A long time North County equestrian club could face eviction and as the City of Escondido plans to end the lease for Lienzo Arena next month.

But the city says they are not evicting anyone, that is unless, they cannot figure out whose name belongs on the lease.

While the Charros lease will not end until May 18, Charros de Escondido President Ben Cueva blames the mix up on four disgruntled members.

“We had lost money to them [so] we took them to small claims court and we won,” said Cueva.

Cueva says the former members have now gone to the city to start their own group.

He says the Charros de Escondido have leased the Lienzo Arena for more than 40 years and showed us the documents to prove it.

The Lienzo is where the long time equestrian club has held numerous events and taught youth the skills of "La Charreada," also known as the Mexican rodeo style.

“We try to keep everything straight,” said Marcos Bautista, a member of the Charros de Escondido since 1985. “We do everything the city asks for and lately they’ve stopped all our events because they say we have internal problems."

This is not the first time the City of Escondido has had issues with the Charros.

Back in 2011, the city tried to evict them so they could use the land for their public works operation. “Our fear is that they city may have some sort of a plan to increase our rent,” said Cueva.

The City of Escondido declined to discuss the issue with us on camera.

But a spokeswoman tells that they recommended the two groups share the arena.

Cueva says that cannot happen.

“We really don’t want to have anything to do with those guys our association is strong, we have more new members and do more community projects than ever, we have no internal problems," he said.

The Charros de Escondido have submitted their documents to the City of Escondido. They hope to have it added to the city’s next council meeting. 

A new rule went into effect Wednesday expanding the requirements for the Obama Administration's deferred action program.

Now people under 30 years old who did not graduate high school or get a G.E.D. are eligible for temporary legal status.

Children under 15 years old are also eligible, but only if they face immediate deportation.
While this is good news for many, it does not guarantee that all will be eligible.

In two weeks, Itzel Guillen will begin her freshman year at San Diego State University.  After years of living in fear of deportation, tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.

“As soon as one gets caught, it's devastating for a whole family,” said Guillen.

The 18-year-old is just one of nearly 1.8 million undocumented immigrants nationwide expected to benefit from what's being called "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals," a program announced in June by the Department of Homeland Security.

"I came here on the back seat of a car. My mom and her sisters did it the hard way,” explained Guillen.

Like Itzel the program applies to those who were brought to the United States:
  - When they were under 16
  - Have resided in the U.S. for at least 5 years 
  - Are in school, graduated or honorably discharged from the military
  - Don't have felony or serious misdemeanor convictions
  - Are 30 years old or younger

If they qualify and pay $465.00, they can defer their deportation for at least two years.

But Immigration Attorney Jacob Saposchnick says people should think twice before they rush to file.

"If you miss something on the form, if you don't do it correctly that's it, it's over. There's no way to appeal it,” cautioned Saposchnick, a San Diego Immigration Attorney.

To Itzel, it is worth the risk. She hopes to get a job as a teacher's aide. But more importantly to get her college education and make her family proud.

“We're here just to live happily [and] safe and we've left from an environment that didn't let us live like that.”

The government will begin accepting applications online tomorrow. Applicants have 90 days to file. Click here for more application information.

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More women in San Diego are getting free or inexpensive health services during their pregnancies thanks to a border health program called California Border Healthy Start.

The Project Concern International runs this federally-funded program to help pregnant women get prenatal care.

"We want to be able to decrease infant mortality and increase access to pre-natal care as soon as we can get them enrolled in the program," said Dr. Maria Reyes of Project Concern International.

They target women who come from low-income families and have some kind of medical problem that may develop into a high-risk pregnancy.

It's a very hands-on program where health professionals and social workers get involved.

"We actually go to their homes and take care of the pregnant women before they deliver, at delivery and also after delivery until the child is two years of age," said Dr. Maria Reyes.

In addition to in-home visitations, the project workers refer the patients to one of the five clinics that are part of this project: La Maestra Community Clinic, Family Health Centers of San Diego, Operation Samahan, San Diego Family Care and Best Start Birth Center.

"They range from Southeast San Diego, all the way from El Cajon to Logan Heights," added Dr. Reyes, "And a little bit to the southern area which is Spring Valley and National City."

Since the border health program started in 2007, it has provided care to over 500 women and children.

With a new $1.5 million federal grant, they are hoping to expand their services to areas where the women may need the pregnancy health care the most.

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When it comes to the Latino vote, the national "Latino Decisions" poll shows President Obama taking a huge lead over Mitt Romney.

According to the poll support for Obama has climbed to 70 percent versus Romney with 22 percent.
Longtime Republican Raoul Lowery Contreras says the poll is a false assumption on the Latino vote since it's based on registered voters.

He says the poll should be based on "likely" voters instead.

“Lets say they didn’t vote in 2008. They’re not going to vote today unless they are brand new and they are voting for the first time,“ said Contreras, a former columnist.

Jose Preciado, President of the Chula Vista Democratic Party believes there is some truth to the poll.

He says Obama's popularity grew after deciding last month to grant legal status to thousands of undocumented immigrants who meet certain provisions.

Meanwhile, Romney has not said what his immigration plan will be.

“We have found Obama to be a supporter, somebody who’s thinking about our community as he creates policy, “Said Preciado.

But Contreras insists Latinos in San Diego have proven to be conservative at the polls.

He also says history proves that any republican that gets 35 percent of the Latino vote, will win.

"Obama does not care about immigration reform, he does not care about Hispanics, none of his closest advisers, not a single one is Hispanic,” Contreras explained.
 
Still, Preciado says Latinos ultimately want someone they can relate to, adding, “there is no relationship between the experience that Romney has right now with his extraordinary wealth and the typical Latino experience.”

According to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, 23.5 million Latino citizens are eligible to vote.

Roughly 14 million are estimated to register, while 12.2 million are expected to cast ballots.

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A trial for one of the highest profile U.S. Border Patrol corruption cases is underway.

Two former USBP agents are accused of smuggling hundreds of people into the U.S. illegally. 

The first two witnesses took the stand Tuesday in federal court, in what could be a month-long trial. The Villarreal brothers have pleaded not guilty to human smuggling, witness tampering and bribery. 

On Tuesday, prosecutors built their case against the Villarreals and Armando Garcia, an alleged accomplice. Meanwhile jurors listened to testimony from a current U.S. Border Patrol supervisor and an ICE agent.

Prosecutors say Raul Villarreal set up a human smuggling ring in April 2005.  They say he brought hundreds of migrants from Mexico into the U.S.while making his older brother and fellow border patrol agent Fidel, one of his partners in crime.

But defense attorneys say those accusations fall on unreliable witnesses, including alleged paid informants. 

Raul Villarreal is a former spokesman for the U.S. Border Patrol, even appearing in a public service announcement warning Mexicans about the dangers of illegal immigration.

Prosecutors say the brothers abruptly quit the U.S. Border Patrol in June of 2006 and fled to Mexico after being tipped that they were under investigation.

The prosecution has promised a wide variety of evidence, including surveillance video, phone records and testimony. 

According to court documents more than 30 witnesses are expected to take the stand over the next few weeks.

Family members did not want to comment today. However, they say they plan to do so once the trial comes to a close.

 Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
Find more of her stories in our special section.

San Diego shares the world's busiest border crossing and depend on Mexico for trade and business.

As Mexicans prepare to elect the country's next president on Sunday, San Diegans across the border stand to gain from the results as well.

Enrique Pena-Nieto is the odds-on favorite as the next president of Mexico, with double-digit lead in most polls. His victory would return the PRI (in English, Institutional Revolutionary Party) to power, after a 12-year absence.

The two other candidates are Josefina Vazquez Mota, of the ruling conservative party. She's considered a long-shot, but would be the country's first female president.

The leftist candiate is Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who finished second in Mexico's last presidental election.

A big issue in the campaign: violence and deaths, from Mexico's crack-down on drug cartels.

Voters are asking, is Mexico's war on drugs worth the bloodshed?

Voters will also elect a new Congress. One expert says Pena-Nieto will have more power if the PRI also wins the Congress.

"If he has a congress that is also in control of the party, it's a lot easier to get things done -- just like it is sometimes in Washington," said James Clark, Mexico trade expert.

This could help US-Mexico relations, he said.

"What we hope doesn't happen is that we get some kind of accomodation for the drug dealers, and make some peace, but keep those drug dealers. Because in the long run, they'll just get stronger and the drug trade will get even worse," said Ruben Barrales of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce.

The PRI ruled Mexico for over 70 years, before middle class voters in the National Action Party defeated the party's presidential candidate in 2000.

But many of those same voters now seem ready to return the PRI to power.

They hope it will invigorate Mexico's sluggish economy.
 

A National City family claimed that officers at the San Ysidro port of assaulted and detained them for no reason and gave no explanation when they were released.

David Flores and his wife Celia Ramirez said the incident happened when they were returning from visiting family in Mexico on June 21 at about 10:30pm.

When the couple, their 6-year-old and 11-month-old daughters reached the checkpoint, they handed over their family’s birth certificates and identification cards since they didn’t have passports.

After an exchange of words Flores says he and his wife for forcibly detained without warning.

“My two-door truck was swarmed by 10 agents simultaneously, opening doors and dragging out my wife,” he said.

Flores said he tried to stay in the truck with his children at first, clinging to the steering wheel. He then submitted and claims he was beaten and handcuffed.

“I’m losing hearing in my right ear,” he said, “They busted my eardrum severely. It was just gushing with blood.”

Flores had his family take pictures of him after the incident showing his injuries. The pictures also show bruises on both Ramirez’s arms.

They said they were handcuffed and separated from their children for half an hour, all the while, not knowing why.

“They didn’t ask us any questions. It was us asking questions. Why are we here? Where are our kids?” said Ramirez.

After about an hour-and-a-half, they said they were told they could leave and were given a comment card, which the couple thought was curious. Although frightened, Ramirez asked for the officers’ badge numbers.

“She came back and told me ‘We don’t have badge numbers but we can give some names.’” Ramirez said.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson Jacqueline Wasiluk responded to the accusations in statement:

Due to DHS policy, we generally are not able to comment on activities involving specific travelers regardless whether they are U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, visitors or aliens unless there is a public document such as a criminal complaint from which we can draw public information.

CBP strives to treat all travelers with respect and in a professional manner, while maintaining the focus of our mission to protect all citizens and visitors in the United States. Travelers who feel they have been treated in an unprofessional manner should contact a supervisor at the port of entry, complete a comment card or write to the CBP port director to discuss their case.

CBP employees and officers perform their duties with honor and distinction, working tirelessly everyday to keep our country safe. We do not tolerate misconduct within our ranks, and we fully cooperate with any criminal or administrative investigations of alleged misconduct by any of our personnel, on or off duty.

Flores and Ramirez said they would like an explanation and an apology. And they don’t want it to happen to anyone else in the future.

 

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Shoppers will soon have another place to score some bargains at the border in San Ysidro.

The developers for the outlet purchased the land when they purchased the space for the Las Americas outlet. But they had to wait after San Ysidro experienced a series of setbacks.

The border community has had a slow recovery. They were not only hit by the recession but also construction at the new border crossing. This has caused a lot of traffic problems in the area.

Now with a new outlet mall in development at the east end and a new shopping plaza to the west, San Ysidro is bouncing back.

The Shamrock Group purchased the lots to build the "Outlets at the Border" and the "Plaza at the border" next door to Las Americas, more than a decade ago. They had to postpone those plans when the recession hit.

Now that things are finally stabilizing, a portion of the phase is underway. San Diegan Mayra Luna says she is looking forward to the expansion.

"It's good I see a lot of stores that I actually have to drive very far to get to and I just noticed that there is one opening here which is great," said Luna.

Meanwhile, Jason Wells with the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce hopes it will help other businesses that are still trying to recover.

“We are an ocean, if you will, here in San Ysidro and that whole rising tide, raising all ships," Wells said. "I'm a firm believer of that. So the more traffic we get to Las Americas and the more traffic we get to the Shamrock additions that is going to be more traffic for San Ysidro."

So far Ross, TJ Maxx and Ulta have signed leases with the "Plaza at the Border," the addition at the west end of Las Americas.

The “Outlets at the Border” are slated to open by this time next year. No word yet on which stores will be there. But according to developers they will be name brand stores.

 Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
Find more of her stories in our special section.

A new warning has been issued at the country's ports of entry. 

The Department of Homeland Security said drug smugglers are planting their drugs on unsuspecting drivers.

Agents began investigating this trend last summer to see if it was a threat. Now DHS tells NBC 7 the trend is growing and that border-crossers who specifically use the Sentri pass need to be aware.

“You have somebody who is completely unaware that there’s something attached to their vehicle and they’re going to get processed a little quicker because that’s part of that program -- your wait time won’t be as long," said Deputy Special Agent Joe Garcia with the Department of Homeland Security’s Investigations Unit.

Garcia says Sentri users are also targeted since they can usually avoid inspection.

The tactic involves using heavy duty magnets to attach bundles of drugs underneath vehicles and GPS trackers to monitor the driver's whereabouts.

"If you're part of this program it really is incumbent upon you to make sure that you know you secure your vehicle in a place that's safe," Garcia said. "If you're living in Mexico and crossing everyday you may want to take a look underneath your car on a daily basis."

Smugglers have attempted to pass bundles of cocaine and methamphetamine underneath these vehicles.

But now we are told they are mainly focusing on marijuana. Agents say the latest attempt was just last month.

Anyone with information regarding magnet-mounted drug smuggling activity or any type of drug smuggling can contact the DHS Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 (from the United States), or 011-883-347-7242 (from Mexico). You can also submit online tips by clicking here.

 Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
Find more of her stories in our special section.

A new program at one local college is helping students give back while paying for their tuition.

It's called the Price Community Scholars Program at San Diego State University.

Fifteen incoming freshman from City Heights will receive up to $7,500 towards their tuition for the next 4 years. Students will also mentor middle school students.

“These are high achieving students from the City Heights area. The overall GPA of the students we selected is a 3.87. So this is the top of the crop,” said Wendy Aleman, Assistant Director of Residential Education at SDSU.

17-year-old Isamaria Cortes, a senior at Crawford High School was selected for the program. She plans to major in biology at SDSU and eventually return to City Heights to give back to the community.

“I know that if I want a better future for myself I need an education and the fact that I’m going to college…I’m doing something that nobody in my family has done,” Cortes said.

The program is open to all students, but Aleman said a majority of the applicants were Latino.

SDSU is ranked 11 in the nation for awarding bachelor's degrees to Latinos. The university hopes the program will create a "college-going" culture in City Heights.

"They will be focusing on enhancing fundamental skills, academic skills of the students that they're mentoring and hopefully creating a pathway for higher education for those students,” Aleman said.

“I know I have 10 years of school ahead of me. But I think I could do it. I know that it’s going to help me with my future. I know that I could help a lot of people and that’s really exciting,” Cortes said.

Latinos make up more than 28 percent of SDSU’s undergraduate population.

More than 50 students from both Crawford and Hoover High schools applied for the program.

Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
Find more of her stories in our special section.

The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security after nearly a dozen travelers claimed that their rights were violated.

NBCSanDiego has learned that six of those travelers were trying to cross the border in San Ysidro, Otay Mesa and Calexico. Each one claims that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents used excessive force and violated their civil rights.

Hernan Cuevas says that is what happened to him back in May of 2011 while trying to drive back into the U.S. at the Calexico port of entry.

“Those agents were behaving like they were above the law,” Said Cuevas. “That's something that we definitely have to help to stop,” he adds.

The Chilean businessman claims he handed a valid Visa to an agent, and then with no explanation, he says, he was handcuffed, interrogated and subjected to a strip search.

“Then I was chained to a bench that was over 100 degrees at that time. And I was left there for many hours. My pleas for water were unheard,” Cuevas explained.
 
The ACLU has filed a complaint with the DHS on Cuevas' behalf and 10 other travelers. We are told most of them are U.S. citizens or people lawfully residing or visiting the U.S.

According to the ACLU, there is an increase in cases where agents are accused of excessive force, ignoring due process, and telling detainees that they don't have any rights.

“Whenever the statement you have no rights becomes an accurate representation of reality, Americans should be deeply concerned,” Said Kevin Keenan, Executive Director of the ACLU for San Diego & Imperial Counties.

Keenan also stated, "On behalf of residents along the whole border, we are here to ask for basic accountability.”

Jaqueline Wasiluk, a spokesperson with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, sent a response Thursday saying that they do not tolerate corruption.

She also says that CBP cooperates with any investigations of alleged misconduct by any of their personnel.

Allegations of excessive force by border agents at ports of entry also include Texas and Arizona.

Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
Find more of her stories in our special section.

Nearly a year and a half in the making, the USNS Cesar Chavez is ready to set sail.

The Navy ship being dedicated and named after the late civil rights leader, which will be given it's official send off this Saturday, May 5.

Following naval tradition, the family of the late civil rights leader arrived on Friday for their very first tour of the ship. All 80 members of Chavez’s family came aboard the ship, including all six of his children and the labor leader’s widow.

Paul Chavez, Cesar’s son, said he is in awe of the ship.

“I didn't really anticipate how big it was going to be,” he said. “But…it's breathtaking.”

NASSCO began constructing the ship back in October 2010 and at number 14, it's the last of the Lewis & Clark Cargo ships built in the heart of Barrio Logan.
 
The nearly 700 foot vessel's primary mission will be to deliver more than 10-thousand tons of food, ammunition, fuel and other goods to combat ships at sea.

The ship not only commemorates the life and legacy of the migrant leader, but it's also the first Navy ship to be named after a Mexican-American.

“It's real emotional because you know this year is 19 years since my father passed away,” said Paul. “But I think it's heartwarming to know that his work continues on a daily basis but also the commemorations continue."
 

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A series of workshops across San Diego will help assist people who are eligible to become U.S. citizens.

The "You Are America" campaign is a project of the San Diego Naturalization Collaborative through the Equality Alliance Center in North Park. The campaign is offering free help for people going through the application process.

One of the people utilizing the program’s help is YouTube sensation Jorge Narvaez, who appeared on The Ellen Show after he sang with his daughter on YouTube videos.

“It's very, very important for me to become a citizen and that's a huge, huge milestone,” he said. “I mean I can't explain in words how that's gonna change my life.”

According to Andrea Guerrero with the Equality Alliance, Narvaez is just one of at 150,000 immigrants in San Diego County eligible for citizenship.

For more information on the workshops, visit the campaign's website www.YouAreAmerica.org
 

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Newly released video first obtained by PBS is sparking controversy in a nearly two-year-old border patrol investigation.

Some believe the video could prove what ultimately led to the death of an illegal immigrant.

It shows a dark, grainy shot of 42-year-old Anastasio Hernandez lying on the ground handcuffed while being tased, kicked and punched.

More than a dozen agents stand over him.

You can hear Hernandez scream for help during the incident.

“He felt pain, a lot of pain. Anastasio was a very strong man and to hear him scream in that fashion was because he was in a lot of pain,” said Maria Pulga, Hernandez’s widow, through a translator.

A packed house watched the PBS special at the North Park Equality Alliance Center Friday evening.

“We will all mourn again, but my hope is that we also recognize this is an opportunity to take action. This is an opportunity to call for justice,” said Andrea Guerrero, Executive Director of Equality Alliance.

“No man, no human being should be treated with the indignity and the brutality that Anastasio was treated,” Bring Justice Home Campaign director, Christian Ramirez said.

The border patrol has said they were justified in tasing Hernandez. They said he became combative as agents were returning him to Mexico.

The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, but authorities also say methamphetamine contributed to his death.

“He was a San Diegan first and foremost, longtime resident of the 4th District of San Diego, where he had his roots set. Five children and a wife,” Ramirez said.

“My children miss their father. My children ask me every day, `Why did they kill Daddy?’ I don’t know how to respond. I want answers to that question,” Pulga said.

We reached out to Border Patrol, who are referring all media inquiries to the Department of Justice.

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With thousands of illegal immigrants facing deportation, many are trying desperate methods to get citizenship.

Immigration officials say many are being targeted by scammers who say they can help immigrants gain legal status.

"We're seeing people pay up to $50,000 for these services," said Fernando Carvajal of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The District Attorney's office says one the reasons why these scammers stay in business is because more than half of their victims are not coming forward. Many of them are reportedly hesitant out of fear of being deported.

However the DA's office is reaching out to immigrant communities in an effort to stop these crimes.

Carvajal helped put one of the country's largest immigration scammers in federal prison. The organization pocketed $1.2 million by posing as a legitimate legal service while victimizing nearly 200 people, a scenario authorities say is on the rise.

Immigration attorney Chris Macaraeg said more common immigration scams are notarios -- or notarys in English. This is someone who can legally file paperwork for you from taxes to immigration documents. But that's where Macaraeg says many don't draw the line.

"Once that person does more than the actual filling out of the form and providing legal advice,  they are violating the law," Macaraeg said.

While ICE is trying to come after these illegal scammers, they can't do so without the community's support.

"We want to focus on the people who are scamming who are committing the scams we're not, we don't want to focus on the people who are being scammed."

In the meantime, ICE is asking anyone who may have been scammed or thinks they may know of a scammer to report it. The more details you can give them the better, but you can also remain anonymous.

ICE's hotline is 619-550-5183.
 

Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
Find more of her stories in our special section.

A video released Monday by a group in Mexico that focuses on the crime and corruption in Mexico has gone viral with nearly two million views on YouTube.

It's sparking controversy because the adult roles are played by child actors.

The video begins with a child actor playing the role of a businessman. On his way to work, he's immediately robbed and threatened at gunpoint.

In another scene, those same thugs pay off a corrupt police officer.

There are other scenes where a politician is paid off and protesters are fighting with police in the streets

There's also a shoot out with a drug cartel and a reenactment of human smugglers dropping off their cargo after illegally crossing into the U.S.

According to the group "Our Mexico of the Future", the video is supposed to be a message to Mexico's political parties.

"I think they used children to say children are the future and this is what our children and the next generation could be facing,"said USD professor Nathan Jones.

Jones is an expert on international relations specifically involving Mexico.

He says the compelling video is a direct message to the main candidates for Mexico's upcoming Presidential election, to do something about these everyday problems.

"Change is very slow in Mexico and there is a lot of frustration legislative gridlock and partisan politics just like there is here in the United States," Jones said.

The group that made this video is backed by several elite Mexican companies, including Semex, which Jones says is unusual.

He believes it's a sign that the people of Mexico aren't the only ones tired of the crime and corruption.

"They are very serious about trying to improve the situation in Mexico,"said Jones.

The race for a newly formed city council district could depend on the vote of one particular segment of the community. The city created the 9th district seat in City Heights last year.

The district runs from Mission Valley to National City. The point was to give the large Latino community in those areas more of a say in their representation.

With Latinos making up nearly one-third of San Diego's population, Mateo Camarillo believes it is important to have someone to represent them.

“It’s someone that has walked in their shoes or understands their circumstances, to be able to meet with them and identify with their issues,” said the 9th District San Diego City Council Candidate.

The longtime Latino activist helped champion for the new 9th city council district and now he is vying to occupy it. Camarillo decided to run after two other Latina candidates stepped down.

He admits it does come down to the candidate's own qualifications. But at the same time, he says the opportunity to elect a Latino, should at least be made available.

Meanwhile, he says it is not promises but more so his past actions he hopes will win people over.

“My campaign is to win the hearts and souls of the people and prove to them that, based on my record as business man and as a social worker, I have the ability to provide them what I say,” said Camarillo.

According to census numbers Latinos make up more 50% of City Height's population. Although Camarillo's ethnicity may give him an edge, he is not relying on it.

He says mainly because a lot of Latinos there are either too young to vote or immigrants who do not have citizenship.

There are only two declared candidates in the race for District 9, Mateo Camarillo and District 7 Councilwoman Marti Emerald.

Voters will decide who wins this race June 5th. 

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A South County vocational school is being accused of banning students and staff from speaking Spanish.

A former employee and student claim the San Diego Job Corps violated their civil rights.

Gabriel Guzman says he was fired from the San Diego Job Corps Saturday after taking his story to the media. Guzman was in charge of student social activities at the federally-funded school. The Imperial Beach-based campus offers academic and job training to low-income youth.

According to Guzman, things began to get ugly a few weeks ago, when he claims, his supervisor for the recreation department began a new policy.

He says the policy banned students and staff from speaking Spanish during their free time.

Students, including Gladis Cortez staged a campus protest. They also started a signature petition with a letter about the issue.

“I’m just very concerned for the students. They’ve called me crying and they’re very upset so right now, basically, that is my main issue, not so much myself,” said Guzman.

Cortez says she was expelled from the school, but claims a school official had her sign documents to make it seem like she resigned.

“The paper said I was resigning yet he was the one in his own words who told me, `You are kicked out, you’re out of here, we don’t want you in here,’” said Cortez.

NBC 7 called the San Diego Job Corps to get their side of the story, but we were told that they are not commenting and referred us to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Deanne Amaden, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Labor, tells us, “The San Diego Job Corps does not have a policy prohibiting the use of Spanish on its campus. We are however, looking into the issue at hand and will work to resolve the matter if need be.”

Guzman is now filing a lawsuit under Limited English Proficiency, which protects individuals who have limitations reading, writing or speaking English.
 

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A majority of Americans with origins in Spanish-speaking countries do not embrace terms such as "Latino" or "Hispanic" in describing themselves, a new Pew survey found.

More than half of the Pew Hispanic Center's respondents say they prefer to just say which country their family is from.

About 40 years ago, the U.S. government mandated the use of the terms "Hispanic" or "Latino" to categorize Americans with roots in Spanish-speaking countries for census data.

These terms may be more divisive than helpful though, said SDSU Chicano and Chicana Studies Professor Isidro Ortiz.

"Many Latinos have been living in a country where they are often still not imagined as part of the American community," Ortiz said. "Linking someone's identity to their country of origin recognizes the diversity of the population."

They also conceal more than they reveal, added SDSU Professor Roberto Hernández.

"Growing up Mexican is very different than say growing up Puerto Rican, Colombian or Chilean for that matter; thus the need to account for the diversity within such labels," Hernández said.

Another finding in the study was that Latinos are split on whether they see themselves as a "typical American." Less than half -- 47 percent -- say they are a typical American. The same percentage say their experience is very different. Nearly 70 percent say Hispanics in the U.S. have many different cultures. The rest say the culture is shared.

Knowing the right term to use in identifying someone with Spanish-speaking origins may be difficult to navigate in everyday conversation -- however, identification all come down to respect, Ortiz said.

"It's a matter of respecting the population and acknowledging diversity," Ortiz said. "Even among Americans we have distinctions."

The survey's findings, though not surprising, are still a good reminder of the proverbial melting pot, he added.

"We need to acknowledge that we can be Latino and yet still be profoundly American. It doesn't have to be one of the other."

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The American Civil Liberties Union is threatening to sue the city of Escondido. The city did an audit after the ACLU accused Escondido of making a profit off of its DUI Checkpoint and Towing Program.

The ACLU also sent Escondido a public records request. But after receiving 3,000 pages worth of documents from the city of Escondido, they say none of those documents answer their questions.
 
The ACLU says they have yet to see proof that the city of Escondido is not trying to profit from its DUI Checkpoint and Towing Program. They also say the City of Escondido has increased the costs for its checkpoint program by 500 percent while padding their books with additional labor costs.

In the audit, the city states the revenue collected from the towing companies is equal to the expenses of the towing program.  

The city also said they plan to reassess their fees because they are experiencing a decline in their number of tows.

But the ACLU says that does not make sense since there dollar amount has doubled. Meanwhile, they are demanding to see a paper trail.

“State rules say you have to create these documents about the money you get from the OTS. Where are your documents? State law says your fees can only be actual and reasonable for the administrative costs. Where is the paper trail proving to the public that your fees are in fact actual and reasonable?” asked ACLU’s Legal Director David Loy.

“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has excluded, as program income, any revenue raised as a result of police activity and fees collected for towing and storage as part of a legal law enforcement action, are not program income,” said Chris Cochran with the OTS. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives money to the state for this program.

The OTS did not want to provide any other details about their agreement with Escondido but they said, according to their records the city is in compliance.

Meanwhile, the ACLU says they still have a lot of questions and if the city of Escondido fails to come forward, they will pursue legal action.
 

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San Diego's Consulate General of Mexico is looking for its next star.

The foundation put out a call for notable individuals of Mexican origin to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, otherwise known as Cinco de Mayo.

Winners will be honored by the Consulate with a ceremony and letter of recognition.

There are three categories applicants can be nominated for: career accomplishments, the development of San Diego, and humanitarian action in San Diego.

Nominations may be submitted for individuals who have engaged in at least one of the following fields of endeavor:

• Education
• Science
• Health
• Ecology
• Culture
• Sports
• Community
• Philanthropy
• Business

For more information, check out the Consulate General's website.

Cesar Chavez Day will be celebrated Saturday with a march in the remembrance of  his work.  

Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee with Chavez, offered her thoughts on the labor leader's legacy. 

On March 31, Chavez he would have been 85 years old if he were still alive. In California it is a state holiday and it is an optional holiday in other parts of the country.

In San Diego alone all government offices closed Friday Mar. 30 in observance.

Chavez fought to help workers get fair wages by creating unions and encouraging people to vote in order to get good politicians in office.

NBC 7 San Diego spoke with Lorena Gonzales, C.E.O. of the San Diego Imperial Counties Labor Council,  about how Chavez’s legacy was all about helping the lowest waged workers, even the folks who come across the border.

Finding a need in organizing farm workers to dispute their salaries and working conditions, Chavez along with Dolores Huerta founded the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee.
 
In an interview with NBC 7 San Diego, Huerta, now President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, said, “The best way to celebrate Cesar’s life is to do something for your community and please get out there and vote and find out exactly what our legislators are doing.”

Undoubtedly Chavez’s life’s work was one of insuring that all workers have a decent life, by avoiding labor exploitation.

The march is scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 31 at 10 a. m.  

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A controversial towing service accused of reaping the benefits of DUI checkpoints said Friday the service does not profit, but merely breaks even.

The City of Escondido announced earlier this month it would review its police department after the American Civil Liberties Union raised concerns over the department's towing program. The city contracts several towing companies to impound the cars of accused drivers.

ACLU Executive Director Kevin Keenan said in a previous interview with NBC San Diego they have been concerned with the misuse of checkpoints for years. They believe Escondido is using theirs to target undocumented immigrants without licenses, and subsequently benefitting financially from the checkpoints by using their own towing service.

The internal review by the city's Finance Department was released Friday morning. In the eight-page document, the city states the revenue collected from the towing companies is equal to the expenses of the towing program.

Though the police department did net about $365,000 from impound fees in 2010-11, the cost of impounding these vehicles is about $610,000 in 2010-11, the report says.

The shortfall is covered by the towing companies which the city contracts. Those fees provided about $400,000 in that year. Combined with the cost to administer the program, the books balance out, according to the city's report.

“The report supports the belief that the Police Department was correct in the way they have been assessing the towing fees," said Escondido's City Manager Clay Phillips. "However, it does reveal that the fees should be reviewed on an annual basis and we will do so.” 

In the past year, the city's report shows them charging $50,000 per year more than the previous year. This was to cover the "current trend of decreasing impounds," the summary read.

In response to the city's report, the ACLU said they are still concerned about the transparency and accountability of the checkpoint program.

The group's response lists a number of ommissions they believe in the city's report, such as a $2,500 application fee they say each tow company had to pay to contract with the city.

In the ACLU report “Wrong Turn: Escondido’s Checkpoints and Impound Practices Examined”, ACLU alleges that Escondido has been creating new expenses to charge higher tow truck fees and then pocket the rest.

Chief Jim Maher told our media partner the North County Times that the report is biased and is aimed at stopping the department's checkpoints. He also said the checkpoints are used to make Escondido streets safer, not to generate money for the city.

Check back for more details on and responses to the report, and watch NBC 7 San Diego at 4 p.m. for Diana Guevara's report. 

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According to a new report undocumented immigrants are being pushed into the shadows of society and forced to live in fear.

 The study looks at how restrictive immigration policies are affecting the lives of undocumented immigrants.

The study comes from the Center for American Progress, a think-tank in Washington D.C.

The center partnered with researchers at UCSD's Center of Comparative Immigration Studies, specifically looking at the lives of undocumented immigrants in Northern San Diego County.

David Keyes is one of the researchers at UCSD's Center of Comparative Immigration studies.

He and several others traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico and documented the lives of immigrants who once lived here illegally, in cities such as Vista, Oceanside and Escondido.

The study takes a look at what their experiences were with immigration policies in those cities.

Escondido police partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to crack down on illegal immigration.

Instead researchers found that undocumented immigrants are not exactly leaving and at the same time they are hesitant to cooperate with law enforcement out of fear of being deported

"If you're a police officer you're not going to get as much engagement from the immigrant community as you might otherwise because they're afraid that if they do come forward that might affect their own status or the status of someone they love,” said Keyes.

Keyes wants to make it clear that their objective is only in the name of academic research.

This study is part of a 7-year-old program where they travel to Mexico for field research, then publish their findings in a book.

This study will be published and released in summer of 2013.

Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
Find more of her stories in our special section.

It is an ongoing debate: should birth control pills be covered by insurance or not?

Some women are resorting to desperate measures just to get birth control despite the health risks, according to a recent study.

With the current state of healthcare, a new study by the American Journal of Public Health says more Latinas are crossing the border for birth control.

In Mexico, birth control is cheaper and more easily accessible since it is sold over the counter. 

The study also says that undocumented immigrants are also following the trend and buying birth control on the black market. 

Dr. Jorge Galdamez with the San Ysidro Health Center says though he can understand the desperation, these women are taking a huge health risk.

He says using the wrong form of birth control can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and if used inappropriately, even a stroke.

"These medications are not necessarily safe. They need to be discussed with a primary care doctor or a physician because they come with their own side effects and they come with their own interactions and they might not be the right medication for the patient,” Said Dr. Galdamez.

But there are some agencies that can help you find the right form of birth control.

Planned Parenthood offers affordable alternatives to all women regardless of your personal situation and even if you don't have insurance.

Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
Find more of her stories in our special section.

Cyber bullying happens far too often, including here in San Diego County. In some cases it's having devastating effects on innocent school children.

Which is why county school officials have launched a new initiative to share this information.

The San Diego County Office of Education is targeting the Latino community with a series of workshops about internet safety.

While language has been a barrier, county school officials say it's mainly a lack of awareness on how to handle these types of situations.

Take Ozzy Macias for example, he is in his senior year of high school, supposed to be having the time of his life.  But for the 17-year-old, it's been one of the toughest school years yet.

His mother says he was being bullied about everything from his looks to his speech.

But not at school or in person. Online. On Myspace and Facebook.

Ozzy was born with Digeorge syndrome, a chromosome deficiency that has affected his speech.

“It’s hard I wish people would be more understanding and not bully him so much so he can have the high school experience he so much wants,” said Leticia Lee, Ozzy’s mother.

She also says he has been teased about being special needs for years.  

With it happening online, she says it's gone too far and has to stop. 

This is one of the reasons why the San Diego County Office of Education is reaching out the Latino community to raise awareness about cyber-bullying. 

A community which has lacked the information it needs to deal with internet safety.

“Believe it or not many parents don't even know that this is happening and the kids are going through this on their own,” said Enrique Gonzalez with the San Diego County of Education.

The San Diego County Office of Education and the ESET Foundation held their first in a series of workshops about internet safety Wednesday.

They plan to continue these workshops over the next few months.

For more information on these workshops you can visit their website www.securingourecity.org. 

Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.  Find more of her stories in our special section.

The United Farm Workers, led by famed civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, is celebrating its 50th year in operation this month.

To celebrate, the Ceasar Chavez Commemoration Committee held a breakfast Monday morning, bringing together leaders following in Chavez’ footsteps.

Nearly 800 were in attendance at the breakfast, including Mayor Jerry sanders and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.

The current president of the United Farm Workers Organization, Arturo Rodriguez was the breakfast’s keynote speaker. He recalled Chavez’ will and determination in his speech.

Rodriguez became the UFW president in 1993, after the death of Chavez.

Also at the breakfast, this year’s youth essay contest winner was announced. Ellen Douglass, 11th grader from Ramona high school won the essay contest. The Cesar Chavez Service Club from Monroe Clark Middle School was also in attendance.

“Chavez' determination reminds a new generation to continue his legacy of making this country a better place for all people,” said NBC 7 San Diego Reporter and the breakfast’s emcee Diana Guevara.

“It also serves as a reminder to bear in mind lead lives in which we serve and help others, especially the needy, no matter how difficult the challenge that choice may bring.”

The month-long jubilee celebration will hopefully help motivate young leaders to address civil rights issues in their community.

“We’ve made great strides, but there are conditions that are persisting” said Andrea Fuentez, president of the Ceasar Chavez Commemoration Committee.

Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
Find more of her stories in our special section.

Political scientists say this year's Presidential election cycle could see a greater influence of Latino voters than past elections.
               
Their registration rate is still below those of other ethnic groups, but it's rapidly increasing.

Latino voters were a significant part of George W. Bush's success at the polls.
               
They're expected to be even more helpful to President Obama's re-election chances, despite his administration's record number of deportations.
               
But experts say, don't generalize too much about them.
               
Latinos registered have signed up to vote in big numbers since 2008.
               
And while trailing other ethnic blocs in the percentage of voters among their own 'eligible electorate' their population growth has far outstripped the rest.
               
Pollsters say 22 million will be eligible to vote in November, and think up to 12 million will cast ballots.
               
Bottom line, even according to those who do public opinion surveys for GOP candidates and causes: Republicans need to get around 40 percent of that vote to win in November. 

"Jeb Bush said that he thinks Latinos will be the swing votes in at least 15 states," says Richard Ybarra, a San Diego public relations/policies and communications consultant.  "So it's a growing voice, and it's finding itself."


Issues of deportation and immigration reform are high on the list of concerns among the politically active Latino community, but others come to the forefront as well.

"Surveys have shown that Latinos tend to feel that they have had a harsher experience in the recession than any other group in the United States," says Isidro Ortiz, professor of Chicana & Chicano Studies at San Diego State University.

"So if that is correct, then an appeal to the question of jobs and education certainly would make a difference."

Observers say the political priorities and loyalties of Latino voters can vary from state to state, age-group to age-group, and their family's country of origin before coming here.
               
And, their turnout may be higher in November than in the primary cycle, with only the GOP Presidential nomination driving the dynamic.
               
Either way, "Both parties have a lot of work cut out for them," Ybarra says.  "There's nobody to take for granted.  You've got to work, and you've got to get people's support behind you."

One startling figure that's widely quoted is that in this election cycle, 50,000 Latino youths will turn 18 and become eligible to vote in the November.
               
Party activists are making a big push to sign them up -- and fire them up to cast ballots.

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