Category: Community

Over 200 students from San Jose gathered to discuss the current conditions of public education, and to imagine the schools of the future that can inspire and prepare the next generation. The precedent setting event was supported by educators, policy-makers and community advocates who are supportive these pioneering youth. Writing by Daniel Zapien, video by Fernando Perez.

Organizer Cesar Juarez has been advocating for immigration reform for his community for years. Deferred Action was not what he fought for, but he puts the policy in the context of his own life, and the larger call for change.

On Friday, November 9th, local San Jose artist Bu Nation held her much-awaited solo show at Cukui Clothing Company.

The following images are part of an ongoing virtual postcard series by writer and photographer Diane Solomon written to her 2-year old nephew, Nanji, and those interested in exploring Silicon Valley's grassroots.

When De-Bug started 10 years ago, young workers discussed the injustice of being paid $8 an hour in Silicon Valley. Now, in 2012, an increase in the minimum wage may finally take place. A version of this article first appeared in the Mercury News.

Consumer advocates and union officials at a recent media briefing worried that if California’s Prop. 32 passes if could silence voices …

Photographer Jean Melesaine follows 21 Year old Alex "Merc" Matua, a young father who tells De-Bug why that extra two dollars proposed to voters in this years ballot (Measure D) would change his life.

"Hecho en California" host Marcos Gutierrez explains the issues that Latino voters are closely watching in the 2012 elections.

An India Currents discussion regarding understanding violence against the South Asian Community.

A victory for family and loved ones who have fought and supported the release of Elvira Zayas for the last 3 weeks. Arrested on charges that were up to 10 years max, Zayas was released on Tuesday night at 9:30pm and reunited with family and community yesterday. Photos are taken by Elvira's older brother Alex Zayas and Jean Melesaine.

When San Francisco Police officers falsely arrested 19 year old Latina superstar Elvira Zayas, they didn't realize how much community would come in force in efforts to support her release. While the trial continues, so does the support from the community of artists, community leaders, and caring members who fight for her arrival home.

Elected and community leaders met with DREAM youth at San Francisco’s City Hall to celebrate the close of DREAM Summer.

Four years ago, Obama enjoyed overwhelming support from Muslim American voters. Today observers say that enthusiasm has waned.

As political leaders and law enforcement attempt to determine what has caused the tremendous bloodshed in the past couple of weeks in San Jose; writer, youth worker, and radio host David Madrid shares another perspective on the violence.

Steeda Mcgruder was incarcerated with a dream to help the women she was locked up with to find themselves. That dream has been made real with her counseling group "Sisters That Been There".

Earlier this month, San Jose became a stop in a Peace and Dignity run that travels from Alaska to Ecuador.

Sikh youth say the tragic events at Oak Creek earlier this month have only strengthened their sense of community and identity.

Women behind bars, unlike men, often form relationships that last well beyond their incarceration.

Recently, San Mateo County Coalition for Immigrant Rights held a county wide forum to urge decision-makers to stop reporting youth to ICE. More than 250 people attended.

Crash an India Wedding reception!

Having worked in both San Francisco, where minimum wage jobs pay $10.00 an hour, and in San Jose, where employers only have to pay $8.00 an hour, Anthony Mastracola shares his view on the impact the two dollar difference can make for youth and families.

San Francisco's DA apologized last week for failing to respond to complaints from Chinese-speaking victims of elder financial abuse.

Having an incarcerated parent is disturbingly common for children in California, and the impacts are far-reaching.

Immigrants of all backgrounds and ages come to the San Jose Flea Market to sell their goods to survive and create their own American Dream -- to be their own boss. Commentator Manuel Rocha shares his story of working at the Flea Market as a young man, selling shoulder to shoulder with elders from around the globe.

For two Oakland teens, caring adults and mentors were the difference in creating a life -- and a future -- worth leading.

In the wake on Obama's "deferred action" policy, author and undocumented immigrant Juan Reyes recalls the challenges and struggles that comes with growing up as an American with no status.

Chinese immigrants share their tale of coming to America with next to nothing, how they were taught to make burritos from Mexican immigrants, and their "second home" Peking House Restaurant where they serve the San Jose community -- from longtime regular customers to homeless in the area.

The U.S. Criminal Justice system has uncharacteristically underreported instances of prejudice, discrimination and racial profiling against South Asians. Few cases have emerged and those that have, rarely gathered much momentum.

Since she joined The San Francisco Foundation, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sandra Hernandez has been promoting her foundation’s efforts to help low-income communities in and around San Francisco gain access to health care and other services. As a practicing physician at San Francisco General Hospital, she has seen first hand the value of health care.

While seeking out her own personal destiny, Dian Alyan helped form a bridge from Silicon Valley communities to youth and families in countries such as Indonesia who are rebuilding their lives after natural disasters.

Block2Block radio host David Madrid talks with Michael Lopez, the Executive Director of the Mexican American Community Services Agency (MACSA). Michael talks about the services provided at their East San Jose youth center and their current community work out in South County, Gilroy and Morgan Hill.

Artist and "Undocumented American" AD Avila shares his position that President Obama's new immigration policy is a hurtful one to immigrant families, through a comic and an audio description of the experiences behind the art.

On the eve of the Trans March in San Francisco, the Two Spirit Movement hope to bring their native beliefs around sexuality to the forefront.

Over 250 Doubletree Hotel workers returned to the job on Friday, June 8 after a successful 4-day strike.

India Currents releases its June edition online, with the cover story, "Raising an Indian-American Teen."

Documentary photographer Jean Melesaine explains a Pacific Islander's month in photography as May is Asian Pacific Islander month.

New ways of collecting information – and sharing that data across government agencies – are raising concerns over privacy rights.

Block2Block radio host David Madrid talks with “Cathedral of Faith” youth director and gospel rapper “Brother Ig” about the latest break in the Sierra LaMar missing person’s case. His ministry is based in Morgan Hill, giving him insight to the hopes and fears of the South County community.

With an uncertainty hanging over immigrant communities from coast to coast, California could be a ray of light that breaks through the clouds.

Silicon Valley De-Bug airs weekly on CREATV the public access television station in San Jose, CA. Saturday Nights at 11:00pm, Channel 15. This episode features Vida Kills, Dem One, Opski Chan, Rey Ressurection, Soapbox Melodics, and more! Hosted by Malcolm Lee, Cola and Ookie.

As part of a multimedia series called "Arriving and Becoming: The Silicon Valley Story as Told by Immigrant Elders", San Jose Spoken Word Artist, Yosimar Reyes writes about his grandfather in this piece "Mi Viejito" teaming up with Jean Melesaine with visuals of his words.

Muslim women like Abdo and Jones are challenging the misconception that Muslim women are passive.

Last October, California began implementation of AB109 and AB117, laws intended to reduce overcrowding in its state prisons. Since then, more than 22,400 inmate…

Among the seven victims in the Oakland school shooting is Filipina Kathleen Ping, who leaves behind a 4-year old son.

SAN FRANCISCO -- The shooting that killed seven at a private Christian university in Oakland would never have happened in Korea, where owning a firearm is outlawed. That at least is the assessment of community members who point to America’s own thriving gun culture as a causal factor in this and other incidents.

As part of De-Bug's series covering the experience of immigrant elders, Adrian Avila tells the story of a former kingpin that he came across and the positive inspiration that came from what one would call a "bad guy."

Social networks such as facebook and twitter have been woven deep into our lives and relationships. But before you log on, read this article.

Aging Latino parents of incarcerated children are often punished, too, unable to afford travel—often long distances--to visit an imprisoned loved one.

Women are not the only underrepresented minority in the Silicon Valley “meritocracy.”

Patients at a clinic in East Palo Alto are finding new ways to manage their chronic disease by eating and cooking healthy.

Miss Hispanidad Gay is a yearly pageant where cross-dressers from all around California come to participate in a 4 week long competition.

Andy Gutierrez grew up in Eastside San José, facing the many challenges of poverty -- including being homeless at one point. He now is a Santa Clara County Deputy Public Defender representing indigent defendants.

San Jose Poet Yosimar Reyes brings to you another episode of queer conversations with artist/activistundocuqueer Julio Salgado, the mastermind of DreamersAdrift.com.

Health care advocates worry that more than 100,000 Californians who are eligible to purchase affordable insurance through the Health Benefit Exchange will not enroll.

Artists, producers and other contributors to the San Jose hip hop scene gathered to discuss their future as a movement.

Congratulations to Danny Pina, who first walked into De-Bug with a dislocated elbow, a busted nose, and a false resisting arrest charge. Three years later, he finally found the justice he was seeking.

Volunteer-based organizations in two working-class Bay Area cities are working to educate Latino residents and families there about LGBTQ issues.

Cesar Flores has worked locally with families fighting for reforms in the Bay Area. Now, through connecting with legislative advocates in Sacramento, these families can influence the laws that govern their local criminal justice systems.

A new survey by ING Retirement Research Institute echoes other findings showing that Latinos tend to save less than other ethnic groups for retirement.

Researchers helping South Asian elders from India to California rely on networking face-to-face and online to build knowledge globally.

A look inside the De-Bug Center and the bustling universe of activities conducted there, such as silk-screening, photography, music production, journalism and community advocacy. This video footage was captured and edited by San Jose State Film students.

Shefali Razdan Duggal, a top Indian-American fundraiser at President Barack Obama's re-election campaign, has been conferred with the "Most Powerful and Influential Women of California" award.

Block2Block radio host David Madrid talks with East Side Heroes founder Enrique Flores and South Bay Film maker Daniel Osorio about the “Corazon Project” an effort to engage East San Jose youth in mural projects, mentoring and bringing peace to the Overfelt neighborhood.

As Silicon Valley's economy slows to recover, Santa Clara County creates new program to assist those chronically homeless.

Block2Block radio host, David Madrid, talks with Chicano comic book creator, Fernando Rodriguez, about his latest release of “Aztec of The City” one of America’s first and only Chicano/Latino super heroes, originating out of San Jose.

The deal brings larger bank reforms, including ending the “dual-track” practice and requiring banks to set a single point of contact for homeowners.

As Silicon Valley celebrates the expansion of the Facebook campus, East Palo Alto residents, like organizer Anna Turner pictured here, are voicing concerns of displacement.

The following video previews several upcoming mini-documentaries on immigrant elders living in Silicon Valley. The project is part of a larger multimedia endeavor chronicling the story of arrival and becoming by immigrants in the region.

Stacey McGruder found her own transformation and freedom from incarceration by drawing on the strength and support of women around her. Now she is sharing her self-taught model with other women.

A new measure advocates hope to get on the November ballot would increase penalties against human traffickers in California. The campaign was launched yesterday to coincide with National Human Trafficking Awareness Day,

An artistic rendering of De-Bug's Albert Cobarrubias Justice Project.

In the wake of the death of a five-year-old boy in Oakland, writer and youth worker Hector Gonzalez wonders why youth activism is not holding the community more accountable.

2012 could be a decisive year for the future of anti-immigration state laws, from the Supreme Court to the White House.

Sometimes cross-ethnic connections can save lives.

The good, the bad, and the criminal of desi headliners in 2011.

Writer Diane Solomon talks about the January 1st plastic bag ban hitting San Jose.

As participants of the Occupy movement protested in front of Wells Fargo, with the back drop of Christmas in the Park, De-Bug asked protesters what their resolutions were for the Occupy movement in 2012.

Santa Clara County Faith Leaders Convene to Discuss Their Role in Criminal Justice Realignment.

Block2Block Radio talks with Kathleen Krenek the executive Director for "Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence" the South Bay's leading non profit devoted to helping women and their families deal with issues of abuse.

Fernando J Pérez produced this video for the Poverty Forum held on November 3rd at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library in downtown San Jose. He profiles the experiences of four young Bill Wilson Drop-In clients.

Block2Block radio host David Madrid talks with union organizer Louie Rocha from the Communications Workers of America (CWA) about their current struggle with Verizon Wireless and their connection to the Occupy Movement.

An India Currents contributor and legal observer, shares her experience at the Oakland occupation that has attracted national attention.

After spending a night in the tents, author Marco Reyes comments on the significance of the Occupy Wall Street movement locally in San Jose, and what the movement means in the backdrop of history.

In what has been heralded the most progressive policy in the nation, Santa Clara County today voted in a new set of guidelines for civil immigration detainers, which in effect ends the county’s collaboration with ICE.

Jean Melesaine reviews the film "Pariah" directed by Dee Rees. The film is based on a Brooklyn teenager who juggles conflicting identities and risks friendship, heartbreak, and family in a desperate search for sexual expression.

Block2Block Radio host David Madrid gives an update on the current California prison hunger strike at Pelican Bay State Prison, plus a touching call in commentary from Lupe Madrid, who's father is one of the strikers serving time in solitary confinement "Security Housing Unit" in Pelican Bay.

Ever since youth counselor David Madrid lost his job as the City of San Jose slashed youth programs, he has worried most of all of the young people he knew who no longer have support systems, and the future they face without them.

On September 14, 2011, over 200 attendees -- parolees, probationers, families, elected officials, law enforcement managers -- came together to participate in a community forum about Santa Clara County's criminal justice realignment plan.

As the county and country struggles with bringing our economy back to life, a teacher of financial literacy says the answer might be in investing in our youth.

In 2007, Page Mill Properties raised the rents on tenants occupying close to 1,800 units in East Palo Alto, touching off what would be a four-year battle against the City and community groups to preserve rent control. In 2010, Wells Fargo foreclosed on the properties and promised to involve community members in the long term plans of the apartments, which are mostly home to low income families of color.

Block2Block Radio host David Madrid talks with Mario Ozuna-Sanchez of the National Compadres Network about the mental health and healing needs of men & boys in our communities.

US Army Captain Rajiv Srinivasan electrified the crowd of over 300 supporters with his narrative of serving in the combat zone in Afghanistan. He also pointed out why it was important to him that HAF cared about Hindus and not just about Hinduism.

About 8 million prayers have been recited by Sikhs in more than 50 countries worldwide this year. Congregations have hosted interfaith events, involved their local neighbors and formed unique ways of sharing the experience of Sikh prayer with their wider communities.

This exhibition showcased photos taken from cameras from the 50’s and 60’s allowing film photography to be showcased as an art form. Take a look.

Being diagnosed with asthma has not stopped this young runner from attempting the ultimate endurance race.

In this edition of "Uncubed" Krishna M. Sadasivam looks at how we speak to one another, or rather, how much.

As counties across California develop plans to respond to the state's mandate to reduce the prison population, Santa Clara County has been gathering input on what makes for a successful re-entry of inmates into the community. Silicon Valley De-Bug interviews residents who have recently been released, as well as direct service providers.

This summer, De-Bug and the San Jose Downtown Association teamed up to provide activities for youth at the weekly concerts. The collaboration was a tremendous success, but still the historic event may be coming to a close.

A recent study found that 93% of therapists are seeing more students coming to college already on psychiatric medication.

In the heart of Japantown, artist Samuel Rodriguez held his first solo show at Cukui. The following timelapse video captures the creative production process, as well as the diverse community who came to the showing.

While California’s economic environment has hit summer programs hard, school districts came up with ways to offer summer classes for struggling students.

As counties across California struggle to develop plans to respond to Governor Brown's mandate that they receive thousands of inmates from the state prison system, one local pastor has already developed a working blueprint.

Glen Cove is a sacred gathering place and burial ground that has been utilized by numerous Native American tribes since at least 1,500 BC.

Omar Rosales, came to San Jose with his family from Michoacan, Mexico when he was five years old. Now 16, Omar shares his story of learning English from friends, how teacher's treat him and his overall educational experience in San Jose public schools.

Silicon Valley De-Bug's Albert Cobarrubias Justice Project presents a new publication that shares the stories of eight families who changed the outcome of their criminal cases through their active participation. The book is also a guide on how communities can measurably impact their local criminal justice system.

Photographers from Darkroom@De-Bug release their new magazine called Glassclops -- a film photography magazine. This issue features David Bacon, Charisse Domingo, Felipe Vasquez, Ronald Orlando, and Braulio Gonzalez.

Artists Adrian Avila and Samuel Rodriguez teamed up with the Gardener community to produce the Inspire mural. This video shares the day by day evolution of Inspire.

Donna Vieira has been in a legal fight with Wells Fargo regarding her San Leandro home. Spending so much time engaged in the dispute takes a toll on her family.

Weeks after SJPD announced they will bring on two federal immigration officers, they consider participation in an initiative which calls on local police and residents to be reporting agents for federal enforcement agencies.

After foreclosure, homeowners pick up the pieces and re-imagine the California dream of homeownership.

San Jose Poet/Artist/Activist Yosimar Reyes premieres his new segment of "Queer Conversations" with lgbtq folks from San Jose and the greater Bay Area. In this episode, he sits down with 16-year-old Vanessa to talk about coming out, identity, and what the terms "jump off" and "homie hopper" means.

A psychologist Alzak Amlani reflects on the evolving definition of the Indian American.

Community based artists, Adrian Avila and Samuel Rodriguez, teamed up to bring inspiration in an artistic form to neighborhoods throughout San Jose. Their first mural went up at the Gardner Market on Virginia and Delmas in West San José.

The unity proposal came in reaction to the new redistricting commission’s first set of maps, which carved up many communities of color, diluting their political power.

Martha Gutierrez calls Meals on Wheels her “guardian angels” for their help in providing food for her 90-year-old father. The program is struggling to survive as the City of San Jose is cutting funding.

The first batch of political maps by California’s new Citizens Redistricting Commission is having exactly the effect that government reformers intended—shaking up the political status quo by ignoring incumbents and promising to make many statewide elections more competitive.

Local, Grammy Award winning music group teams up with the Mexican Heritage Corporation to throw a benefit concert for San Jose schools.

Somos Mayfair and Latinas Contra Cancer are taking steps to curtail cancer among Latinos with community gardens, healthy recipes and policies that increase access to nutritious foods. The podcast features Pamela Gudiño, program director of Somos Mayfair, and Ysabel Duron, founder of Latinas Contra Cancer. Read more about Duron in the article.

During a week of violence in San Jose a loved member of the community, just 18 years old, was stabbed to death and A-town in San Jose is left with a greater police presence.

On Block to Block Radio, Eastridge Little League President Jerry Soriano and Treasure Tony Ortega talk about how working class families in East San Jose came together to provide activities for youth through a community spirit.

Jeysson Minota, a permanent legal resident, faced deportation, stemming from a vandalism charge due to graffiti. After four years of being in and out of detention, he was able to beat the deportation order, and stay with his family in the US.

The following video was aired May 16th at a community action to save the seniors nutrition program. At the event, elders asked city council members Sam Liccardo and Madison Nguyen to protect services for seniors.

Acclaimed San Jose Poet Yosimar Reyes talks about his poetry that is born from his immigrant, working class, and queer perspective.

In the absence of government support, homeowners facing foreclosure are taking things into their own hands.

Amidst major budget cuts that have left senior citizen services on the chopping block, Maria Fernandez of Sacred Heart Community Services shares the organizing efforts by elders who are fighting to keep their community healthy and whole.

A public health worker, motivated by her own immigrant family experience, addresses the health issues of her Vietnamese community.

Block2Block Radio talks with Alo Kofeloa whose 8-year-old son Tevita (Vita) was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia, a bone marrow failure disease where the body can not produce enough blood cells to fight off infections and stop severe bleeding.

The publisher of India Currents shares her reflections on building a community institution, and the possibilities that lay ahead.

The Ao Dai Festival promises to bring cultural elegance to San Jose, while also shining a spotlight on the struggle of poverty young girls face in Vietnam.

In just three years outgoing Mexican General Consul in San Jose, David Figueroa, has made significant improvements for Mexican nationals.

A rare collection of Indian art from various collectors showcased in San Jose

Sara Inés Calderón of News Taco says, "Latino bloggers are powerful because we have the information the mainstream media want but don’t know how to get."

From a skinny 8-page black-and-white magazine, Silicon Valley-based India Currents has evolved into a robust glossy with a 100,000 readership throughout California.

The local theater group performs plays that both entertain and educate the community.

There are over 800,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in California who are eligible for citizenship but haven't been naturalized.

Jean Melesaine interviews Aquene Aquetzalli Olmeka -- a medicine woman, smoke carrier and drummer who is an organizer for the Azteca Mexica New Year event held every March at the National Hispanic University. It is the largest celebration of its kind in the nation.

On the heels of the one-year anniversary of a historic Supreme Court decision, attorney Angie Junck and organizer Raj Jayadev share lessons learned from a case of a San Jose man who beat a deportation order.

Susana Ruiz, artist/video game designer and co-founder of Take Action Games, presented her work at the Euphrat Museum of Art in Cupertino, California. Her games take on social justice issues such as criminal justice and gender violence.

Editors of La Opinión write that it is worrisome that members of the Latino community are not ready for a future where they play a central role.

For the past several months, legislators and anti-immigrant advocates have been pushing for changes in the Constitution to take away citizenship rights to those born in the United States.

Two authors argue opposing views about where Indian Americans should donate their money.

Author Jean Melesaine reflects on how preconceived notions of size and physicality impact her two younger brothers and a generation of Polynesian young men.

San Jose Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen talks to David Madrid on Block to Block Radio about Operation Prom Dress, her program to help high school girls. Learn more and hear how you can contribute.

Author Andrew Lam writes that the latest census numbers showing a rise in Asian-Americans points to a larger cultural shift in Bay Area, one that reaches across all races.

In Progress, an open mic in San Francisco at Mama's Cafe celebrated International Women's Month by bringing together Bay Area women artists from different cultural backgrounds for an evening of music and poetry.

"All the Ladies Say" is a film that profiles female street dancers who have carved a niche in the physically challenging, male-dominated breakdance world. One of the featured dancers is Aiko Shirakawa, who held the film's South Bay debut at the De-Bug Center.

March is International Women's Month, and De-Bug will be highlighting women leaders in the Bay Area as a month long series. The first installment features the Malia Movement Company — a collective of female artists, dancers, and creators committed to being "fabulous."

AD Avila was selected as one of a handful of community leaders from around the country by the Knight Commission to present a digital story of his immigrant experience. Through his artwork and advocacy he breaks down the fear of the American immigrant.

Newly appointed Chief Moore sat down with La Oferta reporter Nahui Ollin to discuss his plans to regain trust with ethnic communities.

T-shirt designers, jewelry-makers, and an assortment of other creative vendors created their own pop-up market in downtown San Jose – giving the community a chance to come together and shop local.

The early months of 2011 have already registered 11 homicides in East San Jose. Young men of color have been both victims and perpetrators of the attacks. De-Bug gathered young men from the Eastside to talk about what they are seeing on the streets, and what can be done to stop the violence.

David Madrid of Block to Block radio interviews Bea Mendez of the Coalition for Justice and Accountability on the recent selection of the new San Jose Police Chief.

San Jose has already registered seven homicides in 2011, nearly matching half of the total killings from the previous year. The victims are often young and brown. Marcos Reyes, who lives in the same neighborhoods where sidewalk memorials are springing up, describes what it feels like to be a part of a community in peril.

Days before news broke that the City Manager had picked the Interim Chief Moore as the next San Jose Police Chief, CJA sent a letter detailing why Chief Batts was most qualified to meet their community criteria. The City Council is expected to make their decisions regarding Chief Moore on Tuesday.

Music entrepreneur Playa Rae has been a driving force for local artists to be heard and to gain attention in larger markets beyond San Jose.

Filmmaker La Mar Williams profiles the lives of video game creators who are crafting out new media platforms.

In an unprecedented collaborative effort, the two agencies have developed an approach to help inform and assist the Latino community learn about their rights to file complaints against police officers.

With venues coming and going in San Jose, one has remained as an open outlet for local music talent, a place where you can catch a great show every week.

As the City goes into the final stages of selecting the next police chief, the Coalition for Justice and Accountability presents their Community Input Report, which shares the findings compiled from 3,000 hand-filled surveys, conducted in three languages, on what San Jose's diverse communities say they require in the next chief.

Cannery Park, located near Japantown, has emerged as a hub for a generation of new, innovative cultural business owners. De-Bug attended a collective showing to discuss their local businesses.

When community organizer Ernest Chavez began assisting Marian Taylor on helping her son get a transfer of his parole placement, he started on a journey navigating through a parole system that has left him with unanswered questions, and a mother still waiting for her son.

Since the 1930's the underground scene of black gay culture voguing down a runway has inspired the high fashion industry. The tradition continued this year here in the Bay Area. Photographer Jean Melesaine documents the Winter Ball.

As 2010 winds down, we asked members of De-Bug to reflect on their most memorable moments of 2010. Through writing and video, they share the moments that defined their year.

The Vietnamese community of San Jose came together to discuss their criteria for the selection of the next San Jose Police Chief. The dialogue centered around officer-involved shootings and building back trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

De-Bug's Block2Block Radio host David Madrid talks with Adam King of the New Skin Adult Tattoo Removal program, a new non-profit in the South Bay that provides job search assistance along with removing visible gang related tattoos at an affordable price.

This year marked the 40th Year of Chicano Movement in San Jose. Carlos Velazquez reflects back on the historical significance of the achievement, and the activists who made it happen.

In 2006, Art Calderon's father, who was 68 at the time, was beaten by SJPD officers. The Calderon family was given a $97,500 settlement by the city of San Jose as a result. In episode #5 of this series, Art Calderon Jr. speaks about how the new chief can create new positive relationships in the Latino community.

With the county in a recession, it is those who are often heard the least from — youth and elders — who are baring the brunt of a deep economic crisis. The moment of dwindling resources though may by an opportunity for a now veteran youth movement to lead, not just for other youth, but for all generations.

When Juan Gonzalez went looking for his friend online, he learned some tragic news. Gonzalez's friend had died, and the social network site which once had been a platform to communicate to him, had now become a place to honor his memory.

Participants at a recent press conference by SIREN — the largest immigrant rights advocacy organization in Santa Clara County — discuss the DREAM Act, scheduled for a congressional vote before the turn of the year.

Growing up as an immigrant Socorro Castaneda-Liles was told she would never go far. Thanks to a benefactor and an education at Santa Clara University she now teaches and dedicates her time providing scholarship opportunities for Latino students from working-class families.

In episode #4 of Message to the New San Jose Police Chief, Richard Babcock, an artist and mental health client, shares his experiences with SJPD, and his hopes for a new training protocols. The Coalition for Justice and Accountability (CJA) has initiated this multimedia project to inform the police chief selection process.

The African American Services Community Service Agency held a forum that brought the African-American community together with leading San Jose city elected officials to discuss the selection of the next police chief. The effort was done in collaboration with the Coalition for Justice and Accountability.

The alcoholic energy drink Four Loko has generated national controversy after a repudiation from the FDA and has been banned in several states. Critics say the drink targets underage youth and offers a dangerous mix of caffeine and potent amount of alcohol. In this article, San Jose youth give their opinion on the drink that has been called "blackout in a can."

Vinh Pham, father of Daniel Pham, who was shot to death by police last year, shares his hopes for the future in police/community relations. The Coalition for Justice and Accountability (CJA) has initiated this multimedia project featuring San Jose residents' experiences to inform the police chief selection process.

Writer Rebecca Solomon profiles Alianza News editor Gerardo Fernandez and the challenges he faces in representing the Latino community to mainstream media and culture.

The Bay Area was draped in orange and black this week as it celebrated the Giants winning the World Series. Videographer Jean Melesaine documented the spirited Giants parade, while Fernando Perez recalls his experience of rooting for the new world champs.

In late October the Service, Immigrants Rights and Education (SIREN), in coordination with the Coalition for Justice and Accountability, held an open forum at the Tully Library. The dialogue, held in Spanish, brought together Latino immigrant families to discuss their concerns with the police and offer selection criteria for the next San Jose Police Chief.

Silicon Valley De-Bug's Block2Block Radio talks with J. Manuel Herrera, who is running for Eastside Union School Board. Herrera talks about his family history on the eastside, school test scores, and his view on charter schools in the district.

Silicon Valley De-Bug and the Coalition for Justice and Accountability presents a "Message to the New San Jose Police Chief" — an ongoing multimedia project profiling a diversity of San Jose residents offering their advice and hopes for the next San Jose Police chief. This week's feature is on David Madrid, an East San Jose community member.

When California Governor candidate Meg Whitman was found to have employed an undocumented immigrant, many of the public expressed shock. Commentator Gil Villigran says what was exposed in the Whitman home speaks to a legacy of how immigrants are treated in this country.

This October the Coalition for Justice and Accountability began a forum series to bring input from impacted communities to the selection process for the next San Jose Police Chief. The following multi-media coverage is highlights from the Youth and Families Forum held at De-Bug.

The term "Asian Pacific Islander" has been used as a pan-ethnic term which identifies those from the Pacific Islands such as Samoa and Tonga, alongside those from the continent of Asia, such as China or Korea, as one large group. But does the lumping together help or hurt Pacific Islanders living in the U.S.?

ICA will honor activists in annual gala this Sunday.

The Festival Paises Unidos/United Countries Festival will take place at San Jose's National Hispanic University this Sunday, October 17. This mini-preview shows what one can expect in the multicultural celebration.

From October 2 to 20 the Latino community can access health forums and services during Binational Health Week sponsored by the County of Santa Clara, Consulate of Mexico and community organizations.

We did it! SJ Beez held its first mixer and celebrated being the only multicultural media network in San Jose.

Mountain View high school student Vivek Vinayak is raising money to help provide basic necessities like electricity, a roof and books for kids in a primary school across from his grandparents' house in Bangalore, India.

When one new educator started volunteering at a homework center at Willow Glen library, she saw students grow in confidence and skills in the classroom. This year's budget cuts has eliminated after-school programs like hers, and she writes, the damage may cost more than we can account for.

In downtown San Jose, the Mexican community and friends celebrated the 200th year of Mexican Independence. There were parade floats, dancing, and food, but turnout was unexpectedly low due to the high entry fee for spectators.

Not all addictions get the same amount of attention, yet can still cause equally devastating impacts on families. One young author writes about how gambling addiction wreaked havoc on her family, and how she noticed similar struggles in other Vietnamese households.

A multi-ethnic coalition has launched "Immigrant Vote!," a statewide effort to help immigrant communities be heard on the November 2nd ballot. They will be campaigning for Proposition 24 and 25, as well as Santa Clara County's Measure A.

Alzhiemer's impacts families across all ethnicities. This month communities will be conducting charity walks to help build a movement to stop Alzheimer's.

Block2Block Radio host David Madrid talks with Bernie Kotlier, an East Side San Jose parent and Co-Chair of the Community Association for Supporting Summit High School. Summit High is an acclaimed college preparatory charter school from Redwood City that is proposing to open up two sites in East San Jose.

Eight years ago, the Tropicana Center, comprised of immigrant small business owners, faced being destroyed by City redevelopment plans. But the store owners and the community united, fought back, and are now doing better than ever.

When Ray Nelson went looking for guitars, he also found also a way to serve the community and provide opportunity for youth in the form of music.

Artist Jim Fonsecas leads a community mural project for the new American Indian Education Center in East San Jose. He, along with the center's staff, talk about the value of community art and culture.

As Silicon Valley families struggle with foreclosures, experts in the field offered a free forum in Santa Clara on how to navigate a difficult housing market.

With the Police Chief retiring, a new moment of possibility has arrived for building trust between communities of color and the police department. How the community is included in the selection process will set the tone for years to come.

Indian American seniors immigrating to the United States face the challenge of acculturation while dealing with issues of aging.

Soccer stars from Tottenham Hotspurs and San Jose Earthquakes mix it up with kids at two Kidango elementary schools in Eastside San Jose.

For the second year in a row, San Jose residents were able to experience the colorful dances, diverse foods and friendliness of Oaxaca in the Guelaguetza celebration on the Eastside of San Jose.

The theme of this year's annual Queer Prom held by the Billy DeFrank Center was "The Gender Bender Ball." Silicon Valley De-Bug writer Kaisha Covington reports on the event and her own experiences going to dances as a gay teen.

Artists and activists gathered recently at the Mexican Heritage Plaza to celebrate the Chicano Movement in San Jose and remember their work in connecting culture and community, art and politics, history and the generations.

Guelaguetza is the most important cultural festival of sharing and celebration for immigrants from the Southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. Alianza News profiles a recent "Mini Guelaguetza" and gives us a taste of what to expect at the 2nd Annual Guelaguetza Festival to be held at the National Hispanic University in San Jose on July 25th.

Future generations will know the cultural and political moment of San Jose through the lens of photographer, Abraham Menor. Having had a wide array of influences from Filipino Veterans organizing to San Jose's graffiti artists, Menor is a documentarian for communities who otherwise would go unseen.

On July 18, 2010 over 2,000 people will gather at Sunnyvale's Baylands Park to walk or run for a range of non-profits that provide needed services for communities across the world. Event organizers ask: who will you walk for?

A not-guilty verdict in the Johannes Merhserle case involving the killing of Oscar Grant by the former BART cop will likely trigger a reponse from youth of color. Commentator Demone Carter explains the combustible context that surrounds the jurors' decision in Los Angeles.

The organizers of Bike Party tell us, "Everything looks better from the seat of a bike." And that includes the streets of San Jose. The following De-Bug video and writing give a window into the South Bay's new two-wheeled revolution called San Jose Bike Party.

Youth of color from the ages of 16 to 24 are one of the hardest to count populations for the Census. De-Bug asked minority youth from high schools to write a letter to their parents as to why it is important to participate in the Census. The following are excerpts of the campaign, accompanied by video coverage of a youth concert by Voto Latino promoting the Census.

With mariachi music in the background, La Kaliente Radio Station, 1370 AM, celebrated Carlos Duharte, Owner and President. La Kaliente is located in San Jose and has been a staple for Spanish programming in the Bay Area.

Downtown goers may have seen some unusual characters posted up around the Convention Center in late May. This year's Fanime Convention brought to life comic book heroes, video game stars, and thousands of costumed fans to the heart of San Jose' downtown.

Silicon Valley NAACP President Reverend Jethroe Moore II has been a leading advocate for civil rights since he was elected into office in 2007. Moore speaks with The Globe on the NAACP's legacy and the organization's ambition to reach out to other San Jose communities.

One of the most comprehensive community service hubs in San Jose, the Mayfair Community Center has been changing lives for years. They share their latest programs and perspectives on the biggest issues today's youth face.

Given today’s high cost of health care, the RotaCare San Jose Clinic (also known as the Free Clinic) is a community treasure. This nonprofit clinic provides free medical care to low-income individuals and families who have no health insurance in San Jose.

On the second Saturday of every month, a librarian at the Martin Luther King Library conducts a story time conducted in various Indian languages. The class has drawn youth from different San Jose ethnicities as well.

In West San Jose, the Washington Youth Center and the Gardener Community Center has been turning lives around for disadvantaged youth.

When the San Jose Medical Center closed in 2004, thousands of downtown residents were left stranded without medical services. After years of public pressure, the Santa Clara County has finally announced a plan to build a new downtown clinic on the original site.

Block to Block radio host David Madrid chops it up with Reymundo Armendariz of Public Allies, an organization that trains up the next generation of community leaders. Tune in and learn how to get involved.

When the California unemployment rate reached 10.5 percent last year, the rate for black males was 16.3 percent. Writer La Mar Williams talks about the struggles of being young, black and homeless in San Jose.

On May 10, 2010 the family of Daniel Pham, the 27-year-old Vietnamese man who was shot and killed by the San Jose Police a year ago, held a vigil at City Hall.

Of the 1,600 children currently living with foster families, 56% are Latino and 14% Afro-American. There is a strong need for foster parents for children of these ethnic groups.

Bay Area Indians no longer have to go online to hear the sounds of South Asian culture. A new radio station, KLOK 1170AM, is bringing Indian voices onto the local airwaves.

Each year thousands cross the US-Mexico border in search of a better life in America. In the process, hundreds would perish, go missing or get separated from their loved ones. The Mexican Consulate in San Jose helps families find and connect these families.

Female ex-offenders often struggle to find employment and hope for a new lease on life. A Santa Clara County program called the Ladder Project is giving them a way to accomplish their goals.