3,000 Protesters Seeking Justice Shut Down Mall Of America For Hours

Thousands gathered at the Mall of America to protest police brutality against Afro-Americans and Latinos.

By H. Nelson Goodson

December 20, 2014

Bloomington, Minnesota - More than 3,000 people gathered at the Mall of America (MOA) to disrupt one of the busiest shopping days before Christmas. Part of the Mall of America was shut down for hours after protesters chanted for justice against police brutality and mocked dead bodies of Afro-Americans killed by police.

At least 20 protesters were arrested, according to Black Lives Matter in Minneapolis (BLMM), one of the organizers. BLMM in a press release stated that it was one of their most successful peaceful protests. Some of the organizers say, that they were disappointed that riot police and MOA security locked down some of the doors and exists at the mall. BLMM alleged that most of those arrested were targeted by police as they were leaving peacefully from the mall.

The MOA received $250M in taxpayer funds last year and they wouldn't allow a peaceful protest at the mall.

Two Blue Sombrero Restaurant Bandits Charged

Armed robbery and Instagram posting of loot led to arrest of several teens.

By H. Nelson Goodson

December 3, 2014

Mount Pleasant, WI - On Monday, both Jorge M. Martínez, 17, and José A. Mendoza, 18, were charged each with two felony counts, armed robbery, including party to a crime and 2nd-degree reckless endangering safety, including party to a crime and using a dangerous weapon for the November 22 robbery of José's Blue Sombrero Restaurant at 6430 Washington Ave. A $100,000  cash bail each was set for Martínez and Mendoza.

According to the criminal complaint, both suspects went to the restaurant around 11:49 p.m. and entered the manager's office and stole money from a sage and then fired several shotgun rounds inside. No one was reported injured.

Mendoza then posted a photo on his Instagram account of the loot and an expensive watch. Police then received a tip and arrested both teens for the armed robbery. A backpack with Mendoza's name written on it and other items were left in a roadway near the crime scene. Mendoza's parents recognized the backpack and other items, including a white mask used in the robbery belonging to their son, according to the criminal complaint.

Several shot guns were later recovered from under Martínez's bed, according to police. Martínez told police Mendoza had paid him $100 to hide the weapons.

Blaze Destroys Original Famous Dave's BBQ Restaurant In Hayward

The Original Famous Dave's BBQ Restaurant in Wisconsin was destroyed by fire, according to founder, Dave Anderson.

By H. Nelson Goodson

November 3, 2014

Town of Hayward, Wisconsin - On Monday, around 4:30 a.m. firefighters from the Town of Hayward and Town of Round Lake responded to a two alarm fire at the Original Famous Dave's BBQ restaurant, 9971 N. Grands Pines Ln. in Hayward. The restaurant located next to Round Lake was a total loss, but no one was reported injured. No one was inside the restaurant when the fired started. The Wisconsin State Fire Marshal is investigating the blaze on Monday.

Founder Dave Anderson wrote on his Facebook page, that 20 years of memories went ablaze and that it was just a temporary setback. This year, Famous Dave's was celebrating its 20 Anniversary of becoming a national franchise.

Anderson announced that he plans to open as soon as possible and might use one of his family's pole barns to setup for another restaurant. 

He says, that it was his dream for 25 years before he opened the original restaurant and "spent thousands of hours smoking ribs and tossed thousands of gallons of bad sauce down the drain" until he came up with the original award winning sauce recipes for the restaurant.

Four Milwaukee County Men Busted For Trading Cash For WIC Vouchers

Caston Love, Mohansingh Boparai, Awarjeet Boparai and Amandeep Singh

State undercover agents busted four men from three area businesses willing to trade cash for WIC vouchers.

By H. Nelson Goodson

October 18, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office charged four local men with WIC voucher fraud. The suspects are charged with multiple counts to trade cash for Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) program vouchers. The suspects paid less than half their value and then collected the full amount from the state.

The suspects, Awarjeet Boparai and Mohansingh Boparai, 42, who operate the Center Street Food Mart, 4630 W. Center Street. Both Boparai's are each facing three felony counts of fraud for providing cash for WIC vouchers. Mohansingh is being held without bail and will make a court hearing appearance on October 29 for a preliminary hearing.

Amandeep Singh, 26, from Big Jim's Liquor Store, 2161 W. Hopkins Street was charged with six felony counts of fraud for providing cash for WIC vouchers. He is out on bond with a $250 signature bond and is expected to appear at a preliminary hearing on October 29. 

Caston Love, 53, from Deep Pantry ll, 2450 W. Burleigh St. Love is facing six felony counts of fraud for providing cash for WIC vouchers. He remains in custody on a warrant. Love has an initial court appearance on October 18.

Boycott Against Palermo's Pizza Continues, VDLF Confirmed

Voces de la Frontera confirmed a boycott against Palermo Pizza is ongoing, despite fired undocumented employees deciding in July to end efforts to unionize.

By H. Nelson Goodson

October 14, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Tuesday, Voces de la Frontera (VDLF), a non-profit immigrant and workers rights organization confirmed that a boycott against Palermo Villa, Inc. pizza products continues today. The boycott of Palermo pizza products is ongoing with the sponsorship of the AFL-CIO, according to Primitivo Torres, spokesman for VDLF. A news release concerning the boycott will be made available soon, Torres told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA).

In July, nearly 80 former employees from Palermo Villa with the aid of VDLF decided to vacate their efforts to unionize at Palermo Pizza. The former employees were terminated at Palermo Pizza after an ICE audit determined they were unauthorized to work and after they couldn't provide any legal status documentation to work. The employees and VDLF say, they were fired because they began efforts to unionize before an ICE audit, which Palermo's administration retaliated and used an ICE audit to get rid of those employees attempting to form a union in 2012. 

Eight workers who walked out in support of 100 employees and got fired in 2012 got $106,000 in back pay in settlement. Palermo Villa erred in firing those employees and violated federal labor laws,  according to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Wisconsin.  Four of the eight fired workers decided to return to work. The remaining Palermo former workers filed a petition with the NLRB to unionize. The NLRB notified Palermo Villa last week that the former employees in July had vacated their petition to unionize.

The former employees since then have moved on with their lives and gotten other jobs, according to Torres. VDLF efforts to unionize at Palermo Pizza led to an increase in wages, but Palermo employment practices continues with same issues dealing with safety factors and treatment of employees when injured at work and other work related policies. Without a union at Palermo Pizza, employees are subject to quick termination without recourse, mandatory overtime with few days off, limited sick days and lack of represention to bargain for better wages or insurance benefits.

In May 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued several citations for safety violations and for withholding information about certain safety incidents against Palermo Villa, Inc. totalling $38,500 in fines. 

So far in the past year, Palermo Inc. has paid at least $63,000 for health and safety violations that included a 22-year-old man with a three finger amputation in May 7, 2013. The recent three OSHA citations for violations totaled $13,500, which each violation totaled $4,500, according to VDLF.

Palermo's has so far refused requests from elected officials to provide evidence that they fulfilled promises to create family supporting jobs with some of the $48 million in taxpayer money they have received in recent years, including loans they received via Governor Scott Walker's (R) Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Christine Neumann-Ortiz, the executive director of VDLF could not be reached for comment, because she was unavailable due to the untimely lost of her grandmother at the age of 102 in a tragic accident in Mexico late last week and is in Mexico with family members. Two other family members are in critical condition. 

José Ruano And Recipients Honored At UMOS Hispanic Awards Banquet 2014

● José Ruano awarded Hispanic Man of the Year

● Dora Zúñiga awarded Hispanic Woman of the Year

● Caroline Maria Dannecker awarded Hispanic Youth of the Year

● Pedro and Joan Martínez awarded Hispanic Family of the Year

By H. Nelson Goodson

October 12, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Saturday, the United Migrant Opportunity Services, Inc. (UMOS) held their 34th annual Hispanic Awards Banquet at the Italian Community Conference Center. UMOS Chair of the Board of Directors, Juan José Lopez recognized UMOS President and CEO Lupe Martínez for his 45 years of service to the non-profit organization, a multi-services provider to the surrounding and statewide Latino community and residents.

The following information and biographies about this year recipients was provided by UMOS banquet program brochure.

José Ruano was honored as Hispanic Man of the Year for his years as a Miller Brewing Company, now MillerCoors representative and his ability to provide funding and support to almost every Hispanic non-profit organization locally and nationally, including El Centro Hispano, United Community Center, UMOS, La Casa de Esperanza, Esperanza Unida, Voces de la Frontera, National Council of La Raza (NCLR), National Hispanic Corporate Council,  Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation (Mexican Fiesta), Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin and LULAC. Ruano who recently retired from MillerCoors is a former employee of UMOS. He was hired by former UMOS Executive Director Salvador Sánchez in 1971.

On Friday, Ruano was awarded the Roberto Hernández Center 2014 Hispanic Heritage Award at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Dora Zúñiga was honored as Hispanic Woman of the Year. Zúñiga is the Chief Executive Officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County. She is a former staff member of UMOS and worked as an Area Coordinator. Zúñiga previously worked as the Executive Director of the Centro Hispano of Dane County from 1991-1997 and later was appointed as Director of Leadership Giving for United Way of Dane County. While in Dane County, Zúñiga became an advocate for change to help provide opportunities for the Hispanic community in Dane County and state. Her advocacy to advance the rights and interests of the Latino community earned her a well deserved recognition by the Madison Magazine, which named her one of Madison's 125 All Time Top Influential Madisonians.

Caroline Maria Dannecker was honored as Hispanic Youth of the Year. Dannecker has provided about 500 hours of community service and graduated with honors from the Ronald Wilson Reagan College Preparatory High School. She is also a Trustee Scholarship Recipient and a Pinnacle Scholarship Recipient. 

The Pedro and Joan Martínez family were recognized and honored as the Hispanic Family of the Year. The Martínez family have a history of community service and advocating for the rights of the Hispanic community. Pedro was the Director of the Office of the Hispanic Ministry for more than 25 years. He represented the Milwaukee Archdiocese at the national, regional and local events. His wife, Joan worked as a Spanish language teacher for the Milwaukee Public School District for 19 years. She advocated for early childhood teachers to obtain their bilingual/ESL certifications. 

Their daughter, Rebeca López, is an attorney and received her J.D. degree at Marquette University and worked for former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D). Their two sons, Natanael Martínez is a graduate from UW-Madison with a degree in business and Chicano Studies. He works for Milwaukee's Southside Silver City organization. Samuel Martínez also graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in civil engineering.
Both Pedro and Joan were celebrating their 34th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday. 

Nearly $700K In Loans Authorized By Former Esperanza Unida Executive Director In 1994 And No Accountability Recorded

Real estate mortgage loans totalling at least $690K were taken out by former Esperanza Unida, Inc. executive director Richard Oulahan in 1994.

By H. Nelson Goodson

October 6, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) obtained copies of several real estate mortgages totalling $600,000 ($600K) in loans from Marshall & Ilsley Bank (M&I, now BMO Harris Bank) to the late and former Esperanza Unida, Inc. executive director Richard Oulahan dated June 14, 1994 and August 25, 1994. According to Manuel "Manny" Pérez,  the current executive director of Esperanza Unida there is no record of how those loans were spent. Pérez says, that he was surprised to, why Oulahan authorized to get $600K in loans and might not have been for work related training. "I would like to know how the funds were used," Oulahan in 1994 signed those loans and the Esperanza Unida Board of Directors in that time had oversight of Oulahan and he "had to have signed with the authorization of the Board," Pérez said.

In 1994,  the Esperanza Unida Board members were, Mrs. Isabella Reyes, Mr. Erasmo Espinoza, Ms. Anna Maria Espinoza, Mr. Aurelio Valdez, Mr. Les Perez, Mr. Ismael Ruiz and Mr. Bonifacio Santiago, according to Robert Miranda,  the former Esperanza Unida executive director.

Adam E. Mata in August told HNNUSA, "We tried to stop the bleeding and manage the property. We never got a chance to request federal funds. If we received any they were already in place. I can say for certain we never attempted to get any monies thru a mortgage or refinancing of the building on 611." Mata's associate director in 2005 was Cuauhtemoc "Temo" Rodríguez. 

Rodríguez when contacted stated, "If you have a date on when that transaction took place, then you will be able to zero-in on who made that transaction. I do not recall any such transaction. I'm sure you are aware that Board of Directors approve large transactions and are legally responsible."

Pérez in August stated, "I've indicated to Mr. Adam Mata that the $690K in loans or leans against the 611 building were missing and that I do not know where that money went nor that the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the State Department of Commerce had approved for these loans to be made." The matter of the missing funds have been turned over to the EDA and State Department of Commerce for review, according to Pérez.

The EDA has requested all records from the banking institutions that made the loans and are tracking the financial paper trail of who requested the loans and where the money ended up.

Pérez also confirmed that the building at 611 W. National Ave. has at least five leans totalling almost $700K and it can't be sold until the EDA approves it and the leans are paid. 

In June, the Esperanza Board of Directors from the non-profit organization had accepted an offer from Callan Shultz, of North Pointe Holdings ll LLC and President of Keystone Development from Oshkosh to sell. The Oshkosh developer offered $1.3M and will invest a $7M project to convert the 611 building into a 55-unit apartment complex and will keep some businesses on the first floor. The Board couldn't refuse the offer, since it has been on debt and facing a $1.3M deficit. 

Last year, Esperanza Unida ended with $495,000 in gross revenue and for 2014, Pérez projected about $900,000 in gross revenue. But in terms of net income, Esperanza owes $50,000 to CD, it owes $388,000 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and $70,000 to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) employment insurance. 

The Esperanza Board must pay at least the 2012 and 2011 delinquent taxes by November 19 or the City of Milwaukee will move forward to foreclose the 611 W. National Ave. property. The 611 property is assessed at $1,948,000, but owes delinquent taxes for 2013, $66,556.24; for 2012, $64,103.63 and for 2011, $46,111.73, a total of $176,771.60, plus incurring tax delinquent penalties per month. The Treasurer's Office says, Esperanza Unida has a redemption period of November 19, which the Esperanza Board has to pay at least $110,215.36 for delinquent taxes for both 2011 and 2012 to forgo foreclosure. 

Pérez had also confirmed that several "inappropriate loans were made during former Richard Oulahan (1978 to 2005) or right after, which a $600,000 loan from M&I Bank was made before former executive director Miranda (2005 to 2014) took over, also a loan from Wells Fargo of $100,000 was made and we have no idea where it is. So, the total debt for Esperanza Unida is between $1.2 to $1.3 million.

"It's a shame that so many people have one way or other benefited from Esperanza Unida and its job training programs, today none have stepped up or come forward to help and support the non-profit organization," Alfonso Morales, Events Entertainment stated. Morales family wanted to open a restaurant at the 611 building, but Alderman José G. Pérez has placed a hold on their food restaurant license. 
Manuel Pérez says, that Esperanza Unida is looking for volunteers to help clean the 1339 W. National Ave. building. Those willing to help clean can sign up at the security front desk at the 611 W. National Ave. building, according Pérez.
Pérez said, that muralist and artist Reynaldo Hernández finally reimbursed Esperanza Unida $1,000 and provided receipts for expenditures incurred to touch up the Esperanza Unida mural. Hernández was paid $2.5K to restore the outdoor Peace mural.

In December 2012, Esperanza Unida had offered the Hispanic  Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (HCCW) to take over and oversee the Esperanza Unida properties and programs, but the HCCW never responded with a final decision and Esperanza Unida dropped the offer, according to Miranda.
Today, there are only four tenants left at the 611 building.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MJS) has published several articles concerning the financial status of Esperanza Unida and Miranda claims that Georgia Pabst, a reporter has intentionally omitted the truth about certain loans. HNNUSA has obtained a statement from Miranda concerning his allegation against Pabst and MJS.

Miranda, released the following statement to HNNUSA, "THE STORY GEORGIA PABST ISN'T TELLING

"Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter, Georgia Pabst continues to report selectively the facts about Esperanza Unida. Her attempt to protect her long time friend, founder and former EU executive director Richard Oulahan is clear. 

"In this article, once again Pabst refuses to bring forward the facts about mortgage loans Oulahan signed, totaling $700,000.00. If you read Pabst latest piece on EU you'll notice she avoided to mention the $700,000.00 in loans Richard signed for before having to leave the agency because of sickness in 2003. 

"In fact, BMO Harris bank, the bank that bought out M&I bank and now owns the mortgage loans, recently verified that up until 2002 Richard Oulahan was the sole signer of these mortgage loans. 

"Manny Perez, current executive director, said that during the interview with Pabst he explained to her that the loans were toxic, improper and unaccounted for. That these loans were made before I got there. Pabst knows this to be true. However, she did not even mention these loans as part of the EU debt in her article above. Why? 

"Because questions asking why were these loans made will arise, that's why. Questions like:


1. With these loans why weren't the HVAC systems replaced and repaired at building 611 and 1329 west National Ave.

2. Why weren't the fire sprinklers replaced and fire alarm system modified at 611 building and EU building 1329 west National Ave. 

3. Why wasn't the roof replaced at 611 and 1329 West National Ave. buildings? 

4. Where did the money go? 

"As EU ED, I presented these points to Pabst on many occasions. She always failed to even mention these loans in past articles about EU. She never reported the fact that I had to work to pay over $12,000.00 a month to get these loans under control. Spending this kind of money on these loans prevented me from doing the infrastructure repair the agency's buildings desperately needed in order to stop the penalties and fines the City of Milwaukee levied on EU because these issues were not being dealt with. 

"The inability to pay for these repairs was the main reason tenants moved out of the building starting in 2012 and prevented me from asking for higher rent for this prime real estate. 

"In addition, when I first arrived in 2006 the City of Milwaukee was foreclosing on Esperanza Unida because of property taxes Oulahan did not pay. I managed to broker a deal with the city with the help of Alderman Jim Witkowiak to pay the city the taxes owed. We were successful in making that happen. It's to bad we have a gangster in the Alderman's office today, otherwise, I believe Manny Perez would have been able to broker an agreement with city officials had the current thug alderman sitting in office would have cooperated with him. 

"In closing, Georgia Pabst can only hide the the truth for so long. A truth that I will now bring forth. My silence in this matter ends today. The truth will come out about her friend Richard Oulahan, and many will be heartbroken to know that EU was not the efficiently run agency it's predecessors want many to believe," Miranda stated.

Milwaukee Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-in Window Shattered, But Not By Gunfire

A photo on Facebook went viral claiming that Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-in on S. 27th St. was shot up, but it was actually a window with a defective crack that caused the window to shatter into small pieces,  the night manager confirmed.

By H. Nelson Goodson

October 5, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Sunday, a photo showing Leon's Frozen Custard, 3131 S. 27th Street with a window shattered into pieces and "Leon's just got shot up" written in the center of the photo had gone viral on Facebook and interstate. When Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) contacted Leon's,  the night manager explained that the window had shattered after "a crack led to the defective glass" to just shatter in pieces. He said, the photo posted is real in regards to the window being broken into pieces, but what has been circulating in Facebook about a recent shooting at Leon's was not true. 

The window broke on Thursday night around 11:30 p.m. and Leon's is open on its regular hours, the Leon's night manager said.

On April 7, 2004, a vehicle pulled up and shot at a group of people who had just bought some custard at Leon's.  One male was injured in the drive-in area, according to police records.

Thomas Frenn Resigns From The Historic Mitchell Street BID#4 Board

First Historic Mitchell Street BID#4 Board member to also serve as a Board member with the Historic Mitchell Street Preservation Corporation has resigned after allegations of conflict of interest surfaced in June.

By H. Nelson Goodson

September 4, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, Rudy Gutiérrez, the president of BID#4 (Historic Mitchell Street Business Improvement Distric - BID) has confirmed that Attorney Thomas "Tom" Frenn had resigned in August as a Board member for BID#4. Frenn and other Board members from BID#4 are also Board members for the Historic Mitchell Street Preservation Corporation (HMSPC), which Board members from BID#4 say is a conflict of interest. Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) first broke the story in June when allegations of conflict of interest were raised by BID#4 members.

Frenn resigned shortly after the BID#4 August meeting. At the meeting, the issue of conflict of interest was brought up and all the Board members were put on noticed that members had to decide in which Board they would choose to stay in. Frenn then resigned from BID#4 and decided to continue as a Board member for the HMSPC.

HNNUSA attempted to get a copy of Frenn's resignation letter, but Nancy Bush, the executive director for the BID#4 denied the request and she would not comment on the matter. Bush did confirm, that Mayor Tom Barrett had received a copy of Frenn's resignation. HNNUSA also learned that Alderman José Pérez had also received a copy of Frenn's resignation letter. Ald. Pérez hasn't notified other business owners along Mitchell Street that Frenn had resigned as a Board member. Pérez had known of the allegations of conflict of interest that were raised by business owners along Mitchell, but it was HNNUSA that actually reported and exposed an alleged conflict of interest among Board members serving in the two entities. 

The next BID#4 meeting is scheduled for September 18, at noon and will take place at the BID#4 and HMSPC building 1635 S. 8th St., which both entities share office space.

An attempt was made to contact Attorney Frenn for comment, but he hasn't responded.

Mexican Fiesta 2014 Giving Refunds To Victims Profiled As Gang Members

Mexican Fiesta 2014 organizers once again engaging in the violation of people's rights on City of Milwaukee grounds.

By H. Nelson Goodson

August 24, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - Once again, Milwaukee Police Officer Alexander Ayala representing the Latino Peace Officers Association (LPOA) has confirmed that those festivalgoers kicked out of Mexican Fiesta in 2013 were active gang members and some weren't kicked for having tattoos on their face, according to a CBS 58 news report on Friday. Ayala, the Milwaukee Police Department, which uses its Intelligence Center to identify past, present and future gang members and the LPOA have not provided any proof that those kicked out last year and even this weekend are active gang members. They don't keep statistics or data of those believed to be gang members and have been kicked out. Once festivalgoers are labeled gang members, they are restricted from entering the three-day festival, even if they are not actual gang members. 

Last year, those kicked out from Mexican Fiesta 2013 weren't given refunds, CBS 58 reported. But this year according to Ayala, refunds will be given to those profiled victims who are kicked out. CBS 58 also reported that the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (WHSF) Board members who sponsors Mexican Fiesta have approved for LPOA, its volunteer Fiesta security and police to kick out "suspected" gang members without actually providing a recourse for victims profiled as gang members. 

The Summerfest grounds where the three-day festival takes place are owned by the City of Milwaukee. Officer Ayala, LPOA and Milwaukee police have definitely and continue to violated the civil rights of those people kicked out of the festival. 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) broke the story in 2013 and found none of those kicked out were actually gang members at all. Some were also kicked out for undesirable tattoos. None of the victims have filed a lawsuit as of yet, but the CBS 58 news report, HNNUSA, WHSF and Officer Ayala have provided the needed legal recourse for the victims to move forward in suing WHSF, Mexican Fiesta, World Festival (Summerfest), the Milwaukee Police Department and the City of Milwaukee for violating their rights. Which Ayala also confirmed, their policy to kick out "suspected" active gang members this year is in effect regardless, if in fact they are not gang members. Last Friday, several people were kicked out, according to some festivalgoers who saw the incident.

The WHSF Board, Summerfest (World Festival), Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn, the Milwaukee Common Council have learned of the gross violations its own officers on-duty and off-duty engaged in at Mexican Fiesta 2013 and have done nothing to prevent innocent tax-paying citizens from being labeled as gang members when they are not. Ayala even confirmed that the police used the Milwaukee Intelligence Center to profile present, past and future gang members for none criminal investigations on tax-payers money. Those targeted are never given a recourse to contest the allegations and HNNUSA has challenged Ayala and the police department to prove those kicked out during Fiesta at Summerfest grounds in 2013 were active gang members. One thing for sure, they can't prove it, because they don't keep any data of who gets targeted and kicked out as an alleged gang member.

It's not illegal to belong to a so call gang, only when those members engage in illegal activity does it become a clear violation of the law. 
None of those targeted victims by Officer Ayala, retired and former Milwaukee Police Lt. Ruben Burgos, LPOA and police have actually committed any illegal acts or violated any rules of conduct while at Mexican Fiesta. Ayala, Burgos, LPOA and police have violated the rights of Latinos who were never given any refunds in 2013. 

Shameful, Mexican Fiesta is the only festival in Milwaukee that discriminates its own people. 

On Friday, Asael "Chico" Ruiz, a WHSF Board member publicly told festivalgoers on the grounds and in front of my family that I was "Mexican Fiesta's number one enemy" and that the people he was talking too should actually physically beat me to the ground. Chico then just walked off. Was Chico talking in behalf of the WHSF Board? All I'm guilty off and proud was that last year I exposed that out $2.5M in scholarships that have been given out to students in prior years by the WHSF, none were ever given to undocumented students residing in Wisconsin. At least one thing came out for the good of the community, WHSF and National LULAC after HNNUSA reported that undocumented students were left out from scholarships. They finally changed their discriminatory policy and this year, they only accepted scholarship applications from DACA registered students (DREAMers). Which now, WHSF and the National LULAC halfway discriminate by leaving those undocumented students who do not qualify for DACA, but reside in the state continue to be left out from getting scholarships. Even though, their parents and family members volunteer for hours at Fiesta and do fund Mexican Fiesta by spending at the event. 

The illegal acts by Ayala, Burgos, LPOA and police at Mexican Fiesta operate on a backwards politics mentality. It's not the alleged labeled gang members who were actually none gang members they should worry about, but those festivalgoers who over consume beers and margaritas at the event. Beer and a family environment festival that Ayala was trying to promote on Friday's CBS 58 news don't mix or does it?

Mexican Fiesta in Milwaukee is a rich cultural and tradition experience for the Midwest and should be preserved, but the inside politics overshadow its continued success.

Most of the year, Chico resides in Mexico. He should know, even though police have become militarized, the State of Wisconsin and the United States of America still have their Constitutions and Bill of Rights intact. Does the WHSF Board have the same sentiment as Chico, that I'm Mexican Fiesta's number one enemy? I'm certainly am flattered.

But lastly, what happens to the annual profits and why have less and less scholarships been given out? WHSF promotes that they have given out about 100 scholarships every year, but last year and the year before, it didn't even come near that amount. Also, how many scholarships were given to DACA DREAMers this year? Questions the public should know and the WHSF under their non-profit status should make public as a courtesy.

Mexican Fiesta ends on Sunday. Viva la Raza!, important note, immigrants from Mexico do help finance Fiesta! 

Also noted, Milwaukee police and the LPOA have a reputation of providing state of the art security at Fiesta and have a rapid response to any trouble reported at the event, but have over stepped their limits by mislabeling people as gang members for having tattoos. 

The current Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (WHSF) Board of Directors who operate the annual Mexican Fiesta are;

● Antonio Guajardo Jr. (President)
● Gregorio Montoto (1st Vice President)
● Ricardo Ruiz (2nd Vice President)
● Arturo Martinez (Secretary)
● Ernesto Baca (Treasurer)
● Teresa Mercado (Executive Director)
● Ray Bacalzo
● Frank Gonzales
● Woody Welch
● Marjorie Cervera
● Oscar Cervera
● Julio Maldonado
● Luis Gonzalez
● Julio Guix
● Lupe Martinez
● Ruben Burgos
● Jason Hyland
● Diana Moreno
● Asael Ruiz
● Darryl Morin

City of Milwaukee Closed Esperanza Unida International Building Due To Fire Hazard

Faulty fire water sprinkle compressor system caused a five-day closing of the South side Esperanza Unida International building by order of the City of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson

June 25, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday, the City of Milwaukee gave Esperanza Unida, Inc. a two hour notice to close their International building located at 611 W. National Ave. due to a faulty fire water sprinkle compressor system. The Esperanza Unida International building will be closed for the next five-days, according to Manuel "Manny" Pérez, the executive director of Esperanza Unida.

Pérez said, that on Monday employee's were doing an inspection of the fire sprinkle system when it was discovered that the compressor wasn't working. Pérez notified the city and on Wednesday around 10:00 a.m., Pérez was given a two hour notice to close the entire building effecting 20 tenants. Tenants are not allowed in the building without authorization or conduct business during the lock out. 

A contractor has been called to fix the system and it will take at least five-days to repair the sprinkle water system compressor, according to Pérez. The estimated cost to fix the water system could be under $12,000.

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) was the first to report that the Esperanza Unida building had been sold for $1.3M to a local Milwaukee developer who will invest a $7M project to build a 55 apartment unit complex at the 611 W. National Ave. location. The tenants have until December to make arrangements before the developer who has not been identified by Pérez will take over the building.

Conflict of Interest Questioned Among Historic Mitchell Street BID 4 Board Members

Dimity Grabowski and Rudy Gutiérrez

At least four Historic Mitchell Street BID #4 Board members also serve with the Historic Mitchell Street Perservation Corporation, according to information disclosed at last Thursday's BID #4 meeting.

By H. Nelson Goodson

June 20, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, Dimity Grabowski, one of the Historic Mitchell Street Business Improvement District (BID) #4 Board members questioned an alleged conflict of interest among the Board membership. At least four current BID #4 Board members are also Board members for the Historic Mitchell Street Perservation Corporation (HMSPC), Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has learned. Grabowski during the BID #4 meeting also requested clarification from Nancy Bush, the executive director for the BID #4 of its association between the two entities. 

A two hour session was scheduled before the next BID #4 meeting on July 17 to discuss Grabowski's request and the $247,000 discrepancy that HNNUSA reported. Grabowski stated to HNNUSA, "I have full faith that our new President, Rudy Gutiérrez will be a "positive" voice for Mitchell St., on the BID #4. My direct concerns are related to the obvious conflict of interest within several BID #4 members who currently serve on the HMSPC jointly." Grabowski is the owner of Think Resale on Historic Michell Street.

Last Monday, Bush released that the BID #4 had made $2,562.49 after costs during Sun Fair 2012, an annual street outdoor event. In April 2013, Ron Giguere, then president of the BID #4 told the Bussiness Journal (BJ) that the Sun Fair had made over $250,000, which HNNUSA reported. Giguere abruptly resigned as president of the BID #4 in October 2013. 

The building at 1635 S. 8th St. where the BID #4 is housed is owned by

the HMSPC, which Giguere is the current Chair of the Board. Bush says, it rents the first floor, which actually are three rooms. The BID #4 pays about $1,200 per month and both the BID and HMSPC share the whole building, which has no separate entrances or exits for each group. The house doesn't even have a sign outside the building indicating that BID #4 is at the location.

BID #4 has not responded to Giguere's statement to the BJ and if they found any funding missing or not reported concerning the Sun Fair event in 2012.

Bush also wouldn't release her annual salary, but HNNUSA has learned that she makes over $63,300 annually, including benefits, cellphone service and gas allowance. Bush's salary is funded through levy accessments collected from businesses and property owners along the Mitchell Street Business district.

There are 30 BID's in the City of Milwaukee, not all have the same assessment formula. The BID #4's is $4.00 per $1,000 of assessed commercial property value, not to exceed $2500, Bush confirmed.

In an e-mail to HNNUSA, Bush wrote, "In 2012, the Sun Fair did not make "more than $250,000," it made $2,562.49. Last year, in 2013, the event made $911.26. In 2011, its first year, the event made $1,296.16." HNNUSA learned that the Rainbow Valley Carnival and Rides (RVC) gave BID #4 $16,895 in commission in 2013. Sun Fair in 2013 made $20,889, total expenses were $19,997.74, net income $911.26.

In 2014 and 2013, BID #4 paid $7,903 for a city permit to block off W. Historic Mitchell Street from S. 8th to S. 11th Streets for the three day event. 

This year, Sun Fair 2014 made $19,235, the expenses reported were $14,946,51 and net income $4,288.49. The RVC commission to BID #4 was $15,660, according to the BID #4 financial report for Sun Fair 2014. 

Esperanza Unida International Building Sold For $1.3M

Four member Esperanza Unida Board accepted offer before deadline on Wednesday from Milwaukee apartment developer to buy the Esperanza Unida International building for $1.3M to help pay incurred debts.

By H. Nelson Goodson

June 19, 2014

Milwaukee, WI -  On Thursday, Manuel "Manny" Pérez, the executive director of Esperanza Unida, Inc. confirmed, that the current four members of the Board from the non-profit organization had accepted a $1.3 million offer from a local developer to purchase the building and property at 611 W. National Ave. Pérez said, that most of the 20 tenants have until December 31, before the developer will begin making the transition to acquire the property.

The developer will convert the Esperanza Unida International Building into a $7 million development project to create a 55 apartment unit complex and will keep some businesses on the first floor, according to Pérez.

The Esperanza Unida organization will continue to operate at 1329 W. National Ave., where they own a second property.

The current Esperanza Unida Board members are Steed Welch, Chair; James "Jim" Witkowiak, Vice-Chair; Susan Pepper-Sims and Tamara Owens. The Board has three vacant seats, according to Pérez.

Pérez stated, that the Esperanza Unida building was not listed to be sold, but a week ago, the developer made an offer and gave the Esperanza Unida Board until Wednesday to accept the $1.3M offer. The Board couldn't refuse the offer, since it has been on debt and facing a $1.3M deficit. 

Last year, Esperanza Unida ended with $495,000 in gross revenue and for 2014, Pérez projected about $900,000 in gross revenue. But in terms of net income, Esperanza owes $50,000 to CD, it owes $388,000 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and $70,000 to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) employment insurance. He also confirmed that several "inappropriate loans were made during former Richard Oulahan (1978 to 2005) or right after, which a $600,000 loan from M&I Bank was made before former executive director Robert F. Miranda (2005 to 2014) took over, also a loan from Wells Fargo of $100,000 was made and we have no idea where it is. So, the total debt for Esperanza Unida is beteen $1.2 to $1.3 million," according to Pérez.

Today, about $700,000 in loans has not been able to be accounted for or no records exist for its disbursement and it has been reported to the Federal Economic Development Authority,  Pérez said.

Esperanza Unida rent space was previously valued at $6.50 per square foot during the Oulahan administration and later increased to $8.25 and remained steady for decades. The city recommended $10.00 per square foot and Esperanza Unida remained at $8.25. New tenants rented space at $12.25 per square foot, since Pérez took over. Pérez also said, that Esperanza Unida had a history of being an incubator for helping businesses grow and prosper, but the low rent never generated revenue to cover the costs of maintaining and operating the building.

If the building would have been listed for sale last year, it wouldn't have been sold for more than $800,000. Today, the Board made at least $500,000 more due to current repair maintenance and improvements conducted under Pérez. The $1.3M from the purchase will go to pay over due city taxes, the IRS debt, DWD, several loans and other bills incurred by previous administrations.

Pérez, who would not disclose the name of the developer says, the purchase by the developer will "generate construction jobs, attract community activity and stimulate economic growth." There has been no new development on S. 6th Street or vicinity since, Alderman José G. Pérez was elected, which have kept rent values low. With the lack of any new development, many buildings are under valued in the area, according to city tax records.

José G. Pérez before becoming Alderman in the 12th District had made an offer to a former Board member to purchase the Esperanza Unida building, but no offer amount by made available.

Esperanza Unida, Inc. Board of Directors

West Historic Mitchell Street Days To Be Proposed By BID Board President

Rudy Gutiérrez

Mitchell Street Days in the horizon, according to Gutiérrez.

By H. Nelson Goodson

May 27, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - Rudy Gutiérrez, the current president of the Board of Directors for the West Historic Mitchell Street Business Improvement District (BID) #4 told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA), that he would like to see the area revitalized with economic growth along Mitchell Street. One of many projects planned to accomplish his goal is to propose the Mitchell Street Days, which could add several activities per month to attract a steady flow of shoppers to the area.

This weekend, the Historic Mitchell Street Sun Fair will take place on May 30, 31 and June 1 along the strip from S. 7th Street to S. 11th Street. It has been a yearly event for the last two years and Gutiérrez says, it's time to reevaluate the Sun Fair event that includes, beer sales, food and carnaval rides. 

Last year, the BID made just enough revenue to pay for the Sun Fair costs and this year, the three year contract expires with the carnaval rides company. The Sun Fair's future is uncertain and depends on the revenue generated on this upcoming weekend to determine its future on Mitchell Street.

Today, Gutiérrez wants to focus on additional events that can attract more business to Mitchell Street depending on available funding.

He was selected as BID #4 president of the Board in February and is working to get more business owners to join the BID. Currently there are five vacancies on the Board.

Gutiérrez is the current Bank Manager and Assistant Vice-President of the US Bank on West Mitchell St. He is also a Board member for La Casa de Esperanza in Waukesha. 

Johnson Brass Foundry Explosion Injures Seven Employees, Including One Hispanic In Saukville

Two critically burned and five others injured after melted brass metal in tumbler lost balance and spilled over water causing an explosion.

By H. Nelson Goodson

May 19, 2014

Saukville, WI - On Monday, the Saukville Fire Department and local police responded to an explosion at the Johnson Brass and Machine Foundry, 270 N. Mill Rd. Seven people were reported injured, 2 men were critically burned and flown by Flight for Life to the Columbia St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee for treatment. A third was taken there by ambulance. Four other men were taken by ambulances to nearby hospitals. 

One Hispanic, Miguel Gomez, with five years seniority was splattered with hot metal in his lower body and feet; Steve Jones, with 20 years seniority was splattered with melted brass and is in critical condition and shift Supervisor Jeff, with 25 years seniority was injured after he jumped for safety, injured his head and was also splattered with melted brass were among those reported injured. Another victim was identified as Mark Edbauer Jr. who was also injured.

The explosion happened before 4:00 p.m. while the 7:00 a.m. shift workers were getting ready to leave. Some of the workers were in the shower and locker section when the explosion occurred.

One 5 ton molted piece had been completed earlier before the second attempt was made to make another piece. As melted brass was being poured into the rotating mold, it became unbalanced and got loose from the bolted base as it rotated about 300 times per minute. The base of the mold when placed on the tumbler was narrow and the top, which was suppose to be the base was wider.

It's believed that the tumbler loaded with 10,500 pounds (5 tons) of melted brass lost balanced as it rotated and tilted over. The hot brass (2,100 degrees, 3-D class temp) then poured over and combined with water used at the base to cool the rotating connection with the mold causing an explosion.

The gas torch hoses used to melt the brass burned with the melted brass spill and flames ensued. The gas flow was shut off. The torch hoses and water coolant for the tumbler are located at the base.

OSHA is expected at the scene on Tuesday. The company has had other incidents at the foundry, according to OSHA.

The plant was evacuted on Monday and employees working at the section where the incident occurred have been notified by the company not to show up for work for several days.

Ryan Road Mobil Selling Racist Illegal Immigrant Hunting Permits In Oak Creek

Sales cashier didn't know they were selling them!

By H. Nelson Goodson

May 18, 2014

Oak Creek, WI - On Saturday, a Facebook (FB) posting by Alejandro Alba indicates that the Ryan Road Mobil at 9444 S. Chicago Ave. is selling U.S.A. Illegal Immigrant Hunting Permits at their location. Alba took a photo and posted it on his FB account. Since then, FB users have been sharing and circulating Alba's post.

When Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) contacted the establishment on Sunday,  the sales clerk stated, "that she didn't know, and that she was to busy to check because she had a line of customers."

In 2011, the decals began to be distributed in Wisconsin and some gas stations began to sell them. The stickers are sold for $4 to $5.00 a piece. To some the stickers are a form of speech, novelty, comical and to others it promotes hate and violence towards immigrants.

The decal is a novelty, but tasteless and feeds into racial hate, profiling and suggests that illegals can be hunted (killed) in the country. Someone with a lack of common sense could actually believe it's legal to hunt illegals (undocumented immigrants).

The U.S.A. Illegal Immigrant Hunting Permit is distributed by Central States Novelty, LLC.

Some FB users are asking people to boycott the business as a result of selling the so called racist decals. 

The FBI reported that between 2003 to 2006, hate crimes against Latinos had increase by 35% in the U.S.

The City of Oak Creek, which has more than 34,000 in population made national headline news in early August 2012 when a crazed lone suspect massacred multiple Sikh Temple members. The Sikh Temple at 7512 S. Howell Ave. was attacked by a known racist, Wade Michael Page, 40, a White male who went to the temple and opened fire killing six victims between the ages of 39 to 84. Three of the deceased victims were also brothers.
Three injured victims that survived were identity as Baba (priest) Punjab Singh and Baba Santokh Singh, including Oak Creek Police Lieutenant Brian Murphy, 51. Murphy was shot at least 15 times, 12 struck his body and three his body armor (bullet proof vest), but survived and later retired from the Oak Creek Police Department. 
Page, an Army Veteran was a member of a supremacy group, according to the FBI.

Mexican Fiesta 2014 Will Continue To Profile And Discriminate Hispanic Festivalgoers

Mexican Fiesta organizers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to continue profiling and discriminating against Latinos and non-Hispanics for exhibiting body and facial tattoos not in good taste for the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation Board.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

April 25, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - Mexican Fiesta 2014 at Summerfest grounds, which are city owned plans to use once again the Milwaukee police intelligence center to profile festivalgoers as alleged gang members for exhibiting body and facial tattoos or certain clothing to expell them without returning refunds or deny them admittance to the three day event without committing any wrong doing (crime) inside the festival grounds. 
Last Summer, festival security LPOA (Latino Peace Officer Association) and police were exposed for profiling festivalgoers and kicking out multiple innocent people for exhibiting tattoos not in good taste for festival organizers and wearing clothing not approved by security without returning refunds. Fiesta organizers conspired to keep refunds, by knowingly expelling profiling victims and not offering them refunds. Shameful Mexican Fiesta organizers, more transparency and accountability needed for the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation Board who sponsor Mexican Fiesta! 

Acevedo Honored As Milwaukee Police Officer Of The Year By LPOA Local Chapter

Jose "Ace" Acevedo

Local Latino Peace Officers Association named Acevedo, one of its members as Officer of the Year 2013.

By H. Nelson Goodson

January 26, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Saturday, Officer Jose "Ace" Acevedo from the Second Police District Station was recognized as the Latino Peace Officers Association (LPOA) "Officer of the Year." Officer Acevedo is an active member of the LPOA and the Second District's police auxiliary coordinator and explorer coordinator.

Acevedo was recognized for his commitment to the community and the LPOA, according to Acevedo's Facebook posting. 

In brief, the local LPOA in the Summer made news after some of its members who volunteer as security for the annual Mexican Fiesta three day lakefront festival allegedly were involved in kicking out suspected gang members and a man with a facial tattoo from the event without just cause. The current LPOA president, Milwaukee Officer Alexander C. Ayala confirmed that the Milwaukee Police Intelligence center was used to identify the victims that were kicked out of fiesta without actual prove of their affiliation with gangs. The discriminatory policy was endorsed previously by the former LPOA president Ruben Burgos, a retired Milwaukee Police Lieutenant of Detectives.

The discrimination policy was also adopted by the Mexican Fiesta officials with the aid of the Milwaukee Police Department that sparked protests and a boycott for next year's fiesta by members of the community.
At a press conference held in September at the fiesta office run by the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation (WHSF), which Hispanic News Network U.S.A. was barred from attending, they actually confirmed their policy to kick out or deny entry to any former, current  or alleged future gang member from admission to the Mexican Fiesta grounds even though they hadn't committed any wrongdoing at the grounds. 

The Summerfest grounds are owned by the City of Milwaukee and rents the area to World Festival Inc., who runs Summerfest at the lakefront.

Those kicked out from the fiesta last Summer were not given any recourse to prove such gang affiliation allegations were false and were never given a refund. They victims were ripped off by Mexican Fiesta.
Also, Mexican Fiesta, WHSF and several LULAC chapters deny access for scholarships to undocumented DREAMers, despite a majority of those attending the festival are undocumented and spent money at the event.