La Voz de Esperanza - November 2011 by Esperanza Peace and Justice Center

a publication of the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center

November 2011 | Vol. 24 Issue 9

San Antonio, Tejas

Calaveras y Ofrendas 2011

La Voz de Esperanza November 2011 vol. 24 issue 8

Editor

Gloria A. Ramírez

Design

Monica V. Velásquez

Articles

Elliot Benjamin, Gary Houston, Pancho Valdez

Calaveristas

Francisco X. Alarcon, Lilia Aleman, Linda Arisméndez, Norma E. Cantú, Rocio Delgado, Sara De Turk, Armando Diaz, Frank P. Dominguez, Junelle Gambs, Dom González, N. Guzman, Rachel Jennings, Carlos Loredo, Ruben Moctezuma, Rogelio Smiley Rojas Moctezuma, Roxanne Martinez, Ruben Olague, Gloria A. Ramírez, Enrique Sánchez, Rosa Sánchez & Carlos Guerra, Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz, Monica Santaella, Blanca Vargas

his is our lucky 13th year of Calaveras y Ofrendas Literarias. Over 60 calavera poems were submitted in 2011with many from outside of San Antonio particularly from South Texas. The Calaveras have gotten more bilingual with some in English, some mixed, and many in Spanish, the original language of the Calaveras. I was invited to Dr. Norma Cantú’s class at UTSA to talk about Calaveras and was heartened to hear one young woman exclaim, “This is the first time I’ve written something entirely in Spanish.!” Super! Reclaiming traditions and language has been a very important part of my life and I’m glad young people are making an effort to reclaim both. Even though the Calaveras cover a wide variety of themes this year, perhaps, there will be a few more new Calaveras at the Convivencia entre vivos y muertos on November 1st at the Esperanza Rinconcito [see back page for info]. Many thanks to all of the 2011 Calaveristas especially to Mr. Enrique Sánchez [aka Don Calaveras] who has written verses for 13 years. Thanks, also, to the many profesoras/es that have taken time to write Calaveras throughout the years. I hope our annual November issue of Calaveras in La Voz de Esperanza continues to inspire people to place fingers to keyboard leaping forward with more Calaveras each year. See more calavera issues at www.esperanzacenter.org. See you all at Peace Market!

La Conga

“Uno, dos, y tres, que pasó tan chévere” Bailando y cantando llegó la muerte a San Anto. Traía antifaz para que no la reconocieran Sus presas: ¡A cargar con los anbiciosos, los que Buscan el poder para su propio bien! Todos, mujeres y hombres, que están causando La división y quizás la ruina del país.

Calavera Artwork

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Trina Bacon, David González, Amanda Haas, Stella Marroquin, MeLissa López, Ernest Martinez & Sherri Acevedo, Jose G. Posada, Jess Rivera, Mary Agnes Rodriguez, Elsa C. Ruiz, Rita E. UrquijoRuiz, Liliana Wilson, Philip Lumbang & Ernesto Yerena

La Voz Mail Collective Alice Canestaro, Sara DeTurk, Robert G., Juanita Gallardo, Araceli Herrera, Gina Lee, Julio Lopez, Ray McDonald, Maria Medellin, Juana Hilda Ruiz, Ines Valdez

Esperanza Director Graciela I. Sánchez

Esperanza Staff

Imelda Arismendez, Verónica Castillo, Jessica O. Guerrero, Amanda Haas, Monica V. Velásquez

Conjunto de Nepantleras -Esperanza Board of Directors-

Brenda Davis, Jessica O. Guerrero, Araceli Herrera, Rachel Jennings, Amy Kastely, Kamala Platt, Ana Ramírez, Gloria A. Ramírez, Rudy Rosales, Nadine Saliba, Graciela Sánchez • We advocate for a wide variety of social, economic & environmental justice issues. • Opinions expressed in La Voz are not necessarily those of the Esperanza Center.

La Voz de Esperanza

is a publication of The Esperanza Peace & Justice Center 922 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78212 (on the corner of Evergreen Street)

210.228.0201 • fax 210.228.0000 www.esperanzacenter.org Inquiries/articles can be sent to:

lavoz@esperanzacenter.org Articles due by the 8th of each month

–Enrique Sánchez

on esta edición

de La Voz de Esperanza cumplimos trece años publicando Calaveras y Ofrendas Literaras en noviembre. He recibido Calaveras de todas partes y me da gusto ver especialmente las que recibimos del sur de Tejas éste año. Las calaveras de 2011 son bilingües con varias en Ingles, algunas mezcladas y muchas en la lengua tradicional de calaveras, Español. Hice una presentación a la clase de Dra. Norma Cantú de UTSA sobre Calaveras y me agradó mucho al oir una joven que exclamó, “¡Está es la primera vez que escribo algo en Español!” Recobrando nuestras tradiciones y mi lengua ha sido una meta que sigo logrando y me da mucho gusto ver que hay jovenes que tambien reconocen el valor de recobrar nuestras tradiciones y lenguaje. Aunque las temas de las Calaveras de 2011 son diversas quizás escucharemos otras nuevas en la celebración, Convivencia entre vivos y muertos, el 1 de noviembre en el Rinconcito de Esperanza (vea la última pagina para informarse). Muchisimas gracias a todas/os las/os calaveristas especialmente a las/os que han sido tan fiel por 13 años como Sr. Enrique Sánchez [Don Calaveras] y las/ os profesores que han escrito tantas Calaveras todos estos años. Espero que esta edición inspire mas gente y que se atreven de dar un salto al mundo de Calaveras. Para revisar otras calaveras de La Voz de Esperanza en años pasados, visiten www.esperanzacenter. org. ¡Nos vemos en el Mercado de Paz! –Gloria A. Ramirez ATTENTION VOZ READERS: If you have a correction you want to make on your mailing label please send it in to lavoz@esperanzacenter.org. If you do not wish to continue on the mailing list for whatever reason please notify us as well. La Voz is provided as a courtesy to people on the mailing list of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. The subscription rate is $30 per year. The cost of producing and mailing La Voz has substantially increased and we need your help to keep it afloat. To help, send in your subscriptions, sign up as a monthly donor, or send in a donation to the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. Thank you. -GAR • We advocate for a wide variety of social, economic & environmental justice issues. • Opinions expressed in La Voz are not necessarily those of the Esperanza Center. Policy Statements * We ask that articles be visionary, progressive, instructive & thoughtful. Submissions must be literate & critical; not sexist, racist, homophobic, violent, or oppressive & may be edited for length. * All letters in response to Esperanza activities or articles in La Voz will be considered for publication. Letters with intent to slander individuals or groups will not be published. The Esperanza Center is funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts, Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, the NEA, theFund, The Kerry Lobel & Marta Drury Fund of Horizon’s Foundation, Coyote Phoenix, Movement Strategy Center Fund, Peggy Meyerhoff Pearlstone Foundation y nuestra buena gente.

Literary Ofrendas

Concepción Olivo Elizarde

November 14, 1920 - September 20, 2011 Dedication to ‘ama by Margarita Elizarde Olivo occasions I would continuously probe our mother in an effort to get her to share with me what it was like for her growing up in the Rio Grande Valley. She would often remark:

I have chosen today to tell our mother Conchita Olivo Elizarde’s story through her voice. It is a voice that resonates deep in my bones and my heart. Her voice full of consejos de la vida de sus antepasados is a voice whose philosophy is grounded from the rich corn goodness from which she made her tortillas to feed her family. Today as I speak of our mother’s life keep in mind that her own unique tale is also similar to the countless mexicanas of her generation who struggled daily to put food on the table to feed their families. These women are the unsung heroes of our lives whose stories need to be told, sang, danced and celebrated. As Gloria Anzaldúa, feminist poet and writer, had often said, “We literally used their backs as bridges to move forward in our own lives”. Therefore, I feel that if I could put down everything that I and my siblings have done for our mother it would not even fit on a tiny kernel of corn. Our debt to our parents is as vast as the universe. Our mother Concepción Olivo Elizarde was born on November 20th 1920 in the Fair Park area of Harlingen, Texas to Manuela Saldaña and Jose Olivo. The harshness of the semi-arid landscape was clearly reflected in our mother’s young life. On many

Even though the conditions surrounding our mother’s childhood were at times bleak and painful, the biggest thorn in her life was not having to work in the fields but having to quit school at the age of ten. The value that she placed on education was immeasurable. Like any other human being our mother had dreams and aspirations of attending college and studying to become a teacher or a nurse. Unfortunately, those lofty goals were squashed at a very early age. In her words of wisdom gained by life’s circumstances she stated: “Yo nunca pude terminar la escuela. Tu papá grande nos sacaba de la escuela temprano para ir a trabajar. Como deseaba tomar los exámenes que nos daban al final del año. Pero no se pudo… Por eso quiero que mis hijos se eduquen, especialmente quiero que mis hijas consigan una carrera para que no vayan a depender de un hombre. Tan poco quiero verlas en welfer. Acuerdate que tu madre carga este morral lleno de Avon para que ustédes no tengan que trabajar tan duro como yo tuve”. When I contemplate on our mother, our nana, the image that comes into my mind are those portraits of Indian goddesses with multiple hands and arms. With one hand my mother cut leña or firewood, with the other hand she roped a small calf and milked cows. She was as skilled holding a machete as she was embroidering a baby’s blanket. The first one to awaken in the morning and the last one to retire at night, our mother’s selfless life was purely motivated by love and compassion for others.

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remember

a moment in time when I’m 15 years old arriving home from school. I still hear the screen door shut loudly behind me as I enter our humble casita announcing, “Ama ya llegue de la escuela. Bueno, mija, dale gracias a Dios que ya llegastes”.

“No me gusta hablar mucho de mi niñez. Lo que si te voy a decir es que yo no tuve madre o padre. Mamá murio cuando tuve diez años y mi papá se iba embezes por meses.. Nos dejaba solos. Por esa razón tuve que comenzar a trabajar en los labores piscando algodón, betabel, zanahoria, pepino, papas y muchas otras verduras. Trabajamos en el santo sol como mulas, levantandonos a las cinco de la mañana. Mis manos en veces me sangriaban. Pero, si no trabajabamos no comiamos. Esa era mi realidad cuando yo era niña”.

Literary Ofrendas The deeper lessons of our mother’s life are clearly reflected in her work as a Mother, grandmother, farmworker, domestic worker, ranchera, Sunday school teacher, cannery worker, Avon Lady, Guadalupana, Eucharist Minister, sister, friend, aunt and visionary. The stories are too numerous to relate all of them but there is one story that I would like to share. Everyone in our community knows

esposo que les ayuden, como las cantineras. No las vayas a juzgar, mija. De todas las mujeres, son ellas las que admiro más porque mantienen sus casas muy limpias y sus hijos son muy obedientes. Cuando llego a sus casas sus niños corren para servirme el vaso de agua o una limonada sin que tengan que mandarlos sus madres”. I guess its better late than never, but I want to thank all the women from the Bonita Park neighborhood and the surrounding areas for helping my mother fulfill her dream. It is you who symbolically represent our mother’s Avon lady bottles that were awarded to her for her hard work.

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As a child I would often watch my mother intently and wonder to myself where did she get such an indomitable strength of spirit? She would carry these huge sacks of grain on her back that made her look larger than life. Our mother definitely did not possess soft feminine qualities like the other women from our neighborhood. Her hands had a rough texture como los costales de cirre. Physically, yes, our mother was very strong. But physical strength alone will not provide one with all of the life skills needed in order to survive. Our mother had to rely on her faith in God. Very early in life she began to cultivate her faith. In a recent dialogue she shared this intimate picture with me.

that our mother worked as an Avon lady for over 20 years. Her dedication and commitment towards the women she served went beyond merely selling perfume and hand lotions. Through her work as an Avon lady our mother administered to las mujeres de Bonita Park and surrounding areas by providing counseling and much needed emotional support as they struggled through life’s challenges. To be honest with you I didn’t always understand this as a child until one day after waiting for her in the car for hours and hours, I complained about the long wait I had to endure when she finally did appear. In a voice full of exasperation our mother conveyed the following to my deeper understanding: “Ay, mija tu no sabes los problemas que tienen mis marchantas. No tienen nadie con quien desahogarse. Se paran en la puerta anciosas esperando mi llegada. Algunas tienen dificultades con sus hijos. Otras, me vienen con sus problemas matrimoniales. Y, yo tengo una obligación de ayudarles porque son ellas las que me compran el avon para que yo pueda ayudarles a ustedes. Y, ademas, quiero que entiendas otra cosa muy importante. Ustedes siquiera tienen una madre y un padre que jalan duro para que se eduquen. Muchas de estas mujeres no tienen

“Mija, yo comenze muy temprano en mi vida con mucha devoción a mi iglesia. No tenia nadie que me diera la mano o para guirarme para hacer mi primera comunión. Yo hice mi primera comunión muy tarde; yo voy a decir a los trece o cartoce años de edad. Yo vi que mi tía Maria estaba preparando sus hijas para que la hicieran y eso me animó a mi para hacerla. Yo, sola, fui con el padrecito para que me dejara hacerla. El me dio los rezos para que los aprendiera y yo misma me aparte unos zapatos blanco y me compre una falda blanca”. Through her faith, our mother gave her children the greatest gift of all. What I have learned is that when one truly has a personal relationship with the Creator then one does not need to rely on drugs or alcohol or even people to get through the storms of life. Your faith in your higher power is your gateway towards living a healthy happy life. All the major religions teach that if we rely on material goods to help us get through life, then we are doomed for failure. And finally we call upon the ancestors. They are waiting to embrace and guide our Mother Conchita Olivo Elizarde to her final resting place in heaven to be with God. People begin calling the ancestors…… Mija.. Si, ’Ama. Ya llegue. Bueno ’Ama, dale gracias a Dios que ya llegastes. Bio: Margarita Elizarde is a retired bilingual elementary school educator and Esperanza Peace & Justice Center buena gente.

Literary Ofrendas

Franco

Ontiveros July 6, 1959 - October 4, 2011

October 4th, by early morning San Quilmas began its mourning For a beloved cultural guerrero that would not rise con el sol Leaving us so many regalos as pastries filled with pedacitos of his soul Let the rainbow flag fly at half mast Let us relish in the rich memories of his illustrious past

Franco’s poster signed by Dolores Huerta that he carried at ma rches and rallies.

-Rodney Garza

Pulquerio Silva May 29, 1933 - October 9, 2011

The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center staff, board and Buena gente extend sincere condolences to the Pulquerio Silva family. Mr. Silva graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1951 joining the U.S. Air Force, thereafter. He retired after 20 years of service and worked almost 20 years more for USAA in printing services. He and his wife, Beatrice, owned a floral/wedding business. An avid dancer, he was never idle and preferred to be fixing things. Pulquerio’s art gallery and store located in the King William area was named after him. Special hugs to Eugenia Silva Murguia, Pulquerio’s daughter who has been a longtime vendor at the Esperanza’s Peace Market.

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FRANCO Friend….until el mero end and into the great beyond that Camarada-derie will extend Ready to lend a helping hand….with loyalty that wouldn’t bend Artista who made his mark as a teatrista pacifista who walked the walk as a marching activista Nunca olvidaremos that you had game as a master mentiroso and many times upon el stage you were mas que medio chistoso Chicano Pride was clear in your politics and arte with countless hours you volunteered, you did way more than your parte Original… there will be only one quite like you we’ll carry your laughter in our corazón con HIGH hope it helps us carry thru VAMOS Franco, Si Se Pudo!

Literary Ofrendas Dedicación a mi mamá,

Vidal Trujillo by Deena González

A Mi Abuelita,

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Carolina S. Ramírez

Entro la calaca muy fria Estabas en la cocina Oliendo los frijoles y pollo con arroz pensó, qué rico, y lo queria Saltaste pa’ tras en sorpresa Para verla, la calaca era una amiga bien vestida y lista para la fiesta Preguntó estás lista? Le respondiste pa’ tras Y, ¿Tú, estás lista? Pos no, primero la comida y después, la caminada final

Vidal Trujillo González (Lala) left this world for eternal rest on January 13, 2005. She is remembered by her husband of over 50 years, Santiago González who continues to live on their farm in New Mexico with their son, Benjamin. Lala, graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1944 at a time when few Latinas even dreamed of a college education and was an inspiration to her two daughters, Rita and Deena. If that was not enough to inspire her children, she left New Mexico on her own after graduating to live and work in New York City with the Office of International Education. Upon returning home to New Mexico, she married and stayed home to raise her three children. Later, she taught in the public schools being an avid practitioner of bilingual education long before it was acceptable. Vidal loved all that life offered her and continues to be part of many lives, today.

–Jacob C. Jimenez, UTSA

Guillermo Escott González September 30, 1924 - September 20, 2011

The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center staff, board and Buena gente extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Guillermo Escott González, grandfather of staff member, Monica Velásquez. Guillermo was born on September 30, 1924 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. He is survived by his wife Victoria F. González, 8 children, 18 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and the family Chihuahua. As a young man in México he was known as the boxer, Baby González. At 25 years of age, he moved to the U.S. where he met his wife, Victoria and settled in the Westside of San Antonio working as a printer at Munguia Printers. He retired to his front porch enjoying a daily cigar and puttering in his backyard cuartito. He was much loved and will be missed by his family and community.

Literary Ofrendas La Fiesta de los muertos El día de los muertos llegó con una gran celebración. Los muertos se levantaron para participar en los festivos. Vamos a ponernos bien locos tomando tequila toda la noche. ¡Bienvenidos, los que celebran con nosotros! Los espiritos de los muertos vienen a divertirse una vez más. Les daremos amor, diversión y paz . . . –MeLissa López, UTSA

Steve Jobs paso por este mundo Porque se murió? Me pregunto Todavía no terminó el iPhone 5 Pero los mobs de fans van a orar a los santos Ojalá que a los ángeles Les guste platicar en el iPhone5! –Rosie Arisméndez & Aimee Jonas, UTSA

Holiday Calavera for the Guerras

–Susan Guerra

de Ricardo street; Prospect Hill, Edgewood loop and Oriole lane, the North side. Holidays. When everyone was alive we had expectations for something. Now we can be grateful for everything. Family. Far and near. –Susan Guerra, Chicana in Norway –Ernest Martínez & Sherri Acevedo

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Tribute to Steve Jobs

Literary Ofrendas

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9•

ccording to my ancient ancestors, the Mexicas, if you are chosen to be loved by a particular tree, then that love is the greatest love there is. Why? Because it is a love that is boundless, timeless and filled with a tenacious spirit deeply rooted in the Earth’s soil. In his book, “Secrets of Mayan Science/Religion”, Hunbatz Men, a Mayan Daykeeper and respected ceremonial leader, also reveals that the Mayans and other indigenous groups of The Americas also recognized trees as being companions and relatives to human beings. He further states that trees also possess psychic and intelligent faculties similar to human beings. Finally, for the Mayan, trees govern our spiritual and physical development as we progress through our Earth walk. And, indeed, there was such a tree who embraced our beloved teacher, Salvador De La Rosa, as his kindred spirit. It was a tree who never faltered in her loyalty and I believe helped our teacher to maintain his rootedness through the highs and lows of his life. Who knows how long the Mesquite tree had been there firmly planted on the southwest corner of the pavilion where we diligently practiced Tai Chi? A hundred years, perhaps? Certainly, its enormous trunk had born countless seeds and spoke of an indomitable spirit that had weathered countless storms and droughts. Sometimes, I noticed el mesquite and its vibrant green leaves and I silently sent her thanks for the oxygen she provided but most of the time, she was a silent witness to our shortcomings as we practiced Tai Chi forms. She seemed to say, “Don’t forget to breathe from your dantien”. And she might have even laughed a few times as we attempted to develop deep roots by standing centered and motionless like herself. Then finally, on that fateful day of August 27th, I arrived at our Tai Chi class ten minutes early. Tony, the senior disciple, was busy helping Tomoyo with her long pole exercises. I looked to my right and there was the wise tree completely fallen from the base of its trunk. Only its roots remained intact. Even though the tree had completely surrendered, it was still vibrant and teeming with life like the green tea our teacher often drank. I thought to myself if the roots are left, she will surely be able to regenerate herself. Suddenly a soft wave of grief washed over my body as I was trying to adjust myself to the spaciousness created by the fallen tree and our teacher. They were eternally linked! One and the same. As I was trying to adjust myself to the emptiness left by the tree and our teacher, Tony, called to begin the preliminary exercises. Slowly we began to move our stiff bodies. The morning sun promised another day of 100 degree temperatures. The atmosphere

was quiet and oppressive. I kept thinking that if only our teacher were present he would break the seriousness of the morning with his Tex-Mex jokes and his gentle teasing. And I must admit that sometimes my motivation for attending class was more to practice tai chi laughter than Chen style tai-chi. As we were completing our exercises, a family approached our class. Tony was going to have to move the class outside of the pavilion space to an area surrounded by a canopy of trees. The family was planning a birthday celebration and had previously rented the space. As we quickly moved to the area, Tony reminded us that the best thing we could do for Teacher was to practice the form. He then carefully began his instruction with the tai chi ball. Our concentration seemed to deepen and stabilize us. We had just finished the exercises when Joyce suddenly appeared. Her eyes reflected a hollow sadness rarely seen in her. Everyone knew she was helping to care for our Teacher. She asked Tony if he could be so kind as to read a letter from our Teacher addressed to his students. Tony humbly complied. He began reading our teacher’s words. They had a sharpness and clarity to them only unmatched by his straight sword routines: “Dear students, my overall strength is deteriorating, especially in my legs… Soon, I will be joined in Heaven with my loved ones. I want all of you to have a huge celebration in my honor”. A deep well of rain began to pour out of everybody’s eyes. Their tears could have stopped this horrific drought. I, myself, could not cry. Instead, a defensive wall of thick grief surrounded my heart. It felt like I had a tai chi ball on my chest. No! I shouted in my mind, to teacher. Your chi is as strong as the tree’s. Surely, you will be able to regenerate yourself like mesquite trees are known to do. You have never lost your root. But as the class came to a close that morning and I went back to my car to begin the long drive home, my body knew something different. A waterfall of tears cleansed and soothed the physical separateness and pain created by the tree and my beloved teacher. The only thing that was left was a vast space with no beginning, no end; encompassing all, yet nothing. I finally understood what the mesquite tree was trying to teach me. Soon death would overtake our teacher but his tai chi legacy would live on. And most important his love and compassion lives eternally in each one of us. He is us. We are him. QUE VIVA MU-CHEN!!!!!!!!!! Bio: Margarita Elizarde Olivo is a retired bilingual elementary

school educator and Esperanza buena gente.

–Liliana Wilson | www.lilianawilson.com

Oom-pah-pah, Oom-pah-pah, Oom-pah! Es tiempo de calaveras A ver a quién le toca La calaca recoge a todos Sean gente o sean fieras

Un Malentendido Pobrecita la Calavera Es un malentendido En un tiempo era bella Su cabeza llena de pelo negro que brillaba Como un cielo negro lleno de estrellas Sus ojos llenos de advertencia y curiosidad Llenos de lágrimas causadas por eventos en la vida Sus labios sexuales, rojos como la sangre Que corría por sus venas Su cara de gozo llena Su cara de tristeza llena Expresiones que nunca jamás logrará Nada más un malentendido quedo Una expresión de un grito Largo y solitario Escucharlo nadie puede Pobrecita la calavera Es nada más que un malentendido –Linda Arismendez

Para Choco… Choco, Choco, mi Choquito, Quedate otro ratito Dile a la muerte tan fria Que no es tiempo todavia Eres mi gran compania Y sin ti, triste estaría Mis lagrimas has enjuagado No creas que lo he olvidado Juntas reimos y jugamos Y a crecer nos enseñamos Cada cosa que pasamos y siempre lo superamos Muerte cruel, muerte malvada No te lleves a mi fiel gordita amada.

–Rocio Delgado

Oom-pah-pah, Oom-pah-pah, Oom-pah! Time for poems of death and dying We shall play with your lives in verse Let’s see whose left in graves a lying Neither beast nor folk escape the curse –Gloria A. Ramirez

Vieja Tenebrosa

Eres una vieja tenebrosa Que se siente muy picosa Por eso eres atrevida Pero a ti no te doy mi vida Tampoco te daré mis huesos Ni siquiera yo, mis besos Es que tus abrazos Llevan intención fría Y eso a mí no me da carrilla Si quieres una costilla A otro pilla Búscate al que perdió su silla Para que te acompañe ese otro a tu obscura villa Y ahí que te bese y abraze A mí ni envidia, ni coraje Y aunque me peles el diente Yo te dejo de pendiente Que te busques a otro conejo viejo y le quites tu ratera Toda su calavera –Monica Santaella

La Voz Yo sé que tienes la intención De quitarme de comisión Y te haces la mensa Pero te acuso en La Voz de ésta prensa Que quieres robarte tú mi trenza Tú a mí no me haces daño Así que vete mucho al caño –Monica Santaella

A mi madre... Cocinaba Doña Dora Mientras la muerte rondaba No imaginó la señora Que era a ella a quien buscaba

El heart attack ya le dió Y al hospital la llevó De Charlie se despidió Y todo el mundo lloró

Dorita, mi mamacita, Corrió con bastante suerte Pues no contaba la parca Con mujerona tán fuerte

No sabía la huesuda Que no existe en ningún lado Mujeres tan testarudas Como las mismas Delgado

Cuídate Dora Luz Le sugirió la pelona Y procura descansar O te vuelvo a visitar Y esta vez, hablando en serio, Te llevaré al cementerio –Ernesto Yerena & Philip Lumbang

–Rocio Delgado

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Ha as

Ay! Mi chatita blanca que por lo menos dejaste a aquellos peques crecer teniendolos como tú, paralelos para siempre no me dejarán de ver.

–A ma nd a

It’s time for the test, But -- I don’t have a pencil The professor says, “don’t worry, the test is online” Just be sure to finish --before it’s your time.

Texas A&M @ Kingsville La muerte llegó a TAMUK a todos se los llevó para que tomaran clases en un panteón los dejó la Universidad luce triste solo quedaron sus ruinas pues con ella se llevó

– Blanca Vargas, TAMUK

Que en paz descansen Las que se adelantaron Todavía quedan dos Una es monja –David González y la otra, oí que decían, que era curandera tal vez, pero yo no se Las tías ¿Que sería nuestras vidas sin ellas? Con unas íbamos a jugar “bingo” Con otra a caminar por su salud Con las que estaban - jugábamos “chalupa” por las noches Aun que se enojaban por que una se las ‘echaba’ A veces las acompañábamos a sus trabajos Una limpiaba casas y otra la oficina de medico Ese que por todo te daba inyecciones Otra, limpiaba la iglesia metodista (la de los gringos) Con la monja – cuando visitaba– teníamos que ir a misa Y nos recordaba, que necesitamos que continuar a rezar Ya que no sabemos cuándo nos va tocar

también a sus javelinas. La muerte no perdonó tampoco al Dr. Ekiaka quien ahora ya descansa abrazando a la calaca.

-Blanca Vargas, TAMUK

La Dr. Guzmán

Las tías

– N. Guzmán, TAMUK

Hay que ser muy campechano para escribir Calaveras sobre todos: son dedicadas a los Políticos y a poderosos que aspiran el hueso: ¡De veras! Aquí en Tejas está Riche, Hombre demasiado contencioso, quiere ser presidente. Las paquidermos adinerados han contribuido Unos cuantos milloncitos pa’ que esté bien Preparado pa’l año entrante. Dice el dicho y dice bien, “El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta.” Doña espiritiflautica (calacas) Lo está tanteando y al chico rato cae Riche. Campechano, franco, dispuesto para cualquier broma o diversión Contencioso––dícese del que por costumbre disputa o contradice todo lo que otros afirman Paquidermo––dícese del mamífero. De piel muy gruesa y dura como el elefante y el sabal!

The books they rent They read them on kindle They read them with a nook Or an e-book app

- Rubén Olague, TAMUK –Enrique Sánchez

They arrive late to class and leave in a hurry They are so busy with their devices They forget their advisors

Mira, mi fiel paralela aunque te traigo pegada imposible de sustraer dame un último deseo no es mucho, lo quiero ver

–Paul Corio

retumben por todos lados estaremos más seguros cuando no haya más soldados

!Ay! Compañera de azucar Esperarte es como la muerte como soñar que no llegues si al final deberás tenerme.

Y se lo llevó arrastrando por todita la nación cada persona escupiendo su cuerpo en descomposición

–Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz

Cuando me toques la puerta sonriendo te recibiré lo que pido es que no la riegues y no vayas a querer que en la despedida cruda mis hijos te vayan a ver.

!Ay! Mi chatita blanca A veces quisiera tenerte más cerca, pero más lejos y no puedo detenerte.

Los estudiantes

Doña Catrina ya dijo alístate Calderón has causado tanto daño que te llevo hasta el panteón

Mi Chatita

La Dr. Guzmán estaba apurada por entrar a su clase virtual cuando de repente la huesuda la sorprendio usando el Skype.

Mi clase es por video- dijo Guzmán Yo no quiero para viajar al mas allá Yo no puedo abandonar mi clase debe continuar hay muchos trabajos por revisar. ni tu me detendrás porque ellos se deben graduar. Los pupilos aterrados se pusieron a rezar por el alma de Guzmán.

La muerte se llevó a Guzmán ni los rezos de su familia la pudo salvar la muerte advirtio: mi trabajo debo acabar primero es Guzmán, nadie se va a salvar al rato regreso por los demas. – Armando Diaz, TAMUK

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9•

Denial

Arizona

The mercury keeps going higher and half of the state is on fire. Up north they’re complaining it just keeps on raining but in Texas it keeps getting drier.

El estado de arizona Muy callado through the streets Mi jente esta de luto Its time to get on our feet Su cadaver va llegando Al paraje sin retorno Ay que parar el desmadre Antes que llegemos al ondo

Droughts, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes from Philadelphia to Laredo: they just keep on forming; is it global warming? That’s not the Republicans’ credo.

–Rosa Sánchez & Carlo Guerra, UTSA

No habrá más celebración

“That climate change is just a theory,” say politicians when they’re queried. The weather is eerie, but these folks are leery; their rhetoric’s making me weary.

Septiembre el mes de la patria conlleva mucha emoción mexicanos dan el grito y exaltan a su nación Pero llega Calderón con su “guerra anti-drogas” ya no hay más celebración cuarenta mil madres lloran

–Ernesto Yerena & Philip Lumbang | hechoconganas.bigcartel.com

No te dejes morir, Te avergüenzas de tu México, Pero México corre por tu sangre.

A diario miles de muertes ocasiona su reinado tantos son los inocentes que temen a hombres armados

Dices que te da vergüenza ver que le tiren porras a México Pero vives en la frontera.

Impunes los criminales se jactan de tal violencia Calderón borra sus males ya perdimos la paciencia

Te da mucho orgullo vivir en los Estados Unidos Pero se te olvida que tus raíces están en México.

A protestar a las calles recriminar la injusticia no permitir que nos callen ni vivir en la inmundicia

No tienes ningún acento y te burlas de cuales lo tienen Pero a tu conveniencia eres bilingüe. Y en tu corazón México esta muerto porque ya te hiciste Americana. Pero no sabes que a dejar morir a México tu misma te pierdes. –Roxanne Martínez

The traffic each day’s more congested and energy politics more contested. We have this great romance with big, belching coal plants, and we want to drive trucks unmolested. “It’s not that we need to be greener; it’s just the effects of La Niña,” say Bachmann and Perry. It’s really quite scary. Did they learn nothing from Katrina? La Catrina watches from on high, where she sees that these guys don’t even care. They’d best say a prayer before she comes down there and drags them to hell by their good hair. –Sara DeTurk

Que cada día los gritos retumben por todos lados estaremos más seguros cuando no haya más soldados Doña Catrina ya dijo alístate Calderón has causado tanto daño que te llevo hasta el panteón Y se lo llevó arrastrando por todita la nación –Elsa C. Ruiz cada persona escupiendo su cuerpo en descomposición –Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz

–Ernesto Yerena & Philip Lumbang

Pa’l cuate Riche-

CALAVERA CONTRA LA NUEVA LEY HB 56 DE ALABAMA culpables de tener facha de ser indocumentados, pero antes de arrestarlos según la nueva Ley HB 56 la diosa Mictlancihuatl y el dios Mictlantecuhtli, la Señora y el Señor de los Muertos y su región a la ciudad de Montgomery del estado de Alabama en la Unión Americana veloces fueron a parar muy dientudos y pelones, muy huesudos y feroces a todas voces repelen: “aquí llegamos sin papeles” cuando un incauto policía racista los para en su auto –un convertible muy fausto estilo “low-rider” de Aztlán–

la diosa Mictlancihuatl sus largos dientes le pela como colmillos de marfil y el policía muy tieso cae como piedra dura al piso “que los tejones te pisen hasta ningún rastro dejar por conciencia no tener” y el dios Mictlantecuhtli halló en el Capitolio Estatal al Senador Scott Beason y al Legislador Micky Hammon quienes campantes pasaron la siniestra Ley HB 56 para la vida dificultar a inmigrantes y familias

hasta infundir tanto temor entre muchos niños morenos que al escuela ya no quieren ir debido a esta Ley de Terror

disfrazado como Drácula, desangrando por la boca, escondiendo su muy poca humanidad y muy mala fe

“Beason, a ti te convierto en una bestia de carga para que sepas qué carga eres hasta en este mundo infernal”

“a éste lo dejamos vivito para que en carne escarmiente las leyes racistas Jim Crow— que los cuervos lo atizen”

le dijo Mictlantecuhtli fumándose un gran puro regalo de los Lacandones para luego grave decir:

“no queremos que nos infecte de xenofobia y racismo el Mundo del Más Allá donde las almas reposan”

“Hammon, a ti te condeno a siempre servir de hamaca donde descansen las mucamas trabajadoras del Limbo” los Señores de Mictlán bajo una cama encontraron al Gobernador Robert Bentley en la Mansión Gubernamental

las dioses aztecas luego proclamaron: “la Muerte no respeta leyes injustas; ni fronteras la contienen”

Bio: Francisco, author of 12 volumes of poetry, teaches at UC-Davis. His most recent book of bilingual poetry for children is Animal Poems of the Iguazú (Children’s Book Press 2008).

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA Nov 2011 • Vol. 24 Issue 9 • Page 14

cantando: “así como ahora nos ves, un día te verás; al final, documentados e indocumentados son igual” –Francisco X. Alarcón

1% 99

Pretzel Identical,

Skeletons in the Cedar

To let our little Richie go Or to keep him in Texas: That is the question No brainer here. This Richard, one fire piece of work, This twisted salty cracker Has most of his support from non-Texas states.

Skeletons hang on cedar hangers In the closets of One Percent Its mansions have MANY closets To hide the labor that we’ve lent

For all the land it’s taken And all the money it’s spent For all its purchased isolation Its spirit made no dent

Good for you, Lone Star people, In a messy state, indeed ‘Cause of Dicky Boy’s care— Our educational stat’s a hell Children’s insurance plans fell His proposed policies smell!

The One Percent is doomed Should have bought spiritual stocks It might hang us on cedar hangers But we’re laboring its cedar box – Dom Gonzalez

Michele Bachmann She wants to pray away the gay in every child, woman, and man. We say, “No!” She says, “Yes, we can!” If we vote for her, we will pay. Gay thoughts and feelings she will ban. Still, Catrina flirts with Bachmann. To Hell she will dance her away.

GOP “Corporations are just human,” Romney cries from his tax haven. “Protest is un-American,” intones multimillionaire, Cain. (The Godfather’s method is pain.) “Class war,” the GOP agrees. That cruel mob on us is a stain. If they win, the good person flees. Linking arms, the rich devils dance. Let’s fight back. Don’t give them a chance. – Rachel Jennings

Mercado Up and down the shaky plateaus Your broken line graph goes and goes

Down and in the hollow orbit Rebound in the nasal hole Up and out the other orbit Down it goes another stroll

ied ccup ing o e b cops s y et’ man e Stre r ll a d a W lums cupie hood reoc p is The ot an he p Morg il in t J.P. .6 m 4 w Thre

En Wall Street la gente no sabia que la Catrina entre ellos se encontraba, mas no paso mucho tiempo sin que alguien se la topara. Paz, Amor y trabajo por favor, eso era lo que gritaba la multitud enfadada. Ok, te dejo en paz pero solo por un rato, mas tu sabes que muy pronto. tendras que colgar los zapatos. Mientras. cavaré un hoyo muy hondo y muy profundo, –Rita E. Urquijoy una vez que te entierre Ruiz no verás mas éste mundo. – Lilia Aleman

swiftly ended up around the City of Montgomery in the State of Alabama of the American Union with long teeth and hairless, very bony and ferocious they cry out vociferously: “we’re here without papers”

Yeah, right now King Perry is in But let him loose on the rest of an unsuspecting nation Twisting and screwing them Bending them into tortured shapes Move him and his pig expensive hair out of the stat governor’s mansion Let him go national. For, remember Texas, Ol’ Rick is master of the throne, And sooner or later, As president on his ???? throne Year by year Justice will be done, be thrown back at him, And all will be fine one day.

–Dom Gonzalez

Wall Street Calaverita

Goddess Mictlancihuatl and God Mictlantecuhtli, the Lady and Lord of the Dead and their region

– Rachel Jennings

Bent out of shape as we are Should we take arms Against our “P” of problems And by opposing, end him? Nah, let him go on and on Give him more leeway to toss dough Remembering, as I earlier said Like an old-fashioned girdle, He’s got lots of supporters elsewhere.

– Junelle Gambs

They Move to Confuse

Kay Bailey Hutchison

Serpents say choice is all our own but tracked, gift wrapped are paths of stone walls. Can’t! Crush! Hope! We shut our eyes to see the free – the dead – alive!

When students sat on the floor to seek support for the Dream Act, Senator Hutchison got bored. Entirely lacking grace or tact, she let the chota in the door. With the Devil she made a pact to enact vengeful deeds galore. The Devil, knowing the whole score, to Hell poor Hutchison will drag.

– Carlos Loredo, UTSA

– Rachel Jennings

Schools have forced us to learn nothing; clouded glimpses of everything are taught in spite to rule our thoughts and frame our lives with what we’re not.

AGAINST THE NEW HB 56 LAW OF ALABAMA – A CALAVERA POEM – “we’re going to let this one live Goddess Mictlancihuatl shows off her long white teeth like ivory pointed fangs to him making the policeman fall flat

“Beason, I’m turning you into a beast of burden, so you will know what a burden you are even in this hellish underworld”

like a hard rock to the floor “let badgers step all over you until erasing all trace of you for lacking any conscience”

Mictlantecuhtli told him smoking a grand cigar, a gift from Lacandon Indians and then said very sternly:

and God Mictlantecuhtli ran inside the State Capitol into Senator Scott Beason and Representative Micky Hammon

“Hammon, I’m condemning you to forever serve as a hammock where cleaning ladies working in the Limbo take their rest”

when an unaware racist policeman detains them driving in their car –a very luxurious convertible fashioned as a Chicano low-rider— who happily campaigned and passed this sinister HB 56 Law guilty of fitting the profile to make the lives of immigrants of undocumented immigrants and their families more difficult but just before arresting them under the new HB 56 Law until instilling so much fear among so many brown children who don’t want to go to school now due to this Law of Terror

the Mictlan Lords found Governor Robert Bentley hiding under a big bed in the Governor’s Mansion

so that he can suffer in flesh the racist Jim Crow laws— let the crows torture him ”

“we don’t want him to infect with xenophobia and racism the World of the Beyond where souls rest in peace” the Aztec deities then proclaimed: “Death does not respect any unjust laws; borders can’t contain Her” chanting: “as you see us now, you will see yourself one day; at the end, documented and undocumented are all the same” -–Francisco X. Alarcón

disguised as Dracula, with a blood dripping mouth, shrouding his lacking of any humanity and very bad faith

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA Nov 2011 • Vol. 24 Issue 9 • Page 13

No habrá más celebración

Agosto el mes más caliente a San Anto llegarían artistas sobresalientes con música y alegría

Septiembre el mes de la patria conlleva mucha emoción mexicanos dan el grito y exaltan a su nación

Ni Buika, ni agua, ni mujeres

Pero llega Calderón con su “guerra anti-drogas” ya no hay más celebración cuarenta mil madres lloran

2011

A diario miles de muertes ocasiona su reinado tantos son los inocentes que temen a hombres armados

Impunes los criminales se jactan de tal violencia Calderón borra sus males ya perdimos la paciencia

A protestar a las calles recriminar la injusticia no permitir que nos callen ni vivir en la inmundicia

Pa’l cuate Riche-

“Mujeres de agua” vendrían a darnos un gran concierto el Esperanza vería como vender tanto asiento Una de ellas era Buika artista de gran renombre allá en España la ubicas que su fama no te asombre Pero Buika tristemente Nos tuvo que cancelar Quedó agüitada la gente Yo hasta quería llorar

Y así estuvimos ardiendo Todo el bendito verano Ni agua, ni música oyendo ¡Qué destino tan tirano! –Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz

Con capa, tiara y disfraz la fria alcanzó a la primera. Aqui te quedas mi’jita y ni un pasito me das. Uyyyy!!!! flaquita, pos, ¿ que te hice? imploraba la mujer...... Esperanza, ¡morirás! y por todo lo que hiciste aquí me la pagarás Inmediata fue su muerte y con un último suspiro como siempre muy sonriente de sus seguidores la despidio. Aquí yace ya bien fria. Esperanza..... Y me dijeron . que en el mismisimo cielo y en este preciso momento activa esta organizando un mitin pa’ que nos oigan y nos regalen consuelo. –Lilia Aleman

For Lorna Dee Cervantes

- Trina Bacon

ESPERANZA (Aqui está tu calavera)

De fiesta estuvo San Anto Porque la Lorna llegó Buena poeta de aquellas Con la calaca jugó “Vente flaquita conmigo” dejando amantes y huellas la buena muerte se la llevó cientos de poemas dejó pa’ que se queden curados ‘los batos y los cuñados desde San Jo a San Anto –Norma E. Cantú

Nancy Grace On TV, I see Nancy Grace. In others’ voices, she hears guilt. She swears she knows a liar’s face. On words of blame her fame is built. Nothing worked in the ratings race as when her breast from her dress spilt. The Devil is her dance partner. He knows no one is rottener. –Rachel Jennings

Anthony Weiner With a pretty liberal girl, Anthony Weiner shared a pic of his own perky pants. Let’s hurl! Who knew that chulo was a prick? Yes, we all saw his boxer briefs thanks to his camera and Twitter. Who could see them and not titter? From the whole mess we need relief. Come, lovely Catrina, time’s thief. –Rachel Jennings

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9•

“—Que agua ni que mujeres” dijo la muerte maldita “anden a hacer sus deberes porque me llevo a Conchita”

–Stella Marroquin Marroquin

Que cada día los gritos

Calaveras

2011 Calaveras

La Vejéz,

Aumenta mi edad y algo se me cae, o se desconchinfla. ¡Qué suerte la mia! Cuando era niño, perdí mis dientes de leche y quedé bien chimuelo, lo bueno fue que no sabía nada de tener vergüenza a esa edad. Díos me premió con una larga vida y una compañera que me quiere, me cuida, y me arropa. ¡Que más pedir! Me acecha el espectro de calacas y yo digo, ¡pa’ morir nacimos, que caray! A propósito, volví a quedar chimuelo. Colorín, colorado este cuento se ha acabado. – Enrique Sánchez [aka Don Calaveras]

Lorenza Andrade Smith

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9•

On Pastor Smith, the Devil dotes because she is a holy catch. For her, the Foul One is no match. Drinking fruit juice or root beer floats, she is a pious Methodist who fights hard for social justice. When not in jail or on a fast, she is homeless--it’s not an act. We love Lorenza. She loves us. Our Santa Protesta she is— stronger by far than root beer fizz.

– Rachel Jennings

uestro sistema escolar Pone a la muerte a temblar, Particularmente este estado Que olvida nuestro legado. Y luego nos sorprendemos Que la Historia no sabemos, Pues quien toma decisiones Nunca ha escrito mil lecciones. César Chávez ya no importa Según dicen los votantes Pero el mundo los exhorta a no olvidar los estudiantes. – Rocio Delgado

El Día De Los Muertos, San Anto Style

Alabama El estado de Alabama, La muerte a mis paisanos dio. Pero esto en la Casa Blanca Ni siquiera registró. Y durante todo el tumulto El presidente Obama Muy muertito se quedó. La Corte Suprema ha dicho Que todo esto es muy legal, Pero a mí me ha quedado duda, De por qué con mis paisanos Se aprovecha la huesuda. – Ruben Moctezuma, UTSA

Caaalaca, Calaca, Calaca, Calaca…. Los Muertos Andan Calaceando En El Cementerio San Fernando Y Los Vivos Se La Pasan Cabuleando En Un Gran Espíritu Con La Energía De La Materia….

Hasta Que Llegue Un Día A Toda Madre Y Todo Padre Para Morir Y Caigas En Tu Tu-u-m-m-b-b-a-a….

¡Órale, Que Nuevas Raza! No Se Me Aguaiten Porque Los Vivos Siguen Cabuleando Con La Gran Pachanga En La Madre Tierra Tonantzin.

Mi Raza Brincan Y Bailan Con La Música Del Acordeón Moviéndose Con El Zapateado A El Estilo Tacuachito En La Tonada Del “El Sube Y Baja”

Y Pécatelas Con Un Triple, ¡ ZAZ! ¡ZAZ! ¡ZAZ! Y De Pilón Un, ¡ZACATELAS En Zacatecas!

¿Y Los Muertos? Pos Andan Calaceando En El Gran Chancleo Universal Echándose Un Taconazo Con Los Ancestros En El Cantón De La Luna Coyolxauhqui, Y En El Congal Del Sol Tonatiuh, Y En La Pista Celestial Entre Miles De Estrellas Con Chingos De Gritos ¡Ajua! ¡Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay!

Para Arriba Y Para Abajo Se Ríen Gozando El Día Y Lloran Temblando La Noche…. De Cada Vida Que Pasa En Vuelo Hay Que Vivir Con Ovarios Y Huevos….

¡Que Onda! ¡Que Locura! Aquí Ando Enterado Bone White Marrow Fine Todo Dientudo Y Bien Pelonzudo Pero Ay Que Chulo….

– Rogelio Smiley Rojas Moctezuma

1910 Pratt and 1982 Whipple Spans Hays St. moved to San Bridge Antonio (and Closed widened) to to Traffic accommodate due to 2-way carriage deteriorated and automobile condition traffic as Hays St. Bridge 1999 A restored Bridge projected by Bicycle Mobility Task Force of Metropolitan Planning Organization and later City of San Antonio as Key Component of Hike and Bike Trail Network linking Downtown and River North/Museum Corridor to Eastside Cultural Attractions and Salado Creek Greenway December 2000 Neighborhoods Acting Together organization and City of S.A.begin special study of future Bridge Uses and Potential Funding Sources

Hays St. Bridge Restoration Group

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA

Nov 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9• pg 17

March 2005 July 2010 Aug 2007 March 2001 Restoration Group Hays St. Bridge Ownership of Bridge recognized as holds major fundraising Rededicated and Bridge Transferred a Texas Historic Civil event at Red Berry Reopened to the from Union Pacific Engineering Landmark Mansion which Public as a Pedestrian Railroad to City of by Texas Section of ultimately garnered & Bicycle Gateway San Antonio American Society of more than $200,000 Civil Engineers Oct 2007 toward local match City accepted April 2001 May 2011 April 2006 transfer of 1.7 San Antonio Representatives of The City of SA and Hays acres at Cherry Conservation Society Restoration Group St. Bridge Restoration and Lamar Sts Grants $50,000 toward notified in “Park Group Apply for TxDot from BudCo local match of Federal Planning” meeting Grant for “Hays St. as “community ISTEA-221 funds for with City Reps Bridge Park and Railroad public space” for Bridge Restoration that a Proposal for Station Relocation” with “recreation uses” Nov 2001 a Business rather support of many local orgs, -understood at the Joined by local Elected than a Park were including Dignowity Hill time to mean a Park Officials, Restoration Being Considered Neighborhood Assoc and Group Appears Before for Land at N. S.A. Conservation Society TX Transportation Cherry & Lamar May 2009 Commission in Austin Restoration Process Construction to request Federal Funds July 2011 Phase Begins. Some Salvaged for Bridge Rehab Dues Paying Original Materials were Set Aside for Members of Future Adaptive Reuse in the Park Dignowity Hill December 2009 2002 Neighborhood The Dignowity Hill Neighborhood City of S.A. is Awarded $2.9 Million Assoc. Endorse Restoration Grant by TxDot from Federal Plan, the Eastside Reinvestment Plan Brewery & the City of S.A.’s Master Plan call ISTEA Funds for Bridge Restoration. In for Land at 803 N. for the development of a park next to addition, the City Committed more than Cherry at Lamar the Hays St. Bridge $700,000 as 20% Local Match of Federal Grant

Hays St. Bridge Timeline* Compiled by Gary Houston in collaboration with Douglas Steadman and Kathleen Trenchard of the

1844 Structural truss patent granted to Thomas and Caleb Pratt of Massachusetts 1847 Truss patent granted to Squire Whipple of New York 1877 Southern Pacific RR begins Operation in San Antonio (as GH&SA) and expanded under condition that it will build bridges to allow convenient access to downtown from points East 1881 Longer Whipple Bridge Span constructed by the Southern Pacific Railroad over the Nueces River, 88 miles west of San Antonio

Visit www.esperanzacenter.org to read an article on the Hays St. Bridge in the October 2011 issue of La Voz.

by Pancho Valdez

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9•

“Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is superior to capital and deserves much the higher consideration” - Abraham Lincoln

n Wednesday, October 5th between 40-45 community and labor activists gathered in front of the Oak Farms Dairy in San Antonio to show support for the worker’s right to organize a union. The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco & Grain Millers Union is the union organizing the dairy workers. Three members of the organizing committee; Fred Garrett, Art Brown and Carlos Torrento attempted to meet with Oak Farms bosses to demand that the company reinstate Alex Vásquez and recognize the BCTGM as the bargaining unit for the dairy workers. Both demands were rejected by Oak Farms and the organizing committee returned to the picket line assembled in front of the plant where the small but loud crowd chanted. Vásquez, a former route delivery driver, was fired on August 31st of this year. Both he and the union contend that his firing was related to his union activity as he was an outspoken member of the organizing committee. What makes Vásquez’s firing interesting is the fact that Oak Farms management placed a poster on the company bulletin board with Vásquez’s picture on it. On the poster was written that he had been “termed” (terminated). The poster went on to warn workers to “keep an eye out for union activity!” Instead of intimidating the workers the poster was photographed by one with his telephone and the union now has over 50% of the workforce signed up. Workers at the Oak Farms Dairy are forming their union in order to improve wages and benefits. Art Brown a route driver with 36 years of service with the company stated that he has not seen a pay raise in eight years!

Amongst the supporters were members of the American Federation of Teachers, the American Postal Workers Union, BCTGM, the Communications Workers of America, InternationalAssociation of Fire Fighters, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, San Antonio Central Labor Council, the San Antonio Retirees Council, Teamsters on strike at Pioneer Flour Mill, Texas AFL-CIO, Texas State Employees and UNITE HERE. Also present was the Rev. Lorenza Andrade Smith who was arrested last July in a protest at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, members of the Bexar County Green Party, a representative for Congressman Lloyd Doggett and a member of the Commnist Party USA. The organizing drive at the Grand Hyatt, the Hyatt Regency, Oak Farms Dairy and the strike at Pioneer Flour Mill signifies labor activity not seen in San Antonio since the early 70’s. These labor struggles along with the growing nationwide Occupy Movement are viewed by many as a welcome response to the austerity forced upon the working class and their families due to corporate greed and the wasteful squandering of tax money on three unjustified wars! n Bio: Pancho, a member of Laborers Local 1095 in the movement for justice since 1965, can be contacted at mestizowarrior@yahoo.com

Katrina Sooners A winning season is what they had wanted Those longhorns from Texas up there in ‘ol Austin But to their dismay Sooners took it away In the red river rivalry All covered in blood

The poor texas longhorns were Left covered in mud Good ol katrina With BOOMER she came To leave good ‘ol bevo Without a good name –Frank P. Dominguez, UTSA

Challenging by Elliot Benjamin, Ph.D.

in the Primaries

here is a controversial movement afloat to challenge President Obama in the 2012 Democratic National Primary (see the Common Dreams article Progressives Vow to Challenge Obama in Democratic Primaries at www. commondreams.org/headline/2011/09/19-7). One of the key proponents of this movement is surprisingly Ralph Nader, our country’s perpetual third party candidate. Another key proponent of the movement is Black progressive and political activist Cornel West, who works closely with Rabbi Michael Lerner in the progressive political organizations Tikkun (www.tikkun. org/nextgen) and the Network of Spiritual Progressives (www. spiritualprogressives.org/newsite). Some highlights of this creative and unusual progressive primary challenge idea are as follows

Republican extortion during the recent debt ceiling negotiations.” The proposal also refers to widespread disappointment in Obama’s decisions or lack of decisions regarding the endorsement of single payer health care, immigrant reform, blatant deficiencies and loopholes in corporate law and banking, nuclear power policies, environmental issues, and more. Readers are invited to add their own “concerns, disappointments, and frustrated hopes to the list,” and therefore I will add Obama’s willingness to include Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid on the chopping board in the recent debt negotiations with Republicans. Without a serious progressive primary challenger, “President Obama advances without contest to a unanimous nomination. There is no recognizable Democratic

(with all quotes from the above mentioned Common Dreams article): To form a slate of six candidates, each of which are “recognizable, articulate, and a person of acknowledged achievement,” in at least one of the following fields: “labor, poverty, military and foreign policy, health insurance and care, the environment, financial regulation, consumer protection, and civil, political and human rights/empowerment.” According to Nader, West, and the other forty three notables who endorsed the proposal, these are fields in which “Obama has never clearly stated a progressive claim or where he has drifted toward the corporate right.” The proposal to challenge Obama in the primaries is motivated by numerous decisions made by Obama that have drawn criticism from the Democratic party, including his decision to “bail out Wall Street’s most profitable firms while failing to push for effective prosecution of the criminal behavior that triggered the recession, escalating the wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan while simultaneously engaging in a unilateral war in Libya, his decision to extend the Bush era tax cuts, and his acquiescence to

challenger, no meaningful debate on key progressive issues or past broken promises, just a seamless, self-contained operation on its way to raising one billion dollars in campaign funds… The valid disagreements within the Democratic Party, let alone the goals of progressives, will be completely overlooked... not only will progressive principles past and present be betrayed but large sections of voters will feel bored with and alienated from the democratic candidate. This would not serve the president’s campaign, our goals, or the nation’s needs.” The slate of six candidates can “indicate that its intention is not to defeat the president... but to rigorously debate his policy stands... will exercise a pull on Obama toward the liberal/progressive base (in the face of the countervailing pressure from ‘centrists’ and corporations) and leave that base with a feeling of positive empowerment... a slate that is serious, experienced, and well-versed in policy will display a sobering contrast with the alarmingly weak, hysterical, and untested field taking shape on the right... This opportunity to revive and restore the progressive infrastructure of the Democratic Party must not be missed... President Obama should emerge from the primary a stronger candidate as a result.” This progressive primary proposal idea has been criticized

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9•

This opportunity to revive and restore the progressive infrastructure of the Democratic Party must not be missed.

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9•

from all sides (see the comments on the proposal in the above York, Washington DC, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc. (http:// referenced Common Dreams article). Moderate progressives are roarmag.org/2011/10/occupy-wall-street-biggers-spreads-us), along concerned that a primary challenge to Obama could fracture the with the Rebuilding the American Dream movement, MoveOn.Org Democratic party, wither his basis of support, and consequently (http://front.moveon.org), and numerous other liberal/progressive increase the chances of a Perry, Romney, or Bachmann being our political organizations. But this is not going to happen. Any next president. Radical progressives are outraged that this primary potential “serious” progressive primary challenger to Obama, challenge is not designed to “win,” and consequently they view inclusive of Bernie Sanders, Dennis Kucinich, and Russ Feingold, this as an empty challenge without any power to accomplish its have in no uncertain terms declined the role. Even Ralph Nader goals. They see no reason has stated that he has no why Obama would take this intention of running for kind of primary challenge president this time around. seriously and agree to debate So where does this leave the candidates, and they things? We are back to square do not think there would one—it looks like there will be any significant media be no “serious” Democratic attention drawn to this kind primary challenger to of “facade” progressive Obama in 2012. But what is primary challenge. the next best possibility? I I have been quite taken believe that this Democratic up with the whole issue progressive primary of a progressive primary proposal spearheaded by challenge to Obama for Nader and West is the next quite some time now, and I best possibility. I understand can appreciate both sides of and agree that it lacks the concerns and criticisms power and impact on being of this proposal. Having taken seriously by Obama discussed the proposal at and the media. But it is my recent Rebuilding the not “nothing.” If between one and six progressive American Dream (http:// rebuildthedream.com) local candidates were to finally step up out of the woodwork, Maine meeting the other night, it was disappointing at best we would have some to me to hear the negative kind of public arena for responses or lack of interest debating the crucial issues in supporting the proposal. that so many progressives But the reasons for the are deeply disturbed about disinterest of my group in Obama’s presidency. But were both informative if nothing else, perhaps it and revealing to me. would fuel young people to There were no concerns become more excited about expressed along the lines politics and the upcoming –Ernesto Yerena | www.hechoconganas.com of the moderate progressive 2012 national election, and criticism that this could result in the Republicans winning the next may stimulate Obama to take progressives more seriously, as he presidential election. As one astute political scientist in the group finally has appeared to have done with his Buffet tax proposal, explained it, a “serious” progressive challenger to Obama would though of course much more needs to be done in this direction. be viewed by most “middle Americans” as a “fringe group from I believe there is a potential to fuse the revolutionary forces the left” and consequently would have no effect on how they voted that are finally taking shape across the country in the growing in the presidential election. This made sense to me, and if anything “occupations” of young people. I am all for a “serious” Democratic I would think that the danger would be more that some people primary challenge to Obama, but given that one does not appear to switch their vote from Obama to a third party candidate, which be on the horizon and time is running out, I advocate for the Nader/ would help the Republicans in a similar way to what I perceive as West proposal to at least promote “some” kind of central focus for the Nader/Bush/Gore fiasco of 2004. a progressive agenda, and an opportunity for public debate on the My Rebuilding the American Dream group’s lack of enthusiasm monumental issues that have alienated and enraged many former to the proposal was for the second reason; they said it was not Obama supporters, including myself. - 10/4/11 n a “serious” challenge because its intent was not to “win.” They said that it would get virtually no media attention, and would not Bio: Elliot Benjamin, Ph.D. is a philosopher, mathematician, psychology and mathematics instructor, musician, and writer living in Maine. He is be taken seriously by Obama, who would not bother to enter into the author of the book Modern Religions: An Experiential Analysis and debates with the candidates. And this I can understand; it makes Exposé (available at www.lulu.com) and articles on topics inclusive of sense to me. Ideally we would have Bernie Sanders as a “serious” humanistic and transpersonal psychology, spirituality & cult dangers, Democratic progressive challenger to Obama, fusing the growing creativity & mental disturbance, progressive politics, pure mathematics, revolutionary “occupations” happening all over the country: New and mathematics enrichment.

Calaveras Hermanas

Creías que con tus legislaciones Y falsas alegaciones Te desentenderías de tus obligaciones Entre dientes dices En varios pieces Que que yo soy inferior a ti ¡Pues ya vez que no es así! Tienes memoria de campechana Calavera Americana Parece que se te olvidaba Que tu Reagan a los rusos les replicaba De tirar su barda tan absurda No es que te aturda Vieja testaruda Hasta dices que no plagias Y bonito muro apartado copias Ahora en tus bordes y fronteras Hay puras calaveras Porque tú barda ya se eleva Hasta entre mis praderas

Tus nuevas generaciones Tienen mis bendiciones Ellos son rica memoria viva De nuestras pasiones diva Ya no me repeles de mi estado migratorio Nomás es tú jolgorio Tú y yo somos primas hermanas No sólo vecinas en armas Así de basta de bailar con éste asunto

Y no te creas suertuda Ladina huesuda Pues tus hijos tienen vela en el entierro De todo eso que se ponen bajo el cuero ¿Tienen mente suicida? Porque yo creo que se fuman hasta el insecticida Mejor ponle orden a tus escuelas Pues tus hijos se les acaban las espuelas Ya ni brincan ni saltan Con eso que se abandejan Con wiis, ipads, y textos Cualquier cosa es un pretexto Para justificar no haber pasado el sexto Con tanto juego que se mueve con el dedo Mejor dicen “Ya no puedo”

Arizona Desde el más allá muy pronto, se presentó la pelona Para ver qué sucedía con las leyes de Arizona Al darse cuenta la flaca de la gran estupidez Que la ignorancia comete día con día otra vez Gritó con gran emoción: “¡Que muera la discriminación!” Y volvió a morir de espanto, de regreso al campo santo. –Rocio Delgado

En vez de decir “Me doy” Y de McDonald’s quiero mi toy Levántate Pepa y levántate Sam Que hay viene la China detrás de tu pan Con éstas líneas terminaron ésta inspiración Que espero les sirva de motivación También terminas mis pretensiones inmortales De que mi memoria se quede en sus portales Esperando que La Voz mi voz les sirva de guía Como una maestría Que yo soy doctorada Y muy bien documentada Y como ya es de madrugada Y yo ya estoy cansada So, colorín colorado Ésta calavera se ha acabado – Monica Santaella

El sueño Estaba la parca sentada En la última parada De valientes estudiantes Que caminan por un sueño ¡No se venzan, no desmayen! Les decia la huesuda, ¡Adelante compañeros! Que no les quede ni duda Que el día de mañana Traerá brillantes senderos. –Rocio Delgado

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9•

Así que no me llames indocumentada Mesma mente condenada Déjame te recuerda que yo a ti no te debo nada Yo aquí antes que tú yo ya estaba Y vete en el espejo Porque yo en ti veo mi reflejo

Y ya pronto ponte al punto También deja de mandarme tanta pistola y hojalata chatarra Tal vez esté chaparra Pero tengo mente de alcaparra Bien sabes que todo esto es una lata Que a mis hijos mata

* community meetings * LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9•

Amnesty International #127 gy each Thursday at 7 pm at 325 meets on 4th Thursdays at 7:30 pm Courtland. Call 210.736.3579. at Ashbury United Methodist. Call The Rape Crisis Center, 7500 210.829.0397. US Hwy 90 W. Hotline @ 210.349Anti-War Peace Vigil every Thurs- 7273. 210.521.7273 or email Droday 4-6pm @ Flores & Commerce. minishi@rapecrisis.com See: ivaw.org veteransforpeace.org The Religious Society of Friends Bexar Co. Green Party info@bex- meets Sundays @ 10 am @ The argreens.org or call 210.471.1791. Friends Meeting House, 7052 N. Vandiver. 210.945.8456. Celebration Circle meets Sundays, 11am @ JumpStart at Blue Star Arts San Antonio Communist Party Complex. Meditation, Weds @ 7:30 meets 2nd Sundays, 3-5pm | Next pm @ Quaker Meeting House, 7052 mtg: Nov 13th @ Bazan Branch Library, 2200 W. Commerce St, ConVandiver. 210.533-6767 tact juanchostanford@yahoo.com DIGNITY S.A. mass at 5:30 pm, for more info Sun. @ Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church, 1101 W. Woodlawn. Call San Antonio Gender Association. meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 210.735.7191. 6-9pm at 611 E. Myrtle, MetropoliFuerza Unida, 710 New Laredo, tan Community Church downstairs.| Hwy. 210.927.2297, www.lafuerwww.sagender.org zaunida.org SA Healthcare Now Coalition Habitat for Humanity meets meets 1st Thursdays at 6:30pm 1st Tues. for volunteer orientation @ National Nurses Organizing @ 6pm, HFHSA Office @ 311 Committee office 7959 FredericksProbandt. burg Rd. 210.882.2230 or healthLGBT Youth Group meets at MCC carenowsa.org Church, 611 E. Myrtle on Sundays Shambhala Buddhist Meditation at 10:30am. 210.472.3597 Center classes are on Tuesdays at Metropolitan Communi- 7pm, & Sun. at 11:30 am. at 1114 ty Church in San Antonio So. St. Mary’s. Call 210.222.9303. (MCCSA) 611 East Myrtle, services The Society of Latino and His& Sunday school @ 10:30am. Call panic Writers SA meets 2nd Mon210.599.9289. days, 7 pm @ Barnes & Noble, San PFLAG, meets 1st Thurs @ 7pm, 1st Pedro Crossing. Unitarian Universalist Church, Gill S.N.A.P. (Survivors Network of Rd/Beryl Dr. Call 210. 655.2383. those Abused by Priests). ConPFLAG Español meets 1st Tues- tact Barbara at 210.725.8329. days @ 2802 W. Salinas, 7pm. Call Voice for Animals Contact 210.849.6315 210.737.3138 or www.voiceforaniProyecto Hospitalidad Litur- mals.org for meeting times

Be Part of a

Progressive Movement in San Antonio

¡Todos somos Esperanza! Time for an End of Year Donations! Esperanza works to bring awareness and action on issues relevant to our communities. With our vision for social, environmental, economic and gender justice, Esperanza centers the voices and experiences of the poor & working class, women, queer people and people of color. We hold pláticas and workshops; organize political actions; present exhibits and performances and document and preserve our cultural histories. We consistently challenge City Council and the corporate powers of the city on issues of development, low-wage jobs, gentrification, clean energy and more. It takes all of us to keep the Esperanza going. When you contribute monthly to the Esperanza you are making a long-term commitment to the movement for progressive change in San Antonio, allowing Esperanza to sustain and expand our programs. Monthly donors can give as little as $3 and as much as $300 a month or more. What would it take for YOU to become a monthly donor? Call or come by the Esperanza to learn how. ¡Esperanza vive! ¡La lucha sigue! Contact Amanda @ 210.228.0201 or esperanza@esperanzacenter.org for more info

Make a tax-deductible donation. $30 La Voz subscription

for more info call 210.228.0201

Please use my donation for the Rinconcito de Esperanza

Notas Y Más November 2011

Brief notes to inform readers about happenings in the community. Send announcements for Notas y Más to: lavoz@esperanzacenter.org or by mail to: 922 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78212. The deadline is the 8th of each month. The Society for the Study of Gloria Anzaldúa seeks submissions of artwork for consideration for the 3rd international SSGA conference and exhibition scheduled for May 17-19, 2012, in San Antonio, Texas, at UTSA Downtown. Art due date: December 15th at 5 pm. Check http://colfa. utsa.edu/English/mundozurdo.html

As Long As I Remember: American Veteranos by Laura Varela screens at the UTSA downtown campus on November 9th beginning at 5:30 pm with a reception followed by the film and a discussion. It also shows on November 10th at UTSA Dowontown from 1-2:15 pm. Screenings are at the Buena Vista building, l.328, Aula Canaria Lecture Hall. The event is sponsored by The Consortium for Social Transformation, The History Dept., The American Studies Program and UTSA Student Activities.

NACCS Tejas Foco 2012 has a call out for papers & panels that best seek to illustrate the 2012 conference theme, This Is Us: Como Nos Ven, Como Nos Vemos / Changing Chican@ Identity in the 21st Century. The conference will be held at Texas State University, San Marcos on March 1-3, 2012. Please e-mail 250-word proposals by December 18, 2011 to Dr. JaiThe South Texas College Library Art me Armin Mejía at jm31@txstate.edu. Gallery features several exhibit open to Richard Araujo, born, raised the public: “Four decades of Chicana Art and residing in the Westside has & Culture in Tejas and Beyond” by Santa published Moments rememBarraza at the Pecan Campus in McAllen bered: Stories of life, verses of until December 10th, 1995-2011: A Retrothe heart, a book of memories spective Exhibit by Eduardo García on display until Dec 1st at Mid–Valley Campus and moments in the form of short stories and Modern Man: Devoid of Emotions by and poems. Richard, 73, a father of 3 and Pedro Pérez on view thru December 9th at grandfather of 6 is a retired plumber who the Technology Campus. Visit: lag.south- has been married for 40 years to the love of texascollege.edu for details and directions. his life. Buy his book at: www.lulu.com

NACCS-Tejas invites nominations and submissions for its 2012 NACCS-Tejas Fiction Award. Any novel or collection of short stories published in 2011 that relates to the Mexican American experience in Texas will be considered. The award will be presented at the 2011 NACCS-Tejas conference. All nominations must be received (not postmarked) by November 20, 2011. The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s For details contact committee chair, Marci 34th Annual CineFestival is slated for R. McMahon, at mcmahonmr@utpa.edu February 25th - March 3rd, 2012. A call for entries for the film festival has been an- The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center nounced with an early deadline of Novem- holds its 25th annual Hecho a Mano/Made ber 4th and a final deadline for December by Hand event on December 2-4, at the 2nd. Check their website at: www.guadalu- Guadalupe Gallery, 723 S. Brazos in the westside of SA. Call 210.271.3151. peculturalarts.org for more.

Betita Martinez, lifelong social justice activist and

Esperanza madrina is under care at a rest home in San Francisco. Her friends throughout the U.S. have banned together to help out Betita who spent most of her life working for the love of the movimiento rather than financial security.

A Betita Fan Club has been formed to collect donations. FOR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS: 1.) Make checks payable to “Social Justice.” 2.) Note “For Elizabeth Martinez Project” on the check’s information line 3.) Send checks to: Tony Platt, 1607 Josephine Street, Berkeley, CA 94703 4.) If you need Social Justice’s tax ID number, email Tony at amplatt27@ gmail.com. Tony also has a paypal account where donations can be sent via his email address. Send in your donations, today!

25th Anniversary

In January 2012, Esperanza Peace & Justice Center begins to celebrate its 25th anniversary. We would like to honor the buena gente of our community by bringing back the best of our 25 years of programming. If you remember a particular performance or program and would like to bring that back in 2012 drop us a line at: lavoz@esperanzacenter. org and let us know. Thank you!

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9•

The Dia de los Muertos Ball on November 2nd from 7-11pm is presented by Rene Roberts and benefits Jump-Start Performance Co. and the San Antonio AIDS Foundation. Table seating is $75 and general admission is $45. To reserve your tickets to this dance party and show, call 210.227.JUMP!

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 9•

Convivencia entre vivos y muertos

Esperanza

Saturday, November 12 at Esperanza, 8pm $5 mas o menos

La Voz de Esperanza

Tuesday, Nov 1, 2011, 6-9pm @ El Rinconcito de Esperanza 816 S. Colorado @ Guadalupe St

922 San Pedro San Antonio TX 78212 210.228.0201 • fax: 210.228.0000 www.esperanzacenter.org

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID San Antonio, TX Permit #332

(210) 228-0201

Join us in conserving traditions and celebrating our cultura in the Westside of San Antonio with calavera

readings, ofrendas/altars,

música, ponche, pan de muerto

y más. ¡Gratis!

Special presentation by maestra Veronica Castillo:

Dia de los Muertos: Tradiciones y Costumbres 22nd Annual

Mercado de Paz

Peace Market

Friday & Saturday Nov. 25 & 26, 2011 10am-6pm

Esperanza Peace and Justice Center 922 San Pedro & Evergreen, 210.2280201

global to local handmade gifts • música • arte • comidita • rifa cada hora/ raffle every hour • fun y más •

indoor and outdoor no entrance fee Join us at the Peace Market as buena gente helping everyone have a good time without the hassles of corporate shopping. Contact us at 210.228.0201 or at esperanza@esperanzacenter. org if you can volunteer a day or a few hours to help out. Thanks!