Elizabeth_Espinosa's Blog

Hi everybody....missed you dearly! As we all do every now and then, my time was up...I took my two week break from work in Central America . I spent part of it in San Salvador which is the capital city of El Salvador. Wow, the weather there was awesome! It is their winter, but boy oh boy, they enjoy amazing thunderstorms that are fascinating to experience! You should hear the thunder..it is loud and almost, I dare to say, a soothing symphony to your ears. What about those clouds, they look like cotton balls suspended in the air...and the rain, wow, it pours..those raindrops are huge! The rain is refreshing and not the kind of rain you run from because here at home, considering here you risk coming down with the flu. Aaah, did I mention how much I love tropical weather patterns?! It is sooo nice...to me there is something sooo calming about tropical weather climates. What about you? The last two days have been nice here at home, but I hear the weather has been a bit unstable with rain, then heat..etc. etc. But allow me to say, that even though I love to travel and see different parts of the world, there is no place like home! For me, home has always been Southern California, in fact you should have seen the sparkle in my eyes when we were flying back into LAX...looking over our beautiful city..yes we have lots of smog and other "crud" to worry about...but trust me, this isn't such a bad place to live.

I also want to personally thank all the staff at El Diario de Hoy, El Salvador's leading national newspaper, in particular Mr. Fabricio Altamirano, President of the paper! You see, they gave Fox 11 a great "shout out"--as soon as they found out about the Emmy we earned on our Africa Half hour special report "Forgotten Footprints: the Hunted Children of Uganda" they requested an interview with me and published a lengthy and very well written report published in the paper this past Saturday and yesterday. El Diario de Hoy also published an interview with their internet reporter you can see at: www.elsalvador.com

I encourage you to check it out and send them some feedback...even if it you can't understand Espanol.. :) ! Thank you El diario de Hoy!!

I have also enclosed some pics for your viewing pleasure of this small paradise south of the border (coming soon)!

Take care!!!

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I'm back, and he's gone! Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is out! Bush's old buddy and colleague has resigned. He fought his critics for months, defended himself and the numerous calls for his resignation MONTHS AGO... well it is finally here. What changed? Let's face it NOBODY in D.C., the "Bush circle" that is, has accepted there was any wrongdoing by Gonzales. Karl Rove is gone, and now Gonzales, I wonder if they will join forces and start a public relations firm? :) Smirk... Just thinking out loud... I guess my point is here is that NOBODY should feel they are above the law. Yet, you have to admit the legal maneuvering that goes down in D.C. to save careers and indictments sure makes all those fancy magic tricks at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood look like kids play. Who's the real magician now? So, who should replace Alberto? Please tell me your thoughts...

On another note, I want to publicly acknowledge my colleagues Cristy Fajardo/reporter, Darryl Kim/Photographer

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and Juan Navarro (college pal)

...we all traveled to Uganda and Rwanda in 05'. It was a life changing experience I could not have dreamed of. It started as a vacation, ended with covering the toughest assignment we'd ever faced. My friends and I driving about 5 hours into northern Uganda where the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) has been waging a civil war against its people for nearly 20 years. It is a conflict not well known, but it is a conflict that continues to tear families and lives apart everyday. I blogged about the situation and included some pics in my photo gallery some time ago. Well, this past Saturday, the half hour special report "Forgotten Footprints: The Hunted Children of Uganda" we filed on the Uganda crisis was awarded an Emmy from the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences. We dedicate this award to the lives of millions of Africans who need you and me to care. Together we can make a statement. If we keep silent we might as well be considered accomplices, especially when we know these women, children, and men are being murdered ON OUR WATCH. For more info, you can start your search at www.guluwalk.com

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

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Seriously, did anyone see the Live Earth concert? I felt like that came and went, and the media at large did not really make much mention of it?? But wait, did you hear, of course, you probably saw it....live coverage....Nicole Richie's DUI trial in Glendale? Do you feel the media at large is already working hard to create the same media frenzy and buzz around Nicole's DUI drama as her co-hort Paris Hilton's "time under the sun"??

Hmm..hmm, they are things that make you go huh? What do you think?? What do you want to see?

Talk to you soon everybody! Oh and by the way, I have a big surprise coming up...will break it to you soon!

Ha...I am soo happy...I went to San Jose everybody and it was summer weather. Of course since we all last spoke, the sun in L.A. has made its own grand entrance here in Southern California.  But can I tell you how much I enjoyed getting a little vitamin D up there?!!  Ok, so why was I there?  Well, I am a member of the NAHJ, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and every year we converge in a major U.S. city.  It is such a great reunion!!  In our hectic line of work, we all have such different schedules it's very hard to see and even call friends/colleagues.  But at NAHJ, we are all able to come together and more importantly give back and mentor  young, aspiring journalists.  In that spirit, I wanted to spread the news with you all about this great organization because you may be able to refer someone into the organization.  And please, you do not have to be of hispanic origin, the organization is open to all and dedicated to offering opportunities for all, especially for the real,genuine and fair journalists left in the biz including those coming up.

They can be reached online at www.nahj.org

 

As soon as I get pics, I will post them.  Question of the week... are journalists what they used to be?  Do you watch more of the news on tv, read the paper, or do it all online??

Take care everybody!

Hi everybody!  So...is this "May grey" weather getting to you?  I need some SUN...I think I have had enough of the cloud cover!  I ran into Dickert the other day and asked him for more sunshine! ;)  Well at least for the areas along the coast...it has been super cloudy and lots chillier than for those of you inland (lucky).

 

So, what do you say?  What kind of weather are you experiencing? What are you looking forward to...a scorcher, or more cloud cover?  Talk to you soon!!

:)

Hi friends...this week we're getting back into serious mode...so as some of you may already know I am a big advocate for the rights of the developmentally delayed.  As the sibling of a disabled brother, I get it, and know firsthand how enormous the struggle can be.  As such this week, I am urging you to help a Torrance mother of a special needs 15 year old boy who sadly ( and to my outrage!) was raped in a school bathroom...this mother needs to reach out to other special needs parents whose son/daughter has been sexually abused and/or has issues the disabilities commission should KNOW ABOUT and DO SOMETHING ABOUT  The opportunity is here, so let's get the word out there please, the disabilities commission will be taking testimony from families with all types of concerns for their disabled child/adult...it's taking place next week...please help spread the word here is the info families need!!!...

When: Thursday , May 24th,  2007 *9:00 AM - 1:00 PM *

Where: LA City Hall 200 N. Spring St. L.A., CA 90012-- inside Rm. 350 Public Works Room ***entrance is on Main Street

So, do you know anyone?  This is a reminder that we as a community can help by being vigilant neighbors, classmates, shoppers (whoosh, I have seen things and stopped them or called the p.d. for help).  Remember, we are one community, regardless of religion, race, or creed.

Take care!

Online sports celebs...online party celebs...who are these people?  Have you heard?  Well, this week we are gonna lighten up the mood a bit...of course we will revisit the Mac Arthur incident once the internal investigations are finalized and released to the public...BUT in the meantime, let's discuss an article I recently read about the internet.   The argument made is that we as a society of tv viewers are slowly, but surely moving towards an "all the time online world".  In other words, instead of going to your television for news, and other tv programming, you and I will  basically power up our desktops, laptops, and or cell phones to "tune in".  I do see some truth in this, but I guess the question is how long will it be before we are all hooked to the net for everything, or say almost everything?  Also, how long before it becomes easier and faster to stream video etc.?   

AAhh, and what about those online celebs...persons who are famous on the internet...or what about Elie said to be the first online Sports reporter for a newspaper in Los Angeles...check out his hilarious segments at ...   http://youtube.com/profile?user=ESNEWS  These folks are really big in the digital world...it is such a phenomenon.

Get ready for more high tech coming your way... Ladies I say what about a button we click and it gets all the housecleaning and cooking done for you?? Brilliant huh... ;)

Hey, I tried. :))

Waiting to hear from you my friends... 

 

Marches, protests, banners....those are all words to describe what has happened in Los Angeles the last couple of days. Of course I am talking about the immigration reform rallies we have seen across the country... My assignment has been "student walkouts"...I have to tell you the kids I have talked to so far (most from Roosevelt High) have been very reasonable. They are passionate about their beliefs and although most are not as articulate as they could be about the issue, you have to give them credit for having an opinion. Yes, some just walk out to walk out, that's clearly inappropriate, but there are those who want to learn and really make a difference. In that spirit, I want to share with you my award "Woman of the Year" by the Mexican American opportunity Foundation (MAOF) last week. Please click here to link up to the story...

Elizabeth is seen here with the First Lady of Mexico, Margarita Zavala.

Elizabeth is photogenic with Corina Villaraigosa.

I want to thank everyone who was kind and loving enough to congratulate me for this award. Even though the award was given to me, I believe it also belongs to every person who has touched my life and helped me get ahead in my darkest moments. Often times we think we are self sufficient and don't need anyone to get ahead, but as I stated so in my address at the MAOF luncheon, a crowd of over 1200 people , at one point or another we will all need one another. It's not rocket science, it's not charity, it's simply the way things are--like it or not.

So on this note...talk to me, tell me your thoughts on the student marches and what you feel students should do the effect change...

Also, who are you thankful for? And what awards have you earned that you are proud of?

Talk to you soon...

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Ok folks this week , let's go fluff... it's time to talk about a lighter issue such as...cycling?? So, I bring this up because I went cycling with my friend along the LA River last weekend! Do you cycle? Have a bike? Well, I don't own a bike but I borrowed one for my 10 mile adventure (what a rookie huh?) over the weekend! Wow, I was actually impressed with how fast I could ride once raindrops started falling :) ... Well, tell me about your experiences? Do you ride any of those gnarly mountain trails? Oh and one more thing...it is amazing how much money people pour into this sport...WOW, my bud spent over a thousand dollars on his bike! Talk to ya soon!

Cho...the VIrgina Tech Campus massacre gunman....is the media giving him too much recognition for his actions? Is showing his video, and pictures on television justified in the name of braodcast journalism?  Are we glorifying this guy because there is video and pics of him to show...is it right?  Do you want to see it?  And if so, why should you?  Is there anything to gain from it?  Could we be inadvertently encouraging another "Cho" out there to create his own massacre?  WHAT DO YOU THINK?? Today, without saying names...a LAPD officer and I discussed the case...he brought up an interersting point...he wonders why the country does not focus on the real issue behind these types of killings...and that is---mental health!  If Cho was a mental health patient, where was the healthcare system to catch him? Shouldn't they be involved in the "solution"?? Again, whatdo you think...patiently waiting... EE. :)

Ah ha...calling all dancers! Where are you?? Come out ...come out... from wherever you are! I am a big dancer...and yes I am a big fan of Dancing with the Stars! Do you watch? Alright bloggers, last week was a serious topic which of course we will revisit down the line, but I wanted to lighten up the mood this week! By the way, hope you had a great Easter, Passover!

So, do you dance? If so, what do you dance?? I grew up dancing and performing my creations at family functions! Yes, they were subjected to it all...my modern, breakdance, ballet phase(s).... :)

My mother is a great dancer, I credit her with my abilities...she taught me Flamenco (the Spanish dance) ...but now I am planning on taking a professional Flamenco class with a friend. I am really excited because this friend is someone I went to Junior High with in Lawndale and we crack up laughing because she was part of my dance club of 4 girls...I would share with you our dance nicknames but it's too embarassing! LOL :)

Were you in any dance groups? Oh and please, if anyone knows of a great dance class in LA, be it hip hop, modern, etc please tell!!!!!!

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Do you know where Uganda is on a map? Have you heard of the LRA? Do you know who Rosetta is? Well...Uganda is a small East African country...LRA stands for the Lord's Resistance Army, a rebel group led by a former altar boy who abducts children to turn them into child warriors...and Rosetta, she is simply a 17 yr old from La Crescenta High who's never been to Africa.....so what do all these things share in common?? Rosetta is committed to saving as many Ugandan children as possible, you see, as we speak, everyday for the past 20 years the LRA has virtually hunted down children in northern Uganda as young as 5 yrs old...rebel leaders barge into their villages, rape the women and even little girls, murder anyone who gets in their way, and then force little boys to slaughter their parents with their own hands. It's hard to forget the stories I heard from LRA refugees who after they are forced to kill their parents with a machete, were told in some cases to eat part of their remains as part of their indoctrination into their new life as a warrior with the LRA. It is sickening to hear, to utter...but friends, this is what life has been like for almost 20 yrs in northern Uganda and STILL, so many of us don't even know what or where is Uganda! Hey, I was there...before travelling there in Sept. of 2005, I also was ignorant to this crisis. And Rosetta is soo cool in my book, because at age 17 she has done her own research about Uganda and the kids...and get this, she started her own school club called "Save Uganda" to raise money for the kids who manage to escape and need money for food and rehabilitation from years of physical and mental trauma. I am so humbled! Finally, I challenge you to spread the word, everybody needs to know about these "Invisible Children"..which if you get a chance you should also check out, a great documentary on the crisis shot and produced by unsuspecting high school students who ventured off into Africa clueless of the plight of these Ugandan children and their families. In case you missed the story on Rosetta and her mission to make a difference, check out the story here...I know the facts are brutal to even listen to, but it is a reality for thousands of LRA child warriors.

Here you see a picture of one shelter in northern Uganda where little ones walk to and from their villages for safety, hoping to avoid being kidnapped or murdered by LRA rebels. Don't be fooled by my smile, it was soo painful to be there...these children are all alone...sleeping on dirty rags as a "mattress" on the concrete...no electricity....no food....and the stench inside, so pungent its hard to breathe...amongst it all look at their little faces, some are still smiling...they are so precious and will always remain in my heart!

Here are huts where some of the "luckier" families live...inside there is absolutely nothing... this is what I call surviving...

They may already have died.. we met these beautiful women of northern Uganda dying of Aids at a Catholic Relief Services hospice..they were making beaded bracelets to help raise funds to keep the facility open...

This ad really boggles my mind...talk about another world...can you imagine having to be on the look out for land mines? We sure take a lot for granted...

There is soo much more...but I hope you are inspired to make a difference whether its sending money to a non-profit, or simply talking to your neighbor about this...we all can make a difference.

If you have any similar experiences I would love to hear from you and see your pictures!! Thanks!

EE

Wow...we managed to beat Kansas, now we gotta beat Florida...can we do it?? As you already probably know, we are up against the defending champs and a bitter past, know what I mean? We lost to Florida last year in the championship game...will it be deja vu or will the Bruins dominate the court ?? Who knows! Sooooo excited about the game, particularly because there were so many haters who came up to me to say UCLA would not get past Kansas!! Get this, one example, I was wearing my UCLA windbreaker yesterday to the grocery store and a woman shouted not so nice things about the Bruins...however, as my friend says, you can be a hater all you want, but the reality is that won't change the outcome. UCLA is still in the game!!

Alright...so granted--my bracket hasn't been terribly on mark, but I may be onto something if UCLA defeats Florida this Saturday huh! Hee hee...ya know I am definitely more of a college sports fan although I have been quite faithful over the years at attending Dodger, Angels, and Galaxy games.

So, what do you think will be the final score? UCLA 65? Florida 64? And... where are you basketball watchers going to watch the game??? Alright, no pics on my end to show you this time...but plz send us your pics of you at the Bruin basketball viewing party this Saturday!!! Talk to ya later...

Ok Locals...you know all about the crosstown rivalry between UCLA and USC RIGHT!!? Well... here is my question for you...if UCLA (who, as you know, has a higher probability of making it to the final four...re: March Madness)...and mind you, I am not saying that because UCLA is my alma mater (hee-hee)...but really, if it comes down to UCLA being the local team time in the final four..will you-- Trojan fans support UCLA, the other Southern California team? Is it possible? I ask this because last year at the Rose Bowel when USC went up against Texas...there were many Bruins I met who rallied for the Longhorns! :0

Aaahhaaa, so WHAT WILL YOU DO...you SC alum, fan, "groupie"?

Find out who I picked to win it all by clicking here.

And check out this video clip of the "Best Buddies Inland Empire 5K" charity event...it's a great non-profit that pairs disabled students with regular education students to increase their social skills and circle. Rick Lozano--our FABULOUS sports/news reporter/anchor now in charge of the Inland Empire and his wonderful wife Heather who is a special ed teacher helped make this 5k/fundraiser a big success! It was so much fun...my brother and parents went..we had a blast meeting everyone! Thanks everybody!!! :))

Rick and Elizabeth took part in Sunday's "Best Buddies" fund-raiser.

And they show their competitive side (kidding around of course).

Best buddies Christian and Francisco.

Rick Lozano, his wife, and some fans.

Did you hear?? Halliburton may be moving its headquarters to Dubai! I was just there...

Ok, so this photo of me on a "rickshah" was taken in Taxila, Pakistan...just before traveling to Dubai.

And this photograph is of my henna tattoo drawn on my left hand while visiting Lahore, Pakistan. We will definitely talk about these adventures at another time..(especially the "rickshah" trip..those things are fun, and the cab driver as you see in the pic, he was enjoying being a passenger for once!)

... Ok, but on a serious note...please follow this link for the full story... we gotta talk about the Halliburton drama.


Nice Porsche huh...there is a lot of money in Dubai!

This guy I thought was too cool...I had to snap an impromptu pic of his "sheik-ness"...

The word about Dubai is that it is considered to be the "Las Vegas" of the Middle East.

It's very different than your traditional Islamic nation...you see in Dubai one example is how hotel restaurants and nightclubs sell alcohol (remember in the Muslim world, alcohol is prohibited).

Just look at the architecture of the mosques...they are simply breathtaking!

Ok, now look at a map, and you'll find Dubai is situated very close to several Middle Eastern countries the U.S. Government considers an enemy or an ally of Al Qaeda. Do you think Halliburton, who has a military contract with the U.S. Government may be getting to close for comfort with our "opponents"? The other question many ask is whether Halliburton is simply trying avoid U.S. laws, including tax laws? I am curious to know what you think? And if you are concerned, are you doing anything about it? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

P.S. We rented a car while out there..sorry folks, traffic jams exist in all parts of the world
...but nice highways, oh and driving was NO more treacherous than driving in downtown LA. :)

Cheers

-ee