Indiana’s Premier Bilingual Magazine
August 2013
The Boys of Summer: Courageous and Unstoppable Page 6 Maria’s Journey: Century old dream lives on Page 28
Protecting A World Class City Anita Alvarez
State’s Attorney, Cook County
Page 18
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AUGUST 2013 From the Editor:
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Dear Friends, As we approach the time for kids to return to school we reminisce upon one of the joys that recur every summer, Baseball -- America’s pastime, through the eyes of fourteen year old boys, their coaches and parents. We take a team that would be found anywhere in the US and we recount memories they built on the field destined to last a lifetime. Education has been a lifelong focus and priority for Anita Alvarez, State’s Attorney for Cook County home to the world class city: Chicago, Illinois. Chicago ranks sixth in the world solidly anchored on its influence on global markets, an educated workforce, ability to attract international students to its universities, and the presence of a number of Fortune 500 companies. International and business conferences in addition to the arts are also cited as significant resources for the city. We had the pleasure to interview Anita Alvarez and derived insight on how she and her office are moving the city to a new level. Attorney Alvarez leads this effort with the cooperation of a multitude of Federal, State and Local agencies, plus the community in her quest to combat crime. From a cultural perspective, we have reviewed a book “Maria’s Journey”. This book is a personal account of a young woman who immigrated to the US that would eventually make Northwest Indiana her home in the early 20th century. She would live a full life and would ultimately be given the highest award given to a private citizen by the State of Indiana. Through great efforts she paved the way for her children and future generations to attain and embrace the American Dream through education and participation in society. We bring to you some ideas and recommendations on how to best set the stage for kids to “hit the books” this fall with recommendations written by Diondra Hicks on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education. We continue to bring you a variety of articles including business, legal and career trends. There is legal advice from, Attorney Roy Dominguez, on how to expunge old issues for people in society. We also have a piece from Special Assistant to Indiana’s Governor, Danny Lopez, about a business mentorship program co-authored with the Chairman of the, Indianapolis based, Hispanic Business Council -- Rafael Sanchez. Thank you for your readership. We thank everyone who has sent us comments and questions about our efforts here at Que Viva! We have gone fully digital and are reaching well over 75,000 people every single month. You can reach us at contactus@quevivaindiana.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/quevivaindiana All the best, Que Viva! Indiana Team
AUGUST 2013
3 Que Viva! Editorial 5 Guest Column
Danny Lopez and Rafael Sanchez
6 Entertainment Section
Boys of Summer: Courageous and Unstoppable - Que Viva! Indiana Staff
13 Business Section Avoiding the American Nightmare - Frances Mari Burkett
14 Hot Jobs in Science Next Generation of Statisticians - Dr. Cynthia Clark
17 Recipe Section Paella Recipe
24 Legal Section Cosas Legales - Expungement - Attorney Roy Dominguez
28 Book Review Maria’s Journey: A century old dream lives on - Que Viva! Indiana Staff
32 Entrepreneur Section Opportunity Costs and their Implications - Michael Sobus, Ph.D.
18 feature article
Protecting a World Class City - Anita Alvarez - Que Viva! Indiana Staff
Indiana’s Latino businesses reinvest, ignite a strengthening community Danny Lopez and Rafael Sanchez
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate “Latino culture,” an all-encompassing term that by no means does justice to the diversity of the population. It also represents a chance to explore the ongoing transformations at the community and state levels and, as is often the case, there can be little doubt that such transformation is being ignited by the growth in size and influence of the state’s Latino business leadership. Even a cursory look at data and trending leaves little doubt that as the population grows and matures, expanded entrepreneurism and professional development will continue to strengthen the foundation for long-term community success. This perpetual evolution of Indiana’s Latino business community has substantially mirrored the population’s decadelong metamorphosis into our state’s, and indeed the nation’s, fastest-growing demographic. As one might expect, the most significant sprouting of businesses founded, overseen, and managed by Latino Hoosiers has been observed in Marion and Lake counties, two of our state’s larger population centers and quite some time the destinations for Hispanics migrating to Indiana. Still, we are now home to approximately 8,000 Latino-owned businesses, and one clear signal of the community’s ascent has been the prevalence of such small and medium-sized firms in Anderson, Plymouth, French Lick, and other areas historically well beyond the perimeter of Latino growth circles. These leaders have more often than not provided much-needed direction and support to local community organizations that are caring for our most vulnerable. Latino business leaders have in countless
instances understood their role in facilitating opportunity for the next generation of workers and entrepreneurs, of reinvesting in their home communities, and of organic transformation through advocacy and example one neighborhood at a time. As with other groups throughout our nation’s history, the rise in influence of the professional class is paying dividends not only for those less fortunate but for young professionals and students just now making their way into the workplace. The social gains are exponential, and we’re fortunate that so many Latino business folks have embraced their opportunity to be transformational. Steps have been taken to ensure that this continues across the state. At the Hispanic Business Council (HBC), for example, a strong mentorship program has been in place for several years that pairs stronger firms with emerging ones and offers the former the chance to share knowledge and experiences and the latter a way to learn and tailor best practices to their business models. This is instrumental not only for businesses prosperity, but for the well-being of their employees and for the communities in which they reside. Moreover, the mentorship program and other educational and leadershipdevelopment programs offered through the HBC are vehicles through which more rooted firms can impress upon their colleagues the importance of the kinds of socially-responsible investments that are having a positive impact on central Indiana Latinos. Similarly, the Indiana’s Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs have recently partnered in two public/private micro-lending programs, in both rural
and urban settings, that have engaged important local community organizations and helped spur Latino entrepreneurship at the very grassroots level. Fostering entrepreneurial growth at the neighborhood level has demonstrated real gains in educational achievement and community strengthening in other states, and as such efforts have taken root here Latino entrepreneurs have become catalysts for local improvement and innovations. In the same way, numerous local professional organizations have inspired their membership of both up-and-coming and established Latino business leaders to engage socially and create change by pulling their communities up by their proverbial bootstraps. After all, Indiana’s Latino professionals have the capacity to inspire and lead, to challenge and encourage, to advocate for change and to demand accountability. They have the credibility and the weight to reach deep into their communities, to leave one foot firmly planted on abuela’s doorstep while with the other kick down the barriers so many Latinos face on their way up the mountain. Amid the fiestas and parades and Corona commercials this Hispanic Heritage Month, then, let’s also commend and celebrate the ascendancy of Indiana’s Latino businesses and the leaders that make them go. Let us always encourage business owners to collaborate with one another and understand both their individual and collective responsibility; that is, to continue developing their communities and provide opportunities for the thousands of young Latinos that will be so instrumental in shaping Indiana’s economic and cultural landscape into the future.
Mr. Lopez is Special Assistant to Indiana’s Governor Mike Pence. Mr. Sanchez is partner at the Indianapolis law firm Bingham Greenebaum Doll and chairperson of the Indianapolis Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council.
Boys of Summer: Coura By Que Viva! Indiana Staff
“The game of baseball is bigger than The team ended up winning three the stage to allow each player to live any one of us” says Jeff Curtis, head games in a row, narrowly missing a the excitement as the natural flow of coach of Lockport, IL Cobras. His 2013 spot to compete in the championship plays, at bats, steals or pitches unfolded. team was comprised of 14 year old boys during that tournament. “There is a lot of juggling in effort to from surrounding optimize the ultimate level of rewards communities. His for each player involvement with the team spans four years and in total he has coached youth baseball for eleven years. He played rugby through his college career at Central Iowa and makes his living as a busy entrepreneur.
Curtis had a unique challenge this year given that one third of his original team tried out and qualified to play at the Front Row: Brando n Wenzel, Zach Bilotta, To mmy Shields, Justin Klug, high school Rico Petrongelli, Tommy D’ level. This Back Row: Coach Larry Czech, Head Co Angelo, Andy Keefe ach Jeff Curtis, Nick Lofurn o, Robert Castañeda, Justi would negate n Garcia, Justin Czech, Billy their eligibility to play for the Cobras The unduring the first third of the 2013 folding story has more to do with why and allow each of season. After all was said and done, busy people like Curtis share their them to shine” says Curtis, “instead of Curtis ended up literally coaching two passion for the sport, than individual focusing on just winning, we aimed distinct teams. The two teams were statistics or team rankings. The over- to help each individual grow as much comprised, initially without, then with arching focus stretches more on how, as they could, in spite of the circumthe high school players. The high- through a unique alchemy of energy stances we faced”. Given the “high light of this story is that, in spite of it between players, coaches and parents, school ineligibility factor”, upon the being a fragmented season, the team’s the experiences in the field create an high school group’s return, Curtis final tournament in Rockford, IL was imagery that can last a lifetime. Curtis ended up with excess players which filled with great memories resulting explained that he and his coaching somewhat impacted his ability to opfrom a camaraderie and an ultimate partners aimed to influence the love timize individual needs. “gelling” of the team as a single unit. of the game by doing their best to set The season was a short three
ageous and Unstoppable months and through the copious scorekeeping notes taken by Dave Keefe, a colorful view of the team came to life game after game. Coach Steve Lofurno with his stoic yet approachable manner continuously cheered the boys as they zipped past his first base
word or a quip. The team also had a young mentor and coach Mike Hines, no older than 20, who inspired the boys with his leopard-type instincts as he showed his skills in fielding baseballs. Wally Shields, also on hand, contributed toward a deeper understanding of the science of pitching and was always generous with his knowledge.
Rico Petrongelli that nailed many a contender. The courageous poise exhibited while under fire by pitchers Tommy Shields, Andy Keefe, Justin Czech, Billy Curtis, Justin Klug, Rico Petrongelli, Justin Garcia and Andy Keefe. And how about the “brick wall” defense at the plate provided by Tommy D’Angelo, Billy Curtis and Justin Czech or the impressive diving catches in the outfield by Nick The memories are inextrica- Lofurno, Zach Billota and Andy Keefe. bly linked to a an emotional ebb Brandon Wenzel’s huge on base perand flow that took on a life of its centage and perfectly timed hits were own. There were the indelible a complement to his incessant positive impact made by the home runs disposition which led to a continuous provided by Justin Czech, Andre stream of good results for the team. Nasir and Andy Keefe. The ex- Although temporary, Andrew Zaker citement of the line-shot triples made great contributions at third base provided by Robert Castañeda and went on to play for another team and Tommy D’Angelo as they the second half of the season. allowed their turbo booster feet The season provided hot batting to carry them to temporary glory. Who can ever forget the dramatic streaks as well as slumps, just like any plays at shortstop by other team, including the pros. Yet, some of the in-fielding
e y Curtis, Andre Nasir, Coac
h Steve Lofurno.
coach post. Coach Larry Czech with his 20 plus years of youth baseball coaching experience was a torchbearer in providing the requisite feedback for the boys as they learned and grew from the sport. Eric Garcia was always a mainstay exhibiting his coaching prowess whether batting, pitching or simply a kind
Coach Curtis with a keen ey
e on the game
Huddling for a hitting
Big Pressure at maneuvers and precision throws elicited spine tingling moments. The season also provided ample opportunities for the Moms to exert their influence, sometimes in less than subtle ways, to counteract the testosterone overflow during the games. 8
¡QUE VIVA! | AUGUST 2013
frenzy....
ultimately achieve multiple victories on the field. More important than victory on the field, the confluence of energy, passion and love for the game galvanized into an experience destined to last a lifetime for all -- players, coaches and parents.
Bat
There was camaraderie among the parents that made it a pleasant experience to collectively support the boys. Curtis shared that one of the “sparks” that led to the memorable events at the Rockford tournament stemmed from a simple utterance by Robert Castañeda.
During the initial warm ups prior to game time he said, with a “frog in his the throat” “DINGERS!!” indicating the goal was to get hits. That one word, “DINGERS”, and his unique delivery, would become the rallying cry that helped the boys and coaches to laugh, relax and
The Lockport Cobras Season of 2013 goes into the record books, these record books are unique in that they are etched in the minds and hearts of a special group of budding young men seeking to grow socially, academically and physically into a world of endless possibilities. The coaches and parents without a doubt, will look on and support them with pride for a very long time.
Klug delivers
heat!
Coach Mike Hines led by example
D’Angelo exhibits the “brick wall”
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Avoid Buying the American Nightmare by Frances Mari Burkett
Buying a home has long been a way for anyone to signal that they have “made it.” For Hispanics specifically, a mega boom in home ownership is unfolding as we pursue the American dream--a home of their own. We are here to stay, with a strong work ethic and good intentions. Unfortunately, our natural trusting tendency within the Hispanic community makes us vulnerable to deceptive business practices. One such deceptive business practice to be wary of is the Dual Agency. This manifests itself when the agent represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. Avoid Dual Agency at all costs. The agent gets double the commission, and both the seller and the buyer end up shortchanged due to the conflict of interest inherent under this scenario as it relates prices or terms negotiations. It is important to obtain the services of trustworthy Realtor by seeking a referral from friends, family or reputable sources.
fact to the listing agent at the open house. Open Houses provide listing brokers with a free platform to solicit buyer clients and obtain potential listings from sellers and create an environment lending itself to a dual agency. Open houses also potentially create security risks for sellers. If you are selling do not let your agent hold any open houses in your home. Do not let your Realtor make
choices for you. Ask for recommendations but do your own homework. When choosing a lender, look for a qualified mortgage broker.Always opt for an inspection. Choose your own title company, one that is independent from your brokerage, builder, lawyer or lender firm. Never use an affiliated business in real estate. Negotiate your buyer broker’s fee upfront and before you are shown Avoid attending “Open Houses” any properties. The best defense is if buying unless you have an agent knowledge. working for you and you disclose this
To avoid buying “The American Nightmare”, educate yourself in the home buying process. Always know and understand what your signature will bind you to. Educate yourself so you can make intelligent decisions when it comes to your family’s future. Have an attorney read your contracts. Hire an agent that can translate for you and who understand your needs and goals, but just because someone speaks Spanish, and may share the same or a similar cultural background as you, does not mean you can or should trust them. Given the wealth of information available, consumers should no longer fall prey to schemes that often count on the victim making an uneducated decision. Hispanics are expected to account for 40 percent of the estimated 12 million new households this year. It is likely there will be unscrupulous people trying to take advantage of those with a language barrier or lack of information. By arming yourself with the right tools and the right representative, you could be part of a demographic helping spearhead a way out of our housing crisis. ¡Buena Suerte!
The views expressed by the writer do not reflect the views of Que Viva! Magazine. You may reach Mari Frances Burkett at (219)263-9003. Her online presence is at: http://www.portercountyhomes.com or http://www.facebook.com/BurkettRealty
This post is part of the Science Tuesday feature series on the USDA blog. Check back each week as we showcase stories and news from USDA’s rich science and research portfolio.
portance of responding to surveys. Both private and government statistics, including those about agriculture from my agency, are dependent on voluntary survey response.
One of the most exciting aspects of my job as the head of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and an advocate for statistical literacy is to see students coming into the profession of statistics. We are fortunate, according to Bob Rodriguez, past-president of the American Statistical Association (ASA) in a column published in ASA’s AMSTATNEWS, “thatthe number of students majoring or minoring in statistics is soaring because of positive experiences in AP Statistics courses. The word is out that statistics is a ‘must’.”
This is why we are working with other organizations to bring science and statistics to the classroom. Some time ago, I worked with colleagues in other countries to develop a Census at School classroom activity. It brings statistics to students in an interesting and fun way. Students complete a brief online survey, analyze their class’s census results, and compare their class with random samples from students in the United States and other countries.
The Next G of Statis
by Dr. Cynthia Clark, Administrator, National Ag introduces real-life ways to use statistics and addresses numerous common core standards for grades 5-8. Early exposure to statistics was not something available to me when I was a student. I found statistics quite by accident as a graduate student in mathematics. I was looking for a field in which I could use my math background and found the Statistics Department at Iowa State University.
NASS recently partnered with ASA and the National Agriculture in the Classroom organization to create a Making statistics interesting to Engaging students even earlier food preference lesson plan that uses students is critical and should not than high school is important not only the Census at School questions about be hard. A quick scan of recenttitles for developing future statisticians but students’ favorite foods, making an in Significance, a joint magazine of also so that they understand the im- agricultural connection. The lesson
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gricultural Statistics Service, on August 13, 2013 ASA and the British Royal Statistical Society, shows statistics-based articles on whether slams in tennis matches convert to wins; the cost of preserving biodiversity on Earth; precision agriculture; using statistics for disaster relief in Haiti; renewable energy and climate change; breast implants; Hitchcock, statistics and film; and combinations of policies that would win votes, to name just a few.Of particular interest to students (and their parents) should be the projected demand for good jobs for statisticians. Analysts from the research firm PayScale used its compensation database along with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job
growth projections through 2020 to See more at: http://blogs.usda. determinethe most valuable college gov/2013/08/13/the-next-generationmajors according to a 2012 Forbes of-statisticians/#sthash.zthnLsiU.dpuf magazine article. The story stated that statistics was among the top 15 majors for its value in terms of salary and career prospects. We know we will continue to need statisticians in government to provide accurate, useful and timely public data for policy, personal and business decisions of all kinds. We are working hard to see that educational opportunities at all levels encourage students to enter scientific fields, including statistics.
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Recipe Page Paella
Ingredients • 4 tablespoons olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 red bell pepper, chopped • 4 ounces chorize sausage, cut into pieces • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes • 1 (12 ounce) package uncooked Arborio rice • 5 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup white wine • 1 sprig fresh thyme • 1 pinch saffron • salt to taste • ground black pepper to taste • 2 squid, cleaned and cut into 1 inch pieces • 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped • 1/2 cup frozen green peas • 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded • 1/4 cup chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
Directions Heat olive oil in paella pan over medium heat. Add in onion, garlic and pepper; cook and stir for a few minutes. Add chorizo sausage, diced chicken, and rice; cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in 3 1/2 cups stock, wine, thyme leaves, and saffron. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, and simmer for 15 minutes; stir occasionally. Taste the rice, and check to see if it is cooked. If the rice is uncooked, stir in 1/2 cup more stock. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally. Stir in additional stock if necessary, up to 2 cups additional stock, 5 cups total. Cook until rice is done. Stir in squid, tomatoes, and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Arrange prawns and mussels on top. Cover with foil, and leave for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the foil, and scatter parsley over the food. Serve in paella pan, garnished with lemon wedges.
¡QUE VIVA! | AUGUST 2013
17
Anita Alvarez
Protecting a World Clas
For Anita Alvarez, overcoming challenges and breaking new ground is nothing new. She makes it a point to speak with students during her free time. In spite of an enormously busy schedule as State’s Attorney for Cook County, IL she finds time to share her experiences to help others see the grandeur of life and the vast opportunities that lie for those who carefully look and act.
graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. In 1986, she earned her law degree from Chicago Kent College of Law, and over the next twenty two years, within the State’s Attorney Office, Alvarez would earn her stripes as a distinguished litigator.
and Supervisor of the Public Integrity Unit . In November 2008 she made history by being elected as the first woman and first Latina State’s Attorney of Cook County, IL. The office is only second in size and responsibility to Los Angeles in the United States.
Her ascent through the ranks include serving as Chief Deputy of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Chief of Staff to Cook County State’s She grew up in Chicago’s Pilsen Attorney Richard A. Devine, Chief and graduated from Maria High School. of the Special Prosecutions Bureau, At Loyola University Chicago she Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Bureau
She applied to law school upon completing her undergraduate degree, “it was culture shock for me to attend law school” says Alvarez given that she was one of only three people from a minority background in her class. Not long after the “shock” she would
aez
ss City
begin the journey of developing an unquenchable thirst for knowledge as she mastered her litigation skills galvanized by a course in Trial Advocacy. These skills and passion would sparkle on many occasions and especially as she stood before the United States Supreme Court to argue and win a landmark case in December of 2011.
was elected to a second term and, in her tenure of just over four years, she has made great strides. Under her leadership, the office has focused on great issues like gang, drug and gun violence, dealt with human trafficking and sex trafficking of children and has added resources to prosecute domestic violence offenders.
Managing the enormity of the State’s Attorney job has been possible, in large part, due to a great team of close to 900 attorneys and a total workforce of nearly 1600. Alvarez
Alvarez is optimistic and believes Chicago will successfully deal with its crime problems. “little by little, with time and a collaborative effort beginning with the family, the educa-
tional system and newly enacted laws that my office has helped pass to deal with gang activity” says Alvarez, “ will hopefully prompt youngsters to think twice before picking up a gun on behalf of a gang or hold a gun for anyone else”. Alvarez says it is unfortunate that Chicago, a world-class city, has been portrayed in such a negative light by the media in spite of the fact that shootings have actually come down. “We have a lot of resources in this city as well as law abiding citizens all over the place. It is a shame the media has portrayed us all as walking ¡QUE VIVA! | AUGUST 2013
19
around shooting each other, that is just not true”. Throughout her tenure she has spent a lot of time engaging the community. She is an avid runner and participates in 5 and 10K races as one way to stay attuned to the community. In many of her civic engagements, she makes an effort to personally reach out to young people and perpetuate the message of hope in our society. “Si se puede” (Yes we can) is alive and well, she says. “I am a prime example of hope. Neither of my parents earned a high school diploma, my father was a waiter. When he died I was 12 years old and my mother found a job as a seamstress to support our family. She never stopped working to help me through high school, college and law school”. Alvarez takes her job extremely seriously. As State’s Attorney it is very important to work within her budget to provide important services for the county. Her office has drafted and helped pass new laws to improve public safety. One such law is the RICO law, which is modeled after Federal Law. Fundamentally, the RICO law in the State of Illinois which took over three years to get enacted into law by Springfield, gives law enforcement officials the ability to prosecute criminal enterprises in their entirety and not just necessarily the “street level” criminals. Through the help of tools like wiretapping and monthly task force meetings between a number of agencies including the FBI, ATF, US Attorney’s Office, Cook County Sheriff and the Chicago Police, the use of this law enabled a June 2013 sting operation that apprehended a huge gang enterprise. 20 ¡QUE VIVA!
| AUGUST 2013
Another law is the Illinois Safe Children’s Act which focuses on going after the perpetrators of child prostitution. The law decriminalizes child prostitution and targets both johns and pimps. It is ironic that “we have been able to wiretap those selling drugs, but in the past we couldn’t wiretap those selling children” now this all has been changed and information to prosecute criminals no longer has to come from their victims (the children) but through technology and wiretapping tools. A recent sting operation was named “Little Girl Lost” where there are ten defendants and all of the victims were local as well as from neighboring states like Indiana and Wisconsin. The young girls, mostly from African American and Latinas suffered unconscionable acts too graphic to describe. The psychological, physical and induced substance abuse is horrific.
intent of some news organizations and others who influence them. Her response to CBS’ chairman can be found at: www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ chi-read-anita-alvarezs-letter-to-60-minutes-20121214,0,6586798.htmlpage State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and her office are jointly working with the Illinois Legislature to neutralize the impact of gangs and other related violence in Cook County. Her approach is both methodical and strategic as it aims to create long lasting positive effects. This angle is continuously building additional effective ways that make it difficult and unattractive for criminals to commit crimes.
Anita Alvarez has persevered and triumphed through difficult terrains throughout her life. She likes to remind young people that they shouldn’t be afraid to pursue goals that may seem In December 2012 a piece aired on out of reach. “We become stronger CBS’ 60 Minutes that led to Alvarez and we are able to serve others more sending a formal complaint express- fully when we believe in ourselves and ing sentiments far beyond extreme chase our dreams. Even if we fail, we disappointment from her office to are always better for trying.” CBS Chairman, Jeff Fager. She was interviewed for a total of ninety The State’s Attorney office is a great minutes. In painstaking detail, she resource for the community, their website reviewed information about DNA and has publications ranging from Consumer the analytical protocols needed to draw Protection, to Identity Theft to Domestic logical and plausible conclusions taking Violence among others. There are meainto account a sea of evidence in ad- sures that every citizen can take to avoid dition to DNA. The totality of her falling prey to individuals who make it original interview was condensed to their daily business to break the law and just over sixty seconds, plus a twelve take advantage of law abiding citizens. second statement which was posed www.statesattorney.org out of context and weaved into the full televised piece. The interview undermined both her office and the City of Chicago in a grave way that has ultimately made her wary of the
Protegiendo a una ciudad
de clase mundial
Anita Alvarez POR EL PERSONAL DE ¡QUE VIVA! INDIANA
Para Anita Álvarez, la superación de retos y el abrir caminos nuevos caminos no es nada nuevo. Ella ampliamente le dedica tiempo para conversar con estudiantes jóvenes durante su tiempo libre. A pesar de una agenda sumamente llena al ejercer su
puesto como Fiscal del Estado del Condado de Cook, IL siempre logra encontrar tiempo para compartir sus experiencias para que tales estudiantes puedan ver la belleza de la vida y las grandes oportunidades que existen para aquellos quien las
buscan y que toman acción. Nacida en el barrio de Pilsen, en Chicago, se graduó de la Escuela Secundaria Maria y luego asistió a la Universidad Loyola de Chicago y logro graduarse con
una licenciatura en Trabajo Social. En 1986, obtuvo su título de abogado en Chicago Kent College of Law, y en los próximos veinte dos años, dentro de la Oficina del Fiscal del Estado, Alvarez se destaco como una litigante muy distinguida. Su ascenso le permitió realizar los siguientes puestos: Directora Adjunta de la Oficina del Fiscal del Estado del Condado de Cook, Jefa de Estado del Fiscal Estatal del Condado Richard A. Devine, Directora de la Oficina Especial de la Fiscalía, Jefa Adjunta de la Oficina de Narcóticos y el Supervisora de la Integridad Pública Unidad. En noviembre del 2008 ella creo historia al ser elegida como la primera mujer y primera persona Latina como Fiscal del Condado de Cook, IL. La oficina del Fiscal del Condado de Cook, IL le sigue solo a Los Angeles como la oficina mas grande respecto a tamaño y dentro de los Estados Unidos. Aplico a la escuela de derecho después de completar su licenciatura “fue un choque cultural de un inicio el asistir a la escuela de derecho”, dijo Álvarez, dado que ella era una de las tres personas de una minoría en sus cursos. A corto plazo después de tal “shock” se lanzo a un camino
22
¡QUE VIVA! | AUGUST 2013
por el cual desarrollo una insaciable sed de conocimiento y refino un descrecimiento de litigación que se galvanizo al tomar un curso llamado “Trial Advocacy”. Estas habilidades y pasión le haría brillar en muchas ocasiones y especialmente al enfrentarse ante la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos para argumentar y ganar un caso histórico en diciembre de 2011.
mulgadas, en las cuales mi oficina ayudo a lograr ser ley contra la actividad de las pandillas”, dice Alvarez, “esperamos que los jóvenes recapaciten antes de antes de tomar una arma en nombre de una pandilla o el sostener un arma de cualquier otra persona “. Álvarez dice que es lamentable que a Chicago, una ciudad de clase mundial, se le ha dado una imagen negativa por los medios de comunicación, a pesar del El poder manejar la enormidad de su hecho de que en realidad ha habido una actual puesto como Fiscal ha sido posible reducción de tiroteos. “Contamos con gracias, en gran parte, a un gran equipo amplios recursos en esta gran ciudad, así de cerca de 900 abogados y una plantilla como ciudadanos respetuosos de la ley total de casi 1,600. A Álvarez se le eligió en todo el lugar. Es una vergüenza que para un segundo mandato y, en su período los medios han proyectado la impresion de poco más de cuatro años, ha logrado de que al caminar por las calles todos nos grandes acontecimientos. Bajo su liderazgo, estamos balaceando el no al otro, esto la oficina se ha centrado en grandes temas simplemente no es verdad” como la violencia de las pandillas, drogas y armas, el tráfico de seres humanos, y A lo largo de su mandato le ha dediel abuso sexual de los niños. También cado bastante tiempo para estar en sintonía ha añadido recursos para perseguir a los con la comunidad. Es una corredora aficionada y es participe frecuente de infractores de violencia doméstica. carreras de 5 y 10Km. En muchos de sus Álvarez se mantiene optimista y cree compromisos cívicos, ella hace un esfuerzo que Chicago lograra el éxito para combatir por llegar personalmente a los jóvenes los problemas de la delincuencia. “Poco a y perpetuar el mensaje de esperanza en poco, al transcurso del tiempo al lograr una nuestra sociedad. “Si se puede” está vivo colaboración comenzando con la familia, y sano, dice ella. “Yo soy un ejemplo de el sistema educativo y las leyes recién pro- esperanza. Ninguno de mis padres llegaron
a la escuela secundaria, mi padre era un mesero y cuando él murió, yo tenía 12 años y mi madre encontró trabajo como costurera para mantener a nuestra familia. Nunca dejó ella de trabajar y me ayudo desde la escuela secundaria, la universidad hasta mis estudios de derecho “ Álvarez toma muy en serio su trabajo. Como Fiscal del Estado, es muy importante el cumplir con su presupuesto financiero al proporcionar servicios muy importantes para el condado. Su oficina ha elaborado y ha ayudado a empujar a que nuevas leyes hayan pasado para el mejoramiento de la seguridad pública. Una de estas leyes es la ley RICO, que le ha seguido al modelo de la Ley Federal. Fundamentalmente, la ley RICO en el Estado de Illinois, que tardó más de tres años para conseguir ser promulgada como ley en Springfield, da a los funcionarios de la ley la habilidad de enjuiciar a las empresas criminales en su totalidad y no sólo a los criminales de “bajo rango” quien hacen los tiroteos. Al usar mejores herramientas como escuchas telefónicas unto con reuniones colaboradoras mensuales con varias agencias, inclusive el FBI, la ATF, la Oficina del Fiscal de Estados Unidos, El Sheriff del Condado de Cook y de la Policía de Chicago, el uso de esta ley permitió una reciente operación encubierta que arresto una operación pandillera muy importante en Junio de 2013. Otra ley es la “Illinois Safe Children’s Act” para evitar que a las niñas se les acusen en que se interesan en la prostitución infantil. La ley despenaliza la prostitución infantil y le dirige el esfuerzo a arrestar a quienes buscan a las prostitutas y aquellos quien promueven la prostitución. Es irónico que “hemos sido capaces de escuchar las conversaciones telefónicas de quien vende drogas, pero en el pasado no era legal escuchar las conversaciones telefónicas de aquellos que venden niños” Ahora todo esto ha cambiado y la información para arrestar a los criminales ya
no tiene que venir de sus víctimas (los niños ) sino a través de la tecnología y las herramientas como la habilidad de escuchar las conversaciones telefónicas. Una reciente operación fue nombrada “Little Girl Lost”, donde actualmente hay diez acusados y todas las víctimas son locales, además de estados vecinos como Indiana y Wisconsin. Las jóvenes, mayormente afroamericanas y Latinas sufrieron hechos siniestros demasiado gráficas para describir aqui. La violencia psicológica, física e inducimiento hacia el abuso de drogas es horrible.
el impacto de las pandillas y todo tipo de violencia dentro del Condado de Cook. Su enfoque es a la vez metodológica y estratégica ya que tiene como objetivo la creación de efectos positivos duraderos. Este ángulo ha construido formas eficaces adicionales y continuas que logran que sea no solo difícil sino tambien menos atractivo el cometer delitos por parte de los delincuentes.
La Sra. Álvarez ha perseverado y triunfado a través de terrenos difíciles durante toda su vida. Le gusta recordarle y animar a los jóvenes que no deben tener En diciembre de 2012 una pieza miedo de perseguir los sueños que puedan se emitió en el programa de CBS, 60 parecer fuera de su alcance. “Llegamos a ser Minutes, forzaron a que Álvarez mandara más fuertes y somos capaces de servir a los una queja formal que expreso aun mas que demás con más detalle cuando creemos en una extrema decepción al presidente de nosotros mismos y al perseguir nuestros CBS, Jeff Fager. Ella fue entrevistada por sueños. Incluso si no los logramos, siempre un total de noventa minutos. Describió, seremos mejores por haberlos intentado.” con minucioso detalle, información sobre La oficina del Fiscal del Estado es un gran el ADN y los protocolos analíticos necerecurso para la comunidad, su sitio web tiene sarios para ser posible la derivación de publicaciones tocante a la protección de los conconclusiones lógicas y plausibles tomando sumidores, el robo de identidad hasta la violencia en cuenta un sin fin de pruebas, además doméstica, entre muchos otros. Hay medidas que de ADN. La totalidad de sus entrevistas cada ciudadano puede tomar para evitar ser las originales se condensaron a poco más víctimas de personas que se dedican al diario el de sesenta segundos, más una segunda romper la ley y aprovecharse de los ciudadanos declaración doce segundos, que fue plan- respetuosos de la ley. www.statesattorney.org teada totalmente fuera de contexto, y con todo se lanzo la pieza televisiva completa con tal información incompleta. La entrevista daño tanto a su oficina como a la ciudad de Chicago, a tal profundidad que en última instancia le ha hecho a ella tomar un desconfió de la intención de algunas agencias de noticias y a aquellos quien las influyen.
La carta al presidente de CBS se puede encontrar en el siguiente sitio de la red internet: www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ chi-read-anita-alvarezs-letter-to-60-minutes-20121214,0,6586798.htmlpage La Fiscal del Estado Anita Álvarez y su oficina están trabajando de cerca con la Legislatura de Illinois para neutralizar
Indiana’s New Expungement Law Roy Dominguez Attorney at Law
Effective July 1, 2013, Indiana residents could have their old criminal records expunged under a new state law. I think the Legislature should be applauded for the enactment of this law. This is the first time in Indiana’s history that the courts can remove such crimes as drunken driving (DUI) and, in some cases, drug convictions. Over the years, I have come across good people who cannot get a good job because of an old conviction. In fact, some folks don’t fulfill their hopes and dreams because of one previous criminal mistake. These individuals completed their criminal sentences and stayed out of trouble, so they deserve another “break in life.” Now they get a second chance, and that is a great thing. The goal of this law is to remove the crimes from public background databases, so that the offense doesn’t prevent a rehabilitated ex-offender from finding a job. The Court can issue an Order restricting access to your criminal history information. This prevents prospective em-
ployers from using prior arrests or old convictions against you in the hiring process. However, such records would still be available to law enforcement officials. Important to note, a person has only one opportunity to utilize this expungement process. Thus get it right! A person must petition the Court to have their records expunged and show that they have stayed out of trouble. Most of the allowable criminal convictions are for nonviolent offenses. Convictions of sex-offenses and public official misconducts are not eligible under this new expungment law. The law, Indiana Code Section 35-38-9-2, allows a person to petition the Court if their misdemeanor and non-violent Class D Felony conviction is older than five (5) years. The request shall be filed before the “sentencing court.” There is a civil filing fee
of $141.00 which must be paid at the time the petition is submitted to the court. As a result, Indiana residents get a second chance to live without a public criminal record. Hoosiers who think they are eligible should first seek legal advice. REMEMBER – you only get ONE chance, one chance in a lifetime!
Get in Gear for the New School Year: Back-to-School Tips for Parents By diondra hicks
It’s almost that time of year again. Yes, in a few weeks school will be back in session. Is your child ready to succeed? Are you ready to help? It’s a fact: Parents who play an active role in their children’s education make a huge difference in their success. Here are some things you can do to help your child prepare for the upcoming school year: • Get the children to bed on time. During the summer, children aren’t always on a schedule. But, proper rest is essential for a healthy and productive school year. Help your child get used to the back-to-school routine: start the transition now to earlier wake-up times and bedtimes. For more information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/parents/countdown-success • Communicate with teachers and the school. Contact your child’s teachers at the start of the school year. Get acquainted with them and let them know you want to be an active partner in helping your student to learn and grow. Plan to keep track of your child’s subjects, homework, activities and progress throughout the school year. And, consider serving on your local PTA or joining other parent groups that engage with and support your child’s school. For additional ideas, go to: http://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/succeed/succeed.pdf • Provide for healthy meals. Hungry kids can’t concentrate on learning, so good nutrition plays an important role in your child’s school performance. Studies show that children who eat healthy, balanced breakfasts and lunches do better in school. Fix nutritious meals at home, and, if you need extra help, find out if your family qualifies for any Child Nutrition Programs, like the National School Lunch Program. Learn more at: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Back-to-School.shtml • Take your child to the doctor, and make sure your child has health insurance coverage. It’s a good idea to take your child in for a physical and an eye exam before school starts. Most schools require up-to-date immunizations, and you may be asked to provide paperwork showing that your child has all the necessary shots and vaccines. So, check your state’s immunization requirements. And, always keep your own copies of any medical records. What’s more, you can explore and choose the most affordable health insurance options, including free and low-cost coverage for those who quality for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Find more student health resources at: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Back-to-School.shtml • Prepare a study area. Set up a special place at home to do school work and homework. Remove distractions. Make it clear that education is a top priority in your family: show interest and praise your child’s work. • Read Together. Take the pledge to read with your child for 20 minutes every day. Your example reinforces the importance of literacy, and reading lets you and your child explore new worlds of fun and adventure together.
Diondra Hicks is a student at Georgetown University and an intern at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Communications and Outreach.
Maria’s
by Ramon Arredondo & By Que Viva! Magazine
“Maria’s Journey,” a true gem for lovers of contemporary societal issues and evolution, introduces us to the true story of Maria Perez Arredondo’s and her family’s lifelong pursuit and achievement of the American dream. Maria and her family personify the struggles, trials and tribulations that immigrant families undergo in establishing a foothold in the United States. The story begins in the midst of the Mexican Revolution as Maria and her mother meander through the labyrinth of societal and economic challenges in Mexico. Through an arranged marriage, Maria finds in her husband Miguel, the avenue to begin the rocky journey to establishing a new life. After a failed first attempt to establish roots in the United States, their second attempt while successful, did not mean it would be easy or simple. From this point, the complexity of life in the Arredondo family begins to unfold. The theme that permeates through the entire book is the unyielding devotion to family unity. This devotion helped them deal with the basics such as subsistence during the Depression, manage through the emotional investment associated with 28
¡QUE VIVA! | AUGUST 2013
Journey
Trish (Hull) Arredondo the Arredondo’s contributions to World War II, and ultimately to transition and assimilate into a new country and new culture. At the heart of the story is the message of hope. It accentuates the core lessons taught both at the dinner table and during the everyday that ultimately built a family legacy that lives to this day. Maria’s story and journey is one that most every Hispanic family can relate to, and for that matter, any immigrant family who has deciphered or aspires to understand what it takes to be successful in the United States. The book is filled with impactful anecdotes relating the story of a family who, in spite of modest means, was able to weave a platform that catapulted each of the ten children onto unprecedented levels of success. The beauty of writing this book review is that our book reviewing staff knows some of these individuals personally and understands how these, now adults, have excelled in professional fields such as education, law, business, labor, medicine and politics.
during the onset of a changing demographic, that has impacted the nature and fabric of what these United States are now. The book speaks of the great “awe and wondrous visions of a great future” that Maria experienced by attending the 1933-34 Chicago’s World Fair. You will likely recognize this same level of awe in today’s youth as a proper education allows them to open doors and dive into a brave new world through which the Hispanic community exerts the growing economic force with a disposable income of $1.2 Trillion/year in the United States. We must ask ourselves, did Maria see the enormous potential that the basic lessons she and her husband Miguel taught would create?
the inclination to put it all on the line for his fellow man. The history archived in the book is an accurate rendition of Maria’s life through her and her children’s own words given that it is based on extensive personal interviews dating back over thirty years. The book is written in an authentic and easy to read manner. It poignantly presents the undulations and meandering paths through which Maria and her family successfully traveled. There are many examples that beautifully showcase the cultural and spiritual treasures that are part of the family’s Mexican ancestral tapestry. What is also quite endearing is Maria’s modesty as she expressed an inability to comprehend why she would be honored in later years with the state of Indiana’s highest citizen award -- The Sagamore of the Wabash. No other homemaker in history of the State of Indiana (Hoosier) has given birth to so many children devoted to public service and to all the citizens of the state of Indiana.
The authors demonstrate -- with a light touch -- the impact that Miguel had on developing a safe and fair working environments at the steel mills in East Chicago, Indiana through the establishment of Local 1010. The political, economic and social sacrifices that Miguel made were significant and the benefits to the community are Another virtue of “Maria’s still alive and well today. After all, Journey” is the ultimate role Maria Miguel was a broad thinker and Indiana Historical Society would play in being one “spark”, his global perspective gave him Press. 260 pp. $19.95
Don’t Miss the Opportunity Cost By Michael Sobus | Published: August 7, 2013 From the simplest buying decisions such as whether to pick up a cup of coffee at Mickey D’s this morning or brew my own, to more complex business decisions such as should I focus on one business initiative over another, cost is one factor that surely enters into our decision-making process. But the true cost of something is more complicated than it seems.
one modern heavy bomber is this: a modern brick school in more than 30 cities. It is two electric power plants each serving a town of 60,000 people… We pay for a single destroyer with new home that could have housed more than 8,000 people.
Opportunity Cost
Business Opportunity Cost
In working with small business owners I encounter the problem of Opportunity In Decisive, How To Make Cost all the time. A common Better Choices in Life and instance is when a business Work, Chip and Dan owner is pursuing a number Heath highlight another of unrelated or at best loosely aspect of cost, Opporturelated business initiatives at nity Cost, that most of the same time. For example, us miss all the time in the artist whose business inour decision-making. In volves creating beautiful floral the coffee decision the prints which she sells through Opportunity Cost consists art wholesalers. But not sure of what other purpose that this initiative will provide could I use that $1 and her enough money, she also how else could I have designs unique art cards and used the time it took me also works as a high-end interior designer. to get that coffee, driving to the restaurant, waiting That is well and good until in line and completing the you consider the Opportunity transaction. Cost of dividing your time, effort and resources among three separate business By failing to consider Opportunity Cost often we fall into pretty bad decisions. initiatives. And this Opportunity Cost balloons if the best initiative is starved for resources. In 1953 President Dwight David Eisenhower highlighted the Opportunity Cost Dilemma in a speech he gave a few months after he took office. Long before he warned us of the growing Military-Industrial Complex Eisenhower cautioned Americans t consider Opportunity Cost when he said, “The cost of
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