November 15, 2004

Rising Hispanic enrollment in the Mesa Unified School District has forced increased diversity in the classroom — but not on the governing board.

October 26, 2004

A new west Mesa organization is looking to clean up Main Street by capitalizing on the planned light-rail route and using innovative building design.

A new west Mesa organization is looking to clean up Main Street by capitalizing on the planned light-rail route and using innovative building design.

There are several good reasons to consider adopting a geographic system of representation for the Mesa School Board, not the least being that the board sadly does not reflect the city's growing ethnic diversity. The district's enormous size is another compelling reason.

Phil Austin hopes that in 20 years there won’t be an organization like the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens.

Mexican art icon Frida Kahlo once said “I leave you my portrait so that you will have my presence all the days and nights that I am away from you.”

Phoenix’s consul general of Mexico urged women from more than 70 Mesa migrant families Thursday morning to apply for passports and ID cards from the Mexican government so that they will have a valid form of identification.

October 26, 2004

Many of us know Memorial Day to be celebrated in May.

The Mesa Unified School District student body has undergone a major demographic shift in recent years. Its elected leaders have not.

Carmen Guerrero knows the traditions of Dia de Los Muertos are not always easy for an outsider to understand.

There are some pretty creative folks in the East Valley.

It’s being billed as a legacy for one of Mesa’s favorite museum showpieces — and for the city itself.

Nov. 3, 2004

November 3, 2004

When Halloween falls on a weekend, as it does this year, it’s easy to fill Friday through Sunday with school or community carnivals, family get-togethers and, of course, trick-or-treating. If there’s any room left in your schedule, you may want to consider exploring another holiday that’s big in the Southwest this time of year — Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The vibrant Mexican tradition of honoring and celebrating deceased family and friends dovetails nicely with Halloween, though the two are not related. This weekend, you’ve got three chances to see what it’s all about:

Thousands of East Valley teenagers will celebrate their high school graduation this month. But if you are Hispanic or American Indian, chances are greater you will not be celebrating.

Thousands of East Valley teenagers will celebrate their high school graduation this month. But if you are Hispanic or American Indian, chances are greater you will not be celebrating.

Thousands of East Valley teenagers will celebrate their high school graduation this month. But if you are Hispanic or American Indian, chances are greater you will not be celebrating.

Two conservative, white City Council candidates received an overwhelming majority of votes in a Mesa council district election that was targeted by Hispanic activists as a golden opportunity to finally elect one of their own.

Two conservative, white City Council candidates received an overwhelming majority of votes in a Mesa council district election that was targeted by Hispanic activists as a golden opportunity to finally elect one of their own.