Spanish

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"Bilingual Charter School Hopes to Be a Model, in Any Language" (April 9) states that in kindergarten and first grade at the LAUSD Multicultural Learning Center, students are immersed in Spanish-only instruction about 90% of the day. But why don't the Spanish-speaking children and their families feel proud about their ability to learn and speak perfect English? That's the goal for students from Russia or Eastern Europe. They learn to speak English, and they can still feel proud of their backgrounds.

Spanish-language programming, which once came mainly from south of the border, more and more is wearing a new label: Made in the U.S.A. Three examples of domestically produced Spanish-language programs are shown on the cover. Teresa Rodriguez (top photo) hosts "Portada," a weekly news magazine produced expressly for Latinos and billed as a cross between "West 57th" and "20/20." (Airs Monday at 11 p.m. on KMEX Channel 34.) Lucy Pereda and Gabriel Traversari (center photo)

Two foreign aid workers kidnapped in Somalia were released unharmed after a week in captivity, officials said. Dr. Mercedes Garcia of Spain and nurse Pilar Bauza Moreno of Argentina were apparently healthy, awaiting a flight today out of the country. A Spanish official said no ransom was paid. "They are safe and sound," said Paula Farias, president of the Spanish chapter of Doctors Without Borders.

There are a couple of great brandies named after Spanish kings. That about sums up my knowledge of Spanish history, and, I suspect, also that of the City Council--individually and collectively. I respectfully suggest that our esteemed lawmakers address themselves to matters concerning the well being of the people of Los Angels and leave the problems of Mexico to the Mexicans. FELIX CASTRO Los Angeles

Here we are in the U.S.A.; my son attends school in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in Hacienda Heights. The school population is approximately 75% to 80% Hispanic, with the remaining blacks, Asian and whites. As I was attending a parents' night at his school, they started the meeting off in Spanish and continued to proceed; this really upset me and a few others. The more they got into this meeting, the more and more Spanish was spoken. I did not understand a thing.

Of all places. One hour outside Pittsburgh, and what are the chances of running into Manny Ramirez way out here, let alone land what might be considered an outrageous interview? He begins talking and there's no shutting him up, Manny making it very clear Jamie McCourt has his support, and right about now I would imagine Frank is picking up the telephone. He also talked about how his agent, Carlos Lopez , which will undoubtedly be news to Scott Boras , named San Francisco as favorite in the West, and Manny Ramirez says his favorite baseball player is Manny Ramirez.