Hispania News Online

 

Established 1987 and based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Hispania News is “The Hispanic Community’s Newspaper”.  Available weekly in print and online in both  English and Spanish. This was the official website of the Hispania News circa 2011-2012. Hispania News ceased operation in 2012 when Robert Armendariz, the paper’s editor and publisher passed away.

 

Armendariz, a longtime advocate for Hispanic causes, had been head of the Colorado Springs Press Association for many years. He served on community boards including the Fine Arts Center. The 25th anniversary edition of Hispania News online had just been published before his death.

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When I recently I discovered that the domain for hispania-news.com was available I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its content from archived pages. I definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing the site for something that had nothing in common with the original website. This a a homage to a remarkable man and his newspaper, the Hispania News.

The content below is from the site's 2011 -2012 archived pages. It gives just a quick glance at the depth of the news coverage offered by its the online edition.

Local, National & International News for Southern Colorado's Hispanic Communities.

Local |  National |  Political  | Business  | Health |  More Top News

Hispania News is your newspaper. Tell us about your loved ones serving our country in the armed forces! We would like your tales of the honor, sacrifice and courage of these sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters.

 

 

I grew up in Colorado Springs, and for as long as I can remember, Hispania News was part of the rhythm of our home. My parents brought it in every week, and as a young Hispanic kid trying to understand where I fit in, this paper helped me feel seen. It covered our culture, our struggles, our victories, and our everyday lives in a way no other local outlet ever did. I kept reading it into adulthood, even after starting my own family, because it grounded me in who we are and where we come from.

A few years ago, my life was turned upside down when I discovered my daughter was battling a very serious eating disorder—bulimia nervosa. Like many parents, I didn’t see it right away. When the truth finally surfaced, the fear was overwhelming. I was desperate for clear, culturally sensitive information that didn’t talk at families like mine, but to us. While revisiting Hispania News, I came across a comprehensive, thoughtfully written article that helped me understand what was happening, what warning signs I had missed, and—most importantly—where to look for real help.

That article became a turning point. It gave me the language I needed to talk to my daughter, and the confidence to advocate for her without shame. She has since completed treatment, and now we’re adjusting to this new chapter together—learning, healing, and rebuilding trust day by day. What has surprised me most is that through her recovery, she has also grown deeply interested in her heritage. Just like me, she’s now reading this paper, asking questions about our history, our community, and the stories that shaped us.

Sharing this paper with her has become something sacred in our household. It’s no longer just a newspaper—it’s a bridge back from the abyss, a reminder that culture, education, and representation matter, especially in moments of crisis. I am incredibly grateful to have such a simple and educational resource that honors our community while quietly helping families like mine find their way forward. Arnaldo Rivera

 

 

March 16, 2011

Tide turns: Sharp increase in number of Mexicans returning home

The number of Mexican migrants returning to their country -- mainly from the United States -- has increased dramatically in the last five years compared with the previous five years. According to the most recent numbers released by the Mexican census bureau, the increase was 31.9% in the period from 2005 to 2010, compared with 2000 to 2005 numbers. The Mexican Institute of Statistics and Geography -- INEGI by its Spanish acronym -- says that during the last five years of the decade, 1.1 million Mexicans left their country. According to the government agency, by the time the national census was taken last summer, more than 351,000 Mexican migrants had returned to Mexico. ...read

Colorado Ag Day Celebrates American Way of Life

Throughout the centuries, the American way of life has stood for freedom, honor, and integrity. It’s no surprise that those are the same words I use to describe Colorado’s agricultural producers. It is through the hard work and dedication of our producers that we are able to provide safe, abundant, and affordable products for your family and dinner table. ...read

Election Deadlines Approaching Ballots for the April 5, 2011

Municipal Election will be mailed out from March 11 to 21, 2011 to all eligible, active voters within Colorado Springs City Limits. Eligible, active voters are those who voted in the November 2010 General Election or updated their registration after that date. Confirmation cards were sent to inactive voters in January 2011 by El Paso County. Inactive voters can still vote! If you did not vote in the November 2010 Election, but you do not have any changes to your registration (such as name or address), you can pick up a ballot at the City Clerk's Office starting March 17. ...read


Southern Colorado Local News

Volunteers Needed For El Paso County Boards and Commissions The El Paso County Board of Commissioners is seeking community-minded citizen volunteers to serve as regular members (at-large voting) and associate members on the Highway Advisory Commission. Applications for the open positions are due by April 4, 2011. ...read

Workshops Open To Public Compliments of Action 22 Foundation, Alamosa Chamber of Commerce, La Junta Chamber of Commerce, Lamar Community College, Otero Jr. College, and Trinidad/Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce. ...read

U.S. National News [see all]

State Legislatures Slow on Immigration Measures Under newly fortified Republican control, many state governments started the year pledging forceful action to crack down on illegal immigration, saying they would fill a void left by the stalemate in Washington over the issue. ...read

Hispano Groups Come Together in Support of Education Options in New Mexico Leaders from New Mexico’s Hispanic business, civic and education organizations encourage New Mexico’s House and Senate Education Committee to support education options. ...read

Hispanic Boom Causing Economic, Social Shift When Antonio Lopez arrived in Centralia in 1989 to start a Mexican food stand from the back of his truck, he knew he was the only game in town. ...read

The Lopez Foundation pledges proceeds from Arizona Concert. George Lopez, comedian, actor and host of late-night talk show "Lopez Tonight," pledged $20,000 to MALDEF from the proceeds of his January 29 concert in Phoenix, Arizona. ...read


Health News

Jogging Strollers Recalled by B.O.B. Trailers Due to Strangulation Hazard Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. ...read

Two Strangulation Deaths Prompt Summer Infant to Recall Video Baby Monitors with Cords. The cords can present a strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers if placed too close to a crib. Because of this serious strangulation risk, parents and caregivers should never place these and other corded cameras within three feet of a crib. ...read

Developmental Disabilities Health Center The Resource Exchange and Peak Vista Community Health Centers have initiated a collaborative effort to provide comprehensive health care services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Members of the media are invited to meet with key personnel and tour the facility. ...read

Recognize and Prevent Heart Attacks When you think of someone having a heart attack, you might picture a middle-aged man rubbing his arm and then clutching his chest, gasping in pain. But women suffering heart attacks generally don't exhibit those same symptoms. ...read

Business News

Tax Filing Deadline Looms Nobody likes being nagged, but I'm going to risk reader displeasure by reminding everyone that there are hefty financial consequences if you owe income taxes and do not file a return on time – or at least request a filing extension. Ordinarily, the federal income tax deadline is April 15; but this year the IRS has granted a reprieve until April 18. ...read

US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hails SBA's Release of New 8(a) Rules. On February 11th, the SBA published a Final Rule that will result in many significant changes and improvements in the operation of the SBA 8(a) Program. ...read

Grower Research and Education Grants - Second Call for Proposals The Specialty Crops Program at Colorado State University is accepting applications for grower research and education grants for the 2011 production season. The application deadline is March 7. ...read

Latinos and Digital Technology Latinos are less likely than whites to access the internet, have a home broadband connection or own a cell phone, according to survey findings from the Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center. Latinos lag behind blacks in home broadband access but have similar rates of internet and cell phone use. ...read

Political News

Election information you need to know In the next 30 days in a mail-in ballot, Colorado Springs voters will have the opportunity to elect candidates for 7 of the 9 City Council seats as well as a new Mayor. ...read

City ballots won't be mailed to thousands of 'inactive' Voters who didn’t cast ballots in the fall are now considered “inactive,” which means they won’t receive a ballot in the mail unless they reactivate their status by March 7. ...read

The Latino Threshold Where the GOP needs Latino votes and why In the days immediately following the 2010 midterms several indisputable trends for the cycle were apparent. ...read


Education News

Feria De Educación Superior: Una Feria Gratuita Para La Familia Y La Comunidad

College In Colorado se asocia con Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation y Holy Family Parish para ofrecer una feria sobre cómo planear, llenar solicitud y pagar los estudios universitarios.

Feria De Educación Superior: A Free College Fair For Families

College In Colorado partners with the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation and Holy Family Parish Center to host a fair about planning, applying and paying for college.

Bennet, Boxer, Menéndez, Reed Elogian Decisión de Administración a Considerar el Aprendizaje del Inglés al Conceder Subvenciones Educacionales Reto

Bennet, Boxer, Menendez, Reed Praise Administration Decision to Consider English Language Learning When Awarding Educational Grants Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge

Offers Opportunity to Invest in Early Language Development

24% Growth in Latinos in College from 2009 to 2010

Hispanic College Enrollment Spikes, Narrowing Gaps with Other Groups

University Awarded NSF Grant of $1.26 Million to Address K-12 Math Teacher Shortage

NSF Noyce program provides funds to institutions of higher education to support scholarships, stipends, and academic programs

Back to School: 2011-2012

This edition of Facts for Features highlights the many statistics associated with the return to classrooms by our nation's students and teachers.

ASC smashes enrollment records for third year running

Some students still have not completed registration, so we expect to reach an even larger total headcount this fall

70th class of scholars begin classes at OJC this week

Students also got a chance to exhibit their skills in several competitions

Back-To-School is Easier with Help from the Government

Several programs can help parents and guardians provide for their families

Regreso a clases es más fácil con ayuda del Gobierno

Hay varios programas que ayudan a padres y tutores a costear los gastos

HAF y H&R Block reanudan el programa para educar a los contribuyentes de habla hispana.

Este esfuerzo para servir a la comunidad, programado para este verano, tendrá como objetivo varias ciudades del país.

HAF and H&R Block renew program to educate Spanish-speaking taxpayers

The outreach efforts, set to kick off this summer, will be targeting cities around the nation.

Back to School

You're eager to help your child succeed, but not every body is a trained educator.

CHCI Launches Partnerships for Latino Education Success

The forums gathered education experts, advocates, local and national elected officials, and practitioners

LNESC Opens Many Doors

LNESC program participants have gone on to become business leaders, scientists, and members of Congress

43% of Students Feel Unprepared to Use Technology in College and Work Life

Research states technology can support student-centered learning if part of larger, integrated plan

Un nuevo curso de educación continua para personal de enfermería ayudará a las familias que enfrentan el duelo por la muerte de un bebé

New Nurse Continuing Education Course to Help Families Coping with Infant Death

The new educational module is a self-directed course for nursing professionals

The Marian House is once again conducting a school supply drive for the children in our programs.

All donations can be dropped off at the Marian House before August 6th.

Peak Vista Awarded $500k for 3 School-Based Health Center Projects

Health Resource and Services Administration has announced 278 grant winners

Abierta la inscripción para el examen ACT septiembre de 2011

Colorado Springs School District 11 Adult and Family Education Announces Fall Classes

Fall Classes 2011

Kane Scholars announced at OJC

The Kane Family Scholars scholarship is a program designed to assist Otero Junior College students

7th grader Wins First Ever National Spanish Spelling Bee

AmeriCorps funds 250 volunteers through ASC“

We are absolutely delighted that ASC/CSC is one of the fortunate programs that will continue to receive this funding,”

Colorado Springs School District 11 Summer Registration - July 1-29

Keep Kids Reading During Summer Months

It’s important that children maintain the skills they’ve developed at school over the summer, particularly reading skills.

HACU National Internship Program Announces Deadlines

Fall 2011 internship applications are due by June 17.

Census Bureau Reports More Young Hispanic Adults Have High School Diplomas

Fourteen million Hispanics were enrolled in schools at all levels in 2008

Pueblo-Area Educators Can Attend Free Space Foundation STEM Education Course at CSU - Pueblo this Summer

Local Grants Fund Lunar/Mars Exploration and Base Construction Class

112 alternative program students received high school diplomas last Monday

Recognized at a combined graduation ceremony on Monday, May 23, at the Colorado State Fair’s Events Center

Exploring The Educational Options For Puerto Rican Students

Puerto Ricans are the second-largest Hispanic group in the United States

Estándares comunes de preparación para la universidad en Estados Unidos son competitivos a nivel internacionalEstudio de ACT indica que podrían mejorar el desempeño de los estudiantes estadounidenses

College Gender Gap Narrows . . . Except for Hispanics

The male share of Hispanic undergraduates age 24 or lower fell from 45 percent in 1999-2000 to 42 percent in 2007-08

Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis Pushes Youth Summer Jobs

Historically, the month of July is when youth employment peaks

El programa de becas para estudiantes hispanos "Celebrate the Future" está aceptando solicitudes

Las solicitudes estarán disponibles hasta el 30 de junio visitando www.CelebrateTheFuture.com a estudiantes interesados en los sectores de Hotelería y Turismo

Diageo "Celebrate the Future" Hispanic Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications

Application Period Open through June 30th at www.CelebrateTheFuture.com for Students Pursuing Education in Hospitality and Leisure

Nuevo informe sobre el valor económico de 171 grados universitarios vincula el área del título de grado con los ingresos

Con escasas excepciones, los hispanos ganan menos que los blancos y asiáticos con independencia de su título específico de grado

New Report on the Economic Value of 171 College Majors Links College Majors to Earnings

Hispanics earn less than Whites and Asians no matter what their specific undergraduate major, with few exceptions.

More Working Women Than Men Have College Degrees, Census Bureau Reports

New Data Provide Most Detailed Look Ever at Years of School Completed

Republicans Ignore $4 M/Year For Higher Ed - Failing Thousands of Students

Colorado ASSET Killed in House Education Committee on Partisan Vote

Register Now for June ACT Test

The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement exam.

Abierta la inscripción para el examen ACT

Lt. Governor Joseph Garcia to be honored by CSU-Pueblo

Donors underwrite the evening’s expenses, guaranteeing that all proceeds directly benefit future generations of CSU-Pueblo students through scholarships and programs.

La Campaña 26 Seconds Involucrará a la Juventud en Riesgo de Abandonar los Estudios

La Secretaria de Educación Arne Duncan, la Sra. Alma Powell de La Alianza para la Promesa de los Estados Unidos (America's Promise Alliance),y LeBron James se Unen con State Farm® para Fomentar el Éxito Académico

OJC's First Pi Day and Math Olympiad Builds Excitement for Science and Math

Pi Day in a worldwide celebration which, through a resolution by the U.S. Congress on March 11, 2009, is now recognized as a holiday.

'26 Seconds' Campaign to Engage Youth at Risk of Dropping Out of School

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Mrs. Alma Powell of America's Promise Alliance and LeBron James Join State Farm to Encourage Academic Success

Cómo aprender inglés con la ayuda del Gobierno

Hay cursos gratis por Internet y con horarios flexibles

How to Learn English with Help from the Government

There are many free resources to help you learn English on your own schedule.

 

 

More Background On Hispania-News.com

 

Introduction

Hispania News was a groundbreaking bilingual newspaper that served as “The Hispanic Community’s Newspaper” for Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado from 1987 until its closure in 2012. This comprehensive review explores the history, mission, influence, editorial focus, audience, cultural significance, and legacy of Hispania News, providing context for its place in the region’s media and Hispanic communities.

History and Ownership

Foundation and Mission

Founded in 1987 by Robert “Bob” Armendariz, a veteran and longtime advocate for Hispanic causes, Hispania News emerged to fill a major gap in the local media landscape for Spanish-speaking and Hispanic residents of Colorado Springs and the broader region. Armendariz, who also served as the head of the Colorado Springs Press Association and held positions on numerous community boards, recognized the importance of a publication dedicated to the voices, challenges, and aspirations of the Hispanic community.

Hispania News set out to do the following:

  • Offer local, national, and international news relevant to Hispanic communities.

  • Connect Hispanic residents with essential information on politics, health, education, and business.

  • Foster a sense of identity, representation, and pride among southern Colorado’s Hispanic and Latino populations.

  • Advocate for social justice, inclusion, and civic engagement.

End of an Era

Hispania News maintained a robust presence both in print and online through its website, servicing readers in both English and Spanish. After 25 years of continuous publication, the paper ceased operations in 2012 following the death of Bob Armendariz. His passing was a considerable loss felt by both the journalistic sphere and the community at large.

Editorial Content and Coverage

Sectional Focus

Hispania News featured broad and in-depth coverage, including but not limited to:

  • Local News: Detailed reporting on civic issues, elections, community events, volunteer opportunities, and municipal developments in Colorado and the greater Southern Colorado region.

  • National and International News: Emphasis on events, policies, and stories impacting Latinx Americans, including immigration reforms, census trends, and U.S.-Mexico relations.

  • Political Reporting: Election instructions, analysis of voting rights, mobilization efforts among Latino voters, and legislative changes affecting the Hispanic community.

  • Business News: Support for Hispanic entrepreneurship, tax updates, state and federal grant opportunities, and community economic development.

  • Health: Alerts about recalls and safety warnings, coverage on public health initiatives, and discussions of health disparities within Hispanic populations.

  • Education: Information about scholarships, college fairs, STEM programs, continued education, technology access, and milestones in Latino educational achievement.

  • Social and Cultural Life: Human interest stories, coverage of major milestones, cultural celebrations, and spotlights on notable community members and organizations.

Content Tone and Examples

Hispania News positioned itself as the voice of and for the community. Articles routinely celebrated local achievements, highlighted opportunities for advancement, and conveyed practical guidance in bilingual formats. Examples of its attention to community needs include:

  • Promoting educational fairs and college preparation events.

  • Reporting on Hispanic college enrollment gains and the narrowing education gap.

  • Sharing health and safety information, for example, about recalls on children’s products or new health initiatives in clinics.

  • Urging civic engagement, including informing readers about changes to voting requirements and procedures.

  • Showcasing cultural pride and publicizing community festivities.

  • Documenting contributions and sacrifices of Hispanic servicemembers and their families.

Popularity, Audience, and Impact

Audience Demographics

As a dedicated Hispanic newspaper, Hispania News catered primarily to Spanish-speaking and bilingual Latino families in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Pueblo, and surrounding regions. Its bilingual presentation helped bridge generational and linguistic divides in many families.

  • Primary Audience: Hispanic and Latino residents of Southern Colorado. This included first-generation immigrants, established families, professionals, and students seeking community connection and culturally relevant information.

  • Secondary Audience: Community members interested in Hispanic issues, local policymakers, non-profits, businesses, schools, and advocacy organizations.

Circulation and Reach

While detailed circulation numbers are not available, the newspaper’s print and digital presence, along with its longstanding history and leadership, indicate that it was highly regarded and widely read within its intended audience. Its consistent coverage for 25 years built a loyal readership base, and its community advocacy role extended beyond just news delivery.

Community Impact

Hispania News was more than a news source. It:

  • Amplified Latino voices underrepresented in traditional mainstream media.

  • Fueled civic participation and voter education.

  • Connected readers with critical resources for education, business, and family health.

  • Fostered community leadership by spotlighting local leaders and organizations.

  • Preserved and promoted Latino culture in a region undergoing demographic change.

The outpouring of grief and recognition upon Armendariz’s passing and the closure of the paper speaks to the large void it left in local media ecology and within the community.

Recognition, Press Coverage, and Community Involvement

Awards and Honors

While specific journalistic awards are not detailed in available public records, Robert Armendariz’s leadership and the paper’s milestone anniversaries were occasions of public recognition in the Hispanic community, journalism groups, and local civic bodies. Armendariz was admired for his work not only at the paper but also for his community service on various boards and local organizations.

Press and Media Coverage

Hispania News was frequently cited in discussions about minority and ethnic press in Colorado. Its editorial initiatives, anniversary milestones, and closure received coverage from local television and media outlets. The site’s expanded online presence in later years broadened its impact and allowed it to reach new generations of readers.

The outlet was known for:

  • Partnerships with local organizations for education, health, and economic opportunity initiatives.

  • Well-attended public events and sponsored forums.

  • Consistent acknowledgement from community leaders, advocacy groups, and educational organizations for its publication and advocacy efforts over the years.

Editorial Specifics and Notable Content

Editorial Independence

Hispania News retained editorial autonomy under the strong leadership of its founder. Decisions on coverage prioritized representation of the community, journalistic ethics, and a steadfast refusal to dilute its mission for commercial or political interests.

Bilingual Format

A distinguishing feature was the side-by-side presentation of articles in both English and Spanish, allowing broader reach and fostering inclusivity across differing language proficiencies and generations.

Example Topics and Columns

  • Reporting on Mexican migration trends and census changes.

  • Community-driven columns about Latino achievement, including local students’ success stories and scholarship opportunities.

  • Advocacy columns on access to education, health services, and voter rights.

  • Safety alerts tailored to families, such as product recalls and hazardous items.

  • Celebration of Hispanic heritage, including profiles of influential community members and local contributions to arts, culture, and public life.

Engagement with Readers

The publication regularly invited reader stories, especially those honoring military service, local accomplishments, and community heroes. It was a vital platform for readers to share their voices, needs, and experiences.

Cultural and Social Significance

Addressing Barriers

Hispania News helped reduce barriers to information for Southern Colorado’s Hispanic communities, especially for Spanish-speaking immigrants and their families. It:

  • Provided a lifeline for navigating new bureaucratic, legal, and cultural structures.

  • Simplified complex policy developments to make them accessible for newcomers.

  • Kept focus on essential issues like educational access, voting rights, and health equity.

Building Community Identity

By chronicling local achievements, struggles, and celebrations, Hispania News:

  • Solidified a sense of belonging among diverse Latino populations.

  • Served as both a record and a catalyst for change and cohesion in the region.

Promoting Civic Engagement

Election cycles saw the paper acting as a nonpartisan guide to civic participation for new and established voters. Editorials, voter guides, and reminders helped increase turnout and awareness within the Latino electorate.

Menu of Services and Activities

As a newspaper, “menu” refers to provided sections and coverage areas rather than literal food offerings. Notable “menu” items included:

  • Weekly local, national, and international news in dual language.

  • Special supplements for education, back-to-school, and college preparation.

  • Health, business, and political analysis with a local and Latino perspective.

  • Community events listings and coverage of festivals, seminars, and drives.

  • Opportunities for reader-submitted stories, honors, and memorials.

Enduring Legacy and Homage

Today, the memory of Hispania News is preserved through:

  • Archived digital collections and references in regional media outlets and libraries.

  • A renewed website, purchased by a community supporter, focusing on historic content to honor the original publication and Armendariz’s vision.

  • Ongoing tributes in Hispanic Heritage Month activities and in retrospectives on local ethnic media.

Its closure marked the end of an era for Colorado Springs’ Latino community, but its legacy demonstrates:

  • The necessity and power of culturally specific journalism.

  • The positive change spurred by dedicated, advocacy-driven reporting.

  • The lasting impact of one paper and one man’s vision on an entire region.

 

Hispania News was a pillar for Southern Colorado’s Hispanic and Latino communities from the late 1980s to 2012. Through bilingual reporting, advocacy, and dedicated service, it informed, empowered, and connected a diverse and often underserved audience. Its story stands as an enduring example of community journalism’s vital role: reflecting, uplifting, and uniting local voices in the face of change and challenge.

 

 

Hispania-News.com