LareDOS August 2014

Locally Owned

Character is much easier kept than recovered.

— Thomas Paine A JOURNAL OF THE BORDERLANDS AUGUST 2014

Est. 1994

Vol. XIX No. 8 64 PAGES

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LareDOS Newspaper

The Fix Was In!

13 Precinct Chairs of the Webb County Democratic Party decided that disgraced former CommissionerFrank Sciaraffa would be the Democratic candidate to replace the recently indicted Pct. 1 Commissioner Montemayor who had recently replaced the sexual harasser Sciaraffa.

The theory of the lesser of two evils does not work here, as often it does not in Webb County.

— Cholulah Bankhead Political Prognosticator

Let it blow!

Let it blow!

Let it blow!

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Courtesy Photo

Ronald Rodriguez League of Legends Scholarship recipients Attorney Ron Rodriguez, a United High School and UT alum, presented scholarships to five recent graduates, to attend the University of Texas. The presentation was made August 5 at the Laredo Country Club. Pictured from left to right are UHS assistant principal Joe López; UISD board president Javier Montemayor Jr.; scholarship recipients José Gonzalez, Selika Ramirez, and Nicasio Gonzalez; attorney Rodriguez and wife Mari Rodriguez; scholarship recipients Sara Gonzalez and Kaila Vega; UHS principal Albert Aleman; and UHS assistant principal Gerardo Gonzalez.

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www.laredosnews.com 1812 Houston Street Laredo, TX 78040 Tel: (956) 791-9950 • Fax: (956) 791-4737 Copyright © 2014 by LareDOS

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Elisa Ruiz/LareDOS Staff

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Solar System raffle tickets on sale Meet Mr. South Texas U.S. Senator John Cornyn addressed attendees of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association's Mr. South Texas announcement on Monday, August 4 at Texas Community Bank.

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Members of the Río Grande International Study Center, pictured at the Farmers Market, continue to sell raffle tickets ($5 each or six for $20) for a $20,000 system that can generate enough energy to power a 1,200 square foot home. The winner will be drawn November 8. For tickets, call (956) 718-1063.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Viky GarcĂ­a announces District VIII run Community activist Viky Garcia formally announced her intent to run for City Council District VIII in the upcoming November elections. She is pictured addressing District VIII residents and supporters in Jarvis Plaza on Thursday, August 7.

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UISD recognizes Costco of Laredo Costco general manager Eric Brynteson received a plaque from UISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos for Costco’s backpack donation on August 21. The backpacks were filled with starter school supplies and came in a variety of styles. Students from Trautmann Elementary School modeled the various backpacks that were donated.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Students spread the word to shoppers Alexandar High School Student Council members Kaityln Miller, Walker Brown, and Adrian Gamboa were at the HEB on Del Mar and McPherson on Saturday, August 16 to assist with the UISD Stuff the Bus event.

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Dancing with the Stars — Laredo Style Women City Club members Anita Cavazos (left) and Georgeanne Reuthinger (right) are pictured with Dancing with the Stars participants Pedro Zamarripa and Bel Cantu. The fundraiser will be held on September 27 at the Laredo Country Club. Tickets can be purchased through Nancy de Anda by calling (956) 763-9960.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Local Alzheimer’s Support Group

WBCA names Abrazo Children for 118th celebration

Annie Salinas, Melissa Guerra, Lydia Gonzalez, Laura Perez, Nydia Valdez, Patricia Martinez, and Guillermo Salinas offer support to caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients and to those who have been diagnosed with the disease. Meetings are held every first Tuesday of each month at the Laredo Medical Center Tower B inside the Community Center at 6:30 p.m.

The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association announced the Abrazo Children for the 118th celebration on Thursday, August 21 at La Posada Hotel. The Abrazo Children are John Roman Galo and Valeria Lucia Montemayor, representing the United States, and Alexandra Carriedo Villarreal and Franco Garza Carmona representing Mexico.

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Opinion

Which story to tell first — Vera’s breach of the public trust or the bid of disgraced sexual harasser Sciaraffa to return to the Webb County Commissioners Court?

By Maria Eugenia Guerra LareDOS Publisher

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t’s hard to tell which story merits the first telling — that of the disgrace of City Council member Jorge Vera’s breach of the public trust, or that disgraced and self-admitted sexual harasser Frank Sciaraffa is the Democratic candidate for the Webb County Commissioners Pct. 1 seat he once held but then lost to Mike Montemayor who accepted bribes and a pickup truck in return for county jobs.

OK, Vera first — an elected city official who had to have known better than to gamble his reputation over drugs in a cheesy early morning parking lot spectacle outside a northside bar. At the center of it — a couple of guatos of cocaine, the pleasurable recreational drug soaked with violence and all the cartel blood-letting from here back to its country of origin, a drug that carries its own weighted karmic drama.

The public unraveling of Council member Vera’s personal life on July 30, 2014 and its documentation in the Laredo Police Department’s complaint, presents us with a less than stellar aspect of this public servant’s life. Who he called from the squad car, how readily he threw a family friend under the bus, and the allegedly false statements he made to investigators have served as a veritable Litmus test for character.

The sympathetic statements of some of his City Council peers (not unlike the Webb County Commissioners publicly lamenting the sexual harassment woes of Frank Sciaraffa a couple of years ago) and their forgiveness of Vera’s three Council meeting absences, Vera’s stony demeanor at the last Council meeting, and his lack of contrition have made the

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story all the more strange, and cheesier.

According to the August 20, 2014 indictment issued by the Webb County District Attorney’s office, Vera faces a state jail felony charge for cocaine possession and for allegedly offering cocaine to several individuals (including off-duty U.S. Border Patrol Agent Natasha D. Miles) at AJ’s Bar and Grill in North Laredo.

Vera is also charged with giving a false report to Laredo Police Department investigating officer Santiago Martinez III, claiming to the officer that “someone was breaking into my car,” a statement material to the investigation as an explanation allegedly intended to

make the officer believe that someone had gained access to Vera’s truck and tampered with evidence.

Though officer Martinez found Vera’s 2007 four-door Nissan Titan locked in the parking lot of the northside club, a rear view mirror light illuminated the center console in which the officer “observed in plain view a foil paper made into a banana shape with an opening containing a white powdery substance and a 5-cent nickel coin that had white powdery substance on the surface next to the banana shaped foil.”

According to Martinez’s report, he and other officers were told at first by the club’s promoter Gilberto Muñoz that

Vera was in the club, but that he would not ask him to come out “because Jorge Vera was a councilman.” When officers advised Muñoz that they would enter the club to look for Vera, Muñoz said he would locate Vera and ask him to step out.

Muñoz returned and told officers Vera had left the club. A man identified as José Celedonio Degollado, wielding the remote entry to Vera’s truck, unlocked the vehicle. Police advised him to step away, but Degollado reached inside to the vehicle’s center console, disturbing the foil packet and the nickel Continued on page 21

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If Vera’s dilemma huele a queso de cabra, Sciaraffa’s candidacy is repulsive limburger

By Maria Eugenia Guerra LareDOS Publisher

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f the cheese of Council member Vera’s dilemma is queso de cabra, Sciaraffa being named the Democratic Party’s nominee for Webb County Commissioner Pct. 1 is limburger, its penetrating stench repulsive from the get go.

It would behoove us all on election day to remember Sciaraffa had his former office assistant Sara Jo Davila, upon threat of loss of her job, perform oral sex acts during office hours in his office in the old Webb County Courthouse, and that once she went public with the information and a law suit, that Sciaraffa continued to harass her by retaliating with a job reassignment.

And if that doesn’t give you pause,

please remember that you, the taxpaying public, are paying expensive out of town attorneys for his defense in that sexual harassment lawsuit.

While Sciaraffa admitted to the broad daylight encounters behind closed doors on county time and county property, he has spun them as consensual sex.

Bottom line — in the course of a business day, Commissioner Sciaraffa, a well paid Webb County elected official, was unable to keep his privates in his pants.

In my book, that speaks volumes for this man’s character and his priorities as an office holder paid with taxpayer funds.

His ‘fix-was-in’ candidacy, the work of nine Precinct Chairs of the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party, goes beyond embarrassment and calls to question whether or not the leadership of

the Webb County Democratic Party has a genuine interest in addressing Pct. 1’s most pressing needs. Sciaraffa’s selection speaks as well for the flawed, skewed character of those precinct chairs.

Attorney Carlos Flores, the most articulate of the four candidates who went before the party’s August 5 meeting, said the party’s shortcomings in providing leadership are evident in Pct. 1’s chronic clean water issues, the lack of infrastructure at Las Presas, and in the failure over the last 10 years to build a library in El Cenizo for which funding has been available for that decade.

In addition to Flores and Sciaraffa, candidates Linda Ramirez — the appointee now filling in for indicted commissioner Mike Montemayor — and El Continued on page 21

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Election 2014

‘Run with Erika,’ Pct. 1 candidate asks in Nov. 4 face off with Frank Sciaraffa

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher “I’m in this race for the cleanup, for ethics, and to address the prudent use of taxpayer money. And I’m in it to offer the residents of every part of Pct. 1 representation. We deserve better than what we had under the last two commissioners. We need leadership and representation that offers all of us the resources to improve our lives,” said Southgate resident Erika Martinez, the Memorial Middle School special education teacher who will face off with former Webb County Pct. 1 Commissioner Frank Sciaraffa in the November 4 elections.

Martinez is running as a Green Party candidate.

Sciaraffa, the object of a costly sexual harassment suit brought against him by his former administrative assistant, Sara Jo Davila, for allegedly forcing her to have oral sex with him, was recently named the Democratic candidate for Pct. 1 at an August 4 meeting of the executive committee of the Webb County Democratic Party and its precinct chairs.

Taxpayers are footing the bill for Sciaraffa’s defense in the suit. A settlement with Davila will likely drive up the final cost of Sciaraffa’s alleged indiscretions, which he has defended as consensual.

It was the substance and rapid-fire proceedings of that August 4 meeting that inspired Martinez to run. “The meeting moved like a rehearsal, like it was a scripted, forgone conclusion that Frank Sciaraffa would be the candidate,” Martinez said.

“The real issue in this race is character. How is it acceptable to have this man be a choice for leadership and good decisions? He has clearly made

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Erika Martinez some bad decisions that reveal the nature of his character, what he thinks of women, and what he thought it was OK to do on county time. Those decisions have resulted in taxpayers shouldering the cost of his legal defense in the lawsuit against him,” Martinez said.

“Fortunately I’ve never had to make bad choices,” she said. “My maternal grandmother — Elizabeth Lara — who is 81, still lives in Santo Niño, and takes the bus wherever she needs to go. She was a migrant worker who picked cotton. She taught me to make good choices, even when no one is looking.

If I’m about to make a big decision, my grandmother figures into it.”

Martinez, one of six siblings, is the daughter of Elizabeth Martinez and the late Pedro Martinez Jr. “My mother was a role model for sticking with something until it was done. It took her 20 years to complete an undergraduate degree at TAMIU, but she did it, and recently she finished a Masters in social work at UT-Pan Am. My father was a rough-aroundthe-edges railroad man who taught us to stand up for ourselves and not to take anything from anyone,” she continued.

“The work ethic instilled in me by my mother is to create partnerships, do your research on a subject, be punctual, meet deadlines, and communicate well,” she said.

Martinez, a founder of the Santo Niño Neighborhood Association, which was established a year ago, attended Ligarde Elementary, Cigarroa Middle School, and Cigarroa High School.

She graduated summa cum laude from TAMIU with a Bachelor of Science degree in special education and has taught at Memorial’s autism unit for the last eight years.

“I have some great artists, some musicians, and others who can’t wait for their adaptive PE coach to arrive,” she said of the cohort of 11 to14 yearolds in her classroom.

Martinez said she is a quick learner.

“And what I learn, I share with my colleagues. I’ve never had a write up of any kind. I communicate often with the parents of my students, and I have good communication with administration and my colleagues. My job entails a lot of paperwork, including formulating a student’s educational plan, which is a legal, binding document,” she said, adding that her job includes home visits with her students and their parents for training, “for generalizing their skills from school to home, for task analysis, the things we take for granted.”

She said that her work as Commissioner of Pct. 1 will include economic stimulation for El Cenizo and Rio Bravo, initially through trainings for how to operate a small business and how to sustain it.

She added that the proposed and long-planned El Cenizo Library is a quality of life key to addressing literacy and helping those who want to

study and learn. “It needs to be built,” she stressed. “Students and adults alike need Internet access and a place to study. The area needs recreational parkland to address health and wellbeing concerns about exercise and fitness. I’d like to see a community pool and well-lit public spaces,” she said, adding, “I want the community centers of Pct. 1 to function as viable resources that provide necessary services. I want to look at their staffing and accountability. And I want for the people of El Cenizo and Rio Bravo to have the same access to clean water and services the rest of Webb County enjoys.”

She said that since her campaign announcement last week at Caffé Dolce, she has received messages of support “from people I don’t know, people who want a change.”

Of the campaign, she said, “I’m learning, and I’m not going to stop. I’m learning it piece by piece.”

Martinez said her father inculcated in his children the practice of voting a straight Democratic ticket. “I’m asking, however, that the voters of Pct. 1 take the time to vote for individual candidates and to find me on the ballot as the Green Party candidate,” she said.

Martinez is a founder of the Fuego Running Club, which enjoys a membership of about 50 Laredoans of all ages from all sectors of the county. She said running is an integral discipline for her own fitness and well-being. “I started with short distances, which is all I could do at first, but now I run half-marathons. I’m asking the voters of Pct. 1 who see the need for change to run with me, to take this campaign race to the finish,” she said.

To reach the Erika Martinez campaign, call (956) 285-5693. 

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Election 2014

Rachel Ibarra announces bid for City Council District VIII seat

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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ative Laredoan Rachel Ibarra has been a resident of El Cuatro Neighborhood for over 43 years. In late July 2014, she announced her bid for the City Council District VIII position.

She will face Roberto Balli, José Luis Maldonado, and Virginia (Viky) García in the November 4 elections.

“District VIII is where Laredo started. Our history resides here,” said Ibarra, adding, “I want to serve the people of this district. I want to be their voice. I want to inform them about everything that goes on in the city. I think it is very important.”

Ibarra said she attributes local voter apathy to the lack of information.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of people in our community and attribute voter apathy to lack of transparency and communication from their elected representatives. I will make sure to keep my constituents informed.”

Ibarra has resided in District VIII for over 43 years.

“The main issue is the downtown area has become a ghost town. As a child I’d always go downtown shopping with my grandmother. I have seen the best that downtown has to offer,” she said, adding, “We are one of the few cities that still has a downtown area. I believe that it has a lot of potential and the citizens deserve to have a place to go shopping and for entertainment.”

Part of Ibarra’s vision for District VIII is the revitalization of historical downtown. She said, “I know infrastructure and economic development W W W.L A R ED OSN E WS.COM

Rachel Ibarra are important, but that comes along with everything else. First we have to make these neighborhoods better looking. I drive around Los Amores, La Azteca, Ladrillera, and Canta Ranas and see there is a lot of trash. If elected, first thing I want to do is organize neighborhood wide cleanups and plant more trees. I also want to look into improving our sidewalks and streets.”

According to Ibarra, one of the main deterrents of individuals visiting the downtown area is the lack of parking.

“That’s one of the things I want to look into — to make it more accessible for citizens to go downtown,” she said, adding, “I am looking forwrd to revitalizing. I know there have been several revitalization projects proposed. I want to look into those projects.”

Ibarra plans to use the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone to recruit prospective homeowners and business owners to her district.

“I want to bring District VIII up to par to what the citizens have been expecting for a long time. I have lived in this area and feel it has been left out,” said Ibarra, adding, “I want the children, which are our future, to have a better quality of life. Our elderly and veterans, a great number of which reside in this district, I want them to have a good quality of life.”

Ibarra has worked with the Webb County Community Supervision and Corrections Department for over 17 years, where she currently serves as a supervisor. She earned a BA in criminal justice from Texas A&M International University.

She said her profession has made

public safety one of her major concerns. “I want to look into the issue of vagrants and substance abuse individuals that roam the downtown area.

Substance abuse is an illness. I work with these types of individuals, so I am not afraid. We need to figure out a way to address this,” she said.

Ibarra is the niece of former Council member for District VIII Juan Ramirez and daughter of Webb County Clerk Margie Ibarra.

“All my family has been working for the betterment of our neighborhoods for years.

People here know me and know I love to serve the community without expecting anything in return.” She added, “We always participate in local fundraisers like the Pink To Do Walk. That is just a part of being a public servant. There is a difference between a public servant and a politician. A politician will see what is in it for them, the public servant is here to serve you.”

In her spare time, Ibarra serves as a CCD teacher at San Agustin Church and as a precinct chair for the Webb County Democratic Party.

“I have been a precinct chair for the past 10 years. I love getting involved. I went to the Democratic State Convention in July. It is very interesting. Everything that I go and learn I bring it back and share, even if it is just to my co-workers. I always try to teach them something new and the importance of voting,” Ibarra said. “I am a hard worker. I am dedicated. I want to be the voice for the citizens and residents of this area. My neighbors have been very supportive. They are excited to have someone from our neighborhood willing to represent them,” she said.  LareDOS I AU GUST 2014 I

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Election 2014

Meet Guadalupe Botello, mayoral candidate

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff “My love for this city and my desire to continue to serve in a bigger capacity have fueled my decision to run for mayor. I also definitely feel that because of my experiences that one that learns must teach, and I want to put that experience into making my city not only a good city, but a great city,” said Guadalupe (Lupe) Botello.

A juvenile probation officer with the Webb County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, Botello is a graduate of United High School and Laredo Community College. He earned a BA in psychology and political science from thenLaredo State University.

He was born in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, moving here at the age of four when his parents immigrated to Laredo.

“My spiritual belief is something that has opened many doors for me, and without pushing my beliefs on anyone, to me, personally it has made me a better man. If someone feels that they have received, it is time to give and what better place than to give to a city that I love,” he said.

If elected mayor Botello wants to address the issue of infrastructure and the growing demands of the city’s growth.

“I would address this issue by consulting with Public Works and looking into plans that are going to have to be implemented to meet the demands of this growing city. The only source of drinking water is our Rio Grande. We must work to clean it up and put strict regulations on both

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sides of the river to keep this river clean,” he said “The image of our city has also taken a toll in where people think that our city is a place where violence is rampant. An all out media to tourist campaign in our state would have to be worked out, letting people know of all that we have and that indeed we are a safe city,” he said.

Another issue Botello would like to address is the need for more recreational activities for citizens. “A water park by a possible river walk with stores and cafes is another thing that can and should be worked on. This will only happen if a good leader leads it’s citizens to become active if they want these things to come to fruition,” he said.

The candidate is an advocate of fiscal responsibility and would like to promote economic and financial sustainability on a long-term basis.

“Financial information should be transparent and understandable for decision makers and the public.

Responsible planning and management of public resources is critical for an effective government,” Botello said.

With over 25 years working in public service, Botello has earned certifications as a licensed chemical dependency counselor and as a pastoral and family counselor.

“I am very aware of the needs of our citizens. I am personable, and I am a good listener.

I do believe that I have the experience necessary to be able to serve the citizens of Laredo in many capacities. I am an optimist and like to motivate and encourage people to reach their highest potential. I have done counseling groups and individual

counseling to promote overall wellness in people,” he said.

Botello feels that many in the community are unaware of how powerful their vote can be.

“Many are not registered and could care less about who will lead them. I believe that through positive leadership, people can change

and will begin to take an active role in government. However, people need to take a serious, active role in their city if they want to see positive changes,” he said, adding, “A public servant needs to be one that serves its people. I am someone that has been committed to helping and that would not change,” he said. 

News

Pink To Do gears up for 12th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

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he 12th annual Pink To Do Breast Cancer Awareness Walk will be held on Saturday, October 4 at the Laredo Community College South Campus.

“This year’s theme will be ‘Put On Your War Paint.’ We want to encourage everyone to participate with some face painting,” said Pink To Do Association president Elizabeth Benavides.

Last year’s walk had a whopping 1,200 registered participants. This year 1,500 are expected to participate.

“The need has grown in our community. We have between 120 to 140 survivors approaching us for assistance,” said Benavides, adding, “Recently I wrote out a check for $150 to a survivor getting ready to undergo a double mastectomy. She currently works a job that pays slightly above minimum wage. This will prove challenging with all the medical costs she is about to incur.”

Since 2002, the 501 C nonprofit has provided relief to breast cancer patients and survivors from all walks of life.

“We help anyone who comes to us

and asks for help. From an office manager, to a teacher, to the woman at a Stripes who preps your morning tacos. Those who donate can see who their money assists. There are so many survivors with so many extraordinary stories,” she said.

One hundred percent of proceeds raised by Pink To Do are used for local breast cancer survivors for mammograms, doctors’ bills, medical tests, office visits, transportation for medical appointments in Laredo, San Antonio, and Houston, groceries, utility bills, fuel, medical equipment, and costs associated with daily living.

All donations are tax deductible. Registration for the walk is $20 per person.

Benavides added, “We serve as conduits between donations and anyone who needs assistance. We want to encourage people to join the fight because no one fights alone.”

For more information, contact Benavides or Martha Narvaez at pinktodoassociation@gmail.com, (956) 319-0384, or at their office at 1620 San Bernardo.

— LareDOS Staff W W W.L A R ED OSN E WS.COM

News

News

Davila law firm opens its doors

FIT to host Child Welfare Stakeholders Conference

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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ative Laredoan Christian Davila recently opened his solo law practice at Las Canteras Business Park at 10410 Medical Circle, Building 1A. “After being away from Laredo for a while, I came to realize how much I consider it my real home. I wanted to come back to Laredo to make a difference in the community that made a difference in me. A case means so much more to me when I’m invested in the people I represent,” he said.

Davila is licensed to practice at the state and federal level. He has experience in personal injury, criminal defense, immigration law, Constitutional law, family law, wills and estate planning, property law, and contract drafting.

“I have worked for the District Attorney’s Office here in Laredo, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office-Western District of Texas. I have also been an associate attorney at several law firms including J.A. Davis & Associates in San Antonio, Bonilla Law Firm in Austin, and the Law Office of Norma Nelly Vielma,” Davila said.

He is a 2005 graduate of J.B. Alexander High School and earned his BA in business administration from Texas A&M International University in 2009. He graduated in 2013 with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary's University School of Law. “All the attorneys I have worked with so far have, in some way, mentored me, and I owe a great deal to them all,” he said, adding, “I love helping people. I tried to think of the best way I could do that with my skill set and becoming an attorney just made sense.” 

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n September 19, the Foster In Texas (FIT) — a program of Lutheran Social Services of the South— will host a Child Welfare Stakeholders Conference at Embassy Suites.

The conference will address the increasing need for foster families throughout Webb County.

Area director for FIT Edgar Ricalde said, “312 children in Webb County were placed in foster care in 2013. 57 of those were placed in foster homes far from home.”

He added, “There are too few homes available locally. For those placed outside their region, the trauma and alienation of family is compounded by the distance.”

Current foster parents may attend the conference to earn six hours toward their annual training requirements. Child welfare professionals are also welcome to attend and

earn continuing education credits as mandated by their respective fields.

Topics to be discussed include motivating and empowering the community in supporting children in foster care, assisting childhood victims of trauma in developing coping skills, engaging absent fathers in improving foster care children’s lives, and educational issues foster children encounter (from educational outcomes to legal issues).

The conference is free and anyone in the community who is interested in the safety and well being of children in state custody are welcome to attend.

Spanish translation will be available at throughout the conference.

For more information contact Ricalde at (956) 220-0603 or email edgar.ricald@lsss.org or Brenden Scott at (512) 954-1400 or email brenden. scott@lsss.org.

— LareDOS Staff

www.laredosnews.com

Christian Davila W W W.L A R ED OSN E WS.COM

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News

News

RGISC hosts Eagle Ford Shale workshops throughout South Texas

WCHF to screen Texas Before the Alamo Sept. 5, Laredo Center for the Arts

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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he Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) partnered with the international environmental nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) for a series of Eagle Ford Shale workshops in Cotulla, Carrizo Springs, Cuero, Karnes City, and Los Botines from July 17 through August 9, The Neighbors of Oil and Gas workshops informed residents how to recognize and effectively report changes in environmental quality from oil and gas activity such as water contamination, air contamination, workplace safety, and excessive water use.

The Eagle Ford Shale exploration boom has increased the number of new permitted wells 26 in 2008 to more than 4,000 by 2013 — bringing with it real risks to air, soil, water, and health, according to RGISC executive director Tricia Cortez.

“One concern is that there are more than 2,600 oil and gas wells for every Railroad Commission inspector in Texas. The Railroad Commission is the primary agency responsible for regulating oil and gas development in Texas. Even if there are enough inspectors, the inspectors cannot be everywhere at once,” said RGISC project coordinator Alberto Sandoval.

The bilingual workshops covered different types of health and environmental risks that can occur during oil and gas development and hydraulic fracturing. Residents were also provided with clarity on what are the responsibilities of agencies tasked to

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manage those risks.

According to Sandoval, “This is why it is important for people living in oil and gas producing communities to observe, record, and report what they see to state agencies. More people reporting incidents will lead to more information that agencies can use to identify patterns. When agencies collect more information, they can work with industry to solve problems and prevent future incidents.”

Among topics discussed at the workshops were baseline water quality assessments that provide a description of water quality that can be compared to follow-up monitoring samples taken after the industrial activity begins. This comparison can help demonstrate whether the water quality is impaired and can give indications of potential sources of contamination.

“Detecting contamination is important, because some of the contaminants that have been found in groundwater as a result of oil and gas activities can cause cancer or have other severe health impacts. During the workshops, I discussed confirmed cases of oil and gas related groundwater contamination in Texas, water quality testing, as well as some categories of chemicals to consider testing and their health effects in the workshop,” said Sandoval.

Landowners, students, public officials, local law enforcement and staff from TCEQ attended the workshops.

For more information, contact Sandoval or Tricia Cortez at (956) 7181063, or email alberto@rgisc.org or tricia@rgisc.org, or visit www.neighborsofoilandgas.org. 

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he Webb County Heritage Foundation will present a screening of the new documentary film, Texas Before The Alamo, a Saga of Spanish Texas on Friday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Laredo Center for the Arts, 500 San Agustín Ave., in Laredo.

Filmed at historic sites in Texas and Mexico with noted historians and professional actors, Texas Before The Alamo, a Saga of Spanish Texas is about the founding of Texas and the Spanish who established Missions, Presidios and Trails now known as the Alamo, San Antonio and its Missions, Goliad, and El Camino Real de los Tejas. The film is dedicated to the research and tenacity of authors, archaeologists, historical organizations, and researchers of Spanish Texas who have been consultants and producers for this project. Unrecognized and often criticized, they have labored for over a century in the Spanish Archives and at historic sites on the epic stories of the true pioneers of Texas. he film answers pivotal questions about Texas history such as who founded the State’s most revered historical sites known today as the Alamo and Goliad; who named its rivers and established the trails that became known as El Camino Real de los Tejas; and why the Spanish permanently settled Texas in the early 1700s when the region possessed no mineral wealth?

Texas Before The Alamo tells the stories of Spanish soldiers and Fran-

ciscan priests in the struggle to keep France from settling Texas and reaching the source of Spain’s power — the silver mines of northern Mexico.

It also treats the sacred and profane nature of the Mission system, and its attempt to colonize Native Tribes of Texas along El Camino Real de las tierras afueras.

The rich Mexican American culture in the U.S. descended in part from Spanish Texas, and was manifested by the establishment and unveiling of the prominent Tejano Monument on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol Building in 2012.

This film is an outreach of that project and the efforts of historic preservation activists like Adina de Zavala, whose struggles ensured that the Franciscan Missions in San Antonio, including The Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero), would survive to be nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Noted historian and author Joe López and Dr. Felix D. Almaraz Jr. will be making historical presentations at the event in conjunction with the screening of the film.

Texas Before The Alamo will be released on public television stations starting late Fall 2015, along with a companion book by Dr. Felix D. Almaraz Jr. and a CD of the music soundtrack.

For more information, contact the Webb County Heritage Foundation at (956) 727-0977 or visit www. webbheritage.org or on facebook.

— LareDOS Staff

Can’t find a hard copy?

Go to www.laredosnews.com

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tMariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Community Impact Grant recipients

Emily Altgelt/LareDOS Contributor

United Way dispersed over $165,000 to local service non-profits on Friday, August 8. Agences that received funding included Bethany House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club of Laredo and Zapata, Casa de Misericordia, Catholic Social Services, Children’s Advocacy Center, Gateway Community Health Center, Imaginarium, Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center, Salvation Army, SCAN, South Texas Food Bank, Blessings in a Backpack, Border Region BHC, Helping Hands Food Pantry, Holding Institute, Junior Achievement of Laredo, and Mercy Clinic.

At the August 16 Farmers Market United High School Student Council volunteer Sofia Soto staffed the children’s eco-crafting booth at the August 16 Farmers Market in Jarvis Plaza. Pictured behind her are City of Laredo PIO Xochitl Mora García and her sons.

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Estrada’s “Tripping the Rift” Local visual and graffiti artist Alonso Estrada (aka The Death Head) displayed a contemporary satirical art show, “Tripping the Rift,” on Saturday, August 9 at Caffé Dolce. Estrada said his work is a critique of consumerist society, ‘80s yuppie culture, and a parody of new age art.

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News

News Brief

Public meeting airs tire ordinance change

Fashion takes action

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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business and would like to show our appreciation by donating back to the community,” said Catwalk Kidz owner Brenda Garza.

Children and adult clothing boutiques showcased their clothing. Local vendors were sold their merchandise at the event.

For every ticket sold, 80 meals, 100 pounds of food, or $170 worth of groceries were provided to families in need through the STFB. — LareDOS Staff

Courtesy Photo

n August 6, the City of Laredo hosted a public meeting on a tire ordinance amendment introducing a core fee for the purchase of tires at the Environmental Services Department on 619 Reynolds.

According to the draft of the ordinance “It shall be unlawful for any tire retailer to sell new or used tires to customers without charging customers a tire deposit except as outlined by the ordinance.”

The committee approved that when one purchases a tire they would have to leave the old one or pay a $20 fee per tire in addition to the purchase price. The fee will be waived in exchange for a scrap or used tire at the time of purchase, or may be refunded no later than a minimum of seven days with a re-

ceipt and in exchange for used tired.

Director of the Environmental Services Department Riazul Mia said, “This ordinance will certainly help to reduce the amount of tires dumped on the city ROW. As far the benefits in approving this ordinance, director of the Health Department Hector Gonzalez said, “If we can reduce the tires, we also cut down the possible mosquito breeding and other health related issues.”

The tire retailer may also charge a disposal fee not to exceed $5 and must provide disposal services in accordance to federal, state, and local laws The amendment to the ordinance is set to go before City Council on Monday, September 1 for approval.

For more information call the Environmental Services Department at (956) 794-5121 or the Health Department at (956) 795-4921. 

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atwalk Kidz, an upscale children’s clothing store, and Uni-Trade Stadium hosted the second Annual Runway Dreams Charity Fashion Show on Saturday, August 9 to benefit the South Texas Food Bank (STFB).

Last year the Fashion Takes Action project raised $6,000 for the United Independent School District’s Uniform Assistance Voucher Program.

“We are extremely grateful to the community for supporting our small

Young fashionista walks runway at second Dreams Charity show

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Election 2014

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November 4, 2014: May voter participation be commensurate to number of candidates, races, and parties

oters in the upcoming November 4 elections will decide races for the Mayor of Laredo; City Council seats; Webb County positions, including the race for Webb County Commissioner Pct. 1; LCC, UISD, LISD, and Webb Consolidated ISD trustees; and the mayorships and city commissioners of Rio Bravo and El Cenizo.

In addition to deciding a number of state races, voters will also decide the recall of District VII Laredo City Council member Jorge A. Vera.

Early voting begins October 20 and continues through October 31.

While some incumbents do not face opponents, the fields for other races have quickly filled with candidates.

The most populated race is that for mayor with seven candidates— Guadalupe (Lupe) Botello, Rolando S. Herrera, José S. Dorantes Jr., Pete Saenz, James Joel Newland, Cindy Liendo, and Jerry Garza There are six candidates for the District I seat now held by City Council member Mike Garza — Christy Jimenez Lara, Luis A. Cisneros, Jorge Ugartechea, Rudy Gonzalez Jr., Roger Benavides, and José U. Conde Jr. Incumbent District III City Council member Alex Perez Jr. will face challengers Abey Lugo and Ulises Salinas.

Incumbent District VI City Council member Charlie San Miguel will face write-in challenger Jesse G. Herrera.

In District VIII, the Council seat held by now mayoral candidate Cindy Liendo will see a face-off between Roberto Balli, José Luis Maldonado, Virginia (Viky) García, and Rachel Ibarra.

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as of yet face no challengers.

In Webb County races, Green Party candidate Erika Martinez will square off with former Webb County Commissioner Frank Sciaraffa for the Pct. 1 seat on the Commissioners Court.

For Webb County Judge, Democrat Tano Tijerina faces a challenge from Green Party member Frank Cortez.

Webb County Pct. 4 Commissioner Jaime Canales faces Green Party challenger Luis F. Decker. JP Pct. 2 Place 1 incumbent Ramiro Veliz Jr. will face Green Party candidate William Koehn.

Green Party candidate Jesus Quiroz has challenged Webb County Treasurer Delia Perales.

Democrat Pepe Salinas faces a challenge from Green Party candidate Lakshmana (Vish) Vaswanath in the race for Webb County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4.

Unopposed Webb County officeholders — all Democrats — who are declared elected include District Clerk Esther Degollado, County Clerk Margie Ramirez Ibarra, Pct. 2 Commissioner Rosaura Tijerina, JP Pct. 1 Place 2 Oscar Liendo, JP Pct. 2 Place 2 Ricardo Rangel, and JP Pct. 3 Alfredo García.

49th District Court Judge José López and 111th District Court Judge Monica Zapata Notzon face no opposition, as do not County Court at Law Judge 1 Hugo D. Martinez and County Court at Law Judge 2 Jesus Garza.

Laredo Independent School District trustee Johnny Amaya, former director of the Río Bravo water plant, will face challengers Hector Noyola and former trustee John Peter Montalvo for the District 3 seat.

In United ISD trustee races, candidates for District 3 are Alfredo Espinoza

Jr. and Aliza Flores Oliveros. Incumbent District 5 trustee Javier Montemayor will face challenger Hugo Noyola Jr. Incumbent District 6 trustee Juan Roberto Ramirez faces challenger Anthony Winterroth.

In LCC trustee races, District 7 incumbent Hilario Cavazos faces challengers Ed Gonzalez and Michelle de la Peña; District 8 incumbent Jesse A. Porras faces José Felix Gamez, Justin Allen Hundsnurscher, and Jackie L. Ramos; and District 9 incumbent Carlos Carranco Jr. faces Tita Cantu.

District 42 State Rep. Richard Raymond Peña and District 80 State Rep.

Tracy O. King will face Green Party challengers Nicolas Serna III and Marco Buentello, respectively.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of the 28th Congressional District faces two challengers, Green Party candidate Michael D. Cary and Libertarian candidate William Aikens.

For a complete listing of candidates in statewide and local elections, to read propositions being set forth before the electorate, and to be informed of early voting and election day sites, contact the office of the Webb County Elections Administrator at (956) 523-4050.

— LareDOS Staff

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epresentatives from the City of Laredo, Bach Development, San Isidro LLC, and Reel Dinner Partners broke ground on the future site of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on Wednesday, August 6.

Bach Development was offered an economic investment package for construction of the $10 million franchise on 32,000 square feet of land in North Laredo. The state of the art venue will include eight movie screens, a restaurant, and bar.

The package includes tax abatements that are estimated to be $10,590 each year for five years, waiver of a one-time building permit fee ($6,812.81), and an estimated sales tax rebate of $40,000 each year for five years.

The Alamo Drafthouse will ini-

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tially employ 80 full time employees and 50 part time employees with the potential to grow to 200 over five years.

Co-owner of Alamo Drafthouse Brandon Arceneaux said, “We could not be more excited about being a part of the Laredo community. The City of Laredo and Webb County are highly instrumental in making this a reality and we are beyond thankful.”

A unique movie-going experience is promised to future patrons of the establishment with rows of cabaret style tables and space to accommodate for waiter service.

The cinema chain was founded in Austin in 1997 and now has 11 locations in across Texas and other states.

The theater will open its doors in April 2015.

— LareDOS Staff

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Laredo welcomes Alamo Drafthouse

Campaign kickoff Alfredo and Diana Espinoza are pictured at Lolita’s patio on Thursday, August 14. Espinoza announced his campaign kickoff for UISD Board of Trustees District 3.

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News

Discussing Alzheimer’s: the cognitive decline in the U.S.

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

“Every 67 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s. This can be attributed to the fact that Alzheimer’s has no cure, no way to stop the progression,” said Alzheimer’s Association executive director Meg Barron at a discussion held on August 7 at the UT Health Science Center Laredo Regional Campus.

The Alzheimer’s Association of San Antonio and South Texas Chapter invited members of the community for a discussion on the prevalence of the disease and the importance of becoming an advocate for its cure.

A type of dementia, Alzheim-

er’s causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.

Five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and 16 million will have the disease by 2050, according to www.alz.org. One in eight individuals over the age of 60 in Texas experience confusion or memory loss.

“It is the sixth highest cause of death in America. The death rate has increased 68 percent, while there has been a decline in deaths from other diseases such as cancer.

This can be attributed to the amount of funding going toward research for those diseases,” said associate director of programs and advocacy Ginny Funk.

The forum was also intended to

Ginny Funk, Julie Bazan, and Meg Barron

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discuss the stigma surrounding the disease, and the toll it takes on caregivers.

Members of the local Alzheimer’s Support Group expressed their concern at the community’s lack of awareness and willingness to discuss the disease.

“There is not enough talk about Alzheimer’s in our community. I recall in April I would turn on the television and was bombarded by Autism Awareness campaigns. I just thought ‘hey when do we talk about Alzheimer’s’,” said support group member Lydia Gonzalez.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

The association is targeting an increase in awareness and in encouraging early diagnosis by training local volunteers to become advocates in making Alzheimer’s a state and federal policy priority.

“Every one in this room is an advocate for someone with Alzheimer’s. We need you to take action. We want to increase government funding through grassroots campaigns in hopes of finding a cure, treatment, and prevention for this disease,” said Funk.

“Every state must tackle Alzheimer’s, not only as an aging issue, but also as a public health crisis,” added Barron.

Some of the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss that disrupts daily life; challenges in planning or solving problems; creates difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work, or leisure; creates confusion with time and place, and trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

Attendees of the discussion were also provided with information on support programs and services offered for those with Alzheimer’s, their families, and caregivers including a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-2723900 with master level care consultants.

The presentation was made possible by Area Health Education Center and the Area Agency on Aging of South Texas Development Council.

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with powdery residue.

Officers found the foil packet, the nickel, and a folded dollar bill containing a white powdery substance. As they read Degollado his Miranda rights, Vera arrived on the scene, telling officers from a distance of 15-feet from his truck that he was “missing an I-Pad and a computer.”

Vera complied when Martinez asked him to wait in a patrol unit.

According to Martinez’s written complaint, off-duty BP officer Miles, after learning earlier in the evening that Vera and a woman named Selina Guzman had left the club to do cocaine, she used her cell phone to photograph the plates of Vera’s truck and forwarded them to Laredo PD. PD’s canine unit alerted to drugs at the center console of Vera’s truck, and a kit for cocaine tested positive. Among the evidence Martinez seized was the folded dollar bill, the foil packet, the nickel, a cut aluminum soda can, and a white coffee mug with white residue.

Miles gave a voluntary statement.

Selina Guzman was read her Miranda rights by Officer Margie Escamilla and said she had run into Vera around 1:30 a.m. and that he had asked her at his truck if she “wanted coke.”

Meanwhile back at the police unit

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in which Vera sat, the council member made several cell phone calls that were video recorded. In one of the calls, Martinez noted in the complaint, Vera told the person on the other end that he “had shit in the truck. I have zero on me.”

In another call, Martinez wrote, “he claimed he did not know the male who allegedly broke into his vehicle, and did not know how the unknown man (Degollado) had possession of his keys.”

Vera’s attempt to disavow knowledge of the identity of the man who had his truck keys would be countered with Degollado’s statement to police that Vera was a close family friend and that he was partying with the councilman,

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Cenizo Mayor Raul Reyes also made five-minute presentations of their qualifications before the executive committee.

“For those of us who believe in the democratic process, it was hard to believe that the substance of Frank Sciaraffa’s five minutes trumped the well laid out ideas of Ms. Ramirez, Mayor Reyes, and myself,” Flores said.

Flores said he is throwing his support behind Memorial Middle School teacher Erica Martinez, the Green Party candidate for Pct. 1 Commissioner.

“She reflects the best the South Lar-

and that the councilman “gave him the keys to his truck and told him to leave them on the driver’s side front tire.”

Another of Vera’s calls, Martinez documented in his extremely well-written complaint, had been to Assistant Chief Jesus Torres who had asked watch commander Lt. Gabriel Rodman why Vera was “detained if someone else was breaking into the councilman’s truck.”

Video of those phone calls will surely be one of the most compelling and revealing aspects of the case when it is heard in the 406th District Court, especially the revelation of to whom Vera admitted “he had shit in the truck. I have zero on me.”

In more recent news, City Secretary Gustavo Guevara struck 19 signatures from a petition to recall Vera and certified 154 names, enough for an election to recall. The City Council accepted by unanimous vote a resolution for the recall election at its August 11 meeting.

The decision to recall or not to recall Vera will be made in the November 4, 2014 election.

If the November outcome creates a vacancy in the District VII seat, Guevara said a special election for that seat would be held 120 days after the November election in the Spring of 2015.

Vera has stated publicly that he will continue to serve. 

edo community has to offer. She grew up there, and she is honest, university educated, and committed to her community. She has no taint of self-serving.

She would be a great addition to the Commissioners Court,” Flores said.

“If ever there was a time for the voters of South Laredo not to vote a straight Democratic ticket, this is that time,” he added.

Sidebar As a matter of full disclosure, it is important to say that my son George Joseph Altgelt and a core of committed, like-minded volunteers, including radio host Jay St. John, led the successful drive for the Vera recall petition. To their

credit, they were organized, methodical, and precise.

I don’t have a way to portend futures, especially those involving politics, but it should not surprise many of us if George makes a bid for the District VII seat, should it become vacant by recall vote.

Our children often best us, perhaps exceeding the educational level we attained, working at a productive, meaningful career we admire, making the time to be committed, full-time parents.

They can become you to the power of x, and that is a good thing.

If I lived in District VII, George Altgelt would have my vote. 

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Humanitarian Vigil The Humanity is Borderless Campaign, an initiative by the Human Rights Coalition of South Texas, participated in a National Humanitarian Vigil on Saturday, August 9 at Los Tres Laredos Park. Laredoans gathered to pay their respects to immigrants and refugees fleeing the violence of their home countries.

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Commentary

Reflection on three days at a South Texas refugee camp

By JAMES C. HARRINGTON Director, Texas Civil Rights Project

fort; Christians, Jews, and others filled the atrium of the St. James with provisions.

The refugees we assisted had been in immigration detention for five days before being released to the camp at Sacred Heart, which was staffed by Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, and Save the Children. Volunteers, young and older, from far and wide, of all faiths (and none), staffed the church center every day. Local volunteer doctors were on hand, and lawyers.

Once someone bought a bus ticket for a refugee – and they were all mothers or fathers with small children, they were paroled out to a relative somewhere in the country.

They arrived to await departure of the bus that day or the next.

As refugees came into the center,

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it was about 50-50. Most won’t find attorneys, and the probability drops to 10 percent. I wondered what the people thought, after all they had gone through, about having to go back to the grinding poverty and random violence they had fled, at enormous risk and cost.

Then, we went out to wait for the bus.

Eight women with 10 children and two babies, all in line, looking a bit scared of where the next part of their journey would take them – but determined that their families escape the lot they had drawn in life. No hyperbolic governor or threat of National Guard was going to stop them. The suffering is too great. They were like my Irish ancestors, I figured.

I watched them get on the bus and felt like crying, as I had Monday morning. 

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arrived at the McAllen refugee camp at 6:30 on a Monday morning. The Valley sun was just beginning to light the three solitary barrack-like tents behind the cyclone fence. A little boy emerged briefly with his new backpack and soccer ball, and then ducked back in the tent.

Nothing had prepared me for seeing the camp so starkly rising from the Sacred Heart Church parking lot in McAllen. It was sad. At first, it seemed like people were prisoners; but I realized they were safer than they had been for weeks, even months.

Most had traveled two weeks or more by foot, bus, and truck from Guatemala, Honduras, or El Salvador at great risk, exploited at every turn by the coyotes (smugglers), leading them ever further north and charging them from $3,000 to $9,000 each, playing on their fears at home, and luring them with fake promises of life in the United States.

We were one more group of volunteers from around the state and nation to help them transition to wherever they would happen to end up living, often with relatives already in the country, until their immigration hearings begin in a few weeks. Ours was an eclectic group of 47, most from St. James Episcopal in Austin, joined by others from Houston Episcopal churches, two law students, and an entrepreneur.

Our caravan carried food, clothes, and diapers; but people donated so many supplies that a separate truck had to take what would not fit. It was an astonishing ecumenical ef-

the volunteers would clap, as much to extend a warm welcome as to applaud their courage and honor their dangerous journey. They received a meal of chicken soup and fruit, bathed, traded their clothes and shoes for some donated ones, and received a tote bag with food, supplies, and a toy and kid’s book for the trip.

Three babies were born during the time we worked there. I spoke with an eight-month pregnant woman, who had spent 22 days walking and riding across Mexico, with her twoyear-old daughter. Most were reluctant to talk about their journeys.

One woman did tell me in front of her son that she was fleeing her violent husband, who tried to kill her.

I listened to a lawyer inform a group about applying for asylum and that, even with an attorney,

Laredo Vet Center hosts information fair The Laredo Vet Center Readjustment Counseling Services Office hosted an information fair for local veterans on Friday, August 15. Vet center outreach specialist Enrique J. Reyes, SCAN program coordinator Sylvia Flores, SCAN counselor Eliana Villarreal, Department of Veteran Affairs health benefits advisor David Wulwick, Vet Center counselor Pedro Villarreal, and Texas Veterans Commission veterans employment representative Homero Prado Jr., provided veterans with information on counseling services offered for readjustment counseling to PTSD treatment.

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Job Corps Community Relations Luncheon speakers Laredo Job Corps students Rafael Delgado, Nora Moreno, and Jesus Gutierrez — upcoming Job Corps graduates — addressed attendees at the Community Relations Luncheon on August 20. Mayor Raul Salinas and LJC center director John Bruce were also present for the proclamation of Laredo Job Corps Day, which marked LJC’s 50th anniversary.

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First United Methodist Church distributes backpacks Ligarde Elementary principal Rosalba Martinez, counselor Patricia Avina, and assistant principal Erika Rodriguez along with students posed with First United Methodist Church Pastor Paul Harris on August 26.

The congregation adopted two LISD campuses to distribute backpacks.

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Santa María Journal

By María Eugenia guerra

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onventional wisdom about ranching — that handed down by uncles and old timers and observed since childhood — has guided us over the last several decades as we have worked to improve our land and cattle in San Ygnacio.

Trial and error — especially in the first days my father and I took the proverbial ropes of managing the herd of 300 head of cattle that became our charges in an almost overnight scenario when my Uncle Oscar Gutierrez died — played a large hand in how quickly we would learn.

There was that mystery coupled with having to unravel the cryptic route of a couple of miles of water lines that traversed the ranch. We relied heavily on my father’s knowledge in the hardware business and on his vast storehouse of how-to for tools and fix-it solutions.

There was, it seemed then, a different key for every padlock on the ranch and at my uncle’s house in San Ygnacio. We didn’t have a keychain.

We had an old felt purple and gold

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TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course opened our eyes, affirmed sound practices, debunked myths Crown Royal pouch with a hundred keys in it. Blessed were we to find keyed-alike padlocks.

I’ve pulled my son George and his daughter Emily into the ranch work.

Emily, only 10 but so thoroughly involved — practically since birth — in our lives on the ranch, is the seventh generation of us on the Santa María Ranch.

With my own selfish interests at heart and asking like a crazed woman who thinks she might have dominion over the next couple of decades, I’ve asked this fifth grader to return home after her college education to help her father and his cousins and her own cousins with the running of the ranch.

We are all three just back from the Beef Cattle Short Course sponsored by Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, an intense three-day course for ranchers that covered breeding, stocking ratios, forage and nutrition, gathering cow-calf pairs, castration, vaccination, de-horning conservation, sustainability, fence building, ranch accounting, grazing, grass production, and replacement heifers.

While I do not subscribe 100% to conservative Aggielandia ranch theory (especially that organically raised food is a fad left over from the sixties), I made note of a great deal of useful information.

(I took note, too, at the luncheon at this confab of beef raisers of the rubbery, nearly boiled and tasteless hamburger patty served to people who put beef on America’s table. “No onion!” Emily commented.)

One of the best components of the seminar was a cattle working demonstration in a set of portable pens set up in a small arena. We heard from three academic experts who work cattle about all aspects of cor-

ral work — everything from the benefits of a calm working atmosphere (no whips, no shouts, no running, no jolting prods) to using eye contact to move cattle.

My father eschewed whips, prods, and shouting spectacles in the corrals, and this evoked the memory of his practice of speaking calmly to the cattle as he moved them through the chutes for branding or vaccinations. I can hear him saying, “Come on little cow” with such tender supplication.

It was in all a very intense course.

For George and me, it sharpened us up a good bit, opening our eyes to sound practices that bear positive impact on land and livestock.

The classes we attended explained the science behind some of the work we’ve had in place for years, and it also debunked a few myths.

Emily asked many questions and learned a lot of new words. We found her place in the order of us a great comfort, as though the work generations of us have put into this ranch would move forward in time.

She will keep our place. 

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At the Abrazo Children announcement Marisela Caùamar, Sandra Garza, Susana Melendez, Christina Calderon are pictured at La Posada Hotel on August 21 for the official announcement of the 118th Celebration’s Abrazo Children.

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Emily Altgelt/LareDOS Contributor

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At the Mr. South Texas announcement

At the Love and Grace booth

Susan Foster, Adriana Maddox, and Minita Ramirez were at the Mr. South Texas announcement on Monday, August 4 at Texas Community Bank.

Amy Caldwell, Siobahn Griffin, and Katie Van Dyke are pictured at the Love and Grace Booth at the August 16 Farmers Market. The crafters feature all-natural essential oil sprays, soaps, and shower gels.

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Espinoza kicks off campaign for UISD trustee Emily Espinoza, Esteban Espinoza, Sergio Espinoza, Lucila Espinoza, Imelda Navarro, José Alfredo Navarro, and Gabriela Espinoza were at Alfredo Espinoza Jr.’s campaign kickoff for UISD Board of Trustee District 3. They are pictured on August 14 at Lolita’s patio.

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Business

Graphitiks: intuitive trend spotting and on to the next big thing

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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avvy entrepreneur, image maker, media tracker, and technology trender Jose García of Graphitiks Advertising Design, Inc. is one of the two fuses behind the success of the full service company that has helped Laredo businesses brand themselves for over 25 years.

tools to build and sustain businesses.

“I love what I do, and I’m excited to do it every day,” García said. “The clients change, the technology has changed, but what hasn’t changed is our work ethic. It used to be a handshake and a smile that closed a deal, but now it’s a contract and a smile.

What we say, we will deliver,” he continued.

A former graphics designer for The Laredo Morning Times when design

In the beginning – Joe García and Jerry Castañeda Many of the logos that identify local businesses or entities that we frequent came from the hyperactive font of Joe García’s imagination — Texas Community Bank, TAMIU, LISD, Don Juan’s Spices, Zapata County Museum of History, Laredo International Airport, International Sister Cities, and City of Laredo are just a few of the well recognized logos.

He’s the creative author, too, of the images and strategies many political campaigns employ to get elected.

The company’s history — one of solid and often long term relationships — offers a unique chronicle of changes in technology and media and the evolution of those who use those

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was something that transpired on paper and not a computer screen, García started his company with $600 and has managed to grow it without debt.

“I started it with a Formica-topped table on cinder blocks, a lamp, and a slightly used Macintosh computer,” he said.

While the company’s scope and client base has changed over the decades, García prefers a small staff that keeps him at the heart of hands-on creative decisions.

An astute caller of trends, García can spot a media need from a good distance. One such fertile niche has been working with smaller communities in the area. “Every little town has

a big story to tell and we have helped them by marketing their festivals, promoting tourism, organizing events and branding themselves to promote what they have to offer in amenities — a hometown county fair, small town hospitality, and historic and wildlife tourism.

Move in a 150-mile radius and you’ll see evidence of Graphitiks helping Cotulla, Hebbronville, Zapata, Freer, Falfurrias, and Floresville move on to the 21st century by developing its hub of information through surveys, data management, Chamber of Commerce membership development, city emergency-readiness and creating sources of information for its constituents.

Cotulla, García said, is a bit of a different story because of its economic and civic transformation in the booming Eagle Ford shale play and what it can offer investors in the area.

Graphitiks has an office in San Antonio, not only to meet with existing and new clients in the San Antonio area, but also to handle the anticipated increase in commerce of the company’s new product, El Cupón Loco, an easily downloaded phone app for iPhone or Android for coupons for free or discounted products, meals, auto services, grocery stores, and beauty shops.

According to García, the coupon aimed at Hispanic consumers is the single most effective marketing tool there is. “The coupling of digital convenience and the power of social media are an unbeatable combination.

The great buys are good for consumers, and participating businesses can track the real value of the coupon,” he said, adding that the app offers suggestions depending on the GPS posi-

tion of the subscriber.

García said that sophisticated search engine algorithms programmed into El Cupón Loco quickly locate participating businesses.

García said he would be “following IH-35 aggressively to add more businesses across the state and more coupon users. I see five regions for El Cupón Loco — north, south, east, west, and central Texas. Clearly technology is pushing many of us to shop on our Smart Phones. It’s not for everyone, but it’s the case for many.” Among the participating businesses are Narvaez Beef, the Kettle, Buffalo Wild Wings, Papa John’s Pizza, Mirage Reception Hall, La Fogata Restaurant and participating vendors in San Antonio and Rockport.

He added that introductory rates for coupon providers and the aggressive advertising campaign for El Cupón Loco make it a sound, eco-

nomic means for businesses to attract more clients. “This is a very direct, very engaging way to grow your business,” he said, adding, “It’s good for the mom-and-pop businesses that are participating, and it will be very good for national companies who aim their products at Hispanics. I can develop this. I can reach them. I am them,” he said.

(For information on El Cupon Loco, visit www.ElCuponLoco.com or Graphitiks Advertising, please call (956) 723-4389 or go to graphitiks.com) 

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News Brief

a 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA 250.

The tennis tournament will have a $75 entry fee that includes Nike gifts as well.

The round robin tournament will include women and men’s divisions.

An awards ceremony will follow.

All participants will be allowed to test drive a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle and receive a complimentary Nike M9 cart bag or Fitbit Flex wristband.

For more information contact Deby Watson at (956) 206-1645, Nancy De Anda at (956) 763-9660, or Elsa Miles at (956) 251-1559.

— LareDOS Staff

District VIII residents gather at Jarvis Plaza Veronica Gutierrez and Emmanuel López were among the supporters who rallied at Jarvis Plaza on Thursday, August 7 for the formal announcement of Viky García’s candidacy for City Council District VIII.

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

ercedes-Benz of Laredo will host the Third Annual Mercedes Benz Dealer Championships at the Laredo Country Club.

The Saturday, September 6 golf and tennis tournament, which will benefit the Women’s City Club, is part of a nationwide program in which winners advance to the sectional tournament held October 29 through November 2 at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

Entry fee for the golf tournament is $175 and includes a goody bag filled with Nike products. The tournament is set for a two-person best ball format.

The winner of the hole-in-one will win

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Mercedes-Benz hosts golf, tennis championships

STFB at Job Corps Community Luncheon South Texas Food Bank director Alfonso Casso and staff members Robert Ponce, Pancho Farias, Gloria Moreno, Jesse Olivarez, Mike Zuniga, and Angie Sifuentes attended the Laredo Job Corps Center Community Relation Council Luncheon on August 20 at the Holiday Inn. W W W. L A R E D OSNEWS. COM

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Opinion

Labor Day 2014: Consumers need to give workers their due

By JAMES C. HARRINGTON Director, Texas Civil Rights Project

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mericans are pretty tone deaf when it comes to Labor Day. Many don’t even know that labor unions created the holiday in 1882 to honor workers, mostly immigrants, who were organizing themselves against appalling wages and unhuman working conditions. Instead, we’ve devalued Labor Day to an endof-summer holiday and cheapened it to a three-day sales weekend.

We rarely pause to remember, let alone appreciate, the workers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries who struggled, and sometimes lost their lives, to improve wages and work conditions for their families and posterity. They made our lives better.

Labor Day is when we should pay respect for the self-sacrifice, jailing, beatings, and sometimes death they endured. Their struggle for justice and dignity brought about the six-day week and then the five-day week, narrowed working hours to 10 hours daily and then eight hours, brought about the minimum wage and overtime pay, and gave rise to the idea of national healthcare.

And Labor Day is also a time for us to take stock of how workers currently are treated and respected. Unfortunately, millions of Americans are denied this respect because of unemployment, underemployment, unjust wages, wage theft, abuse, and exploitation.

Even with some modest recent recovery, the economy has not improved the standard of living overall, especially for the poor and the

working poor. More than 3.5 million people have been jobless for over six months, and that does not include the millions more who have simply lost hope.

This jobs gap pushes wages down. Half of the country’s workers earn less than $27,500/year, which means a typical family has to hold down two or three jobs just to make ends meet. Not only that, but fewer jobs provide medical insurance or retirement benefits, which eats away at any hope of disposable income for family enjoyment.

More than 46 million people live in poverty, including 16 million children. The economy is not creating an adequate number of jobs that allow workers to provide for themselves and their families. Jobs, wages, and poverty are intertwined. The only way to reduce the widening gap between the affluent and the poorest people in our nation is by creating quality jobs that provide just compensation and benefits.

In many communities in America and Texas, wealth and basic needs are separated by only a few blocks or bus stops. While an immense number of people still lack the absolute necessities of life, some live in luxury or squander wealth. How can persons honor one another when extravagance and poverty exist side by side?

We should only support businesses that promote human dignity, pay just wages, and protect workers’ rights. There are three ways we can do this.

One is doing “consumer/works rights” shopping. We should always buy products that are ethically manufactured and are union-made be-

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cause they guarantee fair wages and working conditions. There are two good websites for this: www.ethicalconsumer.org and www.unionlabel. org.

Secondly, we should only patronize stores, restaurants, and coffee shops that pay their employees justly and treat them fairly.

Third, we can raise our political voice to support local minimum and living-wage ordinances and municipal contracts, especially since Con-

gress cannot bring itself to act.

On this Labor Day, let’s commit ourselves to do everything we can in our daily lives to support the workers of our community and country.

Supporting them in justice and respect benefits us all. We are, after all, one community.

(The Texas Civil Rights Project, a nonprofit foundation, promotes civil rights and economic and racial justice throughout Texas for poor and low-income people.) 

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News

News

Free legal help offered to DACA-eligible youth

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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n Saturday, August 16 Texas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Day was observed with the offering free legal services statewide.

The St. Mary’s University School of Law Center for Legal and Social Justice held simultaneous events in San Antonio and Laredo. More than 200 attended the event at the Laredo Public Library.

Information about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals was presented along with screenings and full intakes for eligible applicants. Two immigration attorneys, a tax attorney, three immigration paralegals, a financial aid adviser, and four law students were available to answer questions related to DACA and other immigration matters.

Clinical fellow and supervising attorney Adriane J. Meneses said, “We were very pleased with the turnout. We screened more than 50 people for DACA eligibility. Of those, 46 were eligible, and we agreed to represent them at no cost.

Perhaps the best news is that 44 of those were first-time applicants.”

An estimated 47,000 individuals statewide are eligible for DACA but have not applied.

“I think it is a combination of three factors — lack of knowledge, lack of funds, and fear,” said Meneses.

She said any misconceptions about the program deter eligible youth from applying.

“I have had people tell me that they believed that they were not

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eligible because they were married, or because they had not gone on to college after finishing high school.

Neither of those things affects an applicant’s eligibility,” she said, adding, “That’s part of the reason we want to do events like DACA Day, so that we can educate potential applicants about DACA and provide a safe environment where they can get answers to their questions for free.”

The filing fee for DACA is $465 and there are no fee waivers. Fee exemptions are only available in very rare circumstances, Meneses said.

“Filing for DACA, especially in low-income applicants and families with more than one applicant, can be a challenge. If applicants can’t afford the fees, chances are they can’t afford an attorney to assist with the application. That’s why free programs like ours are so important,” she said, adding that some applicants are intimidated by providing so much personal information to the government, a reason perhaps why the remaining 47,000 have yet to apply.

“That’s why we try to remind people that nationally that the approval rate for DACA applications is 97 percent. If people have concerns about applying, we want to answer their questions and give them actual facts and figures that might put them at ease,” said Meneses.

The application process can take anywhere from 65 days to over a year, but on average, most applications are approved in four to six months.

“Younger applicants without any Continued on page 52

AHEC’S Bazan, LCC’s Hernandez recognized

by Military Peer Network

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aredoans Julie Bazan and Veronica Hernandez were recognized by the Military Veteran Peer Network during the Peer Volunteer Retention and Recognition Presentation in Austin on Saturday, August 16th.

The statewide effort recognized community volunteers who demonstrate outstanding efforts to support the needs of veterans and their families. The Military Veteran Peer Network is an affiliation of service members, veterans. and family members dedicated to establishing camaraderie and trust with each other, identifying and vetting community resources, and collectively, contributing to the communities.

Bazan and Hernandez were nominated by Gerardo “Jerry” Alvarado from the Veterans Helping Veterans Program at Border Region Behavioral Health Center.

Bazan, executive director, of the Area Health Education Center, has been a strong supporter of the veterans in the Laredo community. “She is a caring and compassionate individual that is always willing to help and somehow, in addition to all that she does in our community for our

youth, she finds the time to listen, to guide and to offer her devoted attention to help or veterans and their families. She has given countless hours to support us in the community. Without her knowing it, she has impacted many,” said Alvarado.

Hernandez, Veteran Affairs & International Student Coordinator at Laredo Community College, assists veterans who want to continue their education. “She is a great asset for our veterans and their families. She is always willing to help find ways that veterans can return to school.

She looks for resources and guides the veterans through their educational path and refers them to community services when they are in need of support. Her compassion is to be admired,” Alvarado continued.

Dr. Suzanna Hupp, Associate Commissioner of Texas Health Human Services Commission, was the keynote speaker at the Omni Hotel. She emphasized the importance of supporting the men and women who have sacrificed their time, family, and at times their lives to secure the freedom enjoyed in this country.

— LareDOS Staff

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News

Eagle Scout candidate Tijerina unveils hospital playroom project

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

ver the past year, Boy Scout Avery Tijerina has worked diligently with the help of volunteers to remodel the second floor pediatric playroom in Doctors Hospital. He unveiled the renovated room on Friday, August 8.

Tijerina joined the Boy Scouts of America four years ago. He earned various merit badges ranging from life saving and wilderness survival to pioneering.

“While I was a freshman in high school, I had an emergency appendectomy. I believe that my attitude about my hospitalization prolonged

my stay in the hospital for a week. I had limited access to entertainment that caused me to be more worried about my surgery,” he said.

Scout projects like Tijerina’s are a great opportunity to give back to the community, according to Scoutmaster Rodolfo Sanchez.

“I wanted to create an environment that was conducive to child and adolescent patients — to take their minds off their illness and hospitalization. I also thought this would help parents. I imagine that for parents to have to see their sons or daughters in the hospital, it must be very painful,” he said.

The playroom was fully refurbished with fresh coats of paint, furniture, and toys

Tijerina and volunteers give the playroom a lookover

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Tijerina acquired from local companies. He visited Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi to get a better idea of what would be suitable for the playroom makeover.

“I feel like all the hard work really paid off. It ended up as a great atmosphere for children,” he said.

Some of those who donated to Tijerina’s project include Howland Engineering, Big Bob’s Trophies, Advances Supply Chain Logistics, Richard E Haynes Properties, Stewart Title, Laredo Title and Abstract, BP Newman Investments, Westwood Homes, the Home Depot, Sherwin Williams, and Mr. and Mrs. Rolando Ortiz.

“I want to thank all the donors.

They all really believed in me and stuck by me with this project as I researched what types of toys were acceptable to have in a hospital setting, and how to recreate the same atmosphere seen in other children’s hospitals,” he said, adding, “I also want to thank the Scout masters for keeping me motivated, and my mom. I couldn’t have done it without her.”

Tijerina is a recent graduate of United High School and a prospective undergrad at Texas A&M University where he will pursue a BA in physics. He has plans to work with clean energy in the future.

“I really hope to create something innovative in the future. That is my big dream,” he said. 

Volunteers that assisted Tijerina were Onix Lima, Ivette Soto, Richard Rodriguez, Santiago Canales, Sarah Trujillo WWW.L A R E DOSN EWS.COM

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

A party on Victoria Street

Courtesy Photo

Olivia Cotton, Jorge Santana, Rachel Muñiz Mendive, Sebastian Mendive, Paco García, and Viky García are pictured at the Santana home on Victoria Street, celebrating Olivia and Jorge’s one-year anniversary as residents of the St. Peter’s Historic District. The friends wished Rachel Muñiz well on the eve of her departure for law school at Penn State, where she was awarded a full scholarship.

Gubernatorial candidate tours LCC Laredo Community College president Dr. Juan L. Maldonado and staff provided Senator Wendy Davis with a tour of the newly renovated LCC Fort McIntosh facilities on Saturday, August 9.

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The Mystery Customer

Maverick Ranch Notes

Tacos Kissi on Del Mar: undesirable Fabuloso cocktail free with dinner

Long hot days and longer nights

BY THE mystery Customer Border Foundry 7718 McPherson Rd. It was the MC’s first time dining at this establishment. The ambiance was quaint and staff was very friendly. Portions were reasonable.

The MC and guest were looking forward to trying the Foundry’s bone-in ribeye, however, they found themselves stuffed after burrata and fried oysters topped with mustard Hollandaise sauce.

The oysters were scrumptious.

Arguindegui’s Pump N Shop 6552 Springfield Ave Horrible customer service! The MC does not recommend anyone to stop by in the evenings. While the morning staff is fairly friendly and helpful, the evening clerk is always rude even to repeat customers.

Fuddruckers 711 Hillside Rd Staff was friendly and efficient. They worked collectively to serve the lunch rush to the best of their abilities. Their burgers were cooked to perfection. The MC recommends the restaurant for families looking to catch up and enjoy a meal.

El Taco Tote 10211 McPherson Rd. The MC highly recommends this establishment over Taco Palenque.

The food is priced reasonably and tastes great. Their panchos are def-

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initely the best in town.

Tacos Kissi 317 W. Del Mar Blvd.

The MC thinks this small chain makes the best shrimp cocktail in town, and has found mas o menos service at the original McPherson location. The Del Mar location features menos service and your meal comes with a big hit of Fabuloso, an inescapable in your face and nose hit of the pungent cleanser. Not once, but twice, restaurant staff mopped in proximity of the dining room and the MC around sundown on the evening of August 16. The MC mentions sundown because a child in the adjacent booth blinded the MC with glare form the setting sun by playing with the wooden blinds. When the MC asked the insolent child to stop, she continued as her rude and inert mother let the child continue. When the MC and her friends took the matter up with Kissi staff and the manager, the MC was told that they did not have the authority to get the child to stop playing with the blinds, i.e., aguantate.

HARC Plumbing Laredo, Texas Mr. Juan Elizondo takes on projects of all sizes and does a good job and brings the work in on time. He is not adverse to plumbing work on area ranches.

Wied Water Well Service Hebbronville, Texas Mark Wied has handled the MC’s well and submersible pump needs for more than 20 years. He understands the value of water on a ranch and works quickly to solve water dilemmas. 

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By bebe & sissy fenstermaker

he nights get longer and cooler as the days shorten our mother always pointed out after reaching August 15. In her childhood there was no air conditioning (except the afternoon movies in downtown San Antonio), and they looked forward to longer nights which seemed to give a better chance of staying cooler longer. We do not have air conditioning even today here at the Ranch and have the addition of global warming, so I don’t really sense a difference around August 15.

The nightly temperature change seems to come later – say around September 15. We used to hate the end of summer and beginning of school in some ways and look forward to the change in other ways. It meant we had to get off our horses, no more horseback picnics up the canyon, no more riding over at the old fort and, well, no more riding every day, all day long. Instead we had to put on dresses and start doing homework. It did mean that all of us children/teenagers were together again, new books issued to us and sometimes there was a lesson or two which might be interesting. My class was the largest in the whole of junior high and high school the last year we lived out in West Texas; there were 22 of us bulging out of the classroom.

That year the senior class num-

bered six, five badly behaved boys and one girl who knew how to keep them all in line. She was very funny and took nothing from those guys.

Of course in a town with a population of around 500 we knew everyone and everyone knew us. No child could get away with anything as there were eyes and ears cocked to report anything we could think up.

I remember Mrs. Piercy reported to our parents that we loped our horses too fast around her house and stirred up dust.

All the same it was the best of times, the best of mountainous West Texas, and there was no noticeable environmental damage if you don’t count the 1950s drought and dust. By the time school started we were in great physical shape, ready for band, basketball, and volleyball practice.

The perfect end of a school week was the Friday afternoon six-man football game. We all played in the band which performed at half-time.

Once the majorette blew our formation whistle on the wrong yard line and we all milled around the field for five minutes before the band director waved us off the field. We trouped off, mortified to have done this at an out of town game. I played the flute and since there were not lyres to hold sheet music for flutes at that time I was expected to memorize all the music we played on the field and in parades, the only instrument condemned to this. I did not but could hit certain passages of Sousa’s marches that I remembered; the intermittent flute shrieks must have added a lot.

The lengthening days of August (not longer nights) hold good memories of another world. 

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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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Argentine pres Fernandez de Kirchner throws Eva Peron kudos and a bouquet ample of passion and combativeness.

Now, a leap from one topic to another — celebrity cars up for auction. Probably going for $300,000 will be Elvis Presley’s car, the king’s Rolls-Royce Phantom V limousine, which went up for auction August 15 by Bonhams at the Quail Lodge Auction of California. Elvis souped up the car by adding a telephone, a state-of-the art radio, and air-conditioning in 1963.

Also in the auction was actor Steve McQueen’s Ferrari, which has been fully restored and is in perfect running condition. Estimated auction price — $9 million. McQueen got the car in 1967 while filming The Thomas Crown Affair. The car was originally a gold color, but McQueen painted it a Chianti red and added wire wheels.

In closing, I must say I was so impressed when I read that Laredo, Spain Mayor Angel Vega Madrazo was in Laredo recently for the ribbon cutting of the 12th Annual Laredo International Sister Cities Festival. I wanted to know more abut Laredo, Spain, so here goes, according

to Wikipedia.

Laredo, Spain is a town in the autonomous community of Cantabria.

In 2008 the census showed a population of 12,648, which includes the villages of La Arenosa, El Callejo, Las Carcoba, Las Casillas, La Pesquera, Tarrueza, and Villante.

Laredo is between the cities of Santander and Bilbao. The city is known for the historic part of town dating back to Roman times. Festivities in August are famous for the main event that occurs every year on the last Friday of August, known as La Batalla de Flores, during which large floats entirely covered with flowers and petals are paraded along the central streets. A bit like

San Antonio’s Battle of Flowers parade.

Laredo’s economy is based on fishing, the service sector, and tourism. The city is considered one of the main resorts in the region, and the local industry is based on the processing of fishery products, especially anchovies. The average income is among the 15 highest in Cantabria, as the service sector employs over half the population. The area is served by the Laredo Regional Hospital. Bilbao is an hour to the east of Laredo, while Santander is 40 minutes west. Madrid is five hours away by bus.

And on that note, it’s time for--as Norma Adamo says: TAN TAN! 

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

aría Eva Duarte de Peron was the second wife of Argentina’s President Juan Peron, and she served as First Lady from 1946 till her death in 1952. Shes wa always called Evita, the affectionate Spanish diminutive. Born in rural Argentina, she was the youngest of five children.

At age 15 she moved to Buenos Aires for a career as a stage, radio, and film actress. She met Juan Peron, a military officer, at a charity event for the victims of an earthquake, and they married soon thereafter. Peron became President of Argentina in 1946 because of the powerful trade unions that wanted labor rights.

Evita ran the Ministries of Labor and Health and founded the charitable Eva Peron Foundation, which championed women’s suffrage in Argentina. But her declining personal health took her down prematurely.

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, the first elected female President of Argentina, said that women of her generation owe a debt to Evita for her ex-

Notes from La La Land

Salido among featured artists at Empty Bowls Nydia Weathers, Laura R. Salido, and Dr. Maya Guerra-Zuniga are pictured at the South Texas Food Bank’s Empty Bowls fundraiser on Friday, August 22 at the Laredo Energy Arena. Salido was one of the artists featured at the auction.

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Philosophy To Go

Physical reality is just a hologram

By RAUL CASSO LareDOS Contributor

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ur conscious apparatus (CA) interprets raw sensory data and summarizes it in the form of conscious imagery that we understand and interact with. Our sensory apparatus (SA), on the other hand, is constantly bombarded with massive amounts of data—far more than our CA needs for it to do its job. As it happens, however, our sensory apparatus (SA) has evolved to act as a filter. It sorts through the untold amount of data it is exposed to, and then transmits only as much information as our CA needs to give us a picture.

Consider an ordinary scene—say, for example, you’re crossing a busy street and you’re in the middle of it, when suddenly there’s a speeding sports car careening out of control and headed right at you. You have a split second to decide whether to try to make it across or double back (This is an ordinary scene for me— I’m a motorcyclist). In less than the time it takes you to decide, your eyes perceive the situation, and communicate only the required information for the images to instantaneously appear in your conscious awareness.

You don’t have to waste any time at all in getting the picture. Almost instinctively, you jump back and out of the way. But consider the incredible job of filtering the data your eyesight did for you—in order to save your life (Survival is, after all, one evolutionary objective among others).

At the sub-atomic level, billions of photons bounced off of the sports car and off of everything else on the scene as it was happening. I read somewhere that an ordinary light bulb emits 100 billion billion

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“...You are not really in the room you think you’re in; rather, the room, with you in it, is inside your head...” photons each second (don’t ask me how physicists figured that one out).

Imagine how many the sun emits, and imagine how many photons a sports car barreling down a bigcity street reflects. Had you had to consider the billions of trajectories these photons and a host of other molecules travelled through, one by one, you would have stood there blankly trying to sort it all out while the sports car would have clobbered you. Fortunately, our SA/CA system doesn’t work like that. Rather, our SA screens the data and transmits only what is necessary to allow our brains to interpret the data and provide us with conscious imagery. Thus, by working together like a pair of filters, the SA and CA transmute what is into what appears to be.

The point is that what you see in your mind’s eye is not what is physically “out there” in reality. Instead, what you see is a non-physical concept; a mental image derived from twice-filtered information and transmitted to the brain in the form of sensory neurons. The CA takes this information and you see a conceptual image. The presence of physical, raw matter—out there in reality, precedes any conceptual understanding that we may form about it and then only after enough of this raw matter is recognized by our CA to assign a shape to it. Only then, in this temporal sequence, do we consciously identify whatever it is we do. You

can never get to know, directly, the physical matter reality from which the data is gathered by the SA. You can only know the experience of it—all of which happens in your conscious mind. What you experience is a virtual image of what is out there; a conscious construct—a picture of it that exists only in your head.

We never come into direct contact with physical matter reality. The physical world we appear to interact in consists of conceptual imagery our CA has evolved to produce so that we may make choices and take appropriate or necessary action. The images are not “out there;” they are not real. They are conscious illusions.

The illusion includes the appearance of solidity in a three dimensional world. The appearance is necessary to our evolution. Our CA has evolved to provide a conceptual format—a simulated environment--in which we make choices and take intent-driven action. This means that everything you see, all of it, is a product of the conscious apparatus at work provid-

ing a virtual reality that allows you to carry out your purpose.

Our “physical reality” is merely a conceptual experience the CA projects as a virtual reality. Remember, the SA sifts through data—perceives— and the CA interprets the data and conjures up images. The experience of physical reality takes place in consciousness by way of that imagery.

That experience leads you to believe that you live and operate in an external, 3-D, physical reality. To understand why it appears that way, one must understand space-time. The experience that our consciousness interprets as a physical reality leads to the conclusion, however, that physical reality is an internal reality created by the projections of our CA. The implications of this are huge.

Everything you perceive, the table, chairs, couch, and T.V. in the room, the trees and rocks outside, the clouds up in the sky, everything, is a virtual reality made to look and feel three dimensional. This includes your body and the room you think you are sitting in. You are not really in the room you think you’re in; rather, the room, with you in it, is inside your head. It is a conscious construct—an interpreted virtual reality.

What appears to be our physical reality is really just a simulated environment; a non-fundamental derivative of what is really out there.

You know ­— a hologram. 

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By salo Otero 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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he STFB’s mission of feeding the hungry is huge, notingthat 30 percent of service area residents live below poverty guidelines.

Sixty percent of the STFB budget comes from government sources.

The other 40 percent must come from grants and donations. The South Texas Food Bank could not exist without the community’s support. The food bank, a 501c3 nonprofit, is located at 1907 Freight at Riverside.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the STFB received outstanding backing for its major fundraiser, Empty Bowls VIII, which was held Aug. 22 at the Laredo Energy Arena. The event had a dual meaning because of its number 8.

The STFB thanks all table sponsors, led by A.R. “Tony” Sanchez, Arturo N. Benavides Sr., IBC-Laredo, Carlos Zaffirini Jr., Tano Tijerina, ANB Cattle Co., Angel and Lidia Laurel, John R.

South Texas Food Bank

STFB Empty Bowls VIII gets community support Solis, Raul Vasquez, Leslie and Tom Benavides, Annie Dodier, Drs. Castellano-Carpenter, Rancho Viejo, Vester Investments, Laredo Energy, Falcon International Bank, Mary Lamar and Gary Leyendecker, Commerce Bank, GEO Group, AEP Energy, El Bufalo Enterprises, BBVA Compass, and Anna and John Galo.

Also, Tommy and Annette Peña, TETSCO Well Services, Lone Star Industries, Kevin Romo, Hugo and Bibi Flores, Laredo Housing Authority, Boys and Girls Club, AT&T, La Posada Hotel, IBC-Zapata, Galo García, Laredo Soccer Club, Zapata National Bank, Tony Figueroa, and TSI. Also, Budweiser, C.R. England, Pete Saenz, Erasmo Villarreal, Gontour, Transmaritime, Wendy’s, Papa John’s, Church’s Chicken, Cox Properties, Southern Distributing, ConocoPhillips, Cigna Health, Arguindegui Oil, Rio Grande Cartage, Border Building, Texas Community Bank,

Jim Kelly, Eduardo Garza-UniTrade, Laredo Community College, Escamilla Auto Sales, David King Services, Howland Engineering, David Gonzalez Jr., Asmussen Horse Center, Plains Bank Capital, Doug Howland, and Salo Otero.

Special thanks to media who helps bring awareness to the issue of hunger. That includes LareDOS, Laredo Morning Times, Imagenes, KGNS, KVTV, KLDO-Fox, Lamar Advertising, Guerra Communications, El Mañana and El Lider.

Empty Bowls VIII included a silent auction. The contributors were artists Mary Bausman, Laura Salido, Sharon Cruz, Francisca Palacios, Diana Virginia Serna, Sandra Gonzalez, Sonya Marie Sky, Erica Buentello, Elsa Martinez, Pancho Farias, Adriana Nunemaker, Mary Quiroz, Christina Speer, Armando Hinojosa, Arturo Nochebuena, and Jessica Diez Barroso.

Also, Linda LaMantia, Anne Vela,

Leslie Benavides, Cuate Santos, Butch Ramirez, Lazaro Ferdin, David Grizzle, Nora Barcelo, David Guerra, Jimmy Rodriguez, Joe Olivares, Norita Montemayor and youth artists Eva Raymond, Cynthia Ruiz Calderon, Gabriella Guerrero, Erica Escamilla, and Jessie Castillo.

Items on the auction list other than bowls and framed artwork included a one-hour helicopter joy ride over Laredo courtesy of Brush Country Helicopter (Chente Sanchez), jewelry from James Avery and David Bausman, furniture by Jorge Kurczyn, sculpture by Josie Pappas, rounds of golf and dinner from the Laredo Country Club and the Max Course, Arena Gun Club six-month membership, Laredo Lemurs Deluxe Suite for one game, autographed Dallas Mavericks game jersey with tickets for a Spurs-Mavericks game, a gun safe and a gun from Kirkpatrick’s. 

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SIDEBAR

AmeriCorps VISTAS assigned to the STFB are Laredoans, left to right, Ithiel Benavides, Sonia Liz Rocha, Angie Sifuentes, and Pamela Guerra. Benavides is a summer intern and the other three are at the STFB for one year.

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Sames Motor Company has has established a charitable program to get all employees involved.

Jeans for NON-Profit, a program that kicked off in June, allows employees to donate $2 every Friday in exchange for wearing jeans. Every department has an opportunity to “host” the monthly program. As a host of Jeans for NON-Profit, the hosting department is responsible for collecting the donations from all Sames Motor Company locations and choosing a 501c3 organization to receive the monies. In July, the Ford/Mazda Parts Department collected $250 and chose the STFB as the first recipient of the Jeans for NON-Profit contribution.

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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.

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was a late bloomer. Twenty-three years ago this month after finally getting a master’s degree, I landed my first full-time college teaching job in Rochester, Minnesota. I was 33, but despite my age, I was green. Bermuda grass green.

Wet-behind-the-ears green. First-loadof-pickles-to-the-fair green.

Sure, I had a little teaching experience. When I was in my twenties and worked in maintenance at Valley View Manor Nursing Home, I showed nurse’s aides and laundry ladies how to use a fire extinguisher to put out the small fire I had lit in the parking lot. I taught CPR classes with Arlene Nordby and Resusci Annie. I coached a winless women’s slow-pitch softball team and, while showing them how to slide into second, tore the knee out of a perfectly good pair of sweatpants.

But none of that changed the color of my inexperience or the myriad ways I found to blunder through my first year of teaching freshmen composition at Rochester Community College.

For what it’s worth, I still think my intentions were mostly good though a bit misguided. I had just graduated from Mankato State University’s creative writing program. Now I intended to treat my freshmen at RCC the way I and other grad students were treated at MSU: as responsible adults, as competent writers who knew the fundamentals and were invested in their writing, and as inquisitive human beings motivated by a love of the written word. In short, I meant to engage freshmen as equals. Of course, overestimating my students and failing to recognize that most freshmen are none of those things was my first mistake, a mistake I made even before I stepped into the classroom.

Once classes began, those bad assumptions and the practices to which

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Getting schooled they led me produced consequences I simply didn’t foresee. First, because I assumed that an informal classroom environment would promote more student participation, I encouraged them to call me “Randy” rather than “Mr. Koch.” But that casual familiarity caused some students to get too comfortable and to take me and the class less seriously than they should have. Then, because I assumed that students chose to be in college and, therefore, wanted to be in my composition class (even though very few were English majors), I didn’t establish an attendance policy. As a result, fewer than half showed up for some classes, particularly late in the quarter. Last, because of my experience at MSU and because I wanted to make students responsible for their own writing, I ran the class as a workshop in which I sat with them in a circle and we discussed their writing. However, sitting in a desk meant that I rarely used the blackboard and only occasionally turned on the overhead projector. And that meant I talked about writing more than I demonstrated it.

Plus, I failed to recognize the importance of what I already knew about myself: I think better on my feet than on my seat.

Some of the other unfortunate choices I made during that first year were influenced by two books that I had read and reread. In Robert Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the narrator taught freshman English in Bozeman, Montana. In an idealistic effort to get his students to place greater value on authentic learning rather than on the diploma that implies an education, he withheld all student grades until the end of the quarter. At the time, this idea seemed so logical and revolutionary that I had to try it in my classes. Besides, Don-

ald Murray in A Writer Teaches Writing suggested something similar when he said, “Grades are meaningless during a writing course.”

But like Pirsig’s narrator, I found that the absence of grades creates a dangerous vacuum that seemed to reinforce many students’ attitude that as long as they turned in work and showed up occasionally, I had to pass them. But I didn’t. And I gave up withholding grades after the first quarter.

In his book, Murray also offered some excellent ideas that continue to influence my teaching even today; however, in 1991 I didn’t have the experience necessary to understand how to modify his methods so they worked for me in my classes. For example, his list of “The Writer’s Seven Skills” seemed to offer clear course objectives and a way to structure classroom instruction. Unfortunately, however, the “skills” he refers to — “develop a sense of subject,” “sense… an audience,” “write,” and “rewrite” — are not so much “skills” as steps in the writing process. And as I eventually discovered, process without craft simply offers students a more efficient

way to produce bad writing.

Similarly, Murray emphasized the need for the writing teacher to “respond to student writing through individual conferences,” an approach I’ve used with every writing class for over 20 years. However, because Murray suggested that “most conferences will take only three or four minutes,” I tried to meet individually with as many as 10 students per hour in my office and even with all 25 students during a 50-minute class period. During my first year at RCC, this created a frantic atmosphere and resentful students who disliked taking time to see me outside of class because as soon as they sat down, it seemed I was nudging them toward the door.

Despite all the obvious mistakes and missteps I made in those classes at RCC, they were indispensable.

Without them, I wouldn’t have fully understood the importance of writing with students, of patiently listening to individual students, and of diagnosing patterns of weaknesses in their work — whether in Minnesota, South Texas, Wyoming, or again this fall in Pennsylvania. 

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TAMIU

TAMIU’s new Cloud-based Killam Library System reins in savings, offers faster service

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here’s a cloud forming over the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, forecasting reined-in savings and a silver lining of streamlined services for Library operations and users.

This August, the Killam Library transitions to a Cloud-based Integrated Library System, becoming the first In Laredo to do so and only the second Texas A&M University System campus to be at the forefront of fast-developing library digital service standards.

The “Cloud” is the term given to a type of computing that relies on sharing computing resources rather than having local servers or personal computers handle applications. These applications exist off site in the so-called Cloud and are delivered to the end user through the Internet.

Library Director Doug Ferrier explained the University’s rationale for the move.

“We’ve decided to make the move to a Cloud service because we wanted to give our users a much better experience without deploying more and more tools that have cost, managerial, and workflow impacts. By migrating to a Cloud-based platform, the Killam Library’s services costs will be substantially reduced while services will be vastly improved, especially in the areas of search and research,” Ferrier explained.

The Killam Library will be using the WorldShare Management System (WMS), a Cloud-based suite of integrated library management applications providing flexible, open access to library data, developed and operated by OCLC. At the Kil-

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lam Library, it will eliminate timeconsuming processes and increase access to materials around the world.

The change to the Cloud platform offered by WMS will help the Killam Library streamline acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, database license management, and offer a next-generation discovery and delivery tool for Library users whose search habits change constantly.

Ferrier offered an example.

“For example, if we look specifically at a traditional acquisition scenario, we are looking at manual data input to a number of different suppliers, but utilizing WMS allows us to select metadata that carries out the entire process in one operation.

Among other capabilities Killam Library users can expect: *Google-like searching which delivers content from the Library (print and content from most subscription databases) and the world’s library collections, *Citation creation for many formats, and mobile interfacing, and citation creations for many formats, such as EndNotes and RefWorks. *Social networking including user-contributed reviews, ratings, lists, tags, integration with Facebook, dig, etc.

Integration with Interlibrary Loan services (ILL) which makes it easier for users to locate and request materials from other libraries.

Ferrier said projected savings accompany the service benefits of the transition as well.

“We hope to realize a savings of about $20,000 per year in related savings in time, maintenance, and updates, ” he noted.

“In short, transition to a Cloudbased platform with OCLC will allow staff to better manage information and not manage technology, and it will provide users with a singular, robust and global Library experience not previously available, he concluded.

While the Library is completing its transition, both the current and new system will be in place. The full transition to the WMS suite of services is expected to be complete

by August 31, 2014.

The Killam Library houses more than 313,030 bound volumes, 819,599 microfiche and microfilm and over

200,000 ebooks. Library users have access to 1,255 print subscriptions and approximately 58,000 electronic journals in full text or full image.

A variety of resource-sharing, joint databases, library networks and collections are available. The Library also belongs to a consortium of other Texas A&M University System libraries. Its services are available to all faculty, students and staff and visitor access is possible.

For additional information, contact Douglas Ferrier, Library Director, or visit the Library’s web site, or come by the Library’s Reference Desk and meet with a librarian. 

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Review

Guardians of the Galaxy expands Marvel’s Cinematic Universe

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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ith the summer coming to an end, there is little doubt that the summer blockbuster hit of 2014 is Guardians of the Galaxy (GOTG). The Marvel flick earned over $400 million during its third week at the global box office.

Marvel has an affinity for creating global blockbusters about the imminent threat of the destruction of mankind with franchises such as Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and The Avengers.

GOTG however branches off into the cosmos with a refreshing comical, full of heart, visual splendor.

Chris Pratt stars as Peter Quill/Star Lord the zany lead in the film. Along with misfits Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), Drax The Destroyer (David Bautista), the gun toting Rocket Raccoon (Bradley

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Cooper), and tree-like humanoid Groot (Vin Diesel), they soon become the galaxy’s only hope.

GOTG is witty and way better than most critics are giving it credit for. While some may call it trite and argue that director James Gunn’s vision is similar to Star Wars, I dare anyone to find any film recently released with no similarities to another. It’s all been said and done and will continue to be a variation of something else — get over it!

What’s most important to me is that I am entertained. I hail this as the best superhero movie, outside of the Batman Begins trilogy realm, that doesn’t take itself so seriously – which is quite refreshing.

Gunn, who not only directed but wrote the final draft of GOTG, opted to open the film with Star Lord’s origins — a total tearjerker moment. The entire prelude takes place on Earth until aliens abduct him. Audiences are left with the thought “oh, he’s human,” as Gunn takes us into space.

While one would expect for the flick to be bloated with visual effects, Gunn kept it believable, depicting alien worlds with human-like structure to them.

I also liked that he took the time to populate scenes with sufficient extras, which to me is important when a film is strongly CGI based. The characters’ costume designs were fantastic, though not too over the top.

What makes or breaks a film for me is the soundtrack. The music was perfectly selected to each scene. Strategically placed humor mixed with a 90s vibe made the film all the more enjoyable to watch.

There’s never a dull moment! You must go see it and own the DVD when released. 

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Continued FROM page 43

criminal records usually get approved faster. Older applicants, or applicants with complications in their cases, may take longer to be approved,” she said, adding, “Once an applicant is approved, their work permit arrives usually within a few days. Then the approved applicant can apply for a Social Security number immediately, which usually arrives in the mail in about 10 days, and in turn can go to the DPS to apply for a Drivers License.”

Attendees were also able to view presentations on DACA, financial aid for dreamers, and tax issues affecting immigrants. Several community partners — the Mexican Consulate, the Holding Institute, Laredo Community College, and the Texas Department of Health and Human

Services — also gave presentations.

Casa Misericordia and Texas Workforce Commission had volunteers attend to provide information to attendees on the services they provide.

“Now that we have accepted these cases for representation, lawyers, paralegals and law students in both San Antonio and Laredo will work with the clients to gather the necessary documentation to submit their application packets,” Meneses said. She expressed gratitude to the Laredo Public Library for its on-going support.

For more information or assistance with applying for DACA, St. Mary’s paralegals may be contacted every Tuesday or representatives from the Mexican consulate every Friday at the library. Call (956) 7287583 or email stmarysdreamlaredo@ stmarytx.edu. 

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Communites in Schools

Memorial Middle students find success in a burnt orange day

By TINA TREVINO LareDOS Contributor

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ow many people have been lucky enough to march in file with the famous Longhorn Band? I have no clue, but one thing’s for certain — the students of Memorial Middle School (MMS) are now part of that club.

On March 1, 12 MMS students took a trip to the University of Texas in Austin(UT) to partake in what is known as “The Biggest Open House in Texas.”

We all know the “...bigger in Texas” saying, and that couldn’t be more prevalent at this event. The University of Texas at Austin planned a Saturday chockfull of activities, and they were more than prepared to accommodate schools from around the state.

Sign up was free, the weather was a nice, 82°, and the students of MMS were ready to open their minds to new learning experiences.

Communities in Schools’ (CIS) mission is and always will be about helping the at risk children of Laredo thrive and prosper, both in and out of the classroom. In order to grow into extraordinary individuals, students must be challenged in one on one scenarios, as well as in the ever important team scenarios.

CIS Laredo is well aware of this notion, which is why they are constantly searching for new ways to engage their students in learning. The “classroom” shouldn’t be contained by the walls within each room of a school. Thanks to CISLaredo, students from MMS were engaging in much larger “classrooms” while working as a team out and about on UT’s historic campus.

As was the case with most students on this trip, stepping foot on the burnt orange and white campus was a first

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time experience. The road trip itself was well appreciated by the students of Memorial Middle School, as traveling out of town is something they don’t get to do often. The MMS students are hard working, honest, and respectful individuals who always look for ways to expand upon their academic knowledge. The trip to “Explore UT” was no different.

The open house on campus presented the opportunity to make your own origami piece, learn to develop video games, have a meet and greet with student athletes, learn how to design apparel, or even watch how medications fight diseases in a 3D tour, just to name a few.

So what did the students at MMS choose to do? They decided to pay the engineering program a visit and build a rocket! The students also visited the science department where they were challenged as a team on numerous projects.

All in all, the CIS day trip to UT was an absolute success. When you bring an optimistic and vibrant attitude to a learning festival, would you expect anything different?

Even though the students have yet to take their first high school class, CIS trips like these have the power to open doors to infinite possibilities. Thanks to CISLaredo, UT, and everyone involved with making this trip happen, the students were able to gain exposure and newfound knowledge on the collegiate level. Their vision for the future has since become brighter, and they now have new motivating factors that they can take with them wherever they go.

Success is theirs for the taking, and if there’s one thing these CIS students learned, it’s that anything can be accomplished with effective communication and teamwork. 

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Opinion

Blessed are the peacemakers

BY NANCY BLACK LareDOS Contributor

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ark Twain, one of America’s best known and beloved authors, was a master of satire.

An example is his 1904-05 piece, The War Prayer which reads in part: O Lord our Father, our young patriots, idols of our hearts, go forth to battle - be Thou near them! With them, in spirit, we also go forth from the sweet peace of our beloved firesides to smite the foe. O Lord our God, help us to tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded, writhing in pain; help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire; help us to wring the hearts of their unoffending widows with unavailing grief; help us to turn them out roofless with their little children to wander unfriended the wastes of their desolated land in rags and hunger and thirst … broken in spirit, worn with travail, imploring Thee for the refuge of the grave and denied it - for our sakes who adore Thee, Lord, blast their hopes, blight their lives, protract their bitter pilgrimage, make heavy their steps, water their way with their tears, stain the white snow with the blood of their wounded feet! We ask it in the spirit of love, of Him Who is the Source of Love…. Amen.

This powerful statement against the devastation and loss war causes to soldiers and their families is its obvious and direct damage. But war also causes other more indirect damage to both individuals and societies. We would no doubt be sad to know the number of armed battles occurring in the world each day and

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even more so the number of persons they killed, maimed, or injured.

Virtually all religions prohibit killing and praise those who make peace — “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). But even those who consider themselves religious often talk glibly of sending troops to battle where many will kill and be killed.

It is time to think and talk about ways to reduce these conflicts and wars. Peace, and creative ways to achieve it, should be part of our awareness, thought, and conversation and also an ongoing subject of our national discourse. It should be as natural to have thoughtful discussions about peace as it is to discuss air strikes or troop deployment.

We need more doves than hawks, especially ones with ideas which will move us toward peace. If our energies were more focused on avoiding war, we would have a healthier and more compassionate society.

As Mark Twain shows, the cost of war is staggering — not only in the loss of human life, and debilitating injuries to those who survive, but also in terms of physical destruction, “the wastes of their desolated land,” and huge financial expenditures. According to data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), United States defense spending in 2012 was $682 billion, $30 billion more than the 2012 combined defense spending of China, Russia, United Kingdom, Japan, France, Saudi Arabia, India, Germany, Italy, and Brazil.

Moreover, these costs are compounded when we spend billions on training, arming, feeding, clothing, and sheltering soldiers and then must spend billions more to treat,

medicate, and rehabilitate those who survive but are physically, mentally, or emotionally injured by these wars.

Recent long-term studies have shown that most veterans have persistent post-traumatic stress many years after their return from battle.

Two groups were found to be most vulnerable to long-term war-related stress: minorities who enlisted before finishing high school and those soldiers who had killed multiple times in combat. Treatment for this disorder will require the further expansion of disability benefits for these veterans. Also, the President recently signed legislation, costing some $16 billion, to expand veterans’ programs and facilities to accelerate

their access to quality medical care.

Sending fewer soldiers into battle would result in fewer physically and emotionally wounded veterans and less need for such programs. And as we become more aware of these real costs of war, we might be more moved to begin a serious dialogue on ways to address and reduce its causes and frequency.

Twain wrote that when you pray for victory in war, “you have prayed for many unmentioned results which follow victory — must follow it, cannot help but follow it.” Let’s heed this warning by working and spending for peace as diligently as we have for war, and then assembling a group of peacemakers to help build a more peaceful world. 

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News

O

n July 2014, the Community Development Department, Neighborhood Works and Habitat for Humanity hosted a ribbon cutting for the Romero Family rehabilitation home reconstruction — the latest restoration available under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

The funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD through the City of Laredo’s Housing Rehabilitation Program. The program offers housing rehabilitation loans for up to $35,000 in repairs and a reconstruction loan if the house was damaged as a result of a fire or is dilapidated beyond repair.

City of Laredo housing manager Maria E. “Tina” Martinez said, “The program provides a zero-percent interest loan over a 15 year period — the amounts are determined on a case by case basis. To maintain the limits affordable, 57 percent of the loan is payable in 180 monthly installments and 43 percent is forgiven as long as the homeowner continues to occupy the premises for the period of the loan.”

Individuals who are 62 years of age, disabled head of households, or have incomes of 60 percent or lower than the housing median family income qualify for 100 percent forgiveness on the loans.

Martinez added, “The application process takes about an hour. Once the application is completed, it is assigned to a housing rehabilitation (HR) inspector who makes an appointment with the applicant to assess the house.”

HR inspectors must conduct a

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scope of work plan and environmental assessment before the application is reviewed and approved for construction to begin.

“After approval is granted the project is placed for bid from qualified contractors and the project is awarded to the lowest bidder. The contractor is then selected and a project contract is signed by contractor and homeowner in order to begin construction of the house,” she added.

To qualify, applicants must have resided in and have been the owners of the dwelling for at least six months and qualify under HUD low and moderate income guidelines. The home must be a permanent, non-mobile housing unit that is not in a flood zone area and must meet the housing quality standards criteria as a result of the rehabilitation work. All property taxes must be paid up-to-date.

The applicant must be able to provide the City of Laredo with no less than a first priority Deed of Trust on the property for the duration of the loan period. Approvals are issued after the applicant has submitted all the required documents, an inspection and cost estimate has been performed, and an environmental clearance has been issued.

“This past year we have processed about 55 applications in total for the rehabilitation loan, reconstruction loan, and the livability grant program,” said Martinez.

The reconstruction program has constructed six homes in the west, central, and south side of town in the last six years, and currently has one under construction and one under design.

“We would like to encourage anyone interested in the program to apply,” she added. 

August, National Breastfeeding Month City of Laredo Health Department director Hector F. Gonzalez, Sylvia Flores, Rebecca Alvarez, Nora Martinez, Monica Elguezabal, Irma Castillo, and Vicky Vargas marked National Breastfeeding Month on August 13 at the Laredo Public Library. They were on hand to disseminate information to expecting mothers on the importance of breastfeeding.

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By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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CDBG offers zero percent home reconstruction funds

Beat the back to school blues Laredo Public Library clerk Danny Mendoza read to the young attendees of the Beat the Back to School Blues event on Friday, August 15.

The topic of the day was superheroes, and children were treated to arts and crafts after story time.

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UISD Stuffs the Bus Art happenings at Dolce Admirers of local artist The Death Head attended his new exhibit “Tripping the Rift” on Saturday, August 9 at Caffé Dolce.

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HEB employees Jacxiel Carmona and Monica Franco are pictured with UISD communication specialist Paola Arcos, UISD board member Pat Campos, and UISD public relations director Veronica R. Yunes on August 16 outside the HEB on Del Mar and McPherson collecting school supplies and gently used uniforms for students in need.

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Emily Altgelt/LareDOS Staff

Non-GMO Kettle Corn Gary Fernandez and Katherine Ortiz are pictured popping all-natural non-GMO popcorn at the Happy Kernels Kettle Corn booth at the August 16 Farmers Market at Jarvis Plaza.

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Empty Bowls VIII Alejandra Arguindegui, Bebe Flores, and Kimberly Tijerina are pictured at the Laredo Energy Arena on Friday, August 22 for the South Texas Food Bank’s Empty Bowls annual fundraiser.

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Homero Vasquez/LareDOS Contributor

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Courtesy Photo

Vocational nursing 2014 graduates Laredo Community College’s one-year vocational nursing program graduates Melissa Aguilar, Claudia E. Amaya, Christina L. Barrera, Melissa Belloc, Claudia I. Cabrera, Yaratze F. Camacho, Liliana Castillo, Tiffany D. De Los Santos, Elyse Everett, Christel J. Flores, Diana E. Flores, Juan P. Gallegos, Eunice J. Gomez, Lizette B. Gomez, Sandra O. Gomez, Angela K. Gomez Ortiz, Melissa J. Guajardo, Enrique D. Gutierrez, Juan Hernandez, Belinda Martinez, Esteban R. Medina, Samantha Molina, Raquel E. Morrison, Monica I. Perez, Rosa M. Perez, Anne K. Ramos, Lorraine L. Rodriguez, Mario A. Sanchez, Hugo A. Santillan, and Karlen Vazquez were pictured with faculty before the traditional pinning ceremony in the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center theater on August. 14.

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Embracing motherhood First time mom Ambrosia and new born Athena Chapa posed at the City of Laredo Health Department National Breastfeeding Month celebration at the Laredo Public Library on Wednesday, August 13.

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