Printed from mysanantonio.com

## S.A. caregivers going to Oaxaca

##### Web Posted: 12/12/2006 11:59 PM CST

Dane Schiller
Express-News Mexico Bureau Chief

MEXICO CITY — After deciding the risk of violence has dropped significantly, a scaled-back team of San Antonio medical professionals is heading to the troubled state of Oaxaca.

Los Quijotes, a group of San Antonio nurses, doctors, dentists and others, will provide free health care to the poor and try to avoid the unrest that has marked the city center this year.

"Oaxaca does not deserve what has been done to her and deserves more help than ever," said Dr. Hugo Castañeda, head of the group.

The delegation, which is to arrive in Oaxaca this weekend, will include just six professionals, as opposed to as many as 60 on previous visits, Castañeda said.

"We feel it is safe enough for the six of us," said Castañeda, who noted that the Quijotes don't get involved in Mexico's politics and have not had trouble in previous visits.

Safety concerns prompted the group earlier this year to cancel a visit that would have treated hundreds of patients.

Oaxaca, one of the poorest places in Mexico, has been wracked by clashes between the state government and a political coalition that wants to oust the governor. It started as a teachers strike and soon attracted leftist groups and other activists.

The coalition declared itself the acting city government and for months camped in the town square, operating nighttime barricades to control streets and roadways.

Related mayhem included the burning of dozens of buses and cars and vandalism of many buildings.

Residents have seen the local economy tumble, as tourists stopped coming and restaurants and hotels in the colonial city sit empty.

Thousands of federal riot police in October retook control of portions of Oaxaca and began arresting hundreds of activists and their leaders.

The U.S. government continues to advise Americans to be careful of civil unrest and use caution when traveling anywhere in Mexico.

"At this time, U.S. citizens should continue to avoid travel to Oaxaca City due to an increase in violence there and should be alert to the increased security concerns related to protest violence throughout Mexico," reads an announcement issued by the State Department.

Castañeda said he isn't deterred.

"Everyone has been great to us," he said of visits to Oaxaca. "My wife says I am the chronic optimist because I believe in people."

dschiller@express-news.net

Online at: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA121306.05A.Oaxaca.docs.2efb07f.html