San Diego, CA
Opinion: How long must Mexican Americans wait to be heard?
As a first-generation American of Mexican descent, I find myself reflecting on the historical significance of the Bracero Program, initiated by the Democrats in the 1940s. This program, designed to address labor shortages during World War II, opened the door for countless Mexican workers to contribute to the American economy. It was a moment of recognition and opportunity, allowing many to chase the American dream. However, as I watch the current political landscape unfold, I can’t help but feel a growing sense of disillusionment and neglect.
The Bracero Program was a landmark initiative that underscored the vital role that immigrants have played in shaping our nation. It was an acknowledgment of the contributions of Mexican laborers during a critical time in American history. Yet as we approach the 2024 elections, I am struck by the silence surrounding first-generation Americans in the current discourse — despite our historical significance and the estimated 36 million-plus Mexican Americans in the United States.
Today, both political parties seem to overlook the unique challenges and perspectives of Mexican Americans. We are a community that has navigated the complexities of identity, cultural heritage and economic disparity. Yet as I watch campaign events and discussions, our issues often remain unaddressed and overshadowed by broader narratives. Why?
In a time of increasing diversity and calls for inclusion, are we witnessing Hispanics being ignored, the very people who embody the values of hard work, resilience and determination? Mexican Americans bring a unique perspective to the table — one that merges the dreams of our parents with the aspirations of our children. We understand the struggles of legal immigration, the importance of education and the pursuit of economic stability, yet we often find ourselves sidelined in political conversations that should matter most to us. When will we be given a chance?
The absence of dialogue around our experiences is not just a political oversight; it is a disservice to a community that has consistently contributed to the fabric of this nation. It is a disservice to a community that has consistently and historically contributed to the fabric of the Democratic Party. Political parties have the potential to harness our stories, our struggles and our dreams to create a more comprehensive narrative. By engaging with first-generation Hispanic Americans, they could craft policies that resonate deeply and foster an opportunity for all.
We are the children of immigrants who have fought tirelessly for a better future. We have stories of resilience, innovation and success that deserve to be heard. Yet as I look around, I find myself questioning whether our contributions are being understood. This has nothing to do with race baiting; it is about understanding the untapped political power that could bring a major shift in the political arena.
Yes, even though the 2024 elections are already underway, I urge both parties to reconsider their approach. We are not just voters; we are part of the American story. Our families left Mexico in exchange for the American Dream. We assimilated to norms of American life while preserving our heritage. Our history, marked by hope and perseverance, deserves to be recognized and celebrated. Neither party should lose sight of the diverse voices that enrich our community.
In acknowledging our history with the Bracero Program, let us not forget the present. Mexican Americans are here, we are watching and we are waiting for our moment to be heard. The upcoming election is not just about policies, platforms and celebrity-like attention; it is about the people, their stories and their struggles. But it is time for our voices to be part of the conversation, to ensure that the promise of America remains alive for future generations.
I was shocked that no party chose a candidate with Mexican heritage, but life goes on — we win some and we lose some. But the path forward lies in collaboration, understanding, and accepting who we are. Let’s hope that the future chooses to embrace the richness of our community and recognize that in doing so, they strengthen the very foundation of this country.
Rodriguez is a consultant who lives in Downtown San Diego.
Gloria relents on December Nights, some community cuts in budget revise, but arts funds still on chopping block
by City News Service | Times of San Diego
Some library and recreation center hours and December Nights support were restored in Mayor Todd Gloria’s revised Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Wednesday, but city funding for the arts could still be gutted.
Gloria was joined by civic leaders Wednesday morning to announce changes to his initial proposed budget, released last month. He added “targeted protections” of certain neighborhood priorities and maintained police and fire service levels while arriving at a balanced budget.
Proposed additions include protecting rec center and library hours in Council Districts 4, 8 and 9, represented by Henry L. Foster III, Vivian Moreno and Sean Elo-Rivera, respectively.
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The Learning Curve: He’s San Diego Unified’s Next Trustee – No Race Needed
By Jakob McWhinney | Voice of San Diego
The primary is still nearly a month away. The general election is even further out. Still, it’s already clear that Hayden Gore will be San Diego Unified’s next trustee. That’s because he’s running unopposed to fill the seat left open by current Trustee Cody Petterson, who opted not to run for re-election.
Though he’s a political newcomer, Gore was the early choice of San Diego Unified’s union. In fact, he was recruited by the former president of the San Diego Education Association to run for the seat.
It’s not hard to see why. He’s an avowed progressive and a longtime educator who led the then-newly formed union at High Tech High to its first contract. Exactly the kind of resume that would have SDEA champing at the bit.
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Join Us Friday, July 17, 2026 for the 11th Annual USD School of Law – RJS LAW Tax Institute
By RJS Law
The Institute is the premier annual tax event in San Diego. The region’s top tax attorneys, enrolled agents (EAs), certified public accountants (CPAs), law and business school professors will discuss topics including government loan relief and abuses, challenges in cross-border transactions, and practical and realistic solutions in trust, estate planning, and tax matters.
DATE AND TIME
Friday, July 17, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Theatre
5555 Marian Way, San Diego, CA 92110
EVENT STATUS
Open to the Public
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SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – For many families, libraries are a safe space for kids after school and a place to study.
After community outcry, the city is scaling down some of its proposed budget cuts, bringing the original $6.3 million in cuts to libraries down to $4.8 million.
Patrick Stewart, CEO of Library Foundation SD, said the change is a step in the right direction.
“We are very pleased. I think this moves the needle in the right direction.”
Mayor Gloria’s revised budget proposal restores funding focused on youth-centered programs, which includes bringing back library hours in Council Districts 4, 8, and 9 — those in underserved communities.
“This is City Heights and San Isidro, Barrio Logan, and Oak Park, and traditionally, those are smaller branches. And the kids and the families in those communities frankly, they use their library very differently than in a lot of other communities, and it’s a lifeline to them,” said Stewart.
The City Heights library is among those included in the mayor’s revised budget to restore funding. While library officials say this is a good first step, there is still concern about long-term financial challenges.
In order to voice concerns about how deep the cuts go, the Library Foundation has created a way for supporters to express that through postcards. Thousands of cards have been mailed directly to Mayor Gloria and councilmembers.
Stewart said the effort is making an impact.
“They’re seeing that this is hundreds and hundreds of people that are taking this very seriously, so it helps them to know immediately what their community feels like when it comes to these proposed cuts,” he added.
The restored funding would also keep Monday hours at Carmel Valley Library and protect the North Clairemont Library branch from closure.
Library officials remain optimistic as the revised budget heads back to the City Council.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
A man suspected of a fatal shooting in Barrio Logan was arrested Tuesday.
Benito Garcia Jr., 31, was arrested in the 3600 block of Grand Avenue in San Marcos at about 1 p.m. Tuesday for allegedly gunning down 64-year-old Raul Torres near the east end of the Coronado Bridge, according to the San Diego Police Department.
Patrol officers responding to an anonymous report of a shooting found the mortally wounded victim on a sidewalk in the 2000 block of National Avenue, near Chicano Park, shortly after 10 p.m. last Tuesday. Torres died at the scene, SDPD Lt. Lou Maggi said.
Police have not disclosed a suspected motive for the slaying.
Garcia was booked into San Diego Central Jail on suspicion of first- degree murder. He was being held without bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
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