone: 298-1271
LA MORENA
Tortilleria
Corn ·& Flour
All Kinds of
Mexican· Foods
and Spices
716 "L" Street
Sanger, CA
Retail & Wholesale
We Deliver Fresh Daily
Phone 87 -
Para Servi rie
LUIS MERCADO, Mgr.
Benavidez went on to mention that a
good proportion of the Contra's are
Mexicanos, and that Coor's contributes
"to upgrade against the Chicano
Heritage."
"Coors is detrimental t,o La Raza.
Forty percent of the Contras are
Mexicanos. That's Raza against Raza.
Those Chicanos who support Coors are
down and out vendidos" (sell outs)
added Benavidez.
Sal Quintero, president of the Fresno
chapter of the League of United Latin
American Citizens (LULAC), was
unreachable for comment. However,
according to ·the same article in the
Fresno Bee, Quintero's "Paint-a-thon", to
be sponsored by a $10,000 t,o $12,000
Coors donation,' was annuled by
pressure from labor unions and
membership faction. Venancio Gaona, a
Fresno City College Counselor and
· member of LULAC said he did not
support the joint sponsorship with Coors
and instead openly boycotts them.
"Our boycott in Fresno and the
Southwest must continue as a force that
will bring pressure to Coors in
bargaining for Union representation.
Until there is a solid agreement to allow
for unions t,o form, I will continue to
boycott", said Gaona.
Movimient,o Estudiantil Chicano de
Aztlan (MEChA), at C.S.U.F. is continuing its boycott because of (Joseph) Coors
funding to Ultra-conservative groups
like the John-Birch Society. According to
MEChA, "The John Birch Society has
had overlapping membership, leadership and programs with the Klu-KluxKlan and Klan type groups such as the
White Citizen Council, Minute Men, and
American Mercury. MEChA also
boycotts because of Coors monetary
support to the Contras and anti-labor
union tendencies.
Others on campus voice opposite
viewpoints. According to Rueben Lugo,
Hispanic Business Student Association
member, the boycott on Coors has no
part in University activism. "Nobody
~es anymore and a lot of people don't
even know there was a boycott on
Coors. It was a good idea, but now we
(Chicanos) have t,o leave that behind."
In addition, the Fresno State Food
Services has welcomed Coors because
their sales on this beer have "been
profitable". Pat Hamilton, Food Services
Manager, said the sales ofCoors'Lightis
higher than Bud-Light, and that she was
pleased that she tried Coors. "I tried
Coors' Light on Tap several years ago
and rm glad I did because the sales have
expanded dramatically."
Currently, Coors has improved
relations with minority organizations by
sponsoring festivities for Cinco de Mayo
and 16 de Septiembre Fiestas, IndianPow Wows and other activities. But for
many this is not good enoug~: And the
boycott continues.