450 Mexican Pork Meat Tamales Confiscated And Importer Fined $1K In Los Angeles Airport

A passenger from Mexico declared 450 tamales to U.S. Customs and was later fined.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

November 19, 2015

Los Angeles, CA - The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists assigned to the Los Angeles International Airport on November 2 seized 450 Mexican pork meat tamales from a passenger who declared the food in his luggage. The passenger was asked if the tamales has any pork meat and the passenger responded no. Once the tamales were determined to have been made with pork meat, they were confiscated and later destroyed. 

"Although tamales are a popular holiday tradition, foreign meat products can carry serious animal diseases from countries affected by outbreaks of Avian Influenza, Mad Cow and Swine Fever," said Anne Maricich, CBP Acting Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. "Every day CBP agriculture specialists prevent the intentional and unintentional introduction of harmful pests and foreign animal diseases into the U.S."
The traveler was assessed a $1,000.00 civil penalty for commercial activity with the intent to distribute. The pork meat tamales were seized and destroyed under CBP supervision, according to Maricich.

Municipal ID Amendment For Undocumented Approved By Milwaukee County Executive

Milwaukee County Budget including an amendment to create a Municipal ID approved by County Executive.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

November 17, 2015

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, Chris Abele, the Milwaukee County Executive approved the Milwaukee County budget including an amendment that would create a Municipal Identification card for County-wide undocumented immigrants and underdocumented residents. The Milwaukee Common Council also approved an amendment to its City budget that would set aside funds in agreement with Milwaukee County to create a Municipal ID. 

Both the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County will work on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will establish the framework for the creation and issuance of community ID's. The Office of Government Affairs provided $150K in an allocated contingency fund account to be used for the Community ID program contingent upon the County's acceptance of the MOU and confirmation that the City of Milwaukee will match the County's contribution.

The Municipal ID will not be valid for voting purposes or to board domestic airflights. The ID will be used for County identification purposes, open a bank account, obtain a library card, get County museum and park discounts, getting prescriptions, Milwaukee Transit discounts for seniors, visiting inmates by relatives and would allow for local law enforcement to identify County residents.

Out of 66 amendments added to the County budget for 2016, Abele only vetoed two, he rejected an additional $4M to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department avoiding a 1.4% property tax increase and rejected to fund a $750,000 fish passage in Estabrook Dam, but instead Abele wants County Supervisors to approve the removal of the dam.

The Municipal ID is the result of the Wisconsin Republican controlled legislature and Governor Scott Walker's (R) failure to approve a state picture driving permit for undocumented immigrants to legally drive in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Common Council Approved Funding For A Municipal ID

The City of Milwaukee will partner with Milwaukee County in establishing a municipal identification card for undocumented immigrants and for underdocumented County residents.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

November 3, 2015

Milwaukee, WI - On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Common Council approved an amendment to create a Community Identification Card Special Purpose Account of $150K in the Mayor Tom Barrett's proposed 2016 budget. During the amendment budget debate, only Alderman Mark A. Borkowski went on record to oppose the Municipal ID amendment. Ald. Borkowski later voted with 13 other Aldermen to adopt the budget for 2016 with Alderman Bob Donovan not voting and being excused, according to the Milwaukee Common Council minutes.
The Municipal ID amendment was introduced by Alderman José G. Pérez on Friday in the Milwaukee Common Council Finance and Personnel Committee (FPC). Ald. Pérez a member of the FPC along with four other members, Aldermen Nik Kovak, Ashanti Hamilton, Terry Witkowski, including Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs voted in favor.

The City $1.55B budget would add 20 additional police officers, pay for police officer body cameras, a $1.3M improvement of City playgrounds, stall alley reconstruction for 4,000 alleys in 2016 and would restore Friday and Saturday hours for various libraries. The once approved City 2016 budget will go to Mayor Barrett for his signature. 

On Monday night, Alderman Pérez addressed the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors at a 2016 budget amendment public hearing at Mitchell Domes in support of a Municipal ID and told the County Board that the City's FPC had unanimously voted to create a fund for a Municipal ID and that the Milwaukee Common Council was expected to approve an amendment in its City budget for 2016. Also, members of Voces de la Frontera, a workers and immigrant rights organization, supporters, several undocumented County residents and clergy spoke in favor of a Municipal ID. No opposition for a Municipal ID was heard at the County Board amendment budget hearing.

The Municipal ID will be used for County identification purposes, open a bank account, obtain a library card, get County museum and park discounts, getting prescriptions, Milwaukee Transit discounts for seniors, visiting inmates by relatives and would allow for local law enforcement to identify County residents.

The Milwaukee County Finance Committee had approved an amendment to create a Municipal ID as well on the Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele's 2016 budget. The full County Board will vote on the budget on November 9.

When the Milwaukee County Board approves their Municipal ID amendment, both the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County will work on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will establish the framework for the creation and issuance of community ID's. The Office of Government Affairs provided $150K in an allocated contingency fund account to be used for the Community ID program contingent upon the County's acceptance of the MOU and confirmation that the City of Milwaukee will match the County's contribution, according to Monday's County budget hearing on amendments.
The Municipal ID is the result of the Wisconsin Republican controlled legislature and Governor Scott Walker's (R) failure to approve a state picture driving permit for undocumented immigrants to legally drive in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Common Council budget 2016 adoption including amendments (PDF) http://bit.ly/1Pkm4zm

Milwaukee Debate March Set For November Against The Racist War On Immigrants By Trump And The GOP

Anti-Republican groups in Milwaukee plan a march and rally to the Republican Presidential debates set for November 10 at the Milwaukee Theater.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

October 29, 2015

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday, Voces de la Frontera Action (VDLFA), the political affiliate to the non-profit Voces de la Frontera, an immigrant and workers rights organization announced that a march and rally is set for November 10 to protest the anti-immigrant rhetoric by the Republican Presidential candidates. The GOP candidates running for the nomination of the Republican Party label as president will be in Milwaukee for a scheduled debate.

VDLFA, supporters and immigrants including allies are marching for justice for immigrants, a $15 minimum wage and for Black Lives Matter, according to a flyer circulating in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. The march will begin at 4:00 p.m. starting at the VDLFA office, 1027 S. 5th St. and will head to City Hall at 200 E. Wells St. The marchers will meet up with other allies at City Hall and then march to the Republican debate event at the Milwaukee Theater, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave.

The Milwaukee Theater has a capacity of 4,086 and the National Republic Committee confirmed, that the Republican debate for Milwaukee has been sold out.

The presidential candidates will debate on jobs, taxes, the national economy, domestic and international policy issues. Most of the candidates are anti-immigrant and have agreed with Donald Trump on deporting about 11M undocumented immigrants that would lead to separating families, if elected. The candidates have shown non-support for DREAMers or DAPA, which would allow their parents to legally stay in the U.S.

Trump and some of the candidates believe that children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents shouldn't be U.S. Citizens and would like to strip their citizenship, if elected.

Clínica Latina Serving More Than 200K Patients In 40 Years Of Affordable Health Care Service

Clínica Latina continues to provide affordable health and medical care in Milwaukee's Southside for 40 years.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

October 24, 2015

Milwaukee, WI - Today, Dr. Leonardo Aponte MD announced that he and the Clínica Latina S.C. at 1238 S. Cesar E. Chavez Drive, (414-645-6669) in Milwaukee has served more than 200,000 patients in a combined 40 years of affordable health and medical care service. Dr. Aponte is general practitioner, including a family medical practice and is a certified Nuclear Medicine doctor. He speaks four languages, French, German, Spanish and English.

On Saturday, Dr. Aponte in a video personally thanked the community, his medical staff, doctors and administrative workers for their dedication, support and service all these years. Dr. Aponte is working on several projects today, one of them is creating a minor surgery clinic facility to do affordable surgeries for patients saving them high cost fees otherwise charged at hospitals. The second project is to establish a resource clinic to treat drug and alcoholic addiction. Dr. Aponte says, that the first project is close to getting accomplish since, he doesn't count on federal, state or private funds. The Clínica Latina is a full health care service provider including minor laser surgery for the last 15 years, has 9 medical staff including administrative members and is looking forward for the 41st Anniversary next year, according to Dr. Aponte.

At first, Dr. Aponte began to treat Mexican and Puerto Rican families, today the Clínica Latina has been able to treat patients from Asia, Europe, Central and South America. Everyday, we get new patients, especially younger in age, Dr. Aponte told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA).

In brief: Dr. Aponte arrived in Milwaukee from Connecticut in 1974 after finishing his Nuclear Medicine studies. He first practice medicine at the Medical Surgical Clinic at the 2500 block of W. Lincoln Ave. from September 1974 to July 1975. While at the clinic on Lincoln Ave., Dr. Aponte noticed that Mexican families weren't getting the medical services needed. On August 1975, Dr. Aponte was able to start his practice in a one room office at a dental facility with late Dr. John Gonis who established Dental Associates on S. 16th St. (later renamed S. Cesar E. Chavez Drive) and Ron Silverman, his partner who had an Optical practice. He practice medicine for four months at Dental Associates and then briefly moved to the 1600 block of W. Greenfield Ave. on the upper level of the Gull Pharmacy. He practiced medicine for the next 8 years at 1322 S. 16 St. and provided free medical consultation to Mexican families at the Guadalupe Church School.

Dr. Aponte was later able to open the Clínica Latina S.C. at 1238 S. Cesar E. Chavez Drive. Congratulations to Clínica Latina and its medical and administrative staff on their 40th Anniversary.

Medical and administrative staff:

● Dr. Leonardo Aponte 

● Dr. Antonio Gonzalez  (21 years of medical service)

● Dr. Tomas O'Conner (5 years of medical service)

● Dr. Elaine Gilbert (8 years of medical service)

● Adriana Luevano, Clinic Administrative Manager, (7 years of service)

● Cindy Nuñez, Medical Assistant, (3 years of service)

● Jorge Escamilla, Medical Assistant 

● D'Andre Turner, Billing, (14 years of service)

● Rosa Villa, Accounting 

● Lee Fevo, Accounting  

Video: Dr. Leonardo Aponte and the Clínica Latina's 40th Anniversary in Milwaukee https://youtu.be/Rbp7TmiceVU

Governor Walker Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony For The $46M Freshwater Plaza Development Project In Milwaukee's Southside

Governor Walker was among community, public officials and business leaders at a groundbreaking project that will house a second Cermak Fresh Market grocery store at S. 1st Street and W. Greenfield Ave. located in Milwaukee Southside where the predominantly Hispanic community reside in the 12th Alderman District.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

October 22, 2015

Milwaukee, WI -  On Thursday, a $46M to $55M development project began after Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R), Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, 12th District Alderman José G. Pérez, other local public officials and business leaders took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Freshwater Plaza in Milwaukee's Southside. According to Governor Walker's Governor Office news release, the Freshwater Plaza is being developed by Wangard Partners, Inc.  They specialize in green, sustainable, and efficient spaces for office, multi-family, industrial, and retail developments nationwide. 

"Today's groundbreaking is a great opportunity for the community and just another indication that Wisconsin is moving forward," said Governor Walker.  "The innovative Freshwater Plaza, as well the work by Wangard Parnters, Inc. to re-purpose this brownfiled site, are important investments that will help foster new opportunties and partnerships for businesses in Wisconsin."
Freshwater Plaza is a mixed-use development that is located in the Fifth Ward and Walker's Point neighborhood area. The $46 million development is adjacent to the inner harbor, and will be the gateway to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences.   Wangard Partners, Inc. expects the project will create 75 construction jobs and 156 permanent jobs, as well as attract regional and national tenants.  Potential development phases include:

● A 46,280-square-foot Cermak Fresh Market

● 6,600-square-feet of retail including a potential financial institution building and two additional retail buildings

● An L-shaped, four-story mixed-use building (15,900-square-feet of commercial space and three floors of apartments)

● A future 50,000-square-foot office building.

Involvement by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) have aided in the progress of this project.  WEDC awarded a Brownfield grant for $685,542 to aid in the environmental work on the site.  Wangard Partners, Inc. has worked closely with the DNR in the cleanup of the site, and WHEDA also awarded $10 million in New Market Tax Credits for the project.
First-ring Industrial Redevelopment Enterprise (FIRE), a West Allis community development entity, also provided New Market Tax Credits in the amount of $12 million. Additionally, TIF funding was provided by the City of Milwaukee and loans were provided by Tri-City National Bank, National Cooperative Bank and Impact 7, according to Walker's news release.

Jury Decides Badger Guns Was Negligent In Strawbuy Sale And Awarded $5M To Victims

A Milwaukee County jury decided that a former local gun dealer was negligent and sold a weapon to a strawbuyer who then sold the gun to a teen involver in shooting two Milwaukee police officers in 2009.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

October 13, 2015

Milwaukee, WI - On Tuesday, a Milwaukee County jury decided that Badger Guns Inc. was negligent in selling a handgun to Jacob Collins who then sold the handgun to a teenager, Julius Burton for $60. The jury awarded both Milwaukee Police Officer Bryan Norberg and former Officer Graham Kunisch $5M.

Both Norberg and Kunisch were shot by Burton on June 2009 after the officers attempted to arrest the teen after riding his bicycle on the sidewalk in the Walker's Point neighborhood. Norberg recovered and returned to work and Kunisch lost an eye and was unable to return to duty. 

In 2010, Norberg and Kunisch filed a lawsuit against Badger Guns and seven other defendants claiming that an employee was negligent in selling a handgun to an alleged strawbuyer who then sold the weapon to a teenager. Collins only got two years in a federal prison for buying the gun and selling it to Burton. Burton is serving up to 80 years in prison for shooting both Norberg and Kunisch.

Badger Guns is expected to appeal the decision.