sharonksobotta

Tribute to Catalina Torres

Catalina Torres was a mother, a daughter, a sister, a beautician, a math tutor, and an all around soulful woman. After working her way out of an abusive relationship, Catalina dedicated her life to the cause of ending violence against women. She volunteered at STAND! and made an annual visit back to SMC to chat with members of 'Hermanas Unidas' and other students about how to recognize unhealthy relationships and how to access help. On September 6, 2008, Catalina's life came to an end when she was shot by the ex-husband of her cousin. Yet, Catalina's legacy lives on. Each fall, students, friends and family members gather for a Catalina Torres Night to Remember. This is an interview with Catalina Torres's mother and sister. Together, they tell the story of how she lived, what she stood for and why her life should be celebrated.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS FOR EVERYONE

PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD ACKNOWLEDGE DECEMBER 10 AS INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY. THIS YEAR MEMBERS OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY AND ALLIES ORGANIZED TO CHALLENGE A RECENT AMENDMENT TO THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS. FOR A DECADE, THE RESOLUTION CONDEMNED ALL KILLING COMMITTED FOR ANY DISCRIMINATORY REASON INCLUDING SEXUAL ORIENTATION. THE AMMENDED RESOLUTION OMMITTED THE WORDS SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MAKING THE GLOBAL LGBT COMMUNITY FEEL VULNERABLE. ABOUT TWO DOZEN ACTIVISTS GATHERED AT THE UNITED NATIONS PLAZA IN SAN FRANCISCO TODAY TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST THE AMMENDEMENT AND RAISE THE RAINBOW FLAG AS A SIGN OF SOLIDARITY WITH GAYS AND LESBIANS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. KPFA’S SHARON SOBOTTA WAS AT THE EVENT AND FILED THIS REPORT.

Indonesian Elections 2009

Interfaith Quran Reading 9/11/10

Florida Pastor Terry Jones caught the world's attention when he threatened to hold a Quran burning event at his church on 9/11/10. Interfaith communities across the nation responded on Sat., Sept. 11 by organizing Quran readings in churches, parks and community centers as a gesture of solidarity to the Muslim community within the United States and throughout the world. KPFA's Sharon Sobotta attended the Berkeley reading and sends us this report.

Interview with Courtney E. Martin

Courtney E. Martin is a woman of my own heart. She sees the world in terms of stories and possibilities. In her latest book, 'Do it Anyway: The New Generation of Activists,' Courtney challenges young people to worry less about the barriers to making a difference and more about doing something to contribute to change. In this interview Courtney shares the backstory about how she became a feminist activist and about how she sustains herself as a 30-year old woman on a mission to change the world. Meet Courtney E. Martin!

Serandipity--Cab driver by day, poet & writer the rest of the time

I'm a firm believer that everyone has a story to share, a lesson to teach and a dream. This morning on my cab ride to the NWSA conference, I got into an interesting conversation with the driver. He wrote his first poem after his mother died when he was just 17 years old. Today he sustains himself driving a cab and uses his free time writing poetry and using it as a tool to inspire youth in the Denver area to see the endless possibilities of life. He self-published his first poetry book, 'Can we Tell You?' Meet Gus Owens!

Resources for Sexual Assault

Justice for Oscar Grant

Former Bart Police Officer Johannes Mehserle was sentenced to two years for shooting and killing Oscar Grant during the early hours of New Year’s Day 2009. Mehserlee received credit for his time already served, leaving him with only seven more months behind bars. Supporters of Oscar Grant gathered at a rally in Oakland yesterday evening and then took to the streets demanding justice for Oscar Grant. KPFA’s Sharon Sobotta was in Oakland last night and filed this report.

Justice for Oscar Grant

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE GATHERED IN OAKLAND TODAY TO DEMAND JUSTICE FOR OSCAR GRANT. OSCAR GRANT WAS KILLED EARLY IN THE EARLY HOURS OF JANUARY 1, 2009 BY BART POLICE OFFICER JOHANNES MEHSERLE. JOHANNES MEHSERLE IS SCHEDULED TO BE SENTENCED FOR INVOLUNTARY MAN SLAUGHTER ON NOVEMBER 5.

A Mother & Daughter's Journey with Breast Cancer

With an open hearts, open minds, positive attitudes and a camera, this mother and daughter teamed up to beat breast cancer. Listen to their story.