LareDOS May 2014

Locally Owned

Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life. — John F. Kennedy A JOURNAL OF THE BORDERLANDS MAY 2014

Est. 1994

Vol. XIX No. 5 64 PAGES

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LareDOS Newspaper

Heartbreak and hardships of

immigration policy beg humane reform

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Building homes and making dreams come true Habitat for Humanity, along with Lowe’s participated in the Women Build event in observance of National Women Build Week on Saturday, May 3. Volunteers gathered at Los Obispos Subdivision to assist with building Habitat homeowner Cristina Castañeda’s home.

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No shoddy workmanship here Bead and stitch collectables Teresa Cortez, Julie Muñoz, José Ruelas of Pixel Bit Beads were at the monthly French Quarter Bazaar on Saturday, May 3.

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Arena Gun Club owners Rene Garza, Arnoldo Silva III, Mike Kirkpatrick, and Arturo Tomás Benavides are pictured at the grand opening on Wednesday, May 7. The public was invited to scope out the new shooting range and all the amenities it has to offer.

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Northside Market features folklorico

Mother and son at FCBD

Students from the Gabriela Mendoza-GarcĂ­a Ballet Folklorico performed at the Laredo Northside Market on Saturday, May 3 at North Central Park.

Tyler and Ronnie Badillo enjoyed a Saturday afternoon at Legacy Comics for the annual Free Comic Book Day event on May 3. This duo explored the world of fantasy and added to their comic book collection.

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Courtesy Photo

Winners at Viva Laredo Festival First place Little Miss Cinco de Mayo, Aily Gutierrez, and second place Little Miss Viva Laredo, Liliana García, are pictured May 3 at the Viva Laredo Festival at LIFE grounds.

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Practice before competition Christen Middle School’s varsity mariachi group under the direction of Ruben Guadia is pictured practicing prior to competing in the UISD Fine Arts Department’s annual Fine Arts Fiesta and Culturas Unidas Mariachi Festival, on May 3.

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Gloria Gonzalez/LareDOS Contributor

Celebrating Dia del Ni単o in San Ygnacio Father Gerardo Pilos of Nuestra Sra. del Refugio Mission in San Ygancio celebrated El Dia del Ni単o with the children of the parish on Thursday, May 1 in the parish hall.

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Mailbox L

and smaller toxic bits.

The City of Laredo spends hundreds of thousands of dollars each year cleaning up after these bags. Even when properly disposed of, these bags – because they are so lightweight – quickly become airborne and end up as litter in many parts of our city.

More importantly, they end up in our storm drains, creeks, and ultimately, our beloved Rio Grande.

We applaud the mayor, the City Council and City Manager for their efforts to pass a ban that will take effect April 30, 2015. We also support current exceptions to the ordinance for restaurants, fast food chains, plate sales, meat products, prepared foods, dry cleaners and nonprofits, among others.

We look forward to working closely with the City and the community on a transition phase to prepare all Laredoans – both young and old – and all retailers for this new change.

We also look forward to working with the Nuevo Laredo City Council as they begin the work of getting a plastic bag ban passed in their city, too.

On behalf of those who have fought this tough battle over the years, the Rio Grande International Study Center would like to say thank you. Together, we can make a difference in making Laredo a better, prettier, and much greener place to live.

Tricia Cortez Executive Director Rio Grande International Study Center

Nonstop musical performances at art festival Cactus Country performed at the Laredo Community College Rio Grande Arts Festival on Friday, May 23.

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To the Editor – The Rio Grande International Study Center commends the Laredo City Council and City Manager Carlos Villarreal for their vision and leadership in moving Laredo toward a plastic bag ban.

The Council’s unanimous vote on May 19 demonstrates our leaders’ understanding of the tremendous problem caused by the 120 million plastic bags that we use each year in Laredo, alone.

We especially thank Council members Mike Garza, Jorge Vera, and Juan Narvaez for their leadership and courage on this issue.

With only one public hearing left to go, we are excited to see the Council bring closure to this nearly 10-year campaign to move Laredo in a new, environmentally aware direction.

Tens of thousands of hours have been spent by many experts and dedicated volunteers on this issue since the mid2000s.

Laredo became a trailblazer a decade ago, designing a draft ordinance that was then copied by Brownsville and South Padre Island. Now, other cities in Texas have followed suit, including Austin, Freer, and Dallas.

Once Laredo finalizes this ordinance, we will join more than 170 other cities in the United States, and 59 other countries around the world, that have implemented laws to address the problem of plastic bags.

Plastic bags are made from petroleum products, and so, take hundreds of years to decompose, breaking up into smaller

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etters to the publisher

LISD observes Memorial Day Local veterans stood at attention during the presentation of colors on May 23 at Memorial Middle School’s annual Memorial Day observance.

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News

News

Community workshop focuses on grief

Hope Rocks Benefit Concert set for November 8

he Area Health Education Center (AHEC) recently co-hosted and sponsored a community workshop geared to help parents and professionals working with children to deal with grief and cope with the death of a loved one.

The program, which was set up as a lunch and learn activity, included a showing of Sesame Street Workshop’s “When Families Grieve” and conversations with child grief professionals presenting the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of grief in children.

Attendees also learned about the signs a parent must be aware of in children to identify when professional intervention is required. A showcase of local support organizations available to help families during times of grief was also presented. Those present received a copy of the English/Spanish video along with other valuable information, including tips from the experts present during the topic conversations.

The educational video portrays

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families who lost a loved one and the various methods they used to cope with grief. Over 60 individuals from the community attended the event.

“Death and dying is indeed a very delicate topic of discussion, and we are fortunate to have access to resources that can be shared with the families of our community. The Area Health Education Center continues to partner with other community agencies to link families and the educational resources available for an improved quality of life,” said AHEC executive director Julie Bazan.

The workshop was made possible by the Area Health Education Center, the UT Health Science Center Allograft Resources Bereavement Program, and the Laredo Community Bereavement Taskforce, which includes membership from various agencies in the community who work closely with families in grief.

For additional information about this or future events, please call (956) 712-0037 or visit www.mrgbahec.org — LareDOS Staff

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he Laredo Stroke Support Group (LSSG) will host a benefit concert on Saturday, November 8 at the Laredo Country Club at 7 p.m.

“We are teaming up with other passionate individuals and organizations in Laredo to create a network of support for stroke survivors and their families. Funds generated will directly benefit stroke survivors and their rehabilitation through speech, physical, and occupational therapy,” said LSSG founder Bill Hrncir.

The Hope Rocks Benefit Concert will feature the musical stylings of Randy Tate and Arnold Villamero. It will also provide participants with an opportunity to hear stories from local stroke survivors and to participate in a live and silent auction.

Event coordinator Alli Hrncir Flores said, “My dad, Bill, will be making a keynote speech talking about his road to recovery. He hopes to inspire other survivors to never

give up, even when others tell you that you won’t get better.”

Sponsorship levels include Gamma Giver, a $5,000 or more donation, that will include a table for 10, hors d’oevres and dinner, and 20 drink tickets. Beta Backer, $2,500 donation, and Alpha Advocate, $1,000 donation, include a table for 10; Theta Thriller, for a $500 donation, includes dinner and concert tickets for five; and Delta Donor, $400 and under donation, includes dinner and concert ticket for one.

Individual tickets are available for purchase at $100 presale and $125 at the door.

Hrncir stressed that $100 to $2,000 can make a difference between 10 hours of group therapy to one month of physical therapy for one survivor.

For more information contact Alli Hrncir Flores at (956) 286-0642 or email knowstroke956@gmail. com.

— LareDOS Staff

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News

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CVB celebrates Tourism Week

he City of Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau commemorated Tourism Week on May 7 with a mixer with tourism partners and civic leaders at their administrative offices at 501 San Agustin.

“What we are telling folks is this is a visitor’s center as well as administrative offices, so be a tourist in your own town,” said LCVB director Blasita López, adding, “We want to bring awareness to the community that Laredo has a lot of attractions, a lot to offer.” She added, “We want to bring awareness to our tourism economy as well. We have a very healthy sector of visitors who come from Mexico,” she said.

Laredo had approximately 952,000 visitors in 2013, according to the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau statistics López added, “That is a conservative estimate based on our hotel occupancy formula for one room. We don’t always have one occupant per room; sometimes we have couples or families, so I’d say we had a million or more tourists last year.”

Based on a 2012 study conducted by

CVB's Irma Soto, Monica Andrade, Carmen Garcia, and Nora Bertani. the State of Texas, Laredo had an average of $605 million in retail revenues.

“I believe that revenues have been pretty static, and that number held throughout 2013. We didn’t have a decrease in our hotel occupancy,” said López, adding, “We have nearly 5,700 people who are directly employed in a business related to travel and tourism in

La Posada Hotel’s Ramiro Garza, Luis Estrada, and Enrique Lobo.

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our city — a very decent number for this employment sector.”

A common complaint from local consumers that López considers a positive is ‘I went to the store and couldn’t find anything. All the Mexican shoppers took everything,’ “This is a good problem to have because it means our retailers are doing

well. It might be a minor inconvenience to local consumers, but having someone that comes in from the outside to buy in bulk ultimately leads to streaming revenues in our local economy,” she said.

The LCVB took the opportunity to reconnect and strengthen relationships with tourism partners, such as La Posada Hotel, the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association, and the Special Olympics.

López said, “They all work hard to bring outsiders here, and we want to keep that going.”

LCVB fostered a new shuttle service to The Max Municipal Golf Course and collaborated with the Webb County Heritage Foundation for its annual Founder’s Day Luncheon.

“We are celebrating Laredo’s 209th birthday. With this theme of attractions, history is one attraction that is always there,” she said.

Tourism Week was celebrated across state and nation May 5 through May 9.

There were simultaneous events going on in communities all across America.

— LareDOS Staff

Selina Villarreal, WBCA's Celina Alvarado, and Veronica Gamboa

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Holocaust Day of Remembrance Holocaust survivor Chaja Verveer was guest speaker at the Holocaust Day of Remembrance Ceremony on May 12 at the Laredo Public Library.

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Margarita Araiza (center), executive director of the Webb County Heritage Foundation, is pictured with staff members Christie Saucedo Davila and Edwardo GarcĂ­a at the recent Founders Day Luncheon at TAMIU.

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Making history matter

Recognizing students, volunteers, and sponsors Literacy Volunteers of Laredo board members Susana Carreon (far left) and Raj Chekuri (far right) are pictured with HEB sponsor representatives Zulema Castro and Ruben Castro on May 15 at the annual Literacy Volunteers reception.

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Opinion

A tale of two immigration successes in a sea of 400,000 deportations

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By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

n March 2014 in response to the growing pressure from immigrant rights advocates President Barrack Obama addressed the nation’s immigration system, speaking of the pain of families separated by law.

The President began his initial term with promises of change to immigration policy and attempted that change with the Dream Act and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). While much of the nation’s immigration policy is an inhumane source of hardships and heartbreak, DACA may be its only bright hope — a stop gap preventative to grant a two-year temporary work permit to undocumented immigrants ages 15 to 30 who are in school or have graduated from high school.

The story of Yanta, a Dreamer, tells the story of a child immigrant now grown and poised to enroll with a full scholarship at one of the most prestigious law schools in the nation. She

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came to the U.S. at the age of seven and enrolled in a Laredo public school at the beginning of second grade.

“I must say that at the age of seven, I was completely enthralled to enroll in a U.S. school. Prior to moving to the U.S. my father had told me about the opportunities that I would have in the U.S., including learning a new language: English. I have always been an avid learner; as there are passionate people for particular topics, I have a true passion for learning everything about my surroundings — the world itself,” she said.

Being in the school system with no citizenship presented hardships Yatna did not anticipate, from learning a new language — which she mastered within a year before being admitted into the Gifted and Talented Program (GT) — to socializing.

“I was aware of certain inconsistencies with my life in comparison to other U.S. children. First, I came from across the bridge and second, there was hardship being in the school system itself. Schools systematically categorize students by Social Security

numbers,” she said, adding, “I recall the school system assigned me a number which was visibly different from the other students. This number was printed on any official school record, including my report card. One day one of my friends asked to see my report card and questioned me about the number.”

Questions that drew attention to her citizenship kept Yatna withdrawn from her peers.

“I made friends, but still kept my distance because close relationships bring about personal questions. That is not to say that I was ashamed of my situation. It has made me what I am. It has shaped my views, but I was aware of the stigma that it brought, I did not want to be treated or looked at differently,” said Yatna, adding, “As time goes by, other questions surged such as, ‘Why have you not gone out of town for vacation? Or, why haven’t you obtained your drivers license?’

These are all questions that while they seem simple, require a long explanation. It requires a life story to fully explain the questions.”

She thought her education would end with high school graduation.

“This saddened me deeply. However, I have never been one to sit back and conform. I researched day after day until I realized that after meeting certain criteria, I would be able to attend college. Two years after my graduation, I was able to enroll at a university,” she said.

Yatna earned a Bachelor of Arts degree as a STEM major and graduated valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. While she does not have a visa, she was provided relief through DACA. She continues to await an opportunity to obtain her citizenship.

“To me this was a blessing and an

amazing opportunity, and I take full advantage of all opportunities that come my way,” she added.

Financing her education has been a struggle for this Dreamer. “I was unable to receive any federal or state funds. However, where there is a will, there is a way. So I worked and my grades were great enough to qualify me for several scholarships throughout my undergrad studies,” she said.

Yatna knows the importance first hand of legislation that will assist other immigrants such as herself.

“The Dream Act is the most feasible aid that young people in similar situations to mine can access for getting to stay in the U.S. We do not know any other country as we know the U.S. In our hearts, this is our home country; our allegiance, hopes, and dreams lie here. Unfortunately, the Dream Act continues to be stalled by Congress.”

Fear and uncertainty of deportation has been a life-long struggle for Yatna.

“As a resident of a border town, I have definitely felt fear regarding deportation. For many years, I was afraid to walk downtown because of the vast number of Border Patrol agents patrolling the streets. I did not want to be stopped or questioned. I was afraid to be sent to a country, which while although my birth country, was foreign to me,” she said.

Yatna said, “The immigration problem is so complex and it is so difficult to simply categorize all undocumented immigrants into one category. I do not think it is the best option to simply imprison all of them. Now, if they are found guilty of criminal acts, then they should be held accountable,” she said, adding, “It could be argued that Continued on page 23

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News

BP Union: influx of detainees spells health, safety hazards for immigrants and officers

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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he apprehension of about 1,500 immigrant detainees per day in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector and the arrival of several hundred of those detainees in Laredo for processing has pushed the Laredo Sector detention facilities into critical overcrowding that poses health and safety risks for immigrants and officers alike, according to Hector Garza, a union representative for the National Border Patrol Council Local #2455.

Garza said that to alleviate overcrowding in the Valley, detainees are also being sent to Del Rio, El Paso, and Arizona.

“One of the most negative effects of this influx is that calling in agents to process detainees means fewer agents in the field. The line of defense against drugs, undocumented immigrants, human traffickers, and smugglers has been significantly reduced,” Garza said, adding, “Less

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agents in the brush puts officer safety at risk because backup is farther away.”

He said that the overcrowding is a safety and health risk to detainees and officers alike. “The cells are over-crowded double and triple. The ventilation system is not keeping up with the cleaning of air. Some are being held on the floor of the processing room, which is not secure, and some are in the sally ports where there is no water and no restrooms.

Some are using the floor of the sally port to relieve themselves, which is an unsanitary mess. I’m talking about women, kids, infants, and toddlers facing these conditions,” Garza continued.

He said that the sudden influx caused shortages of diapers, wipes, and baby formula, and that agents at one facility had taken up a collection for supplies. “That’s reactionary — shouldn’t we have been ready? We did not have enough infant car seats to transport children. That is a violation of service policy and state law.

The Union bought more car seats.”

He added that there is no training or contingency plan for how to move detainees from the overcrowded facilities in the event of a fire. How would we control a fire when we have no contingency plan for this kind of crowding?”

He said that many detainees are coming in with scabies, infectious mites. “They should be isolated, but how do we do that when our cells are over-committed? We now have agents with confirmed cases of scabies,” he continued.

Garza said, “We know we have to do this job. All we are asking for is the resources and support staff to do it. We have reached out to Congressman Henry Cuellar and had a one-

hour sit-down with him. We want Border Patrol and policy makers to help us. We have contacted OSHA and the Office of Special Counsel, but have not received a response.”

He said the recent influx of detainees is largely Guatemalan, Salvadoran, and Honduran. “This has all the potential to turn into a refugee camp situation if we don’t get some help,” he said.

At a May 27 press conference Border Patrol Chief Robert L. Harris said that agents are not being pulled from the field to process detainees, but are being offered overtime hours to assist. He said the Laredo sector can house about 1,000 detainees on a short term basis. 

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Feature

A sit down with Dr. David Alameel

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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entist David Alameel, 63, is vying for a seat in the U.S. Senate in the November 4 election.

“I have been an activist for the Latino community for years. I have helped a lot of Latino candidates enter political life. About 25 years ago, we didn’t have many Latinos in city or state government,” Alameel said.

At the age of 20, he immigrated from Zacatecas, leaving behind his large Lebanese family. Upon arriving in the U.S, he worked in the fields picking strawberries and chiles in California. In 1974, he joined the U.S. Army, worked his way through college, and earned a dental degree from the University of Texas.

He founded a network of dental clinics in Dallas that grew into a multi-million dollar enterprise.

“I have a passion for the working family, because we started off very poor, my wife of 43 years, Martha and I. We built our business from scratch,” said Alameel, adding, “Our business used to be located in a Latino area, so our practice primarily served Latinos. I had 350 employees and 55 doctors. For 35 years, I did not practice dentistry. I simply managed the business.”

His humble beginnings make Alameel a believer in the American dream, and as such he is a strong supporter of comprehensive immigration reform.

“I believe in giving a pathway to citizenship to those who have been here for many years. To those who have built their lives here, who have children and grandchildren here, and who have remained law-abiding individuals and are simply ask-

Dr. David Alameel ing for the same opportunities that I had — these people have earned that right to citizenship, and it is time for them to come out of hiding and enjoy their freedom,” the candidate said.

The Alameels sold their dental business in 2009 and retired. Alameel since has become a highly successful investor and an expert in financial markets, and is a strong critic of Wall Street, big banks, and corporations.

“All the tax cuts and subsidies that are given to a corporation, that is money that can be invested in our infrastructure and schools, and to build good jobs which would strengthen the working class,” Alameel said.

He feels strongly about the importance of manufacturing and creating jobs. “Republicans have shipped dozens of millions of manufacturing jobs to China. I’d like to

work to bring some of those jobs back to help rebuild the middle class,” Alameel said, adding, “Minimum wage used to be only for high school students, but now people have to survive off of that."

The only reason we are working for a better minimum wage, he stressed, “is because communities — especially the African-American and Latino community — no longer have access to high paying jobs.”

Alameel is in favor of equal pay for equal work. He said he cannot understand the Republican stance on the matter. “I don’t want my daughter to be paid fifty-cents on a dollar when the man next to her, who does the same thing, gets paid twice as much. Surely anyone who is a real father, brother, or sibling would feel passionately about the matter of equal pay,” he said.

The Democratic candidate is a strong supporter of affordable edu-

cation, as he believes “it is the secret to breaking the poverty cycle.” He is likewise passionate about veterans receiving the benefits they deserve.

“We need to build a VA hospital in South Texas. Veterans are suffering from a lack of care, outright neglect, and cuts to their funding.

They risked their lives for our freedom and we need to help take care of them,” he said.

“The Latino community can make a big difference in the outcome of the November election.

They have the largest number of un-registered voters. They could change their lives just by voting. We can not only turn Texas blue, but we can change the entire context of the Latino community,” he said.

Alameel attributed Latino voter apathy to a lack of affordable education. “Education should be a national priority, and every child deserves the opportunity for a quality education regardless of what neighborhood they come from,” he said.

The Alameels have two children, Mark and Nadya, and one grandson. Dr. Alameel has served on various civic boards and organizations in the Dallas area. He founded the Alameel Foundation which has provided scholarships to Latino students. He served as President of the League of Latin American Citizens Greater Texas LULAC Council, where he worked to bring awareness of the persecution of Christians in Lebanon and other countries.

In 1999, he was awarded the Centennial Award from President Bill Clinton.

Alameel said, “I have always been a fighter. I am fearless when I am fighting for what I believe in. I keep fighting until I win. It is time for Washington to help working families, not Wall Street.”  LareDOS I M AY 2014 I

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Feature

Church of the silent God Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

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WCC acknowledges True Patriot sponsors Women’s City Club members recognized its True Patriot Sponsors for the 11th Annual Juvencio de Anda Memorial Golf Tournament on May 7. They included Eduardo “Wayo” Mounetou, PCT Pain Consultants of Laredo, Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits, RB Group, and the Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust. The club also acknowledged this year’s honoree, the late Ruben Bazan Sr. and his family at this event.

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By BARBARA STEINBERG LareDOS Contributor

t’s a straight line to Nuevo Laredo from this auto repair shop down the tracks of the Union Pacific Railway.

A car accident brought me here. I was lost. As I tried to read the street signs, I ran a red light. Seeing a car coming to the left, I stopped, thinking he would stop, too, but he didn’t.

They called him La Bomba. “I don’t want the police here. My back hurts. Would you like to go out on a date, an old man like me being seen with a pretty girl like you. What is your phone number? I know where we can fix your car.”

We turned left on an unnamed street near the rail yards. Then, unexpectedly, haunted magnificence struck.

Concrete columns, 20-feet tall, beckoning you to guess their history.

They must have hosted a magnificent building. Grass grew amid cracks on the floor. Graffiti on the walls provided art. Boarded windows showed different layers of history. In this empty space, I felt I had found the church of the silent God. Juan greeted me with his exuberant pit-bull puppy Campeón. There was a small room with auto parts. No one spoke English except the owner,

so I was glad to meet him.

I needed a new door. They had to order the part. So I came back to check and mentioned that La Bomba had been calling me, telling me his back hurt, and he needed more money. Would I have dinner with him?

The owner did not want to change his expression, but his eyes got deeper. I didn’t realize the significance at the time. I told him, “Look at the beauty of this space. This is an architectural masterpiece!” I got permission to take photographs and spied a parishioner, then another.

When I showed my photographs to the owner, I said, “This is the Church of the Silent God, and the beam, its crucifix. He thought a moment. “I never saw it like that. You’re beautiful. You’re absolutely beautiful.”

Juan drove me home, buying me a Big Mac meal on the way. “Is La Bomba bothering you anymore?” he asked. “No, he hasn’t called for weeks.”

And then I knew. The owner must have gotten La Bomba off my back. I thanked Juan, hugged Campeón, entered my house, and my car was returned the next morning.

(Barbara Steinberg is a writer, photographer, and daughter of the late conductor, Benjamin Steinberg.)  Photo essay on page 17

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Photos by Barbara Steinberg

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La India recognized with Texas Treasure Business Award La India Packing Company and its owner Elsa Rodriguez Arguindegui were recognized with the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Treasure Business Award. She is pictured with her dedicated staff at the Webb County Heritage Foundation’s Founders Day Luncheon on May 10 at TAMIU.

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Opinion

Lawsuit meant to silence Dr. Hector Farias has instead edified him as First Amendment champion

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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he October 11, 2012 defamation lawsuit filed in the 49th District Court — Eduardo A. Garza and UniTrade Forwarding, L.C. vs. Hector Farias, VIDA, and José Valdez Jr. — was meant to silence and financially eviscerate longtime community activist Dr. Hector Farias, a successful U.S. Customs broker and the watchdog organization he founded in 1967, VIDA (Voices in Democratic Action).

Garza’s suit asked for $1.8 million in damages.

The resolution of the lawsuit — which culminated with a January 29, 2014 opinion by the Fourth Court of Appeals to dismiss the suit — has instead edified Farias and held his place in Laredo’s history as a champion of the First Amendment, affirming his cause, the taxpayer’s free speech right to question the business of government and the expenditure of taxpayer dollars.

Over the course of a year in motions, answers, interrogatories, amended pleas, discovery, and the opinion of the Fourth Court of Appeals to overturn the district court’s decision not to dismiss the suit, the substance of the suit has played out over the dramatic big bucks backdrop of alleged political influence, intrigue, international trade, and allegations of defamation and malice.

The Fourth Court of Appeals opinion said that the 2012 District Court trial presided over by visiting Judge Fred Shannon had erred in not granting Farias’ and VIDA’s motion to dismiss Garza’s suit.

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Shannon, seemingly unfamiliar with the substance of the suit and the roles of Garza and Farias in the community, had initially characterized the salient issue of the suit as a dispute between two competing bidders for the operation of a Cityowned cold storage facility.

The judge would subsequently rule that while each statement made by Farias and VIDA may not have been actionable standing “alone and by itself,” but that the statements made by each defendant “considered in the context in which they were made,” established a prima facie defamation case against each defendant on each essential element of a defamation claim. Prima facie evidence suffices as proof of fact of an issue until its effect is overcome by other evidence.

Shannon’s ruling shifted the burden of proof to plaintiff Eduardo Garza, who was represented by attorney Adolfo Campero.

Garza’s alleged reputational and economic damage as a result of the public statements of Farias and VIDA that questioned political contributions made by Garza to elected officials, including some members of the Laredo City Council and the Webb County Commissioners Court; the gratis use by Mayor Raul Salinas, City Manager Carlos Villarreal, and some City Council members of a jet plane of which Garza was part owner; whether those political contributions and other gifts from Garza had bearing on the 2011 contract the Laredo City Council awarded Garza for the management and operation of the city-constructed $1.9 million refrigeration inspection units and Garza’s subsequent acquisition of two

leases at the Laredo International Airport; Garza’s business relationships with Council Member Charlie San Miguel and San Miguel’s sister Raquel, who was listed as Garza’s partner in the cold storage inspection enterprise; and the hiring of Garza’s nephew Gilberto Garza as Webb County Facilities director.

According to Baldemar García Jr., who defended Farias, the defense rested in large part on the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA) which was enacted by the Legislature to encourage and safeguard the constitutional rights of persons to petition, speak freely, associate freely, and otherwise participate in government to the maximum extent permitted by law and, at the same time protect the rights of a person to file meritorious lawsuits for demonstrable injury.” VIDA was represented by Ricardo de Anda.

In its opinion, the Fourth Court of Appeals upheld the provisions of the TCPA. The international mogul’s claim of eight counts of defamation fell within the scope of the Act, and as defamation plaintiff he would have to establish by clear and specific evidence a prima facie case (minimal factual burden) for each essential element of the claim in question.

Garza would have to prove that as a result of Farias’ public pronouncements he had suffered damages to his reputation, lost income, and was exposed to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule.

The appellate court determined that Garza did not satisfy the burden of a minimum quantum of clear and convincing evidence to establish each essential element of his claim and that Garza did not

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SIDEBAR

For all the patriotic bluster that spews from the mouths of elected officials across Laredo and Webb County, the First Amendment has often found itself in peril.

When thin-skinned members of the City Council and the Webb Commissioners Court don’t like citizen input in public forum speech or for that matter the citizen speaker addressing them about the wisdom of their spending and hiring practices, there is a great deal of eye-rolling, snappy cut-offs if the speaker exceeds by one second the accorded time for public speech, and often, measures of visible disrespectful disdain.

Imagine how quickly you’d be out the door if you treated your boss this way when he or she asked a question about how you spent company money.

In public curtailments of free speech and free thought, the First Amendment has been bashed and discounted in forums for which the taxpayer is paying and before elected officials whose salaries are likewise funded by the taxpayer.

The one true thing about censorship — whether by rudely cutting off a speaker at the podium, by lawsuit, or by Hizzoner the Mayor Salinas ordering copies of LareDOS removed from the Laredo International Airport — is the certainty that the censoring party is handing the censored a megaphone to broadcast the subject that was censored and firsthand accounts of attempts to silence free speech.

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Feature

Meet the WBCA's 2015 colonial couple: Melissa C. Cigarroa and Gabriel Castillo

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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areDOS recently caught up with Gabriel Castillo and Melissa Cigarroa who will portray George and Martha Washington in the Society of Martha Washington’s 2015 Colonial Pageant and Ball and other Washington Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) festivities.

The selection of Martha and George took place in March at the bi-monthly meeting of the members of the Society of Martha Washington, a WBCA affiliate.

“The nominees for Martha always come from a pool of Society of Martha Washington members. The nominees for George are usually community leaders who coincidentally have oftentimes been involved with the WBCA,” said Cigarroa.

“We were both very excited upon hearing the news,” said Castillo, who has enjoyed a long-time friendship with Cigarroa.

“Ironically thanks to WBCA, we became close. One year Melissa was in charge of the program for the Colonial Pageant and Ball and asked if I’d help her research the history,” added Castillo.

“When members asked if we would be interested in participating as the colonial couple, I told Gabriel ‘Let’s do this and have fun,” Cigarroa said.

Cigarroa’s involvement with WBCA dates back to her participation in the 1974 Princess Pocahontas Pageant. After graduating from Texas A&M University in College Station in 1978, she returned to Laredo and became a WBCA volunteer, member of Los Caballeros de la Republica del Rio Grande, served on the WBCA board of directors for 20 years, and served as president of WBCA and

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the Society of Martha Washington. a society thing. There is something for Castillo first became involved with everyone. I have a lot of fond memories the Society of Martha Washington and of being involved. I wasn’t involved on its pageant back in high school, where a societal level when I first started, so it he volunteered and built the stage and is an honor to be George because I was helped with the lighting. When he re- chosen for all the work I have done over turned from the University of Texas, he the years,” he said, adding, “Every orgaonce again assisted the Marthas with nization within WBCA welcomes you decorations, flowers, and their floats. with open arms. You have people from He has served as a WBCA parade judge all walks of life working together to put for 10 years. on this grand celebration.”

“Grow i ng Cigarroa up, I lived half pointed out a block from the growth the civic center, of the WBCA so ever since over the past 1969 I remem20 years. “It ber standing gets bigger evoutside with ery year. The all the other celebration is neighborcity-wide, and hood kids to you want evwatch as they eryone to be brought in the able to go to girls on a trails ome t h i ng ,” er with their she said, adddresses. The ing, “The Gabriel Castillo and Melissa C. Cigarroa doors were growth in open and you business and could see them holding on to a rope. corporation involvement that backs up The girls would walk down from a the celebration has also grown.” plank,” recalled Castillo.

Castillo added, “It takes big budget For Cigarroa she recalled the excite- to get this done, so it important that ment she felt as soon as it was Febru- more organizations get involved with ary in Laredo. “When we were young, financial backings. Not to mention the the minute the red, white, and blue economic impact — between $14 and banderitas were hung on the streets, we $16 million — is of significant benefit to would get so excited. We knew the car- our city’s hotels, restaurants, and retail nival was coming, and we knew that we stores.” would also get to go to the parade. We Cigarroa said, “You have people were always so excited to watch all the coming in for all these events. Gabriel performances especially all the bands and I as George and Martha, serve as from Monterrey,” she said. ambassadors, and are just one little part Castillo discussed misconceptions of the whole thing.” about the Society of Martha WashingCastillo encouraged the public to get ton and other WBCA events. involved. “I promise that they will have “It is misconstrued that this is just fun. It takes your enjoyment to a whole

new level. It is one of the most important events in Laredo, and if you are a part of it, it will be important to you, too,” he said.

Cigarroa stressed that it is fun to get involved because you are able to meet so many people.

As George and Martha, the two will visit several local schools to discuss the history of George and Martha.

“That is going to be a blast. We get to go talk to students about our characters and that era,” she said, adding that the Bridge Abrazo Ceremony is the event she is most looking forward to.

“The Bridge Ceremony is the most symbolic because of what it represents.

It is an event in which we renew the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico,” she said.

Castillo, on the other hand, is looking forward to the Grand Parade. “The parade is the most memorable because it is open to the public and you get to see the whole community enjoying themselves.”

The designer for the costumes of both George and Martha is Linda Gutierrez, who has already begun piecing together the elaborate costumes for the festivities.

Castillo, once a writer for The Laredo Morning Times, has served as executive director of the Laredo Center for the Arts since 2008. Cigarroa, a retired banker, currently owns Superior Nursing Care, a home health agency.

Both Cigarroa and Castillo are native Laredoans invested in the arts and in the economic development of the city.

Cigarroa, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Eloy Cantu, is married to Joaquin Gonzalez Cigarroa III. They are the parents of Joaquin Gonzalez Cigarroa IV and Sofia Melissa Cigarroa.

Castillo is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Juventino Castillo.  W W W.L A R ED OSN E WS.COM

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Lowe’s employee volunteers at Women Build

Lance Schibi was one of several artists featured at Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 3 at Legacy Comics. Schibi had several of his prints available for purchase.

Roxxi Ambric and Karla Martinez were some of the volunteers at the Habitat for Humanity Women Build on Saturday, May 3 at Los Obispos Subdivision.

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Austin artist at Free Comic Book Day

Enviormentalists at Arts Festival Representing the Rio Grande International Study Center were Hugo Noyola, Alberto Sandoval, Danny Gunn, and Juan Livas. They are pictured at the Laredo Community College Rio Grande Arts Festival on Friday, May 23.

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News

CASA advocates for foster children

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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here are over 400,000 children in the United States in the foster care system, according to the Administration for Children and Families.

In Laredo, there are 755 children in the system.

“That number is slowly going up, but it is a number we want to reduce,” said Voz de Niños Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) coordinator Alexis Herrera.

Voz de Niños advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system through the training and support of community volunteers.

“We provide an avenue for people who are looking to advocate for foster youth. These kids need a voice in the courtroom. Court can be intimidating as an adult, but it is especially more for kids,” said Herrera, adding, “Our volunteers are paired with children. They get to know them, find out what they want and need and present that to the judge.”

CASA volunteers go through a 30-hour training that covers topics such as confidentiality and the process of writing court reports. Applications for volunteers are accepted year-round and training is offered year-round as well.

“Our agency has advocated for more than 100 kids since its inception in 2007. This year we are advocating for 60 kids, and we currently have 30 volunteers,” Herrera said, adding, “We are looking for people who have good communication skills. We work with systems that need to be moved, so we need volunteers who can be independent and navigate through these sys-

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Alicia Coronado and Alexis Herrera tems.”

Throughout May – National Foster Care Awareness Month − volunteers are working on raising awareness for foster youth.

On May 8, Voz de Niños partnered with the Laredo Border Slam (LBS) to host a poetry reading.

“LBS put out the word that if po-

ets presented pieces pertaining to foster care themes, they would get

an extra two points. We had about nine poets sign up, and they all presented a poem that dealt with abuse, being in the system, and overall being a foster youth,” she said, adding, “There were people crying during presentations because they were so moved.”

CASA volunteers hosted a film screening of First Circle and other short films followed by a discussion at Laredo Community College on May 15.

“There are those in the foster care program that require more attention, and these kids are part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) community. We screened a documentary that depicts the process of these children entering the foster care system,” said Herrera.

On May 22, a Foster Care Festival was held at Caffé Dolce to honor foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help foster care children find permanent homes and connections.

Information was also available on the foster care agencies in Laredo for those interested in becoming foster care parents or volunteers.

“During National Foster Care Month, we renew our commitment to ensuring a bright future for the nearly 400,000 children and youth in foster care, and we celebrate all those who make a meaningful difference in their lives,” said Herrera. 

Can’t find a hard copy?

Go to www.laredosnews.com

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Continued FROM page 13

coming over illegally is itself a crime.

Although it is a problem brought upon because of the current immigration system and the current procedures to gain lawful entry. So, what is the solution? Imprison millions of undocumented people? That would only bring about unnecessary costs to maintain the prisons and the people within them — whether private or public, there are costs.”

Of the current immigration system and detention and removal (deportation) of immigrants, she said, “I believe the system does not work very efficiently. Now, it is true that deportation does tear families apart. The big question is do we fix the system first before doing something about all the millions of undocumented immigrants who live amongst us or the other way around?” She added, “While they are trying to figure out what to do first, the problem persists and aggravates. If it were possible to work on both simultaneously, I believe that would be the best route to take.”

The highest numbers of deportations have occurred during President Obama’s tenure. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2012), nearly 400,000 unauthorized immigrants per year have been deported — a number that strongly underscores the ineffectiveness of the U.S. approach to comprehensive immigration reform.

“Detaining people, locking them up in immigration prison — even when they are not dangerous and likely to come back for their hearing — the U.S. government has made it a policy of holding people in detention, and not letting them out on bond if they have been removed (deported) before,” said Austin immigration attorney Virginia Marie Raymond.

Raymond is frequently in Laredo and Pearsall to help imprisoned detainees. Currently she is representing several young men who are refugees from other countries. She said these cases clearly demonstrate that the cur-

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rent immigration policy undercuts asylum law.

“These men came to the U.S. seeking refuge from Honduras and Guatemala after being beaten and threatened. They have never committed a single criminal act, and they’re locked up solely because once they were removed or deported they reentered the country,” she said, adding, “Once they were deported, to their home countries, they again encountered the same people who threatened to kill them, and they came back to the U.S. again seeking refuge.”

Raymond said that the U.S. government has deemed these individuals as a priority for removal. “If we say that if you return and encounter the same problem as before — and are literally in fear of your life — we are going to treat you as dangerous when you reenter the United States. That defeats the purpose of asylum law,” said Raymond.

Raymond filed a renewed application for bond for the young Guatemalan who is currently in removal proceedings under the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Karnes City Civil Detention Center.

She said he has been incarcerated for over seven months. His fear and lack of counsel prevented him from applying for asylum when he first entered — despite his viable claim for withholding of removal and protection under the Convention Against Torture.

“He has never been convicted of any crime, is of no danger to the community, is not a national security threat, and he is not a flight risk.

The young man has family support waiting in Massachusetts,” Raymond said, adding, “This is an example of detaining people who should not be detained. We first applied for a bond in November and again in March.

There has been no response thus far, and that’s an example of how callous immigration policy is. It is not uncommon. It takes a long time even if you get a response to be released on bond.”

Raymond said that even those with legal resident status are vulnerable to deportation. “You are not safe until you are granted citizenship. If you are arrested for a traffic violation, your name will be run in the ICE database and you are liable to get caught in the deportation process,” she said, citing the case of another client currently at the South Texas Detention Facility in Pearsall.

“He was a passenger to a drunk driver who was pulled over. They did not charge my client with anything, but when he was arrested, his name went to ICE and now he is sitting in Pearsall caught up in the removal process,” added Raymond.

As a result of Republicans pushing for a mandate on accountability from ICE, she said, private for-profit prisons are making substantial money from the 34,000 detainees mandated to occupy beds in detention centers.

“There is a problem with the debt mandate Congress imposed on ICE – they have to maintain a certain number of bodies in immigration prison at all times on a daily basis,” she said, adding, “That gives the private prisons business, and it gives ICE the responsibility to hold people in jail whether they need to be held in jail or not.”

Congressional appropriations language covering ICE’s detention budget – most recently referenced in the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2014 states “that funding made available under this heading shall maintain a level of not less than 34,000 detention beds.” It has become known as the detention bed “mandate” or immigration bed quota among law enforcement agencies, such as Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and ICE. The Corrections Corporation of American (CCA) is the nation’s largest private prison for-profit company whose partnership with the federal government has resulted in the detention of close to one million undocumented immigrants in the past five years, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas. Five of the

company’s lucrative contracts to detain immigrants have no end date.

Privatized for-profit prisons are politically protected and heavily advocated for by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) — a conservative organization that promotes limited government. The CCA and GEO Group, another leading company in correctional detentions, have been major contributors to ALEC. The U.S has the highest incarceration rates in the world, and Texas has the most for-profit prisons than any other state. Simple extrapolation dictates that when you put a profit motive into private jails to increase revenues, you need more individuals to remain for longer periods of time, Raymond pointed out.

Texas for-profit prisons are a billion dollar industry with the same bottom line interest as corporations. According to the ACLU, 50 percent more inmate-on-staff assaults and two-thirds more inmate-on-inmate assaults occur in these prisons. Because for-profit prisons are exempt from many open government laws, it is harder to get information about their incarceration practices, policies, and numbers.

According to ACLU, CBP has been known to exhibit a “culture of cruelty” in their investigation and detention practices according to reports from various detainees. In 2013, the Americans for Immigrant Justice filed a lawsuit for “Amelia,” one of several immigrants apprehended in Texas who was taken to the hielera — freezing cold cell without beds or chairs — as referred to by CBP officers. It has been reported that detainees are routinely threatened that if they do not sign deportation orders, they will be sent somewhere worse.

Raymond said there is a routine harassment of brown and otherwise phenotypically Mexican looking people near the border.

She represents Omar Figueredo, a U.S. citizen pursuing his Ph.D. in Ithaca, New York. Last spring he visContinued on page 52

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LVL awards

Child advocates Carmen Garza, Denise Longoria, and Karen Mejia showed their commitment to Voz de NiĂąos by attending the screening of a film on foster care on Thursday, May 15 at Laredo Community College.

Literacy Volunteers of Laredo student Blanca Almanza, tutor Deborah Zafarullah, executive director Gloria Vasquez, and board members Josefina Lora and Malynda Dalton attended the LVL awards reception on May 15 at Laredo Community College.

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Discussing foster care in the community

Intrepid runners support education The Intrepid Pathfinders Educational Club hosted their 2nd Annual Summer Splash 5K at North Central Park on Saturday, May 24. Sponors included Border Beauty Supply, Subway, Professional Counseling Center, Remax, SIS, Monument Run, Enigma Boutique, Stewart Title, Mike’s Western Wear, and CrossFit Training.

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Photos by Jesse G. Herrera

Laredo Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

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Dos Laredos Park May 10, 2014

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Feature

Love and patience: Cherish horticulture program thrives

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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braham De La Garza’s 21 horticultural students at UISD’s Cherish Center are learning — in addition to some important social and life skills — some up-close, hands-on lessons about the life cycle and photosynthesis.

De La Garza’s program, like the other four Cherish Center’s programs, focuses

Student Miguel Guadiana with Instructor Abraham De La Garza on the advancement of the district’s Special Education Program to provide education and vocational training to all special needs students that will give them the opportunity to live more independent, successful, and fulfilling lives.

“Every student has different needs, abilities, and fears,” said De La Garza, whose students range in age from 18 to 22 and whose learning disabilities stem from Down Syndrome, Autism, and cerebral palsy. “I’ve learned to challenge their curiosities, but there have been many steps along the way. They needed to be made to feel comfortable and safe in this sunny, semi-transparent space,” he said from the state-of-the-art green-

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house where he teaches for part of the day. “Some of my students had never had their hands in dirt, and for some, stepping on a floor that had water in places was a new experience,” he added.

The greenhouse, which is programmed to become cooler or to offer more shade cover at the touch of a switch, is clean and filled with the pretty, healthy, and showy fruits of the labor of his students — tomatoes, jalapeño, basil, hibiscus, coleus, crown of thorns, caladiums, and numerous other species that bore the lesson of propagation by cutting, seed, or bulb.

The students have learned to make the potting mix they use, how to re-pot, and when to water. “In the process,” De La Garza said, “they have learned to socialize by interacting with one another and they have learned the responsibility of maintaining this important learning site and the tools that we use for our work. The drawers and cabinets of his classroom are filled with an organized array of gloves, kneepads, pruning tools, trowels, seeds, and bulbs.

The instructor said he hopes some of his students go the route of other Cherish Center students who have found employment with participating partners like Peter Piper Pizza, Marshall’s, the South Texas Food Bank, the Laredo Public Library, María Bonita, La Finca, Domino’s Pizza, Dos Cherish Marias, The Rock, Embassy Suites, CiCi’s Pizza, Big Lots, Goodwill, and Shoe Carnival.

“It would be great to place the horticulture students at a business that cultivates and sells plants,” De La Garza said.

Students who have jobs are shuttled there by the district and returned to the

campus at the end of the school day.

The other areas of Cherish instruction are business media, commercial food service, hotel hospitality, and retail merchandising.

All 54 students receive classroom and hands-on experience and time with a job coach.

Assistant Martin Santa Cruz with student Giovanny Vela Upon completing the Cherish program, students can avail themselves of 21,000 square-foot facility was built by the services of the Texas Department of Leyendecker Construction, Inc. within Assistive and Rehabilitative Services for the eastern portion of the United 9th additional counseling, training, medical Grade Campus on McPherson. treatment, assistive devices, job placeDe La Garza, who earned a degree in ment assistance, and other services. interdisciplinary studies from TAMIU in 2007, came to the Cherish Center in 2011 after teaching as a special education instructor at Perez Elementary. His classroom assistant is Sonia Rendon.

They teach four 75-minute periods each day.

He said his experience at the Cherish Center has become an enriching learning experience.

If the clean, rarified air of the greenhouse and the look of well-tended plants are emblematic of the care and devotion that De La Garza’s students have learned, then so, too, it can be surmised that the learning curve for teacher and pupils has been a two-way exchange. student Gabriela Del Angel “I have learned it takes patience, love, and lots of understanding to work in this The Cherish Center was built at a cost field. Since I have been in the Cherish of $3,374,800 of which $3,035, 498 came Center with the students, I see the world from 2009 federal funding through the in a different perspective,” he said.

American Recovery and Reinvestment (For more information about the United Act (ARRA) and special authorization I.S.D. Cherish Center, please call (956) 473from the Texas Education Agency. The 1771.) 

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Historic San Ygnacio tour Victoria (Viqui) Uribe and her daughter Yolanda U. Rangel are pictured with Adrian Martinez at the Proceso Martinez home in San Ygnacio.

Viqui Uribe led a discussion on the restoration of Nra. Sra. del Refugio Church at a Saturday, May 3 tour of historic San Ygnacio. The tour was sponsored by Villa de San AgustĂ­n Laredo Geneological Society.

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A beautiful morning in historic San Ygnacio Sylvia Reash, foreground, and Villa de San Agustin Laredo Genealogy Society members Elsa Herbeck and Marina Cantu Ramirez enjoyed a game of Bingo on the patio of the Proceso Martinez home in San Ygnacio.

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Honoring fallen war soilders, POW, and MIA

Bowling for scholars

WWII veteran John Edward Berry was among those honored at the LISD Annual Memorial Day observance on May 23. Berry recently received support from the community as he has been approved to receive a home from Habitat for Humanity.

Council member Mike Garza instructed student volunteers from Cigarroa and United South high schools on May 8 at the Strikes for Scholarships event. All funds raised went to scholarships for South Laredo students.

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Santa María Journal

By María Eugenia guerra

M

y newly made friend the artist Juliana Forbes came and went like a good season, briefly taking up residence in San Ygnacio for a few months and then returning to her home in Colorado. She enjoyed this part of the world in its cooler days and left just as temperatures began pushing triple digits.

She came to paint, keeping company with her ancient, blind yellow Labrador in an old stone house facing the plaza.

Her mission to paint and to in the process sort through stages of her life in a remote place, was — at least in my observation — far occluded by the sweet and immediate impact she had on my life, that of my granddaughters, and others whom she so quickly befriended in SYT. Our first conversation at a long and

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Briefly, Juliana Forbes was home on the range beautiful table in the best preserved of San Ygnacio’s old homes, opened a well of thoughts and began one of the fastest, most significant friendships I’ve had the good fortune to experience.

I don’t think in this writing that I can really do justice to Juliana’s wit, grace, kindness, humanity, erudition, and plugged-in connectedness to knowing how the universe really works, so I’ll just say that talking to her about the minutiae of my relationships and life’s greater schemes always ended up as valuable exercises in examining my own life. I said things to her I have never articulated, increasingly aware perhaps that this new, rare friendship would have a short face-toface life.

Often we laughed, howled like crazy women. And certainly, there was weeping.

At most, we shared a few cups of

coffee at the ranch and enjoyed a few meals, but they were long cups of coffee and long lunches that covered art, politics, love, conservation, forgiveness, how we were raised, our children, siblings, writing and literature, the survival of the human spirit, and the beautiful South Texas landscape just beyond the porch of my house.

The depth of her devotion to her grown children Eliza and Emmet was palpable, her voice rich and reflective of all she had invested emotionally to prepare them for their own lives.

My granddaughters Emily and Amandita took to Juliana instantaneously.

They speak often of the afternoon we colored Easter eggs and of her dog Sunny.

In our initial conversation, Juliana mentioned the Colorado novelist Kent Haruf. I read Haruf’s Eventide and Plainsong while she was here, and dis-

cussing them was a wonderful part of our exchanges.

Telling this rancher about Haruf was a literary gift of many returns. I’ve never enjoyed more such clear, smart, sparse narratives of small towns, the people who inhabit them, and the ranchers who work the landscape beyond. Though tidy and concise, Haruf’s writing is drenched with razorhoned scenarios of humanity’s foibles and prejudices, and more importantly with life’s triumphs, forgiveness, love everlasting, and life everlasting.

His original writing humbled and inspired this writer, and I am so grateful Juliana Forbes told me about him.

I say, adios Juliana, and thanks for so many introspective and honest, revealing conversations — their intensity and depth dictated by the knowledge that the friendship would take root in the finite span of a season. 

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Feature

LBV Environmental Science Center: lessons in hands-on stewardship of the Río Grande

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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he Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center (LBVESC) on the campus of Laredo Community College offers — when there’s not a field trip of rowdy youngsters in progress — one of the most tranquil natural settings for reflection.

Besides the resident wildlife on display — javalina, coatiumundi, whitetail deer, bobcat, water and land turtles, fish of the Río Grande, and a hundred reptiles in the living museum exhibit — the center also features an impressive display of mature cacti specimens and a butterfly garden.

The LBVESC, which occupies the site of the old Texas-Israeli dry land farming project, sits at the head of the Paso del Indio nature trail, an environmental project close to the heart of LB-

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VESC’s executive director Tom Miller.

Miller, along with bellwether environmentalists and co-founders of the Río Grande International Study Center (RGISC) Dr. Jim Earhart, Dr. Tom Vaughan, and Pamela Vaughan undertook the trail blazing in the mid-1990s.

Over Miller’s decade-and-a-half tenure, the LBVESC and the trail have come to life as premier educational resources for LCC and Laredo students of all ages as a living laboratory for the stewardship of the precious and diverse ecosystem of the Río Grande, the only source of drinking water for millions of Texas and Mexico border residents.

The nature trail along the vega and the riparian habitat of the Rio Grande has been cut, maintained, and improved by 9,500 volunteers who have logged in over 30,000 hours at annual Dia del Rio events and on scheduled work dates throughout the year. The

trail has withstood the callous environmental disregard of the U.S. Border Patrol on two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles, two major floods, and three fires.

The straw bale construction buildings of the LBVESC, its cisterns, and the grid of used oilfield drilling stem that supports expanses of shade cloth, are a nod to the remains of the TexasIsraeli Experimental (TIE) farm that from 1987 to 1991 showcased the use of energy efficient building materials (18” thick hay bale walls), water catchment, and the use of shade to conserve water usage and enhance plant growth.

According to Austinarchitect Pliny Fisk of the Center for Maximum Potential, who designed the site, the experimental farm was meant to challenge agricultural convention in Texas by introducing energy efficiency, resource conservation, and other measures that

addressed growth and sustainability in dry weather conditions.

After the TIE farm operation closed in 1991, the site was briefly in the hands of the RGISC, which facilitated its transformation into the LBVESC. That’s when Miller — a biology and environmental science teacher and a founding member of RGISC — began the work to bring the LBVESC’s environmental mission to fruition. Over the years he has brought old garden plots back to life, re-purposed two of the TIE greenhouses, established a native plant nursery, and expanded the facility well beyond its hay bale walls.

Most importantly, he and his staff have made the LBVESC accessible to thousands of Laredo students and volunteers who by their interest and efforts have had the hands-on experience of safeguarding the region’s most valuable natural resource, the Río Grande. 

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At the UISD Mariachi Festival Gabriela and Armina Rico enjoyed family members competing in the UISD Fine Arts Department’s annual Fine Arts Fiesta and Culturas Unidas Mariachi Festival, on Saturday, May 3.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

At the United Way reception Becky Banda and Irene Guzman of the International Bank of Commerce are pictured with UISD employee Thelma Martinez at the annual United Way Awards Reception on Tuesday, May 13 at the Gateway Community Health Center.

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EPA meets with RGISC Environmental Protective Agency South Central region administrator Ron Curry met with executive director of the Rio Grande International Study Center Tricia Cortez on Thursday, May 15 to discuss top environmental concerns in Laredo, including stewardship of the river, fracking, and the Anzon antimony smelter site.

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A festive sight downtown This colorful display of Mothers Day balloons made its way through downtown Laredo above the shoulders of a street vendor.

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Precinct 4 County Commissioner Jaime Canales, Precinct 2 County Commissioner Rosaura Tijerina, and GEO prison warden George “Butch” Head presented a letter of commitment for a scholarship to Martin High School student Ashley Salas on May 14.

Jesse Herrera/LareDOS Contributor

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Salas recipient of GEO scholarship

IPEC 5K benefits students Rebecca Martinez, Andrea García, and Flor Zamora were participants of the Intrepid Pathfinders Educational Club’s 2nd Annual Summer Splash 5K at North Central Park on Saturday, May 24. All proceeds benefit educational endeavors for students.

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Feature

The Ruthe B. Cowl Center marks 55-year milestone

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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or 55 years, the Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center, the only local nonprofit outpatient facility for physical rehab, has honored the vision of its founder and provided Laredoans with reduced or free physical and occupational therapy.

“I am testimony to what the center does,” said assistant director Jackie Rodriguez, who was a client at the center for many years.

“When I was six years old, I was affected by polio and had to have six surgeries. I was rehabilitated here and eventually got the opportunity to work here. I have been here for 28 years. I’ve seen the center grow and I’ve seen a lot of people come through those doors,” she said.

Cowl founded the center with her own funds and was a non-salaried director the entire time she served.

“She took it upon herself to go out and figure out what we could do to bring specialists to Laredo,” Rodriguez, said, adding, “To this day we have orthopedic clinics with specialists from out of town. Except for a $5 fee, those services are of no charge.

These doctors come in and volunteer their services. We had 45 patients at this month’s clinic.”

The center is currently trying to change the perception that it provides services for those who cannot pay.

“The center is a treasure in the community. We are not just for people who cannot pay. Because we have the support of the community, we are able to purchase the best state-of-the-art-equipment. We have equipment that no other outpatient

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facilities in Laredo have,” she said, referring to the Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill.

Rodriguez explained, “This machine is remarkable and very futuristic. It is like aquatic therapy without the water. What it does is take away 80 percent of mass when in use. Anyone who has any type of knee, back pain, or is overweight can benefit from that. Patients who have had a stroke or children with cerebral palsy get in there and they are able to stay on longer. With surrounding cameras, therapists are able to monitor and correct movements if need be.”

The center is currently fully staffed with two physical therapists, one occupational therapist, six certified physical therapy assistants, and techs that work together to provide top quality care.

“We’ve hired people who are passionate and dedicated to helping others. They know that because this is a nonprofit, they are going to work a little harder for paying and nonpaying patients. We are proud that we have such a great team,” Rodriguez said, adding, “We have been getting letters from patients who tell us how their care differed from therapy at another facility and from doctors who are impressed at their patients’ progress. From the front desk all the way to the back, we are pushing customer service. These people already come in with some sort of trauma, and we want to care for and make them feel welcomed.”

When the clinic first opened its doors, it was the only rehabilitation center in town. There are now about 25 other agencies to compete with.

“It has gotten harder now that there is more competition. If the for-

profit clinics see 10 patients a day to meet their goal, for us if we see 10, five are nonpaying clients,” Rodriguez said.

Another challenge the Cowl center faces is that many prospective clients don’t know they have a right to choose where to get their therapy.

“What we are hearing from some patients is that had they known they could come here, regardless of where they were initially referred, they would have. Why not come to the place that has the most experience and has pioneered many of the therapy services here in Laredo?”

Rodriguez said.

She added, A lot of patients go to other clinics, exhaust their insuarance benefits, and those agencies can’t continue to see them because they can’t pay, so they send them to us. We then provide a reduced fee or free service, but if the patients would come to us first we can continue to see them after they’ve exhausted their benefits, and there would be no lapse in their therapy plans. It is very important that when a patient starts the rehabilitation process that they continue.”

The Cowl facility also offers free transportation to its patients. In addition to the therapy services, the center has a social work department that guides patients, many who have lost their jobs, as to the services and benefits they are entitled to through the rehabilitation process.

“We had a young man here once, who was a mechanic and a vehicle fell on him as he was working on it.

He didn’t have benefits because he didn’t qualify. He was left paralyzed and came in with open wounds filled with maggots,” she said, adding, “He didn’t have anyone to care

for him. His home didn’t have a rail to assist him with the wheelchair nor air conditioning. We networked with other agencies and were able to get him all the necessary resources to assist and better his living conditions.”

The center treats patients with everything from post-stroke symptoms to wound care, and birth defects such as scoliosis, cerebal palsy, and club feet. Their clientele ranges from city employees to LISD students, and even federal employees such as Border Patrol agents.

The Cowl center has partnered with the City of Laredo for aquatic therapy sessions that will be held throughout the summer at the Haynes Recreation Center pool. With certified trainers on staff, the center also offers a wellness program.

“After our patients have completed their plan of care and for those who want to continue, we offer these group exercise courses. This is something we offer separately from therapy. We want to provide the patients with an opportunity to socialize and receive necessary encouragement to continue being active,” she said.

The center is also affiliated with local and out of town, and out of state colleges and universities. “Through internships students are exposed to first-hand experience and have the opportunity to hone their skills here at Ruthe B. Cowl,” Rodriguez said.

Applying for grants has become more competitive, she said, and that is why fundraisers have become so important. The center has always been able to absorb operation costs through the community’s support, she said.

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BY THE mystery Customer Z Grill La Posada Hotel 1000 Zaragoza It was great to run into executive chef Beto Gutierrez one recent evening and to enjoy one of the greatlooking, great tasting appetizers he prepares. The service was as always, impeccable.

La Reynera 1819 San Bernardo The ambience is a step back in time, but the service at this wonderful breakfast eatery is always good.

Michael’s 5510 San Dario Not a stocker or a staffer in sight to answer simple questions, just a time-wasting foray to go it alone.

The service was no better at the two check-out lanes where two harried individuals did their best to deal with lines six and eight customers deep.

Chili’s 5702 San Bernardo Bad service is what the MC experienced during her Wednesday night dinner. Perhaps it was a shift change that accounted for the lack of service. There was no hostess to seat the MC and her guest and they waited for a few minutes to be seated at a booth in the bar area. The bartender initially took the drink and appetizer order but forgot to put the order in, including the drinks. By the time the food was served, the MC had lost her appetite. Perhaps Chili’s took all their good employees to their new location on McPherson.

Wing Stop 7309 San Dario Perfectly seasoned and cooked wings served with their popular golden fries — the MC could not

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The Mystery Customer

Worst Enchiladas Suizas between here and D.F. at María Bonita; not enough staff at Michael’s to offer good customer service fathom satisfying a craving for wings anywhere else in town.

Oishii International Grill 5517 McPherson Rd Ste 8 For great fresh or tempura sushi, try Oishii. The MC was pleased with their specials, the taste and presentation of the food, as well as the attentive friendly staff, and speedy service.

Rudy’s 7305 McPherson Road The A Team must have been stoking fires and cooking, because the B Team staffed the Take-Away window at 5 p.m. on May 16 — long line, a long wait once the MC got to the window, and incredibly poor service. The MC asked not once, but thrice, if the tea in her order was unsweetened, only to get home to find an undrinkable overly sweetened tea. The young man at the window was polite, but disorganized and inexperienced. He had to re-pack the order twice because his quantities were wrong. Meanwhile the line grew out to McPherson Road.

La Reserva 107 Calle del Norte Impeccably attentive service is what you’ll find at this beautifully appointed restaurant behind Mall del Norte. And the food is very good.

María Bonita 4615 San Bernardo Worst Enchiladas Suizas between here and D.F. They weren’t even green! And to the waiter who doesn’t have to write anything down, curb your attitude.

La Mexicana 1902 Santa Ursula It’s often standing room only to wait for an available table, but it’s worth the wait. The food is freshly

prepared, and everyone there, including the owner, pitches in to get your meal on the table. Bravo!

Mike’s Paint Place 6410 Polaris Dr. This establishment provided great speedy service. Employees were polite, knowledgeable, and displayed a remarkable amount of professionalism. The MC was pleased with the repairs on her vehicle and would advise others to consider this establishment for their next car repair needs.

Walmart South Zapata Highway The MC has ever-expanding knowledge that part of Walmart’s customer service plan is not to have one and to at all times be understaffed in the merchandise aisles and at the register. This is not to say that many of the check-out clerks have bad attitudes or sloppy work habits. They are the core of the store — good people. What the MC is trying to say is that it was dumfounding to have come across WM employee Olga, who stocks shelves

from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and knows where everything is and has a great attitude. She took the MC to three different places in the toy department where the MC could look at three different versions of the same toy. Starved for customer service at WM, the MC rejoiced at Olga’s existence and bought more stuff. If only corporate WM could see the correlation between customer service and sales.

Caffé Dolce 1708 Victoria St. This establishment’s every third Saturday brunch is deluxe, reminiscent of good breakfast spots in Austin in the late 70s and early 80s like the Driscoll Hotel and Magnolia Café. Val Vega does a great job with a spread that includes quiche, fluffy scrambled eggs, asparagus, lots of berries, pastries, and stout breakfast coffee. It’s a treat to be downtown with your family for breakfast. There’s plenty of parking for those naysayers who sabotage downtown outings by saying there is a shortage of parking. 

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Commentary

The First Amendment Free Exercise Clause: how free can it be?

By NANCY BLACK LareDOS Contributor

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he federal courts have heard many cases in which plaintiffs have argued a violation of their free exercise of religion rights. Among them are American Friends Service Committee v. Thornburgh, brought by a group affiliated with the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and Sebelius v.

Hobby Lobby Stores, argued before the Supreme Court this March.

The Board of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) decided not to comply with a provision of the 1986 immigration law requiring employers to document their employees’ legal status. The AFSC filed suit requesting an exemption from this requirement on religious grounds, but the district court dismissed the suit. The decision on whether to file an appeal was preceded by several days of consultation among about 20 Quakers. The group wanted to reexamine AFSC’s reasons for its refusal to comply. Through intense discussion and silent reflection, Friends hoped to reach consensus on whether to appeal.

The process focused on the ageold dilemma of Friends and others: whether and how to disobey a law they feel in their religious conscience is unjust. The consultation resulted in an affirmation of AFSC’s stand of conscience by a decision to appeal to the Ninth Circuit. It argued that the immigration law’s requirement that it inspect employees’ immigration documents violated its right of free exercise by criminalizing both employers’ knowing employment of foreign-born persons without prop-

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“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” er documents and refusal to inspect and verify employees’ documents.

AFSC reasoned that such indirect immigration control resulted in excluding undocumented immigrants from employment, thereby causing them hunger and other hardships.

Such a requirement would violate its religious beliefs and commitment to the dignity and equality of all members of the human community and its obligation of care to them. But in 1991, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district court’s dismissal of AFSC’s case.

This March the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, a recent free exercise of religion case which will be decided by the end of the current term in June. A distinction between AFSC and Hobby Lobby is that AFSC is a religious organization and Hobby Lobby is a small, closely held forprofit corporation. Another is that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) at play in Hobby Lobby was enacted in 1993, two years after the AFSC case was decided.

Hobby Lobby’s owners objected on religious grounds to several contraceptives of about 20 that are included in the health plans employers are to make available to their employees under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, Hobby Lobby’s lawyer acknowledged that a number

of exemptions and accommodations were already available through the ACA. It is customary for the justices to ask questions of the lawyers during oral argument. One justice asked the lawyer to point out other cases that discuss how a corporation “exercises religion”. A previous Supreme Court case stated that when a particular religious group chooses to enter into a commercial activity, the limits they accept on their conduct as a matter of religious conscience must not be superimposed on laws that bind others who engage in the same activity.

One justice focused a question on the position and rights of the employees of Hobby Lobby. Another’s question was whether there was a way of allowing the stores’ women employees who want contraceptives to have them without placing a burden on the employer.

The Solicitor-General who argued on behalf of the government began

by quoting the late Justice Jackson, that if there is to be a harmonious functioning of society, it is necessary to limit an objector’s religious freedom if it collides with others’ or the public’s liberties, especially in American society where people of every faith live and work side by side. The government’s lawyer argued that RFRA required a balance between claims of religious freedom and the interest of the government.

He noted that in an earlier case, the Court denied an exemption from the requirements of the Social Security law because had it been granted, the employer’s religious faith would be imposed on its employees. He argued that the rights of Hobby Lobby employees are likewise of critical importance. He also noted that the Court had never granted an exemption to a for-profit corporation.

The government’s lawyer ended his argument by noting that if Hobby Lobby receives an exemption, it would be the first time – under RFRA or the free exercise clause – that any court has granted an exemption which would void a law’s guarantee of important benefits to other parties.

Justice Jackson said it wisely — in a pluralist society there must be limits, balance, commonality, and good will. 

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Honored for United Way service Linda Teniente, Irma López, and Andrew Cantu of the City of Laredo are pictured with United Way executive committee member Miguel Conchas at the United Way awards reception on May 13.

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Rochelle Rodriguez, Stephanie Contreras, and Kimberly De La Rosa were among attendees of the Laredo Animal Protective Society’s Poochie Couture Fashion Show on Thursday, May 8. Ten percent of the evening’s sales were donated to LAPS.

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Primped for fashion show

Lemurs kick off the season Carolina Cos, Vanessa Garza, and Sydney Landa ushered attendees at the Lemurs kick off game on Thursday, May 15 at Uni-Trade Stadium.

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Laredo Community College

Summer fun awaits kids of all ages

By MONICA McGETTRICK WALTERS LareDOS Contributors

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chool may not be out just yet for your child, but it is never too early to make plans for summer. If you are looking for a way to keep your child active this summer, you’re in luck at Laredo Community College, where a wide variety of camps will be offered.

Whether your child is interested in art or technology, sports or the environment, there is plenty of fun to be found with summer camps that appeal to kids of all ages and interests.Space is limited, so parents are encouraged to sign up their children now.

STEM Summer Bridge Program High school students interested in studying the STEM-disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) can get hands-on experience while learning how to navigate college life during the STEM Summer Bridge Program.

Two sessions will be held from June 9-July 10 at no cost to the participants. A morning session will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and an afternoon session from 1-4 p.m. Students will focus on team-building activities, as well as learn what it takes to succeed at LCC. Students who successfully complete all activities will be eligible to receive a $500 stipend, and may qualify for an iPad to help them succeed during their time at LCC. Students who wish to apply also must join the STEM Scholars Program. The deadline to apply for the STEM summer program is Friday, May 30. For more information, call 794-4977.

Tennis Clinic No matter your child’s skill level

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on the tennis court, he or she can hone his or her tennis skills this summer at LCC, home of the seven-time National Junior College Athletic Association Men’s Tennis Division 1 National Champions.

Sponsored by LCC Athletics, the tennis clinic will be led by LCC’s head tennis coach Jaime Donjuan, with help from some Palomino tennis players.

Several sessions will be available for children of different skill levels.

All sessions will be held at the H.E. Butt Tennis Courts at the Fort McIntosh Campus.

Clinics will be held June 2-5, June 9-12, June 16-19 and June 23-27. The clinic is open to players, ages 8-12.

A special clinic will be held for advanced players, ages 13-18.

The session for beginner-level players will be held from 9-10 a.m., intermediate players from 10-11 a.m., and advanced players from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

A clinic for advanced players, ages 13-18, will be held from 2-4 p.m.

Participants can expect to gain a better understanding of the game in a competitive but fun-filled environment. The goal of the clinic is to help create well-rounded players.

The camp fee is $60 for kids, ages 8-12, and $100 for players, ages 13-18.

For more information, contact LCC Athletics at 721-5326.

Basketball Camp Kids can practice their hoops this summer during the annual basketball camp hosted by LCC’s Kinesiology Department.

Students will benefit from the expertise of college, high school and middle school coaches who will help them develop their offensive and defensive skills through drills and play, as well as boost their self-image and

develop a healthy sense of competition.

LCC will host two camp sessions followed by a tournament. Session 1 will be held June 9-19 and session 2 June 23-July 3, Monday through Thursday from 1-4 p.m. Tournament play will be held July 7-10.

Children in kinder, elementary, and middle schools are encouraged to attend. Camp fees are $70 per child, per camp.

The camp will be held at the Maravillo Gymnasium at the Fort McIntosh Campus. For more information, call the LCC Kinesiology Department at 721-5858.

Soccer Camp New to the summer camp lineup this year is the first annual LCC Soccer Camp. Hosted by LCC Athletics and directed by new head soccer coach Juan De Dios Ibarra, this camp will help your child have fun working on his/her soccer skills.

Ibarra has years of experience as both a player and coach, having played professional soccer in Mexico before joining the Laredo Heat as both a player and a youth coach. In addition to fostering a healthy selfimage and sense of competition, players will get individualized instruction to improve their abilities on the field.

LCC will host two soccer camp sessions at the LCC South Recreation Complex. Session 1 will be held June 9-12 and June 16-19 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The second session will be held July 7-10 and July 14-17 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The camp is open to kids, ages 6-13. Camp fees are $75 per child, per camp and include a breakfast snack and lunch. The first 40 applicants will receive a free t-shirt.

For more information, call the LCC Athletics Department at 721-5326.

Campus Recreation Sports Camp Kids interested in a variety of sports can pick and choose from baseball, softball, soccer, basketball or general recreation during the Campus Recreation Summer Sports Camps to be held at the LCC South Campus.

Six sessions are planned through June and July.

Students interested in baseball and softball can choose from June 9-12 or June 16-19. General recreation will be held June 23-26 or July 21-24.

Soccer fans can attend July 7-10, and basketball fans July 14-17.

All camps will be held Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Camp fees are $10, which includes camp insurance and a t-shirt. Breakfast will be provided.

The camp will be held at the LCC South Campus Recreation Complex.

For more information, call 794-4313 or 721-5326.

Environmental Science Summer Camps Kids of all ages can once again spend some time out in nature during the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center’s summer camps for kids, ages 4 to 14. These camps are for kids who have a love for Mother Nature and who can appreciate the environmental wonders available at the Fort McIntosh Campus.

The summer camps are divided into four age groups.

Camps for tots, ages 4-6, run June 16-20 and July 14-18; and youth, ages 6-8, run June 23-27 and July 14-18.

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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.

T

he human mind is a wondrous thing, and its power of association equally awesome. Former Laredoan Robert C. Trimble, who now resides in Hattlesburg, Mississipi, presents a good example.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1969, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He joined the Mississippi State Guard and is Commander of the 3rd Infantry Brigade with the rank of Brigadier General.

He wrote me: “In reading your LareDOS column about “Dancing With the Stars,” I thought you would enjoy a poem I composed years ago in my moment of mourning for my first wife. I thought of dedicating it to all those poor souls who have lost their life-long companion. It seems like for the last 26 years I have found myself inclined to write poems of sentimental value. This is my poem, dedicated to the loss of a loved one: DANCING ALONE The dance has stopped, the music's gone Your partner left and you're alone You want to dance just as before But mirth is gone right out the door The human mind is built to win And soon it finds someone within The part you lost you did adore But time has come to close the door You see the world and all around It seems so dim and downward bound But through the haze a glimmer slight Breaks all the gloom to your delight Soft music starts to fill the air It starts to lessen your despair Your inner self has rescued you A partner now you have so new The steps you take from this day on Are dancing steps all on your own.

“It is said that you solve your problems in life in the manner you learn during your formative years.

It is also believed that our current behavior pattern is subconsciously

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Notes from La La Land

A letter from Gen. Trimble guided by our past experiences.

If that is true, there may be some credibility to my thinking that is was due to my childhood experiences that made me choose to sleep outdoors on a bitterly cold night in January 1945 in France, thousands of miles away from Texas.

“During my childhood in Laredo from the age of 6 to 12, I lived alone with my father, Alex Trimble (1859-1933), who was retired in his 60s. He passed away in 1933 when he was 73 and I was 13 years old. He was a Texas lawman with an inborn passionate lust for the outdoors. As a fearless young Texas Peace Officer and later a career horseback US Border Patrol and Immigration Inspector traveling along the Rio Grande River, you could rightly say he lived in the saddle most of his life.”

Trimble said that the climate in the southwest Texas region made it possible and feasible to live in an outdoor life setting during most of the year. He especially remembers vividly the peaceful and clear Texas nights when he would gaze up at the Milky Way, the Big Dipper, and the vast array of surrounding stars, while he listened to his father relate to him many tales of life in Texas during his youth. Then he would soon fall asleep, listening to the distant haunting howl of a coyote, as father and son bedded down in the open prairie, between groves of mesquite trees, after a long day's javelina hunt.

He concluded: “And now that my generation of American men and women have done their part to preserve our way of life in these United States of America, let us hope and pray that we have raised our children to cherish the things our forefathers created for us, and that they have the fortitude and patriotic fer-

vor to sacrifice their resources and life if necessary to maintain and protect the freedoms we hand down

to them.”

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

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

By dr. neo gutierrez

Strikes for Scholarships tournament Pablo Nieto, Omar Sanchez, Mari Cruz De La Rosa, Miguel Cardenas, and José Vasquez, members of the Rolling Stones bowling team, took part in the fundraising Strikes for Scholars tournament at Jett Bowl on May 8.

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These camps will be held Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Daycare service until 6 p.m. is available at $10/hour.

Camps for older kids, ages 9-11, run June 16-20, July 7-11, and July 28-Aug 1; and advanced, ages 12-14, run July 21-25. These camps are held Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There also is an evening camp for kids, ages 11-13, that runs July 21-24 from 5-9 p.m.

Camp fees range from $150 for tots and youth to $210 for regular campers and $230 for advanced campers.

The evening camp fee is $150.

To register or more information, call the L.B.V.E.S.C. at 764-5701.

Percussion Summer Clinic High school percussionists with a passion for the drum will enjoy LCC’s annual Percussion Summer Clinic, hosted by the LCC Performing Arts Department and Yamaha Sounds of Summer, on June 13-14 from 2-9 p.m. at the Fort McIntosh Campus.

The camp is open to entering freshmen or older and offers participants the opportunity to study marching percussion from LCC percussion instructor and clinic coordinator Matthew Adams. The clinic also will feature guest artist Brian Fronzaglia, an assistant professor of percussion at Missouri Southern State University.

The camp will include two days of percussion instruction with an emphasis on drumline techniques.

The clinic is $25, and participants will receive a t-shirt, poster and warm-up book.

For more information, call the LCC Performing Arts Department at 721-5330 or stop by the Visual and Performing Arts Center at the Fort McIntosh Campus Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SmArt Camp Let your children explore their creative sides during the LCC SmArt

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Camp hosted by the Visual Arts Department.

The camp offers kids between the ages of 5 and 14 the opportunity to develop their artistic talents by learning fundamental art techniques and by receiving artistic guidance to enhance their creativity in painting, drawing and coloring.

Two camp sessions are scheduled to accommodate varying ages. Session one will run from June 9-20 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for kids, ages 5-6, and an afternoon session from 1-4:30 p.m. for kids, ages 7-8.

The second session will run from July 7-18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for children, ages 9-11, and an afternoon session from 1-4:30 p.m. for kids, ages 12-14.

Admission to the camp is $200 and includes all art materials, a T-shirt, a daily snack and insurance.

Space is limited, so parents are encouraged to apply early to reserve a spot.

For more information about SmArt Camp, call the LCC Visual Arts Department at 721-5224.

Child Development Camp Parents looking to enhance their children’s developmental skills can now register their little ones for the Camilo Prada Child Development Center Summer Camp at the Laredo Community College South Campus.

The camp offers kids, ages 3 to 5, an array of activities that help promote language development and creativity while fostering an appreciation of nature and appropriate use of technology.

The center will offer two camp sessions that meet Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at LCC’s child development center.

The first session will run June 9-27 and will focus on math and science.

The fun continues with a second session focusing on technology from July 7-18.

The camp fee is $150 for the first three-week session and $100 for the second two-week session.

For more information, contact the

LCC child development center at 7944561.

F.O.S.S. Summer Program Recent high school graduates who will be attending LCC in the fall can help ease the transition between high school and college by attending the Focus on Student Success (F.O.S.S.) Summer Program. The camp runs from August 4-14. Registration runs through Monday, June 23.

The FOSS Summer Program offers new students the opportunity to interact with their peers, faculty and other professional staff at LCC. Students will learn how to build successful study habits and manage their time more efficiently. Participants also will receive information on how to transfer to Texas A&M International University after LCC. There is a $3 insurance fee for the camp, and upon completion, participants may be eligible to receive a $200 stipend and a laptop computer. For more information, call 764-5747.

Volleyball Camp

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Upcoming fundraisers include the June 6 Grand Dance of Legends in partnership with Guerra Commnications at the Casa Blanca Ballroom.

The event features Sunny Ozuna and the Sunliners, Freddy Martinez, and Joe Castillo Zaz y Zaz. Presale tickets for $20 are available as well as sponsorships — $2,500 for platnium sponsorship, $1,500 for gold, and $500 for silver.

Another upcoming event is the 3rd Annual 5K Run, Walk, and Roll for Rehab set for June 21 at North Central Park. Early registration is $15, late registration is $20, and for children under 10, it is $10.

“We are excited about our two events. We’ve had people call in about attending and supporting the mission of the center,” she said.

Young and experienced volleyball players can brush up on their skills on the court by participating in the LCC Summer Volleyball Camp, which will be offered July 14-17 in the Maravillo Gymnasium at the Fort McIntosh Campus.

Kids, ages 5 to 18, can take advantage of the expertise of Palomino volleyball head coach Binny Canales, who will offer participants the opportunity to learn the basics of the sport and expand their talent on the court.

Participants also will benefit from the skills of the Lady Palomino volleyball players, who will assist coach Canales with the camp.

A morning camp, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., will be held for beginners, ages 5 to 12. A camp for more advanced participants, ages 13 to 18, will meet from 1-5 p.m.

The camp fee is $80, which includes a T-shirt, if registered by June 27.

For more information, call the LCC Athletics Office at 721-5326.  The center also accepts equipment and medical supply donations.

Recently they received child-sized equipment from the Womens City Club that will aid them in expanding the children’s wing.

“When you come to the center, you are not just going to get therapy.

If you come here you will be taken care of — from you emotional and physical needs to anything else you need,” said Rodriguez, adding, “We are here for the community. That was Mrs. Cowl’s vision. We were used to people coming here because this was the only place, although now they are coming here because they know this is the best place.”

For more information call the center at (956) 722-2431. To purchase tickets for the Grand Dance of Legends or to register for the 5K visit 1220 N. Malinche. 

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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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olunteers are the life blood of any non-profit organization. The South Texas Food Bank, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has been blessed with a good number of volunteers, beginning with a 20-member board of directors led by this year’s officers – president Anna B. Galo, president-elect Pete Saenz Jr., treasurer Roberto Diaz, secretary Erasmo Villarreal, and historian Aide Brooks.

Feeding the hungry is the STFB mission. From its humble beginning in 1989 as the Laredo-Webb County Food Bank distributing one million pounds per year, the STFB now serves an impoverished eight-county area from Val Verde County (Del Rio) to Starr County (Rio Grande CityRoma). A member of the 200-plus national food bank network Feeding America and the 21-member Texas Food Bank Network (soon to be Feeding Texas), the STFB now serves 10 million pounds per year to an average of 28,000 families — an average of 62,000 persons per month.

Tax deductible donations can be mailed to PO Box 2007, Laredo, Tex., 78044. The phone number is (956) 726-3120 and website www.southtexasfoodbank.org The key man and mainstay of the volunteer crowd for the last 13 years at the STFB, is native Laredoan José “Chivo” Espinoza.

He guides a band of mostly youth volunteers every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon, becoming the STFB helping hands.

A former Nixon High School (1971) athlete who grew up in the neighborhood called “Ghost Town,” Espinoza came to Nixon via Ryan Elementary and Lamar Junior High. He said he got the nickname “Chivo,” because,

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South Texas Food Bank

‘Chivo’ Espinoza, key player in STFB volunteer program “I ran with the ball putting my head down playing sandlot tackle football as a kid.”

He served in the U.S. Army (1973-76) and upon coming home worked several jobs until 1982, when he started a 10-year stint in the LISD federal programs. Espinoza was involved in a 1984 car accident he said “totally changed my life. I came to Christ through a nurse and that has taken me where I am today.

He has given me the gift of working with youth.”

Espinoza took a job as a United ISD truant officer assigned to United South in 1992 and his youth work embarked. It would later lead him to get youngsters involved as volunteers at the STFB. Espinoza noted he “appreciated Eddie Perales (then principal at UnitedSouth High School) giving the okay to start working with a group of at-risk kids. These were students having serious issues in life — falling through the cracks, getting into drugs and gangs. We started meeting in the gym on Saturday morning with 35 boys and girls, trying to get them involved in school and doing community service.”

The group chose the name, South Laredo Youth Alliance.

One of the first community service

projects was a program at the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department when Alfredo “Chawy” Castillo was PARD chief. Espinoza later brought youth volunteers to help at the Laredo Regional Food Bank in 1988.

The STFB, then the Laredo-Webb County Food Bank, opened in 1989 but it was not until three years later that Justice of the Peace Judge Oscar Martinez began assigning community service kids to the Laredo-Webb County Food Bank.

Hence, the Joe Espinoza Saturday morning routine was launched along with a new UISD gang intervention program headed by Espinoza. By then, Castillo had left PARD and be-

came the food bank executive director.

Espinoza retired in June of 2013 after 10 years with LISD and 21 with UISD, but his dedication to the Saturday morning STFB volunteers remains and all the meanwhile making a difference in lives of teenagers.

Espinoza has received numerous letters of thanks and appreciation from the young volunteers, many of whom have families and are now in the Laredo workforce. In addition, Espinoza has received numerous recognitions from local, state, and national organizations. In 1997, he served as a delegate for the Presidential Conference for America’s Youth headed by Col. Colin Powell in Philadelphia.

The job description at the food bank might be volunteer coordinator, but for Espinoza, it’s not a job.

He notes, “Hopefully we’ve put some good seed in their lives. It’s all part of journey, and I will continue. It’s in my heart. It’s not me, it’s a gift. The Lord is the inspiration.”

STFB executive director Alfonso Casso said, “Every Saturday morning, young adults come to the food bank to do volunteer work. Some do their community service hours, some come because of court mandates for an infraction. Supervising any of these groups is a challenge. Joe Espinoza supervises these kids with a firm and patient hand, doing it exceptionally well. He is a rare individual whose past work experience, skills, and God-given talents make him uniquely suited. We are very grateful for having him on our staff.”

Of course, church, corporate and other community groups share volunteer time on Saturday morning.

And Joe Espinoza is there guiding the way. 

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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.

William Shakespeare dramatized and sonnetized like no one else using the English language. But more importantly he was the guy who got lucky with Gwyneth Paltrow in that candid biopic – the one about writing Romeo and Juliet that won an award or two. In that film his vocabulary, verse, and virility were on full display, just one more reason he deserves all manner of admiration, especially this year, when on April 23rd Shakespeareans worldwide celebrated his 450 th birthday.

And though I live in the Appalachians of northeastern Pennsylvania, I, too, dreamt of doing my small part to honor the Bard much as the residents of Stratford-upon-Avon did: with a procession, stage combat, and a scholarly disquisition on something Shakespearean.

However, to carry out a procession, one needs processioners, a rarity in Bloomsburg, particularly those willing to proceed for a dead writer who never wore camo or went mudding on a four-wheeler.

“Stage combat” seemed a feasible alternative, particularly since it has an enthusiastic following here and in nearby Philadelphia, the home of Combat Zone Wrestling. With staged battles involving Nate Hatred and Ultraviolent Underground Champion Danny Havoc, there’s no shortage of drama or tragedy.

But rather than the Rose Theater, they prefer the Cage of Death, and instead of gentlemanly swordplay, the CZW thespians have a masochistic penchant for thumbtacks, cacti, light tubes, and barbed wire, devices more appropriate for toasting Edgar Allen Poe, Stephen King, and Donald Rumsfeld.

Which leaves only one option: conduct a scholarly examination of

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The Bard gives us the bird some overlooked detail in Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets, 38 plays, or five surviving poems. Alas, ’twas not to be, for countless academics, particularly over the past 200 years, have dissected every conceivable pattern, symbol, and trifling theme in his opus, including those I had set my analytical sights on: gerontology, bawdy slang, Nixonian parallels, British pick-up lines, and characters most likely suffering erectile dysfunction. Even the two topics I spent midsummer nights longingly dreaming of had already been studied into oblivion: outsider epistemology discourses and language awareness stylistics. Woe is me!

But then a plaguey pecking struck my house and suggested one of the most accessible and plentiful though oft-ignored works attributed to the Bard and, as it turns out, a subject deserving of a critical look.

No, not a newly discovered sonnet, a misattributed play, or an unpublished manuscript authored by someone with a suspicious pseudonym.

The subject overlooked by nearly everyone casts a dark twisting shadow like Othello’s black cape across the Appalachians’ shoulders.

It obscures the sun as if foreshadowing the arrival of the Scorpion King and Anubis warriors in that mummy movie. It blackens treetops with a discordant racket worse than arrhythmic electro-industrial music. And they heckled and clamored and squawked and clawed at my clothes dryer vent until they weaseled their way into the exhaust hose and made themselves at home inside the wall.

Of course, I am referring to the most annoying of 19 th-century in-

vaders: starlings.

How, you may ask, can I possibly attribute those miserable, noisy, stubby-tailed, feather-covered rodents to the author of Hamlet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream?

Well, in all fairness, it’s not entirely the Bard’s fault that the country is infested with hundreds of millions of them. In fact, New Yorker Eugene Shieffelin should get most of the blame. On March 6, 1890, he uncaged 60 European starlings in Central Park only because of his obsession with Shakespeare and his desire to turn loose on North America all the birds mentioned in his plays. Thank God he wasn’t obsessed with mammals and Macbeth or I’d have Russian bears, rhinoceroses, and Hyrcan tigers knocking over my trash cans and tearing up my marigolds.

This kind of idiotic devotion is exactly what led to the rabble infesting my dryer’s exhaust and, shortly thereafter, to my application of the only critical approach suitable for my subject: deconstruction.

I pulled the dryer out of the closet, squeezed between it and the washer, loosened the clamp on the back, yanked the flexible hose off, and reached inside all the way up to my shoulder. There, from where it

sagged between the Sheetrock and the outside wall, I felt a ramshackle assembly that, once I dragged it out of the hose and onto the linoleum floor, seemed inspired by either cannabis or Citizen Kane.

A pair of starlings had wheedled together a formless mass of materials representing nothing and in which no self-respecting bird should raise its offspring. Disassembled on the floor, it looked as incoherent and shapeless as when still of a piece. It seemed only a dysfunctional confabulation of stiff wild pea pods, a scrap of clear plastic wrap, a piece of 12-gauge blue-insulated wire, sumac twigs, strips of poplar bark, dilapidated bagworm cocoons, dry gray stems from unidentifiable weeds, and bits of tan cedar leaves. This mass was heaped on a layer of gray lint, all of which I cursed, then parsed, and finally pitched in the trash.

I admit that this Shakespearean disquisition is more complaint than critique. Therefore, a more conventional and public salute still seems in order. And if, perchance, the now homeless starlings should stray through the sights of my 12-gauge shotgun and into the path of my thunderous salute, ’twould be their honorable but entirely accidental end. 

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Commentary

The SBOE — a Texas stonewall

By JOSÉ ANTONIO LÓPEZ LareDOS Contributor “The Anglo Americans who came to Texas with Stephen F. Austin were not in the true sense pioneers; they found not a wilderness but a society already in existence…” These words were written by historian John Francis Bannon in his book, The Spanish Frontier in America, 1513-1821.

Bannon is referring to the unique Tejano mystique. Truly, Tejano society lured Anglos both legally and illegally to immigrate to Mexico; abandoning the U.S. to start life anew in México. Nevertheless, those same U.S. immigrants betrayed their host country of México shortly after arriving. They didn’t like Mexican laws abolishing slavery, (in 1829, México was the first country in America to do so). Thus, after Texas independence in 1836, the Anglos made a conscious decision to start writing Texas history on a clean slate. That is, they would pretend there was no existing society and that Texas was a wilderness. Albeit, their choosing to retain the name “Texas” (its Spanish name since 1691) exposes their obvious duplicity. Regardless, the Anglos built their Manifest Destiny-inspired myth on a literary stonewall hiding pre-1836 Texas (Tejano) history.

Over 150 years later, The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) members act as modern-day sentries atop the stonewall of silence prohibiting Texas students from learning the true facts of their state’s founding. Just recently, grass-roots Texas citizens, parents, and educators appealed to the board to teach Texas students the seamless history of Texas through a Mexican American Studies (MAS) Program.

The SBOE responded negatively.

They disagreed to establish a MAS

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Program because even after 150 years, they ignore the real founding of Texas. In part, they claim among other things that, “We mustn’t teach Mexico’s history in America.”

There are at least three problems with their Anglophile position.

First, MAS is about teaching Texas history, not about today’s Republic of Mexico. Southwest Mexican-descent citizens with pre-1848 ancestry number about 20 million. Thus, we descendants of the first citizens of Texas are not immigrants. That reality is what separates us from our sister Hispanic groups in the U.S. That’s the point that conservative SBOE members fail to comprehend.

Second, Mexico is in America.

The U.S. is not America. The U.S. is in America. There are 36 countries in America. Everyone born or living in the Continent of America (from Northern Canada to the tip of South America’s Tierra del Fuego) is an American.

Third, our Spanish Mexican Tejano story doesn’t fit the Sam Houston model. Thus, the SBOE won’t accept Tejanos and Tejanas as the true founders of this great place we call Texas.

On its own merits, the MAS program is all about education and only seeks to restore pre-1836 people, places, and events in the chronology of Texas history. The question is why is the SBOE so adamant in insisting Texas history begins in 1836? In my opinion, their intolerance toward Texas’ Mexican roots is caused by a persistent toxic political tone. That atmosphere is created by conservatives’ perception of anything Mexican only in terms of the current immigration reform and contentious border fence debates.

A broader question is why should Mexican-descent Texans care about

Mexico?

Here’s why. The overwhelming majority of our Tejano families originate in the Mexican population centers of Monterrey, Saltillo, Zacatecas, Queretaro, Monclova, and the surrounding ranchos of Central and Northern Mexico. Some of us still have active links with our family south of the Rio Grande; separated since 1848. In addition, being Mexican allows us to claim blood connections to our Native American roots.

In this regard, the SBOE must be reminded that Texas is in New Spain (Old México), not New England.

As remedial training for SBOE members, I offer three quick lessons: (a) Texas was part of Mexico during the 1836 Battles of the Álamo, La Bahia, and San Jacinto.

The three battles are part of the chronological chapter in Mexico’s history, not the U.S. This was Mexican sovereign land until 1848.

The tri-color flag of Mexico flew over Texas four times longer (21 years) than Sam Houston’s Republic of Texas flag (five years). The reason that Houston’s flag flew only five years is that so unprepared were the Anglos for total independence that they didn’t even have a flag other than the Mexican Constitution Flag identical to the one many Anglos in Texas today repudiate. Curiously, they don’t realize that their Anglo ancestors once pledged allegiance to the tri-color (verde, blanca, y colorada) Mexican Flag of Texas. The Republic of Texas flag was not approved until around 1840 when talk of Texas joining the U.S. as a slave state had already started.

Here’s a Texas history pilón (bonus) for the Texas SBOE. Be advised that Texas was part of Mexico during the first Mexican Revolution of 1810.

Accordingly, September 16, 1810 (El Dieciséis) is a legitimate holiday in Texas because it represents its first independence day. Pre-1836 people, places, and events are the essentials that make Texas history bi-cultural and bi-lingual.

In conclusion, I address a most important point to the current Texas SBOE. The MAS is not about ethnic studies or multi-culturalism in Texas.

That’s the responsibility of the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio. MAS is about rendering Texas history in a seamless manner from the arrival of the first European Spanish in 1519 to the present. Mexican-descent children in Texas must learn about their Spanish Mexican ancestors in the classroom; an honor that we were deprived of when we attended school.

We’re making progress. As an example I refer to the Tejano Monument. It’s the first memorial in Austin honoring Texas’ Spanish Mexican founders. It’s becoming a popular site, but it represents only the start of the Tejano Renaissance. We knew it wouldn’t be easy to dismantle the 150-year old stone wall of silence.

Echoing the words of President Ronald Reagan, “Governor Perry, tear down this wall.” Even so, our efforts are paying off. It’s starting to crumble. So let’s keep our Tejano trumpets blowing loud and clear until the stone wall falls. Yes, we can! (¡Sí se puede!) 

www.laredosnews.com LareDOS I MAY 2 0 1 4 I 5 1

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

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VSALGS host tour of San Ygnacio

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

Emma García, Laurita Guajardo, Sara Mendoza, Virginia Mayers, Juanita Sosa, and Laura Garza were among the Laredoans and Nuevo Laredoans who enjoyed a tour of some of San Ygnacio’s most significant historic sites, including Nra. Señora del Refugio Church and the Treviño Rancho Fort. They are pictured having lunch at the Proceso Martinez home. The tour was sponsored by the Villa de San Agustín Laredo Genealogical Society.

Chamber music performers Sara Martinez and Aldo Pelayo performed “Otoño in Buenos Aires” from Danzas Latinoamericanas at the Laredo Community College Rio Grande Arts Festival on May 23.

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ited family in Brownsville with his partner Nancy Morales. Both of Mexican descent, they were on their way to Houston to catch a flight to NY. “They were stopped by a Brownsville Border Patrol agent and asked if they were U.S. citizens. They both declined to answer, maintaining that it was their right not to,” Raymond said, adding, “ICE/CBP are allowed to ask, but a person is entitled to refuse to answer – which cannot be the sole basis for detention,” she said.

Figueredo and Morales were arrested for failure to identify, resisting arrest, and obstructing a highway or other passageway. The first two charges were dropped and the jury was hung on the last charge. Cases such as this are, Raymond said, are testament to the routine harassment on the border and how the U.S. Constitution (in practice) seems not to apply.

When detained and awaiting court proceedings, immigrants are not granted access to counsel and experience an obstruction of due process, Raymond observed.

“I urge U.S. citizens to attend immigration court to see if that looks like justice to them. One of the things that bothers me is that people that are locked up in these detention centers frequently don’t get to go to a real court. There is just a TV monitor in the courtroom and in the prison. Due process should require the person be in front of the judge. That is absurd for the client not to have access to counsel during the hearing,” she said.

The lack of a meaningful national immigration policy has created fissures throughout the system. Those trapped in the system, often children, slip through the cracks and become casualties of separation and hardship. Laredo recently witnessed the pain of such a separation, and its resolution.

On May 10, city officials, members of Familia Latina Unida, LULAC, and the Cesar Chavez Memorial Alliance gathered at Dos Laredos Park to reiterate the need for comprehensive immigration reform to stop the separation of families.

U.S. citizen Gustavo Salmeron, in an attempt to adjust his wife Marlenne’s status, traveled to Mexico a few years ago with their two children who are also U.S. citizens. Marlenne had previously entered the U.S. without authorization, which led to an expedited deportation and resulted in a 10-year bar from reentry. Marlenne and her children remained in Mexico under the threat of kidnapping and extortion.

Their son, Saied, wrote a heartfelt plea to the president of LULAC of Lake County, Julie Contreras. “He identified the imminent danger he and his family were living in. He talked about extortion and how many nights he did not sleep from fear that something would happen to his family,” said Contreras.

Prior to that, Contreras had sat at a roundtable with Homeland Security to present the Salmeron case in hopes of finding asylum for the mixed status family.

“We wanted to secure the children and ensure that their rights were met by the federal government. All activists present at the international bridge on May 10 created a security blanket for Marlenne and the children as they crossed the border,” she said.

The woman was detained and eventually granted limited admission. The children were immediately turned over to their biological father.

Contreras added, “These children are our future. When they came across that bridge, they cried and hugged their mother. In that moment, I was proud to be an American and stand in solidarity with them.”

The Salmeron family traveled to Chicago where Marlenne will seek political asylum. They are but one of many families who are casualties of the nation’s flawed immigration policy.

Idealistic children who have suffered life without their mothers or fathers; immigrants caught in a rigid, heartless system; for-profit prison corporations filling their bed quotas and their bottom lines; inhumane treatment in detention facilities — there could be no more clear indication that the system has reached dysfunctional implosion. 

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Hand made jewelry Dwayne McGee of Half Dead Oak Jewelry was among the vendors at the French Quarter Bazaar on May 3. McGee had his one-of-a-kind pieces on display.

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Review

have openly declared my distain for remakes and reboots in the past. However, I must admit that after the debacle, of Spider-Man 3 (2007) with Tobey Maguire, I was quite pleased with the 2012 release of The Amazing Spider-Man staring Andrew Garfield.

Marvel released the anticipated sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, on May 2. Garfield (Peter Parker/ Spider-Man) and Emma Watson (Gwen Stacy) reprised their roles in the act io n /adve nt u r e superhero flick.

This time around the storyline centered on Parker’s continued inner struggle between his ordinary obligations and extraordinary responsibilities as a super hero.

His quest for answers as to why his parents abandoned him as a child leads him straight to Oscorp — a company on the breaking edge of experiments on genetic mutation — and the realization it is what all his enemies have in common.

I have few complaints about this film. One is that the previews were misleading as to the slew of super villains that would be featured. The film centers on Electro (Jamie Foxx), a formidable foe much more powerful than Spidey, while giving little

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to no camera time to the Green Goblin (Dane Dehaan) or Rhino (Paul Gimatti).

Watson and Garfield’s chemistry radiated off screen (spoiler alert) and that makes it all the more heartwrenching when Gwen dies in Spiderman’s arms. The acting overall was great for the exception of Dehaan’s portrayal of Harry Osborn, which was dismal.

My second complaint is the manner in which the Green Goblin storyline is portrayed. Originally the super villain of the Green Goblin should have been Norman Osborn, Harry’s dad.

As the story goes, the Osborns are essentially mad, cursed with a family disease that can only be cured with Spider-Man’s blood. I thought that was lame, but I am biased, as I loved James Franco’s portrayal in the early 2000s trilogy.

The camera angles were superb as audiences were given a glimpse from the web slinger’s perspective, as he bounds from skyscrapers. The stunts and special effects kept the action going at a good pace.

Like other countless Marvel fans (although I consider myself a DC girl), the character of Spider-Man brings back pleasant childhood memories – Saturday mornings glued to the TV for the next episode of Spider-Man (1994). I’m happy for the kids of this generation that they get to experience the thrill of SpiderMan on the big screen. 

At Alex’s Studio art exhibit José Angel Silva Sr. and Patricia Silva are pictured with their daughter Patricia, a student of Maru Alexander Portillo, and their son José Jr. at the recent exhibit of student work.

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

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By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

The Amazing Spider-Man 2, a reprisal of childhood memories

Memorial Prayers A moment of silence was held, on May 12, for victims of the Holocaust at a remembrance ceremony. The City of Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Laredo Public Library, Wall of Tolerance Center, and the Congregation Agudas Achim hosted the event.

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defamation per se. According to the opinion, which was signed by Justice Sandee Bryan Marion, some of Farias’ statements were “rhetorical hyperbole.” The opinion reads, “Communication that is unflattering, abusive, annoying, irksome or embarrassing that only hurts the plaintiff’s feelings is not actionable.”

Attorney García said, “The objective of the lawsuit was to use the courts to silence Hector Farias. If Mr. Garza wants to make political contributions to City Council members and County officials, that’s fine. It gives him a seat at their table, but the courts are hands off,” he continued.

“Hector Farias was saying what everyone was thinking. Much of what he said publicly had been scrutinized and written about by the local media. Eduardo Garza characterized himself in news stories as a person of influence. News stories had already questioned contributions to the political campaigns of City Council members, and Garza’s relationship with his business partner Raquel San Miguel, the sister of Council member Charlie San Miguel. The media had covered the use of his private jet by city officials, the details of the contract for the cold storage facility, and the opposition of the brokers association to Garza getting that contract.

The content of news stories asked, ‘What did you get in return for the contributions to candidates?’ News stories established that Eduardo Garza was a public figure,” García elaborated.

“This was never about whether Mr. Farias was 100 percent right or wrong. He had the right to ask questions about public issues and question the expenditure of public funds. It was about the free speech protection guaranteed by the First Amendment,” García said, adding, “He wasn’t trying to get anyone in-

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dicted. He wasn’t suing to void the bid for the cold storage facility. He was simply speaking up.”

According to García, Garza won the bid for the cold storage facility’s management, but he didn’t like the scrutiny that dogged the deal. “If you are going to benefit from taxpayer dollars, you will face questions,” he added.

García said that Farias had earned his First Amendment rights by serving his country as a Marine.

“He is a man of integrity, a business owner and taxpayer, a father and grandfather,” he said.

García characterized Farias as a “fearless First Amendment hero who cannot not be out-debated.” He said Farias went “eye to eye with the elected officials he confronted repeatedly. They were afraid of him and would cut him off or use other constraints to try to silence him. He took them on without fear of reprisals.”

The point has been made, García said, “That our courtrooms are hallowed ground, that you cannot push your agenda there. They remain sacred and immune. There’s only one courthouse, and it is the same for the rich and the poor.”

García said that the TCPA is considered anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) legislation, and that when a legal action is dismissed pursuant to the Act, there is a mandatory award of attorney’s fees and a sanction that is sufficient to deter similar litigation.

He has asked for attorney’s fees of $60,000, which he said speaks to how little discovery there was to review. He added that a $1 million sanction each for Garza and UniTrade would be fair.

“I took this case on principle. It was very public and it meant a lot to the community. It was important to me because I’ve always admired Dr. Farias and it was one of the most meaningful cases I’ve ever worked on. To be part of Dr. Farias’ team was a privilege,” García said. 

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Mother’s Day Raffle The Laredo Northside Market hosted a special Mother’s Day raffle on Saturday, May 3. Anabel Escamilla was one of the lucky winners. She is pictured at North Central Park.

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Texas Mariachi groups compete at UISD Mariachi Festival The Edcouch-Elsa High School mariachi under the direction of Marcos García participated in the UISD Fine Arts Department’s annual Fine Arts Fiesta and Culturas Unidas Mariachi Festival at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex-Auditorium.

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Courtesy Photo

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Creativity abounds at the VMT Felicidades, Emily Emily Altgelt (center) and her friends Sophie Villarreal and Mia Montemayor were all smiles at Emily’s 10th birthday party.

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Vidal M. Treviño Fine Arts and Communication Magnet School student Veronica Lozano showcased her sculpture, “Horse Shoe,” on May 8 at the annual Spring Arts Festival at the Laredo Center for the Arts.

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