LareDOS April 2014

Locally Owned

He who loves an old house never loves in vain."

— Isabel La Howe Conant A JOURNAL OF THE BORDERLANDS April 2014

Est. 1994

Vol. XIX No. 4 64 PAGES

901 Iturbide St.

@lareDOSnews

TRANSFORMATION & REVITALIZATION

The ramon house, circa 1909

LareDOS Newspaper

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Emily Altgelt/LareDOS Contributor

Girl Scout Troop 9128 at RGISC EcoFest Members of Scout Troop 9128 took part in EcoFest on April 12 at Alexander Crossing. They are pictured with their leaders Corina Melendez (far left) and Amanda Guerra (far right). Among those who assisted Scout Sugeily Jarmon (second from right) with her environmental display on recycling were Kaitlyn Winters, Katarina Benavides, Lauren Melendez, Alejandra Gutierrez, Isabel Inguanzo, and Danniell Hale.

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Supporting fitness and Autism

Students from the Physical Therapy Assistant Program

City Councilmember Charlie San Miguel and fitness instructor Sam Lozano are pictured on Saturday, April 5 at the Laredo Energy Arena at the Autism in Action Fitness event.

Stephanie Velasco, Karina De Anda, Jessica Medina, and Gilbert Vasquez were at the Laredo Community College and Doctors Hospital Wellness Fair on April 11.

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AHEC at SCAN’s Children Play Day

Spring fashion for kids

Abagail Estrada, Nohely Escobedo, Bianca Duarte, and Lucinda Duarte represented the Area Health Education Center on April 6 at the annual SCAN’s Children Play Day.

The Society of Renaissance Women hosted a spring fashion show on Sunday, April 6 at the Laredo Country Club. The show included the latest children’s apparel from Dillards.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

At the Rotary Women’s Expo Outdoor fun Daniela Soto and Fernanda, Gisela, Ellie, and Elian Ortiz were among those at the April 5 Laredo Northside Market’s Easter egg hunt.

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Rotary Club members Sandra Wirsching and Corina Salinas helped coordinate the Women’s Expo on Saturday, April 12 at the Holiday Inn. The event focused on mind and body wellness, spirituality, and finances.

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At Autism awareness event

New wave 80s show

LISD Supt. Dr. Marcus Nelson is pictured with director of secondary education Oscar Perez at the Autism Speaks – Light It Blue event at the Laredo Civic Center on April 2.

David and Nidia Volpe and Marisol and Leo Perez attended The Spazmatics concert on Saturday, April 12 at the Laredo Center for the Arts.

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News

News

Casa Tibet’s Spiritual Revolution at TAMIU May 1

Feral hog workshop set for May 2 and 3

By TATIANA FRIAR LareDOS Contributor

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asa Tibet has become well-known for its ability to bring to Laredo icons of the far reaching branches of Buddhist culture, music, and art.

Many world renowned teachers have graced the auditoriums of TAMIU and other local venues courtesy of Casa Tibet Laredo.

Following a commitment to promote harmony, loving kindness, and Tibetan culture, Casa Tibet Laredo is proud to announce their Second Annual Spiritual Revolution with the visit of Marco Antonio Karam, president and founder of Casa Tibet Mexico. The proceeds of this fundraiser support Laredo’s only meditation center located at 8511 McPherson Road Suite 110.

Karam’s first topic is entitled “Building Healthy Relationships,” which will be imparted on May 1 at TAMIU’s Student Ballroom Center.

Other topics include the importance of maintaining healthy relationships with either one’s spouse or partner, family, and colleagues. The conference runs from 7 to 9 p.m. The doors will open at 5 p.m. for those who wish to browse through Tibetan art, books, and related materials available for sale. General admission is $30.00, and $15.00 for students with valid ID. The second conference by Karam, which is titled “Muerte, Bardo, y Renacimiento” will take place at TAMIU’s Bullock Hall 101 May 2 through May 4. Death and dying provide a meeting point between

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the Tibetan Buddhist and modern scientific traditions. The goal of this conference is for everyone to understand the true meaning of life, how to accept death, and how to help the dying. Nurses, doctors, home health staff and others working in the field are highly encouraged to attend. The schedule for Karam’s presentations are Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m.

Karam has specialized in the study of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and civilization for over 23 years. He has been a translator for His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet as well as for some of the most important scholars and teachers of the tradition.

In the last few years, he has worked at creating bridges between the cultural and psychological heritage of the ancient Buddhist civilization and that of modern western culture and science. He received a BA in Western Philosophy from La Salle University in Mexico City (Degree awarded by the SEP) and a BA in Buddhist Studies from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado with a minor in Buddhist and Western Psychology. He has undertaken graduate studies in Buddhist Psychology and Philosophy at several Universities in the United States, Asia, and Europe, including Harvard, Oxford, and Heidelberg universities.

For more information on this event, the benefits of meditation and related questions, please contact Adriana Villarreal at (956) 235-1286. 

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rea ranchers and farmers struggling against growing feral hog populations will have an opportunity May 2 and 3 to learn about the biology and behavior of the wild swine that wreaks $400 million a year in environmental and financial havoc on Texas agriculture.

The Texas Parks and Wldlife Department (TPWD) and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension are co-sponsors of the Feral Hog Management Workshop at the Holiday Inn at 800 Garden Street.

The May 2 workshop runs a half day and begins at 1:30 p. m. It will include feral hog issues in Mexico. The Saturday session, which will cover some of the May 2 material, goes all day, from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Jared Timmons of TPWD will cover the basic biology session. Matt Reidy,

also of TPWD, will speak on feral swine population dynamics, and Texas Game Warden Calvin Christian will speak on feral hog hunting regulations.

Dr. Brodie Miller of the Texas Animal Health Commission will address laws that govern the movement of feral swine and feral swine safety and disease concerns.

Ronnie Henderson and David Treviño of USDA Wildlife Services will speak on integrated feral hog control.

Mike Bodenchuk of USDA Wildlife Services will present an update on feral hog research.

For further information on the workshop, registration, three hours of Continuing Education Units, or hotel accommodations, contact (512) 389-4901 or write maria.araujo@ tpwd.texas.gov — LareDOS Staff

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News Brief

News Brief

The new face of Melrose Family Fashion

TAMIU PRMIS nets six national awards, Texas Gold Addy Award

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ocal Tejano singer Phoebe Marie Arriaga was named the first Hispanic spokesperson for Melrose Family Fashions, which is based in San Antonio and operates retail stores in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada.

“This rising star will partner with Melrose for mutual promotion through appearances at grand openings for stores, special events, and concerts. Phoebe Marie’s wardrobe will be provided by Melrose, with the potential of the singer getting her own clothing and fragrance line in the future,” said Melrose representative Genevieve Valdés.

Melrose Family Fashions is focused on Hispanic family consumers. The company’s growth stems from offering customers quality fashion styles and merchandise.

Melrose specializes in non-branded apparel that emulates the styles of major fashion labels.

The award winning Tejano singer aspires to be a well known inter-

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Phoebe Marie Arriaga national entertainer and role model for young women and teens.

— LareDOS Staff

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exas A&M International University’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing, and Information Services (PRMIS) was named the recipient of six national awards in the 29th Annual Educational Advertising Awards, sponsored by Higher Education Marketing Report. The department also garnered a Texas Gold Addy Award.

The Educational Advertising Awards is the largest educational advertising awards competition in the country. This year, nearly 2,000 entries were received from over 1,000 colleges, universities, and secondary schools from all 50 states and several foreign countries.

TAMIU received six awards, including a Gold, Bronze, and four Merit Awards. Only two Texas A&M University System campuses received awards, TAMIU and Texas A&M Commerce, which received two awards.

TAMIU’s PRMIS director, Steve Harmon, said the awards are a testament to the creativity and drive of the office.

“I would like to recognize the cre-

ativity, drive and passion of our entire Office of Public Relations, Marketing, and Information Services staff. They are energetic, bright, and dedicated professionals who for years have crafted small and large miracles that daily advance the University’s mission and story,” Harmon said.

Judges for the Educational Advertising Awards were a national panel of higher education marketers, advertising creative directors, marketing and advertising professionals and the Higher Education Marketing Report editorial board.

In addition, TAMIU’s TV campaign, “Powered by TAMIU,” created in concert with MDR Advertising Agency of San Antonio, won a Texas Gold Addy Award at the 2014 American Advertising Awards. The Gold Addy is considered a brand of excellence in the advertising industry. All Gold Awards represent a four-state region and advance to the national competition.

For more details, visit: http://educationaladvertisingawards.com/winners-list/winners-list-2014/ — LareDOS Staff

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News Brief

News Brief

Fore! WCC to host golf tournament

Genealogical Society offers historic San Ygnacio tour

Volkswagen Jetta sponsored by Ancira Vokswagen a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe sponsored by Family Chevrolet, a 2015 GMC Yukon sponsored by Powell Watson Motor Group, and a 2014 Ford F150 sponsored by Sames Auto Group.

Trophies and gift certificate will be awarded to all first, second, and third place winners in all five flights. There will also be prizes at every hole.

Sponsorships range from $350 to $2,500. Individual player entry fees are $210. Included is a goody bag, breakfast, and an awards luncheon following the tournament.

“We look forward to seeing all of our old friends and can not wait to meet new faces. Together we can make Laredo a better place to live, learn and play,” said WCC member Elsa Miles.

Proceeds will be disbursed to local non-profit organizations.

For more information concerning sponsorships or the tournament, contact Nancy de Anda at (956) 763-9960 or Miles at (956) 251-1559.

— LareDOS Staff

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s part of its fundraising efforts for the 2015 Texas Hispanic Genealogy Conference that it will host in 2015, the Villa San Agustín de Laredo Genealogical Society (VSALGS) is offering a tour of some of San Ygnacio’s significant historic sites on Saturday, May 3.

The tour departs Laredo at 8:30 a.m. from St. John Neumann Catholic Church and returns around 3 p.m. The cost of the bring-your-own-lunch brown bag field trip is $21 per person.

Vicky Uribe will speak on the history and the restoration of Nuestra Sra. del Refugio Church, one of the best remaining examples of Spanish colonial vernacular architecture.

Visitors will also make a walking tour

through the old part of the town, taking in the storied sandstone walls of the historic Rancho Treviño Fort and the Proceso Martinez home.

The shaded patio of the Martinez home will offer a spot for lunch, a game of bingo, and a raffle for prizes.

According to VSALGS member San Juanita Martinez Hunter, volunteers are needed to organize a car pool for the outing. For further information, call Hunter at (956) 722-3497.

VSALG’s three-day state conference in Laredo, entitled “Las Villas del Norte,” is set for October 8-11, 2015. The year 2015 marks the 260th anniversary of the founding of Laredo by Don Tomás Sanchez.

— LareDOS Staff

Courtesy Photo

he Women’s City Club (WCC) will host the 11th annual Juvencio de Anda Memorial Day Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 31 at the Laredo Country Club. Tee time is at 8 a.m.

This year’s honoree is the late Ruben Bazan Sr. who was known for his love of golf.

Bazan was co-founder of the Club Campestre in Nuevo Laredo in the 1950s. He is considered a vital force in promoting junior golf in Mexico and developing young golfers into outstanding players.

In the 1990s, Bazan was the honoree of three annual tournaments which golfers today still recall. His sons, Ruben Jr. And Rodolfo “Popo,” together with a close group of friends and corporate sponsors organized the Don Ruben I, II and III tournaments.

“Popo” Bazan said, “On behalf of the entire Bazan family, we wish to thank the Women’s City Club for this honor given to our late father. We invite all golfers to participate.”

Golfers can compete to win a 2014

At book signing Author José Antonio López, pictured with his wife Cordelia, will be one of the speakers at the 2015 Texas Hispanic Genealogy Conference in Laredo in October 2015. A native Laredoan and the author of The First Texas Independence, 1813, he is a frequent visitor to his hometown, most recently for a book signing sponsored by the Villa San Agustín de Laredo Genealogical Society and the Webb County Heritage Foundation.

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Opinion

By JIM LACEY LareDOS Contributor

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ou would think that the hugely positive response

by Americans to the Affordable Care Act would be nothing less than a dagger in the heart of the GOP. But no.

Now comes more of the same alternative non-government plan, this time from Paul Ryan, more murderous legislation, more kill-off, and can we please see how quickly we can eliminate the needy, the poor, the destitute, the impoverished, the mentally and physically compromised from the American roll call.

I don’t get it. I mean, I really really don’t get that the GOP doesn’t get it.

So concerned in the President’s first term was the GOP that the President might actually get a health bill passed and enacted into law that it built an entire post-2008 battle plan around disgracing the President on the most personal level possible — whatever that took.

When that failed, Party comrades turned right around and built a pre2012 battle plan around more of the same. That assault turned out to be the most disgraceful attack ever on an American president.

The GOP made no bones about the fact it wasn’t just out to paint the President as inept, but as something not quite “one of us.” It got way deeper than just personal. It still is.

It now extends to what is nothing less than White trash references to the

First Lady and the President’s family.

If there is a shining moment in the GOP between 2008 and now is it John McCain, the only figure in the entire Party who stood like an American should stand when that woman during his campaigning stood and called then-candidate Obama a Muslim, a non-American. To his everlasting credit, McCain stopped her cold. He refused to be a party to anything so degrading and false. It was not the kind of thing an American does — at least, not this American.

In the end, we are an American family. Most unfortunately to some – the Ted Cruzes, the McConnells, the Paul Ryans, the Sarah Palins, the Michele Bachmanns, the Limbaughs, the Becks of this country — the class and dignity and wholesomeness that once defined that American family and our leaders as revered statesmen has been devolved by the GOP into a politic party that doesn’t care what anybody thinks of it.

Having put all its eggs in one basket not once, but twice, the Party refuses — or is simply incapable of understanding — that what it has become to the everyday American is insulting.

Americans aren’t what the GOP has become, and we refuse to become what it has.

We want our needy. We want our poor. We want to be what that Grand Lady in the harbor says we are — open arms ready to embrace all human life.

We want to be known for setting the standards of men’s hope and dreams, not their killers. 

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Americans aren’t what the GOP has become

Saenz announces candidacy for Mayor Pete Saenz formally announced his bid for Mayor of the City of Laredo on Thursday April 10 in San Agustín Plaza.

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News

Feature

Renowned astronomer visits Laredo

Lady Riders enjoy gender equality and a passion for the open road

By GUILLERMO BENAVIDES z.

LareDOS Contributor

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By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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he Laredo Lady Riders Motorcycle Club (LLRMC) was established in September 2012 with gender equality at the forefront, said club founder and President Elsa Zarate. She said her hope was to be part of the only female rider group with others who shared her passion of riding.

“I had several female friends who were interested in learning to ride, but they were not allowed by their husbands. I found that to be ridiculous. I wanted everyone to be free to enjoy riding as much as I do,” said Zarate.

“The stereotype has been that

only men are bikers, and the women ride in the back. Not anymore.

We don’t depend on anyone. We are in control. Wherever we are, the male bikers know better than to try to ride with us,” said vice president Liz “Lizard” Gonzalez, adding, “We choose who rides with us, they don’t decide. They respect that about us. They see us as riders now not just women.”

The ladies share not only a passion for riding, but also for giving back to their community. LLRMC members have volunteered at the Laredo Animal Protective Society and various adult day cares.

They’ve also organized toy donaContinued on page 14

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María Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

found fascinating Dr. Karl Gebhardt’s recent lecture describing black holes, dark energy and dark matter, and present efforts being made to learn more about these topics and how they relate to our understanding of the universe. The internationally renowned astronomer who teaches at the University of Texas at Austin lectured at TAMIU on Wednesday, April 2.

Laredo was selected as one of several sites across the state to participate in a lecture tour commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the McDonald Observatory in West Texas.

The Observatory produces STARDATE, a daily syndicated radio program consisting of short segments relating to astronomy that airs on many National Public Radio affiliates. The Observatory also produces a similar program, UNIVERSO, in Spanish.

Gebhardt expounded on man’s inquisitiveness regarding our lack of knowledge about the details of the large scale world around us and the efforts and instrumentation involved in our quest to bridge the gap. Presently at the Observatory, the Hobby-Eberly telescope, a 360-inch behemoth, is be-

ing specially adapted to eventually begin an extensive search for galaxies that are a certain distance from Earth.

By determining dark energy’s effect on these galaxies and clusters of galaxies, astronomers hope to eventually have vital clues for accurately confirming present theories of the big bang as well as indications of the eventual fate of the universe. The task is complicated by the fact that dark energy and dark matter, which comprise 96% of our existence, have not been accurately identified. But we know of their existence because of their effect on remote regions of our observable universe.

Dr. Gebhardt explained that we are living in a fortuitous time in man’s history, as instruments such as the HobbyEberly, the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland, and several new technological marvels such as the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile will enable us to glean truth from speculation and theory.

Laredo received Dr. Gebhardt’s appearance with enthusiasm, and an overflow crowd marveled as he unfolded his thought-provoking presentation. Those who attended the lecture were rewarded with a rare opportunity to taste a world and conceptions that most of us don’t normally contemplate in our everyday lives. 

Members of the Laredo Lady Riders Motorcycle Club W W W.L A R ED OSN E WS.COM

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Continued FROM page 13

tions for the Scarred Sacred! Heart Orphanage and the Children’s Advocacy Center.

“We’re all about riding and supporting nonprofit groups and assisting with community events,” said Zarate, adding, “We get together as often as we can, at least three times a week and on the weekends.”

Gonzalez added, “We’ve been invited to go to Casa de Misericordia and to be part of a build for Habitat for Humanity. We have also been invited to volunteer at all the WBCA events next year.”

The LLRMC’s symbol is pink wings that are representative of their freedom, female spirit and attitude.

“I really like that while we are riding, other women that are out and about with their husbands see us and give us thumbs up. As though they wished they could be riding with us,” said Gonzalez.

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Club members make rides out of town to Zapata, Hebbronville, Galveston, McAllen, San Antonio, and Austin.

Membership is open to women who ride their own motorcycle, and must be approved by all members.

The club motto — “We are Lady Riders. We ride proud. We ride free.

God Speed” —is one that all members take to heart. When asked what their group is all about, members responded that it’s about passion, freedom, stress relief, and lifestyle.

The ladies expressed their continued gratitude for the community’s support.

Members include Miriam Gonzalez, Adriana Gonzalez, Bell Molina.

Lena Martinez, Sylvia Ruiz, Esmeralda Zornak, Mary Murrillo, Sandra Ledesma, Sandra Romanos Sosa, Silvia Ruiz, Veronica Morales, and Chio Meza.

For more information contact Laredo Harley Davidson at (956) 717-8763. 

Courtesy Photo



STFB agency conference The South Texas Food Bank hosted its annual member agency conference on Tuesday, April 15 at the International Bank of Commerce Annex on Jacaman Road.

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News

Eduardo Salinas nominated to U.S. Naval Academy

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lexander High School (AHS) senior Eduardo Salinas is the first Laredoan nominated by Congressman Henry Cuellar to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Salinas said he looks forward to his time at the academy. “The Naval Academy is one of the most distinguished universities in the nation. It not only concentrates on developing you mentally, but also morally and physically,” he said, adding, “It makes you holistically a better person. It maximizes your potential as a human being, whether you go back to your hometown or while in service.”

He said that while he has always respected the military, it was not something he considered being a part of prior to visiting the Annapolis campus. “I fell in love with it. The quality of the education, I believe, is unmatched by other universities,” he said.

Salinas is ranked 14 of 687 students in his graduating class. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was captain of the Bulldog varsity basketball team. He attended the AHS Magnet for Health and Science.

Asked what he plans to study, he said, “I’m interested in the medical field, but I’m a teenage boy. One day I want to be a doctor the next a pilot, so I’m not sure.”

Salinas added, “When you get to the academy, they offer a tremendous number of opportunities. They help you find what you want to do. Your degree doesn’t dictate what your service would be in the Navy.”

Salinas has served over 200 hours of community service through his involvement with San Martin de Porres Parish, where was a director for an ACTS retreat.

He also volunteered at sporting events at Mary Help of Christians School, his former school.

He is a National Hispanic Merit Scholar and has been recognized as a Great Debate Mock Trial All State LawW W W.L A R ED OSN E WS.COM

Eduardo Salinas yer by the National Hispanic Institute (NHI). For two years, Salinas coached a mock trail team through the NHI. “It’s a debate club that focuses on Hispanic issues. It focuses on developing communication and leadership within the Hispanic community. That experience also contributed to my decision to apply and attend the academy,” he said.

He noted that the application process to the Naval Academy was extensive.

“I consider myself very lucky that Congressman Henry Cuellar is from Laredo and that he nominated me,” he said.

Salinas plans on serving a minimum of five years in the Navy.

Congressman Cuellar praised Salinas. “His leadership skills, excellent grades, test scores, and extensive volunteer service made him standout among a group of competitive candidates for the Academy. I am certain he will serve his country and District 28 as a role model and a leader in the Naval Academy,” he said.

Salinas is the son of Laredoans Daniel and Selika Salinas.

“My parents were a little scared at first, but once they accepted this is what I wanted, they were very supportive. Knowing that they, along with my grandparents, counselor, and principal, and my former teammates have my back is very reassuring,” said Salinas.

— LareDOS Staff LareDOS I A PR I L 2014 I

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Opinion

The Supreme Court’s latest opinion on campaign spending

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arlier this month, the United States Supreme Court rendered its 5-4 decision in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission. The case involved the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) which imposed limits on contributions to political campaigns. The issue was framed as one of free speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution.

The primary purpose of FECA was to limit corruption, and the appearance of corruption, and therefore set aggregate limits on a donor’s expenditures to all candidates in a given election. The McCutcheon majority opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, reiterates this law’s primary aim by stating that the disclosure of contributions minimizes the potential for abuse of the campaign finance system because these disclosure requirements rightfully provide voters with information about the sources of campaign spending. Justice Roberts notes that modern technology has provided the voting public with a quick and effective means of receiving this information as reports and databases are available almost immediately after they are filed with the Federal Election Commission, on its website and other sites such as Open-Secrets.org and FollowTheMoney.org. McCutcheon struck down these aggregate limits for donors.

In one part of the majority opinion, Justice Roberts quotes Citizens United v.

Federal Election Commission that disclosure requirements are justified based on a governmental interest in providing the electorate with information about the sources of election-related spending. Such disclosure might deter actual corruption and avoid the appearance of

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corruption by exposing large contributions and expenditures to the light of publicity.

Yet, on the next page, Justice Roberts seems to disregard the value of exposing large contributions to the light of publicity by pointing out that individuals can contribute unlimited amounts to 501(c) organizations, which are not required to publicly disclose their donors. (In the 2012 election cycle, they spent about $300 million.) By donating through these organizations, disclosure is circumvented because large donations to candidates by wealthy contributors are not exposed to the light of publicity.

In his dissenting opinion, Justice Stephen Breyer states that the First Amendment advances not only an individual’s right to engage in political speech but also the public’s interest in preserving a democratic order in which collective speech is equally important. Justice Breyer writes that corruption in government breaks the constitutionally necessary chain of communication between the people and their elected representatives. “Where enough money calls the tune, the general public will not be heard.”

Justice Breyer’s dissent, joined by Justices Ginsberg, Kagan, and Sotomayor, argues that the Court’s majority defines corruption too narrowly — as a direct exchange of an official act for money.

The dissent raises issues more subtle than outright bribery including the web of relationships and understandings between candidates and large donors that allow the latter privileged access and influence to elected officials.

Legal opinions are often complicated and difficult to decipher because of the layers of logic built by a succession of earlier legal decisions called precedent.

However, the issue for public debate is how damaging and/or corruptive

the mixture of money and politics is, specifically large amounts of money given by wealthy donors to individual candidates for public office or to political action committees which promote a certain ideology. Given the increasing disparity of wealth and income in our country in recent decades, will this new ruling create a corresponding disparity of power? And will it contribute to the political disempowerment of the less rich among us?

In the course of reporting the recent unrest in Ukraine and Russia’s subsequent annexation of Crimea, the press mentioned Russian oligarchs, an oligarchy being a form of government in which ruling power belongs to a very wealthy few. This begs the question, if

the extremely rich are free to donate as they want to the candidates they favor, do the less wealthy have correspondingly less opportunity to make their voices heard in our democracy of the people, by the people, and for the people? And do these extremely wealthy donors become more like the oligarchs of Russia?

In an opinion piece in the April 21, 2014 issue of Time, columnist Joel Stein quotes a wealthy donor’s opinion on large contributions to candidates for American public office. “The Founding Fathers must be sick of watching our democracy disintegrating as elections are put up for sale to unlimited contributors.” Had this donor been able to, he would have likely sided with Justice Breyer’s dissent in McCutcheon. 

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

By NANCY BLACK LareDOS Contributor

Rabies “Vacuna” Clinic City of Laredo Health Department employees Ruben Gonzalez, Gina Dovan, Patricio Garnica, Violeta Gaona, Amparo Rocha, and Chelsey Dovalina were at the Laredo Animal Care Facility on April 16. They provided the public with low cost rabies vaccinations and microships for their pets.

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Feature

Viky García, an advocate for social justice

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff “Every community I have lived in, I have worked for. We only have one life, why not make it more positive for all those around you? Nothing comes after, so why not do it now — not a popular philosophy for most, but it works for me,” said Virginia “Viky” García, who moved to Laredo in 1996 and has since made her voice known for civic action and social change.

The California native was raised in Illinois and Durango, Mexico.

She earned a BA in art and a Masters of science in education and counseling from Northern Illinois University.

“I am a serial student — so I have also taken classes that are interesting at Texas A&M International University, Laredo Community College, and independent and certification programs. I am probably one of the few people you will meet that graduated with no school loans or debt,” García said.

Before coming to Laredo, she was involved in social work with various populations including the mentally ill, the developmentally disabled, farm workers, and women, García was recruited in 1996 by TAMIU as its career services director.

“After eight years with them, I moved on to write grants and help develop property for Habitat for Humanity,” she said.

García faced life-changing challenges as a result of a catastrophic automobile accident in April 2008.

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in McAllen encountered a road hazard that claimed the life of Rotarian Simon Martinez.

“A truck dumped tons of gravel on the road right in front of us. I was in the back seat, but was ejected from the vehicle, and then it rolled on top of me. I was in a coma for about three months,” García said, adding, “I was out of commission Viky García for a few years, in rehab relearning to walk.”

From her wheelchair, García began the Que Fregados blog — a quirky look at bicultural life on the border. The blog has 828 subscribers and 4,971 Facebook friends.

“I was so used to being active that I had to do something, so I taught myself what I could while I was homebound,” she said.

García’s unwavering determination to recover and her work ethic kept her active from home. She began working for the TAMU public policy research institute coordinating a comparative study on alcohol consumption in the U.S. and Mexico.

In May 2012, she opened her own business, the South Postal Center.

García and Veronica Padilla coordinated the Inside Out portraits project, which displays portraits of Laredoans on the Rio Grande Plaza Hotel wall that faces Mexico and

Bridge I. “I expect we will be bringing that project back in collaboration with Bethany House. The theme will be different, but the basic concept is the same. We are just waiting for the board’s approval of the plan,” she said.

García and Padilla previously worked together on the Javier Sicilia Caravan for Peace march — which stopped in Laredo on its way to Washington, D.C. to talk about violence, victims of the Mexican cartels, and the war on drugs.

“I think I am always working on something. My background in art and the power that visual images have, have influenced some of the projects I choose,” said García, who is known to be curious, creative, and resourceful.

García spearheaded the Laredo Clothesline Project, a visual form of art therapy for women who have

suffered some form of violence. Tshirts in the exhibit, either in writing or in picture form, told the stories of each woman.

“I worked with Yvonne Valdez on the Silent Witness Project — the life-sized wooden silhouettes of women who have died due to domestic violence. The original project was red, and each shield on the chest had the information of the woman it represented,” García said.

Through support from Rotary, García was able to write grant proposals for projects like a water filtration ceramic system for the colonias and for seat-belt awareness at schools in Rio Bravo.

She said, “Many times the projects I do are with a group, like with my neighbors. When we first started St. Peter’s Historic Neighborhood Association (SPHNA), I wanted to see more activity in the neighborhood. We agreed to have one project a month, and we have.”

Those projects include the outdoor story-telling day with Cesar Sálazar, movie nights in St. Peter’s Plaza, Garden Share, and staging the PORTICO Festival.

García was also involved early on with the veteran’s food pantry at Volunteers Serving the Need.

“I was on the board from when it was a random idea and up until recently. I was still in my wheelchair, and Gigi Ramos said she had been thinking about serving veterans because of her family’s involvement in the military. I agreed to help her establish the non-profit and to help her for a year. I still help when I can, but I am no longer on the board. Gigi Continued on page 41

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Laredoans gathered Saturday, April 5 at the Laredo Energy for the Second Annual Autism in Action Fitness event, which included cycling, a 5K run, and Zumba. The Autism Awareness Education Foundation hosted the event to commemorate Autism Awareness Month.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Mark, get set, go

Free medical and health services Janet Villarreal got a check up from Dalia San Miguel on Friday, April 11 at the Laredo Community College and Doctors Hospital Wellness Fair.

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News Brief

LISD Crime Stoppers recognized

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Women’s health info

LISD Campus Crime Stoppers Coordinator Veronica Perez said, “I’m so proud of our Crime Stoppers students taking the initative in helping keep ouor schools safe.”

In partnership with the LISD Police Department, the Campus Crime Stoppers is a nationally recognized organization that provides students the opportunity to provide annoynmous tips on any illegal activities in or near their campus.

Tips may be reported by phone at (956) 744-0083 or online at www.laredoisd.org/crimestoppers.

For more information, contact Perez at (956) 744-0083.

— LareDOS Staff

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Griselda Rubio, a clinical research associate for Doctors Hospital, provided women with more information on proper breast examinations and early detection of cancer on April 12 at the Laredo Rotary Club Women’s Expo.

he Laredo Independent School District (LISD) Campus Crime Stoppers were awarded the Best Special Production/Pubic Service Annoucement (PSA) at the 19th annual Texas Campus Crime Stoppers Conference in Fort Worth.

The PSA was produced with the help of the students from Cigarroa High School’s Crime Stoppers Program.

Amanada Castañeda, senior at Cigarroa, was also recognized for completing a fifth year as a member of the LISD Crime Stoppers Ambassador Program — a group that aids others members in projects and act as proctors during the seminars.

Romo family enjoys SCAN fun day Charlie, Makela, Serena, Nicholas, and Elija Romo participated at SCAN’s Children Play Day on Sunday, April 6 at the Civic Center.

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Feature

Poet Jesse Herrera: bluntly honest, irreverent, and a little self-deprecating

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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María Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

could go all Zen on you to give you my version of poet Jesse G. Herrera’s life, but I’ll keep it simple.

Herrera has been on the periphery of my radar for many years, an uninhibited poet invited to recite original writings at events germane to the environment, la raza, la causa, and social justice.

I haven’t had occasion to exchange many words with him — that is until recently at the César Chávez march, and the conversation has since continued.

Herrera, who goes by the sobrenombre “The Dude,” was a jock in football and track at Nixon High School (Class of 1971), not exactly a candidate for a composer of metered rhyme pocked with raw emotion.

Jesse Herrera

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Until Herrera took a creative writing class with Randy Koch at Laredo Community College in 1998, poetry had never been an interest. It was, in fact, something he avoided, equating it with the perplexing rigors of navigating through Old English.

“I still call him Mr. Koch. He’s an excellent teacher. My introduction to creative writing was one of the books he pulled from two bags on the first day of class, Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins,” Herrera recalled.

“I was pretty sure the first piece of writing I turned in for that class was perfect, but it was returned to me with ego-deflating red marks. I felt like quitting. I had just learned a very important and necessary part of writing — revision. The crazy thing was that the poetry part was going to be the second half of the

semester. I didn’t care too much for the poetry, because that’s not what I signed up for. Then I found out about contemporary poetry. I did not know that poetry could be about anything,” he said, adding that he nicknamed Koch ‘Chainsaw.’

“I learned poetry in all its forms and wrote in them — the simple, common forms and the more complex ones. I learned iambic pentameter, meter, rhyme, metaphor, simile, sonnet, and sistina. And I learned about witness poetry from reading the work of contemporary poets like human rights advocate Carolyn Forché and Chicano poet Trinidad Sanchez Jr.,” Herrera continued. “I learned I could write in my own style,” he added.

“I read them all — Neruda, Shakespeare, Yeats, Billy Collins, Charles Bukowski, Naomi Shihab Nye, Marilyn Hadad — and learned

from them,” he said.

It was reading poetry aloud as a part of Koch’s class that illuminated Herrera to the full measure of poetry’s impact. “The reading part is powerful. There is a momentum you gain as you are reading, and by the end of the poem you can feel the power of your words. It’s like a magic spell. The words have a certain order that builds. When I am reading, you can hear that I believe in what I wrote, that I am giving it every thing, that I am confident, that I am talking to you, that you are listening,” Herrera said.

“I like to say before I start my reading, ‘Anything you might have heard about me is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the guilty,’” he said, noting that the original words sound like those of the intro to the TV series Dragnet, but the actual words come from AC/ DC’s ‘Ain’t No fun Waiting ‘Round to Be A Millionaire.’

Herrera took Koch’s writing class several times, honing his skills. “Poetry has form, and there’s an engineering to it. The muse appears and disappears. It’s like trying to catch a moonbeam in a pickle jar. I have to be ready to capture the image or words she presents me. I never keep her waiting, and I never tell her ‘no,’” he said.

According to the poet, being called a poet for the first time by Trinidad Sanchez at a reading in 2002 made his head spin. “It was empowering,” he recalled.

Herrera enjoys the respect and admiration of Oregon poet and essayist Kim Stafford, who wrote him, “You impressed me as someone doContinued on page 23

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Continued FROM page 22

ing poetry with more verve, intelligence, and skill than many professed poets in colleges will ever achieve. You are the real thing.”

Herrera is wonderfully, bluntly honest, irreverent, and a little selfdeprecating. He is also analytical, taking apart conversations even as he is having them.

We had been talking about posers, individuals who fervently embrace and adopt a culture not their own, taking part in rituals not their own, posing perhaps as Native Americans.

He wrote to me after that conversation. “I was wondering, what makes me more a poet than the next guy? Why do I get to say, ‘I’m a poet’? As I was watering my plants Sunday morning, I considered these thoughts and the phrase ‘poser.’ I was wondering if I fit into that category? I mean, what are my credentials? Where is my degree? Who am I? Why should anyone listen to me?

And just in case you hadn’t noticed, my Spanish is atrocious and that’s that I’ve lived on the border since I was about 11 or 12. What kind of Chicano am I who is challenged by his native tongue? I sometimes also struggle pronouncing some English words, but I’m not sure if it’s that I’m getting older or maybe some nerve damage from my drinking career is surfacing.”

Herrera long ago gave up his affinity for beer (8 p.m., January 27, 1996, La Hacienda, Hunt, Texas), which has cleared his emotional and spiritual landscape for other endeavors — listening to the muse, gardening, and photography. He is good at candid portraiture and the capture of the minutiae of random moments in nature.

“I never went to war,” he wrote.

“My war was beer. It was a struggle.

I almost died several times, and I would have never known it. I never lose sight of the fact that it was and is a miracle, not only to stop, but to

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Courtesy Photo

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Jesse Herrera with the late poet Trinidad Sanchez stay stopped. I had help from people who were like me and who knew how to live without alcohol and not live a lie.”

Herrera continued, “My drinking life will always be a part of me. Maybe without it, I would never be the poet I am today; yet, it is my past.

That’s not where I’m at today.” He recalled “When I first started writing, I would get invited to the university, the college, or the high schools to share my work. One time, I went to Alexander High School for a reading with a creative writing class that produced a magazine called Eclectic. When I read their review of my work, it was more a review of my drinking career. I was very hurt that they chose to focus on that aspect of my life rather my poetry.”

Herrera has been employed by UPS since 1978, currently as an overnight feeder driver to San Antonio and back. He said the time alone in the cab of the 18-wheeler is productive as sorting-out time, committing ideas to paper [“First thought, best thought.” Allen Ginsberg], listening to world news and talk radio, and listening to himself.

“On talk radio, I hear everything — hate, racism, intolerance, and love of God all in the same breath.

It’s important to know about world events and more important to keep an open mind, to not be narrow,” Herrera said.

The poet holds an associates degree from LCC and is a senior at TAMIU, where he said he especially enjoyed classes he took a few years ago with Dr. Sean Chadwell who presented him with the literary theory of the suspension of disbelief — “that if a writer could infuse a human interest and a semblance of truth into a fantastic tale, the reader would suspend judgment concerning the implausibility of the narrative.” (Wikipedia). He said, “King Lear should be in the genre of science fiction with The Invisible Man and The Time Machine.”

Herrera has three children — David, Jesse G. Jr., and Amanda Jane — and two grandchildren, Johnny and Chloe.

Herrera lost his mother Juanita to illness when he was eight years old.

His father, the boxer Jesse S. Herrera, was killed by a drunk driver

in 1986.

He doesn’t address those losses in poetry.

He writes instead of his outrage at national tragedies and wars this country wages. He writes of tender losses in relationships and humanity’s losses on a global scale.

“I have always felt that I was dropped off here by aliens, but when I discovered the artist in me, then I understood why I was weird.

As an artist I have license to use whatever I need to express myself, including my wacky embroidered western shirts, my real American Indian choker, or my harmonica. Did I tell you I am also influenced by Dr. Seuss?” he asked.

Herrera flattered this writer with unsolicited praise. “The work you do in LareDOS and that Dr. Farias does in standing up to bullies who violate the First Amendment is historical and precedent setting, not only for Laredo, but for the state of Texas and the nation. I admire your courage and his as if you were Cesar Chavez or Martin Luther King.

Please print this. People should know this.” 

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Feature

Dr. Tagi Sagafi-nejad’s journey from an Iranian village to establishing TAMIU’s doctoral program in international trade

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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t would seem unlikely that a little boy who came from Bainabaj— an idyllic thousand-year-old Iranian village of mud houses, aqueducts, walnut trees, and verdant crops of wheat, saffron, apricots, grapes, and almonds — would grow into the man who would establish TAMIU’s Ph.D. program in International Business Administration in

Tagi, September 1954 the A.R. Sanchez Jr. School of Business.

Such was the trajectory of Dr. Tagi Sagafi-nejad’s life with perhaps a hundred meaningful stops along the way.

At 6, he attended the maktab, the traditional place of learning Arabic for the study of the Koran.

“My father had only a third grade education, but he was an enlightened man who valued learning. Because he was mayor of our village, visiting government officials stayed at our house,” Sagafi-nejad said.

After completing the sixth grade in the government school his father worked to establish, Sagafi-nejad was sent first to Birjand and then to Mashad with his cousins to complete junior high and high school studies.

In Tehran, by bicycle and by bus,

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he became a salesman for Proctor and Gamble and Nestle products. He became a journalist who wrote for The Tehran Economist about the Central Bank, the prime minister’s office, the oil industry, and housing.

“I wrote during a stable time in Iran’s economic development,” he recalled, adding that he worked as a translator, a proofreader, and a cover designer.

He earned a B.S. in economics from Pahlavi University in Shiraz, Iran in 1966, a school that partnered with the University of Pennsylvania for curriculum and faculty development.

In the course of teaching Farsi to Peace Corps volunteers, Sagafi-nejad met Nancy Black, an American whom he would marry in 1968. They came to the United States where Sagafi-nejad enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania In the summer of 1969 he taught Farsi to Peace Corps Volunteers in Brattleboro, Vermont. He returned to Iran upon the death of his mother after an earthquake destroyed the village that had been his home.

While working on a Ph.D. in international relations at U Penn, he served as director of the Headstart Program in Chester County.

He and Nancy and their children David and Jahan temporarily returned to Iran where he was a visiting scholar for the Iran Center for Management Studies.

He was there at the height of the global oil crisis and the OPEC embargo in the West, topics that fueled research for his dissertation.

Sagafi-nejad’s career began a trajectory that made him a visiting professor at U Penn’s Wharton School of Business and several other visiting professorships, including one at the University of Washington in Seattle as a visiting assistant professor of the Middle East Center and the School of Business.

“I went for one year, but stayed for

four,” he recalled. A similar offer came in 1980 from the University of Texas at Austin from its Center for Middle Eastern Studies and the School of Business.

In 1984, Sagafi-nejad became an associate and then full professor at Loyola University in Baltimore, and today he holds the title of Professor Emeritus.

He retired from Loyola and became the Keating Crawford Chair at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey.

It was at Seton Hall that he got a call from TAMIU to be a keynote speaker for the A.R. Sanchez Distinguished Lecture Series.

“I was also asked if I would be interested in establishing a Ph.D. program in international trade at TAMIU. I was interested, and the rest, as they say, is history,” Sagafi-nejad said.

“I became the Radcliffe Killam Distinguished Professor at TAMIU. The work of establishing the doctoral program proved challenging. We were breaking new ground and doing it under the gun.

There was political pressure and political support. Everything we did had to be approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In an effort to gauge support from the Laredo business community, we met with bankers, members of the Chamber of Commerce, and Senator Judith Zaffirni. We were sized up and asked, ‘How will you sustain it?’” he recalled.

“The state reduced our budget year after year. We lacked the money to recruit top notch students and top scholars at competitive salaries. Initially, the community wasn’t able to keep up with the avant garde character of the program.

Such was the case for five years,” Sagafinejad said.

“Then the program began to flourish in the five years before I left. The British economist George R.G. Clarke joined the faculty, as did the Argentinian finance professor Jorge Brusa, and William Gru-

ben. Candidates for the program came from all over the world. They came from Nigeria, Tunisia, China, Turkey, and Yemen. The program became highly com-

Dr. Tagi Sagafi-nejad petitive. Those who were accepted to the program became teachers at the University,” he said, adding that the program’s success was a crowning achievement for TAMIU and the city.

“And for me,” he continued, “It was an accolade to have been the program’s founding director. I retired in August of 2013, having achieved in my academic life everything I had wanted to accomplish.”

With other of his peers, Sagafi-nejad has established The Cyrus Chronicle, the flagship interdisciplinary journal of the Cyrus Institute of Knowledge. “Cyrus, as you may know, was the author of the first declaration of human rights,” he said, adding that the journal offers a platform for high quality business and entrepreneurship research applicable to the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa. 

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César Chávez March for Justice March 29, 2014

Israel Reyna, Grand Marshal • David Almaraz, Master of Ceremonies Award Recipients: LULAC #7 Pres. Juanita Gonzalez & Miguel Oscar Berry

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The Day César Chávez Died (la cebolla, 4-3-2014) For Kim Stanford

The day that César Chávez died, the sun rose de colores, la flor del nopal brotó en oro por todo Atzlan y la Virgen whispered, “Vaya con Dios,” Si Se Puede!

El dia que murio César Chávez, he was barefooted, sweat soothed his forehead, his head was turned to the left side, his glasses were on, but his eyes were shut, he held a book about American Indians in his right hand and he was still wearing his clothes from yesterday.

Si Se Puede!

The day César Chávez died, olía a tierra mojada. Las nubes, la cebolla y La Raza lloraron lagrimas de gracias.

La aguila de la bandera colorada gritó, “Que sigua La Causa, que todos los pasos sean para delante.”

Si Se Puede!

El dia que murio César Chávez, el conjunto de Ghandi, Bobby, y Martin Luther toco una polka. The winds of change danced with Cesar’s Love Force.

Si Se Puede!

The day César Chávez died, the salmon kept swimming up stream, the drum kept beating, las uvas cambiaron a vino y el sol bajo De Colores.

Si Se Puede!

— Jesse G. Herrera —

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At the Pieces of Hope and Compassion Auction Alexander High School art instructor Nancy Poinsot, Celina Gonzalez, and Daniela Mata are pictured at the April 8 exhibit at the Laredo Center for the Arts for the Families of Children with Autism. Mata exhibited a piece entitled “Secret World.�

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Feature

Private investment fuels Sames downtown economic development and restoration project

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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aredoans who attend Gringo Barrio’s May 3 fundraiser for the Laredo Area Community Foundation at 901 Hidalgo will experience the inescapable richness of downtown’s historic architecture. As well, they will preview the forward thinking of Elizabeth and Hank Sames to put in place another part of the hub upon which downtown’s arts and entertainment district will turn.

Seated before a roofed stage in a walled, open-air courtyard for a crowd of as many as a thousand, concert goers will see in the southeast corner of the venue the faded glory of what had once been home to the Ramon family, one of Laredo’s founding families.

What they will see, too, is private money-where-mouth-is investment in a segment of the city that is in large part neglected even by some who own downtown property and by the indifference of those who govern and could have bearing on an economically sustainable plan for downtown revitalization and redevelopment.

The Sames are not strangers to the rescue of historic properties. On the same city block bounded by Grant Street, San Bernardo Avenue, Iturbide, and the Tatangelo Walkway, they own the row houses behind the Ramon home, a onestory brick house that also belonged to the Ramons at 906 Grant Street, and El Pasillo, the beautifully restored Grant Street structure that serves as a reception venue.

According to a deed of title issued to Martin Roman in 1874, he first built the back two-story portion of the home. A photograph that dates between 1905 and 1909 shows the addition of a balconied two-story ell along the San Bernardo Avenue side of the property.

LareDOS was unable to find records

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that would establish when the rectangular structure of the Jitney Jungle store was built up against the northern line of the Ramon home, but there are references to the store in issues of The Laredo Times as early as the late 1920s and through the 1960s.

Elizabeth Sames, for whom restorations are second-nature as she witnessed her parents’ restoration efforts of homes and old buildings in San Antonio and Castroville, first saw the interior of the Ramon home about five years ago.

“Every room had a fireplace, floor to ceiling windows, wooden floors, a door to the porch, and a pressed metal ceiling. I saw all the possibilities, most of them already in place. I fell in love with it,” she said, recalling that she had to use a ladder to get to the upper deck of the stairs that were still usable.

With the back walls of the old store building abutted to the home, its handsome exterior details had long been obscured from street view.

Sames said the grocery store structure was a nightmare with its imploded roof, concrete rubble, boards, and nails.

Builder Mario Novoa of I.C.N. Construction secured a demolition permit on March 14 to destroy and haul off the walls of the old store, and since then the site has teemed with crews cleaning out the historic structure, laying concrete block for the new courtyard walls, building the stage and welding its roof, and wiring the courtyard for lighting.

Sames said any found object that can still be of use in the Ramon house is being saved for re-use. She called the project “a major restoration” and said she is looking forward to the challenge of bringing the beauty of the Ramon home back into utility.

The Sames envision a restaurant and bar in the restored structure and businesses or smaller restaurants and shops in the row houses along San Bernardo

Avenue. They hope to tie together the 901 Iturbide property with walkways to El Pasillo and the smaller one-story Ramon home on Grant Street.

“In addition to finding a client to establish the restaurant and bar, we want to find someone to manage the entertainment venue, too,” Elizabeth said, noting that Gringo Barrio debuted its album in Austin last year at Stubb’s, a hallowed dining venue in an old restored building with a large open courtyard for live performances.

Sames said she hopes that nearby property owners will clean their buildings and refurbish their facades by taking advantage of the city’s $15,000 façade improvement grants.

She said they will apply for the return of permit fees for 901 Iturbide through the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone.

With plans and permits in place, the restoration of the two-story Ramon home begins immediately after the Gringo Barrio fundraiser.

Designer Bill Luft, who brought El Pasillo and Gallery 201 to life downtown, and of late designed the club house at the city’s The Max golf course, is excited to take on the transformation of the Ramon house and the quarter block on which it sits.

Among Luft’s signature hallmarks are the brilliant use of color and clean, straight lines for new construction, attention to historic detail for restorations, well placed fenestration, and the creative use of native plants for landscaping.

Elizabeth Sames said of Luft, “Bill has such a good sense of architectural flow.

He is very skilled at melding new construction with old. He’s over the top on coming up with color schemes.”

Luft, who clearly enjoys challenges, said, “After May 3, we start our work to bring this building back as much as possible to the way it was. We’ve already shored up its old beams, cleaned it out,

and stabilized it,” he said, adding, “For now, it’s a race to get up the exterior walls and doors of the courtyard in time for the benefit concert.”

The work thereafter will address the restoration of the Ramon home’s stucco walls, windows, doors, porch floors, wooden trims, the exterior ornamental plaster trim around windows, replacing shutters and wrought iron, and establishing a garden.

Luft said the old photo of the exterior of the home was an invaluable tool to set goals for the project. He said the removal of the clutter of the storefront from the northeast corner of the lot opened up a host of possibilities for what the entire venue would look like.

“My family has been in Laredo a long time. We have a history in downtown, which we left about 30 years ago along with a lot of other businesses,” said Hank Sames. “It just seems like the time is right to go back and do something downtown.

I am a businessman, and I hope to make the investments there a long-term financial success,” he said.

Sames, who refers to himself as “semiretired” from the family’s auto dealerships business, plays guitar and is the sweet, deep voice of Gringo Barrio.

Of being the first significant investor in the city’s designated thousand-acre arts and entertainment district that encompasses downtown, Sames said modestly, “Someone has to be the first to make a substantial investment in downtown.

Downtown can be revived, but it needs a spark. I believe a music venue will bring people downtown and that will encourage others to develop. We need restaurants, shops, and bars, and this is doable in the area a few blocks west of Convent Avenue where there are many abandoned buildings that are still reasonably priced. I think real estate will go up in the Continued on page 51

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Santa María Journal

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By María Eugenia guerra

t was a scramble this year, no yolk, to assemble a formidable number of emptied eggs for the cascarones dyeing and confetti-filling assembly line that I undertake with my granddaughters every year — an event that leaves us with blue, green, and red stained fingers and happy memories of our time together.

Eggs were plentiful, thanks to the Santa María Ranch cluckers, but I started saving the shells a bit too late this year, which made our dog Luna the recipient of a few good scrambled egg breakfasts as we got closer to Easter.

After a little picnic of homemade pimento cheese sandwiches, we set

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The scramble to get the cascarones dyed and filled up on the porch at the ranch, the girls all into the colored water that fizzed before us in plastic cups. A wonderful cross breeze blew softly through the porch, carrying on it the fragrance of huisache and all else the monte offered up.

Woodpeckers and red-winged blackbirds got used to our presence outdoors and resumed their busy, chirpy business at the nearby feeder.

It was such a lovely way to spend an afternoon — a little bit of industry and a lot of conversation about the natural world, horses, schoolmates, an upcoming talent show. I savored their observations about our lives — how we fit together

and what we mean to one another — and the harmony of this time on so beautiful a backdrop.

Our friend Juliana Forbes stopped by and joined the sticky effort of gluing paper onto the open ends of the confetti filled eggshells.

Our work was done and we cleaned up and prepared for our return to Laredo. Before leaving, we drove to where an oilfield company had promised to repair the fence surrounding their compressor pad. They had done the work, though not as well as I would have liked and not to my specifications.

Parts of it looked pretty damned lazy and not at all cattle proof.

Driving back to el pie del rancho and the main gate, we were bombarded visually with the dazzle of the electric magenta of pithaya in bloom and the prickly pear ablaze with their yellow flowers — color wheel magenta and yellow.

It is nothing less than good fortune that I have the opportunity to experience the company of my grandchildren in this way — a bit different from the time I spent here with my own grandmother because she had so many grandchildren.

Nonetheless, those indelible memories are decades later redolent with fragrances and rich with colors and the texture of love and immense, gentle caring. 

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

Light It Blue

Friends gathered for Spazmatics

Irma, Eunice, Sergio, Iram, Rocio, and Edson Gomez were among the Laredoans who took part in the April 2 Autism awareness event at the Laredo Civic Center.

Ellen Garcia, Melissa Gutierrez, Ana Isabel Alvarez, Gerri Ramirez, and Carlos GarcĂ­a are pictured at the Laredo Center for The Arts on Saturday, April 12 for The Spazmatics show.

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News

News

Heritage Awards recipients named

Shirley, Bob Gonzalez: honorary presidents of RRG

he Webb County Heritage Foundation (WCHF) has selected eight honorees to receive the prestigious Heritage Award to be presented at the Founders’ Day Luncheon on May 10 at Texas A&M International University. The Foundation annually recognizes individuals, businesses, organizations, and families that have contributed to the unique architectural and cultural heritage of Webb County.

Dr. Sonia Hernández, an associate professor of history at the University of Texas–Pan American in Edinburg, will receive the Jim Parish Award for Documentation and Publication of Local and Regional History for her book, Working Women into the Borderlands (TAMU Press, 2014). Drawing extensively on bi-national archival sources, newspapers, and published records, Working Women into the Borderlands demonstrates convincingly how women’s labor contributions shaped the development of one of the most dynamic and contentious borderlands in the globe.

The Laredo Community College Board of Trustees will receive the Historic Rehabilitation Award for their commitment to preserving and protecting the historic buildings at the old Ft. McIntosh campus.

The Meritorious Service Award will be presented to Dr. Stan Green, recently retired professor of history at Texas A&M International University, for his lifetime work of preserving and promoting our community’s history.

A newly renamed Sam N. Johnson III Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to the Sisters of Mercy of Laredo on the occasion of their 120th anniversary of providing health

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services to our city.

The Ricardo Hernández Memorial Award for Achievement in Laredo History Education will be presented to J.W. Nixon High School’s principal Gerardo Cruz and Alfonso Ruiz, instructor in the Laredo History course. This award is also being shared by Nixon students Lizeth Aimee Terrazas and Samantha Rodriguez who are being honored for their development of a “Laredo Lotería” game utilizing images of local historic landmarks and designed as part of their Laredo History coursework.

The Environmental Preservation Award will be presented to the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center for their creation and development of a public organic garden.

The Preservation of Folklore/ Customs/Traditions Award will be presented to María Eugenia (Jeannie) López for her commitment to preserving our community’s artistic heritage through ongoing contributions to local theater productions.

And finally, the Luciano Guajardo Award will be presented to Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle School social studies teacher Alberto Guajardo for his commitment to promoting awareness of history, architecture, and folklore of our region to his students.

The awards presentation will take place during the Founders’ Day Luncheon on May 10 in the Texas A&M International University Student Center Ballroom.

For luncheon reservations or more information, please contact the Webb County Heritage Foundation at (956) 727-0977 or heritage@webbheritage. org.

— LareDOS Staff

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hirley and Bob González, to aid Webb and Zapata counties. trustees of the Guadalupe & She is the daughter of Larry and Lilia Martinez Foundation, Mary Sandlin and graduated from have been named honorary Ursuline Academy. She received both President of the Republic of the Río her Bachelors Degree and her Masters Grande by the Webb County Heritage of Arts Degree in Humanities from Foundation. They are recognized for the University of Texas at Dallas. Her their personal commitment to preserv- roots run deep in the history of northing regional history and will be inau- ern Mexico and South Texas story. Her gurated at the Founders’ Day luncheon mother, born María Luisa Gutiérrez, is on Saturday, May 10. a descendent of Bernabé Gutiérrez De Shirley Sandlin González is a native Lara.

Laredoan. She became president of the Shirley is married to Bob GonzaGuadalupe and Lilia Martinez Founda- lez and they have three children, Rob, tion upon the Marc Chrispassing of her tian and Ana uncle, GuadaSabrina. They lupe Martinez, proudly have in 2006. The six grandchilfoundation dren ranging was founded in ages from in 2001 by Guafive years to dalupe and age 18.

Lilia Martinez Robert J. as a continu(Bob) Gonzaation of their lez has serves c o m m u n i t yas treasurer based efforts of the Guadato provide lupe and Lilia assistance to Martinez Bob and Shirley Gonzalez the citizens of Fo u n d a t i o n Webb and Zasince 2001. It pata counties. is his goal to structure the foundation Shirley is a charter member of the so that it can last far beyond his lifefoundation, having served as secretary time to provide assistance to those in from 2001 until 2006. Under her lead- need. ership the foundation now provides A native of San Antonio, he is a funds to over 40 qualifying organiza- graduate of Texas A&M University. He tions in both counties in the areas of was stationed as an officer at Laredo health care, education, community as- Air Force Base. sistance, religious assistance, and the After being discharged from the arts. Since its inception in 2001, the service he began a 36-year career with Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez FounContinued on page 45 4 4 dation has contributed over $16 million

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Nutri Force at LISD volleyball tournament Staff from the Child Nutrition Center competed against other LISD employees in a volleyball tournament on Saturday, April 12 at Memorial Middle School.

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Art appreciation from Buentello family

Responsible pet ownership

Emma and Erika Buentello were at the Pieces of Hope and Compassion Auction on Tuesday, April 8 at the Laredo Center for the Arts. The auction benefited the Families of Children with Autism.

Laredoans gathered at the Laredo Animal Care Facility on Wednesday, April 16 for the City of Laredo Health Department’s rabies clinic.

Lost cost microships and vaccinations were available for the public.

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Northside Market celebrates spring

has really done a great job running the VSTN,” she said.

García was one of the recipients of the Hispanicize 2014 Positive Impact Awards, which recognizes those who contribute selflessly for the betterment of their community. She attended the awards ceremony in Miami earlier this month.

“I was surprised and grateful. Sergio Moreno nominated me. He has always been extremely supportive of me, whether we were a couple or not. He was my partner for many years and is currently one of my best friends. He has also nominated me for other awards, too,” she said, adding, “The award actually created new networks for future projects. From that event, came the idea of starting the Red Leaf Group, which will deal with fundraising and public relations.”

Currently García is the president of the SPHNA and Laredo Crime Stoppers.

She is a board member of Laredo Main Street and the Webb County Child Welfare Board. García is also a facilitator for the Laredo chapter of Las Comadres and a member of the Laredo Paranormal Society.

When asked what her motivation is to continue projects for social change, García said, “Sepa, maybe a sense of justice and enjoyment of watching positive movement. The answer depends on how cynical you are, I suppose. Maybe from an anger of seeing injustice as a child or maybe my trust that humans can be better to each other, who knows? One thing for sure, it isn’t some idea of a god and being nice to each other, because I am not a believer. We are who we are because we choose to be. I choose to be busy and create programs and projects.”

She said that working for social justice has been part of her family’s culture.

“So it is part of mine. Helping people create or find their voice can only help make all our lives better,” she concluded. 

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Liana and Juanita Lozano enjoyed a morning at North Central Park on Saturday, April 5. They enjoyed live music and family funfilled activities at the monthly Laredo Northside Market.

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Students assist at wellness fair Phlebotomy students assisted at the Laredo Community College and Doctors Hospital Wellness Fair on Friday, April 11. They provided attendees with free cholesterol and glucose screenings.

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The Arts

La Mantia’s One Woman Show a life in art

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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rtist Linda La Mantia showcased her passion for art at her One Woman Show on Tuesday, April 8 at the Laredo Center for the Arts.

“The show is a little bit of what I have been doing for the past year, culminating with what I have learned the past 20 years. In terms of a theme, it is just things that I love. I’ve got floras, people at the beach, magnolias, portraits, and a little of pop art,” said La Mantia.

She said she first experimented in art after her children were born.

“Whenever the kids would nap or go to bed early, I started dabbling in art. When they began school, I started studying with Mary Quiros, the renown watercolor artist,” she said.

Another of La Mantia’s mentors was Anne Vela, who instilled in her the passion and joy found in creating a piece of art.

“I started out with watercolors and then moved to acrylics. For the last two years, after my youngest left to college, I started to paint with Cristina Zorrilla Speer. That’s when I really got into acrylics,” said La Mantia.

According to the artist, painting in acrylics has allowed her the freedom to explore her creative side.

She said, “Watercolor painting requires a lot more thought. You have to think backwards. In acrylics if you want to paint your darks, you can paint white on top to get your lights, but in watercolor you have to do your whites first, then add your colors.”

La Mantia was the poster artist for the Washington’s Birthday Celebration in 1998 and 2011. She was also the artist for the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra’s 23rd season, and the featured artist for the Methodist Women’s Annual Flower and Art Show in 2003.

“Art is a passion. I love the way I can look at something like a building, and see a beautiful piece of art and want to paint it,” she said. 

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Rainy Day

Oscar Lopez and Mo La Mantia

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Linda La Mantia WWW.L A R E DOSN EWS.COM

Review

Diego Luna’s Chávez bio-pic: a long time in the telling

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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irected by Mexican actor Diego Luna, César Chávez chronicles the legacy of the activist, civil rights leader, and labor organizer. The film depicts the birth of the United Farm Workers Union and the tireless efforts of the American migrant farm worker Chávez.

The film begins with Chávez, portrayed by Michael Peña, doing a radio interview in which he discussed his own family’s struggles of losing their farm. “ T h a t ’s when we stopped being farmers and started being farm workers,” he said to the interviewer.

Through interviews and other historic documentation, Chávez is seen as a man with a strong character and by no means a perfect being — perhaps one of the most controversial critiques of the film being that he was portrayed too mildly.

While I felt Peña’s portrayal lacked emotion, he did capture the essence of Chávez’s struggle between being a devoted father, husband, and leader of

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a movement. The film did capture the plight of those powerless to the racism and the economic disparities of the time.

The film focused on Chávez’s nonviolent tactics, similar to those of Martin Luther King Jr., such as boycotts, pickets, and huelgas or strikes.

The most notable tactic revealed in the film was Chávez’s 25-day fast, was an act of self-purification and recommitment to nonv iolent tactics of the movement.

He began fasting in an attempt to rein in the farm workers’ growing volatility and to get California grape growers to negotiate better wages and working conditions for farm workers.

C h á v e z ’s wife Helen, played by America Ferrera, and the legendary labor organizer Dolores Huerta, portrayed by Rosario Dawson, did not get as much screen time as I would have liked. Their roles were perhaps muffled as viewers got only a hint of their strength and cunning in organizing and executing tactics of resistance to the inhumane treatment out in the fields.

This film struck a chord with me because growing up I heard stories

about my grandparents and my mother’s own struggles as migrant workers, and the few unjust opportunities they were given in terms of education. I feel that my generation, myself included, is not in tune with the history and plight of Mexican Americans just a few decades ago. Perhaps we have assimtilated a bit too much to the American culture.

This movie should have been made years ago. I commend Luna for his persistence — despite Hollywood shunning this project for years — in bringing this chronicle of the struggle of Mexican American farm workers to the big screen nationwide.

Love it or hate it, there is no denying that it is a travesty that there are

simply not enough mainstream films that chronicle the history and real-life struggles of Latinos. More films such as this one must be made in order to educate the public about what all Americans (including Mexican Americans) have endured.

While the film is commercialized and perhaps not as historically accurate as some wished it would have been, it is a film that gave these actors an opportunity to portray non-stereotypical roles — a rare occurrence in Hollywood.

Even today there is not enough information in our textbooks teaching Mexican American children about their heritage. That is why films such as César Chávez are so important. 

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Review

Senties writes from a metaphoric raft in the middle of the Río Grande

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uffice it to say that Raquel Valle-Senties’ life has not been a simple one. In her collection of deep and personal poems, The Ones Santa Anna Left Behind (Floricanto Press-2014), Senties, a pioneering Laredo businesswoman, allows us to peer into her open heart, her brilliant mind, and her compassionate soul.

Senties did not write this soulful collection in her youth, but began writing in her late 40s. She takes to the written page after a warm and nurturing life in Laredo with loving parents, instructive nuns, and a supportive extended family. She is swept off her feet by young love and baseball, and subsequently ends up living another lifetime in Veracruz while raising five sturdy sons. She finds herself back in Laredo, and after divorce she re-constructs her life with resilency.

Unlike other poets who write about the border, Senties is not a visitor trying to process the sensory overload that blasts writers attempting to make sense of the swirling marble cake of cultures that crash into each other on the frontera.

Senties writes from a metaphoric raft stuck right in the middle of the Rio Grande. She writes in English and then in Spanish and often in the rich mixture that sometimes makes “getting” Laredo frustrating for those not familiar with the mix. Senties grasps the notion that the right word or sentiment is important to telling this bilingual and bicultural experience.

She knows that the linguistic and nationalistic purists frown on hybrid expression. From the south comes the notion reflected in the term pocho that an American born of Mexican descent

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The Ones Santa Anna Sold

By Raquel Valle-Senties ISBN # 9781497473300 Floricanto Press 113 pages should forever maintain a fierce Mexican identity. From the North comes the idea that if Mexican immigrants move north, then they should assimilate completely into the melting pot and shed their Mexican ways.

But Senties knows that there are legions of Mexicanos who were already here when the boundaries began to change, each with a history and legacy. These are the ones that Santa Anna sold. And usually they pay for their stubbornness to conform in the way that they are portrayed in the popular culture of both nations.

Senties does not shy away from the mix of emotions that comes from the border experience of not fitting in the cultural penumbra of both countries.

Poems like “Growing Up en Laredo,” “The Ones Santa Anna Sold,” “River of Lost Dreams,” “Soy Como Soy y Que,” “Laredo,” “Border Distortions,” and “Eavesdropping” are engaging variations on trying to process the dual existence of those who live on the border.

Her work is important because it documents what is usually buried deep and unrevealed in the thinking soul of a border resident.

Senties’ collection is important for other reasons. In the number of other revelatory poetry about her youth, her romance, her life in Veracruz and her lament for the Laredo that she once knew, Senties deals with the joy, crushing disappointment and reconciliation that reveals a life fully lived and examined.

In “Anniversary Waltz,” Senties’

lyrical description of isolation resonates.

“Solitude and the night wrap around her like a rebozo” The poem describes an encounter after a missed anniversary dinner; “She strikes his cheek; Her wedding ring flies off, a flash of gold in the neon light.

It spins in the air, divides them, and rolls on the floor into the amber puddle of aged tequila.”

The collection is replete with these sometime harrowing tales of disappointment along with soaring romance and introspection.

Senties, a painter and playwright,

borrows from her artistic palette, mixing images, language, sentiment, and emotion to allow us into her rich experience.

This is a collection that can be read near great pieces of art, by a raging river, at a baseball park, or in candlelit solitude. Like a great painting the change in perspective will reveal nuance and depth in each environment.

And if not enough, the cover of her collection is a collage of her renditions of luminaries like authors Norma Cantu and Carmen Tafolla.

Senties’ collection is a definite necessity in beginning to appreciate border existence and complexity as seen through the eyes of a fearless truth teller. 

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By ARMANDO X. LÓPEZ LareDOS Contributor

Sisters show support for Autism awareness Susana Careta and Julia Orduña were among participants of the Second Annual Autism in Action Fitness event on Saturday, April 5 at the Laredo Energy Arena.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

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Mother and daughter at Women’s Expo

PepsiCo, Inc. He retired as vice-president of supplier diversity.

He has served on the boards of several organizations, including Junior Achievement of Dallas, the D/ FW Chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBA’s, the Cultural Arts Council of Plano, and the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

He has been the recipient of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber Member of the Year Award as well as the Bronze Leadership Award from Junior Achievement of Dallas. The Collin County, Texas LULAC Council named him as its Business Person of the Year. In addition, the National Hispanic Business Group presented him with the Corporate Procurement Appreciation Award. Bob also received the President’s Award from the Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Business Development Council.

UHS student recipient

of RRG Scholarship United High School senior Pedro Rene Treviño is the recipient of the President of the Republic of the Rio Grande scholarship. He will be recognized for his winning essay at the Founders’ Day Celebration on Saturday, May 10.

Treviño’s essay recounts a conversation with his grandfather who described their family’s nine-generation lineage linked to Laredo founder Tomás Sánchez and also to the Vasquez Borrego land grantees. It is a heart-warming account of generational interaction between the young man and his grandfather, combined with a fascinating work of genealogy.

Treviño is the son of Irma and Pedro Treviño III. He is active in numerous campus activities and has extensive volunteer and award recognitions. He has listed Texas A&M University as his first choice for college.

— LareDOS Staff

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Lanette and Luisa Carballeira of Fibi and Clo New York were among vendors at the Laredo Rotary Club Women’s Expo on Saturday, April 12 at the Holiday Inn.

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Family picnic at Northside Market The Barrera family is pictured on Saturday, April 5 at the Laredo Northside Market at North Central Park. The family enjoyed a picnic and participated in the Easter egg hunt.

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Laredo Community College

News Brief

Early voting for LCC bond election begins April 28

Live at the Jitney May 3: Gringo Barrio

By MONICA McGETTRICK WALTERS LareDOS Contributor

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ver the last seven years, the Laredo Community College family and community have witnessed the transformation of the Fort McIntosh Campus, as the college worked on structural and technological advancements to benefit its students.

With the first of a multi-year, multi-phase facilities master plan complete and the second phase nearing completion, the LCC Board of Trustees voted in February to hold a special bond election. If approved by voters, Phase III of the master plan will be paid through a $100 million bond issuance.

Phase 3 of the master plan would include projects at both the Fort McIntosh and South campuses.

Among the projects included in Phase 3 for South Campus are: • a new health sciences center with a community clinic that will serve to train LCC students and provide services to the community • a new student union building renovation and repair of existing facilities • safety and security projects; and technology projects Projects at the Fort McIntosh Campus would include: • renovation of the Yeary Library • a new oil and gas program facil-

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ity • new science labs • renovation of the Dr. Leonides G. Cigarroa Science Building • renovation of the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center • below-ground infrastructure projects • technology projects “As LCC prepares for the future, it is necessary for us to continue developing the facilities and infrastructure that will house the technology of today’s learning environment, much like Laredo’s public school districts are with their recent bond issues,” said Maldonado.

Due to nature and scope of the projects, this long-term financing provides the most feasible strategy as it does not impact student tuition or fees. The proceeds from the bond would be only for these projects and would not be applied towards the operation of LCC. The election will be held on Saturday, May 10. Early voting will run April 28 through May 6.

Taxpayers who want more information on the bond, as well as where to vote, can visit www.laredo.edu/ bond.

For more information on the bond election, contact the LCC Marketing and Public Relations Office at 7215140. 

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ringo Barrio will highlight a May 3 fundraiser for the Laredo Area Community Foundation (LACF) at 901 Iturbide in the heart of historic downtown (corner of Iturbide and San Bernardo.)

Tables and individual tickets are available to the general public for an evening of good music and beverages, with proceeds going to the non-profit LACF. There is ample parking in proximity of the concert, which begins at 8 p.m.

The homegrown, Laredo and borderinspired band features guitarist and lead singer Hank Sames and former Laredoans guitarist Mike Jackson and lyricist and frontman Richard (Sparky) Miller.

Other band members include guitarist and back-up singer Craig Calvert, accor-

dionist and pianist Chip Dolan, drummer Joe Resnick, and bass guitarist Boo Resnick.

Billed as “the sound of Texas, the heart of the border,” the genre-hopping Gringo Barrio is compared to Doug Sahm and the Texas Tornadoes, telling gritty “regular-man” stories about the border to the tune of guitar, accordion, and marimba.

For more information about the concert, ticket sales, or questions about the LACF, call Elizabeth Sames at 206-1121 or 763-9960. The LACF website is http:// www.laredofoundation.org For more information about Gringo Barrio and to listen to their music, go to www.gringobarrio.com — LareDOS Staff

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Notes from La La Land

By dr. neo gutierrez

Dr. Neo Gutierrez is a Ph.D. in Dance and Fine Arts, Meritorious Award in Laredo Fine Arts recipient 2009 from Webb Co. Heritage Foundation, Laredo Sr. Int’l 2008, Laredo MHS Tiger Legend 2002, and Sr. Int’l de Beverly Hills, 1997. Contact neodance@aol.com.

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hen the cast of the current season of “Dancing With the Stars” was announced, it seemed to be the most eclectic of all seasons, because of the cast’s background. The show features former child stars, young musicians and athletes, and admirable old-timers.

Leading the pack are Meryl Davis and Charlie White, who thrilled us with their Winter Olympics championship dance skating. In DWTS they are dancing separately, however. But the most admirable and inspirational of the entire cast is Amy Purdy, 34, who is a former Amazing Race contestant and a U.S. Paralympic snowboarder, who had both legs amputated below the knee at 19 when she contracted Meisseria meningitis. Her dance partner is Derek Hough. She is a jaw-dropping marvel to observe.

She is a powerful role model for people with disabilities. The Colorado resident gobbles up the challenge of snowboarding and the dance floor.

She has said: “Once I lost my legs and lost my ankle movement, I had to figure out different ways to snowboard.

I found that it’s more about using the rest of my body. And with dancing, it’s kind of similar. We’re figuring out what we can do to accomplish that same movement. It’s just being creative with the situation.”

My hope is that with the judges and the help of the voting public watching, that Amy wins. And every time Billy Dee Williams dances, I pray for his safety. He is 76, with two hip replacements, and he’s quite overweight. Billy Dee was the lowest scorer week one, and his face expressed fear of being sent home — but he was saved, probably by the oldies in the audience who voted for his return. Finally, the first elimination — Cuba-to-Miami swimming

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DWTS: Season 18 more eclectic sensation Diana Nyad came off in her dance performance as awkward, which was strange to me, because good swimmers are among the most coordinated people in the world.

She said, “For nine years I wanted to be on this show — it’s joy, it’s freedom.”

Changing topica — at the end of March a biopic of Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” was presented at the International Festival of Film in Guadalajara. Cantinflas is played by a Spaniard, Oscar Jaenada. I recall that Cantinflas used to go shopping once a year at the Joe Brand store in Laredo, and that the shop would be open for him from 6-8 a.m. with the full sales staff in position.

A friend who worked there told me Cantinflas would walk around the store, point at things, say how many he wanted, and moved on. All purchases were sent to Mexico. It was not unusual for him to spend more than $10,000 each year.

Ernesto Uribe of Church Falls, Virginia commented, “Getting a “gachupín” to play the role of Cantinflas in his biopic probably has Mario Moreno rolling in his grave! I grew up with Cantinflas and Tin Tan movies at the Azteca and the Royal Theaters back in the 1940s. We also saw a lot of Mexican movies at the Tower Drive-In on the San Antonio highway. I was already aware of Cantinflas’ visits to Laredo. He also shopped at Sulak’s Men’s Store that was right across the street from the Royal Theater and right next to the Rialto Theater. Other Mexican movie stars that would go to Laredo to shop were Jorge Negrete, Tin Tan, and Pedro Infante. Pedro Armendariz went to Laredo High School and was a good friend of my father’s. The old Laredo High School was where La Posada is today. Also

not known to many people is the fact that Pedro Armendariz was born in the Rio Grande Valley, and kept it a secret because he did not want his Mexican fans to know that he was a ‘pocho.’ There’s a great book there, waiting to be written, but a lot of difficult research would be needed, especially Pedro’s Hollywood years and his close friendship with John Wayne, who was a graduate of the University of Southern California.”

Oscar Carrillo of Laredo wrote, “How entertaining it was to see Continflas’ movies in black-andwhite at the Royal Theater, during the ‘Epoca de Oro del Cine Mexicano.’ As kids, we marveled at his shabby ‘gabardina’ (actually remnants of what once was a vest), and how he could manage to keep his

trousers on, considering that he wore them well below the waist.

“The price of the tickets for kids at the Royal was nine cents then. Like all boys at the onset of adolescence, I grew taller and my voice deepened.

So trying to pass as a child entitled to the nine-cent ticket, I would approach the ticket booth with knees bent, trying to look as small as possible, and in a falsetto voice I asked the boletera for my ticket. They were smart, though; they couldn’t be fooled. They’d tell me, ‘Enderesate y habla bien, huerco.’ So, ni modo, I’d have to fork over the 15 cents for an adult ticket or go home, si no completaba. Those were the days!”

And on that note it’s time for — as Norma Adacmo says — TAN TAN! 

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Maverick Ranch Notes

By bebe & sissy fenstermaker

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he Golden-cheeked Warblers are here and singing at Maverick Ranch-Fromme Farm.

They are establishing territories and it has been a treat to often see and hear two or more of them working at the edges of their territories, defending boundaries, and trying to attract a mate.

This morning we got a good look at a male Golden-cheeked overhead as we walked our Important Bird Area monitoring round. The bird is one of the most beautiful in our area, and since it only nests and raises its young here in a small part of Texas, it will always have my vote to be the State Bird of Texas.

I love the Mockingbird but it is the state bird for several states. The Golden-cheeked Warbler is a one and only native Texan. Its only “unfortunate” problem is that it is on the Endangered Species List, so politics plays its nasty role reinforced by developers, economic development-over-all-else peddlers, and plain old money-greedy graspers and their supporters.

Those who hate the bird, and for that matter all endangered species, are the very ones creating endangered species — by destroying habitat. They put species onto the Endangered Species List. We who try to provide breeding areas for endangered species and increase their numbers are the ones trying to get them off the Endangered Species List.

As Sissy noted in an earlier issue, this is the 150th year since the discovery of the Golden-cheeked Warbler in Texas. It was first seen down on the Medina River just southwest of San Antonio on its migration up from Central America to its breeding range in the Balcones Escarpment and Hill Country. The original discovery had been a few years earlier on its winter range in Guatemala.

As to the cattle, now there are two little longhorn bull calves dashing around Maverick Ranch-Fromme Farm. They could be twins, except Champagne Yorkshire has

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Golden-cheeked warblers back and singing a month of growth on the newest arrival. It won’t take long for them be about the same size. Their dueña, Tedda Osa, a funny little heifer of last summer, has the two calves well in hand. They love going along with her since she is just about their size.

Sissy has our Scenic Loop-Boerne Stage Alliance scheduled to put on a spring tour for the Boerne Library. We will have quite a morning showing everyone one of our historic corridors. We start in downtown Old Helotes and will see historic cemeteries, Balcones Escarpment native habitat, birds, and watersheds, the new Madla Natural Area, downtown Grey Forest, the Krempkau Divide, and the intersection of the three historic roads of our neighborhood.

Our cousin Jane McNeel Keller’s wonderful art is up for public viewing at the University Presbyterian Church on Bushnell in San Antonio. Jane now lives in La Jolla but grew up in San Antonio and lived there most of her life. Her paintings have always delighted us with their serendipity and color.

This show ranges over all of her life from Texas ranching, people and animals, to tropical plants and sunny ocean views. It should not be missed if you want to be delighted.

Greed exits a plumber We are already in the market for a new plumber. In less than two months of working here the latest plumber managed to take himself out of the running.

The cows hit a faucet and broke it off above ground. Sissy arranged for the plumber to replace PVC pipe below the break and reuse the existing faucet, which had no damage. Sissy was a bit under the weather, so I oversaw the work.

Plumber arrived without any material (his standard way of handling an hourly job) and had to go to Boerne Home Depot for supplies consisting of a coupling, two elbow joints, and a short length of PVC. That distance is about

four miles each way. Off he and helper went at 10:10 after getting here at 10. The predicted norther then hit with wild wind, lightning, and rain. They were gone over two hours, probably roaming the store and staying dry while the storm raged. With a light-light drizzle still falling, they returned, fixing the break in 20 minutes. The bill was $447.

He said, “I had to get nearly $100 worth of material.”

I wasn’t privy to that bill but it appears we paid for quite some amount of supplies and for every moment of his and helper’s breath between his house and his final exit at the gate. He was richer for the moment, and also managed entry onto the Do Not Use List of two ex-clients.

The latest plumbing rip-off seems to be this gotta-go-back-to-the-office/ store-for-supplies thing. The second to last plumbing company we patronized drove well-equipped vans with all the supplies inside. However the last three times we used them the plumber had to return to the office for things as small as a clamp! They refused to let me drive up

there to get it.

They always insinuated that because we are old (read: historic) our work requires something that isn’t used anymore and they don’t carry on board.

(Historic places use simple functional materials, not the chrome plated la-deda stuff of today.) This extra tripping never made me a happy person since I would originally tell them when calling to get on their schedule what the exact problem was, the actual supplies needed (I’ve been at the plumbing end of things here for a long time.) and how many. Their silence (what does a woman know?) made for an even less happy person and kept the bill padded.

There is much greedy disrespect these days, contributable to many changes in the world. People want it all right now. Impatience and unwillingness to wait is driving behavior instead of working to build good reputations and respect. ‘Grab it now, who cares what it means in the long run’ is a sorry state to fall into, because the long run commands the future.

— Bebe Fenstermaker

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South Texas Food Bank

By salo Otero

Five bands highlight Hal’s Landing fundraiser May 13

Salo Otero is the director of marketing for the South Texas Food Bank. He can be reached at sotero@ southexasfoodbank.org or by calling 956-726-3120.

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Courtesy Photo

H

al’s Landing has been one of the South Texas Food Bank’s most staunch advocates for the past five years, hosting a twicea-year fundraiser that includes live music at its restaurant and bar on 6510 Arena Blvd. next to the Laredo Energy Arena.

Hal’s owners Tom and Marianne Lamont’s words have echoed through the many years. “We believe in the STFB mission of feeding the hungry and we know how hard it is for non-profits to raise their necessary funds. We just want to do our part.”

The STFB fundraisers at Hal’s are in May and December.

“And because the food bank is celebrating its 25th anniversary, we want to spice it up a little, do something different, using our patio, to attract a bigger crowd with more variety,” Tom Lamont said of the upcoming gig.

“On May 13, we’ll have not only have one band playing, but five local bands — four on the patio in a battle of the bands,” he added.

Little Sister, featuring the wife and husband act of vocalist Monique Godines and guitarist Ramon (Moni) Godines, will take the indoor stage at Hal’s. The patio grand slam will include Kombo Del Sol, Inalcanzable, La Mision Valleneta, and Zenzible.

The STFB is billing the event as a “Friend and Fund Raiser.”

The South Texas Food Bank mission needs more co-missioners and a function like this one is an opportunity for friends to gather for a worthy-cause fund raiser and have a little fun in the process. We can also say it’s a ‘fun raiser’.

in Laredo and area venues since 1999.

Both Godines are elementary school educators — Moni teaching music at Killam Elementary and Monique in the classroom at Borchers.

Little Sister family ties don’t end with the Godines.

The other two band members are father-and-son, Al Rubio on bass guitar and his son Chris on drums.

“We play music Little Sister at STFB fundraiser from the 70s and 80s, classic rock Wife and husband, Monique Godines and Ramon and rock and roll,” “Moni” Godines of Little Sister, will perform at an Monique said.

STFB fundraiser at Hal’s Landing on Tuesday, May “In a nutshell, 13. we play Top 40.”

Daughter Sarah, 12, Admission is $10 per person is also musically inclined. When with each ticket eligible for more playing at family festivals, Sarah than $3,000 in raffle prizes. One of takes the stage to duet with Mom. the top prizes is four floor tickets to . the Gloria Trevi concert on May 25 The patio sounds of the four at the LEA. The donation of $10 is bands will be of a big-band variety converted into 80 meals to feed the since hungry. The STFB, which opened most of them include trumpets, 25 years ago in December of 1989, accordions, congas, and pianos. serves supplemental food monthly A look at the battle of the bands: to 30,000-plus families, 7,000 elderly, Mision Vallenata has been together 7,000 children and 500 four years. Organizer and vocalist veterans and their widows in Luis Gerardo Zavala says the ninean impoverished eight-county area member group, whose ages range from Del Rio (Val Verde County) from 20 to 30, plays “Colombiano to Rio Grande City (Starr) that has Tropical Sonora” genre. Zavala is a poverty level of 30-plus percent a native of Monterrey, Mexico. The poverty. other band members are Joel López, Little Sister has been entertaining Ignacio

Aleman, Ciro Hernandez, Carlos García, Jonathan Mata, and Freddie García.

Inalcanzable plays mostly norteño and regional music. The organizer of the six-member band is Joel Johnson, a United South High School graduate. The group, whose ages are between 30 and 40, has been around for six years. Johnson is vocalist and guitarist. The others are David Perales on drums; Carlos Guerra, accordion; Victor Alemendarez, bass guitar; Homero Santos, percussion; and Francisco Cruz Jr., first vocalist.

Kombo Del Sol is led by Irving Leal, vocalist and piano player. Leal was born in Laredo but tags himself as from Los Dos Laredos.

Originally called Sonora del Sol, the group has been around 15 years.

“We play tropical music,” said Leal, who is the computer business in south Laredo. Others in the group are Jorge Garza, drums; his brother Leal on bass guitar; Carlos Hernandez, percussion; and trumpet players Oscar Reyes, George Vasquez and Jesus Murillo. Another vocalist is Cecilia “Cecy” Luna.

The Zenzible group is organized

by Armando Mata, who is vocalist and accordion player. Among the other instruments in the five-member group are guitar and drums.

STFB executive director Alfonso Casso said, “We are thankful to the Lamont Family and Hal’s Landing. They have been one of the food bank’s best advocates, and because of the continuous need we are always urging donors to come join the mission.”  The food bank is at 1907 Freight, (956) 726-3120, www.southtexasfoodbank.org 

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Serving Sentences

By randy koch Randy Koch earned his MFA at the University of Wyoming and teaches writing at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

M

iss Smith, the business teacher at Lamberton High School in the mid 1970s, was a tall woman with a happy chipmunk’s high cheekbones, a Holstein’s sharp hips, and, it was rumored, a serious addiction to Coke. When she stood in front of the classroom, her blunt brownish-blond hair covered her ears and poked over the collar of her white sleeveless blouse. Bangs swooped down her high, pale forehead and perched above her right eyebrow. She held a spiral-bound manual, and in a voice graveled by years of smoking, she slowly called out a cockeyed alphabet: “h--a--k--s-j--d--f--l.”

Sitting at the tables in front of her, students pecked at typewriters, most of them electric but a few old manuals, too, with keys that required a vigorous thump in order to swing the typebar out of its innards and plunk the letter against the platen.

Fortunately, I sat at one of the new IBM Selectrics, a machine so sleek and efficient that if I struck it with the force needed for a manual typewriter, it chattered out a half dozen of the same letter with the rapidity of a Gatling gun. I guess I thought I deserved LHS’s newest technological advancement more than the juniors and sophomores in class since I was a senior and would attend Mankato State University in the fall.

“Fingers at home,” Miss Smith ordered. “Don’t hunt and peck,” she reminded us. “Reach and return to home. Reach and return.”

With my fingertips hovering above the middle row of letters, my back straight, and my eyes focused on Miss Smith, I waited.

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A brief history of writing “Ready?” she asked.

We nodded.

Then, as she methodically called out letters, we tapped the h and reached for e, nudged the s and pinkied the p, poked the d and bumped the u, stroked the g and jabbed the q.

On and on we went, each letter Miss Smith called sandwiched by a flurry of typing — the manuals thunking,

time I returned to college in 1987 to finish my bachelor’s degree (this time in English, not math), Mankato State had installed a few desktop computers in the library. While students could now word-process their documents and save them to 5.25-inch floppy diskettes, I bought a black electric typewriter equipped with a rectangular three-inch screen

“That’s not writing, that’s typing.”

—Truman Capote on Jack Kerouac’s work

the electrics clicking, our fingers eventually moving by themselves.

While this class taught me the keyboard well enough that I could type more than 50 words per minute, I didn’t have to type a single paper that first year at MSU. In 1976 most students didn’t own a typewriter, and computer labs in Minnesota were still years away. Besides, as a math major, I took Calculus I in addition to general education classes, like Healthful Living, Intro to Psych, Astronomy I, and even fencing, so there was more emphasis on exams and épées than on essays.

However, in Astronomy III the next spring, I did write a lengthy paper explaining Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity though I did it in longhand. Still, by then I was getting a D in Calculus III, and a few weeks later I dropped out and returned to Lamberton.

During the next 10 years I rarely needed a typewriter. As the maintenance man at Valley View Manor Nursing Home, I had more need for a plunger and weed-whacker. By the

that displayed one line of text. This was serious progress. Now I could correct typos by scrolling through a line before printing it on the page-saving me the trouble of fixing errors with Wite-Out. In 1990 after finishing my BS in English Education, I entered MSU’s graduate program in fiction writing.

Even then I still wrote nearly everything longhand, often drafting on only one side of a sheet of notebook paper, revising by scissoring sentences and paragraphs apart, and then Scotch-taping them together in a different order before I typed a final draft. However, because I had to write and submit a book-length thesis in a specific format, I knew my one-line typewriter was inadequate.

That’s when I started going to MSU’s small computer lab and, for the first time, saving documents to 3.5-inch floppy disks, which weren’t really floppy at all.

In 1991 when I got my first teaching job, Rochester Community College didn’t furnish me with a computer or a printer and, being a single

father knee-deep in student loans, I couldn’t afford one. So I reverted to scissors, tape, and my black electric typewriter to write handouts for students, bad poems that I mailed to literary magazines, and application letters for tenure-track positions.

Finally, in 1994, at the start of my fourth one-year contract in Rochester, I bought a powerful Smith Corona PWP 3700 Personal Word Processor Office System for $327.70. Now I could not only save documents to 3.5-inch floppies but also create spreadsheets with the CoronaCalc III Spreadsheet program, which, according to the owner’s manual, “has applications limited only by your imagination.”

Except, I couldn’t imagine how quickly my brand new Office System would become obsolete and how drastically things would continue to change: 3.5-inch floppies replaced by CD-ROMs, then flash drives, and now the Cloud; monitors and CPU’s the size of a truck battery now no thicker than a 70-page notebook; stand-alone word processors pushed aside for Internet-linked computers; and online viruses that often make more headlines than those that infect people. Of course, even though keyboards now have at least 20 more keys than typewriters did in 1976 and are squeezed onto smaller and smaller devices, all the letters are, fortunately, still in the same place. But these days when, with just an index finger, I peck out a text message that zips instantaneously from Pennsylvania to my daughter Mary in Laredo, I’m reminded that technologically we’re all well beyond the point of no return and that Miss Smith’s emphatic command is mostly irrelevant and even unrealistic. 

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TAMIU

Oscar Cortez selected for ‘Teach for America’

By STEVE HARMON LareDOS Contributor

T

each for America (TFA) has welcomed TAMIU student Oscar Cortez into its prestigious education program.

Every year thousands of applicants from the nations’ top universities submit their resumes and qualifications for a chance to join one of the most influential education organizations in America.

This year Cortez, who graduates in May, joins the selected few to work towards enhancing the academic careers of children nationwide.

“It’s a very rewarding experience and I’m looking forward to it. I’m very humbled and appreciative that I was able to get in,” expressed Cortez.

TFA has worked with over three million students across the country, providing them the tools necessary to ensure children in low-income communities have the opportunities to succeed in the classroom.

Cortez explained that the TFA is a national non-profit organization whose main mission is to bridge the inequity present in education. The Laredo native said he believes he understands education inequity.

“As a Laredoan, I always felt that LISD schools were more disadvantaged than UISD schools,” he expressed, “… I don’t mean specifically teachers, but we are talking about lack of funding, resources, and facilities that are not up to par with others.”

As a freshman at TAMIU, Cortez said he experienced what inequity in schools can do to students that are suddenly faced with a new perspective on education and find themselves among other students with different academic backgrounds.

“My freshman year I witnessed this inequity first-hand. I’m a biology major and taking general chemistry I, immediately I felt that I was not as prepared as

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UISD kids. I felt they picked up the information quickly and were predisposed to study better,” he recalled.

Since its inception in 1990, Teach for America has worked with over 33,000 participants committed to teaching and improving students’ futures nationwide.

In 2013, TFA ranked #60 on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. All of which have made it one of the most competitive among university graduates.

Because of its high demand status, the grueling application and interview process had Cortez losing faith in his ability to make it into the program.

“I was excited to think what it would be like to be a TFA member, and I was anxious because I wanted to know if I

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area once people start opening up entertainment type businesses.”

Sames said he wants to develop other entertainment type venues, “One at a time.

If this is a success, we will keep developing,” he said.

He considers himself an optimist about downtown re-development. “The city has a great future. Locals should not sit around and wait for government to do things for us. That includes local, state, and federal government. We need to see opportunity and act on it. Of course we need the cooperation of government and an involved citizenry — that is the best way.”

He said architect Viviana Frank was to be commended for her work with the city, state, and federal government in revitalization efforts. “We should not have an adversarial relationship with government. We can resolve our differences without being hostile,” Sames said.

Raul Perales, general manager of La Posada Hotel and Fasken Interests in Laredo —which has invested about $23 million in renovations to its landmark downtown property — lauded Hank and Elizabeth Sames.

got in and at times I was demotivated because the process was so lengthy. It really made me feel, as this was it...This was the transition from me being a kid to becoming an adult,” he explained.

Cortez’s passion for teaching and helping students came from his mother who has been an educator for many years and from his older sister Christine Cortez, who was also accepted into the Teach for America program in 2010.

“What also made me want to go into teaching was my older sister Christine.

She is one of the persons I owe the biggest gratitude to. She applied for this, she knew what they were looking for, and she didn’t get help from anybody. She just went in there. She’s a totally differ-

ent person than I am. She was the prime motivating factor for me wanting to join Teach for America.”

The TFA program requires its participants to fulfill two-year teaching commitments in schools where children face higher rates of poverty. After fulfilling his two-year requirement in San Antonio, Cortez plans to attend law school, eventually move back to Laredo and continue to help out his community.

“My community has been very kind to me, whether or not they know it or have done something directly for me; I enjoy this town, my family is in this town, so I want to give back to my community.

I am very proud of who I am and where I come from,” Cortez concluded. 

“Hats off to them for this private venture that tells you how much they believe in Laredo and its historic downtown. This undertaking is a huge affirmation for downtown, a big step in the right direction.

City government should follow suit, because this isn’t just about restorations and renovations. It’s about economic development, economic sustainability, jobs, and a community that offers more to Laredoans and visitors alike,” Perales said.

He, added, “Elected officials in Laredo like to say that cities like McAllen are eating our lunch, outdoing us. They are. Those who make decisions for garnering tourist dollars in McAllen are thinkers and doers who are taking advantage of state statutes to create Neighborhood Empowerment Zones. There are a lot of property owning whiners downtown who would do well to follow Hank and Elizabeth’s lead.”

Margarita Araiza, executive director of the Webb County Heritage Foundation, asked, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this latest effort, led entirely by private property owners, touched off a new wave of investment in our historic center?”

She continued, “Laredo is so fortunate to still count on a significant part of our historic architecture downtown. This

architectural fabric is the kind of basic ingredient that creates a city’s genuine flavor and character. This is the kind of natural attraction that draws tourism and longterm economic growth.”

She said that the El Pasillo reception venue on Grant Street, which Sames developed with Gary Jacobs, “produced a lot of attention for the historic heart of our city.

One little historic building handsomely renovated for a new purpose can make a big difference to the streetscape, and spark some positive interest in a neglected urban center.”

Araiza said that the Sames project, along with the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, and the Laredo Center for the Arts, are proof that “historic architecture is successfully being utilized to form a tourism magnet.”

Frank, an unwavering champion of downtown revitalization through economic development, called Hank Sames “a pioneer.” She sits on the board of the Streets of Laredo with Sames.

“The 901 Iturbide project tells you of the love they have for Laredo. It shows a lot of heart. In the end, this will look like a smart investment,” Frank said. 

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Philosophy to Go

Aristotle’s Merry-Go-Round—the dematerialization of matter

O

n the one hand we have raw matter — that shapeless, nameless, underlying stuff of existence. In a state of constant flux, raw matter is ceaselessly changing.

On the other hand, we have form — a never-changing, eternal concept of our conscious creation. We recognize things by their form, itself a conscious idea by which we identify particular objects in our physical material reality.

Raw matter without form exists in a condition of mere possibility waiting to be realized. The relationship between matter and form is one of movement — matter, with the potential of becoming an object in our consciousness, moves from one point to another to assume a form.

It is evolving and as it does, our senses pick up on essential details and transmit the sensory data to our brains as neural inputs. We, then, are conscious of an object that we identify in particular. Thus matter realizes its possibility — its potential.

This movement between raw matter and form equals change. Change occurs only via this movement, which is a realization of the possible in form-less matter. Change allows for our perception of time and space. Thus we see things age, and perceive them in 3-D. Indeed, we may speak of raw matter, and think of it, only as a concept, and then obviate its complexity by lumping everything it may consist of under one conceptual generality. Although this concept is a reference to something nonconceptual, the general concept of matter is itself not material. All matter then, beyond our conscious grasp, collapses into the entirely conceptual. As such, we group whatever reality is out there into one convenient idea however disassociated from actuality (How’s that for “group think”?). Thus we function in an

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artificially constructed idea of how our becomes the changeless eternal just as concept imposes a form as a symbol physical matter really is. Our conscious matter becomes concept — movement against content which actually exceeds experience is a carefully composed vir- cannot ever cease, and the dynamic is that concept in scope and dimension. tual reality. made an invariant and rendered static.

This symbolization, a limitation, is our This virtual reality serves to impose Matter and form are co-dependent manner of identifying things as part of p er ma ne nc e on each other our conscious thinking practice, and asin our experiin the sense sumes as real, solid, and enduring, the ence thereby that one can- identity of an object merely symbolized “...although this concept suspendi ng not really ex- by a non-material thought. Thus, an is a reference to something the experience ist without identifying thought, while a subjective non-conceptual, the of constant the other. But proposition, objectifies matter by the change that this co-depen- logical identity of the concept. general concept of matter is inherent in dence is not This relationship between form and is itself not material.” the nature of such that one matter, this kindling, is itself a constant physical mateprinciple con- feature in our conscious reality. As long rial reality, and tains the other as we have conscious perception, matter allowing for a frozen perception and the within it as a condition of its possibility. is necessarily, constantly, eternally, movillusion of a three dimensional, solid Rather, it is as though matter and form ing into form. In this manner, the moveworld. The key word here is illusion. ignite each other upon contact. Move- ment from raw matter to form renders What we perceive as real is a conceptual ment only arises through the kindling change, i.e. constant flux, as a changeconstruct courtesy of our conscious ap- which occurs when the two things come less invariable. Our conscious mind imparatus at work. The form of the concept together. poses form on raw matter in order for us is, therefore, “false” in this manner. It All things are not equal, however. It to function in physical matter reality. In is artificial — conjured up by our con- is the concept that dominates and over- so doing, we reduce the ever-changing sciousness. It does not really exist. Try- whelms just as paper covers rock and into a static condition. Thus we provide ing to understand this as a philosophical wins in that silly game children play change with a changeless quality, and proposition is a challenge. The concept’s about paper, rocks, and scissors. The matter is de-materialized.  own concept becomes the ideal problem.

I say “false” because this generalized concept of physical material reality that allows us to function as a practical matter contains elements of static thinking and a static cognitive ideal amidst a consciousness that has evolved into something completely dynamic.

Aristotle (that Grecian nut) says, however, that the relationship between matter and form, this realization of possibility, is itself eternal. That is, this movement from matter to form, this never ceasing change, this ever varying material, always taken as a variability, is itself, as a condition of change, an Local preteens on the runway invariant because this change, and its inherent movement, this relationship The fashion show on April 6 at the Laredo Country Club showcased between matter and form, is eternal. the latest spring fashions from Dillards. The Society of Renaissance The genesis of form, matter, and its posWomen hosted the event, from which all proceeds benefit scholarships sibility disappears into formal structure for local high school students. which can only be caused by movement.

Movement, the ever-changing, therefore Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

By RAUL CASSO LareDOS Contributor

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Courtesy Photo

At the 11th Annual César Chávez March Attorney David Almaraz, who was master of ceremonies for the 11th Annual César Chávez March for Justice, is pictured with Hollywood actor Pepe Serna at the march. Serna, a native of Corpus Christi, has had roles in Scarface, Silverado, and The Rookie.

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Commentary

Happy First Texas Independence Day (April 6, 1813)

By JOSÉ ANTONO LÓPEZ LareDOS Contributor

O

ne of the best rewards in sharing early Texas history with a wide variety of audiences is the dialogue it generates. Our 2013 cycle of presentations was no exception.

For example, many Mexican-descent Texans are learning for the first time of our ancestors’ inspirational, historic struggle in founding Texas and declaring independence in 1813.

Most folks do recall that Mexico lost “some” territory to the U.S. after the U.S.-Mexico War of 1846-48, but few know of Mexico’s catastrophic loss. The U.S. took over half of Mexico’s (a sovereign republic) land; and as the victor, the U.S. also wrote the peace treaty. For an idea as to the vast amount of land involved, readers must realize that today’s contentious Border Fence is being built right in the middle of northern New Spain (Mexico).

Below are some of the most common topics of 2013.

Was this land called Mexico when the Spanish arrived? Yes. Many wrongly believe that the 1824 Constitution created the term “Mexico.” In that document, New Spain adopted its new name United Mexican States, a Federal Republic organized along the same government lines as the U.S. The fact is that the term “Mexico” is an ancient word and much older.

How old?

The very first European mapmakers (early 1500s) depicted the Spanish domain in North America as “America Mexicana” from coast to coast. Logical, since Spanish explorers and clergy had traveled all along the entire east coast by then.

Active settlements extended from Florida to the Carolinas; some ex-

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ploring further to Virginia and Maine. Historian David J. Weber writes that when French explorer Jacques Cartier first explored the St. Lawrence River area, native Americans reportedly welcomed him with Spanish words. That’s because the natives believed the Frenchmen were Spanish explorers returning to the region.

On the west coast, the Spanish journeyed all the way to present-day Washington State and beyond, establishing the first European settlements near the current U.S. Canada border. By then, Spanish territory included the land from Florida and Carolinas; west to the Pacific Ocean (over half the land of present-day U.S.). According to Weber, America Mexicana was larger than Western Europe. Yes, that’s the reason the gulf is named the Gulf of Mexico.

Many inquiries deal with names.

In Texas, for example, Hueco (Hollow) became Waco. In the same way, Florida’s Cayo Hueso was Anglicized to Key West and San Agustín became St. Augustine. North on the east coast, the Merrimac River was first named Rio San Antonio by the Spanish. Cabo de las Arenas was later changed to Cape Cod. Santa Catalina was renamed St. Catherine’s Island. Spain’s provinces of Ajacán, Orista, and Guale were respectively re-named Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia by English émigrés who illegally settled in Spanish territory.

Another area of increasing interest is Texas’ connection to Mexico.

Before the arrival of Europeans in Texas, there was contact, solidarity, and significant trade among Texas and Central Mexico people. Most experts believe that the Nahuatl language of the Mexica is a Uto-Azteca dialect born centuries earlier in the wide area stretching from Cana-

da, through the western U.S., and throughout Mexico. The language of the Comanche people whose Plains territory included the Texas Panhandle and North to Central Texas is Uto-Azteca. Still another Texas’ natural connection to Mexico is its inclusion in Aztlán, mythical homeland of the Mexica. Sufficient to say that native American blood still flows robustly through the veins of today’s Mexican-descent U.S. citizens originating in Texas and the Southwest.

Historian Hugh Thomas notes that the people of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) conquered by Hernan Cortés called themselves “Mexica.”

Cortés didn’t call them Aztecs and neither did the natives use the label.

They referred to their land as “Mexico” and included other tributepaying independent tribes. In fact, it’s reported that after Cortés’ landing, several major warlords tried to organize. Powerful chiefs of allied tribes were asked to join because “We Mexicanos (pronounced Mechicanos) have to stick together to fight the European enemy.” Regardless, history tells us that Cortés ably used the divide-and-conquer method by allying himself with other native tribes and defeated the Mexica.

One of the most popular topics of 2013 involved Álamo myths. The building in downtown San Antonio that we are told is the Álamo is actually an iglesia (church). Mission San Antonio is equal to its sister missions of San José, San Juan, Espada, and Concepción. Many are quite surprised to learn that “Álamo” doesn’t mean “fortress” in Spanish.

Rather, it’s the Spanish name for the cottonwood tree. So, where does the Álamo-in-San Antonio connection come from?

First, Álamo has organic roots to Coahuila, not Texas. Second, the

term relates to soldiers and families from Álamo de Parras, Coahuila (totaling about 200 souls) stationed in San Antonio in 1803 and living at the Presidio. As a result, Bexareños began to refer to the Presidio as “el lugar donde vive la gente del Álamo” (the place where the Álamo de Parras people live). Soon, the long phrase was shortened to “Álamo.”

Sadly, the San Antonio Presidio no longer exists. In the early 1900s, its residents were evicted; the place was torn down by city officials; and the property rezoned for commercial use. Long marketed to tourists and residents as the Álamo “fort,” the historic building is a church and fittingly enough, its official name is Mission San Antonio.

In summary, the fact is that inquisitive citizens (especially of Mexican-descent) are beginning to revisit Texas history that up to now has been presented through an Anglo Saxon (post-1836) lens.

The truth? First, Texas is in Old Mexico and is part of New Spain, not New England. Second, Spanish Mexican/native American pioneer settlers of the early 1700s are the first to establish the first towns “Deep in the Heart of Texas” (San Antonio, Nacogdoches, La Bahia (Goliad), and Villas del Norte). Their blood, sweat, and tears founded this great place we call Texas and gave Texans their first taste of freedom on April 6, 1813.

Let’s celebrate the historic event by visiting the Spanish Governors Palace, Missions San Antonio, San José, San Juan, Espada, and Concepción, the Tejano Monument in Austin, La Bahia Presidio and Mission Espíritu Santo in Goliad, and related points of interest. Let’s not forget to tell the docents why we’re there.

Happy First Texas Independence Day! 

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LAPS

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By JENNIE REED LAPS Board Member

irst there was one, sneaking up after dark to steal a nibble or two of food left behind by the resident outdoor cat. She was born in the garden shed and discovered when she fit in the palm of a human hand. The runt of the litter, black as pitch with eyes like emeralds, she and her brother by another mother, as they say in polite cat talk, were part of the same litter. Of course, even cats know that the roaming stray tomcats bear their share of the blame for the out-of-control overpopulation crisis.

Back in the cul-de-sac, no amount of coaxing could get them to overcome their fear and distrust of humans.

Eventually, their mama disappeared and they foraged on their own, joining the little band of roaming felines who found their way past the cul-de- sac and were fed, out of guilt, by kind people who could not bear to see them go hungry, knowing full well that they were becoming part of the problem.

Visualize this scene in neighborhoods all over town and you get an idea of the magnitude of the problem.

How often we at the shelter hear “I can’t bear to see them hungry, but I can’t afford to ‘fix’ them all. Please, can’t there be more low-cost clinics?”

LAPS is sometimes criticized because we were forced to euthanize 10,000 dogs and cats in a year. This was during our tenure acting as the city’s impound facility. Publicizing these figures was to illustrate the reality that there are more animals born than for whom there are loving, responsible homes. We chose to bring these horrific numbers out of the shadows to force the public to face reality by having quite visible vigils in a public park. Long streams of linked papers, each representing an innocent animal that was euthanized, were held

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up for all to see.

This was when “No Birth is the first step to No Kill” became our mantra as we separated from impound duties to our role as a No Kill Shelter focusing on reducing the number by sponsoring lower-cost spay/neuter clinics along with our work with our local veterinarians.

At present, LAPS and the Laredo Health Department work together to sponsor low-cost spay/ neuter clinics for the public.

Now, no animal leaves our shelter without being sterilized, micro-chipped, and vaccinated. Though the cost is kept as low as possible for the public, it takes money to pay for these clinics, and LAPS needs your help — most urgently — to pay our bills to keep the shelter open. We have light bills, salaries, and all the other needs of a business. Then, and only then, can we concentrate on the expenses of sponsoring more of these clinics. We are addressing part of this problem by remaining closed to the public Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Staff is on site to clean and feed. We are open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 to 5:00, closed on Sunday.

As we realized our dream of being a No Kill Shelter, we need the community’s help in becoming a No Kill Community. We cannot accomplish this if we can’t keep our doors open.

How can you help? Let us count the ways. Please consider joining the faithful who make regular donations via PayPal, credit card or mailing to LAPS, 2500 Gonzalez, 78040 or to P.O. Box 451093. If 50 people donated $50 per month, that would amount to $2,500. Bigger donations would multiply in kind. At present, we need $15,000 more per month just to pay expenses. Do the math. The answers speak for themselves. Please help us help innocent animals and of course, our community. Thank you. 

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

The Saga of Smokey and Socks and the rest of the Cul-de-Sac Cats

At the Farmers Market Austin attorneys Tom Kolker and Virginia Raymond are pictured at the Farmers Market on Saturday, April 20 at Jarvis Plaza.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Turners raised awareness on Autism

Sky’s the limit

Jocelyn, Michelle, Patty, and Amberly Turner participated in the Second Annual Autism in Action Fitness event on Saturday, April 5 at the Laredo Energy Arena.

Children of all ages enjoyed a Sunday afternoon filled with exciting activities such as rock climbing at SCAN’s 16th Annual Children Play Day on April 6 at the Civic Center.

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Jesse G. Herrera/LareDOS Contributor

Steeple gets a facelift This photo taken by Jesse Herrera during the César Chávez march caught the solidarity of one of the workers atop the steeple of San Agustín Cathedral. The Diocese of Laredo has undertaken a 60-day preservation and beautification project for the steeple’s roof replacement and painting. The restoration of the steeple of so iconic a landmark of this community is working with the guidelines of the Texas Historical Commission and has met all the requirements of the City of Laredo Planning and Zoning Department. The project’s cost of $237,430 is offset by a $200,000 grant from the Kenedy Foundation and the balance from the Cathedral Preservation Fund. Upon the completion of the exterior repair comes a $44,500 “Condition Assessment and Master Plan Study” for guidance on further preservation, repair, and improvement. The study team is comprised of Hickey-Peña Architects and Frank Architects in addition to structural, mechanical, electrical, and acoustics engineers.

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Emily Altgelt/LareDOS Contributor

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Commentary

Commentary

Gracias LISD por el nuevo barrio fantasma

Thank you LISD for a new ghost town

bY Jorge Santana LareDOS Contributor

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ivir en el barrio de San Pedro es una de las mejores decisiones que tomé.

Muchos se sorprendieron cuando opté mudarme a uno de los barrios más antiguos de Laredo.

Descubrí que todo lo malo que me decían eran sólo mitos, descubrí que vivir en el centro es como vivir en otro Laredo, lejos de suburbios seriados donde nadie se conoce.

Desde mi casita que se construyó hace casi 150 años pude descubrir una vida nueva. Encontré que hay una asociación de vecinos que inyectan oxígeno al barrio, y más que nada encontré eso ¡vecinos! por fin pude tener vecinos, esos con los que se puede contar. Caminar entre sus calles arboladas, por sus bellas casas históricas que seguro lo han visto todo, es una experiencia única. Las ramas llenas de pericos salvajes tan verdes como las selvas de donde provienen es todo un espectáculo que atrae amantes de las aves de todo el país.

Me sorprende no ver a las familias pelearse por vivir en San Pedro.

Puedes caminar a la plaza principal por las tardes, sus noches son tranquilas y el sonido del tren a lo lejos tiene algo román-

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tico que todavía no comprendo. Una cantidad considerable de propiedades del barrio histórico de San Pedro pertenecen al LISD desde hace ya más de una década, las utilizan como oficinas y es la sede del VMT que trae la alegría y el bullicio de la juventud al barrio. Pero LISD pronto se irá a una nueva ubicación y el destino de esas propiedades históricas está en el aire. Algunas propiedades son de una importancia mayor, como la iglesia bautista, la primera sinagoga, la casa Layendecker y otros edificios y casas que son parte fundamental de la historia de nuestra ciudad. Laredo cuenta con dos barrios que son eco de nuestro pasado, el Azteca y San Pedro, pequeños vecindarios que guardan como una capsula del tiempo lo Continued on page 63

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By JORGE SANTANA LareDOS Contributor

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o live in the St. Peter’s historic neighborhood was one the best decisions of my life.

Even though I am 27 and making life-changing decisions is new to me, I chose well this time. The majority of our friends and family were surprised that I opted to live in one of first neighborhoods of Laredo, but I soon discovered that all the bad gossip about downtown was just a wobbly myth. I discovered that living downtown is like living in another Laredo far away from suburbs that are mirror images of the next suburb and the next one — where nobody knows each other.

From my house that was built almost 150 years ago I discovered new

life. I found a neighborhood association that injects oxygen into the community and even better, I found real neighbors that you can count on. I even got a handful of welcome baskets — who does that anymore?

Walking in between the streets covered by a canopy of grand trees, arrogant rebels against time, and walking past the beautiful historic homes that have been witness to Laredo’s history, I feel the unique experience of being part of this neighborhood. The tree branches burst with the intense conversation of wild parakeets as green as the jungle they came from. It is a spectacle that attracts bird lovers from all over the country.

I am surprised not to see families fighting to live in the St. Peter’s neighborhood. In the afternoons you can walk to the main plaza where children play. The tender nights are shaken from time to time by the whistle and rubmble of the train. All of this I find romantic.

A considerable number of properties in the St. Peter’s historic neighborhood belong to LISD. LISD will soon move to a new location and the fate of those old properties and buildings is in the air. Some are of high historic value like the First Baptist church, the first synagogue in Laredo, the Leyendecker House, the Cogley home, and the list goes on and on of buildings and homes that were fundamental to the history of this city.

Laredo has two neighborhoods that are an echo of its past — El Azteca and St. Peter’s — small neighborhoods that guard like a time capsule what we once were. Without knowing our past, our future is uncertain.

It is a shame that the history of LarContinued on page 63

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Family and friends enjoy art reception Among attendees of the Pieces of Hope and Compassion Auction were Anais Perez, Solei Perez, and Alina Mena on April 8 at the Laredo Center for the Arts.

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que alguna vez fuimos, y no puede haber un éxito futuro sin conocer bien nuestro pasado. Es una pena que la historia de Laredo sea preservada de manera tan pobre, que su arquitectura sea olvidada y no tomada en cuenta como se debe por parte del gobierno local, que no haya apoyo para los dueños de estas propiedades históricas que buscan restaurar y preservar. Una vez que estas propiedades se destruyan ya no hay vuelta atrás, se irán para siempre. LISD se deshace poco a poco del tesoro que alguna vez prometió cuidar. Hoy esas propiedades ya no les sirven, y han dejado que se pudran sus maderas preciosas, han dejado que se destruya nuestra historia. Algunas casas tras mucho batallar han sido vendidas aunque con precios altos a personas que afortunadamente desean darle el cuidado que LISD no pudo. Pronto se empezarán a subastar o vender las que quedan, al mejor postor claro, sin

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importar cuál es su destino. Las que no se vendan seguirán por muchos años deteriorándose sin que a LISD le importe, para ellos estoy seguro, esas propiedades son un número más, una cifra, y sólo eso. Tantas posibilidades para esos monumentos de nuestro pasado, podrían donarlas y convertirlas en centros comunitarios, en un lugar para que los vecinos realicen esa labro de promover al barrio y de ayudarnos a conservar su historia, otra casa podría ser un museo, otra una casa de la cultura gratuita dónde los artistas puedan exponer sus obras. Tantas posibilidades que me parece increíble los miembros de la junta de LISD no lo vean, que sólo les importe el dinero que sacarán de esas casas, no vean el potencial ya sea de destruir nuestro barrio o engrandecerlo. Espero recapaciten, aunque no tengo mucha esperanza. Seguiremos luchando los vecinos por mantener este pedacito del pasado. Nunca hay que olvidar de dónde venimos, para saber a dónde vamos. 

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edo has been preserved and guarded so poorly, that its timeless architecture has been forgotten and not often considered by our local government.

There is no support for the owners of historic properties who seek to preserve and restore. Once these venerable buildings and old homes are destroyed, there is no turning back. They are gone forever. Little by little LISD divests itself of the architectural treasures it once promised to preserve. Some of those properties are of no use to them, and they have let their precious woods rot. Some historic buildings have been sold at high prices to persons who fortunately now will give them the care LISD no longer would. Soon they will start to sell or auction what is left to the highest bidder of course, not the best, without absolutely any interest in their fate. What is not sold will be left to rot and to wither away as though they were something trivial.

To LISD’s board members and accountants, these properties are just a number on a list, a money sign, and no more.

There are so many possibilities for these monuments to our past. The school district could donate them or sell them at a fair price so that they could be transformed into community centers, into places where neighbors of all Laredo can meet — a museum, a gallery, a cultural center with studios to serve the needs of local artists, a home for the non-profits that help families and children. There are countless possibilities for the use of these fine old buildings. Their fate is the fate of this old neighborhood.

I want to see the ire of the Webb County Heritage Foundation for what can only be called the neglect of historically valuable properties. I’m sure the neighbors of St. Peter’s will keep fighting to maintain this little piece of our past. We must never forget where we come from, as it will tell us where we need to go. 

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