Watching the news with My Papa

I have always been a fanatic of the 6 o'clock news on Univision. "El Canal 34" as it is called, has been part of my daily life since before I can remember. Even after all these years it has changed little in its tone or the way in which it is produced. But recently, I have felt that all channels in both English and Spanish networks have something in common. Actually, the commonality between the two is that they have a common viewer- my dad! My father, who is going to turn 65 on July 24th, came to the US when he was 25 years old. If you are wondering if he came here illegally, the answer is yes. But that was some thirty years ago. I am very glad that he did because if it weren't for both him and my mother I would not be here today.


There are many people just like my father that watch the news in both Spanish and in English. These same people help shape the Chicano culture by just watching the news! They have guided their families to be multicultural and have helped their children to become prominent leaders in our communities. Minorities, who have adapted to new areas and made it their homes, help their communities by having local businesses that also promote cultural diversity. They are all people who have contributed to our communities in many positive ways.

So, I leave you with this: I will introduce you to people who I feel, no, who I know, give their hearts and souls to the communities they live in and who are proud of where they come from and who they are. These people value their culture as much as their future and contribute to their communities just as much as they contribute to their families. People like my parents are so happy to be part of this country and to be able to vote and still represent their culture at the same time. Being an American citizen is part of the American Dream and when the people of our community achieve that dream they strive to demonstrate to society that it is because of people like them that this country is a better place. So, IF you know somebody who meets these qualities, post a blog and let us know about them. There are millions out there who truly are unrecognized heroes and we should give them the recognition that they deserve.

If you are still wondering if I watch both English and Spanish news, the answer is yes. You can find me right next to my dad flipping the channels back and forth between Univision 34 to KCal 9.

Thanks,
Jocelyn “Josie” Sida

Getting in Gear: The Trek on the Trail

Here at the Rock the Trail camp we are proud to announce that all five of our talented Rock the Trail reporters now have their own news niche. We want to make sure that we are able to bring our readers the best news coverage and so our reporters will each be focusing on their own news beats. By doing so we can ensure that our reporters can keep you all in tune with the latest and most exciting news from the trail. Our reporters are very excited to start bringing you the latest in their news topics, but they want to hear your opinions! They love getting feedback from you and want to encourage you all to get involved and send your thoughts their way.

So, give it some thought. What do you want our reporters to cover the most? What topic do you think gets overlooked by mainstream media and that you want to hear more about? What do you think about the topics they will be covering? Are there any events you would like to suggest that they cover? The youth voice really does matter- and that means yours, too- so don't hesitate to speak up and let your voice be heard.