gm fairfax sweeten by torres es optimista sobre la … nueve integrantes del consejo de ... que...

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YOUR LATINO CONNECTION SINCE 1996 | TÚ CONEXIÓN LATINA DESDE 1996

VOL 16 No. 20Periódico Bilingüe Kansas City31 DE ENERO DEL 2013

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GM Fairfax Sweeten By $600 Million Investment

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Torres Is Optimistic On Immigration Reform

Torres Es Optimista Sobre La Reforma Migratoria

SlightDeck KC Turns Union Station High TechSlightDeck KC, Convierte a Union Station en Alta Tecnología

Jesus Torres said he is watching the immigration debut unfold in Washington DC. He found himself being deported last April. He is excited that lawmakers are working on immigration reform bill.Jesús Torres dijo que observa el debut de inmigración desplegarse en Washington DC. Él se encontró con una orden de deportación en abril pasado. Él está emocionado de que los legisladores trabajen en la ley de reforma migratoria.

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson announced the company’s plans to invest $600 million in the Fairfax assembly plant. The announcement was great news for the 3,800 member workforce and with Kansas state and city officials.El Director Ejecutivo de General Motors, Dan Akerson., anunció que entre los los proyectos de la compañía, esta el de invertir $600 millones en la planta de montaje de Fairfax. El anuncio ha sido una gran noticia para la fuerza laboral de 3,800 integrantes, y para el Estado de Kansas y autoridades municipales.

Fight To Save Historic Church Building Nears End

La Lucha Para Salvar Histórico Edificio de Iglesia, Se Acerca a su Fin

The 126-year-old building that originally served as the Metropolitan Avenue Methodist Church of

Argentine and then became St. John the Divine Catholic Church building, survived two floods. It also served thousands of people as a church, a beacon of hope for the faithful, but the battle to save the building and preserve a piece of Hispanic culture is over.

A unanimous decision by the nine members of the Building and Fire Code Board to demolish the building was delivered at a hearing on January 22. Building owners and community members who supported the renovation project sat in silence when the verdict was delivered.

Years of trying to fulfill a family dream to see the building turned into a cultural arts center for children in

By DEBRA DeCOSTER

Traduce GEMMA TORNERO

Union Station has stood in Kansas City, Missouri for nearly 100 years. Over that period the station served

the city as the transportation hub, delivering people and cargo. Today, Union Station stands poised to become a technology hub for high tech business innovations—moving forward to a new digital age of delivering business and products.

BANKING ON... / PAGE 3 CONTANDO CON... / PÁGINA 1

By JOE ARCE & DEBRA DeCOSTER


The former St. John the Divine Catholic Church’s days are numbered. City officials have ruled that the building needs to be demolished while some supporters of the building say politics played a role in the decision to tear down the historic church. Los días de antaño de la Iglesia Católica "Juan el Divino", están contados. Las autoridades municipales han dictaminado que el edificio se tiene que demoler, mientras que algunos partidarios del edificio dicen que la política desempeñó un papel en la decisión de derribar la histórica iglesia.

SightDeck owners and Kansas City, MO officials came together at Union Station to mark the beginning of a new venture in the world of technology and innovation.Los dueños de SightDeck y funcionarios de Kansas City, Missouri., se reunieron en Unión Station, para marcar el principio de una nueva empresa en el mundo de la tecnología e innovación.

Jesus Torres has reason to be optimistic whenever the issue of immigration reform comes up in a national conversation. It was

nearly a year ago when the Belton, Missouri resident was stopped by police for allegedly having incorrect tags on the vehicle he was driving. Police issued citations to the twenty-two-year old including driving without a license and not wearing a seat belt. The police also identified him as an undocumented person.

The citations put him in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) system and a deportation hearing was scheduled for April 2012. Torres, who has been in the country since he was six years old, faced an uncertain future. The

By JOE ARCE & JOSE FAUS

WILL IMMIGRATION... / PAGE 8

¿PASARA FINALMENTE... / PÁGINA 8

Por JOE ARCE & JOSE FAUS

Jesús Torres tiene razón al estar optimista siempre que el tema de la reforma de inmigración sale en una conversación

nacional. Fue hace casi un año, cuando el residente de Belton, Missouri., fue parado por la policía, supuestamente porque las placas no eran las correctas en el vehículo que manejaba. La policía ha emitido citas al joven de veintidós años, incluyendo el conducir sin una licencia y no usar el cinturón de seguridad. La policía también le identificó como una persona indocumentada.

Las citas lo pusieron en el sistema de las Autoridades de Inmigración y Aduanas (ICE por sus siglas en inglés), y una audiencia de deportación se programó para abril del 2012. Torres,

El edificio de 126 años, que al principio sirvió como la ‘Iglesia Metodista Metropolitan Avenue’ de

Argentine, y luego se convirtió en la ‘Iglesia Católica de Juan el Divino’, sobreviviendo a dos inundaciones. También atendió a miles de personas siendo iglesia, y era un luz de esperanza para los fieles, pero la batalla para salvar el edificio y conservar una pieza de la cultura hispana se ha terminado.

Una decisión unánime de parte de los nueve integrantes del Consejo de Construcciones y Protocolo Anti-Incendios para demoler el edificio, se entregó en una audiencia el 22 de enero. Los dueños de la construcción e integrantes de la comunidad que apoyaron el proyecto de renovación,

Unión Station, ha estado de pie en Kansas City, Missouri., durante casi 100 años. Durante ese período

la estación sirvió a la ciudad como el centro de transporte, entregando gente y cargamento. Hoy, parece lógico que Unión Station se convierta en un centro de tecnología para innovaciones comerciales de alta tecnología, adelantándose a una nueva era digital

The General Motors Fairfax assembly plant’s future is secure for a long while with the announcement on

Monday by GM that they will invest $600 million. The money will go towards a new 450,000 square foot paint shop and a stamping press along with efficiency enhancements upgrades that will reduce their energy usage by fifty percent. Construction should begin this year and is expected to take two years to complete.

“Fairfax has been part of the rich fabric and traditions of GM for a long

Atractiva Inversión de $600 Millones de Fairfax GM

"THIS FACILITY... / PAGE 2 "ESTA INSLATACION... / PÁGINA 2

By JOE ARCE & DEBRA DeCOSTER


El futuro de la planta de montaje Fairfax de General Motors, esta asegurado por mucho tiempo con el anuncio,

el lunes, por parte de GM de que invertirán $600 millones. El dinero irá hacia un nuevo taller de pintura de 450,000 pies cuadrados, y una prensa selladora junto con mejoras de realces de eficacia, que reducirán su uso de energía en 50%. La construcción deberá comenzar este año y se espera tomará dos años para completarse.

"Fairfax ha sido parte del rico entramado y tradiciones de GM

31 DE ENERO DEL 2013 | KCHISPANICNEWS.com2

YOUR LATINO CONNECTION SINCE 1996 | TÚ CONEXIÓN LATINA DESDE 1996 Periódico Bilingüe Kansas City

por mucho tiempo. Durante sus 68 años de historia, hemos producido más de 12 millones de vehículos", menciona Dan Akerson, Presidente y Director Ejecutivo.

Akerson aplaudió el trabajo que han hecho los 3,800 empleados en la Planta durante los tiempos económicos difíciles, para mantenerla en marcha. "Usted ha pasado tiempos difíciles. Los últimos cuatro años han sido realmente difíciles. Han sido austeros, pero la marea ha dado la vuelta", señala.

GM comienza a ver un regreso para convertirse en un gigante de la industria. El resurgimiento del producto y el pulimento de la marca, han resultado en once cuartos de rentabilidad. La gente comienza a gastar su dinero y han regresado al producto de GM, para sus necesidades de coches. GM espera anunciar otro cuarto de ganancias en febrero.

Akerson, dijo a la multitud, que incluyó a empleados de Fairfax, el Gobernador Sam Brownback, el Alcalde Joe Reardon y otros funcionarios del Gobierno Unificado, que la compañía experimentaba un renacimiento, y que la planta de Fairfax estaría entre el tesoro más valioso del auto fabricante. Los $600 millones de dólares, son la inversión más grande de la planta, en la historia de GM.

Joe Ashton, vicepresidente de UAW, elogió a los trabajadores en la fábrica. "Demuestra cuando que cuando GM y UAW trabajan juntos que tan exitosas las cosas pueden ser".

Ashton, también tomó la oportunidad, de definir la conformación de los trabajadores de la planta. "Esta instalación es sobre la clase media. La clase media son los que construyen este país, pagan sus impuestos y luchan nuestras guerras y

van a trabajar cada día. Todo lo que quieren es comprar una casa, poseer un coche, enviar a sus niños al colegio y hacer lo que es correcto para este país y queremos agradecerles".

GM ha invertido aproxima-damente $2.5 mil millones en la planta durante la década pasada, mostrando el compromiso de la compañía para el área metropolitana. Chevy Malibu, uno de los coches que la planta produce, fue el coche mediano que está en el ranking más alto en el 2012. Además del Malibu, la planta de Fairfax también construye el Buick LaCrosse.

El Presidente Local 31 de Trabajadores de Autos Unidos (United Auto Workers, UAW por sus siglas en inglés), George Ruiz, representa a aproximadamente 3,400 integrantes en la fábrica. ìHemos estado produciendo vehículos de clase mundial en Kansas City desde 1945. En algún momento, éramos la única instalación que tenía un doble propósito, en la producción de aviones y coches en el mismo edificio. Esto fue durante la guerra coreana en 1952. Hoy, aquí tenemos tres turnos y sacamos un vehículo cada 58 segundos", recalco Ruiz.

Las nuevas mejoras, cortarán la cantidad de energía requerida, para construir los coches y reducir el consumo de agua y la basura química en el sitio. Estas mejoras no sólo reducirán gastos, sino que son ecológicas.

"Todo es con un objetivo simple, y es construir los mejores vehículos del mundo", menciono Akerson.

El Alcalde Reardon estaba feliz, de que GM sigue invirtiendo en la planta de Fairfax. Reardon se refirió en la rueda de prensa a un letrero que decía, "Los mejores vehículos del mundo, construidos por la mejor gente del mundo". Él, le dijo a la multitud, que le gustaría ver añadido en la parte

baja del letrero, las palabras en "Kansas City, Kansas".

"No es sólo es un lema para mí. Conduzco un Chevy Malibu. Es el coche mejor producido en el mundo. Es un vehículo asombroso, construido aquí mismo por los mejores hombres y mujeres en el UAW, aquí en Fairfax", proclamó.

Él menciono a los trabajadores de GM y a los líderes de la comunidad reunidos en la fábrica; "estamos emocionados, de ser un compañero a largo plazo con GM en esta comunidad. Nos emocionamos con ésta noticia. Es un testimonio del gran trabajo que se hace en esta fábrica cada día, y ustedes están ganando en el mercado", recalco Reardon.

Akerson, se comprometió a que la calidad tiene que ser un sello

para GM, mientras trabaja su camino después de la bancarrota. "Si ejecutamos nuestros proyectos impecablemente, GM se convertirá, otra vez, en una de las compañías más valiosas. Seremos reconocidos como un gran lugar para trabajar", aseguro.

El Gobernador Brownback, ha visto la marea girarse en la compra de los productos GM, otra vez, por parte de la gente. El coche que él conduce, se construyó en la fábrica de Fairfax. "Construimos grandes cosas en Kansas y el compromiso de GM significa que continuaremos así durante los próximos años. GM está de vuelta y Fairfax esta aquí para quedarse", concluyo con emoción.

CONT./PAGE 1

CONT./PÁGINA 1

"Esta Instalación Se Basa En La Clase Media"

GM Fairfax plant workers applauded the announced investment and upgrade plan. UAW Vice President Joe Ashton, told the crowd,” This commitment to the future of the plant and the workforce is a reminder to all of us that we build the world’s best vehicles with the world’s best people.”Los trabajadores de la planta Fairfax de GM, aplaudieron la inversión anunciada y al plan de mejoras. El vicepresidente de UAW Joe Ashton, dijo a la multitud: “Éste compromiso para el futuro de la planta y para el personal, es un recordatorio a todos nosotros, de que construimos los mejores vehículos del mundo con la mejor gente del mundo”.

time. Over their 68 years of history we have produced over 12 million vehicles,” said Dan Akerson, chairman and CEO.

Akerson applauded the work that the 3,800 employees at the Plant have done during the tough economic times to keep it running. “You have been through some tough times. The last four years have been really tough. They have been lean but the tide has turned,” he said.

GM is beginning to see a return to becoming one of the industry giant. Product resurgence and the burnishing of the brand have resulted in eleven quarters of profitability. People are beginning to spend their money and they have returned to the GM product for their car needs. GM expects to announce another quarter of profits in February.

Akerson told the crowd, which included Fairfax employees, Governor Sam Brownback, Mayor Joe Reardon and other Unified Government officials, that the company was experiencing a renaissance and that the Fairfax plant would be among the automaker’s crown jewels. The $600 million is the largest single-plant investment in GM’s history.

Joe Ashton, UAW vice president, praised the workers at the plant. “It shows when GM and the UAW work together how successful things can be.”

Ashton also took the opportunity to define the makeup of the plant workers.

“This facility is about the middle class. The middle class are the ones that built this country, pay their taxes and fight our wars and they go to work every day. All they want is to buy a home, own a car, send their children to college and do what is right for this country and we want to thank you.”

GM has invested about $2.5 billion in the plant over the last decade showing the company’s commitment to the metropolitan area. The Chevy Malibu, one of the cars that the plant produces, was the highest-ranking midsize car in 2012. Besides the Malibu, the Fairfax plant also builds the Buick LaCrosse.

United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 31 President George Ruiz represents about 3,400 members at the plant. “We have been producing world class vehicles in Kansas City since 1945. At one time we were the only facility that had a dual purpose in manufacturing jets and cars in the same building. That was during the Korean War in 1952. Today, we have three shifts here and we put out one vehicle every 58 seconds,” said Ruiz.

The new upgrades will cut the amount of energy required to build the cars and reduce water consumption and chemical waste at the site. These upgrades will not only cut costs but are environmentally friendly.

“It is all for one simple purpose and that is to build the world’s best vehicles,” said Akerson.

Mayor Reardon was happy that GM is continuing to invest

in the Fairfax plant. Reardon referred to a sign at the press conference that said, “The world’s best vehicles built by the world’s best people.” He told the crowd that he would like to see added at the bottom of the sign the words in Kansas City, Kansas.

“It is not only a slogan to me. I drive the Chevy Malibu. It is the best car built in the world. It is an amazing vehicle built right here by the best men and women in the UAW here in Fairfax,” he proclaimed.

He told the GM workers and community leaders gathered at the plant; “we are thrilled to be a long term partner with GM in this community. We are thrilled at this announcement. It is a testament to the great work that goes on in this plant every single day and you are winning the market place,” said Reardon.

Akerson pledged that quality has to be a hallmark for GM as it works its way back from bankruptcy. “If we execute our plans flawlessly, GM will become one of the most valuable companies again. We will be recognized as a great place to work,” he said.

Governor Brownback has seen the tide turn with people buying GM products once again. The car that he drives was built in the Fairfax plant. “We build great things in Kansas and GM’s commitment means we will continue to do so for years to come. GM is back and Fairfax is here to stay,” he shouted.

"This Facility Is About The Middle Class"

In Loving MemoryAngelina Gutierrez Perez

Angie, There is not a day that passes that we are not thinking of you and the love we shared as a family. It was about two years ago on February 2, 2011 our lord and savior came calling upon you to enter the Gates of Heaven and his kingdom. It was the hardest day of our lives to let you fly away with the angels to be with our Lord. We are doing our best day by day to move forward with our lives. We cherish the years, the moments that we had you with us. One day we will all come together once again as we all fly toward you.

Love Always, Your husband Martin Perez, sons, daughters, sisters,

grandchildren, great-grandchildren and your community.

Aurora Rios GarciaWith her loving family by her side, Aurora Rios Garcia, age 92, went to be

with the Lord on January 26, 2013. She was born on December 31, 1920 in Kansas City, KS, to Isaac and Josephina (Leon) Rios. Aurora raised two beautiful sons who were the light of her life. She moved to Chicago where she began working

for Vienna Beef. She was a proud union member of USCW. At age 65 she

retired and moved back to Kansas City to enjoy many wonderful years with her loving

family and friends. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Catholic Church. She and her sister Elvira loved spending time together at the Redemptorist Senior Center and Guadalupe Center. One of her greatest joys was spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren. She loved music, dancing, Elvis, and a hot cup of black coffee with a piece of sweet bread. Her faith was strong, her love was endless, and her humorous spirit was contagious.

She is preceded in death by her son, Dr. Anthony Joseph Garcia; her parents; brothers Alexander Rios and Daniel Rios; sister Ermelinda Reyes and daughter-in-law Elnora Garcia Koetting. Left to cherish her memory are her sister Elvira Briones of Kansas City, MO; her son Richard Garcia and his wife Ellen of Raytown, MO; their children Ricky Joe, Lisa, Gina, Annamarie, and Kellie; Anthony’s children Michelle Holsted and her husband Steve, and Celia Sumner and her husband Shelby, both of Kansas City, MO; 11 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; along with many loving nieces and nephews.

This past Tuesday, January 29, family and friends gathered at McGilley Midtown Chapel to say their final farewell and recited the Rosary. On Wednesday, January 30, 2013 a Mass was celebrated in her honor at Redemptorist Catholic Church, in Kansas City, MO.Entombment in Mt. Calvary Mausoleum in Kansas City, KS.

In lieu of flowers, a the family asked that donations be made to the Kansas City Hospice Arrangements under the

direction of the McGilley Midtown Chapel,20 West Linwood Blvd., KCMO 6411. (816)753-6200

Condolences may be left at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Adele Hall, community leader and passionate arts supporter. In surveying the landscape of arts organizations in the region, it is nearly impossible to find one which she did not touch in some way. Our region has lost a leader who accomplished difficult projects with a legendary smile and extraordinary powers of persuasion for the causes in which she believed. We offer our deepest sympathy to the Hall family for the great loss they are experiencing.

Adele understood the power of the arts in all disciplines. Her support of arts education programs was part of her belief that art is no exclusive province, but a world in which everyone should be able to participate. She will be missed.Sincerely, Harlan Brownlee President & CEO

The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas CityIn lieu of flowers, the family asks that any contributions be made to

Children's Mercy, the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Pembroke Hill School, the Salvation Army, the United Way of Greater Kansas City, or Wayside Waifs. If you'd like to share your thoughts or stories about Adele, Hallmark has created a website where you can leave your condolences.

Photo Courtesy hallmark Card, InC

By HARLAN BROWNLEE

Remembering Adele Hall

331 DE ENERO DEL 2013 | KCHISPANICNEWS.com

YOUR LATINO CONNECTION SINCE 1996 | TÚ CONEXIÓN LATINA DESDE 1996Bilingual Newspaper Kansas City

CONT./PAGE 1

An open house at Harvey’s in Union Station was held last week for one of the station’s new tenants. SightDeck, developed by iMatte, is a fully integrated display, camera, compositing, presentation, full HD production system and broadcast studio. The company’s mission is to help clients produce and distribute compelling interactive visual communications beyond today’s telepresence communications through the use of advanced technology including the SightDeck system.

The interactive visual communications includes 2D, 3D and HD video for use in real time and recorded visual communications for sales presentations, distance collaboration, didactic exchanges, product development, consulting, problem solving and other communication needs. SightDeck functions as a virtual meeting room, virtual classroom and virtual studio to serve these needs.

The company brings together two sets of resources, iMatte, a Los Angeles based hardware and software-manufacturing company with 35 years experience building tools for broadcast and motion picture industries. The company pioneered and produced the SightDeck technology.

The second resource comes from Richard Welnowski and his over twenty-five years of ground breaking work in filmmaking and visual effects for film and television.

“When we began talking about where to place the company, I thought of Kansas City. We contacted the Economic Development Corporation and met with Pete Fullerton at the

EDC and began our talks and here we are,” said Welnowski, CEO SightDeck.

Members of SightDeck had heard about LaunchKC, a program set forth by city leaders last September. Business leaders and city politicians proposed the plan, LaunchKC, to entice new IT companies to the city with incentives of free or low rent in office space. New IT companies will be set up with mentoring programs and start-up financing guides.

“Mayor James has been the heart and soul on this. He said, ‘what can we do to help these people? What can we do to make Kansas City a more positive environment for these IT entrepreneurs?’ Google Fiber coming into the area has helped and brought good publicity to Kansas City. It has our existing major companies rethinking the role they can play in helping smaller businesses and upcoming entrepreneurs,” said EDC Senior Business Development Officer Gary Sage.

Kansas City is on the grid as the market place to be for new IT start up companies. As new start-up companies look to the area, they are able to find through established businesses a workspace to share for free or at a low fee.

“We reached out to our aviation department and asked them if they could make a space available for (LACIE), The Lewis and Clark Information Exchange, and they did. LACIE improves health and economics status of the region through facilitation of data sharing,” said Sage.

The LaunchKC plan is designed to attract and develop IT

entrepreneurs and professionals to the existing information technology community in the Crossroads Arts District and throughout downtown Kansas City.

“The LaunchKC program recognized the invaluable work that is done by people who are willing to take huge risks in their willingness to become entrepreneurs. The risks are great, many times you will leave a secure job, borrow money off your house, you have little family time, and one of the most difficult parts of a start up is getting the word out there about what you do. SightDeck captures the passion and quality in your work, and they will give you the opportunity to get the exposure that your company needs and give you the type of presentations that you need to help your company reach out to sponsors,” said Paul Vlahos, CEO.

The launching of Google Fiber helped city leaders to think past the high speed offerings that make Google Fiber so attractive and will lead to eventual expansion to other cities. City leaders turned their focus on how they could grow and develop a district that would appeal to young entrepreneurs and new start-up businesses.

While attending a Mayors Innovation Project in Washington, D.C., Mayor James told members at the SightDeck Open House, that people are talking about Kansas City and it is not about BBQ, ‘it is because of all the neat stuff that is going on with technology and innovation.’

“We are now living in the future and the future is in

Kansas City. Other cities wanted to know what we are doing and what is LaunchKC. We are talking about ways to improve the quality of life, create jobs and make sure that your children entering college will come home because this is a place on the cutting edge. There are a lot of people here who have worked their tails off to make this the most entrepreneurial place in the city,” said James.

Contando Con La Promesa DigitalCONT./PÁGINA 1

en la entrega de negocios y productos.

Una jornada a puertas abiertas de Harvey’s en Unión Station, se llevó a cabo la semana pasada para uno de los nuevos arrendatarios de la estación. SightDeck, desarrolla-do por iMatte, es una pantalla totalmente integrada, cámara, composición, presenta-ción, sistema de producción HD completo y estudio de emisión. La misión de la compañía es ayudar a sus clientes a producir y distribuir comunicaciones visuales interactivas persuasivas más allá de las comunicaciones tele presencia de hoy a través del uso de tecnología avanzada, incluyendo el sistema de SightDeck.

Las comunicaciones interactivas visuales incluyen el vídeo 2D, 3D y HD para el uso en tiempo real y el grabado de comunicaciones visuales para presentaciones de ventas, colaboración a distancia, intercambios didácticos, desarrollo de productos, consulta, solución de problemáticas y otras necesidades de comunicación. SightDeck funciona como una sala de reuniones virtual, aula virtual y estudio virtual para servir estas necesidades.

La compañía junta dos juegos de recursos, iMatte, una compañía de desarrollo de programas con base en Los Ángeles, con 35 años de experiencia en la construcción de instrumentos para industrias de película y programas. La compañía promovió y produjo la tecnología de SightDeck.

El segundo recurso viene de Richard Welnowski y sus más de veinticinco años de trabajo innovador en rodajes y efectos visuales para películas y televisión.

“Cuando comenzamos a hablar de dónde colocar la compañía, pensé en Kansas City. Nos pusimos en contacto con la Corporación de Desarrollo Económico (EDC por sus siglas en inglés) y nos encontramos con Peter Fullerton en EDC, y comenzamos nuestras conversaciones, y aquí estamos”, dijo Welnowski, director ejecutivo de SightDeck.

Los miembros de SightDeck habían oído sobre LaunchKC, un programa llevado adelante

por líderes de la ciudad en septiembre pasado. Los líderes comerciales y los políticos de la ciudad propusieron el plan, LaunchKC, para atraer nuevas compañías TI (Tecnologías de la Información) a la ciudad con incentivos de alquiler gratis o a bajo costo en lo referente al espacio de oficina. Nuevas compañías TI se establecerán con programas mentores y guías de financiación de arranque.

“El alcalde James ha sido el corazón y alma en ésto. El dijo, ‘qué podemos hacer para ayudar a esta gente? ¿Qué podemos hacer para hacer de Kansas City un ambiente más positivo para éstos empresarios de TI?”. La Fibra Google que entra en el área y ha ayudado y ha traído buena publicidad a Kansas City. Tiene a nuestras principales compañías

existentes reconsiderando el papel que pueden jugar en la ayuda de negocios más pequeños y próximos empresarios”, comentó el Oficial Superior de Desarrollo de Negocios de EDC Gary Sage.

Kansas City está en el centro, como el mercado a estar para las nuevas compañías de TI. Mientras que las nuevas compañías de arranque contemplan el área, son capaces de encontrar a través de negocios establecidos un área de trabajo para compartir gratis o a un bajo costo.

Tendimos la mano a nuestro departamento de aviación y les preguntamos si podían tener un espacio disponible para el Intercambio de Información Lewis y Clark (LACIE por sus siglas en inglés), y lo hicieron. LACIE mejora la salud y el estado

de la economía de la región, a través de la facilitación del uso compartido de datos”, dijo Sage.

El plan LaunchKC está diseñado para atraer y desarrollar empresarios y profesionales a la comunidad de tecnologías de la información (TI) existente en el Crossroads Arts District y en todas partes del centro de la cuidad de Kansas City.

El programa LaunchKC reconoció el trabajo inestimable que es hecho por la gente que quiere tomar riesgos enormes en su buena voluntad de convertirse en empresarios. Los riesgos son grandes, muchas veces dejará un trabajo seguro, tomará dinero prestado de su casa, tendrá poco tiempo con la familia, y una de las partes más difíciles de un arranque es el conseguir regar la voz allá afuera sobre lo que usted

hace. SightDeck captura la pasión y calidad en su trabajo, y le dará la oportunidad de conseguir la publicidad que su compañía necesita y darle el tipo de presentaciones que usted necesite para ayudar a su compañía a llegar a los patrocinadores”, dijo Paul Vlahos, Director Ejecutivo.

El lanzamiento de la Fibra Google, ayudó a líderes de la ciudad a pensar mas allá de los ofrecimientos de alta velocidad que hacen de la Fibra Google algo tan atractivo y llevarán a su eventual extensión a otras ciudades. Los líderes de la ciudad se enfocaron en cómo podrían cultivar y desarrollar un distrito que llamaría la atención a jóvenes empresarios y nuevos negocios.

Mientras asistía a un Proyecto de Innovación para Alcaldes en

Washington, D.C., el Alcalde James dijo a los integrantes durante la jornada a puertas abiertas de SightDeck, que la gente está hablando de Kansas City y no es sobre BBQ, ‘es debido a todas las cosas geniales que están pasando con la tecnología e innovación’.

“Vivimos ahora en el futuro y el futuro está en Kansas City. Otras ciudades quisieron saber lo que hacemos y lo que es LaunchKC. Estamos hablando de maneras para mejorar la calidad de vida, crear empleos y asegurarnos de que sus hijos que ingresan a la universidad regresarán a casa, porque éste es un lugar que está a la vanguardia. Hay mucha gente aquí que ha trabajado y dado todo para hacer de éste lugar, el más emprendedor en la ciudad”, dijo James.

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Avoid These Home-Seller Mistakes

Evite Estos Errores Que Cometen Los Que Venden Su Casa

Now that the housing market has finally begun to stabilize

and interest rates remain at historically low levels, more and more homebuyers and sellers are dipping their toes back in the water.

If you’re planning to sell your home, you need to understand the tax implications of selling a home as well as be aware of structural and cosmetic flaws in your home and neighborhood that could undermine your asking price or keep the property languishing on the market for months.

First, the tax tips: In general, if you make money

on the sale, you can exclude the gain from your taxable income (as outlined below) if you’ve owned and used the home as your residence for two out of the past five years.

You may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of the gain from your income ($500,000 on most joint returns).

If you can exclude all of the gain, you don’t need to report the sale on your tax return.

Gains that cannot be excluded are taxable. You must report them on Form 1040, Schedule D.

You cannot deduct a loss from the sale of your main home.

For more information, see IRS Publication 523, Selling Your Home (at www.irs.gov).

Many factors can negatively impact your being able to attract buyers and ultimately get the price you want. Sometimes there’s not much you can do:

If you’re located on a busy street or the local school district is subpar, you probably won’t fetch as much as for the same house in a better neighborhood.

If your house is the only contemporary model in a sea of colonials or if your remodeled McMansion is surrounded by two bedroom/one bathroom cottages, many buyers might be turned off. Not everyone wants to stand out from the crowd.

If you started remodeling and didn’t complete the job, many people won’t want to take that on, even with a significant reduction in price.

However, there are many relatively minor changes that may boost your home’s marketability. For example:

If your interior or exterior walls are painted with bold colors or textures, it might be worth toning it down with a more neutral palette.

If you can afford it, have your home professionally staged, since they know how to maximize space and show off a home’s strong points (while hiding its defects.) But if you’re

using your own furnishings, thin them out.

Mismatched appliances, cabinetry and plumbing fixtures stand out like sore thumbs. The same goes for worn floors or carpeting. Discuss with your realtor which improvements might be worth the investment.

Make sure your yard is well-tended and has at least basic landscaping. Overgrown weeds and abandoned junk don’t help your curb appeal. The same principle applies for common areas if you live in a condominium.

If there are foreclosed homes in the neighborhood, chances are they aren’t being well-maintained. Make contacts with the lenders taking over these properties so you can report problems such as vandalism, trash or overgrown yards. If they’re unresponsive, ask your city’s building department whether they can charge fines or penalties.

Also, work with your neighbors to keep an eye on empty homes. Take turns mowing the lawn, picking up trash and removing graffiti. Anything you can do to bring up the quality of the neighborhood will improve your chance of selling.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs.

By JASON ALDERMAN

Ahora que el mercado inmobiliario finalmente comenzó a estabilizarse y las tasas de interés se mantienen en sus niveles más bajos de la historia, cada vez más compradores y vendedores están volviendo a participar en el mercado.

Si está planeando vender su casa, debe conocer las implicancias fiscales de vender una propiedad, así como las fallas estructurales y estéticas de su casa y vecindario que podrían hacer que valga menos de lo que usted pide, o que su casa no se venda por varios meses.

Primero, los consejos fiscales:

En general, si usted gana dinero con la venta, puede excluir la ganancia de sus ingresos imponibles (como se detalla abajo) si ha sido el dueño y ha usado la casa como residencia durante dos de los últimos cinco años.

Tal vez pueda excluir de sus ingresos hasta $250.000 de la ganancia ($500.000 en la mayoría de las declaraciones fiscales conjuntas).

Si puede excluir la totalidad de la ganancia, no necesita declarar la venta en su declaración fiscal.

Las ganancias que no pueden excluirse son imponibles. Debe declararlas en el Formulario 1040, Anexo D.

No puede deducir una pérdida de la venta de su residencia principal.

Para más información, lea la Publicación 523 del IRS, “Vendiendo su Casa” (en www.irs.gov).

Hay varios factores que pueden impactar negativamente la atracción de los compradores y la obtención del precio que usted desea. A veces, no se puede hacer mucho al respecto:

Si su casa está ubicada en una calle muy ruidosa o al lado de una escuela, probablemente no obtendrá lo mismo que si estuviera ubicada en un vecindario mejor.

Si su casa es la única de estilo contemporáneo en un lugar donde abundan las casas de estilo colonial, o si su remodelada Mansión está rodeada por pequeñas cabañas de dos dormitorios y un baño, muchos de los posibles compradores pueden descartarla. No todos quieren diferenciarse del resto.

Si ha comenzado a remodelar pero se quedó a mitad de camino, habrá muchas personas que no deseen continuar con la obra, ni siquiera obteniendo una importante reducción en el precio.

Sin embargo, hay varios cambios relativamente menores que pueden mejorar la comerciabilidad de su casa. Por ejemplo:

Si las paredes interiores o exteriores están pintadas con colores o texturas llamativas, podría ser bueno que las pinte con un color más neutral.

Si puede pagarlo, pida ayuda a un profesional para decorar su casa. Ellos saben cómo

maximizar el espacio y resaltar los puntos fuertes (y esconder sus defectos). Pero si va a utilizar sus propios muebles, trate de que no sean muchos y estén bien distribuidos.

Los electrodomésticos, gabinetes y grifería que no combinan afean la vista. Lo mismo ocurre con los pisos o alfombras en mal estado. Hable con su agente inmobiliario sobre qué mejoras le convendría hacer.

Asegúrese de que su jardín esté bien arreglado y tenga, al menos, un paisaje básico. El pasto crecido y la basura acumulada no son muy atractivos. El mismo principio se aplica a las áreas comunes, si vive en un condominio.

Si hay casas embargadas en el vecindario, seguramente no estarán bien mantenidas. Contáctese con los prestamistas que se encargan de estas propiedades para poder reportar problemas de vandalismo, basurales o jardines descuidados. Si no responden, pida al departamento de vivienda de su cuidad si se le pueden aplicar multas o penalidades.

También puede hablar con sus vecinos para controlar las casas vacías. Túrnense para cortar el pasto, recoger la basura y limpiar los grafitis. Todo lo que pueda hacer para mejorar la calidad del vecindario aumentará las chances de que venda su casa.

Jason Alderman dirige los programas de educación financiera de Visa.

Por JASON ALDERMAN

Last Friday was breezy and very chilly in Washington. I have seen many crowded days in our nation’s capital, as tourists hustle from one revered monument to the next, but Inauguration is always something very special. And the 57th Inaugural ceremony was no different. This year, as my wife, Dianne, and I headed out to watch President Barack Obama take the oath of office for his second term, we couldn’t help but take a deep breath and let it all sink in.

Our nation has come a long way together in the last four years. We are ending wars and bringing our sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers home. Slowly, but surely, we are digging our way out of a tremendous economic slump. And there are signs that political leaders will reach across the aisle and work with one another.

But there is still much work to do. Our country hangs precariously on the edge of long-lasting, financial problems as the debt ceiling and sequestration remain issues that need immediate and responsible action. We need to continue to grow and sustain jobs so our economy keeps rebounding. We must pass a long-lasting, comprehensive farm bill so hardworking middle class families can stop worrying about whether Congress is truly working for them. The list goes on and on.

So, as the balloons took to the skies and the crowds began cheering – I silently lifted my eyes upward as well. My hope is that the next four years will be filled with civility, compassion and cooperation as we move forward together – as a nation.

Cleaver Hope These Next Four Years Will Be Filled With CivilityBy Guest Writer

CONGRESSMAN EMANUEL CLEAVER, II

Starlight Taking Applications For Community Tickets

Starlight Theatre is continuing its tradition of offering free nights of Broadway musicals to groups serving individuals who might otherwise miss out. Since the

theatre’s inaugural season in 1951, the Starlight Community Ticket Program has distributed 364 free tickets every night of every performance to area not-for-profits and the individuals they serve.

Applications for the Starlight Community Ticket Program are now being accepted for Starlight’s 2013 Broadway season. This year, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations operating in Kansas and Missouri may choose from six Broadway shows at Starlight – a total of 39 performance nights with more than 14,000 free tickets available.

“While we wish we could provide tickets through this program to all who request them, unfortunately, our pool of available tickets is limited. We generally get requests for about 150 percent of available tickets,” said Bob Potemski, Starlight house manager and program administrator. “For that reason, the Starlight Community Ticket Program focuses on groups dedicated to enhancing the lives of underprivileged and at-risk youth, the medically dependent or disabled, and low-income senior citizens. We do, however, also try to give all new groups that apply at least some of the tickets they request provided that they meet our qualifications.”

Applications and program details are available online at kcstarlight.com or by contacting Potemski at

[email protected] or 816.997.1163. Applications for tickets must be received no later than 5 p.m. March 15.

In 2012, more than 100 organizations including 10 first-time recipients participated in the program, receiving more than 11,000 tickets.

“The Community Ticket Program is just one of the many tangible ways by which Starlight Theatre invests in our community. There are many benefits to keeping the arts accessible to everyone, and by making tickets available to local organizations, this program brings new audiences face-to-face with live musical theatre, some of them for the very first time,” Potemski said. “I hope that by providing Starlight tickets, we can make everyone’s summer just a little bit brighter. I know mine always is. “

Starlight’s 2013 Broadway Season: Monty Python’s Spamalot (May 31- June 6), Catch Me If You Can (June 11-16), Flashdance The Musical (July 9-14), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (July 23-28), Footloose (August 5-11), Miss Saigon (September 7-13). Detailed information about each musical including parent guidance is at kcstarlight.com.

Starlight Theatre, a not-for-profit organization, is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in Kansas City and the second largest theatre of its kind in the United States.


YOUR LATINO CONNECTION SINCE 1996 | TÚ CONEXIÓN LATINA DESDE 1996Bilingual Newspaper Kansas City

CLASSIFIEDS & PUBLIC NOTICES | CLASIFICADOS & ANUNCIOS PUBLICOS

DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF CITY COMMUNICATIONS(City Communications Officer)

(Job Reference #502310)Full-time position available with the Office of the City Manager. Normal Work Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00

a.m.-5:00 p.m. Advises city officials and managers in the development, establishment and maintenance of effective and consistent current and long range policies, plans and practices that impact public information distribution and public relations, both internal and external. Directs staff and activities in the areas of Internet and intranet content development; media relations and community engagement; video production and government TV services; copy development and editing services; graphic design services; and support for City departments. These activities are focused to accomplish the following:

Development and implementation of citywide strategic communications plan, leveraging all available •media, i.e. traditional, social, video, web-based, etc. Establishes communications policies, guidelines and quality standards and compliance metrics for collateral materials.Provide leadership in promoting the Kansas City brand.•Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and disseminate positive, consistent messaging across all facets •of the organization. Assists department managers and representatives in developing their public relations programs and developing promotional materials to advertise their activities.Foster positive relationships with media and provide timely, proactive and responsive information to media •inquiries.Create opportunities for the community to understand and engage their local government. •Coordinate internal communications activities directed at the City’s workforce. •

Performs related duties as assigned and required. Requires an accredited Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications or related area and 5 years of administrative experience in directing a major public information, public relations or communications program; OR an equivalent combination of qualifying education and experience. Preference for an accredited Master’s degree in journalism, marketing or communications with an emphasis in strategic or integrated communications. Please highlight this as part of your application materials.

Salary Range: $5,607-$9,764/month/month. Application Deadline Date: February 19, 2013. Apply online at www.kcmo.org/jobs. EOE.

The City of Kansas City, Missouri is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.

CALL FOR PROJECTSThe Mid-America Regional Council is accepting

proposals for public transit and human services transportation projects to be funded through two Federal Transit Administration programs: Job Access and Reverse Commute, and New Freedom. Proposals must be submitted electronically by March 20, 2013, by 12 p.m. CST. For details about the programs and application process, visit http://www.marc.org/transportation/specialtrans.htm.

Direct questions to Tyler Means or Ron Achelpohl, 816-474-4240, Mid-America Regional Council, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64105.

Sealed bids for Little Tipple

Reclamation Project, Bates County, MO,

Project No. Y0904-01 will be received by

FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM,

2/28/2013. The pre-bid meeting

is 11:00 AM, on 2/13/2013. For specific project information and

ordering plans, go to http://www.oa.mo.gov/fmdc/dc/list.htm

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers needed for Clinical

research! Receive up to $225/night or $300/referral. Paid

Studies avail! Call to qualify!

Quintiles: 913-894-5533

Excelsior Village Apartments

2000 W. Jesse James Rd.816-630-3713

1,2 & 3 BedroomsHeat, Water & Trash Paid

ATTENTION MBE/WBE/SDVE CONTRACTORS

Stanger Industries is bidding as a prime contractor on the CRCC Replace Cooling Tower Power Plant at Cameron, MO on February 14, 2013. We are actively soliciting bids from MBE/WBE/SDVE sub-contractors for this project. Bids are to be received at our office no later than 2pm on February 13, 2013. Please contact our office at (816) 861-2800 for more information

Multimedia Producer/Reporter

KCPT seeks a Multimedia Producer/Reporter. The Multimedia Producer/Reporter will produce stories, curate content and contextualize information for multimedia distribution for their assigned area of focus, as assigned by the Executive Producer of Multimedia. In addition, the Multimedia Producer/Reporter will write, produce, shoot and edit transmedia stories for multimedia distribution, generate ideas for stories, social media outreach and new ways to present content, develop contacts and follow major developments and trends in the assigned area of focus, maintain lists, and manage multimedia files for quarterly reports and KCPT archive. At the direction of the Executive Producer of Multimedia, the Multimedia Producer/Reporter will follow the KCPT strategic plan and editorial vision and be responsible for the editorial integrity of content produced, attend meetings and represent the station at public events, including KCPT sponsored events.Please go to www.kcpt.org for full job description and requirements.Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please include in your cover letter your salary requirements and how you found out about this position.

Visit KCPT on the web at www.kcpt.org, an E-Verify, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

BEAUTIFUL CONDO TO SELL

NEW YORKER STYLEBedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2,1/2Price: $289,500

MLS Number: 1764378Unit #501

JANETH BARRERA913-488-9940

Stunning, corner unit, walls of windows & stylish decor. One of the largest floor plans. Hardwoods,

granite, tile, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, laundry. Downtown between City

Market and Power & Light district. Gym, theater, party room, rooftop pool! Pets ok, Tax Abated.

Public Works Maintenance WorkerPosition requires a HS diploma, or GED, valid MO CDL with safe driving record. Must obtain Class B license with endorsements. FREE TRAINING PROVIDED. No residency requirement however 30 minute response time is required.Starting Salary $11.29/hour with excellent benefit package including paid health insurance and City provided work attire. Visit www.gladstone.mo.us for details.

Submit application by 5:00 pm, February 15, 2013 to:Attn: H. Post City of Gladstone, Human ResourcesFax: 816-436-2228Email: [email protected]

We are a drug free workplace. EOE

MGE is seeking an entry level Engineer I to work in our engineering department at

7500 E. 35th Terrace, Kansas City, MO location. Interested applicants should apply online at

www.missourigasenergy.com.MGE is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Health PlannerThe Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) is seeking a qualified individual to implement a regional Health Care Project. The position requires responsible, professional level work involving coordination to enhance primary care, specialty care, oral health, and behavioral health services through system and program level improvements in the Kansas City region. Position to be filled as either a Planner II or Planner III, with annual starting salary of $42,514 to $60,835, DOQ, with comprehensive benefits package. For a complete job description, more information about the program, and to apply please visit our website at www.marc.org/jobs. MARC is an Equal Opportunity Employer /M/F/V/D

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Kansas City Hispanic News

Former Owner Of The Building, Was Shocked At Decision

La Ex-Propietaria Del Edificio, Se Impresionó Con La Decisión

the Argentine community came to a sudden halt.

Daniel Serda, professor of Design and Planning at the University of Kansas, became involved in the project several years ago, because he wanted to see Wyandotte County preserve buildings that had played a significant role in the city’s history. He told Hispanic News that people should be looking at ways to preserve historic buildings instead of tearing them down to put up new buildings.

“It was never a question about if this building could be saved, because it could have been. We had structural engineers out there and they looked at the building and it never presented an eminent danger to the public. On projects like this the big obstacle is money and it was complicated by politics. The politics became so toxic that I had a number of people say they would love to help but I can’t. That was frustrating because this wasn’t about helping a private owner anymore, this is a community based organization,” he said.

Patricia Casas, former owner of the building, was shocked when she heard the board’s decision. She sat quiet in the metal chair; emotions crossed her face, a mix of sadness, anger and a sense of defeat.

“That caught me off guard. I thought that we had a chance. I thought that they would look at all the work that we have done and say, ‘ok we will take it out of demolition or we will give you an extension,’ but I wasn’t

expecting a unanimous vote to tear it down,” she said.

Casas signed ownership over to the not-for-profit agency, St. John the Divine Community Arts and Education Center, and serves on the board organization.

Ed Rust, chair of the board, told Casas and board members of the St. John’s organization that they had thirty days to appeal the decision.

Robin Martinez, attorney for the project, advised St John’s board members to take a couple of days to process the board’s decision and then meet again and decide how they wanted to proceed — appeal the decision or accept the demolition order.

The board weighed pro and con testimony from various people including John Pack, Unified Government Demolition supervisor, and Martinez representing St. John’s board.

Martinez presented paperwork by their inspector, engineer Steve Maslin, who following an inspection indicated that the building was not in danger of collapsing and presented no danger to the public. His report had been submitted to the Unified Government Code Enforcement office.

As a not-for-profit organiza-tion, the St John’s board applied to the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review to have the building considered a historic site. If they were approved to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, they would be eligible to apply for a Heritage Trust Fund Grant, which would

help them receive funds to begin the improvement work needed on the building.

Hopeful that they would be granted historic status and an opportunity to receive funds to help them make the repairs needed to help them get out of the Unified Government demolition department, they traveled to Topeka, Kansas to meet with the Historic Site Review board last November.

As they stepped into the office for their meeting, they were waylaid with the news that their review had been terminated due to a letter they had received from a Unified Government Commissioner.

“This is public record. The commissioner in the district filed a letter of rejection on Unified Government letterhead to the Historic Sites State Board stating that the building is not historic and doesn’t deserve to be placed on the national registry. Unfortunately, there were a couple of board members that interpreted that as the Unified Government itself formally objected to the nomination,” said Serda.

Hispanic News obtained a copy of the letter. It was addressed to Jennie Chin, Kansas State Historic Preservation Officer and signed by Commissioner Ann Brandau-Murguia, commissioner for the 3rd district. The letter was on Board of Commissioners of WYCO stationary.

In the letter, Murguia voiced opposition to the historic designation stating, “While this building served the community

well for many years, its historic value to the Argentine neighborhood is questionable. It has been left vacant for many years and has deteriorated to the point of being a real threat to the health and safety of the very community it originally served.”

Murguia also pointed out that the intended renovation had not generated sufficient funds to fix the church.

“The owners’ building permit expired and no other permits were activated, making the property eligible for the demolition process. It appears that all of the plans for the renovation of the building have not developed as intended, and the funding needed to make the most basic improvements to remove the building from an unfit, unsafe condition has

not become available,” added Murguia in her letter.

Serda told Hispanic News the commissioners’ letter stopped all the work that Casas and Serda and community members had done over the last year to locate funds to help repair the roof and begin construction to stabilize the building.

“It was determined over a year ago to be eligible to be on the National Register but it had to go before the state officials for a review. This was not the news that we were expecting. We were in a Catch-22 - we needed to show that we had money to do the repairs to get the building out of demolition, and then the opportunity to get the money for the repairs was stopped because of the letter,” he said.

If the building is indeed torn down, the not-for-profit will continue and will work to bring art programs to children, adults and senior citizens in the community. As a new non-profit organization of the arts, they collaborated with the Kansas City Museum and J.C. Harmon High School to help bring a curator from the Smithsonian Latino Center to the school to hold a workshop on Hispanic art.

“Our plans were to use the building to serve hundreds of kids, and probably close to the same number of senior citizens and we would have had a staff of three to six people full time. How could they think that this is a bad idea?” asked Serda.

Over the last several years Patricia Casas along with countless other people in and out of the Argentine community of KCK tried to save the building and worked to placing it on the Kansas State Historic Preservation program.Durante los últimos años, Patricia Casas, junto con muchas otras personas dentro y fuera de la comunidad Argentine de KCK trató de salvar el edificio y trabajó para que fuera parte del programa de Preservación de Sitios Históricos del estado de Kansas.

se sentaron en silencio cuando se entregó el veredicto.

Los años en los que se intentó realizar un sueño familiar de ver que el edificio se convirtiera en un centro cultural de artes para los niños en la comunidad de Argentine, llegaron a un alto repentino.

Daniel Serda, el profesor de Diseño y Planeación de la Universidad de Kansas, empezó a involucrarse en el proyecto hace varios años, porque quería ver que se preservaran los edificios del Condado de Wyandotte que habían desempeñado un papel significativo en la historia de la ciudad. Daniel dijo a Hispanic News, que la gente debería ver maneras de conservar edificios históricos, en vez de derribarlos para construir nuevos edificios.

“Nunca se trato de la pregunta sobre si éste edificio se pudiera salvar; porque pudo haber sido así. Teníamos a ingenieros estructurales que vieron el edificio y notaron que no presentó un peligro eminente para el público. En proyectos como éste es el gran obstáculo; el dinero, y se complicó por la política. La política se hizo tan tóxica, que tenía a varias personas que decían que les fascinaría ayudar, pero no podían. Ésto fue frustrante porque ya no se trababa de ayudar a un propietario privado, ésto es una organización basada en la comunidad.”

Patricia Casas, la ex-propietaria del edificio, se impresionó cuando oyó la decisión del consejo. Se sentó calladamente en la silla metálica; las emociones se mezclaron en su cara, una mezcla de tristeza, ira y un sentido de fracaso.

“Ésto me tomo por sorpresa. Pensé que teníamos una posibilidad. Pensé que mirarían todo el trabajo que hemos hecho y dicho: -‘bien lo quitaremos de la demolición o le daremos una extensión’, pero no esperaba un voto unánime para derribarlo”, comentó.

Casas cedió la propiedad a la agencia sin fines de lucro, el Centro Comunitario de Artes y Educación Juan el Divino, y trabaja en el consejo de la organización.

Ed Rust, presidente del consejo, dijo a Casas y a los integrantes del consejo de la organización San Juan, que tenían treinta días para apelar la decisión.

Robín Martínez, el abogado para el proyecto, aconsejó a los integrantes del consejo de San Juan, se tomaran un par de días para procesar la decisión del consejo, y luego reunirse otra vez y decidir como quieren proceder— apelar la decisión o aceptar la orden de demolición.

El consejo sopeso los pros y contras del testimonio de varias gentes incluyendo a John Pack, supervisor de Demolición del Gobierno Unificado y Martínez, quien representa al consejo San Juan.

Martínez presentó los documentos de su inspector, el ingeniero Steve Maslin, quien tras una inspección indicó que el edificio no estaba en peligro de caer y no presentaba ningún peligro para el público. Su informe se había presentado a la oficina de Ejecución de Códigos del Gobierno Unificado.

Como una organización sin fines de lucro, el consejo de San Juan aplico al Consejo de

Revisión de Sitios Históricos de Kansas para que el edificio fuera considerado un lugar histórico. Si eran aprobados para estar en la lista del Registro Nacional de Sitios Históricos, serían elegibles para solicitar una Subvención del Fondo Fiduciario de Herencia, que les ayudaría a recibir fondos para comenzar el trabajo de las mejoras necesarias en el edificio.

Esperanzados a que les concedieran el estatus histórico y una oportunidad de recibir fondos para ayudarles a hacer las reparaciones necesarias que ayudaran a estar fuera del Departamento de Demolición del Gobierno Unificado; viajaron a Topeka, Kansas para encontrarse con el Comité Estatal de Revisión del Sitios Históricos en noviembre pasado.

Cuando entraron en la oficina para su reunión, se quedaron a mitad del camino ante las noticias de que su revisión se había terminado, debido a una carta que habían recibido de un Comisionado del Gobierno Unificado.

“Ésto es el registro público. El comisionado en el distrito archivó una carta de rechazo en papel, con membrete del Gobierno Unificado al Comité Estatal de Sitios Históricos, que declara que el edificio no es histórico y no merece ser colocado en el registro nacional. Lamentablemente, hubo un par de integrantes del consejo que interpretaron ésto, como si el propio Gobierno Unificado se oponía formalmente al nombramiento”, declaró Serda.

Hispanic News obtuvo una copia de la carta. Era dirigida a Jennie Chin, Oficial de Preservación Histórica del

Estado de Kansas y firmado por la Comisionada Ann Brandau-Murguia, comisionada del 3er distrito. La carta estaba detenida en el Consejo de Comisionados de WYCO.

En la carta, Murguía expresó oposición a la designación histórica declarando. “Mientras éste edificio atendió bien a la comunidad durante muchos años, su valor histórico en el vecindario de Argentine es cuestionable. Se ha dejado vacante durante muchos años y se ha deteriorado al punto de ser una amenaza real a la salud y seguridad de la misma comunidad que al principio atendió”.

Murguía también indicó que la renovación planeada no había generado fondos suficientes para arreglar la iglesia.

El permiso de los dueños expiró y no se activo ninguno otro permiso, convirtiendo a la propiedad elegible para el proceso de demolición. Parece que todos los proyectos para la renovación del edificio no se han desarrollado como se han querido, y la financiación para hacer las mejoras más básicas para quitar el edificio de una condición no apta e insegura, no se ha hecho disponible”, añadió Murguía en su carta.

Serda dijo a Hispanic News, que la carta de los comisionados paró todo el trabajo que Casas, Serda y los integrantes de la comunidad habían hecho durante el año pasado en la búsqueda de fondos para ayudar a reparar el tejado y comenzar la construcción para estabilizar el edificio.

“Se determino hace más de un año ser elegible para estar en el

Registro Nacional, pero tuvo que ir antes con los funcionarios del estado para una revisión. Estas no era las noticias que esperábamos. Estábamos en dilema sin salida - teníamos que mostrar que teníamos el dinero para hacer las reparaciones para conseguir que el edificio no fuera demolido, y después la oportunidad de conseguir el dinero para las reparaciones se detuvo debido a la carta”, declaró.

Si el edificio en efecto se derriba, la organización sin fines de lucro continuará y trabajará para traer programas de arte a niños, adultos y ancianos en la

comunidad. Como una nueva organización no lucrativa para las artes, colaboraron con la Escuela Preparatoria J.C. Harmon y el Museo de Kansas City para ayudar a traer a un curador del Centro Smithsonian Latino, a la escuela para llevar a cabo un taller en arte hispano.

Nuestros planes eran usar el edificio para servir a cientos de niños, y probablemente cerca del mismo número de ancianos y habríamos tenido un personal de tres a seis personas de tiempo completo. ¿Cómo pueden pensar que esto es una mala idea?”, preguntó Serda.


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business major was scheduled to marry his longtime girlfriend and was looking forward to getting a job and eventually buying a house and raising a family.

Fortunately for Torres his case received widespread attention and fit the parameters of the Deferred Action policy instituted by the Justice Department and the Obama Administration that made prosecuting young immigrants a low priority and allowed for a temporary stay to pursue higher education and a work permit. Torres deportation was stayed. He still reports regularly to ICE.

Torres has been following talk about immigration reform diligently since his ordeal last year. A bipartisan congressional plan introduced by Senators Chuck Schumer, John McCain, Dick Durbin, Lindsey Graham, Bob Menendez, Marco Rubio, Michael Bennet and Jeff Flake Monday in Washington has caught his attention.

“It is an exciting thing that they are actually talking about it with meaning not just as a promise or a maybe. … It feels like it is actually happening,” said Torres in a phone interview with Hispanic News. “It is one

of those exciting moments. … I am still thinking that there is a lot to do for it to happen but just the fact that they are even talking about it and a lot of … Congressmen … are for it, is a great thing,” added Torres.

The movement on immigration this year comes on the heels of polls that indicate that the Latino vote was a crucial factor in securing a second term for President Obama. Many analysts have countered that the 71 percent support for Obama was a direct response to the Republican opposition to any type of immigration discussions that considered a path to citizenship status.

The plan unveiled Monday indicates that elements within both parties realize the importance of the Latino vote and the importance of immigration reform.

"What's changed, honestly, is that there is a new, I think, appreciation on both sides of the aisle – including maybe more importantly on the Republican side of the aisle – that we have to enact a comprehensive immigration reform bill," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said Sunday on ABC's "This Week."

“We still have a long way to go but this bipartisan blueprint

is a major breakthrough,” said Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York. “We do not want immigration as a wedge issue; we want a bipartisan bill that solves the problem.”

The plan calls for creating a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants that meet certain conditions based on work history, length of residency and passing background checks. They must also pay fines and taxes. A provisionary status would be conferred allowing qualified immigrants to live and work though they would have no access to government benefits. They can apply for permanent residency but would start at the end of the line. The process could take up to 15 years or longer and would employ an English speaking requirement and a civics test.

The plan is also heavy on work force reform that would overhaul the legal immigration system to streamline awarding of green cards to immigrants with advanced science degrees in science, math, technology or engineering from an American university. The plan also calls for a verification system to ensure that employers do not hire undocumented immigrants in the future and work to verify

their legal status using a secure electronic system.

The plan is coming under criticism from critics on both sides of the debate with some commentators calling it a plan for amnesty and others calling it a rehash of old ideas that have failed to get traction.

One Republican critical of the plan was Texas Representative Lamar Smith. "When you legalize those who are in the country illegally, it costs taxpayers millions of dollars, costs American workers thousands of jobs and encourages more illegal immigration. … "By granting amnesty, the Senate proposal actually compounds the problem by encouraging more illegal immigration

For Torres, the discussion has significance beyond the disagreements because even small steps are crucial steps. Though he is monitored by ICE frequently, he has been able to secure a work permit and other identification.

“I was given the opportunity to have a life and a work permit for the last couple of months. A little thing like having a driver’s license gives you that confidence and freedom to move on, do what you can do without having limitations put on you. The

fact that you can drive without having to worry is a big relief. … Having an ID with your picture or name on it and the name of

the state … changes a lot of things. It even changes who you are and how you feel. … It gives you hope,” said Torres.

CONT./PAGE 1

CONT./PÁGINA 1

Last April, family and friends gathered at St. Sabina Catholic Church in Belton, MO for a candle light vigil to show support for Jesus Torres who was facing deportation following a traffic stop.En abril pasado, la familia y amigos se reunieron en St. Sabina, Iglesia Católica en Belton, MO para una vigilia con velas para mostrar su apoyo a Jesús Torres, quien afrontaba su deportación después de haber sido detenido por una infracción de tráfico.

Will Immigration Reform Finally Pass?

¿Pasará Finalmente La Reforma De Inmigración?que ha estado en el país desde que tenía seis años, afrontó un futuro incierto. El estudiante de negocios había programado casarse con su novia de mucho tiempo y tenía ganas de conseguir un trabajo y finalmente comprar una casa y criar a una familia.

Por suerte para Torres, su caso recibió una amplia atención y encajo en los parámetros de la política de Acción Diferida instituida por el Departamento de Justicia, y la Administración de Obama; que convirtió el juicio de los inmigrantes jóvenes en una prioridad baja y permitió una permanencia temporal, para obtener una enseñanza superior y un permiso de trabajo. La deportación de Torres se suspendió. El todavía se reporta con regularidad a ICE.

Torres ha estado siguiendo la conversación sobre la reforma de inmigración diligentemente desde su dura experiencia, el año pasado. Un plan bipartidista (Demócratas y Republicanos) del Congreso presentado por los senadores ChuckSchumer, John McCain, Dick Durbin, Lindsey Graham, Bob Menéndez, Marco Rubio, Michael Bennet y Jeff Flake Monday en Washington ha llamado su atención.

“Es una cosa emocionante, el que realmente hablen de ello con un significado, no como una promesa o un tal vez. Se siente que realmente esta sucediendo”, comentó Torres en una entrevista telefónica con Hispanic News. “Es uno de esos momentos emocionantes. Todavía creo que hay mucho que hacer para que eso pase, pero simplemente el hecho de que hablan al respecto y muchos Congresistas están a favor, es una cosa grande”, añadió Torres.

El movimiento en la inmigración éste año, viene ante los resultados de las encuestas que indican que el voto latino fue un factor crucial en asegurar un segundo término para el presidente Obama. Muchos analistas han encontrado que el apoyo del 71 % a Obama fue una respuesta directa a la oposición republicana ante cualquier tipo de discusiones de inmigración que consideraban un camino al estatus de la ciudadanía.

El plan dado a conocer el lunes, indica que los elementos dentro de ambos partidos se dan cuenta de la importancia del voto latino y la reforma de inmigración.

“Lo que cambia, francamente, es que hay una nueva; pienso, apreciación a ambos lados del Congreso, incluso, tal vez con más importancia en el lado republicano del Congreso, de que tenemos que decretar una ley completa de reforma de inmigración”, el Senador John McCain, Republicano-Arizona

lo anuncio el domingo en el programa de la cadena televisiva ABC “This Week”.

Todavía tenemos un largo camino por recorrer, pero este plan ‘bipartita’ es un paso adelante, enorme, declaró el Senador Demócrata ChuckSchumer de Nueva York. “No queremos la inmigración como un tema de una porción; queremos una ley ‘bipartita’ que solucione el problema”.

El llamado del plan a la creación de un camino a la ciudadanía para inmigrantes indocumentados que cubran ciertas condiciones basadas en historia de trabajo, duración de residencia y el paso de verificación de antecedentes. También deben pagar multas e impuestos. Un estatus provisional se conferiría permitiendo a inmigrantes calificados vivir y trabajar, aunque no tendrían acceso a beneficios del gobierno. Pueden solicitar la residencia permanente, pero comenzarían al final de fila. El proceso podría tomar hasta 15 años o más y tendría el requisito de hablar inglés y una prueba de educación cívica.

El plan también está pensado en la reforma de la fuerza laboral, que revisaría el sistema de inmigración legal para coordinar la atribución de Green Cards a inmigrantes con títulos académicos avanzados en ciencias, matemáticas, tecnología o ingeniería, por parte de una universidad norteamericana. El plan también pide que un sistema de verificación asegure que los empleadores no contraten a inmigrantes indocumentados en el futuro y trabajen para verificar su estatus jurídico, usando un sistema electrónico seguro.

El plan está bajo la critica de inconformes en ambos lados del debate, con algunos comentaristas que lo llaman ‘un plan para la amnistía’ y otros que lo llaman ‘un refrito de viejas ideas que no han podido conseguir la atracción’.

Un republicano crítico del plan era el Representante de Texas Lamar Smith. “Cuando se legaliza a aquellos que están en el país ilegalmente, les cuesta a los contribuyentes millones de dólares, les cuesta a los trabajadores norteamericanos miles de empleos y anima a más inmigración ilegal. Concediendo la amnistía, la propuesta del Senado realmente compone el problema animando a más inmigración ilegal”.

Para Torres, la discusión tiene significado más allá de los desacuerdos, porque hasta los pasos pequeños son pasos cruciales. Aunque él es monitoreado por ICE con frecuencia, ha sido capaz de asegurar un permiso de trabajo y otra forma de identificación.

“Me dieron la oportunidad de tener una vida y un permiso

de trabajo por los dos últimos meses. Una cosa pequeña como tener una licencia de conducir le da confianza y libertad para moverse, hacer lo que se puede sin que le pongan a uno limitaciones. El hecho de que puede ir en coche sin necesidad de preocuparse es un gran alivio. Tener una ID con su foto o nombre, y el nombre del Estado cambia muchas cosas. Hasta cambia quién eres y cómo te sientes. Te da esperanza”, finalizó Torres.


PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT (Editor/Presidente) Jose “Joe” Arce

VICE PRESIDENT (Vicepresidente) Ramona Arce

EDITOR (Editor)Jose Faus

SALES REPRESENTATIVES(Representante de Ventas) Richard Ware

REPORTERS/WRITERS (Reporteros/Periodistas)Debra DeCoster, Jose Faus, John Silva, Yvonne Bruner

DESIGN/LAYOUT(Diseño Editorial/Diagramación) Janneth-B RodríguezGemma Tornero

SPANISH TRANSLATION(Traducción a español) Gemma Tornero

STUDENT INTERN(Becario)Jose MuñizNoel BaquedanoEduardo “Lalo” Uviña

KCHN is a weekly publication of Arce Communications Inc. who bears no responsibility for accuracy or content advertisements. All rights reserverd. Arce Communications Inc does not guarantee the absence of error and every attempt will be made to remedy in KCHN at our next edition. KCHN es una publicacion semanal de Arce Communications Inc. quienes no se hacen responsables por la presición o contenido de los anuncios. Todos los derechos reservados. Arce Communications Inc. no garantiza la ausencia de errores en KCHN los cuales seran corregidos en nuestra siguiente edición.

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