International

Sudan’s concludes first multi-party election in 24 years

Molly Burns

Monday, April 26th 2010- Sudan’s current president Omar al-Bashir has been declared the winner of the country’s elections in the north, even though he has recently being charged with war crimes in Darfur by the ICC. The elections were the first multiparty elections in 24 years, as well as the first since the war between the north and south part of the country ended. While the election commission of Sudan has reported that Bashir won with 68% of the vote, opposition party leaders have claimed the elections were unfair. The president’s two main challengers withdrawing even before the election began, claiming it had already been corrupted. With his election, Bashir is the first head of state in histroy to be charged with war crimes by the ICC and still be reelected. In the south, President of the government of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit will retain his post as president after winning 93 percent of the vote.

• ICC (International Criminal Court): Created in 2002, an authority responsible for prosecuting individuals involved with genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity and is used when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute those crimes.
• Referendum: A direct vote in which an entire electorate (in this case citizens of southern Sudan) is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal.

• Argument for: Bashir has said he would recognize the results of a referendum among citizens in Sudan’s south to secede from Sudan, which is largely divided by the mainly Christian south and largely Muslim north.
• Argument against: Bashir’s capability to rule the country successfully is questionable, due to the fact that the genocide in Sudan occurred during his presidency.

Additional Reading:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/26/AR2010042603867.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8643602.stm

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/27/world/africa/27sudan.html?ref=africa

United States

Pirates in Virginia

Paul C. Kadzielski

On April 23rd, 2010 eleven men from Somalia were arraigned in court in Norfolk, Virginia under the charges of attempting to take American ship by force and hold it for ransom. The men are accused of attacking two different United States ships with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles of the coast of Africa in 2009. In both cases the US Navy destroyed the pirates attack vessels. If convicted of piracy the men will be sentenced to life in prison. The United States District Attorney’s office has insisted on taking these cases because they involved US ship. Furthermore, Kenya, the country that has been officially tasked with handling cases of piracy off the northeastern coast of Africa, is over-burdened with cases of piracy in the region. The men are being tried under full US law.

• If these men are convicted it will give the US justice system precedent to deal with pirates attacking US ships.
• Piracy has spiked off the Eastern coast of Africa in recent years.
• Piracy is still a significant threat on the high seas.

Additional Reading:

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2010/0423/Eleven-alleged-Somali-pirates-indicted-in-US-federal-court

The Hill

Arizona Immigration Law Faces Federal Opposition

Garrett Snyder

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has voiced her opposition to a recently passed law in her home state of Arizona that deals with illegal immigration. The law forces immigrants to carry their registration documents at all times and requires police to question people if there is reason to suspect that they're in the country illegally. It also targets employers who hire illegal immigrant or day laborers. Napolitano, who served as governor of Arizona before joining the Obama administration in 2008 called the law “misguided” and warned that other states would be compelled to pass similar laws. Napolitano also said that Arizona’s recent actions show the need for a comprehensive federal immigration plan.

• Critics of the law say it encourages racial profiling of Latino citizens and is unnecessarily harsh on illegal immigrants. Some groups have even gone as far as to call the bill a violation of human rights.
• Supporters of the law argue that the bill is simply meant to require police to inquire about the citizenship status of suspects, and is a much-needed reinforcement of immigration laws in a state that has a large, and costly, problem with illegal immigration.

Additional Reading:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/28/political-hot-topics-wednesday-april-28-2010/?iref=allsearch&fbid=JPXZJHYZ6PJ

California

California Tax Shortfall Causes Concern

Joshua Fimbres

This month saw a shortfall in the amount of tax revenue collected. Governor Schwarzenegger had projected $10.2 billion in income tax revenue in the month of April, while the state had in reality collected $5.2 billion. The impact of the shortfall will play out in future budget proposals as the state of California is forced to grapple with enormous unfunded liabilities such as growing state pensions and backlash received from education cuts by students. While under normal circumstances citizens may celebrate paying less in taxes this year’s decrease in taxes received is a direct result of an ailing economy.

• Loss of Tax income could: Force government to reduce long term spending
• Immediate result of loss of taxes: Could force more cuts across the board. State may cut education budget again. State will not be able to bridge deficit from government pensions

Additional Reading:

http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2010/04/27/bad-or-is-it-good-news-about-californias-taxes/25231/

Los Angeles

Free Health Clinic in LA Proves Popular

Jennifer Halligan

Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 1,200 patients were treated on the opening day of a weeklong free health clinic at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. Over 3,000 people had been there the previous Sunday to make appointments and receive wristbands signifying their date and time, but people still waited overnight in fear that they would miss their appointment between the times of 6 in the morning and 6 at night. People who showed up without wristbands were told to return on Wednesday, which is when the remaining 1,600 appointments can be scheduled. Many of the patients did not have health insurance, or had insurance that didn’t cover check-ups with the dentist or eye exams, which they can get at the clinic. Other patients received HIV tests, PAP smears, and diabetes check-ups. Organizers said they did not have their expected 300 medical volunteers, and that they need more dermatologists, ophthalmologists, nurse practitioners, obstetricians, family practice doctors, and gynecologists. The clinic runs through May 3.

Additional Reading:

http://www.latimes.com/news/la-mobile-healthclinic-0425,0,2360448.story?track=rss

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/04/free-health-clinic.html

Local Cultural Events

Water: Our Thirsty World

Meg Patch

Some of you may have noticed the “Water” issue of National Geographic that hit news stands on March 30th, 2010. Coinciding with this issue, the Annenberg Space for Photography is putting on an Exhibition called “Water: Our Thirsty World” which features the work of award-winning photographers. The exhibit focuses on water: our most valued and important resource from environmental, social, political and cultural perspectives. Some of the featured photographers are Jonas Bendiksen, Edward Burtynsky, Lynn Johnson, Paolo Pellegrin, Joel Sartore, and John Stanmeyer. The exhibit will be open until June 13th, 2010 from Wednesdays to Sundays 11am-6pm.

http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/

From 405N:

-Take exit 55A toward CA-2/Santa Monica Blvd

-Merge onto Cotner Ave

-Turn right at Historic U.S. 66 E/Santa Monica Blvd

-Turn right at Avenue of the Stars

-Make a U-turn

(Destination will be on the right)

2000 Avenue of the Stars, #10

Los Angeles, CA 90067

International

Pope Benedict Meets with Victims Abused by Priests

Molly Burns

Sunday, April 18th- Pope Benedict XVI met in Malta with a group of eight men who were victims of molestation by priests in an orphanage for the first time since recent accusations have come forward. This move comes after a wave of recent criticism that the Catholic church has not been doing enough to mend the damage that has been done to victims, or to protect potential victims by removing pedophiles from their position as priests. This sentiment is especially strong in Malta, where three men being charged in a criminal suit filed in 2003 involving sexual abuse are still working as priests, and the investigation by the Malta diocese has lasted 7 years. Although the Vatican published a guide last week for proper action bishops should take in abuse cases, Pope Benedict’s meeting was the first time he had publically addressed the issue.

• Malta: European country comprised of a cluster of Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Diocese: A regional administrative unit in the church, directed by a Bishop

• Argument for: The Pope’s meeting could be a positive step in mending the church’s reputation as well as its relationship with victims of abuse.
• Argument against: The timing of the visit could be seen as too little too late as many groups such as Survivors Network for those abused by priests feel as though not enough is being done to help victims.

Additional Reading:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8628244.stm

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/19/world/europe/19pope.html?scp=2&sq=pope&st=cse

United States

Good News, Bad News in Automotive Industry

Paul C. Kadzielski

April 19, 2010 was an eventful day for General Motors and Toyota. Toyota, the number one carmaker in the world, was fined $16,375,000 by the US Transportation Department which Toyota has agreed to pay by May 19, 2010. The fine is the United States government's response to the over 4 million defective Toyota gas pedals resulting 16 deaths and over 240 injuries. General Motors, the number two carmaker in the world, announced that it would be paying back its $6.7 billion dollar loan 5 years earlier than the projected deadline due to strong earnings. The company received $57 billion in aid from the US government including a $6.7 billion dollar loan. GM has already paid $2 billion back.

• American auto companies like GM are recovering from the recession faster than expected and closing the gap between foreign competitors. That means more jobs in America for research, development and labor related to the auto industry and a stronger American economy that will mean more jobs overall in the months to come.

Additional Reading:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36652465/ns/business-autos/

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/18/toyota-agree-million-government-fine/

The Hill

Government Distrust

Julia Newman

A Pew poll for March-April has shown an increase in distrust of the government. 2,505 adults were polled and only 22% said they trusted the government. Only 25% of people felt favorably towards Congress. However, 40% of people polled said that the Obama Administration was doing a “good or excellent” job. Pew also has noted a double in those angry with the government since 2000. Although, more Republicans, Independents, and Moderates who lean to the right say they distrust the current administration, some Democrats agreed.

Reasons for these results:

• People are angry that the unemployment rate is so high.
• The Bush Administration made the public weary of political promises.
• Expectations of this administration were unreasonably high
• There is a tense divide between Democrats and Republicans.
• The public is generally dissatisfied with the changes made by the government.

Additional Reading:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/19/poll-cites-rising-distrust-of-government-in-america/?fbid=JPXZJHYZ6PJ

California

Election Update: The Governor’s Race

Joshua Fimbres

The California Democratic Convention took place this past weekend on April 16-18. The Convention nominated Jerry Brown as its 2010 candidate. Jerry Brown currently serves as Attorney General and has had a long career in politics. He has been Mayor of Oakland, Attorney General, a Presidential Candidate, Governor of California, and Democratic Party Chairman for the State of California. While on the pulpit, Brown challenged his Republican opponents Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner to a series of public debates. Currently, Brown is slightly behind in the polls and has a much smaller war chest than the leading Republican candidate, Meg Whitman. He argues those debates will level the playing field against immense spending that will be pitted against him.

• War Chest: Total amount held by campaign

Additional Reading:

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/04/19/2688014/brown-satisfied-with-campaign.html

http://www.jerrybrown.org/

Los Angeles

White Supremacist Rally in Front of LA City Hall Turns Violent

Jennifer Halligan

A white supremacist rally at the Los Angeles City Hall turned violent this past Saturday, April 17th. Counter-protestors threw eggs, rocks and bottles at police and white supremacist, by the end of the rally two people had been beaten. The rally was held by the National Socialist Movement, which had received a permit for the demonstration just days earlier. The white supremacists seemed to be making a statement against immigration into the United States. Many counter-protestors became aware of the rally online.One man who was beaten had Nazi images tattooed on his chest and back. The other had a sign that said, “Christianity=Paganism=Heathen$”, and it’s not clear if he was a part of the neo-Nazi group. Both men were treated and released. The rally ended at about 2:30 in the afternoon. At least five counter-protestors were arrested.

• From one perspective this incident represents the 1s tAmendment wich protects freedom of speech for everyone, including Nazis and white supremacists, and the counter-protestors were wrong to get violent.
• Another perspective is that the counter-protestors were provoked into attacking members of a hate-based group by their violent rhetoric.

Additional Reading:

-http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-white-supremacist18-2010apr18,0,4043821.story

Local Cultural Events

Vintage Fashion Expo

Meg Patch

One great thing about Los Angeles is its diversity in fashion. Fans of fashion and style have the opportunity to the Vintage Expo this weekend at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Wander around and find fun vintage clothing and accessories for both men and women that you can treasure forever. This expo happens three times a year in Santa Monica and it will be open this coming weekend, April 24-25th from 10:30am-6:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am-5:00pm on Sunday. There is a free entrance on Sunday with a Saturday ticket purchase and students are free on Sunday with a student ID card. Regular admission is $20. If you are into fashion or just like getting ideas for projects, this is a great idea for a weekend outing.

http://www.vintageexpo.com/

From LMU:

-Right on Lincoln Blvd (CA-1 N)

-Left at Pico Blvd

-Take the 3rd right onto Main St.

1855 Main Street

Santa Monica, CA 90401

International

Poland’s President and 96 other die in plane crash

Molly Burns

On Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 thousands of mourners showed up to the presidential palace to grieve and pay respects to Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria Kaczynska. Kaczynska and his wife were two of 96 people killed in a plane crash in Russia on Saturday while flying to attend a memorial for military officers that had been executed by Stalin’s secret Police during World War II. In addition to the president and his wife, 18 lawmakers from Poland’s parliament, military and religious leaders were also killed. Although the cause of the accident has not been officially determined yet, investigators have implied that the crash may have been caused by human error during foggy conditions. This was based of the fact that there was no fire onboard or explosions, and the engines were working properly. The President and his wife are set to have their funeral on Sunday at Krokow’s Wawel Cathedral, the main burial site of Polish leaders since the 14th century. The accident is being called the greatest tragedy in Poland’s postwar history by many citizens.

• Krokow: the second largest city in Poland.
• Lech Kaczynski: born June 18^th, 1949, Kaczynski was Poland’s president from 2005-2010, and was an activist in the 1970’s in the pro-democratic, anti-communist movement.

Additional Reading

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/04/poland_in_mourning.html

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h5HRIwocn5cLZn75suY8xsI5-1bgD9F296JG0

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8617129.stm

United States

More Benefits for Unemployed Americans

Paul C. Kadzielski

On Monday April 12, 2010 the Senate voted 60 – 34 to move forward with a proposal to extend joblessness benefits to unemployed Americans. These benefits would include subsidizing the cost of health insurance and continuing to make unemployment payments. If a bill is passed it is estimated to cost $9.2 billion and would extend joblessness benefits into early May. At the current rate about a 100,000 unemployed Americans are losing their unemployment benefits each week. The proposal will need 60 votes to pass and would go into effect immediately.

• Move Forward: When Senators have the necessary votes to pass a bill but have not officially voted on a bill.
• Joblessness Benefits: When the national government pays an unemployed person part of the benefits a person would get if they were employed.
• Unemployment Payments: When the state and federal government pay an unemployed person a portion of their wages for a limited time.

Additional Reading

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/13/us/politics/13cong.html?ref=us

http://www.newsok.com/senate-moves-jobless-proposal-past-u.s.-sen.-tom-coburn/article/3453386?custom_click=lead_story_photo

The Hill

Nuclear Weapons Summit

Julia Newman

On April 12, 2010 President Barack Obama played host to a two-day Summit on nuclear weapons. This summit focuses on how to monitor and stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The summit is composed of 46 countries and includes discussions between the four member countries of the United Nations Security Council. From the start of its term, The Obama Administration has been pushing for tougher nuclear weapon sanctions (on Iran in particular) and to stop nuclear weapon proliferation. The Obama administration has been concerned that older weapons and materials, especially in Russia, are not being safeguarded as well as they should be. This summit comes a week after President Obama signed a treaty with Russia saying that both the US and Russia would reduce their nuclear stockpiles.

• Sanctions: Penalties and other forms of enforcement
• Proliferation: The spread of
• Safeguard: Taking precautions with

• Arguments for: President Obama is holding a summit to raise support from other countries in order to come up with a comprehensive plan in regards to nuclear proliferation.
• Arguments against: This summit has angered the Iranian government, which recently called the Obama administration “wicked.” Some fear a violent reaction.

Additional Reading:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/11/nuclear.security.summit/index.html

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/11/obama-takes-step-goal-nuke-free-world-summit/

California

Palin to Speak at CSU Stanislaus

Joshua Fimbres

Sarah Palin has a speaking engagement at the California State University in Stanislaus on June 25^th. Former Governor Palin is scheduled to speak at the 50th anniversary of CSU Stanislaus in the California Central Valley. The tickets are being sold for five hundred dollars per person by the CSU Stanislaus Foundation, a private organization. Critics argue that Palin charges excessive speaking fees, although her speaking fee has not been released by the foundation. They cite Palin’s $100,000 speaking fee at the National Tea Party Convention. Those in favor of her speaking on campus say she may help in revitalizing the Foundation’s fundraising ability and that as a private organization they may pay whomever they wish as well as whatever amount they wish without disclosure. The foundation decided to tap Palin in an effort to reverse falling donations. While Palin is a controversial figure, her attendance has already sold out tickets to the event.

Additional Reading

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/04/03/2652360/palin-fee-stanislaus.html

Los Angeles

Culver City Objects to Oil Drilling in Residential Area

Jennifer Halligan

Culver City has filed a lawsuit to stop oil drilling within city limits by challenging a Los Angeles County decision approving an environmental impact report that could allow 600 new oil wells over the next 20 years. Culver City officials want the oil fields to undergo a new review addressing health issues and changing regulations. The hearing, which was originally going to take place Monday, April 12, has been pushed to June 3 in order to give both parties time to negotiate a settlement. Houston based company Plains Exploration and Production Co. has already submitted applications for at least three wells in the field, which they claim they have the right to do because the land is already a working oil field. Representatives of Culver City say that because there is now a much bigger population of private residents in the area than there was when oil drilling first took place – more than a million people are currently living within five miles of the field – the company should not have the right to drill. Other organizations, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, Concerned Citizens of South Los Angeles, the Citizens Coalition for a Safe Community and Community Health Councils Inc. have joined forces with Culver City to oppose drilling in the urban area.

• Argument for drilling: The oil fields were there long before the residential houses, so people should have known about the possibility of drilling before moving in. This particular oil field is heavily regulated and safe, and until there are alternative sources of fuel, it is better to get oil from domestic regions than anywhere else.
• Argument against drilling: The health and safety regulations for the oil fields are outdated and need to be reviewed, and some residents recall foul smells from a drilling incident in 2006. Also, many residents were made to believe that that the field was no longer in use, and the Natural Resources Defense Council had planned to put a park in its place.

Additional Reading:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-oil3-2010apr03,0,946.story

Local Cultural Events

Olvera Street

Meg Patch

If you were looking for an activity that involves being outdoors and enjoying the vibrant Mexican culture, then exploring Olvera Street would be an excellent weekend outing. Olvera Street is the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles, also known as El Pueblo Historic Monument. It can be described as a colorful village with many historic buildings and a traditional style plaza area. Walk through the marketplace and look for handcrafted Mexican souvenirs and enjoy taquitos or tacos at outdoor cafes found throughout. On the weekends there is outdoor entertainment including bolero musicians, Mariachis bands, Aztec Indians and folklorico dancing. Another great part about Olvera Street is that you can take free tours. Ándale! Get out to Olvera Street!

http://www.lasangelitas.org/freetours.htm

http://www.olvera-street.com/

From 405N:

-Take the Santa Monica Fwy exit

-Keep right at the fork to continue toward I-10 E/Santa Monica Fwy and merge onto I-10 E/Santa Monica Fwy

-Take the State 110 N exit on the left toward Pasadena

-Merge onto I-110 N

-Take the exit toward I-5 S/Santa Ana/I-10 E/San Bernardino

-Merge onto US-101 S

-Take exit 3A for Broadway

-Merge onto W Aliso St

-Turn left at N Main St

Destination will be on the right

Olvera St

Los Angeles, CA 90012