MEET THE HONORABLE
MARTHA VERA HONORARY CONSUL OF SPAIN
MAY - JUNE 2016 / VOLUME 63
MAY - JUNE 2016 / VOLUME 63
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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10
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DIRECTOR / SALES Ray Mesta 915-500-9640 CO-EDITOR Edward Dubowitz Albert Vasquez
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08
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THE BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS’ 9TH ANNUAL DANCE FOR KIDS’ SAKE FUNDRAISER
$5000 REWARD FOR ANONYMOUS TIP ON ANIMAL ABUSE
JALISCO CAFÉ CELEBRATES ITS 62 ANNIVERSARY
04
10
16
POLO REAL: SPORT OF KINGS!
MEET THE HONORABLE MARTHA VERA
LOST? ABANDONED? STOLEN?
06
14
18
TAKING CARE OF YOUR ORAL HYGIENE
REDMOONWHITEMOON BLUEMOON
A 529 PLAN CAN HELP WITH THOSE COLLEGE BILLS
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CONTRIBUTORS Christian Chapman Maria Esquinca Cynthia Gamez Nacho L. Garcia Destiny Rose Garcia Loreli Hassan TRADUCCIÓN Ana-Maria Anchondo GRAPHIC DESIGNER Damian Balderrama WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA Terry Littlepage COVER PHOTO Christian Chapman
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THE BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS’ 9TH ANNUAL DANCE FOR KIDS’ SAKE FUNDRAISER is coming up October 15, 2016 at The Plaza Theater, and you have a chance to be one the amazing partners that helps make it a success! This is a fun, local spin on “Dancing with the Stars” attracting close to 1,000 guests and raising a minimum of $50,000 annually to help mentor young people!
Funds raised at Dance for Kids’ Sake allow the program to continue the more than 100-year-old Big Brothers Big Sisters mission to help children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring matches. Matches get together at least twice a month on their own time to hang out, watch movies, play at the park, work on homework, eat ice cream…just have fun! They receive monthly contact and guidance from their assigned Match Support Specialist, and are encouraged to participate in trainings, fundraisers & fun, free agency events. To help support this worthy program, Big Brothers Big Sisters sponsors several fund raising events such as Bowl for Kids Sake and Dance for Kids Sake. Big Brothers Big Sisters is recruiting right now for dancers for this year’s fundraiser and you may be just the right ticket to make it a success! You will have the time of your life. If you volunteer, you will work with a dance instructor at a participating dance studio to prepare a 90-second dance to be performed on October 15, 2016. You and a partner will have a free, 1-hour lesson per week for 12 weeks at participating dance studios to help you prepare for your performance. Dancers get to select their dance style and will be trained and coached by their dance professional in that dance style. You will also be given guidance about make up, hair styling, shoes and music. This is a
real “Dancing for the Stars” experience. Dancers are expected to set a personal fund raising goal of $3,000 or a total of $6,000 per couple. They will also get to participate in all public relations events including on-camera interviews and advertising. Brian Kennedy and Dennece Knight were the top fundraisers for the 2015 Dance for Kids Sake and trained to do the Argentine Tango at the Sunland Dance Studio. For Dennece, programs like this are very special and she believes “that [events and programs] like this are so important. To be able to have someone give you that encouragement, that kind word, be a mentor… That’s the difference between failure and success [ in these young people’s lives].” Each dance studio commits to training 3-4 couples in the dance style of their choice. Dance professionals at those studios are asked to donate their teaching and choreographic skills to this worthy cause. Dance couples meet with their dance professionals and are assessed for their rhythm, posture, balance, leading and following, and dance interests. This allows the instructor to get acquainted with the couple’s instructional and choreographic needs. Then, the real work begins for the dance professional, the “behind the scenes” work of preparing the choreography, listening and editing the music, and developing a teaching strategy to help the couple learn quickly. “It’s important that dance choreography be doable, while at the same time, making sure that dancers still have that WOW! Factor on stage,” says Sunland Dance Studio owner, Cynthia Gamez. Over the 12 weeks, instructors and their students develop a special connection, and the instructor rooting for and advocating for their student’s success both on the dance floor and for fundraising.
In 2015 and 2014, the Sunland Dance Studio, New Horizons Dance Academy, Shundo Dance, Dancer’s Studio and previously, El Paso Dance Academy all contributed to the production of this event. In addition to donating time to the Dance for Kids Sake event, El Paso dance studios donate hundreds of hours to help raise funds for local non-profits and to make community events in our City more exciting and entertaining. You have seen these dancers at baseball games, the shopping mall, festivals, school fairs, and fundraisers. These are the people running around with way too much makeup and glittery costumes with a splash of drama. The Sunland Dance Studio, located inside the Sunland Winery and Brewery, has a very small group of instructors that genuinely care about the community and to that end target their contributions to events and programs that make a big impact. The Sunland Winery and Brewery regularly donates its facility to the El Paso Chamber of Commerce, the Humane Society, the El Paso Zoo, Animal Rescue League, the Sunland Park Fire Department and the United Blood Service. The Sunland Dance Studio, operational since May 2014, also conducted Beginners Tango Class with professional Tango Master Teacher and Choreographer, Daniela Arcuri to benefit Casa Hogar. One of the studio’s dancers, Patricia Flores, regularly donates her time and energy to teaching these young people to dance and noted the great need that exists. As do other studios, the Sunland Dance Studio also contributes its time to promote other dance groups including El Paso Youth Ballet, through it performance in, dancing at the Ysleta High School Spring Bazaar, and donating teaching, judging, and coaching time to programs such City of Las Cruces Senior Ballroom Olympics, NMSU Dance Competition, and through donating lesson packages to non-profit organzations for their fundraising events. Story By: Cynthia Gamez
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WHERE TWO COUNTRIES AND THREE STATES MEET TO CELEBRATE THE
Sport
of
Kings!
PHOTOS AND STORY BY CHRISTIAN CHAPMAN
P
olo Real expects to be SOLD OUT! The traditional fundraiser will see polo pageantry at its finest Saturday, May 21, 2016. The one-of-a-kind event is to benefit the El Paso Museum of History Foundation. Polo Real teams will put on a heated, exciting exhibition, matching brawn with skill, as some of polo’s finest meet on the field at the Rancho Santa Maria Polo Club. The prestigious event will honor Ben & Yolanda Arriola of Southwest University, and the Chihuahua’s Southwest University Ball Park, noted community philanthropists. 4
CITYBEAT / MAY - JUNE 2016
Under a magnificent tent, the “A list” of beautiful people from two countries and three states will partake of celebrated wines and adult beverages, dine on the finest food, enjoy a silent auction featuring amazing items for the most discerning taste to bid on, and when the stars come out, the music begins and guests can dance the night away. Special guest will be Trophy Presenter and former Miss El Paso USA, Victoria Sinclair. According to Polo Real Chair and founder, Liz Sinclair, a sponsor’s reception
to be held at Ben Bridges Jewelers will kick off the festivities. Opportunities exist for many organizations, businesses and individuals to sponsor various segments of Polo Real. Polo Real just keeps getting better and better. “The night will be one to remember, with champagne, dancing, and a hat competition and of course, the polo match,” commented Sinclair. For further information on Polo Real contact Elizabeth Sinclair at: lizusinclair@yahoo.com
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By: DR.MATHEW BERG
“M
y family and I moved to El Paso about 18 months ago, and people always ask me what I think about El Paso. I have to admit, I have loved being here in El Paso,” said Dr Berg! The people are wonderful, the sun shines brightly, and the food is the best in the world! One thing that I have run into though is gum problems. Those of you who are as old as I am may remember the movie “Pretty Woman”. In that movie, Julia Roberts, when caught with dental floss, reminds us that you shouldn’t neglect your gums. It’s true! You should not neglect your gums. The most important thing I want people to know is that it is ok to come in to see a dentist. We’ll be nice. The first visit is just an exam and cleaning. It’s ok; don’t, wait until the little problems become big problems! We can fix the little problems
before they become big problems. I tell patients all the time that if you wait for a little problem to become a big problem, that’s your choice, but in my experience, they don’t become problems at 10:30 in the morning on a Tuesday, they tend to become problems at 2 in the morning on a Saturday when I’m closed, and you’re trying to sleep! So come in, see a dentist, get your teeth cleaned regularly, and get the small problems taken care of before they become big problems. When you come in one of the things that you can expect to learn about are gum problems. Lots of people have gum problems. Most of these problems are very slow burning infections, and there really isn’t much to let you know that there is a problem, a little bleeding in your gums,
and sometimes a little itching. But these slow burning infections can slowly eat away at the bone around your teeth. Obviously, the end of that problem is when the bone holding your teeth in is gone, and your teeth fall out. Here are a few little tips to keeping your gums, and the bone, healthy: 1. Floss. Every day. Watch “Pretty Woman”, Julia Roberts says it best. 2. Rinse with Listerine. Not all mouthwashes are created equal, some kill the germs that cause gum disease, but most don’t. 3. Stop smoking. The Nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict, cutting off blood flow to your gums, so they can’t heal well or fight off infection. I know I’m not the first person who has told you that
por: DR.MATHEW BERG traducido por: ana maria anchondo
“M
i familia y yo nos mudamos a El Paso hace aproximadamente dieciocho meses, y cuando la gente me pregunta qué pienso de esta ciudad, tengo qué admitir que ¡Me ha encantado estar aquí, en El Paso!”, dijo el Dr. Berg. “¡La gente es maravillosa, el sol brilla y la comida es la mejor del mundo!”… Sin embargo, algo que me impresiona es los problemas de encías. Aquellos de ustedes que son tan viejos como yo, deben recordar la película “Mujer Bonita”: cuando en ella, Julia Roberts fue sorprendida usando su hilo dental, nos recuerda que no debemos hacer desidia en la atención de nuestras encías. ¡Es una gran verdad!... y lo más importante que quiero que la gente sepa, es que hay qué ir con el dentista y todo estará bien. La primera visita se trata solo de un 6
CITYBEAT / MAY - JUNE 2016
examen y limpieza. No espere a que los pequeños problemas se hagan grandes problemas. Siempre digo a los pacientes que si alguien espera hasta que un pequeño problema se haga grande es porque eso eligió; pero en mi experiencia, no se presentan problemas a las 10:30 de la mañana entre semana, tienden a ser problemas a las 2 de la mañana de un sábado, ¡Cuando tengo el consultorio cerrado y estamos tratando de dormir!, de modo que mejor venga, visite al dentista, hágase su limpieza dental con regularidad y que los pequeños problemas sean atendidos antes de que se hagan grandes problemas. Una de las cosas que usted puede esperar aprender cuando viene a un consultorio dental es sobre problemas en las encías, padecimiento que mucha gente tiene. Muchos de estos problemas son infecciones que avanzan lentamente y por
eso no se da usted cuenta de que hay un problema, como un pequeño sangrado en las encías y en ocasiones comezón. Pero estas pequeñas infecciones de avance lento pueden ir carcomiendo el hueso que rodea sus dientes. Obviamente, el fin de ese problema es cuando el hueso que sostiene sus dientes se ha ido y estos se caen. He aquí algunas pequeñas sugerencias para mantener sus encías y dentaduras sanas: 1. Limpieza diaria con hilo dental (vea “Mujer Bonita”: Julia Roberts dice que es lo mejor). 2. Enjuague con “Listerine”. No todos los enjuagues bucales son iguales: algunos matan gérmenes, pero la mayoría no. 3. No fume: la nicotina causa que los vasos sanguíneos se estrechen, deteniendo la fluidez de la sangre a las encías y no pueden sanar o combatir la infección. Sé que no soy la primera persona que ha
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you’re better off not smoking, so stop already. 4. Eat healthy. Cut down on sugars, and processed food. Vitamin D helps to heal gums and it’s found in eggs and meat and spinach and mushrooms. 5. Go and see your dentist regularly. We prefer every 6 months, but once a year is better than never. Give us a chance to help fix your gums before the problems get big and your teeth fall out. At that point, there’s not much bone left, and that’s what dentures need to hold onto.
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dicho a usted esto, así que si usted fuma, es mejor que deje de hacerlo. 4. Coma saludable: Disminuya el azúcar y alimentos procesados. La Vitamina “D” ayuda a sanar las encías y se encuentra en huevos, carne, espinacas y hongos. 5. Visite a su dentista con regularidad: De preferencia cada seis meses, pero una vez al año es mejor que nunca. Denos la oportunidad de ayudar a restaurar sus encías antes de que los problemas sean mayores y sus dientes se caigan. En ese punto, ya no queda mucho hueso y es lo que las dentaduras necesitan para sostenerse. Los problemas grandes pueden evitarse con un poco de esfuerzo consistente: Comience a dar cuidado a sus encías hoy. El Dr. Mathew Berg puede ser localizado en el teléfono 915.591.5333; y en el 1280 Hawkins Blvd. Suite 100. www.mathewberg.net
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$5000 REwARD
F O R
A N O N Y M O U S O N
T I P
ANIMAL ABUSE
There are people in El Paso County and nearby communities, who know of people who put on dog fights or raise dogs, usually pit bulls, bred specifically for dog fights and then there are just folks who like to attend dog fights and make a wager or two on these dog fights. Often “bait” animals are stolen pets, puppies, kittens, rabbits, small dogs and even stock (pit bulls acquired by the dog fighting ring which appear to be passive or less dominant). Bait dogs are literally torn apart. Since 2008, it has been a federal felony to sponsor, exhibit, buy, sell, deliver, possess, train or transport an animal for participation in an animal fighting venture. This crime is punishable by a term of imprisonment of, five years and a fine of, $250,000. It used to be that spectators at a dog fight did not face fines or jail for supporting dog fights however that is no longer the case. According to the Humane Society of the United States, “The newly enacted Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, which was included in the final 2014 Farm Bill, makes it a federal felony to knowingly bring a minor under the age of 16 to a dogfight or cockfight, punishable by up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and a federal misdemeanor to knowingly attend a fight as a spectator, punishable by up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.” When asked for input on the issue of organized dogfights, Sheriff Richard D. Wiles gave the following response:
STORY BY: CHRISTIAN CHAPMAN
F
ive thousand dollars can buy many things; can do a lot of good and sometimes save lives. The Humane Society of the United State will pay up to $5000 for a tip that will lead to the arrest and conviction of people who put on dog fights, and or animal abuse. 8
CITYBEAT / MAY - JUNE 2016
Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states. In 2007, Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act which provides for felony penalties for interstate commerce, import and export relating to commerce in fighting dogs, fighting cocks and cock fighting paraphernalia. Each violation can result in up to three years in jail and a $250,000 fine. Residents should always be aware and alert to criminal activity to include dog fighting. Besides obvious signs, the following could indicate dog fighting: 1. Pit bulls on heavy chains 2. Scarred dogs, especially pit bulls 3. Fighting pit 4. Vitamins, drugs and vet supplies 5. Dog
fighting publications 6. Breaking sticks -a hammer handle-sized piece of sturdy material (usually wood, but sometimes fiberglass) with a handle end and a flat, wedge-shaped end. This tool is used to break a Pit Bull off of another dog during a fight 7. Jenny mill, treadmill, cat mill or spring pole -- used to exercise and strengthen dogs. Dog fighting is clearly one of the worst forms of animal abuse. Often “bait” animals are stolen pets, puppies, kittens, rabbits, small dogs and even stock (pit bulls acquired by the dogfighting ring which appear to be passive or less dominant. Callers can ask to remain anonymous and/or have their identity remain anonymous. The Humane Society of the United States Has a Dog Fighting Hotline 1-877-847-4787 – open 24/7 Calls may be anonymous. All information is kept confidential. Your identity will be protected. Reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a dogfighter. You can leave a message, talk to an investigator, or get their e-mail address and leave your own. If you witness a dogfight in progress, immediately call the police, 9-1-1. Then call the hotline. If you see an animal that appears to be neglected outside of involvement in dog fighting, please contact your local humane society, animal control or law enforcement agency. For cruelty convictions involving depriving an animal of food or water, abandoning an animal, transporting an animal in a cruel manner, injuring someone else’s animal, and overworking an animal, the defendant will be punished with a Class A misdemeanor, which may include a fine up to $4,000, jail time up to a year, or both. If the conviction is a third offense involving these actions, the state may punish the defendant with a state jail felony. Under Texas law, a state jail felony may include jail time ranging from 180 days to 2 years and a fine up to $10,000 For the first time ever, the FBI began collecting data on animal cruelty crimes through its National Incident-Based Reporting System. Data collected this year will be available for public review in 2017. The move to track the
crimes reflects research that shows a connection between animal abuse and violence against people. A study from the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, for instance, revealed that 76 percent of animal abusers also abuse someone in their family.
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NOTE: In order to qualify for the rewards program, this must be an open case. Additionally, law enforcement officers (including ACOs and humane officers) are not eligible for the HSUS’s rewards program. Get a letter from law enforcement. If the puppy mill operator or suspected animal fighter is convicted, ask the law enforcement agency involved in the case to write a letter to The HSUS. The letter should state that your tip helped lead to the arrest and prosecution. The letter should be mailed, faxed, or emailed to: Animal Fighting Reward Program c/o Adam Parascandola The Humane Society of the United States 2100 L Street NW Washington, DC 20037 Fax: 301-721-6414 aparascandola@humanesociety.org Call The HSUS for more information. If you have questions about the reward program, call 202-452-1100. REPORT IT If you have information about an animal fighting operation, here are the steps to take: Call your local police department or animal control agency. Give them as many details as you can about the suspected animal fighting operation or illegal puppy mill situation. You do not need to give your name to law enforcement to report your information. Tell the law enforcement agency about The HSUS’s reward program. Call 911. Callers can ask to remain anonymous. You can also call The HSUS’s puppy mill tip line at 877-MILL-TIP with information about a puppy mill in your area, or the animal fighting tip line at 877-TIP-HSUS with information about possible animal fighting activity. EL PASO ANIMAL SERVICES SHELTER Animal Services 5001 Fred Wilson Ave (915) 842-1000 HUMANE SOCIETY OF EL PASO 4991 Fred Wilson, El Paso, Texas 79906 915 532 6971, Fax: 915 566 0723 Mon-Fri 11am-6pm Sat/Sun: 11am-5pm
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10 CITYBEAT / MAY - JUNE 2016
M
artha Vera is a rare gem, she is beautiful, and multi-faceted. The arts and education have played heavily in her life as with life altering decisions. Married to Dr. Robert Vera, the community service oriented couple can be seen out and about in support of various events to make El Paso a better place to live. Vera serves as Director of Sales and Marketing at Desert Imaging, Honorary Consul of Spain and Studied Cell Biology/Biochemistry/Ballet at University of Texas at El Paso ‘82. What are the duties/functions/ responsibilities of your Honorary Post? My job encompasses protecting Spanish citizens that may be visiting or living in my jurisdiction. I handle questions about passports, Visa Waivers, and ICE or deportation issues. In addition to that, I promote the history, culture, education, music, art, and gastronomy of Spain. I work with the Trade Commissioner at our Spanish Embassy to promote El Paso as a possible place to locate Spanish businesses interested in our Maquila industry. On a more serious note, I am responsible for locating any Spanish citizen during a catastrophe. All Honorary Consuls work closely with the US State Department and our Embassy on this matter What kind of problems do you deal with? I deal with deportations, lost or stolen passports, and immigration. I also deal with issues regarding any students studying in the US within my jurisdiction. What kinds of decisions do you make?
The General Consul’s office will call me with any issues that need to be taken care of. It is my decision as to how I address it and what route I need to take to ensure that all parties are taken care of fairly. Some projects or issues may take days or months. Why did this type of service interest you and how did you get started? I have always been interested in foreign affairs, especially Spain because I come from Spanish lines on both sides of my family. I am also interested in promoting peace and understanding. Our world has been overtaken with hate and misunderstanding. I want to make a difference. How were you selected for the post? I assisted the previous Honorary Consul, Mari Angeles Gallardo and at that time, the Consul General, Miguel Angel Fernandez de Mazarambroz in a project that was very difficult. When the position came available, I applied. The selection process is very time consuming and actually took about 8 months. The General Consul has to approve you, the Spanish Embassy needs to approve you, and the United States State Department needs to clear you. I underwent a through and lengthy investigation. What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position? That is an interesting question because my whole working life has been a great experience in my present position. I was blessed to work for companies where I was responsible for business development,
marketing, and dealing with people of all cultures, beliefs and comportment. What are the most important personal satisfactions and dissatisfactions connected with your post / occupation? The satisfaction is meeting the challenge and finding the solutions to issues, after all, it is all about helping people. Dissatisfaction is not in my vocabulary. What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying? It is helping people. When I see someone smile and finally relax after their issue is taken care of, it warms my heart. Many of these issues are disheartening for the people going through them. Many of them face the possibility of not returning to the US for at least 7 years. Most challenging? I have not experienced the most challenging, yet. That one would be if a catastrophic event ever happened. God willing, it won’t. What do you like and not like about working in this industry? I love every aspect of it! What did you do before you entered this occupation? I continue to work for Desert Imaging as Marketing Director. Before that, I owned and operated Imaging El Paso. What is your day like? I work for Desert Imaging as Marketing Director, so my day is busy with my work. As Honorary Consul of Spain, I work around my schedule to take care of business that may be sent CITYBEAT.US
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Photo By: Lewis Woodyard
my way by the Consul General of Spain, Enric PanĂŠs. I am an extension of the Consular Office in Houston. An Honorary Consul is not paid to do the job. It is an honor to do it. Which have been most helpful? All of my work experience has helped me, however, my position of Business Development and Medical Education Manager for Merck trained me to work with diverse departments and people at a national and international level. Why did you decide to work for this organization? I decided I wanted to serve as Honorary Consul to give back to my country, my community, Spain, and to make a difference there. What do you like most about this organization? I love working with people and solving problems that arise. What social obligations go along with a job in your occupation? There are many Consular events with the National, State and Local Consular Corps that I attend. Are there other things you are expected to do outside of work hours? Yes, always. I am on call at all times, especially if the State Department calls. From your perspective, what are the problems you see working in this field? This position is all about solving problems should they arise. I work very closely with the General Consul and all my Honorary Consular counterparts. We all work together to arrive at a solution. 12 CITYBEAT / MAY - JUNE 2016
What are the educational requirements for this job? You do need a degree or two. What other types of credentials or licenses are required? We need State Department clearance. What types of training do companies offer persons entering this field? We are trained by our General Consul, the US State Department, and the Consular Corps College. Does your work relate to any experiences or studies you had in college? Yes, Political Science and History have come in quite handy. It is so important to have a well-rounded education. I encourage all students to learn as much as they can. Every course they are taking today will help them later in life. What are some of your current projects? I am currently working on a project with historians and archeologists from Mexico, France, Spain and the US to make our area, concentrating on the Camino Real, Missions, the Tigua Pueblo a World Heritage site. Presidio, Alpine and up to Santa Fe are coming together to get this done through UNESCO which is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Our own Adair Margo has served on their Board. Sul Ross University and UT Austin are very active on this project. I would like to see UTEP get involved. How well did your college experience prepare you for this job? My college experience was well-rounded and has certainly helped me with every job I have
had. In my Honorary Consul position, I promote education in Spain and vice versa. We have programs for students, teachers, and professors to study and work in Spain. We have an interchange program that I would like to implement here with our schools, EPCC, UTEP, and NMSU. That experience in teaching or studying abroad is so enriching. I hope our teachers, professors and students will take advantage of it. Are there any written materials you suggest be read? Mr. Rolando Pablos and Mr. Anthony Giuliani at the Borderplex have started a new entity for El Paso, the World Affairs Council, which educates our public and students in current World Affairs. They will be bringing World Affairs speakers and current information to El Paso. We are currently working the World Affairs Council on an International Ball with the Polish Society, Alliance Francais, Jewish Federation and other countries such as, Colombia, Mexico, etc. to raise funds for the World Affairs Council and their educational efforts. I hope you will be there. What kinds of experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for someone pursuing a career in this field? I would encourage them to get involved with our community. Do what you love. There are many wonderful non-profits that need help. These entities ensure a better community. If you would like to get involved with the Sociedad Cultural de EspaĂąa, or for speaking engagements with your organization or school, please send an email to Martha Vera, consulspain@gmail.com.
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redmoonwhitemoonbluemoon
A DANCE PIECE RECLAIMING THE POWER OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND FEMALE NATURE
redmoonwhitemoonbluemoon is a piece exploring themes of the divine feminine created by local dancemaker S. Paola Lopez in collaboration with poet Naima Yael Woods and photographer and filmmaker Laura Bustillos Jaquez. With the support of the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, The Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, redmoonwhitemoonbluemoon will premiere May 26 and 27, 2016.
how they want to experience the performance. Doors will open at 7:00 PM and will remain open until 9:00 PM. Upon entering, audience members will be guided to the 2nd floor where the piece will be taking place along the hallways of the building. The installation is a combination of live performance by Ms. Lopez, sound recordings of Ms. Woods poetry and a display of pictures by Ms. Bustillos.
In our Western contemporary society where menstruation is most often seen as a liability, and where femininity is defined and performed according to white patriarchal subtexts, these three women of color come together as part of a broader movement to redefine constructs of femininity and reclaim the sacredness of menstruation and the female cyclical nature. “I see this piece as a creative response to a patriarchal system” said Ms. Lopez, “the multibilliondollar industry of feminine hygiene and ‘beautifying’ products is an institutionalized and normalized oppressive system towards women, and the continuous message is that our bodies need to be corrected, changed and enhanced in order to be accepted. It is outraging that a natural and healthy process such a menstruation (not to mention that is a necessary process for the preservation of our species) is presented as something disgusting, not to be talked about, something to be hidden and controlled in order for women to have a ‘normal’ life.” PART I: INVOKING THE GODDESS The piece is in two parts. The first one is designed as a 2-hour installation at the Station Urban Offices during the lastThursday art walk downtown on May 26th, 2016. This set up will allow the audience to come and go as they wish and decide 14 CITYBEAT / MAY - JUNE 2016
The audience is invited to move freely throughout the space, simultaneously altering the outcome of the piece and their perception of it. PART II: THE RITUAL Part II will be a collectively created ritual symbolizing the offering of our female body to the ancient goddesses. It will take place at the Chamizal National Memorial in the stone courtyard located outside the main building. It will begin at 7:00 PM on Friday, May 27th, 2016 and last for about one hour. There will be limited sitting and the public is encouraged to arrive early and bring their own seat if needed. “I am very excited to have so much support for this performance,” said Ms. Lopez, “not only by my fellow artists but also by the community. The piece is funded in part by MCAD’s Artist Incubator Program and the National Endowment for the Arts, which is allowing us to offer both performances free to the public. We are also supported by Amor por Juarez and the El Paso Community Foundation who are donating the space at The Station Urban Offices and by in2improv who is helping with logistics.”
The audience should be ready to experience contrasting images of menstruation and femininity, reflected not only by the different mediums, but also by the varied experiences of the artists. “The three of us have very different experiences with our representations of femininity and with our menstrual cycles” said Ms. Woods “and we are interested in exploring those juxtapositions in the performance. How does having your period – or not – makes or unmakes you as a woman?”
“In this world where there is still so much violence towards women” said Ms. Bustillos, “we are excited to create an alternative response using our mediums of dance, poetry and image to redefine and recreate ideas of womanhood. It is a very timely and relevant piece and we hope that you come and engage with it!” S. Paola Lopez R. (BFA, MEd) is a dancemaker, improviser and performance activist. She is the Founder and Director of in2improv – an art-based organization that empowers communities through performance and improvisation – and is currently a faculty member at the Theatre and Dance Department at the University of Texas at El Paso. For more information visit www.sandrapaolalopez.com or call Paola at 618-409-8551.
CELEBRATES 62 YEARS OF SERVING
TRADITIONAL MEXICAN FOOD STORY BY: LORELI HASSAN
C
elebrating their 62nd anniversary as one of El Paso’s most cherished Mexican restaurants, Jalisco Café and its exquisite dishes have made way into the hearts of many El Pasoans and have since established a lifelong love for authentic Mexican food in our region. It was in 1954 when Antonia Chavez began making history with home-style Mexican cooking inside her restaurant’s kitchen in Segundo Barrio. Little did she know it was the beginning of a longtime family owned diner offering classic Mexican dishes at affordable prices.
Elliot Shapleigh (who dines in Sundays for his special dish) specials. Former mayor John Cook and notable news anchor, Estela Casas are among Jalisco’s most frequent customers. “This is as close to original as it gets,” Chavez said. “We make the hominy for the menudo ourselves and we offer it on weekends. The chile rellenos are also another one of our most popular dishes.”
“My aunt opened Jalisco Café with $1000 when enchiladas and tacos were only 5 cents. That was nothing!” owner Hector Chavez said. He took over in 2004 after his aunt Antonia passed away in 2003. “She was an incredible lady. She was at the restaurant seven days a week! Until this day people still talk about her.” Jalisco Café offers authentic Mexican food made from scratch. Lunch is a busy time with frequent diners and downtown business people. Judges and politicians have also visited the corner diner and even a few have a dish named after them; the Sen. Jose Rodriguez and former Sen.
are the most popular breakfast dishes on the menu, served with tortillas made fresh daily and a choice of agua fresca or freshly-made coffee. “When I took over, there were hardly any customers. They ran off because of the limited menu and raised prices. I ended up adding more items to the menu and I would also walk through downtown passing flyers and handing out food samples at the courthouse and police stations. People said that after my aunt passed away Jalisco wasn’t the same. I can say that now I’m almost at the level where she was at,” Chavez said. Jalisco Café, once a home, also delivers the same homey feel, serving customer’s needs daily. This past Thanksgiving was the restaurant’s fifth year preparing Thanksgiving dinner for the entire “barrio,” feeding 300 people. Hector Chavez also plans to open another Jalisco Café in East El Paso.
Jalisco Café offers other signature items, such as mole, flautas or daily specials, like albondigas served on Thursdays. Huevos rancheros and huevos a la mexicana
“Sometimes you have good days or even bad weeks in this business, but I just think about my aunt and she keeps me going. It’s incredible how she was able to manage all of this,” Chavez said.
Classic Mexican Dishes Patio Area for Banquet Parties 1029 E. 7th Street, El Paso, TX 79901 915-532-7174
62 years in the heart of Segundo Barrio CITYBEAT.US
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BY: CHRISTIAN CHAPMAN 16 CITYBEAT / MAY - JUNE 2016
I
magine if you would, what it must feel like to be abandoned. Imagine you are a little puppy. Alone and scared. Your humans are gone. You stay by the gate of what once was your home. Waiting. It is cold. You are scared. People walk by, you look, but they are not your humans. Thirsty. Hungry. Scared. The photo of a little abandoned white dog speaks volumes… The owners moved and left the dog behind. They did not forget the dog. They abandoned the dog. The little one stayed by the door, day and night…. waiting for his human family to come back for him…. they never did. Neighbors took note of the little dog and left food and water but he would growl, a tiny little growl, when they tried to approach him. Finally one neighbor posted a picture of the little dog, shaking, scared…waiting …and that was when things began to happen. Facebook folks who care about animals and post regularly of lost and found dogs took action. Modesta Briseno Torres went to the location and picked up the little one…and just as quickly a foster home with Holly S., was found for the frightened puppy. Bravo! Yes! According to Briseno, the little dog was adopted by the foster! He got along great with their dog and child. The family didn’t want to send him off. He is now very spoiled. What happens when your beloved pet is missing? Of course you go door to door in your neighborhood. You post fliers. If you can, you offer a reward. You go to Animal Rescue League of El Paso 7256 La Junta, Canutillo, TX 79835, 915-877-5002 Enchanted Pass Animal Rescue Please call Iliana Guzman 915-479-2622 From the Heart Animal Rescue Facebook page, e-mail info@fghar.org Call Toll Free 855-236-7823 Great Dane Rescue of El Paso - Facebook replies within the hour, 915-328-2023 The Humane Society (no-kill shelter) 4991 Fred Wilson Ave 79906, 915-532-6971 Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary 6890 Eagle Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88012, 575-805-5338 Golden Retriever Rescue of El Paso 915-920-0958 Huckleberry Hound Dog Rescue of El Paso310 Square Dance Road, 915-539-2171 Dames for Dogs - See Facebook page
Animal Services and the Humane Society and search for your lost dog or cat. Was your pet wearing a collar with tags? Was your pet chipped? Is the information on the chip current? The intake officer needs to know if you have changed your address or phone number since chipping your pet. Can you go every day to see if your pet has been picked up? Not all animals are on display. Ask to go to the back room where injured or special needs dogs are kept. Animal Services is not a shelter. Animal Services is required by El Paso Law to kill a dog or cat, if not claimed in three days. The cost of getting your pet out can be expensive if you are a family of modest means. Which means, even if the family wanted to rescue their pet, they could not afford to do so, and the family loses their pet and the pet loses his life. The Internet provides several pages where people can go to post photos of lost or found pets, some find their owners right away, others do not. On their web page Animal Services post pictures of the latest strays that have been picked up. I have noted sometimes there is no photo next to some information, which makes it difficult to search. 1) Texas Rabies Control Act (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 826). Requires all pet owners to vaccinate (and keep current) their pets against the deadly rabies virus after four months of
age. Class C Misdemeanor with up to $300 fine. 2) Abandonment of Dogs and Cats (Penal Code 42.09 Animal Cruelty). Class A Misdemeanor with up to $4,000 fine and/or year in jail. If you find a stray dog or cat, and can briefly shelter the stray, take a picture and post on face book all information that could help the owner finds their lost pet. If you cannot shelter the stray, call or message rescue organizations to avoid surrendering a dog or cat to Animal Services, Animal Service KILL IN THREE DAYS IF NOT CLAIMED: Animal Services is not a shelter: They are located at 5001 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906 915) 842-1000 Hours: 10AM–6PM Check out their “Posts to Page” section as well, a lot of the time people will post their missing pets and a page won’t directly post it on their page. They might be able to help you with re-homing or finding an owner if you just ask. We are all for preventing animals from going to “the pound”/Animal Services most of all! If the owners fail to find you and the pet...and someone does want to adopt him with all the required shots and chips.... have them meet you at Mesa Veterinary Clinic & Paws N’ Hooves Mobile Vet Clinic for sure....otherwise they could be very bad people...who will do harm to this little one
Saint Bernard Rescue El Paso TX – El Paso Cat Rescue – See Facebook page
Help find a good home for El Paso dogs– Lost and Found Animals of El Paso, TX
The following are lost and found internet pages that can also help you in your quest to rehome or find the owners of a pet:
Adopting pets El Paso – Lost pets of El Paso TX
P.A.W.S. Preservation of Animal Welfare Society – El Paso, TX (No-Kill) El Paso, TX. Perros, Gatos en adopcion, ayuda y mas (No ventas de animales) Horizon/East El Paso – Lost, found and Reunited Pets of El Paso, TX EP Lost Pet’s N’ Resources Lost & Found Pets of El Paso – Let’s help Rescue Pets
Free pet items/pets – El Paso’s Voice for Animals Humane and Safe Rehoming in El Paso – Rehome My Pet El Paso/Fort Bliss El Paso small animals – No Kill Zone Animal Advocates, El Paso, TX El Paso Saving the Animals Fund – Adoptable Pets of El Paso, TX El Paso Pet Finder and Adoptions – El Paso Against Craigslist Pet Sales CITYBEAT.US
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A 529 Plan
Story By: Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor
W
e’re at the end of another school year. If you have younger kids, you might be thinking about summer camps and other activities. But in the not-toodistant future, your children will be facing a bigger transition as they head off to college. Will you be financially prepared for that day? A college education is a good investment – college graduates earn, on average, $1 million more over their lifetimes than high school graduates, according to a study by Georgetown University – but a bachelor’s degree doesn’t come cheap. For the 2015–2016 school year, the average expense – tuition, fees, room and board – was $19,548 at a public four-year school and $43,921 at a four-year private school, according to the College Board. And by the time your children are ready for college, these costs may be considerably higher, because inflation is alive and well in the higher education arena. Your children may be eligible for some types of financial aid and scholarships. But even so, you may want to consider some college-savings vehicles – and one of the most popular is a 529 plan. A 529 plan offers a variety of benefits, including the following:
18 CITYBEAT / MAY - JUNE 2016
• High contribution limits – A 529 plan won’t limit your contributions based on your income. In all likelihood, you can contribute as much as you want to a 529 plan, as many states have contribution limits of $300,000 and up. And you can give up to $14,000 ($28,000 for a married couple filing jointly) per year, per child, without incurring any gift taxes. • Tax advantages – Your earnings can accumulate tax free, provided they are used for qualified higher education expenses. (529 plan distributions not used for qualified expenses may be subject to federal and state income tax, and a 10% IRS penalty on the earnings.) Furthermore, your 529 plan contributions may be eligible for a state tax deduction or credit if you participate in your own state’s plan. But 529 plans vary, so check with your tax advisor regarding deductibility. • Freedom to invest in any state’s plan – You can invest in a 529 plan from any state – but that doesn’t mean your child has to go to school there. You could live in one state, invest in a second state’s plan, and send your student to school in a third state, if you choose. • Money can be used for virtually any program – Upon graduating high school, not all kids are interested in,
CAN HELP WITH THOSE COLLEGE BILLS
or prepared for, a traditional four-year college. But you can use your 529 plan to help pay for qualified expenses at a variety of educational institutions, including two-year community colleges and trade schools. Of course, a 529 plan does have considerations you will need to think about before opening an account. For example, your 529 plan assets can affect your child’s needs-based financial aid, but it might not doom it. As long as the 529 assets are under your control, they typically will be assessed at a maximum rate of 5.64% in determining your family’s expected contribution under the federal financial aid formula, as opposed to the usual 20% rate for assets held in the student’s name. In any case, though, a 529 plan is worth considering. But don’t wait too long – as you well know, your kids seem to grow up in the blink of an eye.
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