The Tico Times Online

Daily Edition: San José, Costa Rica, October 02, 2002

KOSTARICAFICATION? Red Hot Chili Peppers perform here tonight.
TT/Photo Shoshana Ora Cohen

October 02

Rally for Peace!
Silent Vigil against U.S. Intervention in Iraq
Today (NOW!) Oct. 2, 10:00 a.m. to noon in front of the U.S. Embassy in Pavas
All U.S. citizens welcome.

Forum, Movie and Debate
All this based on the Mexican film La Esperanza, with the participation of Mr. Gabriel Retes, friend of the director of the movie. At 7 p.m., at Mexico Institute, Calle 41, Ave. 10, Los Yoses. Info: 283-2333.

Environment Bingo
The Costa Rican Private Natural Reserves Net invites everyone to its Bingo in favor of the ecology. At 6:30 p.m., at InBio Park, Santo Domingo, Heredia.

Ballet Show
Buy your ticket today to watch The Youth Ballet group of Costa Rica performing La Bayadére. The show opens is at 8 p.m., tomorrow and Friday and 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, at the National Theater, Av. 2, Ca. 3-5. Info: 221-5341.

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Red Hot Chili Peppers Will Take C.R. to "Higher Ground"
By Benjamin Witte
Tico Times Staff
The four members of the wildly popular California-based rock group, the Red Hot Chili Peppers -- who kick off their first national performance tonight in Heredia's Eladio Rosabal Cordero Stadium -- are no strangers to Costa Rica.

During a press conference yesterday, the Peppers confirmed rumors that they have made several "incognito" surfing trips here during the last several years.

"Yo soy en Costa Rica por pinto y muchas olas," joked the band's eccentric and bare-chested bassist "Flea," who claims the band has always wanted to perform here.

"We love this country very very much and it's such a beautiful incredible deep soulful country and we've always wanted to play here for the people," he said, explaining that every time he comes here, he meets people who deeply love music but rarely have the opportunity to see internationally popular musicians perform live.

In fact, the last time a rock band of the Peppers' renown came to Costa Rica was seven years ago, when the legendary Boston-based rockers Aerosmith played a show that was sadly marred by the death of a spectator.

Flea, who hopes the "loving vibe" the band puts out will deter any similar incidents of violence, asked everyone who attends tonight's show to be kind, gentle and respectful of each other.

The Peppers talked about their love and respect for each other, which they claim has allowed them to continue working together for more that 20 years -- a rare tenure in the fast-paced drug life of superstar rock bands.

The band's successful run, however, has not been without its problems.

Lead singer Anthony Kiedis spoke of challenges the band's members experienced in the past with drugs. Kiedis' struggle with heroin is well-known among the band's fans.
The rocker explained that, although he used to receive inspiration from self-destructive habits, these days his inspiration comes from not putting chemicals into his body.

Tonight's show kicks off at 7:30 and will also feature a performance by the local band Evolución.

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Red Cross Needs More Funding
By Fabian Borges
Tico Times Staff
During the first nine months of this year, the Costa Rican Red Cross reported 502 accident-related deaths, 48 fewer than were registered during the same period the previous year.

On average, Red Cross ambulances and paramedic units safely transport 75 accident victims to the nation's hospitals each month. However, lack of funding and an overworked staff have made the institution less efficient than it could be.

Paramedic Minor Carballo estimates it costs ¢70,000 ($191) to operate a cardiorespirator, ¢22,000 ($60) to treat an asthma case and ¢32,000 ($87) to transport someone with severe trauma.

According to Miguel Carmona, President of the Costa Rican Red Cross, the institution is in dire need of assistance.

He and other Red Cross officials are deeply worried by recent Congressional initiatives, that could potentially reduce the institution's funding.

"We're not as efficient as we'd like to be. I'd hate to imagine what would happen if government funding disappeared," he explained. "In 1970 the Red Cross had 10 units covering downtown San José. Thirty-two years later, there are only two 24-hour paramedic units covering the city's vast population.

"New Congressional projects such as the 2003 budget and the fiscal deficit reduction plan could reduce the amount of money that we receive, severely limiting our ability to serve the country," he added. "Legislators need to focus on what generally goes unnoticed, our efforts to educate at-risk communities and prepare them in case of natural disasters. Since 1994, we've been working with 121 communities, setting up self-sufficient regional committees which, in case of an emergency, deal with the situation for 36 hours. If you analyze the recent wave of flooding, you'll notice that overall, very few lives have been lost."

The Red Cross has 564 vehicles stationed throughout the country, including 441 regular ambulances, 30 paramedic units and 10 special-rescue vehicles.

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TOGETHER AT LAST: Gil, Pacheco and Harris reveal report

Casa Alianza Report Reveals Challenges Ahead
By Tim Rogers
Tico Times Staff
In a new spirit of partnership for the nation's marginalized youth, President Abel Pacheco, flanked by Child Welfare Minister Rosalia Gil and Casa Alianza chief Bruce Harris, revealed the long-awaited report on the state of Costa Rica's street children.

The joint initiative between the government and the private child-advocate group, revealed shocking statistics and painted a grim picture of the nation's youth.

"This reports details a painful situation," Pacheco said, referring to the statistic of 1,500 children and adolescents living on the streets.

Yet despite the depressing nature of the report, Harris told The Tico Times he was encouraged by the attention that Pacheco and his government are giving to the problem, and remains hopeful that changes will come.

Read Friday's TT print edition for the whole story, including TT interviews with Harris and Gil.

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