"I am proud I played a role in helping the people of Puerto Rico derail this runaway train to nowhere," Gutierrez says

(Chicago, IL) -- Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL), reacted today to the breaking news that the permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was withdrawn for the massive natural gas pipeline project in Puerto Rico known as the Gasoducto or Via Verde Project.  The head of the Puerto Rico electric power authority (PREPA) made the announcement today, effectively killing the project.  Rep. Gutierrez was an outspoken critic of the project because of the potential for environmental disaster and for the manner in which it was being pushed through by the Puerto Rican government.  He gave several speeches in the House of Representatives to bring national attention to the issue, filed FOIA requests and questioned regulators to shine a spotlight on the process, and helped galvanize opposition to the project.  The following is a statement by Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez:

"When an embattled politician wraps up so much of his political ambition in a massive public works project, it can be harder to kill than a vampire, but this is the final stake through the heart.  Fundamentally, the Governor of Puerto Rico was willing to risk the lives of the Puerto Rican people as well as the environment, economy, and future of the island to line the pockets of his cronies and supporters.  Now a month before Election Day, the unpopular Gasoducto project is like an albatross around the neck of the Governor and he is cutting his losses.  By exposing the Governor's lies and unmasking the truth about this project, I am proud I played a role in helping the people of Puerto Rico derail this runaway train to nowhere.

The Puerto Rican people resisted the construction of the massive pipeline because it was never needed, could never become fully functional, and risked ruining the precious natural beauty of Puerto Rico while driving people from their land.  All of the evidence indicated a tremendous risk to endangered species, fresh water, and the island's delicate terrain and a huge risk to the people of Puerto Rico from spills, explosions, or other disasters.

Congratulations to the people of Puerto Rico.  Congratulations to the dedicated advocates, lawyers, law-makers, and individuals who fought against this injustice.  Casa Pueblo, the ground breaking environmental advocacy group in Adjuntas, was heroic in its dedication to justice and kept fighting until justice was won."

• Wed Oct. 24, 2012 -  An Evening of College Life, information, poetry and light dinner for Clemente High School Seniors at Batey Urbano from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

• Wed Oct. 31, 2012 - 11th Annual Haunted Paseo Boricua. This year's event will include 14 stations that will include a haunted house, scary graveyard, face painting, games, a skateboarding ramp, dance performance as well as a haunted theater. Local businesses will be distributing candies and welcoming visitors to the neighborhood. Between Western and California from 3:00pm-7:30pm. 

• Fri Nov. 2, 2012 - A community report back on Puerto Rican Asthma Project/CURA with Dr. Molly Martin of Rush Medical Centerat 72 Block Diabetes Empowerment Center from 4:00pm-5:30pm.

• Thur Nov. 7, 2012 - Progress report on endangered Puerto Parrot (Iguaca). Scientist from Lincoln Park Zoo and Puerto Rico's Iguaca Aviary from 11:30am-1:00pm.IPRAC, 3015 W. Division St. By invitation only.

• Thur Nov. 14, 2012 -  Greater Humboldt Park Diabetes Empowerment Center/72 Block by Block announces diabetes state of the community forum in recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Day. Iglesia Rebaño, 2435 W. Division St., from 9:00am to 1:00pm. 

• Thur Nov. 15, 2012 - Forum on Puerto Rican Political Prisoners, Oscar Lopez Rivera and the Cuban 5. DePaul University, McGowan Hall, 1108 W. Belden Ave., Room 108 starting at 6:00pm.

• Sat Dec. 1, 2012 - Puerto Rican Agenda - Puerto Rican community leadership summit on groundbreaking study of Puerto Ricans in Chicago at Roberto Clemente High School, 1147 N. Western Ave., from 9:00am-1:00pm. 

• Sat Dec. 1, 2012 - World AIDS Day. Altar/Christmas parranda from the Casita de Don Pedro to IPRAC starting at 2:00pm.

• Sat Dec. 1 & Sun Dec. 2, 2012 -  A two day celebration and Christmas market featuring local artists and artisans as well as traditional Puerto Rican delicacies. Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (IPRAC) 3015 W. Division St. 10:00am to 4:00pm. This event is free and open to the public. Buy your coquito and order traditional Puerto Rican pasteles before the Holidays!

• Fri Dec. 7, 2012 - 4th Annual Navi-Jazz concert featuring The John Benitez Group. Roberto Clemente High School Auditorium, 1147 N. Western Ave., from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. For tickets call 773-486-8345. 

• Sun Dec. 16, 2012 - Pancake/Waffle Breakfast to benefit political prisoner commissary. Casa Puertorriqueña, 1237 N. California Ave., from 9:00am-12:00pm.  

National Boriuca Human Rights Network 2012 Holiday Pasteles Sale!  Place your order now. contact 773-469-4671 or email michellem@boricuahumanrights.org

Latino Alliance hosts 

Latino Alliance at Columbia College is hosting Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in honor of our past loved ones, friends, and families. This event celebrates Latino culture with special performances including food portions from Central America. 

The event kicks off with a Parade down Wabash collaborating with the Jones College Prep Marching Band and larger than life puppets! The parade ends at 618 S. Michigan (Stage Two) where you will enjoy the cultural experience with live performances and food to enjoy. We will also have a display of art pieces made by student members of Latino Alliance as well as a large altar dedicated to our passed loved ones. Last year, (2011-2012) Latino Alliance's Day of the Dead event, was awarded the Event/Program of the Year by the Columbia College Chicago Student Engagement Committee. Come see what all the excitement is about!

This event is open to the public but suggested donations are encouraged.

Contact us at latinoalliance@loop.colum.edu for information on volunteering or performing at this event.

A seven-day cultural immersion program located in Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico that will be held during the summer of 2013.

We are raising funds to send a delegation of 55 youth, ages 12-19, to the northern mountains of New Mexico. The money raised will help cover operational costs, which include: daily activities, transportation, supplies, food and medical expenses. The Tierra Amarilla Youth Leadership Institute symbolizes the creation of a community where Mexicana/o youth can learn their history, practice their culture, develop their land and play an active role in transforming society.  Click here to donate.