David Frank Martinez charged with first-degree murder in death of Elaine Masias By JUAN ESPINOSA The first week of the trial of David Frank Martinez for the murder of Elaine DeLeon Masias ended Friday (July 11, 2015) with a hearing on the defense’s request to use “an alternate suspect defense.” At the conclusion of the… Continue reading Martinez murder trial enters second week
Category: Transforming Justice
Before smart phones and before Black Lives Matter movement, La Cucaracha was writing about police brutality, over representation in the courts and prisons, and double standards under the law. In 2021, El Movimiento Sigué, (publisher of La Cucaracha) entered into a partnership with the Latino Coalition for Community Leadership, and the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition. We report on the activities of the Transforming Justice Project funded by the Public Welfare Foundation. La Cucaracha News continues to cover all aspects of the legal system.
Pueblo organizations give participants a voice
P.M.GRAN.TE in partnership with El Movimiento Sigue and the Transforming Justice Project is entering its third year providing events and resources focusing on community-based wellness and mutual aid for People of Marginalized Genders locally in Pueblo, CO. We offer an ongoing free resource closet stocked with women’s clothing, hygiene items, sexual/reproductive health supplies, and advocacy… Continue reading Pueblo organizations give participants a voice
Peltier’s release revitalizes Wounded Knee anniversary
By JUAN ESPINOSA WOUNDED KNEE, S.D. (Feb. 27, 2025) — Members and supporters of the American Indian Movement marked the 52-year anniversary of the liberation of Wounded Knee with a Four-Direction March and a celebration of Leonard Peltier’s release from prison, the honoring of four AIM veterans and a full slate of guest speakers, singing… Continue reading Peltier’s release revitalizes Wounded Knee anniversary
Nearly 200 take part in Pueblo’s Presidents Day demonstration.
Similar protests have taken place across the nation, including Colorado Springs, Denver By DEBORAH MARTINEZ MARTINEZ Nearly 200 people, from babes to grannies, marched from Rawlings Library in Pueblo to the Sister Cities Plaza, across from City Hall on Monday to protest the Trump administration and the Trump/Elon coalition to dismantle the government. Protesters shouted… Continue reading Nearly 200 take part in Pueblo’s Presidents Day demonstration.
Lessons learned in prison
Guest Columnist Ricardo Reyes is currently studying science, math and Spanish at Colorado State University. He aspires to complete his university education and become a middle school math teacher. His interests include volunteering for Christian Fellowship, running and boxing. Where to begin? I can take so many avenues when it comes to correctional systems and… Continue reading Lessons learned in prison
Feliz Cumpleanos Isaiah Valpando
Family and friends will celebrate Isaiah Valpando’s 30th birthday with a Mariachi Mass on Sunday, Feb. 2 at St. Francis Xavier Church, l611 Logan Ave. in Pueblo. Valpando was murdered on Sept. 2, 2015 when he was shot by an assailant who thought he was rival gang member. Valpando had no gang affiliations and his… Continue reading Feliz Cumpleanos Isaiah Valpando
Mayor Graham speaks on raising taxes and increasing arrests
State of the City address By DEVIN FLORES Pueblo, Colorado. The weather outside was frigid, with nearly 20 degrees of windchill, as Mayor Heather Graham gave a State of the City address at Pueblo Memorial Hall Friday, Jan. 24. The mayor’s primary topics reflected crime and safety concerns, the city’s budget, and her administration’s work… Continue reading Mayor Graham speaks on raising taxes and increasing arrests
Peltier almost free!
AIM elder to be released Feb. 18 By JUAN ESPINOSA On his last full day as president, Joe Biden commuted the life sentence of American Indian Movement leader Leonard Peltier, 80, who was convicted of killing two FBI agents in 1975. Lenny Foster, Peltier’s spiritual advisor for more than 40 years, said in a telephone… Continue reading Peltier almost free!
Pueblo City Council Passes Funds-Slashing Budget Despite Nonprofit Protests
By DEVIN FLORES Before the opening of the Nov. 25 meeting of the Pueblo City Council, more than 70 Puebloans turned out in front of City Hall to protest the controversial proposed budget, which was to be voted on by the City Council that night. Despite this turnout, the budget ultimately passed 4 to 2,… Continue reading Pueblo City Council Passes Funds-Slashing Budget Despite Nonprofit Protests
My two cents…
Editor’s Note: This essay was written the day the results of the most recent national election were known. It was originally posted on FaceBook by the author and shared with La Cucaracha. Full disclosure — Neva Quintana is the daughter of La Cucaracha Editor Juan Espinosa and his wife Deborah. She was born into La… Continue reading My two cents…