Section A Final by Mary Craft

Inside the Moon...

At Large Council Candidates A3

Fishfinder for Wounded Marines A2

The Island Moon Published by Island Moon Publishing, LLC 15201 S. Padre Island Drive Ste. 250 Corpus Christi, TX. 78418 editor@islandmoon.com (361) 949-7700

Fish are Biting! A8

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Island Moon The Island Newspaper since 1996

Island Area News ● Events ● Entertainment

September 20, 2012

The Island where you never want to sell your parrot to the town gossip. Next Publication Date: 9/27/2012 Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Around The Island

By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com

It’s been a busy week Around The Island as we actually got a bit of rain and some relief from the summer heat. To quote Moon Monkey Jay in this issue “Fishing is on Fire!” The fish are starting to migrate though the passes and anglers are having good luck on the jetties and along Packery Channel. For specific information see Jay’s and Joey’s columns in this issue.

Signs of the times The political season is upon us and The Island has been seen an invasion of political signs up and down SPID. Candidates in the city races have been working Island voters in preparation for the Island United Political Action Committee endorsements which hold sway over the votes cast by the 6200 registered Island voters. It is this time of the political season when Islander voters, whose two precincts always have the highest turnout in Nueces County, become the prettiest girl at the ball. Vote early and vote often.

Overlay Zone sign sweep Speaking of signs, you may have noticed a dearth of signs in front of businesses along SPID of late. The city’s Sign Police, who go by the wordy and more formal name of Code Enforcement Division of the City’s Neighborhood Services Department, began sweeping various zones in the city several weeks ago primarily as a result of complaints from citizens over political signs which were left up after the last round of elections two years ago and are still there. But when the Sign Police got to The Island not only were they looking at political signs but also at violations of the Island Overlay Zone sign ordinance passed in 2004. Interestingly about the time the Sign Police showed up on The Island the copy of the Overlay Ordinance which gives details about what signs are legal and which are not disappeared from the city’s website after being there for years. Luckily we kept a hard copy. In general, the Overlay Zone covers the entire Island business district and says that any sign that is not attached to a building must be made of the same material as the building in which the business is located –brick, stucco, etc. That means all banners, pin signs, flags, and kites are illegal. The sign police have been telling Island businesses they have one week to remove them or they will be fined. Some of the provisions in the Overlay Ordinance are draconian and we’re waiting for local business owners to demand some changes. As always, the best way to get rid of a flawed law is to enforce it; in the meantime, it’s the sign law of the times.

Oily bubbles natural troubles The oil and tar that washed up on area beaches last week has been declared naturally occurring by the Padre Island National Seashore. It began showing up way down at the 39 Mile Marker then made its way to Bob Hall Pier but has since ceased.

Coyote trouble Island coyotes are in the news once again of late. Coyote sightings are so common most Islanders take them for granted. But things have been getting worse this dry summer and now the city of Port Aransas is considering drastic measures, even shooting them. Port Aransas has a trapping program which helps somewhat to limit the numbers, but on the Padre end of The Island there is no ongoing attempt to counter the flourishing coyote population. We have all heard of someone who has lost a pet to them, or encountered a coyote – or pack of coyotes – walking Island streets. These guys are not afraid of humans. It is many an Island pet owner who has left a garage door up only to find a wily coyote with its head stuck in a bag of dog food. There have been cases of them biting humans.

Island Backs Adler for Mayor, McIntyre for District 4 in November Elections

Decision on At-Large Races Set for Wednesday, September 26 By Dale Rankin

The Island United Politcal Action Committee voted Wednesday to endorse current District 4 City Council Member Chris Adler for Mayor of Corpus Christi in the November city elections, and Islander Colleen McIntyre in the race for City Council District 4 which includes The Island. Next Wednesday, September 26, at 6 p.m. the PAC will hold a public meeting at Comfort Suites on Windward to choose who to endorse in the race for the three At-Large Council seats which are also on the November ballot. All 6200 registered voters who live on The Island are eligible to vote for the PAC candidates. 139 voters cast ballots before the Wednesday meeting through the PAC’s early voting process, another 150 turned out for the meeting at the Holiday Inn. The votes were cast though a process which did not require voters to declare publicly who they voted for; the same process used in official voting. A total of 204 votes were cast in the Mayoral race, out of which Chris Adler received 105. In the race for District 4 McIntyre garnered 165 out of 177 votes cast.

many Island voters whose precincts regularly have the highest turnout of any precincts in Nueces County and who were against the change because they feared the city elections would become partisan with candidates aligned with political parties. There were also concerns about the length of the November ballot with the city elections at the bottom and whether there would be voter fatigue. In the spring elections typically about 25,000 voters cast ballots, while in the November cycle about 60,000 vote during Gubanatorial elections and just over 100,000 in the Presidential elections.

Signs of the Island

Election Continued on A6

All-volunteer coastal cleanup effort expected to draw about 10,000 beach lovers Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is urging all Texans to take advantage of their right to access the public beach Saturday, Sept. 22 for the 26th Annual Texas General Land Office Fall Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup. The cleanup will take place at 29 sites along the Texas coast. Adopt-A-Beach volunteers can register at any of 28 check-in sites all along the Texas coast between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Sept. 22. Volunteers must pre-register for the St. Jo Island location in advance. Volunteers should wear shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Volunteers will be given data cards, gloves, pencils and trash bags. Most sites along the coast conclude the day’s cleanup with cold drinks, hot food and lots of fun. Volunteers may register on-line at www. TexasAdoptABeach.org or become a fan of the Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach program on Facebook. Texans who can’t make it to the beach but still want to support the effort can make a tax-deductible donation at www. TexasAdoptABeach.org. Sponsorship levels range from $25 to $25,000. Adopt-A-Beach Continued on A5

9th Annual Conquer the Coast This Weekend One year after the biggest turnout ever for Conquer the Coast, South Texas’ premiere cycling event, it seems the event has not lost momentum. Over 1,100 cyclists have already registered for one of the three rides (65-mile “long” ride, 25 mile “intermediate” ride, 10mile “family” cruise) that take place this Saturday, Sept. 22.

It won’t be long until the Winter Texans begin arriving with their Little Yappy Dogs and we start getting our annual calls to the Moon office from people who have lost one.

That’s all for now. Say Hello if you see us Around The Island.

The November elections will be the third round of city elections in which the PAC has endorsed candidates; in the previous two city elections the group has endorsed a total of ten candidates of whom nine won their races. This round of balloting will mark the first time the city elections have been held in November in conjunction with state and national elections. Previous city elections were held as stand-alone votes in the spring but that was changed after a citywide vote during city elections eighteen months ago after the current council voted 5-4 in favor of putting the change of election day before voters. The move was not popular with

Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup Sept. 22

There are those who will tell you that the coyotes were here first and so should be left alone, but ask them if they feel that way about the rattlesnakes who were also here first.

One thing we know about coyotes is that push against the human population until the humans push back. It may be time for some pushback.

Year 15, Issue 441

Say what? When it comes to positioning signs on The Island it’s apparently first come first served. The best we can tell this one instructs motorists “VISITOR Yield FO ONE WAY TER.” Well alrighty then.

A little Island history

Comanches Raid Victoria, Wipe Out the Town of Linnville, Escape Wearing Top Hats By Dale Rankin It was the summer of 1840 and the Comanche Indians were on the warpath. The band of 1000 warriors formed under the leadership of Chief Buffalo Hump, leader of the Penateka band of the Comanche tribe and included some Kiowas. Buffalo Hump was out to revenge what he saw as an ambush of a group of Comanche Chiefs during their meeting at the Council House in San Antonio a few weeks earlier. Several had been killed and many captured and Buffalo Hump was out for Anglo blood.

Light of a new moon Over 1,200 riders participated in Conquer the Coast last year. “We’re about 5% ahead of where we were last year five days out,” said event director J.J. Gottsch. “In addition to Conquer Continued on A5

In early August by the light of a new moon, they set out from the Texas Hill Country through the Guadalupe Valley to the vacant brushland between San Antonio and the settlements along Buffalo Bayou near present

day Houston. On August 6 they appeared out of the brush and set upon the town of Victoria which was taken completely by surprise. It was the largest Indian raid ever by any tribe against an Anglo settlement in U.S. history and became known as the Great Raid of 1840. Before it was done Victoria would be in ruins and the town of Linnville, near present day Port Lavaca, which was at the time the second largest port in Texas would be wiped off the face of the earth forever. A group of Texas Rangers under Captain Ben McCulloch had crossed the tracks of the Comanche war party and were shadowing them but were unaware that a portion of the warriors had broken off and were headed for Victoria, killing farmers and slaves in the fields along the way. The first clue that Victoria had of the raid was History Continued on A6

A 2

Island Moon

Calling all WWII veterans!

WWII Vets to be Honored at 40s-Style USO Dance

Members of the Greatest Generation are requested to attend a “Ceremony to Honor” for them along with a 40s-style USO dance at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Bay Club. The event will be held on Saturday September 22, 6:30 p.m. and will feature a swing band, along with dozens of young couples dressed in vintage WWII uniforms and 40s attire all designed to honor the contributions and sacrifices of the generation that fought and won World War II.

The “Ceremony to Honor” along with the dance at the Bay Club follows a private film shoot for the documentary, Anchored, which chronicles the life of Dewey Holden of Aransas Pass, Texas. He met his wife Dorothy Smith at a USO dance in Mobile, Alabama in January of 1942, while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. The family of Mr. Holden is producing the film in his honor, and is pleased to be aiding the Bay Club in hosting the USO dance on Saturday night to honor all WWII veterans.

WWII veterans and their families, including surviving widows of vets from the Second World War, along with Korean veterans, are encouraged to participate in this special celebration with USO South Texas.

If you or your family member would contact us, it would be a privilege to talk with you. Please reach us at 512-221-2777, 361-2295581, 361.961.2391, or rstrackbein@cableone. net and/or nancy.allen@usosouthtexas.org

$500 Reward

Island Cub Scouts Kick Off the Year’s Activities By Ethan Thompson Cub Scout Pack 949 has kicked off another active year of scouting for boys in grades 1-5. The pack meets Tuesday nights at Padre Island Baptist Church and would like to extend an invitation to all families interested in the benefits of scouting.

My 8 year old daughter lost her Red duffle bag in early August down by the showers on Windward Drive next to Holiday Inn. There was an I Pad but more importantly a stuffed animal, “Ellie” that she has had since birth. It is a purple elephant that is half blanket, half elephant. It is probably 10” in size. Really beat up after 8 years of being dragged around. She is devastated and we are trying our best to recover. $500 reward. Please call if you have information, 512-5677617. Thank you. Bill Thomas

Among this year’s activities will be a “Raingutter Regatta,” a camping trip to Camp Karankawa, and of course the “Pinewood Derby.” Scouts from the pack will be selling popcorn in order to fund the pack’s activities, working toward the goal of a year-end trip to Seaworld. The pack also would like to extend an invitation to island residents who would like to volunteer their time to the pack, such as sharing their knowledge and experiences at pack meetings or providing leadership for pack activities. For more information about scouting or to volunteer, please contact Cubmaster Ethan Thompson at ethan.thompson@gmail.com or 361-876-5200.

Fishing is on Fire!

By Jay Gardener Dwade has been on fire lately! If you haven’t heard by now, the Redfish Run is in full tilt boogey right now. Since the cutting of Packery Channel, the redfish have been able to use this channel as an escape out to the Gulf to spawn. This provides one heck of an opportunity to catch redfish for those without a boat. They are staging both inside and outside the passes as I type this. The redfish move through the passes into nearshore waters, where they congregate in large schools and then spawn. The eggs then move back into the passes and work their way up onto shallow grass flats, where they’re protected. Then, they grow up in the bays, spending two to three years there until they reach maturity. They bulk up their last summer, and develop their eggs, and then they head out the pass to complete the cycle.

Practice conservation While it makes it really easy to pick off redfish as they move through, I would like everyone to remember why they’re there. They move through the passes to spawn. The redfish that are caught off the jetties literally are maybe several hundred yards from where they are about to spawn and make a million more. So that oversize redfish you caught and tagged, was about to ensure that there would be more redfish coming out in years to come. Please practice conservation, and consider releasing those big breeders, or at least only take what you need, and release the rest. The redfish in the picture of Dwade and son Connor was released back in the water to go do what it came to do. We were out there this past Monday, and it was absolutely gang-busters. There were multiple hook-ups, and it seemed everyone got in the action. About the time that there were piles of redfish on the jetty, Boys in Blue showed up. Actually, it was the TPWD Game Wardens, and they had a field day with some folks. There was suddenly a pile of redfish that no one was claiming, and stringers full of fish that no one knew who owned it. The Wardens were patient, and got everyone sorted out; no licenses, and oversized fish not tagged. As I left, I muttered to one thanking him for showing up. He smiled and said “I wouldn’t ever miss the redfish run, we write more tickets than any other time of the year!”

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We drove down the seashore the other day, and checked out some of the areas that were burnt in the most recent fires. Despite the drought, they actually look pretty good. The gulf dune paspalum is popping up, as well as a variety of pioneer species that are the first to utilize the

Dwade and son Connor with an oversized redfish which they released open ground. Fast growers also include the silverleaf sunflower, and unfortunately weeds like the sticker burr (Centrarchus incertus; see the second part! Some Latin actually makes sense!) also come up in droves and really make barefooting around here an indecent proposal. Not even fire wipes those things out unfortunately. I also noticed that there was some road construction going on the north end of the park, and the access road out to Bird Island Basin. So if you’re headed that way, you might be delayed a little during work hours.

Tarpon and snook The rains and crummy weather I predicted last edition are coming to fruition as I write this. While it makes it kind of a blow-out for dove season, we desperately need the rain. With the Lake Corpus Christi level at 15% (REALLY?!! 15%!!!!!!) we are facing a serious shortage. I don’t think we got enough rain to make even a small dent in that kind of deficit, but it sure was nice to at least knock the dust off some of the plants. Even though its’ dove season, I will still be fishing after work. I’ll be harassing the snook helping Alene do her genetic study between the passes for her Thesis. There’s also been a good run of tarpon at the jetties lately, and I can’t help myself. Perry, while you were out there in the boat off the jetty chasing those silver kings, I landed a small one On the Rocks. I’ll see you out there next time.

Ernie Builds Fishfinder for Wounded Marines Working to provide outdoor experiences for returning vets

Ernie Buttler over at Snoopy’s Pier has been taking wounded Marines fishing on his boat for the last few months but there was a problem. Some of them were in wheelchairs and had a difficult time fishing over the gunwales on Ernie’s boat.

The servicemen are Marines who work through the Combat Marine Outdoors, a Texas organization whose motto is “Outdoor Adventures From the Heart.”

Ernie took that to heart and decided to fix the fishing problem by building a lift to get the fishermen high enough off the deck so they can see out over the water and can also be in a better position to fight a fish once they get one on the line.

As you can see, when Ernie builds something he builds it to last and this lift is no exception. That’s Korean veteran Paul Jones demonstrating. Paul isn’t disabled but needs all the help he can get when it comes to catching fish but he couldn’t stay up there long enough to get a bite for fear of nosebleeds.

We encourage everyone to drop by Snoopy’s and contribute to the Combat Marine Outdoors fund that Ernie collects money for. Every cent of the money goes to providing fishing and hunting trips for Texas Marines who have returned home with physical challenges. Ernie has been taking groups fishing at Baffin Bay at his expense, but the money is used to provide other outdoor activities which require some financial help for the veterans.

Many Islanders have already contributed and we here at the Moon are also working with the group to organized activities in the future. It’s a great cause and Ernie has taken the lead, help him out if you can.

Sep

September 20, 2012

City Council At-Large

Island Moon

Editor’s Note: Due to space limitations, we are unable to print the PAC questionnaire in its entirety. some questions have been removed. You may view the unabridged version at www. islandunitedpac.com. The Moon did not proofread or otherwise edit these submissions.

Lillian Riojas

David Loeb

John Garcia

David Loeb Occupation: Owner of Landlord Resources a Commercial Property Management Company Age 31

Why are you running for office? I enjoy working every day to make our community a better place to live, invest, work and visit. I believe we need to improve how we maintain our public infrastructure and facilities, ensure predictable, efficient and fair permitting and regulation of business, and use our resources wisely to provide excellent basic services. We have made progress on these issues over the last 2 years and I am running for reelection to continue this work.

Name prior leadership positions you have held in nonprofit organizations and appointed positions you have held on community boards. Corpus Christi At-Large City Councilman, Member of Corpus Christi City Council Audit and Municipal Court Committees, Member of Corpus Christi Planning Commission, Chairman of Downtown Management District, Vice Chairman of Corpus Christi Board of Adjustment, Executive Board of Leadership Corpus Christi, Founding Chairman Bay Area Smart Growth Initiative, Member of Corpus Christi Police Patrol Reorganization Committee, Vice Chairman Unified Development Code Sign Committee

What is your prior experience in business and financial management? As a business owner I have a full range of business and financial management experience including all functions associated with hiring and training a staff, overseeing benefits and payroll, financing and maintaining a large real estate portfolio, budgeting, accounting, contract negotiation and long term strategy. As a Planning Commissioner, City Council Member and Chairman of DMD I have experience in using my business experience in a public sector setting in a way that utilizes my business acumen for the benefit of the public.

What were the three most positive accomplishments for Corpus Christi in the past five years, and the three biggest failures in the same time frame. Positive- 1. Beginning efforts that restructure city departments to both save money and improve service quality. As an example we went from an estimation of water rates increasing 25% over a 1 year period to 25% over a twenty year period 2. Reforming our Economic Development processes and community outreach to where we can get large projects done without referendums or other public backlash. 3. New focus on the basic activities of government like maintenance, staff accountability, and working to fix nonfunctioning departments rather than pretending nothing is wrong. Negative- 1. Not yet achieving adequate maintenance of public infrastructure and facilities. 2. Lack of general willingness to fight unfunded mandates from State and Federal sources. 3. No cohesive policy and program for redeveloping older parts of the city which is shifting the burden of paying for services onto newer areas and devaluing the investment of people and businesses.

What will be the biggest challenge facing the council and how do you intend to deal with it? Our biggest challenge will be successfully addressing wasteful unfunded utility mandates from State and Federal regulatory authorities. While many of the proposed projects are good and necessary many are not and will cause dramatic rises in utility rates if left unchecked. If reelected I will continue to advocate that the Council take a firm stand for local control of our utility spending. We will deal with it by honestly explaining the issues in an open setting, advocating for political reform, negotiating in the city’s and the citizens interests, and if necessary taking legal action.

What is your vision for the City of Corpus Christi? What part of that vision can be reached in two years, five years, and ten years? I’m running for reelection so we can have a city, neighborhoods, and stewardship we are proud of. My vision of city government is one that maintains and improves its basic services, works every day to lower costs, and is efficient and clear in using its regulatory powers. I believe that working towards those goals will lead us towards a city that:

Is a business and transportation hub

Is an attractive place to live or visit

Is a safe and profitable place to invest

Values quality and diversity

Offers a wide range of educational opportunities

Offers ways for all of it’s citizens to be positively involved in improving our community

Honors the investment in time and money of those already here while encouraging other to come

Has a clean environment and safe neighborhoods

Short term we should continue to establish and fund comprehensive programs for maintenance of roads, utilities, public buildings and

Mark Scott

Alicia Benavidez

parks. Maintenance is always cheaper than replacement. We should continue to rethink zoning, platting, and utilities to get maximum tax and utility base from areas already within the city. We need to keep having tough code enforcement in order to preserve quality of life and property values. Fixing Development Services is absolutely essential, not just for developers but for schools, small business owners, and homeowners doing one time projects. These are tasks that have no time frame, they are so important that we must constantly work to improve them.

How do you plan to help the city grow its tax base? 1. Continue to fund expansion of education and training programs like the Craft Training Center, Del Mar College, and TAMUCC to make sure we have qualified applicants for the jobs business is already creating. 2. Support important transportation projects that create business opportunities for our community. They are rail service expansion for the Port, conversion of Highway 77 into Interstate 69, establishment of a high speed water taxi system, repair and reconstruction of the Harbor bridge, and Port channel widening and dredging projects. 3. Implement the results of our Joint Land Use Study with the Navy to ensure we minimize encroaching development near our air training facilities and keep our air training mission. 4. Continue reforming our laws on development to make it easier to develop older areas and to make our regulations and permitting processes easier to comply with. 5. Continue efforts to create a high quality visitor experience by focusing on maintenance particularly of our public beaches and ecotourism parks. 6. Ensure a stable water supply by building Mary Rhodes Pipeline Phase II when it becomes necessary.

What do you view as the area that is in most need of improvement on City Staff? Our staff has made exemplary progress on taking action and being accountable. I believe we need to work on communication between the Council and Staff to make sure that Council determined policy is being implemented.

What do you view as the key Padre Island issues and what is your position on those issues? 1. Beach Maintenance – I worked to achieve the drastic increase funding for beach maintenance in our budget but it is important that we keep evaluating what we are doing and make sure we provide a good experience that preserves the beach. 2. Canal Water Quality – I voted to upgrade the Island waste water treatment plant to make it more environmentally friendly. I also have and continue to support building the canal between Padre Isles and Lake Padre to provide water exchange. 3. Schlitterbahn – I feel Schlitterbahn will be a great addition to our entire community. I will continue to work to make the project a reality while also making sure that it is a positive impact on nearby property rather than a negative one. 4. Traffic and Water Infrastructure - I have supported both a second water supply line for the Island and for beginning work on a second causeway for the Island to relieve future traffic congestion. 5. Packery Channel and the Six Pack – I support making sure we keep Packery channel dredged and using the sand for beach renourishment. I also have led efforts to complete the Six Pack public improvements quickly and in a financially responsible way.

City Council has approved the funding for the Park Road 22 Bridge using funds from the 2008 Bond. Some on the Island believe that Council will find a reason not to fund the bridge. How would you respond to this concern if you were on Council? As a Council Member I voted for staff to make the bridge our first priority for projected Bond 2008 savings. There is a slight possibility that adequate savings will not be achieved in the end but I think that is unlikely. The other possibilities are that the project does not receive environmental permitting or that the canals are not built by adjacent landowner to accompany the bridge. Neither of these events is within the control of the Council.

How will you stay in touch with Island residents and how will we reach you in a timely manner? I am on the Island fairly often for events and lunches and meet regularly with the leadership of several Island groups. If you see me out feel free to chat with me. Otherwise my home/ cell number is 361-877-0474, if I don’t answer please leave a message. Also email me at davidloeb@live.com.

Would you prefer to have the City Council elections in May or November and why? If you chose May, would you consider working with Council to get the elections moved back to May? I’d prefer they be either in odd year Novembers or May because even year November elections are more expensive for candidates to advertise

Loeb Continued on Page A5

Mark Scott

Why are you running for office? I have enjoyed serving the community. I receive great satisfaction in working with members of the community to move the city forward. I also like working with other communities who share similar goals/objectives (example the South Texas Military Facility Task Force). I have been proud to have served you.

Name prior leadership positions you have held in nonprofit organizations and appointed positions you have held on community boards. City Councilman-City of Corpus Christi, President-4U-CC, President-Texas A&MCorpus Christi Alumni Association, PresidentCoastal Bend Chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Member-Texas A&M-KingsvillePresident’s Council, Member-Coastal Bend Regional Water Planning Group, PresidentLeadership Corpus Christi Alumni Association.

What is your prior experience in business and financial management? President of San Jacinto Title Services-Coastal Bend which has seven offices in the area. I have also served as a City Councilman, I have an undergraduate and Master’s in Business Administration.

What were the three most positive accomplishments for Corpus Christi in the past five years, and the three biggest failures in the same time frame. A) Economic Growth: Forbes has rated us in the top ten cities in the country for job creation for the last two years. Nearly all key economic indicators are up. Compare those indicators with most cities in the country and it really is a great accomplishment for our community. B) New leadership at City Hall (new City Manager, Fire Chief, Police Chief as well as new Assistant City Mangers). We hired excellent people and allowed them to manage towards success. C) Resolution of our Street maintenance/reconstruction issue. The Council should vote within the next 30 days on the framework for a long term solution to our street issues. Failures: I won’t categorize these as failures but issues that need resolution A) Implementation of Destination Bayfrontwe need to decide how much of the project we want to implement B) Windstorm Insurance. Although this is not just a Corpus Christi issue, the lack of finality of this issue is causing some negative impact on economic development projects. Investors/Developers want certainty. We need an equitable solution to this problem.

What will be the biggest challenge facing the council and how do you intend to deal with it? I think we will implement an aggressive Street Maintenance plan over the next 6-12 months that will establish a long term solution. Next on my horizon

What is your vision for the City of Corpus Christi? What part of that vision can be reached in two years, five years, and ten years? A) Base Closure issues – I am actively engaged in the South Texas Military Facilities Task Force. I see opportunities to grow our military presence, grow the Depot’s presence and create hundreds of good jobs. At the same time, we have to be pro-active to keep what we have and work to expand at mentioned above. I am also actively working on an artificial reef project well positioned near the Packery Channel jetties which is good environmentally as well as create tourism opportunities.

How do you plan to help the city grow its tax base? Vision: I honestly believe this is our time. Corpus Christi is well positioned to make great economic strides over the next 10 years. We have all of the key infrastructure necessary to take advantage of opportunities out there. I see the Schlitterbahn being an example of short term success. At the same time, I believe we will announce several very large Industrial projects (in excess of $1 Billion in development). I also think we will break ground in a new Coast Guard facility at the Airport and new renovations/ new jobs for the Army Depot.

For the Complete questionnaire, visit

www.IslandUnitedPAC.com

What do you view as the area that is in most need of improvement on City Staff?

Streets are pretty much everyone’s concern. The problem is everywhere. As much as City Council can come up with an actionable solution, it will be up to staff to implement. There needs to be much improvement at City Hall to adequately implement the plan.

What do you view as the key Padre Island issues and what is your position on those issues?

I have been very supportive of the Aquarius Street Extension, Schlitterbahn project and Park Road 22 bridge. I think the issue going forward will be in managing the delicate balance between the growth in the tourism (resort) market and the residential. I support improvements to island resident amenities such as park projects.

I believe the Council is going to fund the Park Road 22 Bridge. I have always been and remain committed to that project.

How will you stay in touch with Island residents and how will we reach you in a timely manner?

I like to think I am very reachable. I communicate with Island residents in a number of ways. I return calls in a timely manner, I communicate with a number of residents through text messaging and respond to email questions/ concerns when requested. Further, I have constituent meetings at our office when needed. I have always been very committed to the island and see no reason to change.

Would you prefer to have the City Council elections in May or November and why? If you chose May, would you consider working with Council to get the elections moved back to May?

I voted against moving the elections to November. I believe City Council elections will get “lost” in the ballot. However, the public has voted and I have moved on. Also, we will learn more about the impact of a November election during this cycle. The next couple of months will give us more insight on the move.

Some feel our bond packages are too large. Some feel they are too small. If the decision was solely up to you, what would you have put on the 2012 Bond package?

Interesting question. I support the first proposition as proposed. It is street driven which is part of my vision to resolving the general street issue. I voted for moving one island project onto the first proposition. I also voted for the rest of the propositions. I support putting propositions before the voters. I think significant long term capital projects are appropriately voted on by the public.

Increase Economic Development, Create Jobs, Education, Increase Tourism, Water issues, Park Maintenance, More leisure/entertainment options, Crime Issues, Improve City Staff. Please note that we really are pretty far ahead of other cities regarding water supply issues. I support another transmission to the island as well as perfecting (as in legally) our water rights to the Colorado river.

One final comment to Island residents.

I have been truly honored to serve the public in the past and respectfully ask for another two year contract to serve you further. We have done good things together and I believe our best in our future. I would be deeply humbled to be a part of this effort as your City Councilman.

Island United PAC Ballot Island United - Political Action Committee Endorsement Ballot 2012 (At-Large) All registered voters residing in Districts 40, 81 or 19 and are eligible to vote in Corpus Christi elections are eligible to vote in our endorsement process. If you are unable to attend the Endorsement Nights, you may vote early by completing the ballot below and returning by email to IslandUnitedPAC@gmail.com or drop in the box at either the POA or Island Moon offices no later than 5pm September 18 for Mayor and District 4 or by September 25 for At-Large. Name ___________________________ Phone number ________________

Address _____________________________ Voter Registration number ________________

At-Large Please check 1, 2 or 3 candidates Alicia Benavidez _____________

Lillian Riojas

_______________

John Garcia

_____________

Mark Scott

_______________

David Loeb

_____________

John A Sendejar _______________

Ballots will be counted during Endorsement Night, followed immediately by an announcement of the names of endorsed candidates.

Endorsement Nights: Mayor/Dist 4 - Wed, Sept 19th, 6pm, Holiday Inn At-Large -

Wed, Sept 26th, 6pm, Comfort Suites (across the street from Holiday Inn)

www.IslandUnitedPAC.com.

Island Moon

A 4

Lillian Riojas

Occupation: Sr. Manager Public AffairsValero Corpus Christi Refinery Age 40

Why are you running for office? Corpus Christi has been good to me, both professionally and personally. Many people talk about our City’s untapped potential. I am seeing movement in the right direction and I want to push that momentum forward and be a New Path to Progress. I think the city needs someone to ask hard questions, put a fresh perspective on important issues and crank up the city’s efforts to retain and attract jobs, new businesses and young people.

Name prior leadership positions you have held in nonprofit organizations and appointed positions you have held on community boards. • Appointed to Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend; Serve as Public Relations Chair • Co-Chair of Port Industries of Corpus Christi (PICC) Public Affairs Committee • President-Elect, Junior League of Corpus Christi • Board Member for Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, American Diabetes Association, Coastal Bend Diabetes Initiative, Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi Literacy Council, Corpus Christi Metro Ministries, KEDT, Coastal Bend Bays Foundation, and South Texas Botanical Gardens

What is your prior experience in business and financial management? I have been fortunate to build a career working for local industry- the Port of Corpus Christi, Lyondell, and now Valero. This experience has given me a solid understanding of what goes on in business and what drives our local economy.

What were the three most positive accomplishments for Corpus Christi in the past five years, and the three biggest failures in the same time frame. Three most positive accomplishments for Corpus Christi: • Economic opportunities created by Eagle Ford Shale- decreased unemployment, increased sales tax revenues, rising hotel occupancy • Negotiating a performance based incentive agreement contract with Schlitterbahn that should be a catalyst for further development on the Island • New leadership with Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD), Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD), and City Hall Three biggest failures • Year after year deferred City maintenance on critical infrastructure • A need for more diverse representation in City board appointments • Loss of business headquarters, such as Whataburger

What will be the biggest challenge facing the council and how do you intend to deal with it? The biggest challenge facing the City in the short term is getting the program for reconstructing and maintaining our City’s road and utility infrastructure funded and moving forward and building the community confidence needed to keep it going into the future, with little impact on our collective wallets. In the medium and long term, the challenge is to improve our economic base such that tax revenues allow the City to fund the many projects and City core services that residents expect.

What is your vision for the City of Corpus Christi? What part of that vision can be reached in two years, five years, and ten years? I imagine Corpus Christi being a place with a

John Garcia

What do you view as the key Padre Island issues and what is your position on those issues? Key issues include balancing the growth and number of visitors to the Island and at the same time, ensuring the Island remains a family oriented residential community. We will experience an increasing load on utility, road infrastructure, beaches, housing, fire, police, EMT, and health care. Therefore, we need to focus on a plan, including evaluating additional access to the Island, to prepare for and manage the growth we expect to occur and be ready to execute at the right time.

City Council has approved the funding for the Park Road 22 Bridge using funds from the 2008 Bond. Some on the Island believe that Council will find a reason not to fund the bridge. How would you respond to this concern if you were on Council? City council has already made decision to fund the Park Road 22 Bridge. It is important that the City follow through on what was committed. I recognize Park Road 22 bridge is a critical component for further development on the Island.

How will you stay in touch with Island residents and how will we reach you in a timely manner? I will stay in contact by continuing to attend group meetings, dialogue with residents and businesses through face- to face meetings and other ways of communication. I am available via phone, text at 361.765.1499 or email at lillianriojas4citycouncil@gmail.com.

Would you prefer to have the City Council elections in May or November and why? If you chose May, would you consider working with Council to get the elections moved back to May? Personally, I prefer the City Council elections to be held in May because it allows for citizens to focus on local government and local issues that directly impact residents. The voters chose to move City elections to November. However, if there was overwhelming community support for this election topic to be re-visited then I would consider it.

Some feel our bond packages are too large. Some feel they are too small. If the decision was solely up to you, what would you have put on the 2012 Bond package? On this 2012 Bond package, I would have focused on the recommendation by City staff to prioritize needs into one $55MM package. I recognize more money, much more is required to take care of what needs to be done; however, I think it is timing. The timing is critical for the City to create a master plan for infrastructure, maintenance, and other project needs. Then, start the 2012 projects, make progress, and build confidence and credibility with voters that the City will do what it says it will do.

Increase

Economic

• Improve education • Water Issues • Increase Tourism • Park Maintenance • More leisure and entertainment options • Improve City staff

One final comment to Island residents.

• diverse businesses

My campaign theme is New Path to Progress. I believe A New path means….

• unparalleled city infrastructure

• fresh perspective

In the next two years, we have to focus on core infrastructure, streets, water, etc. Top priority is getting the program for reconstructing and maintaining our City’s road and utility infrastructure funded, moving forward and building the community trust needed to keep it going into the future. In the five to ten year horizon, the challenge is to improve our economic base such that tax revenues fund City services and go beyond by investing and building upon existing and new attractions and assets to enhance quality of life.

How do you plan to help the city grow its tax base? New and expanded investments and attracting and retaining jobs is THE primary way to grow our tax base. I think the opportunity to do this is with the great reservoir of talent in City staff, Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation, the Port, Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend, TAMUCC, Del Mar College, and others. We should continue to be on a common mission of selling our community, our region to investors and encourage investment through examining and exploring a variety of incentives and programs.

What do you view as the area that is in most need of improvement on City Staff? Under Ron Olson’s leadership, improvements have been made in accountability and efficiency and moving the City in a direction of running it like a business. I think an area for City staff improvement is communication and outreach, especially sharing information in ways that City issues become more accessible and more understandable for citizens. My communication skill set can help the City do that.

For the Complete questionnaire, visit

www.IslandUnitedPAC.com

Why are you running for office? I am running for council because I love Corpus Christi and I am proud that it is the only place to call home. I am a listener of the people that will take your support . I am a listener of the people that will take action. It is my objective, when elected to bring all voices to the table and respect varying perspectives to address the interrelated issues of economic growth and job creation for our working class and neighborhood safety.

Name prior leadership positions you have held in nonprofit organizations and appointed positions you have held on community boards.

• new enthusiasm • openness to new ideas • new voice for people • helping to bring more cohesion as a community… focusing on the WE not just ME attitude trust,

I am that new path to progress and want to serve as your next City Council At large Representative. I ask for your vote in November.

City Council has approved the funding for the Park Road 22 Bridge using funds from the 2008 Bond. Some on the Island believe that Council will find a reason not to fund the bridge. How would you respond to this concern if you were on Council? I would be forward the pedestrian walkway and canal connection that would create a leisure and entertainment environment that would help with tourism.

How will you stay in touch with Island residents and how will we reach you in a timely manner?

They would reach me on my cell phone or email anytime to answer any questions or concerns from Island residents.

What is your prior experience in business and financial management?

I would prefer to have the city council elections in November, due to national elections

Dynamic, energetic, highly motivated and focused Hospitality executive with over 15 years of experience in Hotel, Business and Financial management. Proven track record in boosting revenue growth and decreasing overhead. Resourceful in implementing unparalleled strategic planning and management tactics to improve the bottom line by focusing on Cost Control, Guest Services, Sales & Marketing, Occupancy, ADR, RevPAR and employee training and development.

Some feel our bond packages are too large. Some feel they are too small. If the decision was solely up to you, what would you have put on the 2012 Bond package?

What were the three most positive accomplishments for Corpus Christi in the past five years, and the three biggest failures in the same time frame. The three most positive accomplishments for Corpus Christi are the opening of Hurricane Alley Waterpark, demolishing the eye sore Memorial Coliseum on our beautiful bay front and the Schlitterbahn resort destination. The three biggest failures in the same time frame would be losing Whataburger Headquarters to San Antonio, losing the resort complex on the island and street maintenance.

What will be the biggest challenge facing the council and how do you intend to deal with it? The economy, to create more jobs for local people by increasing economic activity and investment, promoting technological growth and maximizing the use of our major assets including our vibrant city center. Crime, to reduce, disorder, and ant-social behavior while helping people to feel safer.

What is your vision for the City of Corpus Christi? What part of that vision can be reached in two years, five years, and ten years? Promoting equality and good relations are key to improving the quality of life for everyone in the city - making Corpus Christi a better place to live, work, socialise and do business. We want to make sure that fairness, equality and respect are at the heart of everything we do. These values are central to our policy making process and underpin all our activities.

What do you view as the area that is in most need of improvement on City Staff? Engineering department: Projects construction statuses for project funding

and

What do you view as the key Padre Island issues and what is your position on those issues?

Would you prefer to have the City Council elections in May or November and why? If you chose May, would you consider working with Council to get the elections moved back to May?

Corpus Christi streets need repair, I would want to see funding for constructing, reconstructing, restructuring and extending are streets.

Place the following items in order of importance to you as they affect our City and feel free to include an explanation. This will help us determine where you would allocate City resources: Increase Tourism More leisure/entertainment options Increase Economic Development Create Jobs Street Maintenance Improve City Staff Improve Education Crime Issues Water Issues Park Maintenance

One final comment to Island residents.

If you feel the same way that I do, that Corpus Christi truly is a great place to call home, I respectfully ask for you to consider voting for me for City Council At Large in November. I hope to represent you.

For the Complete questionnaire, visit

www.IslandUnitedPAC.com

Shellac S p eSpecial! cial B i k i Real Makes n i W aNails x $ 2Lasts Stronger, 5 . 0 0 Longer

s Pedicure...$20.00 s Manicure...$10.00 s Full Set from...$22.00 - $30.00 s Fill...$15.00 - $20.00 s European Facial...$40.00 In Big Shell Plaza on the Island NEW Around corner fromLOCATION! Subway Sandwich Shop

14457S.S.P.I.D. 14225 P. I. D.,Suite Suite109 7 Corpus Christi, TX 78418

Isle Mail N More Now inside Mail N More...

transparency,

• opening up lines of communication that make City Hall and city issues more understandable and accessible to all citizens

system, groundwater management, inflow.

John Garcia currently serves as a Embajador of the Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Corpus Christi Greater Hospitality Association.(Vice President, 2004) (HSMA Member of the Year 2004), Garcia also serves on the Harbor Lights Festival committee , John also accomplished a graduate, certification course from the prestigious Dale Carnegie.

The Island infrastructure of the water and sewer usage for Island residents primary source of the city’s water supply, the city’s reservoir

• bringing new energy

• building more credibility in City Hall

Age 36

Corpus Christi City’s hotel occupancy tax revenue increase, meaning more hotels downtown, dining and shopping attractions in the downtown district for visitors.

• Crime Issues

• attractions and assets to enhance quality of life for residents and visitors

Occupation: Director of Sales (hotel sales)

How do you plan to help the city grow its tax base?

• vibrant economy • an educated, qualified, skilled workforce

September 20, 2012

All your Packaging needs FedEx, UPS, USPS P.O. Boxes Local Artistry Gelato & Coffees Cards & Gifts (361) 949-9325 14493 S.P.I.D, Ste A Corpus Christi TX 78418

Costa Sur Cevicheria & Cafe

Try the Leche del Tigre Hangover Shot $2 Chef Nicolas Mackrizz 361-949-1989

361-558-4134 Lowest Summer Prices! Will Beat All Competitors! Drywall & Paint - Siding Replacement Soffit and Facia Repair - Windows & Doors Pressure Washing, Carpentry, Pergolas Deck Staining and Deck Repairs

And So Much More!

Small Jobs Welcome Island Resident 20 years experience SUPPORT ISLAND BUSINESSES!

Member Padre Island Business Association

Member Padre Island Rotary Club

September 20, 2012

Alicia Benavidez

Island Moon

Loeb Continued from A3

Adopt-A-Beach cont. from A1

in and the election becomes lost in the National and State elections. I imagine it will take a few election cycles for people to understand the differences.

The Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach program began in the fall of 1986, when 2,800 volunteers picked up 124 tons of trash. Since then, it has grown into one of the most successful all-volunteer efforts in the nation. In 26 years, 430,000 Adopt-A-Beach volunteers have picked up more than 8,300 tons of trash from the Texas Gulf Coast.

Some feel our bond packages are too large. Some feel they are too small. If the decision was solely up to you, what would you have put on the 2012 Bond package? I would have included Destination Bayfront and several additional street propositions so the voters would have a choice for us to make real progress on street reconstruction. The current Bond proposal while good doesn’t move us towards solving our street issues in anyone’s lifetime.

Place the following items in order of importance to you as they affect our City and feel free to include an explanation. This will help us determine where you would allocate City resources: Create Jobs, Increase Economic Development, Street Maintenance, Park Maintenance, More leisure/entertainment options, Improve City Staff, Improve Education, Crime Issues, Water issues, Increase Tourism. 1. Street Maintenance, Water issues, Crime Issues, Park Maintenance, Improve City Staff, Improve Education – These issues are the most important for a City Councilperson because they are the items that the city can directly control and when done well and inexpensively encourage private companies to invest thereby creating jobs and a better city. They are also issues that are difficult if not impossible for private business to affect without the city or other government agencies(in the case of education) being willing to invest first. 2. Create Jobs, Increase Economic Development, Increase Tourism – These issues are what improves when city does its’ job on basic services. They are also under the purview of Boards like the Economic Development Corporation, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and The Port of Corpus Christi which the Council funds. 3. More leisure/entertainment optionsare created by having more people and businesses spending money locally. The funding for them is directly proportional to overall spending in the economy.

One final comment to Island residents. I would appreciate your vote in this and future elections. If you have a question or concern about an issue you want addressed please get in touch with me by phone at 361-877-0474 or email davidloeb@live.com

Shell Oil Company is the statewide sponsor for the 26th Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup. Other sponsors include Apache Corporation, AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry LLC, Cheniere Energy, Halliburton and the Ocean Conservancy.

For more information about how you can get involved, call 1-877-TXCOAST or visit our Web site at www. texasadoptabeach.org.

Conquer cont. from A1 that, a lot of people wait until the last week to see what the weather is going to be like and then sign-up, if that’s the case we should have some really big numbers.” The forecast for Saturday is sunny with a high in the mid-80’s and ENE winds up to 10 mph. The 10-mile cruise, 25-mile ride and 65-mile ride all start at Whataburger Field. The 65-mile cyclists will get the race under way, starting at 7:30 a.m. and the ride will lead them over the Harbor Bridge-138 feet up high overlooking the Port of Corpus Christi, to Portland, through Ingleside, Aransas Pass and to the Port Aransas Ferry where riders may have a chance encounter with a dolphin or two and continue through Port Aransas and then Upper Padre Island and then to the breathtaking view of Ocean Drive and Corpus Christi Bay and back to Whataburger Field. In the past riders have begun to arrive on the Padre Island end of The Island by mid-morning and some roads will likely remain closed until early afternoon. To avoid the traffic as much as possible drivers should use the Aquarius Extension. The 10-mile cruise and 25-mile ride is just as captivating and rewarding with riders taking off at Whataburger Field riding toward Shoreline down Ocean Drive and back to Whataburger Field. Normally the event starts and finishes outside of Whataburger Field in the stadium parking lots, however, this year the event has a new twist. Riders will actually finish “inside” Whataburger Field and will get to take a victory lap around the stadium when they finish. Friends and family will enjoy the “stadium atmosphere” and the ability to cheer their riders on to victory all while listening to great music in a festival-type atmosphere. “Having the event finish inside Whataburger Field with all its amenities is going to be a great way for the cyclists to celebrate their ride,” said event co-chair Regina GarciaPosada. Proceeds generated by the 9th Annual Conquer the Coast benefit the Corpus Christi Chamber Foundation, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islander Athletic Fund, Corpus Christi Cycling Club, Corpus Christi Triathlon Club and Bikes for Kids. For more information, including registration, schedule and maps, visit, www.conquerthecoast.org. You also can stay up-to-date with the latest event information on Facebook and Twitter.

Island Police Blotter

Stolen Flower Pots, Wood Thieves, Carwashinator Collared! Carwashinator Caught!

The house had significant damage from the fire.

The driver who smashed his boat into the automatic car wash on SPID last month causing $120,000 in damage has been caught. An investigator for the car wash’s insurance company tracked the man down through the use of his credit card, which he used to pay for the car wash that went terribly wrong.

Corpus Christi Police blocked traffic on the 4300 block of Gertie at 3:00pm and asked two neighbors to leave their home as a safety precaution. The house was evaluated by the fire department, the gas department, and Corpus Christi Code Enforcement to determine any danger to the public.

If the fellow would have only hit the car wash once and called the number listed to report damage it would have been no foul. But because the man backed up and drive the center console of his boat into the overhead brace of the carwash it raises the offense to a felony. There is no word yet on his name or hometown, but those will be released after his felony case is taken before a Grand Jury in the next two weeks. The near future doesn’t bode well for the man we like to call… the Carwashinator!

Corpus Christi Police reopened the public rights of way on Gertie Street at 4:20pm to normal traffic. The 63-year-old woman was taken to the hospital by ambulance for treatment of injuries from the fire. No other person was injured.

Flower pots at Isle Mail N More The folks over Isle Mail N More and Costa Sur Cevicheria & Café are looking for their flower pots. The large flower pots disappeared last week after living in front of the building for months. They were heavy as they were filled with dirt and flowers and would have taken more than one person to move. So if you have seen them, please send them home.

Tortuga burners After several years of watching their wooden beach walk turn into firewood one stick at a time, the folks over at Tortuga Dunes on Zahn Road are taking action. Beachgoers have been slowly whittling away at the walkover and using it to fuel beach fire but now managers are placing a guard at the site to keep an eye on things.

National Night Out Tuesday, October 2, 5 pm to 9 pm The Corpus Christi Police Department and the Nueces County Sheriff’s Department and other local enforcement agencies will be celebrating the 29th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, October 2nd from 5 pm to 9 pm. This event will provide the public with the opportunity to interact with neighbors, police officers and strengthen public awareness in the community. This in turn will highlight the significant impact National Night Out has made by bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public in our fight against crime and drug prevention. And for those of you who are unable to participate, you can still show your support by maintaining your porch lights lit throughout the evening. So let’s make the call and register your event with our local coordinator Brenda Moreno at 886-2568 so our department can join in on your festivities. So let’s do our part in keeping Corpus Christi a safe place. Thank you for making National Night Out a success over the years.

House Explodes On Gertie Street Monday Afternoon Time to go smokeless Monday, September 17, 2 :54 p.m. 4329 Gertie Street A 63-year-old woman was injured when her home burst in fire on the 4300 block of Gertie Street at 2:54 Monday afternoon. The 63-year-old woman told emergency responders she lit a cigarette in her living room and the house burst into flames. Emergency crews believe the woman had a natural gas leak that ignited.

Pet Stabbed During Knife Attack Cat had alibi Henry Angeles 9/16/12, 04:02 am 904 S. Staples Aggravated Assault/Cruelty to an Animal

Officers were dispatched to the residence for a disturbance with a knife. The knife wielding suspect described as a Hispanic male wearing only a pair of brown shorts. Upon their arrival, Officers heard screaming and cursing from the apartment and observed Henry Angeles (01/30/65) swing a large kitchen towards the kitchen floor. At the same time Officers heard a whimper and thump as Angeles struck something behind the door.

Officers drew their weapons and ordered Angeles to drop the knife and walk out of the apartment. Angeles was handcuffed and detained. Further investigation revealed the homeowner and Angeles along with two other individuals were drinking in the home when an argument ensued. Angeles was asked to leave, but returned armed with a knife and proceeded to attack the homeowner and his sister. Angeles unable to physically attack the siblings injured the homeowner’s pit bull instead. The dog sustained a stab wound to his back and Animal Control was called to assist. Neither the homeowner, nor his sister were injured.

Angeles was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Cruelty to NonLivestock Animal. The Aggravated Assault is a Second Degree Felony punishable by up to twenty years in prison and a 10,000 fine, while the Animal Cruelty charge is a Class “A” Misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and $4,000 fine.

Police Calls 13500 SPID 2:16 a.m. Sept. 17 Public Intoxication 13300 block SPID 10:37 p.m. Sept. 12 Warrant 13000 block SPID 6 a.m. Sept. 17 Criminal mischief 13700 block Primavera 3 p.m. Sept. 13 Credit Card abuse 14300 block Aquarius 1:52 p.m. Sept. 7 Building fire 14200 block SPID 9 a.m. Sept. 13 Burglary of vehicle 14300 block SPID 10 p.m. Sept. 123 Credit Card abuse 14400 block SPID 1:40 p.m. Sept 14 Forgery 15400 block Cuttysark 10:57 a.m. Sept. 14 Fraudulent use of ID 14800 block Windward 7:54 p.m. Sept. 14 Public intoxication

Island Moon

A 6

Letters to the Editor Stock Picker Plunges

Moon,

School Moon,

Was paddle boarding this morning and came across this unfortunate scene. Thought you might be interested. Hopefully “Stock Picker” will see better days.

I enjoy spending time with my three-year-old son. I enjoy waking up and having him next to me every morning or having him come jump on me reminding me it’s morning and I need to wake up. I enjoy those moments with him every weekend, every July when he is not in school, and every morning before I have to take him to school. Yes, he is in school, at three-yearsold. Most children do not start actual school until they are either four or five-years-old. But Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School allows children under the age of four to attend their school.

Ray Trimmier P.S. I Love the Moon. You guys do a great job.

Snake at Packery Park While I’m on Facebook, who’s in charge of mowing that JUNGLE that’s growing at PACKERY PARK AND BOAT RAMP AREA ???? Man I saw a huge snake while down there fishing other day go right up into the picnic area ! Howard Odem

Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas

Woody’s Sports Center

Port A Outfitters

All Stripes Stores

Back Porch Bar

(Except the one next to the VFW where they throw them away)

The Flats Lounge

Sandpiper Condos Port Royal Condos Lisabellas Restaurant

Stripes (Cotter & Station) Gratitude Boutique The Gaff Bar Port A Glass Studio The Wild Horse Bar & Grill

Pioneer RV Park

The Tarpon Ice House

Snappy’s Convenient Store

North Padre

Kody’s Restaurant Beach Lodge Amano’s

All Stripes Stores

Miss K’s Catering & Bistro

CVS

Felder Gallery

Whataburger

Island Woman Boutique

Doc’s Restaurant

Neptune’s Retreat

Isle Mail N More

Stripes (361 & IA)

Island Italian

Moby Dick’s Restaurant

Ace Hardware

Snoopy’s Pier

Holiday Inn

IGA Food Store

Texas Star (Shell)

Carter Pharmacy San Juan’s Restaurant

Jesse’s Liquor Padre Isles Country Club

Wash Board Washateria

Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant

Port A Parks and Rec Port Chamber of Commerce Duckworth’s Antiques

Subway Island Tire

I was surprised to first learn about OLRCS and its entirety when my oldest son started attending there when he was just two-years-old. Back then OLRCS only went up to the age of five, but since the school has been expanding over the years, they now go up to Second Grade and start taking children as young as eighteenmonths-old. The Sisters who run this school, encourage parents to bring their children not only to start education at an early age, but to learn the teachings of the Lord and to live and love in the Lord as well. My son finds the school to be fun and even loves the food! Elizabeth

Solar Dale While I certainly appreciate reading Mary Lou White’s real estate column and the information on happenings in our real estate world, I wanted to write about her recent column regarding the solar energy system on the house on Whitecap. How Ironic that we approach this years presidential election whose outcome will have everything to do with our great nation reaching a once unthinkable economic crossroads. Some might ask what on earth this has to do with solar power and the answer is everything - everything that has anything to do with the continued cycle of unfettered government spending whether it be out of control entitlement programs, unjustified and uneconomic tax incentives and rebates or just plain old government waste.. Solar systems are no more economically justified than the windmills in Portland and Taft without benefit of huge federal tax rebates (30% ), state tax credits (not in Texas but in many states) utility rebates (which ultimately are born by the consumer) and local property tax abatements. I am reasonably confident that as a group Islanders would label themselves fairly fiscally conservative and would be quick to suggest ways to cut government spending. I also think that many of us take great umbrage at our governments involvement in General Motors and its forced attempts to build Volts at a recently reported cost of 85,000 cost per car - hence the huge government rebate if you purchase one.. We can’t as a society pick and choose our poison when the patient is hemorrhaging money at an unprecedented level - we have to stop the madness.

Packery Potholes

Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker

Office Lisa Towns

One resident wrote this account: “We of Victoria were startled by the apparitions presented by the sudden appearance of six hundred mounted Comanches in the immediate outskirts of the village.” The citizens of Victoria hid in the buildings, the town’s doctor was killed and the Comanches, after killing a dozen or so townspeople and riding up and down the streets departed Victoria when rifle fire from the buildings began to make the riding dangerous. The war party rounded up all the horses and mules they could find, said to number between two and three thousand head, then retired to Spring Creek at day’s end and killed a white settler and two black slaves before a group of Victoria men left for the Cuero Creek, Lavaca, and Gonzales settlements for help. The next day the Comanches killed a party of men returning to town, except for Jesse O. Wheeler and a companion, who reached safety.

The Linnville Raid It was at their camp, flush with the success of their raid, that the Comanches hit on the idea of raiding the town of Linnville which was named for John Joseph Linn, a merchant from Victoria who built a number of warehouses there in 1831. The next night they camped on Placido (now Placedo) Creek on the ranch of Plácido Benavides, about twelve miles from Linnville where two wagoners were intercepted, of whom one escaped and the other was killed. Three miles from Linnville the raiders killed two black men cutting hay.

and burned their town. They tied feather beds and bolts of cloth to their horses and dragged them about. They herded the cattle into pens and slaughtered them. For Judge John Hays it was more than he could bear. He grabbed a gun and waded into shallow water and began making threats. The Indians thought him crazy and left him alone and it was a good thing for the Judge because he later discovered the gun to be unloaded.

Linn for whom the town was named noted, “These the Indians made free with, and went dashing about the blazing village, amid their screeching squaws and `little Injuns,’ like demons in a drunken saturnalia, with Robinson’s hats on their heads and Robinson’s umbrellas bobbing about on every side like tipsy young balloons.”

After loading the plunder onto pack mules the raiders, attired in their booty, finally retired about 9 p.m. with some 3,000 horses and a number of captives, including Mrs. Watts, and encamped across the bayou.

Early on the morning of August 8 citizens of Linnville observed in the distance a cloud of dust which they supposed was caused by a vast caballada of horses they were expecting from Mexico for trade. The Comanches hid themselves on the sides of their horses and were completely concealed from the villagers until one thousand warriors suddenly revealed themselves and dashed into the town while many of the residents were still asleep. There was no time for resistance but the wary people of Linnville who had been the victims of smaller raids in the past were prepared to flee.

Twenty-three settlers are known to have been killed in the Victoria-Linnville raid, including eight blacks and one Mexican. There is some evidence that this raid also was part of a scheme among Mexican Centralists to punish the citizens of Victoria and Linnville for providing Mexican Federalists a port and site for the short-lived provisional government of the Republic of the Rio Grande. The captured horses and plunder were evidently later said to have been received by Centralist generals Valentín Canalizo and Adrián Woll and used in an invasion of Texas.

They knew that the Comanches were people of the plains and hills and did not like to venture upon a large body of open water, so they kept a small fleet of boats anchored just offshore. When the alarm was sounded the good people of Linnville, young and old male and female, dashed to the boats and put out to sea. The war hoops of the Comanche mingled with the screams of the dying as the mounted warriors killed as many fleeing villagers as they could during the rush to the water’s edge. Three villagers were killed immediately, including customs officer Hugh Oran Watts, who delayed his escape to retrieve a gold watch. His wife of only twenty-one days, Juliet Constance, was captured in the shallow water along with a black woman and child.

Victoria was able to rebuild since many of the downtown buildings had been unharmed. The Victoria battle is commemorated by an Historical Marker on De León Plaza in downtown Victoria near the site of the Round Top House, the fortified home of colonist Plácido Benavides, which served as an improvised citadel against the attack.

Umbrellas and top hats The town was well stocked with $300,000 in merchandise belonging to San Antonio merchant James Robinson which had just arrived by ship from New Orleans bound for the stores of San Antonio. Soon the Comanche horses were sporting long red streamers, and their riders attired in silk top hats and riding under the shade of umbrellas. The villagers watched helplessly from the boats and from a large schooner as the Comanches pillaged

In the weeks leading up to the Wednesday vote, PAC members expressed their views on a variety or topics ranging from streets, water, economic growth, and accountability at City Hall. However, the overriding subject that seemed to motivate voters was jobs.

Mike Ellis, Founder

Raeanne Reed

when the warriors rode into town.

But Linnville was done for. The site of Linnville is 3½ miles northeast of Port Lavaca on the bayfront, just off Farm Road 1090 in present Calhoun County where today there is an Historical Marker located behind a locked gate on private property.

The Comanches for their part started the long march back up the Guadalupe Valley encumbered by several thousand horses and mules and a large group of white captives. They had won the day and set out in their finery satisfied that their revenge had been met. But the Comanche’s strength lay in their quickness, their ability to hit and run before the Texans could organize and retaliate. In their lust to keep their spoils of war they forgot that. It would prove to be a fatal mistake.

Next issue: The Battle of Plum Creek.

Election Continued from A1

Who Are the Moon Monkeys

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Howard Ludlow

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Jan Park Rankin

September 20, 2012

These potholes at the entrance to South Packery are growing. It’s a real dodge hole game driving through there. It would be great if the city would fill them. Any Chance?

The audience asked candidates about the $90 million bond election which will also be on the November ballot. The only Island project on the $55 million portion of those bonds which can be passed without a tax increase is $1.2 million to improve the area known as Ernie’s Flats located just west of the JFK Causeway behind Doc’s Restaurant and Snoopy’s Pier. Island taxpayers make up only about 4% of the city’s population but bear about 14% of the city’s taxbase. That means if the entire $90 million is passed Islanders will owe about $13 million in return for only $1.2 million in projects. Adler told the group that the bonds will include an extra million dollars for the fire department which

will accommodate fire and police protection on The Island and could also mean a dedicated ambulance for The Island. It was also at Adler’s direction that the $1.2 million for the JFK area improvements was moved to the portion of the bonds which can be passed without a tax increase, increasing its chance for passage.

Also in the minds of Island voters were concerns about the quality of water in the Island canal system due to the high levels of bacteria being discharged from the Whitecap Wastewater Treatment Plant. State testing has found 20 cases of bacterial discharge from the plant since September of last year that in some cases are as high as 24,000 times maximum levels allowed under state law.

State inspectors test the discharge from the Whitewater plant at the end of each month, however, there is no regular testing done of bacteria levels in the canals themselves.

Rowan Shipman

Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Dr. Tom Dorrell Jay Gardner

GIFTS CERTIFICATES AVALIABLE

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Photographers Miles Merwin

Office Security/Spillage Control Riley P. Dog Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor Dale Rankin About the Island Moon The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher. Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses. News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office 15201 S P I D. Suite 250. For more information call 361-949-7700 or contact the Moon at 15201 S Padre Island Dr., Suite 250, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 or by e-mail to editor@islandmoon.com.

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September 20, 2012

Trash Talk

Island Moon

A Fine life

Mama Whiplash

from the Beach Cleanup Program of Island in the Son United Methodist Church

by Daphne Fine My six-year-old son walked into my bedroom, sprawled out on the bed, and let this loose without a single breath between sentences: “I love you sooooo much, Mom, but I love God the most, and all I know is I wanna be a smurf. Hey, I got a joke. Why did the armpit cross the road?”

Four bags of aluminum cans collected by one person on the beach, generally between Access Road 4 to Access Road 5, in only two months. These were saved from going into the Gulf and the trash, as they will be recycled. If this many were recovered in that small area, how many were washed into the Gulf?

Everyday items that washed back on shore after turtles and fish attempted to use them for food.

Items most dangerous to sea and shore life from trash picked up in one morning from Access Road 5 to Access Road 4. Remember, these items were picked out specifically - there was much more trash picked up that day.

like much, compared to the impressive Oak, but it is designed to hang on even against hurricaneforce winds. That’s what I call strong – firmly rooted but able to bend without breaking.

To be unbending is to lack humility, I think.

A mama could get whiplash just trying to keep up. (I promise I’m not making this up – I wrote it down so I wouldn’t forget, and promptly texted the grandparents.) In addition to keeping up with the mental acrobatics of the male kindergartener, currently I must also learn to respond to two female tweenagers, delicate creatures, with the emotional range of the Grand Canyon. The amount of flexibility required to be a mama is mind-boggling. I must parent each child individually, while equipping them to live, work and play harmoniously in the same 2000 square feet. Again…whiplash. Whiplash is basically defined as an injury to the neck caused by a sudden unnatural stretching. Sudden unnatural stretching – well that pretty much sums up motherhood from the get-go, huh? For me, the most severe cases of whiplash come when I am the most rigid. I have found myself to be too inflexible at times, even when the way I’m parenting isn’t working. There are certainly unchanging principles and convictions that hold my family together: our faith in God and commitments to one another. But when it comes to our relationships, flexibility is required, especially when the kids are going through a stretchy season. Some would say parents must remain unbending when faced with the winds of change. Instead, I believe flexibility reveals inner strength.

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For most of us mamas, pride quickly evaporates the moment we hold that first newborn in our arms and realize that control is an illusion. We can’t even keep our babies breathing through the night; much less control the outcome of their lives. And all the books, and all the experts, and all the experience in the world can sometimes get blown away in the storm while you’re hanging on for dear life and hoping not to be uprooted completely. One thing I’ve learned though, is that humility and flexibility are contagious in a home.

I frequently remember my parents saying to me, usually at a stretchy place in my life: “You are our first kiddo. We are learning on you. We may not get it right every time, but we love you, we’re doing our very best, and we think you’re turning out pretty good.”

Their honesty and humility drew me in, as humility almost always does, and it moved us forward to face the challenges of growing up together, with our relationship still very much intact.

So maybe the formula is: Humility + flexibility draw us together. Pride + whiplash break us apart.

You don’t have to look very far around here for a great example – the Palm tree. It may not look

I choose to be as the Palm tree. I may have a funny shape at the end of my life, having weathered my own share of storms. Maybe I’ll be half-lying, half-standing on the beach. But here I stand, firmly rooted and willing to bend and stretch to be the best mama I can be.

Island Tea Party Meeting Set for Thursday, September 20th

Cleanup at Aransas Wildlife Refuge September 29th

The Island Tea Party will host the At Large candidates for City Council. The meeting will be held at the Padre Isles Country Club at 6:00 on Thursday, September 20. The candidates will talk to us about their backgrounds and what they hope to accomplish as council members. Come early as seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. Get to know your candidates, November is almost here. Remember an educated voter is a good voter!

Help clean-up the shoreline of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge before the Whooping Cranes return. Volunteers leave from Rockport Harbor on “The Skimmer,” at 8:00 a.m. and return to the Harbor before 3:00 p.m. Boat capacity limits the number of volunteers to 35 people. We’d love to have the help of scouts, clubs, or schools! Volunteers should be in good physical condition - must be able to climb a ladder and work in warm temperatures and inclement weather. Free lunch and water bottles will be provided to all volunteers.

A NEW PATH TO PROGRESS … and it leads right through North Padre Island

As a candidate for city council at large, I believe we have to find new ways to bring success to all our residents and to all areas of our city. Today that new path to progress leads right through North Padre Island and like you, I am excited about the future for our city and for The ISLAND, which is becoming a catalyst for growing our local economy.

Chris Adler is small business owner, former public school teacher and a longtime civic and community leader who has lived in Corpus Christi for more than 40 years. She is well known for her work with community organizations and local and national charities.

Chris Adler will help unite Corpus Christi as its mayor. She will:

Develop a plan that will improve our tax base and economy. Help businesses create jobs by supporting strong economic development efforts. Represent all people and all geographic areas of the city to improve our quality of life in the best city in the country. Work to fix our streets and other basic city services. Develop a strong plan to ensure an adequate water supply for the future. Plan to improve quality of life issues that will bring new people to Corpus Christi

I am asking for your vote, and I want you to know that I will always listen to your concerns and your ideas. I want to work with you to ensure that The ISLAND reaches its full potential while remaining a great place to live and work. • Community and business leader • Graduate of King High School and Baylor University • Senior Manager for Public Aﬀairs at Valero ISSUES: • • • • • •

Improve and maintain community infrastructure, including streets Enhance public safety Continue to develop a longtime water supply Grow our tax base to keep taxes low Work with new and existing businesses to create jobs for Corpus Christi Build upon existing attractions and assets to enhance quality of life . As your city council member at large, I will be a good steward of your money. I came back to Corpus Christi when I graduated from college to be near my family and to work for the community that gave me so much. Now I am asking for your vote so I can continue serving our city.

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A 8

Island Moon

Activities at the Ethel Eyerly Senior Center

Gone Fishin’ Fall Fishing Begins!!!

Capt. Joey Farah (361)442_8145 Facebook: Farah’s Backwater Fishing Adventures As I roll out of town on my way North to Montana, I see the fresh Bull Tide streaming in the channel. All week incoming tides have rushed into the Lagoon pushing green water and signaling the game fish and schools of mullet to come towards the Mother Ocean. The

shallows and deep water looking for SWEET MEATS. Now that the streets, beaches, and bays have returned to under maximum seating capacity I see many more locals out fishing. Even a walk on the Jetties or an our at first and last light along the beach can free the mind and soul and produce some great catches. There is much more to fishing than catching the limit.

Bull Reds Live finger mullet fished in the second and third guts north of Packery Channel towards the State Park and South of Bob Hall Pier will set anglers in the zone for their trophy Red. When heavy surf conditions are present use a spider weight with bendable arms to catch into the sand, in calmer surf a pyramid weight is all you will need. A long leader of about three feet of 40 to 60 lb. mono instead Don’t forget about the DRUM! of metal will catch many Lots of drum in Baffin and the Landcut more fish. Sometimes try an assortment of bait on water will recede and bring with it a flood of different rods, crab, live and/or dead mullet, pin fish riding the tide out towards the beaches. perch, and cut ladyfish or skipjack works well Redfish have been streaming out of the Packery too. The high tide will often push fish closer Channel for the last few weeks in small schools. in sometimes in the first gut while a low tide draws them out sometimes too far for anglers on the beach to reach. During the lowest of tides get up on Bob Hall Pier and go towards the end. The Pier is a great place to observe other fishermen and learn different ways to rig and fish, most of the time people are friendly and eager to answer questions and tell you a fish tail or two.

The Croaker Run

This is what fall is all about, a great mixed harvest basket!!

September 20, 2012

The Packery Channel is and will continue to be infested with big Croaker and Whiting. These are some of the tastiest fish we have, I’d eat them before trout. Strong Currents pull back and forth in this area and turn the bite on. When there is no current its hard to get a bite, except from the Pin Perch. Shrimp in any fashion will only last a few seconds, Pin Perch will pick you clean. Use small hooks and small pinches of shrimp to catch a pin perch, then use SMALL pieces of cut perch to catch the Croakers and Whiting. Sometimes I cut a small piece of FISHBITES or GULP and put it on the hook with the cut bait for added attraction. There is not limit on size or numbers so when you take the kids there is a lot of “KEEPERS” for them to throw in the box and you to clean. The fillets are small and very tasty when crispy fried.

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Monday Silver Haired Fitness 10 am ($7 month, Ladies Only)

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Wednesday Silver Haired Fitness 10 am ($7 month, Ladies Only) AARP Chapter 4181 1 pm 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

Thursday Silver Life Fitness (Co-Ed) 11 am Zumba Wii Bowling 12:30 pm Quilting Guild 2nd Thursdays Starts 10 am

Friday Silver Haired Fitness 10 am ($7 month, Ladies Only) Table Tennis 12-5 pm Bingo 12:30 PM ($.50 Cards) Line Dancing 2 pm If you have questions and/or comments regarding “Senior Moments” please contact Dotson at the Email address shown above, or Phone 361-949-7681; Cell 530-748-8475

I have been enjoying success finding them in the Upper Lagoon and Baffin Bay, but these fish I’ll be back in a week, I’ll try to wet a line will soon be moving out towards the Gulf. For and catch a few Northern Trout when I’m not local anglers this signals the time to grab the surf rods and head out along the outer edge of stalking Elk and Deer. Get out and enjoy the the Island for some of the best beach fishing of start of our new Fall Season. the year. Big Bull Reds are not the only fish moving out with the tide and start of Fall, look for the Croaker and Whiting to be on Fire. Years ago the most popular time of year for fishing was the Fall, folks would flock down to the Coast to line area piers and jetties fishing for large Croakers on the annual “Croaker Run.” The Flounder have continued to gather in the Upper Laguna Madre’ and in the Land Cut. The fresh tide and large amount of daily tide action will help anglers hunt the edges of the channels This BIG RED we caught on live shrmp and popping cork in the and guts between the BADLANDS of BAFFIN

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September 20, 2012

Island Moon

A Fond Farewell

Stuff I Heard on the Island

by Dale Rankin

This story is about my friend Dan Cook. Those of you who lived in San Antonio from 19702005 have probably heard of Dan. He was a sport columnist for the Express-News and also the sportscaster for the CBS affiliate there, KENS.

At 10 Dan went on air and said, “Apparently there was some confusion about what I said about Jose Conseco’s contract during our 6 o’clock show. So in case anyone didn’t understand, what I said was ‘this $23 million deal makes Jose Canseco the richest Cuban in the country except a few drug dealers in Miami.”

Dan came from the Old School of sportscasters and writers in which the ink stained wretches who covered sports rubbed shoulders with the coaches and athletes and looked the other way when an alumni member slipped a $100 bill into the hands of the star halfback and who saw their jobs not so much to “cover” sports as to “promote’ them. Dan’s favorite quip about sportswriters, “too much gee whiz, not enough so what.”

Our News Director was an avid golfer and one day made the mistake of leaving his clubs in his office before he headed to the course. The temptation proved too good to resist and Dan swiped his putter. The next day a nasty note went up on the newsroom wall, “If I find out who stole my putter yesterday I’ll fire them on the spot,” or words to that effect. Dan of course had planned to replace the putter but now, instead taped a photo of said putter to the note with his own handwriten note, “It’s in my golf bag and I like it.” signed Dan Cook.

In my first job with the Express-News my office was located in the little spindle that sticks up from the top of the newspaper building and there were three tiny offices up there. I shared one with four other people, Dan had one of his own which he never used. He preferred the camaraderie of the newsroom so he gave me a key to his office which I soon learned was home to daily poker games during business hours. It’s hard for anyone to complain to the Editor that the writers are playing cards when they’re supposed to be working when the Editor is sitting in Dan’s office trying to draw to an inside straight.

Dan sent me

When I complained of the lack of decent watering holes in downtown Dan sent me to a place called the Commanders Room which stayed open all day and night. I knocked on the door in the wee hours and a little window opened, “Dan Cook sent me,” I said as I stood there looking like a fool and ready to turn and run. To my surprise they let me in and I found all the homicide detective that worked the same shift I did bellying up with many of the characters they had slapped cuffs on only hours before. “That jail was a booger, I need a drink.”

Rollin’ and tumblin’

A few years later Dan helped me get a job at the television station and the first week I was there he and I were pitching quarters against the wall of the News Director’s office while he was waiting to do the 10 p.m. show. The next day I got called to the News Director’s office and put on one week probation without pay.

I asked “Why?”

“You were pitching quarters in the newsroom while we were doing a live shot in here, everybody could see you. We got four calls asking us what you were doing because it looked like you were pitching quarters.” Apparently gambling during a liveshot is a TV no-no. Who knew?

“Well, I guess I’ll see you in a week,” I told Cook later and explained what had happened.

“Wait right here,” he said, and in ten minutes he was back.

“You’re still suspended but with pay,” he said. “You own me one.”

I spent a week in Acapulco courtesy of KENS TV and Dan. I soon figured out that Dan got a kick out of finding new ways to embarrass managers and he could get away with it because along with Chris Marrou he made up half of an anchor team that drew huge ratings and in that business ratings are king.

Richest Cuban in America

A few weeks later Dan went on the 6 p.m. show and said, “Jose Canseco today signed a fiveyear, $23.5 million deal which makes him the richest Cuban in the country except for a couple of drug dealers in Miami.” Needless to say the Cuban community in San Antonio – all three of them – called to complain and Dan was told he must “clarify” his statement in the 10 p.m. show.

That was the end of it.

The putter was never returned.

The Iron Claw One night Fritz Von Erich came on the late show and on live television clamped his famous Iron Claw on Dan on the set. He had Dan by the temples and was squeezing Dan’s head like an overripe pimple as Dan turned first red and then white until he looked like he was about to pass out. The floor crew was too busy laughing to help so Dan reached under the desk and put his own Iron Claw on Von Erich’s squishy parts and the match went to Dan.

Sarah Foote’s friends bid her a final farewell last Friday in Port Aransas with a bike parade down Alister over to the Marine Science Center which was one her favorite places to sit and think. Sarah passed away suddenly last week from a brain aneurysm. A memorial party was held at The Tarpon Ice House afterward. Sarah will be missed dearly. Photos by Miles Merwin

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Dan’s drive in When the family added a new child Dan turned his one-car garage into a den so he could add a bedroom. A few weeks later he came in after a late night poker game and forgot the garage was now a den and turned it back into a garage. When he called the repairman to fix it the repairman promptly called into a local sport talk show and spilled the beans. Dan’s response was to take the repair bill and trace the outline of a one-handed gesture that left little doubt about his feelings toward having his private business put on talk radio. He never heard back from the repairman.

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Briefcase surprise There were regular cases of station employees who were fired for all the same stupid reasons that people get fired in television all the time. Dan was known for chasing them into the parking lot and handing them a wad of $100 bills.

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“I started in this crazy business in order to raise $150 to buy Katie a washer and dryer,” he would say. “They’re paying me way more than I’m worth so you might as well have some.” Years later when I made the mistake of thinking I wanted to work in management I was involved in a trying to talk Dan out of one of his many attempts to retire. This time I had the distinct pleasure of going to the bank with two security guards and returning with a briefcase which they wanted me to handcuff to my wrist but I refused. We took it to the General Managers office where we opened it and showed Dan $100,000 in cash. I must say I was surprised at how little space $100,000 took up a briefcase, it was barely half full.

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Dan signed his new contract and walked out the door with $100,000 and some asked, “Shouldn’t he have a guard with him?”

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“That’s Dan Cook,” the GM said. “Who would steal from Dan?” Indeed. When they outlawed smoking in the newsroom Dan hung a sign on the Sport Office that said Smoking Area and his office became the nic room and ultimately it was the nic that got him. He passed away only a few months after he finally retired, a sportwriter to the end.

BIG REDUCTION!

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Island Moon

A 10

September 20, 2012

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New construction by Seaquist Homes. 4-2-2 on Punta Espada. Open floor plan, split bedrooms, landscaped front yard, builder’s warranty. Call Cheryl 563-0444.

Waterfront Townhome on Mingo Cay. 3-2.5-2 courtyard entrance. End unit. Tile down & carpet up. 2 covered patios, multi level decking. Cheryl 563-0444.

13969 Mainsail 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath upscale Energy Star compliant home with inground pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen and much more. $279,900. Call Cindy 549-5557.

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15422 Escapade 3/2/2 $189,900. 1600 sq.ft of living area. Granite countertops throughout. All tile floors, ss appliances, great location. Charlie 443-2499.

Open Sunday, Sept 16th 2‐5

Sale Pending!

Beautifully Updated 3-2-2 w/ multi purpose room. Split bedrooms. Gas stove. Tile & bamboo floors. Plantation shutters. Large backyard. Cheryl 5630444.

WOW! Check out this Carriage Park Townhome $95,000. Featuring 2 oversized bedrooms, updated kitchen appliances & granite counters. Terry 549-7703.

This two story home sits on over 1 acre of land. Water well with sprinkler system. Four bedrooms with four baths. 3 car garage. Two living & 2 eating areas. Call Terry Cox 549-7703. $388,500.

Open Sunday, Sept 16th 2‐5

This Padre Island home offers three bedrooms, 2.5 baths with 2 living areas and is located on 3 lots. Open floor plan with over 3300 sf. Covered patio, pool & more. Terry Cox $399,000.

Exciting 2-story with great interior lot location. It is on a huge lot with unlimited potential & surrounded by PVC fencing. Call Dorothy @ 563-8486.

Reduced Price 15713 Cuttysark 3/2.5/1 lovely Island home. Large yard with room for a pool. Call Laura Wallace (361) 815-2116.

14945 S. Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949‐2131 (877) 269‐2131

Lovely Flour Bluff 1-story home on 1.3 acre corner. Spacious 4/3/2 w/2 living & 2 dining. Circular drive & water well for yard. Call Pam Morgan 2158116. $349,700.

13853 Topsail $289,000 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 1756 sq.ft on a nice canal. Tile roof, rock front and back yard. Well maintained. Charlie 4432499.

Sale Pending!

New two story waterfront home located in Commodore’s Pointe. 3/2.5/2 with room for a pool. Two living areas, one up and one down. Call Terry Cox 549-7703.

722 St. Lucy $154,900 3/2.5/1. 1624 sq.ft of living area. 2 living areas. All bedrooms up. Nice landscaping. Above ground pool. Charlie 361-443-2499.

Open Sunday, Sept 16th 2‐5

www.rentpadreisland.com Superior Service, Outstanding Reputation since 1999 Looking for Professional Long Term Property Management Services? Our services include:  Tenant Qualifying  Collections of Rents  Coordinating Repairs & Maintenance  Professional Itemized Monthly Statements  Marketing/Advertising

New Construction by TwoSaam. 14126 Coquina Bay. 3/2/2 plus den/office. Granite countertops & tile floors throughout. $219,900. Charlie 443-2499.

13917 Primavera bring your decorating ideas, paint & flooring samples. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is waiting for the right person. $149,900. Cindy 549-5557.

Open Sunday, Sept 16th 2‐5

Looking for Long Term Rental Property? Below are some of our available rentals: 13518 King Phillip 3/2.5/1 $1600

Portofino #705 2/2 $1800 furnished

Las Palmas #302 3/3.5/2 $2100

15505 Palmira #A 3/2.5/2 $1600

Lakeshore Villas #24 2/2 $1250

Palm Bay #904 3/2.5/2 $1400

Leeward Isles #5204 2/2 $1200

13545 Catamaran stucco and tile waterfront home offers multilevel deck, boat lift, 2 living areas, 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths. $349,900. Call Cindy 549-5557.

3266 Roscher—zoned for horses, near 5 acres. 2 story home 3-2.52. Backs up to the Oso Bay, private beach, fishing pier, pool. Cheryl or Mary Lou.

121 Gulfstream $209,900 Beautiful 1st floor unit, ss appliances/granite countertop. Updated furnishings. Easy pool/beach access. Call Shonna 510-3445.

6th floor side/front unit-long veranda-great gulf viewimmaculate-newer appointments. Call Dorothy Ernst at 563-8486.

Sale Pending!

Mystic Harbor one bedroom corner unit on water. Canal access. Tropical pool. Hot tub. Security entrance. Sold furnished. Call Cheryl 563-0444.

15502 Gypsy unique, open and airy 3/2/2 home located across the street from Billish Park and within minutes of the beach and schools. $185,000. Cindy 549-5557.

13725 Eaglesnest Bay spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bath home w/ wonderful curb appeal, large covered veranda, boat lift & inground pool. $429,900. Cindy 549-5557.