Flour Bluff
M e s s e n g e r
ISSUE 1 January 2016
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Flour Bluff Messenger
January 2016
Waiting for Pavement
Narrow, Unpaved Sandy Way a Safety Hazard By Jeff Craft Residents of Sandy Way, off Don Patricio Road, pay the same taxes and street maintenance fees as everyone else in The Bluff, but they don’t technically have a street. I spoke with Art, who moved into his home on Sandy way in 1959 about the street he’s lived on for half a century. “About seven years ago, the city came out with cameras and everything, it was on the news, but nothing happened.” The city road is supposed to start where driveways end, but because the city only grades the narrow strip of road on one side of their right-of-way, most residents have moved their mailboxes up to the graded area. While that keeps the mailman from getting stuck in the mud, it also presents a safety issue. Sean, who also lives on Sandy Way remembered what could have been a life-threatening situation. “There was a Fire Hydrant
With just enough room for one fire truck, and one fire hydrant, Sandy Way could become a deadly trap during a brushfire.
fire, oh two Christmases ago, and there were fire trucks and an ambulance down at the end of the street. The ambulance got stuck behind the fire trucks and couldn’t get out until they pulled all the fire trucks out.” Sean wasn’t shy about sharing his frustration with the city about his street. “Well, it sucks. We pay the same taxes as everybody in The Bluff but the city tells us they can’t pave the road. They say if they do, it’ll be a million dollar project because they have to put in sidewalks and gutters and everything. Why? None of the other streets around here have sidewalks.” “People come down here when they’re running for office, saying ‘vote for me, and I’ll get it taken care of.’ They never do.” Attempts to contact city officials regarding this issue have been unanswered at the time of this printing.
There is only one fire hydrant on Sandy Way. It’s at the end of the street.
The red line shows an approximation of where edge of the street should be. Sandy way residents, forbidden from paving their driveways all the way to the graded part of the street, have moved their mailboxes forward to keep their mail carriers from getting stuck in the mud.
This manhole cover sits in the center of the city’s right of way, but only about two feet into the graded area of the street.
January 2016
Flour Bluff Messenger
Doing it in the Bluff By Jeff Craft
The New Guy Most of the people I meet are from here. Either from The Bluff, or Corpus Christi, or Texas. So I’m always the new guy. It took a couple of years to get used to how things work down here but I’ve come to enjoy it. I’m never more than ten minutes from the beach, it’s usually warm, and most folks around here don’t seem to be in a big hurry. A thing done well was done quickly enough I guess. That said, this inaugural issue of the Flour Bluff Messenger was definitely done quickly. Whether it was done well will be up to you. I’m already working on the next one.
Bad Reputation When I told a good friend who grew up in Corpus Christi I was going to start this paper, his response was, “A Flour Bluff Newspaper? Why? Nobody there can read.” Fortunately by that point I had spent enough time here to know that Flour Bluff students are getting the best education in the city, so I politely corrected him. But we do have a bit of a reputation problem. I moved to Corpus Christi in 2005. I just missed the Great Christmas Snowstorm of 2004, but I came from Ohio, so I didn’t mind. I asked an acquaintance that lived here at the time to help me find a good place to live, and he said, “You’re fine anywhere on the South Side, but don’t move to Flour Bluff.” Since then I’ve lived and worked and operated businesses in different parts of Corpus Christi, and just about everyone I met from The Bluff loves it, and everyone outside The Bluff thinks we’re the Mos Eisley Spaceport of Texas. Yes I’ve seen some problems here in the last 10 years, but no worse than every other area of the city. We also have little secret gems like the little park on the Laguna where deer come at sunset. I’ve met good people who want The Bluff to continue to improve, and I want this paper to be a part of that effort. I’ve seen firsthand how a community newspaper can give a neglected part of the city a voice, but it has to be our voice, not just mine.
Help Wanted - Don’t Ask What it Pays If you want to write, make it about what you love or hate about The Bluff. This ain’t school, and I’m not going to pass out assignments. If you’re a student and want to pad your CV for college, go for it. If you’re a teacher and you want to involve your students somehow, let’s talk. The goal here is for this to be our paper. Can’t Write? That’s okay, neither can I. When I started working in this business 13 years ago, I spent $600 on a camera that wasn’t half as good as the one in my phone today. Yes, I still have it, and no, it doesn’t need film. If you see something wonderful, like an engine block hanging from a tree in someone’s yard, or terrible, like an engine block hanging from a tree in your yard, or a giant pothole, whatever, take a photo. Email it, post it to our facebook page, get it to us and we’ll use it. Probably. The Bluff has a lot of things going for it. A strong sense of identity, history and a growing economy. It has all the ingredients for a community newspaper to be successful. I’ll do my part. I may not always get everything right, but I will always be honest with you.
Send Letters to the Editor to: editor@flourbluffmessenger.com
FBBA Business Spotlight
Jeff Rank Ranks have been practicing law in Flour Bluff for over 30 years. In 1983, when John Rank, III retired from the U.S. Navy, he went into private practice in Flour Bluff. Thirty-three years later, his third son, Jeff Rank, is still serving Flour Bluff with dedication and integrity. Recently, however, the Rank Law Firm has grown. In December of 2015, Jeff Rank partnered with local attorney and United States Federal Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee, Kevin Hanna to form the law firm of Rank & Hanna, PLLC. The new firm will continue to practice civil litigation, family law, and business law, but will now also practice bankruptcy litigation, and debtor/creditor law. Unfortunately, because of the increased office space needed by the newly expanded firm, the main offices had to be relocated downtown, but Mr. Rank is excited about continuing to serve the Flour Bluff community in which he grew up. “We are presently looking for viable office space in Flour Bluff so that we can continue to be here. So many of our clients are from Flour Bluff, and we are so deeply rooted here - Flour Bluff is home,” said Mr. Rank. Jeff is a proud graduate of FBISD, having gone there for kindergarten through graduation from FBHS (Class of 1993). He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Sciences (‘97) and his Master of Science degree in Oceanography (‘01), both from Texas A&M University. After a brief time exploring and modeling submarine cave systems in Mexico, then working in the private sector doing offshore oil exploration, and finally working in a policy think tank in Washington D.C., Jeff returned to Texas to be close to family as he attended law school at the University of Houston. After a year practicing “big law” in Houston, and becoming a father (he has two amazing children, both Hornets), Jeff knew it was time to come home. He returned to Flour Bluff and opened the Rank Law Firm in 2011. Jeff Rank is a past president and current board member of the Flour Bluff Business Association, a past president of the Padre Island Rotary Club, and a member of the American Bar Association, the Texas Bar Association, and the Corpus Christi Bar Association. He presently serves on the Board of Directors of the Flour Bluff Foundation for Educational Excellence and has served on the Civil Rights Committee of the Anti-Defamation League (Southwest Region). He is a recipient of the Marvin D. Nathan Fellowship, and both graduate and undergraduate Welch Foundation Fellowships.
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The Flour Bluff Messenger Published monthly Next Issue February 12 Jeff Craft, Editor / Publisher
Contributors
Kelly Callesen
Ryan Rock
Kyle Hoelscher
Photographers
Miles Merwin
Jeff Dolan
Editorial Board
Jeff Craft
Letters policy Letters must be signed, and the author may be contacted to verify his or her identity. Letters to the Editor may be edited to fit the space available.
Contact Jeff Craft (361) 443-2137 editor@flourbluffmessenger.com Facebook: facebook.com/flourbluffmessenger Total ciruclation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes locations in Flour Bluff, North Padre Island, and select areas of Corpus Christi’s South Side.
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But above everything else, Jeff describes himself as a “proud Bluffonian.” Recently, Jeff’s leadership and service was recognized by the Flour Bluff Business Association and his law firm was spotlighted at the first Association meeting of 2016. “I was very honored to receive the accolades and I am happy that I was able to contribute to ‘Keepin’ It In The Bluff!’” says Jeff. Member SIPC
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Flour Bluff Messenger
Success is not a Point in Time By Kelly Callesen
I’ve noticed a trend lately about “New Year’s Resolutions.” We as Americans have become so capricious and lackadaisical that it borders on neglect. We have lost the passion with which our amazing nation was built: to be better, and do better. Our society has been infected with grotesque overindulgence, to the point that we are consuming ourselves into massive debt and producing nothing. The same can be said about our daily lives. This truth is degrading and deplorable; however with selfdiscipline and determination you can become successful. The most common resolution I have heard is about losing weight or getting healthy. This dismal reality is not realizatin you have come to suddenly, because the downward slide was not sudden. The reason diets don’t work is because the word “diet” is temporary. (Just as your results will be.) Aristotle once said, “Quality is not an act, it is a habit.” Our biggest enemy looks at us in the mirror, every day.
Winter Fishing By Capt. Ryan Rock
The hardest part, I have noticed, is the lack of consistency. You waited until New Year’s Day to throw that pack of cigarettes away, or get a gym membership. Why did you wait? The sad truth is because you were being lazy. How many hours did you spend watching T.V. or on Social Media last year? How many hours on episodes and movies? (Take a moment to think on that.) If that number is greater than the amount of times you broke into a sweat on purpose, then the sad truth is your habits are unhealthy. Therefore your new year’s resolution will not last. One of my biggest pet-peeves are people who complain about things in their life that they have the power to change, yet no will to. There is hope. However you must be consistent. You cannot be better only one day out of the week. You must work for it, every day. The good thing is you do not need to move mountains. You simply need to “Do”. Whatever it is you wish to pursue, you must make time for it every day. Eat healthy. Be active. Write. Sing. Laugh. Love. Do. To everyone who made a “New Year’s Resolution” I sincerely hope you keep it. Strive for progress, not perfection. As for me and what I believe, “Success is not a point in time.”
Fishing with Heart & Soul Every day! Captain Ryan Rock is a Corpus Christi Fishing Guide that knows how to have a great time AND catch fish! Take his “No Fish, No Pay” Challenge! WINTER SPECIAL: Mon. thru Thurs. only. Full-Day $350 – 1 person; $50 per additional person. (Other discounts don’t apply.)
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Winter can be the best, yet least fished time of the year here in the Gulf Coast. I have caught some of my biggest fish and most impressive stringers during this season, despite the, less than pleasant conditions. The truth of the matter is, many individuals find the elements this time of year too harsh (or colder than us Third Coasters are acclimated to). This, paired with difficulty locating schools of fish, often leaves folks with a bitter taste in their mouths regarding winter Gulf Coast fishing. Here are some quick tips to help you stay comfortable throughout these cold winter months, as well as to provide you with some helpful material on how to find and catch more fish, despite cold weather.
First and foremost, the most vital piece of information that I could possibly provide regarding cold season fishing is to drop your lines in warmer water. We all know that fish are cold-blooded creatures, which means that colder temperatures will slow them down in nearly every regard. That said, they will actively school up in the warmest water available. Although the fish will be lethargic and eat less, they will generally not pass up an easy meal moving slowly right in front of them. This allows you to catch more fish after you’ve found them as opposed to the warmer months where schools of fish will be on the move actively seeking their next meal. Warmer water will exist mostly in two types of areas; deeper water with a current running through it, and water with a muddy bottom. I spend much of my time during these months drift fishing deeper water with plenty of current running through it. Muddy flats are also great areas for larger trout and redfish. The muddy potholes along the flat will hold heat that provides a warm ambush point for larger fish . In addition to the warmth of the water and the conditions therein, it is crucial to present enticing slow moving bait. Popping corks, with longer leaders (for the deeper flats) allow lethargic fish to see the bait slowly pass and gives them plenty of time to allow their instincts to ignite and catch that “easy meal.” Again, fish are not at as actively seeking food,
January 2016
due to the colder weather, but usually cannot resist a trouble free meal. A popular winter bait that I often suggest is a slow sinking twitch bait such as the Mirrolure Paul Brown corky, because of its ability to be casted a long distance, be worked incredibly slow, and hold a scent (such as Pro-cure) well. Another tip for catching more winter fishing is not to forget the highly underrated sheepshead. Sheepshead are easy to find and fairly easy to catch while providing a decent fight and excellent table fare. Sheepshead are often found anywhere you find hard structure with barnacles. There are many popular baits for sheepshead, but I like to keep it simple. I take fresh dead shrimp and put it on a short shank jig-head or a Carolina rig with live shrimp. Use hooks in the #1-1/0 range with a short shank. Keep your bait as close to the structure as possible and wait for a very light tap. When I feel the bite, I don’t set the hook immediately. Instead, I slowly pull my rod-tip up, ensuring there is weight on the line. If weight is felt, I set the hook as hard as I can. Feeling the weight of the fish and a hard hook set is essential, because sheepshead will chew their food, unlike trout and redfish which tend to inhale their food. A hard hook-set is essential, because sheepshead have a mouth packed full of hard “crushers” for chewing things like barnacles and oysters. At the end of the day you may quickly find that cleaning an ice chest full of sheepshead is tedious, but it’s still an ice chest full of fish! For great filleting, call Senor Fillet at (361)563-1486. He will clean and bag your fish at Clem’s Marina for a very reasonable price. Lastly, while fishing the winter months it is vital to wear the proper winter clothing. It can, without a doubt, make or break the experience. The most common winter clothing mistake I see, as a guide, is wearing hoodies or sweaters, without a wind break or waterproof material. Even when the wind is low and the sun is out, a boat ride can get chilly during the winter. I wear a jacket and bib pants that protect me from the cold, wind, and water. Another option is to wear waders even when you’re in your boat, in order to block the wind and water. Good quality gloves are also highly recommended. I wear the Simms “exsteam fold over mitt” that keeps my hands warm during the boat ride and my fingers accessible to cast, tie knots, etc. Every avid angler I know has at least one story of catching a slew of fish or that big “once in a lifetime” fish during nasty weather, so dress accordingly so you only remember the “catching” rather than the cold. Stay safe and tight lines!
January 2016
Captain Rock’s Catch
Flour Bluff Messenger
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Flour Bluff Messenger
January 2016
The Town Hall Meeting That (Mostly) Wasn’t Chief Markle is planned to help address their concerns. As of this writing, it hasn’t been scheduled. In the meantime Commander Todd Green encourages residents to report all suspicious activity to the police, not just on social media. With more reports, more patrols will be scheduled for the area. CCPD plans to use all the tools at their disposal, including code enforcement, to encourage the people who are causing the problems in this area to “be better neighbors.”
Another Town Hall Meeting Scheduled February 10
Residents of the Turtle Cove neighborhood ask police for help, but newly appointed Police Chief Markle, and city council members were absent during the town hall meeting Flour Bluff residents were invited to a Town Hall Meeting on January 12, where they hoped to meet with District 4 City Council member Colleen McIntyre, At-Large City Council member Chad McGill, and Chief of Police Mike Markle, as well as State Rep. Todd Hunter and Sheriff Jim Kaelin. Hunter and Kaelin made their appearances, answered questions and moved on, but at 7 pm, when the chief of police was due to speak, attendees were told that because city council was still in session debating an ordinance making panhandling illegal, Chief Markle would be unable to attend. A group of police officers, led by Commander Todd Green were there, but it was clear the people of Turtle Cove wanted to speak to the Chief. The folks over in Turtle Cove reported their neighborhood has been invaded by supposed drug users who commit
petty thefts and burglaries, pawn their goods, then return to certain “high traffic” houses in the area. Some Turtle Cove residents had lost patience with these problem neighbors, they’ve called the police about suspicious activity, they’ve reported the “high-traffic” houses, but the police haven’t been able to put an end to the problem.
As of this writing, another town hall meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday February 10th. Chad Magill has confirmed he can make that date, Chief Markle and Colleen McIntyre have not yet confirmed. The Agenda for the meeting will include public safety, homelessness, and The Bluff’s lack of input on the official city planning document, Plan CC 2035.
Precinct 2 -2 Judge Thelma Rodriguez started the meeting at 6 pm, answering questions about truancy and debt collection handled in her court.
Up in Arms That’s not just a turn of phrase, one Turtle Cove resident asked police how they would respond to citizens walking in armed patrols around the neighborhood with their “long guns, or now with open-carry we can wear sidearms.”
A Smaller Meeting A smaller meeting with just Turtle cove residents and CCPD representatives and
Nueces County Sheriff Jim Kaelin announced that construction plans for the county jail have been approved that will bring 144 more beds online. The jail currently has capacity for 1,068 prisoners, and currently holds around 900.
Carpet Cleaning State Representative Todd Hunter spoke about the windstorm insurance bill and the possibility of bringing a cruise ship into the Coastal Bend.
January 2016
Flour Bluff Messenger
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If you like the paper and want to see more of it, visit our advertisers, cut out their coupons, and let them know where you saw the ad. Rank Law Firm has expanded and moved downtown. The new firm is called Rank and Hanna LLC. The new firm will continue to practice civil litigation, family law, and business law, but will now also practice bankruptcy litigation, and debtor/ creditor law. Edward Jones Financial Advisor Melanie Hambrick can help you make sense of investing. Melanie now serves as president of the Flour Bluff Business Association. Captain Ryan Rock of Corpus Christi Inshore Fishing Charters is offering a winter special, a full day of fishing for $350 for 1 person, and $50 per additional person. And Captain Ryan guarantees you’ll catch a fish, or the trip is free. State Farm Agent Michael Morgan has offices on Saratoga and Staples, but he’s a Hustlin’ Hornet at heart. Michael now serves as Secretary for the Flour Bluff Business Association. Barton St. Pub has karaoke Wednesday through Saturday 8pm to 2 am, daily happy hour and drink specials. Steve Fouts of Citrus Solution Carpet Cleaning will get your house clean without using dangerous chemicals or detergents. Papa Murphy’s Pizza on Waldron across from McDonald’s has a coupon for 25% off your order in this issue. Fastrax Oil Change on Waldron next to McDonald’s offers a wide variety of light mechanical services as well as oil and fluid service. The Flour Bluff Business Association invites you to join for only $65 per year. The Flour Bluff Business Association wishes to thank all who donated their time and money to make the 2015 Community Christmas such a big success. Waypoint Marine reminds you that now is the time to service your boat. Waypoint Marine provides factory authorized service for Evinrude, Mercury, Yamaha and Suzuki outboards.
Events Laguna Little Miss Kickball invites girls ages 4-18 to register for the upcoming season. Register at Waldron Fields, at the corner of Yorktown and Waldron January 16th, 23rd, 30th or February 6th between 10 am and 2pm. Tryouts will be held Saturday February 20th from 11 am to 2pm.
Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade is coming February 6th. The parade is free to watch, and The Flour Bluff Messenger will be giving away tickets to the festival on our facebook page. Get your costume ready... The Texas General Land office is calling on volunteers for the 12th Annual Winter Beach Cleanup Saturday, Feb. 13. Register online at www.texasadoptabeach.org or contact the local clean-up organizers listed below. Packery Flats − Check-in is at the parking lot off Highway 361 near Packery Channel. Contact Uma Venkat at 361882-3439 or via e-mail at uma.venkat@ texasadoptabeach.org. North Corpus Christi Beach − Checkin is at the Texas State Aquarium, 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd. Contact Rosanna Gossett at 361-881-1204 or via e-mail at rosanna. gossett@texasadoptabeach.org. Kid’s Place at Cole Park − Check-in is at 1526 Ocean Drive, contact Chelsea Craig at 361-946-3996 or via e-mail at chelsea.craig@texasadoptabeach.org. Padre Island National Seashore − Check in at the Malaquite Visitor Center, 20420 Park Road 22, contact Buzz Botts at 361-949-8068 or via e-mail at buzz. botts@texasadoptabeach.org. Aransas Pass/Redfish Bay − Check-in is at Lighthouse Lakes Park, four miles east of Aransas Pass on Highway 361. Contact Richard Gonzales at 361-7797351 or via e-mail at richard.gonzales@ texasadoptabeach.org. Rockport − Check-in is at Rockport Beach Park pavilion. Contact Kerry Goodall at 361-729-6661 or via e-mail at kerry.goodall@texasadoptabeach.org. NAS Corpus Christi is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with several events leading up to a culminating event on March 12, which will include an official ceremony, flyover, static displays, tours, concert and fireworks. A golf tournament is scheduled for Friday morning, March 11. And, the South Texas Navy Historical Committee is planning a 1940s-themed gala Friday evening. The official ceremony will be held Saturday morning, March 12, beginning at 11 a.m. - 75 years to the minute that the commissioning ceremony was held. Following the ceremony, the festivities will continue with static displays, tours, entertainment, concert and fireworks. Sunday morning, March 13, a nondenominational church service will be held at the Protestant Chapel, followed by breakfast at the Catalina Club.
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Barefoot Mardi Gras February 6, 2016
Calendar of Events January 29, 6p
Fat Friday Party @ The Boathouse
February 6, 11a Parade @ The Beach Between Whitecap & Briscoe King Pavilion February 6, 11a-5p
Festival @ Briscoe King Pavilion
February 6, 7p-12a
King & Queens Ball @ Schlitterbahn
www.barefootmardigras.com
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Flour Bluff Messenger
January 2016
Riviera Redneck
Moonstruck By Jeff Craft Photos by Miles Merwin
“If you were in the water I would rescue you!” “Thanks. But I’m not, so it’s cool.”
I’ve seen eclipses before, but never like this. This time I decided to be alone. Or as close as you can get to alone on a Texas beach at the end of summer. So I drove my little car as far down the beach as I could, about an hour before it started. I found a good spot with lots of empty beach around, made myself comfortable and settled in for the show.
“I love your shirt.” “You sure you’re okay to drive? Maybe just park over here for a while.” “I’m Okay. Okay. I’m going to park” I was too slow to dodge the goodbye pat on the back. How is anyone that big able to be that drunk?
As the full moon rose behind low clouds, a flurry of traffic filled the beach around me with headlights and cars and music. Bonfires and music erupted to either side of my beach blanket bed.
I watched as the giant drove his giant car down the beach, juked left, made a sharp right and came to a stop halfway up a sand dune. A moment later his lights were off. Asleep I guess.
For a moment I was annoyed, but it passed. And the traffic slowed to a trickle. Two bonfires north of me, a group of neoprimitives
I went back to my spot and lay there gazing as the bright white light grew smaller and the parties got quieter. As the last sliver of light shone from the Moon’s top right quadrant, the people grew still. The surf seemed louder, nothing moved. That last light went out, and the moon reappeared, red-orange, and the people shouted.
started drumming and singing. The Moon was still mostly obscured by clouds, but when she broke through, bright and white, she had a little nibble of black on her, down around 7 o’clock. Something about that struck me. I walked up and down the beach, never taking my eyes off of her until she hid behind the clouds again. I was feeling something, a kind of reverence perhaps, as if that little black
spot on the moon was tugging at something deep down in my DNA. I resolved then to stay with the Moon until she was restored. The sky cleared, the black spot became a bite-shaped hole, and I lay on my blanket gazing at her like a lovesick schoolboy. I rose from my bed and walked ankle deep in the surf, never able to pull my eyes away for very long. A heroically drunk man driving a hummer pulled up next to me and said “I like your shirt!” as he slapped my chest with his hamsized arm.
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I was nearly knocked off balance, but was too pleased with the world to be angry. “You okay man?”
I also shouted. I don’t know why. Maybe it was seeing her in this intimate, secret way, like she was undressed. The neoprimitives began playing unexpectedly amplified music, the whole beach erupted in shrieks and squeals of delight. A feeling somewhere between love and red wine washed over me as I stood there in the water again just looking up at her. Shortly after that initial burst of joy from the humans, the beach filled up like a highway. Back in my bed I pitied the people leaving, then forgot them as I sat vigil with the red-orange moon for hours. It was supposedly only an hour and twelve minutes, but that measurement came from clocks and machines, as accurate as it may be, it doesn’t contain all the relevant information. It was somehow longer than it was. Then that familiar bright white light returned, stabbing my eyes and banishing the Moon’s copper face along with all the stars around her. Another burst of traffic, then quiet as she came back. Like any good trip, the coming back part seemed to go much faster. Before long she had completely returned and was so bright that the beach looked almost like daytime. I know I learned something that night. I don’t know what it was, or how to communicate it any better than I have. I left that beach a little different than I came. Just remembering it now brings back that warm sensation again. I can’t say for sure if my life changed dramatically afterward, but I’m told I seem happier, and I still smile every time I see the Moon.
January 2016
Flour Bluff Messenger
The New Tyranny: Omnibus Spending By Kyle Hoelscher Tyranny is a dangerous thing. Its something that slips into our lives slowly. We see it in such minor things that we do not care to oppose it. That, or we simply imagine that when we do it, it’ll be better. Massive domestic surveillance was terrible when it happened to people during the cold war. If a Polish dictator spied on his citizens, then he was an evil man. If the Soviet Union had secret police that could use secret evidence to convict you, then that was an evil thing. Today, when you see the way that morality police invade the liberty of citizens of Saudi Arabia, we are appalled. When those issues pop up in modern debate, we think that the United States is different. We think that because our constitution is there, we will be protected. This bring me to the 2015 Omnibus Spending bill for the Federal Government. This bill is 2,009 pages of dense legislative language that is a complete mystery to the average person. The sad truth is that it is also a complete mystery to the average congressman or senator. Every representative sees this bill as the way to get his legislation through. This bill funds the federal government, so lawmakers know that if they get their law into it, it’ll have to be passed. As a bonus, it’ll be passed without debate. A law that would never be passed on its own is tucked in the middle of the Omnibus Bill, and it sails right onto the President’s desk for signing. Then everyone pats each other on the back, because they averted a government shut down. There were many of these riders, but we’ll focus on a single item in this article, which is the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA). This is something that our government has been trying to get passed forever. It keeps popping up with new names from new lawmakers. The substance never changes. It has died over and over again because lawmakers know that their citizens would never want this kind of law on the books. CISA allows the government and private companies to share your personal information without any other law impeding them. This means the location data on your cell phone, call history, spending history, and any information collected by private companies. Family photos in icloud or dropbox, home security systems that use cloud storage, and all financial documents fall into this category as well. Your private health data is also now fully available to the federal government, something that even Obamacare protected. You see why the public would be unhappy about passing this. This is not a new power for the Feds or any government, for that matter. major change is that this allows Federal law enforcement or intelligence agents to obtain this information without checking with any other authority. They do not have to present anything to a court, they do not need to have any level of suspicion, and the company cannot refuse to comply. They don’t even need to report the request to the Department
of Homeland Security. The founders of our nation saw court oversight of government power as one of the cornerstones to a free society. Even if our lawmakers were crooked, a court could stop them. If a tyrant wanted to oppress citizens by application of the law, then a court could throw out his request. This is no longer possible with CISA. So, how free flowing is this information? CISA allows the president to force private companies to set up information ‘portals’ with the Federal Government. These companies would have to allow federal agents to directly search company records. There is no limitation on this power given to the president. Once opened, these portals do not close or expire. It gives the government permanent and instant access to any of your private information which is held by that company. Short of that, a federal agent can simply send a request letter to a private company and obtain anything it wants. He needs no justification to do so. Moreover, the company has no legal recourse to refuse. You will not even be notified when this happens.
Privacy is the only thing that keeps a free society free. Our ability to go about our lives without restriction of fear of government intervention is what distinguishes freedom from tyranny So, why is privacy important? If you have nothing to hide, then why not open your life to the federal government? Privacy is the only thing that keeps a free society free. Our ability to go about our lives without restriction of fear of government intervention is what distinguishes freedom from tyranny. Our founders knew this. They created the first, fourth, sixth, and tenth amendments to try to enforce this idea. Privacy by name was not known at the time, or the founders would have given it an amendment all its own. Imagine the IRS having access too all financial information in your life. They could instantly see what your spent on a specific date, every withdrawal of cash, and they could even see your child’s college fund. Now imagine the ways that could be used against you. You could be called to recount every dollar spend and every withdrawal. If you failed to recall these for a tax purpose, you are now guilty of tax evasion. Imagine Federal Agents flagging all gun related purchases. They could compile a database on how many bullets you have purchased or how many purchases you’ve made at a gun show. This is just financial data. Lets say they could overlay your cell phone tower data on top of those transactions. Without any suspicion and without any oversight, they now know every detail of your spending and location. If any one of those things goes against any rule or regulation in the 79,311 (as of 2013) pages of the Code of Federal Regulations, then you will be prosecuted for it. Our future tyranny will be no different than prior tyrannies. Your rights will be subject to government approval. It is the exact opposite of freedom. Freedom can only exist when you have a full and unabridged group of rights until the government follows a complicated and slow process to remove them. The faster they can quash your privacy rights, the faster they can remove any other right. These omnibus bills are not acceptable forms of legislation. They should not be used to take your rights by holding federal spending hostage. But they are. And your rights are suffering whether you know it or not. Kyle Hoelscher is a local attorney who fights for constitutional rights in the Coastal Bend. email: khoelscher@ hoelscherlaw.com.
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Congressional Dish Ever wonder how congress can pass a law nobody wants? Even after two or three attempts that our representatives stopped? Jennifer Briney did too. So about three years ago she started reading every bill in congress. I’ve learned a great deal from listening to Jennifer’s podcast, like that crop insurance is a racket, and how for four years running, the federal budget has been passed in an omnibus bill stuffed with riders, what she likes to call “dingleberries.” Before that, there were 12 appropriations bills, each also stuffed with riders, but there was a little more room for movement because they weren’t typically passed 3 days before the government ran out of funds. On December 16th, at 1:40 am, our representatives were given the 2,000 page bill, filled with dingleberries negotiated by the leaders of both parties. Our representative was required to vote yes, or vote to shut down the government (no). No amendments or changes were allowed, and it was voted into law in less than 58 hours. It’s doubtful anyone could have read and understood everything in the bill in that amount of time. Reading it would have been pointless anyway. Nobody in congress wants to vote to shut down the government. So the entire federal budget is passed in less time and with less debate than was taken to change to fishing regulations last year. Not all dingleberries are bad, some are even good for Flour Bluff. But taking power away from the peoples representatives in congress and concentrating it in the hands of party leaders who negotiate the entire federal budget looks more like a biumvirate than a bicameral legislature.
Other Omnibus Dingleberries Extends until 2020 and fades out tax credits for wind facilities and solar energy. This is a big help to anyone working in our wind harvesting industry, there was a lot of uncertainty about how this was going to happen, now they know just how the credits will be reduced over the next decade, and can actually plan ahead.
Ban on IRS action against 501 (c)(4) organizations Allows 501(c)(4) (social welfare) organizations to engages in political activity. A 501(c)(4) organization isn’t required to disclose it’s donors, so this is a way for undisclosed money to enter the American election process, and as a former FEC commissioner noted, this could mean that foreign governments could spend money to influence American elections, and we’d never know.
A national security letter can’t be used by the Executive branch to stop the FBI from issuing national security letters It seems a little too recursive to make any sense. The FBI is part of the executive branch, so does this mean the FBI just got promoted? And if you don’t know what a national security letter is, don’t find out. You’re happier this way.
A “buy local” requirement for military purchases of beer and wine I checked. It doesn’t mean the base has to shop at WB Liquor. That would be awesome. ~ Jeff Craft
Page 10 Flour Bluff History
Flour Bluff Messenger
January 2016
Flour Bluff Volunteer Fire Department / Nueces County ESD #2 Today’s Fire Department Last year there was talk about building a new station on the Island, but it couldn’t be accomplished without raising taxes, so it’s been put off for the time being. Chief Scott seems hopeful an Island station can be brought online without an increase in taxes. “Now it’s in our five-year strategic plan, once the Yorktown station is paid off, we’ll revisit doing something on the Island.”
Joe Essig, wearing a hat, accepts a cold drink from his wife Josephine at the FBVFD fire house circa 1957
We got conflicting stories on this one. It’s either the first or second fire truck put into service in The Bluff. The man in the hat is Joe Essig, who built the truck and ran the Volunteer Fire Department out of a large barn. Photos circa 1957, courtesy of Lee Essig
Captain Dale Scott and the ESD #2 Brush Truck
Late October, 1957 - Joe’s truck fell into a septic tank on the way to fight a brushfire near NAS. It had to be towed back to the garage while the volunteer firemen contained the fire with shovels
Captain Simmers, Lt. Coy Schultz, David Olson and Dale Scott Fighting a fire in 1990
Karaoke
Wednesday - Saturday 8p - 2a
Happy Hour Every Day
Dale Scott, Patti Purdy and Gim Goodman taking the oath off office in 1996 as commissioners of Flour Bluff Rural Fire Prevention District #2. William “BB” Talley, Second from the right administered the oath.
Noon - 8p
Firefighters doing their monthly auto extrication training in January. Volunteers are required by the state to have the same level of training as paid responders.
“We use the rescue boat a lot.”
Daily Drink Specials
When the Navy stopped doing water rescue, ESD 2 got their rescue boat in return for agreeing to respond if a plane goes down.
Barton St. Pub bartonstpub.com • 10618 SPID • 361-937-3167
When asked how the two fire stations in The Bluff work together, Scott explained “We respond to calls together. If there’s a structure fire, the national NSPA says that you have to have two in and two out to even go into a building fire. You have to have two guys outside the structure to rescue the two inside if something happens to t hem.”
Holiday celebrations, December 1989
The rescue boat can reach Bob Hall Pier in 19 minutes, the ski basin in 10.
Happy New Year!
Congratulations!
The staff at Barton St. Pub threw the biggest New Year’s Eve Party in The Bluff
Celebration started early and went on until closing time at Barton St. Pub’s New Year’s Eve party.
Precinct 2 -2 Judge Thelma Rodriguez presided over the swearing in of The Flour Bluff Business Association’s new President, Melanie Hambrick and Secretary. Michael Morgan at the FBBA’s December 2nd Mixer held at Candlewood Suites.
FBBA President Melanie Hambrick presented an appreciation award to past president Jeff Rank during the January 6th FBBA luncheon held at Funtrackers. Photo by Roshan Bhakta
Jay Guerrero was named Nueces County ESD #2 Firefighter of the year for 2015. Jay Guerrero joined the Fire Department in 2014, and is a full-time Firefighter-EMT-B.
Oil Changes Air Oil & Fuel Filters Transmission Fluid Flush Radiator Flush Diesel Injection Service Rear Differential State Inspection
Light Mechanical Services Alignment Tire Rotations Brakes Shocks
1237 Waldron Rd (Next to McDonalds) (361) 937-0988
Page 12
Flour Bluff Messenger
January 2016
Community Christmas
Navy Army Credit Union gave out cakes and pies for the cakewalk
Leona, Barbara, Dorothy and Liz served cookies and fruit punch
Thank you to the Flour Buff Business Association and everyone who volunteered for putting on this great event!
Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who made this year’s Community Christmas Possible! Members meet at noon on the first only s i p i h s Wednesday of every month at Funtrackers. mber e M l l u F Find out how membership can benefit your business! Come to a meeting or visit flourbluffbusinessassociation.com. Call Jennifer (361) 877-2906 for more information
The Flour Bluff Business Association appreciates and supports our 2015 members Flour Bluff Members
Abbey Homes Real Estate, Inc. Bay Area Quick Care Beacon Chiropractic Clinic Bluff Boarding Kennel Candlewood Suites Naval Base Cherry’s Soda Shop Coastal Community and Teachers Credit Union Coastal Wellness Colonia Del Rey/CC RV Resorts
Dani’s Lock & Key Eddie Savoy Edward Jones Eisenhauer School of Twirling Face Family Future Family Health Clinic & Minor Emergency FASTRAX Flex Fit Gym Funtrackers - FEG-FT LLC HEB PLUS #18-057 Howard’s BBQ & Catering IBC Bank
Jack & Jill of Many Trades JD’s Auto Center J & S Mini Storage Laguna Reef Restaurant Navy Army CCU New Concept Catalogs O’Gorman & O’Gorman, Inc. Papa Murphy’s Pizza Patricia Paradise Phoenix Clean Rank Law Firm Real Life Corpus Rustic and Refined
Signs Today, Inc. St. Peter’s by the Sea Timon’s Ministries Ultima Real Estate Wells Fargo Bank - Flour Bluff WELP LLC Wind & Wave Watersports Wright Architects
Associate Members
1st Community Bank Aire Serv of the Coastal Bend
Allstate American Bank Cat’s Eye Investigative Services Grande Communications Keller Williams Island Properties David Klein, Esquire Michael Morgan State Farm Insurance Nueces Title Pioneer RV Resort Republic Services Tandem Marketing Services, Inc Toucan Graphics
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Bluff Flour Bluff Business Association