One of the great things about the Imperial Valley is its multiculturalism. We share more than a border with Mexico, we share familial bonds, social and economic ties and a common language.
The language component is probably the most prevalent, as a sizable portion of Imperial Valley residents are fluent in English and Spanish, but an equally sizable portion of Valley residents are fluent in Spanish and either cannot speak English or cannot communicate enough to be passable.
In the realm of local politics, being able to communicate in at least effective English is of the utmost importance.
In Calexico next week, voters will go to the polls to cast their ballots for three of the nine Calexico City Council candidates. Eight of those candidates will be fluent in English and Spanish. One is fluent in Spanish only, and struggles mightily in English.
Luis J. Castro, who owns a local Dial-A-Ride service in Calexico, is that man. He is running for election today, as he did a couple years ago, when he lost by a hair to councilman David Ouzan.
By most accounts Castro is a well-meaning man who has done well for himself and has done well for the hundreds of local senior citizens and disabled folks he has provided transportation services for. In fact, they make up the bulk of his support, many who themselves do not speak English.
But the fact remains that Castro, if elected, would represent Calexico to the outside world. From Jasper Road to the Mexican border, Castro’s inability to speak English well works. Beyond that, though, he would be a liability.
Word is that Castro, in both this bid for office and his last, did not attend one candidates’ forum because of his English skills.
What happens as a councilmember, when he might be called upon to testify for the city in Sacramento or even in front of the Imperial Valley Association of Governments or the Local Transportation Authority?
The answer: Nothing. He’d be cut off at the knees, deemed ineffective and not taken seriously.
The fact remains that Castro might be the salt of the earth, a man of good standing who would do good work for the residents of Calexico, but to have a councilmember who cannot speak English passably in this age does nothing for the advancement of Calexico.
" Just saw the full page ad in today's paper, and I have to say that it doesn't instill me with a lot of confidence in Mr. Castro's English. And regardless of what he says, being able to speak the language is a vitally important part of the job. Wishing it to be otherwise doesn't make it so (even if you wish really, really hard). "
hunnybear85 wrote on May 30, 2008 5:16 PM:
" Anyone running for public office in the US should be expected to speak English. Not necessarily perfectly, but well enough. Yes, English is not the official language of the US at the federal level, though some states have made it so. Mexico does not have an official language either, but Im sure anyone running for office there would be expected to speak some Spanish. Its not an unreasonable requirement. By the way, before anyone accuses me of racism, I am Hispanic and my father came to the US not knowing any English. He learned it and has been a naturalized citizen for about 15 years. "
Prov3 wrote on May 30, 2008 9:02 AM:
" Nightxday: Who are these "Note Non-Speaking Senior Citizens? Are they elderly people that don't speak but instead write notes? "
ricocafe99 wrote on May 30, 2008 8:50 AM:
" OK after 98 comments someone finally steps forward and says that he actually does speak English...do we believe them? I will not believe it until the Press interviews Mr. Castro on video in English on some Calexico related issues without an interpreter and posts it up. If he does the interview or declines it then the truth will be known. I think the press should do this for each candidate in every election. P.S. : Please change the darn font on the Image Verification!!! "
kangaroo rat wrote on May 30, 2008 8:39 AM:
" rimartinez:
Give it up. Its hopeless. Many here are racist fools whether they admit it (or whether they know it) or not. Their thoughtless comments make that very clear to anyone with half a brain. You know, I know, and most readers know that many baseless statements and assumptions have been made in this blog. Just ignore the whole thing. They are not the majority; thank God for that. They are just the ones who have an axe to grind. Im not going to try and educate them because theyre so ignorant and close minded that it would be a useless debate. You shouldnt either. It would be like debating a 10 year oldor Bill OReilly.
If you really want to stoop to their level; I suggest the following responses, I know you are, but what am I?, My daddy can beat up your daddy, Sticks and stones.. You understand. "
nightxday wrote on May 29, 2008 7:56 PM:
" Wow how could this be, Castro is being critized for not speaking English, well I know Mr. Castro. I have conversed with him in English, and he has good insight and a good vision for the Residents of Calexico. In my opinion, I think that those same people who critized him 2 years ago of his English probably prosuaded the editor of the Imperial Valley Press to write this article. It is a shame for Imperial Valley Press to critize Mr. Castro, and also the Note Non-Speaking Senior Citizens voters for carrying out their rights. But for Mr. Castro. He does speak enough English to become a City Council. Don't give in Mr. Castro. They are just feeling the pressure of your campaign. "
ricocafe99 wrote on May 29, 2008 5:55 PM:
" agzero is just fishing for reaction...he knows the strip clubs and barber shops are good down there too. "
rimartinez wrote on May 29, 2008 5:11 PM:
" See what I mean. agzero75 is just making ignorant comments. Now royalcan, are you going to say something about that? Or you changed your mind and you don't think those comments reflect lack of education, civility, and intelligence. " "
abelito wrote on May 29, 2008 3:40 PM:
" "Too many Mezcans here already." (Unfortunately for some, that has been life in these here parts of the country for the last 'humpteen' years.) "
agzero75@hotmail.com wrote on May 29, 2008 2:26 PM:
" The only good thing Mexico has to offer is tacos. "
agzero75@hotmail.com wrote on May 29, 2008 2:25 PM:
" VOTE for strict border controls and increase the security. That should solve many of our problems. "
agzero75@hotmail.com wrote on May 29, 2008 2:23 PM:
" DON'T VOTE FOR CASTRO! or should I say it in spanish? "
farmallalfalfa wrote on May 29, 2008 12:51 PM:
" What people fail to realize is the fact that, believe or not, not everyone living in Calexico speaks Spanish... How do you think these people feel about having someone representing their city who can't even speak English? Embarrassed, to say the least.. "
3876 wrote on May 29, 2008 12:27 PM:
" oops, I meant to say, he is NOT, lacking "mula" (money) Sorry "
3876 wrote on May 29, 2008 12:21 PM:
" Right now, probably he is, if he gets elected, the city. That way the meetings will not end at midnight. Time is worth the money!!! Also, let's remember, he is lacking "mula" "
sterig wrote on May 29, 2008 10:59 AM:
" I wonder who's paying for the IVC classes Mr Castro is taking? "
3876 wrote on May 29, 2008 10:52 AM:
" I guess it is the right time to say, "DO NOT VOTE FOR CASTRO,CITY COUNCIL?" "
VenYDime wrote on May 29, 2008 10:08 AM:
" How come we see all these Mexican nationals obtaining well paid jobs and most importantly, they have a job. "Tell me how I could find a job there with all these illegals flooding the market." How can this be possible.You having all possibilities to obtain a job and allowing all these hard working illegals beat you to it. What a shame! This only states that they are truly here to earn a living while others are here to live on unemployment and welfare. Happy to mention, that unemployment rates are not because of illegals. "
ricocafe99 wrote on May 29, 2008 10:03 AM:
" wristrong...I am a Democrat, I just don't agree that Democrats are going to lead us down the path to social anarchy. "
wriststrong wrote on May 29, 2008 9:45 AM:
" Sorry for assuming you were a democrat :) "
ricocafe99 wrote on May 29, 2008 9:25 AM:
" Wristrong...sorry I assumed you were male. Ok I like a couple of your recent comments but not the ones related to being a Democrat and the 2nd Amendment, if anyone breaks into my house they will be shot on sight. I'm ready for Dunkin Donuts too!!! "
wriststrong wrote on May 29, 2008 9:15 AM:
" This is totally random, but I wish we had a dunkin' donuts here. "
royalcan wrote on May 29, 2008 8:59 AM:
" rimartinez: When an individual is unable to present a viable argument, that individual resorts to name-calling. Additionally, when an individual lacks the vocabulary to expound his/her point of view, he/she uses profanity.
These types of tactics only reflect an individual's lack of education, civility, and intelligence. "
farmallalfalfa wrote on May 29, 2008 8:50 AM:
" rimartinez- I've noticed that instead of answering my questions, you've decided to go on rant similar to that of a 5 year old. Your debating skills are unmatched. Nice moves friend... "
wriststrong wrote on May 29, 2008 7:59 AM:
" Oh yeah, and I'm not a racist. I am American, as in North American and with hispanic descent. So shut it :)
The only ignorant ones I see are the ones who are offended by the term illegal alien, and I think it's pretty racist to assume that it's only people south of the border that come here and do that cr@p.
I only mentioned "pepe" because one illegal who stole my identity is MEXICAN, and you know where he took jobs under my SS#???? A VINEYARD and with numerous FARM LABOR CONTRACTORS. Surprise, surprise....
WHO'S IGNORANT NOW? "
wriststrong wrote on May 29, 2008 7:53 AM:
" one I AM A FEMALE!!!! You know, I don't have a stick between my legs to place the blame on.
Two, rimartinez is an "f-ing idiot". I was referring to the ILLEGALS who are using my SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, or anyone elses. How else do you think they get "TAX PAYING" jobs here, hmm?
By the way, English is the OFFICIAL language. Why don't you watch C-SPAN, or listen to NPR... that should be to your liking.
As much as I hate to say this, a democratic president in our near future is imminent. I dread the downfall of our society, but it's on the rise. Just wait until our 2nd amendment rights are taken from us, and somebody comes into your house rimartinez or ricocafe and threatens your life or the lives of your wives, if there were any stupid enough to marry spineless dems like you.
LOL "
anniemaud wrote on May 29, 2008 7:04 AM:
" That is the stupidest opinion the ivpress has ever had. You are wrong about the communication bit with a certified interpeter----these folks are trained and function in hearings and courts. they are there to expressly communicate what is said, they do not add or subtract from what the client says. You are abysmally ignorant about civil rights and your opinion does not address your minimal knowledge of such law. I now know as I have long suspected, the ivpress cannot be trusted to speak the journalistic truth and your so called opinions are worthless. "
rimartinez wrote on May 28, 2008 11:15 PM:
" farmallalfalfa! Me entiendes? There you go again with your ignorance. I know you will never run for the city council in Mexicali because you wouldn't be able to survive there. You will probably never run for any positions in the U.S. because you are too ignorant. Now, if stupidity was a requirement you would probably win and you would certainly have my vote. "
farmallalfalfa wrote on May 28, 2008 10:58 PM:
" einheriar- Great post.
rimartinez- You're clueless... If I ever run for the City Council in Mexicali, please feel free to make fun of me if I don't speak Spanish. It wouldn't make sense to run in a country if you can't even speak the language, right? Imagine if someone who only spoke Mandarin ran for a city position in Mexicali. Does that make sense? Me entiendes? "
einheriar wrote on May 28, 2008 10:49 PM:
" Use of such terms interchangeably offends people when the term "illegal alien" is used. For some reason, people have assumed this refers to Mexicans or Hispanics. It refers to neither. "Illegal alien" refers to one's immigration status. Just in case you haven't heard, not all "illegal aliens" are from Mexico and not all people from Mexico that are here in the U.S. are "illegal aliens." "
einheriar wrote on May 28, 2008 10:30 PM:
" I don't speak Spanish. Can I run for office in Calexico? I wonder if those who say that Mr. Castro's English language fluency isn't an issue would be so quick to defend my deficiency with the Spanish language.
I'm also confused when people use terms that refer to "nationality" and "ethnicity" interchangeably. For instance, I thought "Mexican" referred to a citizen of Mexico, just as "German" referred to a citizen of Germany, just as "African" referred to a citizen of Africa, just as "American" referred to a citizen of America...aka the United States.
I also thought that "Hispanic" referred to those from countries like Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and other Latin American countries (including Spain), just as "Asian" referred to those from Japan, China, the Philippines, etc.
If you use these terms interchangeably, then consider an article in the news about a "Mexican soldier." Do you think the story is about a soldier south of the border or an American soldier serving in Iraq who happens to be Hispanic? "
ricocafe99 wrote on May 28, 2008 9:22 PM:
" wristrong does not speak for the majority of Americans of other races. He speaks only for the ignorant. "
mojave wrote on May 28, 2008 9:20 PM:
" Let me ask this question: What kind of an American would migrate to Mexico, refuse to learn the country's language (Spanish), demand forms and services in English, run for office, and if elected require the city or state to provide an interpreter? "
rimartinez wrote on May 28, 2008 6:43 PM:
" to everyone else. English is not even the U.S. official language. "
rimartinez wrote on May 28, 2008 6:40 PM:
" farmallalfalfa. You are making fun of people that try to speak another language. Wow! You are just an A-hole. I wish I could hear you speaking a second language so I could tell you that you should be proud. "
rimartinez wrote on May 28, 2008 6:15 PM:
" wriststrong. I can see you are a racist Mo..fu.. Immigrants, legal or illegal, working at a restaurant? wow!! they should be ashamed for working honestly. "
wriststrong wrote on May 28, 2008 4:06 PM:
" Well Chargerbolt, I would love to go to Kansas, where I would find more of my kind (red state). Tell me how I could find a job there with all these illegals flooding the market, not to mention the ones using my social security number. Getting "lost" is not my thing. I'll leave the pot smoking to the tree hugging, vegan, terrorist "sympathizing" liberals...
click click click.... oh darn. Aww, all that clicking made me tired and hungry. "Pepe, where's my flautas?! Are we on Mexican time?" "
chargerbolt wrote on May 28, 2008 3:15 PM:
" (wriststrong) if thats the case Dorethy why dont you tap your heels together and get lost again! LOL!!! "
wriststrong wrote on May 28, 2008 1:52 PM:
" I have NO IDEA how I missed this one!
Surprisingly enough, I did before it vanished and I am even more surprised that the people on here, who's opinions usually differ from mine, found the Wizard of Oz and were generously rewarded with their brains. stupendous! "
farmallalfalfa wrote on May 28, 2008 1:38 PM:
" I wonder if Mr. Castro is going to "get off the car", "close the light", "drive a bike", "put it the talk", and say things like: "I are very honor to put service to people's Calexico". j/k... "
chargerbolt wrote on May 28, 2008 1:23 PM:
" i couldnt of said it better Prov3 "
Prov3 wrote on May 28, 2008 1:01 PM:
" Holtville1, the term "Mexican" is by no means a racist word. "
Prov3 wrote on May 28, 2008 12:59 PM:
" Juanelgrande, first you state that Mr. Castro speaks "bad English", then you state that he "speaks English, never has refused to speak it". You defend him quite a bit; obviously you are either a very close friend or a family member. So, are you saying that the press and these other posts have it all wrong, that Mr. Castro knows how to speak English but just refuses to? Or is it that he barely speaks English and is only fluent in Spanish? I have no doubt that Mr. Castro may be a fine gentleman with great intentions for his city.......much better than what may be currently on the Calexico council; however, if he is speaks and understands English poorly, then the last five paragraphs of the Press's article are true.
Also, you state that you're born of Mexican descent on American soil, yet you call Mexico your "Motherland" and refer to the U.S. as "your present home". Juan, if you were born in the U.S. and reside in the U.S., then the U.S. is both your "Motherland" and your present home. "
bob_bear wrote on May 28, 2008 12:28 PM:
" Juanelgrande has lost ground here. His posts are doing more damage to castro then good.
However, I still stand on what I said about learning English. This is the 21st century and anyone running for an elected office should speak English. Otherwise, as posted before, Calexico would be taking a step backwards.
Out of curiosity, what is the extent of castro's education? "
kangaroo rat wrote on May 28, 2008 12:19 PM:
" There is no correlation between language and intelligence. "
JaneDoe1980 wrote on May 28, 2008 12:15 PM:
" Only in Calecia folks do we have councilmen who no speak ingles, corrupt schoolboard members and a shady superintendent.
Calexico should be called Calexicali. "
ricocafe99 wrote on May 28, 2008 11:59 AM:
" Holtville1...who considers the term "Mexican" a racist comment, that is news to me...and I am 50% Mexican. Now if you call me a f**king dirty Mexican I would see your point..LOL! "
holtville1 wrote on May 28, 2008 9:58 AM:
" rico, my point is that in this age of political correctness it is becoming a racist term, if not already. "
chargerbolt wrote on May 28, 2008 9:34 AM:
" he must be one of his Taxi Drivers, cause if he is part of the campaign, he would know to let Castro speak for him self! oh wait, castro cant speak ANY english haha "
3876 wrote on May 28, 2008 9:18 AM:
" Juan el Grande? Do you work for Mr. Castro? Bus, taxi's or campaign? I know Mr. Castro and he is alright. He means well. But it seems like you "owe" him. It is hard being in politics when you do know the language, now imagine if you don't know it? "
ricocafe99 wrote on May 28, 2008 8:06 AM:
" Holtville1...the word "Mexican" is not a racist term any more than the term "Japanese" is racist. If Luis Castro is already attending English classes at IVC then why didn't it say that in the editorial? "
holtville1 wrote on May 27, 2008 11:46 PM:
" Wow, the Castro supporters really jumped into this one. Just a couple of points to clear up some of the misconceptions: everyone at the United Nations wears headphones because there are dozens if not hundreds of different languages in use there, and it is not the same thing at all. Mr. Castro most definitely MUST learn English if he is elected, it shouldn't even be an option. We are in the U.S. and English may not be the official language but it is the one that the vast majority of us speak, and the language that all of those who want to get ahead speak. I didn't really see any racist remarks posted, although everyone should be aware that the terms Mexican and Illegal Alien have become politically incorrect and, hence, racist. "
farmallalfalfa wrote on May 27, 2008 11:04 PM:
" "should be reading" "
farmallalfalfa wrote on May 27, 2008 11:03 PM:
" anniemaud- In order to be fair, everyone needs to speak both Spanish and English??? You are aware that we're North of the border, right? So those who don't speak Spanish aren't being fair in your opinion? What a joke.
You're just as ignorant as juanelgrande. Maybe you two should reading La Voz instead of IV Press... "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 9:59 PM:
" p.s. the interpreter was a suggestion, but has never been requested by Mr. Castro at any time. good night..... "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 9:52 PM:
" Luis Castro can speak English, never has refused to speak it, attends IVC Evening English Classes to improve his speech, and never will refuse to improve himself with education and has the courage to face opposition, in English or Spanish. I thank all the positive comments posted, it goes to show that there are real people that believe in self improvment, what ever race or Country they come from. With Mr. Castro elected to office, his Positive American Spirit will change things for Calexico for the best. I believe in him, and I ask for your support by Voting for Mr. Castro this Tuesday, June 3rd. "
turnabout wrote on May 27, 2008 9:31 PM:
" Why in the name of good h*ll would someone not want to learn the language of the country they call home?
For those of you who think it's just fine and dandy for this man to be English illiterate, then you are contributors to setting this country back. Why don't you want it to move forward instead of remaining in the dark ages of lazy people? That's all it amounts to in refusing to learn English...sheer laziness. Wanting interpreters to do for you what you're too lazy to do stinks.
Bleeding hearts such as some who are posting here have never helped anyone or anything to move forward. "
anniemaud wrote on May 27, 2008 8:06 PM:
" I also think you owe Mr Castro a sincere apology for your biased editorial.
You did not mention the many people who do not speak a word of Spanish or any other language but English. If this were fair, everyone would learn both languages.
Mr Castro can hire a cetified interpreter and communicate well in English.
Why do you think people wear those headphones at the United Nations?
Next time you write such an opinion, ask your civil rights abogado to read it over for boo boos. "
ricocafe99 wrote on May 27, 2008 8:05 PM:
" andEjudge - Being a Jew does not mean that you aren't or cannot be an American citizen. Judeaism is a religion and Jewish people live in many countries including Mexico. "
ricocafe99 wrote on May 27, 2008 8:01 PM:
" Juanelgrande...yes I asked if he a Mexican but to be called a Mexican is not a negative word as you seem to think I implied, what I meant was is he an American or a Mexican citizen. Others have stated here since that post that he is indeed an American citizen, so OK if that is the case, then he has the right to run for office. But for the record my mother came here from Mexico as a young woman and learned to speak English because that was what she felt was right, those are the values I was raised with as a first born American. As for Calexicans, if you elect a English illiterate then you should never complain about your politicians again, you get what you deserve. "
anniemaud wrote on May 27, 2008 7:53 PM:
" What abysmal ignorance!! What hay bale have you been hiding under? Don't you know that the State of California certifies interpreters in many languages, including Spanish, for the purpose of seeing that people are not deprived of their civil rights simply because they need someone to translate for them. Since when did English become the"official" language of the US of A? I sincerely hope that Mr Castro follows his dream and wins. People should respect him for having the courage of his convictions. I am ashamed of the IVPress for having such a bigoted opinion. May the Feds visit your office for civil rights violations!!! "
karlairene wrote on May 27, 2008 7:16 PM:
" I agree that speaking English is imperative in this country but I also know of people who contributed and still contribute 2 this country & didn't know English. They were here legally but they worked so much 2 support their family that they didn't have the time 2 learn the language. SO maybe some of u should open your mind & heart & be a little more empathetic toward those who struggle with English. As far as this man running 4 office, well that's 4 the city of Calexico 2 decide & no 1 else! "
ggbusiness wrote on May 27, 2008 7:12 PM:
" You state Mr. Castro is a well-meaning person, if this is true which I'm sure your reseach is correct then it's better to elect a person who will do well-meaning projects for the Calexico people than to elect a person who only thinks to profit themselves or friends. "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 7:10 PM:
" Racism- discrimination based on racial group. turnabout why don't you pay tribute to your name and turnaround and shut up! "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 7:00 PM:
" crabyman, when people come from Mexico, they come to work hard and contribute to the economy of this Country just like you( I suppose you do work.) And no one refuses to learn the language. I am damm sure you have never catered to a Mexican, but maybe a Mexican has catered to you not knowing how much of a crabyman you really are. "
mariap wrote on May 27, 2008 6:35 PM:
" I agree that everyone should make an effort to learn English. In Mexico you will rarely find anyone catering to people who speak a different language. Its interesting how things that are expected if the United States are not provided in other counties such as Mexico. "
ggromo wrote on May 27, 2008 6:31 PM:
" So its better to elect a person who speaks English bat has not done well for the Senior Citizens in Calexico, nor has done well for disabled folks in the City of Calexico. In this day and age especially if anyone is called to testify we have certified interprets. Mr. Castro has done well for the Citizens of Calexico as a business man can you imagine what good he will do as a councilman or even as Mayor of Calexico. "
crubyman wrote on May 27, 2008 6:01 PM:
" IM TIRED OF THE PEOPLE FROM MEXICO who expect every american to cater to them, some are nothing but mentally lazy and always like to say "no hablo engliss: what ingratitudes!!! this country has done much for them, provided them with jobs, housing, free schooling and they pay society back by REFUSING TO LEARN ENGLISH. This cpuntry is not Mexico, the best thing that happened to californuia was getting rid of mexico's control... count your blessings without the USA , many of us would be typical drug dealers, alien smugglers, corrupt policeman or washing windshields. Yes , there is racism but his is not racism this is assimilation, How long has castro been in this dountry? he needs to get off his brown blank snd learn english, "
turnabout wrote on May 27, 2008 4:44 PM:
" juanelgrande...you are showing true racism here if you think its ok for one of your "own" to hold office and not even speak the language of the country he wants to hold office in. Talk about an uneducated fool...I just found your picture in the dictionary next to the above.
Common sense plays a grand role in the scheme of things here, of which you don't seem to possess much of. "
turnabout wrote on May 27, 2008 4:34 PM:
" holtville...ITA about the "1"...it's a PIA trying to post when that thing pops up.. "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 4:30 PM:
" Jewish, not American Huh? you have to stop, This is not about race, but is show there lots of racism, even in the Imperial Valley. One Love Stands!!!! you educated fool! "
turnabout wrote on May 27, 2008 4:12 PM:
" It should be a requirement to speak the language of this country before being allowed to hold ANY kind of office here.
Good luck Calexico...just keep adding to your current problems running that city. What a joke. "
sterig wrote on May 27, 2008 3:58 PM:
" He won't lose his bus biz if elected, he'll just change the name to 1 of his compadres! Keep in mind this is Calexico we are talking about. If this guy is such a great businessman, why does he need city business to keep going? There are many of us that do no business with public agencies and we don't expect to be bailed out when our business fades or we must start paying $5.25 per fuel. "
andEjudge wrote on May 27, 2008 3:33 PM:
" Juanelgrande, I love your conviction. first you wave your flag for the raza. Then you argue conjecture. The continent is North America not the Country, Estados Unidos or United States. Technically you are probably a native indian (Mayan or Aztec) mixed with french or spanish blood as a result of hundreds of years of dilution and heterogenization. If you are utilizing the freedoms and services offered by America, call yourself an American. Be proud of your geneology please but dont be a coward and change your stance from VIVA la raza to One love.
Ps Lenny Kravitz is Jewish. "
creek123 wrote on May 27, 2008 2:23 PM:
" I understand he loses his bus contract with the city if he's elected. "
diahnagarcia wrote on May 27, 2008 2:09 PM:
" How did this guy become an American Citizen without learning English? Has anyone thought of this: even with an interpreter, words can be misunderstood, and therefor interpreted to mean something completely different than what was meant. This guy could be a real liability to Calexico. "
living in imperial wrote on May 27, 2008 12:55 PM:
" What everyone fails to point out is that Calexico needs bilingual executives. They should not speak just one language, whether that one language is English, Spanish, Mandarin, or Pig Latin. Calexico executives should speak BOTH English and Spanish. That is the solution that makes the most sense. It's not a racial issue, it's not a national issue. It's a practical issue. English AND Spanish for Calexico's government officials. Anything less is no good. -- Josh B. "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 12:39 PM:
" "raving" where did you learn such big words...not bad for a bear..... "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 12:37 PM:
" look who decided to come out from his cave.....hahaha.. go back and hibernate....save your negativity for somewhere else....that is all you have to offer......oh well Freedom of Speech...go ahead and continue to Grown..... "
bob_bear wrote on May 27, 2008 12:23 PM:
" Juanelgrande, your posts show that you are a raving lunatic! My parents came from Mexico, became US citizens and learned English. I am bilingual as well and American born. English should be spoken at governmental meetings at all levels! The only reason there are translators at Calexico council meetings, is because it is a courtesy only. Translators are not required nor mandatory. However, Mr. Castro will require a translator, paid by the City? Who knows? Another expense for a shrinking Calexico budget. Mr. Castro has no excuse for not learning the language. Even downtown business folks from overseas learned English AND Spanish. "
lioneliz wrote on May 27, 2008 12:23 PM:
" The election is being held in the United States for someone that would have to represent not only spanish speakers. This guy lives here, has a business, but can't speak english? Seems it's an indication of how much he likes it here in the land of the Big PX, but doesn't trouble himself to learn the language. "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 12:04 PM:
" I am not sorry for Loving both Mexico and the United States. I heard China is a cool Country too.......One Love...... "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 11:59 AM:
" Sterig, everthing will be in English, I can bet on that!chill............... "
farmallalfalfa wrote on May 27, 2008 11:55 AM:
" Juanelgrande- Obviously your loyalties lie with Mexico. With comments like "to all you "Americans"", and "the Majority of us are Mexican". You can go ahead and raise your Mexican flag a bit higher, but I guarantee you one thing, you in no way speak for all Americans of Hispanic descent... Unlike you, some actually love the United States of America and embrace it. "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 11:53 AM:
" Why speak of War? Let Love Rule in the words of a dearly loved African-American, Mr. Kravitz.......Peace........ "
royalcan wrote on May 27, 2008 11:43 AM:
" Mr. Juanelgrande: If the USA and Mexico were ever to go to war, to which country would you be loyal? "
3876 wrote on May 27, 2008 11:39 AM:
" In November, the blog will be the same. Gloria Romo (non english speaker) will run for Calexico School Board. She can read it but can't express or comprehend the "lingo" Can't wait!!!! "
holtville1 wrote on May 27, 2008 11:27 AM:
" IV Press, can you take the number "1" and the letter "l" out of the Image Verification process? Or at least make them look different? That took five tries to post. "
holtville1 wrote on May 27, 2008 11:26 AM:
" Wow, just when I thought I had hraed everything I read this. "
sterig wrote on May 27, 2008 11:22 AM:
" IT'S A DAMN SHAME THAT THE COUNTRY I FOUGHT FOR AND MANY DIED FOR HAS COME TO THIS. NO GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SHOULD BE CONDUCTED IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE, NO WAY, NO HOW, NO WHERE, NOT EVEN IN CALEXICO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 11:19 AM:
" To answer your question farma.., I am Mexican-American. Born of Mexican decent on American soil. My loyalty is to God, my family, my Community, and both my Motherland, and present home of the United Stated. Even if you are born in Mexico, you are American.... Looked at a map lately? This was to answer the comment of "crubyman" speaking of Mexicans... and Yes, Luis Castro is a United States Citizen. Does this make him "American" I don't know......... "
farmallalfalfa wrote on May 27, 2008 11:02 AM:
" Juanelgrande- You said "Mr. Castro has the DESIRE to improve our Community, for both American and Mexicans". Are you implying that Mexicans are not Americans? Are you not American yourself? Please explain. "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 10:45 AM:
" P.S. Ricocafe41, since when is being Mexican such a bad thing to be? Take a look around you, this is the Imperial Valley, where the Majority of us are Mexican. "
juanelgrande wrote on May 27, 2008 10:37 AM:
" This is to all you "Americans"....Your right about one thing, English is the language of this Country and it should be a priority to speak it well, but what can you tell me about all those perfectly English fluent politicians in office (Calexico City Council and else where in America) that have not done one thing for our City. They speak perfect English, why are things the same or worse in Calexico? They speak English, why can't they get a much needed medical facility for Calexico if they speak such perfect English? Mr. Castro, in his bad English may I add, managed to obtain $300.000.00 "earmarked funds" in Federal Funds for Transportation for the City of Calexico through our Congressman Bob Filner, yet our English proficient Americans (certain Calexico City Management individuals)yet have to provide any funds for transportation since 2004 and unfortunately, that money will never get to the City of Calexico. The difference between them (in the City) and Mr. Castro is that has "GANAS" to better our City. I will interpret "for free" ha ha, this means Mr. Castro has the DESIRE to improve our Community, for both American and Mexicans. "
erico wrote on May 27, 2008 10:09 AM:
" no need for new position to translate,his wife will stand by him and do it for free,if elected he must attend evening school and improve his English skills,the I.V press found a large number of residents in the valley are Spanish speaking only, the results of that is Adelante newspaper,it must be profitable, if Castro's supporters will stop read it they will go out of business. "
sterig wrote on May 27, 2008 9:45 AM:
" This guy has been doing business with the city for how many years????????? All you folks in Calexico get ready for a new position opening up at city hall, Personal Interpretor For Mr Castro. A position like this should be worth at least $40000 plus benefits. "
farmallalfalfa wrote on May 27, 2008 8:46 AM:
" I do believe the time has finally come to move the border fence 3 miles to the North. Calexicali has officially earned its spot in Baja California. R.I.P. Calexico... "
Ana Hernandez wrote on May 27, 2008 8:34 AM:
" Ok, here we go...and I am aware stones will follow from those hiding behind pseudonyms. I do agree if he is seeking election as a councilman, he should be able to speak english, but do not jump to the conclusion he is "Mexican". There are many "Americans" who don't know how to write nor speak the english language. Have you check the latest statistics? Now, those of US born in the US should vote to have only US citizens-by birth only- qualify for official positions. No more "hasta la vista" nor similars. Capiche? "
agzero75@hotmail.com wrote on May 27, 2008 8:11 AM:
" The bottom line here is that these positions must support both languages or cultures. Luis should have taken the time, prior to election to learn the language as many others have or do for these types of positions (Gov of CA). Will he represent those he speaks the language for? This is like saying Taco Bell has real mexican food. "
ricocafe99 wrote on May 27, 2008 7:28 AM:
" Crubyman...you got that right, he is "acting" as an American, but he is not an American, he is a Mexican. Did anyone check his citizenship? "
crubyman wrote on May 27, 2008 7:27 AM:
" If Luis casto doesn't like our language, then maybe he should return to Mexico and earn pesos and stay away from our American dollars "
ricocafe99 wrote on May 27, 2008 7:26 AM:
" A councilman who doesnt speak English? "Only in Calexico"...haha, of course he can't read this article either!! Nor would he be able to read any other document in English that was presented to the council. "
crubyman wrote on May 27, 2008 7:23 AM:
" that is true if you have been in this country for years and have been paid american dollars, you should get off your blank and learn english... this is not mexico and people should not behave as idiots... learn english, just as many people have had to learn spanish because of a;ll the immigration from mexico.. this is not racism but demanding that individuals act american, "
zanelisk wrote on May 27, 2008 6:47 AM:
" here here, all in favor say si. all opposed, say no way. motion carried. english only prevails, next item of business....... "
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holtville1 wrote on Jun 1, 2008 8:44 PM: