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New look at change in duties
Budget woes
Departments feel crunch of more work after shift away from treasurer By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
An item approved last week by the Zapata County Commissioners Court that moved several duties from the county treasurer to the county judge, county auditor and personnel director needs to be clarified, officials have said. County Judge Rosalva Guerra placed an item on the last agenda to move responsibility of the telephone and retirement systems, insurance and electric utility away from County Treasurer Romeo Salinas. The item was approved by the court, but the extra work has proved to be overwhelming for the other departments, said Commissioner Jose E. Vela, who was the only commissioner to oppose the item. The county auditor is now responsible for the electric utility bills with-
out the help of the county treasurer’s office, Vela added. “It’s really the county suffering,” he said. The decision they made was wrong and that’s why I voted against it.” According to Commissioner Eddie Martinez, some people don’t fully understand the change that took place, so it will be put back on the agenda for the next Commissioners Court meeting, scheduled for Sept. 13, to clarify what duties fall under whom, he said. “It’s getting out of hand, so we need better control,” County Auditor Doroteo Garza said. The intention of the item authorizing county auditor, county judge, and personnel director is mainly to have more than one person authorized to view certain information
Public hearings may help make more cuts By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Prior to the budget adoption in September, Zapata County officials are preparing for two public hearings to discuss additional departmental cuts in order to
alleviate the $7 million deficit the county is undergoing in next year’s budget. All departments were asked to decrease their individual budgets to assist with the loss in revenue that the county experienced in the mineral indus-
try, said County Judge Rosalva Guerra. “This year in particular has been extremely difficult because of the loss in mineral value,” she said. “Some county departments’ heads have been very understanding and have
been cooperating with making some cuts.” The first hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26 to give residents in the community the opportunity to make comments, recom-
See COUNTY PAGE 11A
EDUCATION
BACK TO SCHOOL
See DUTIES PAGE 11A
PUBLIC HEALTH
Grant to help HIV/AIDS programs
Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | The Zapata Times
ABOVE: A teacher-aide creates an outdoor scene in a self-contained classroom Thursday afternoon as teachers and staff get ready for the first day of school Monday, at Zapata Middle School. BELOW: A school employee prepares supplies in a classroom.
Teachers told ‘fish’ is this year’s philosophy By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Nearly $1.7 million in federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was presented to the South Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse by Congressman Henry Cuellar on Wednesday to benefit HIV/AIDS programs and bring awareness to the community. “This grant will help us identify people at risk of HIV/AIDS infections,” said Romeo Rodriguez, STCADA executive director. “In addition, it will help to educate, create awareness, and support individuals with HIV/ AIDS.”
This is the second check presented to STCADA by Cuellar, said Humberto Gonzalez, Ph. D., STCADA chairman of the Board of Directors. “We are in the service of improving the quality of life,” he said. “When we improve the quality of life of an addict we improve the quality of life for the whole family.” Cuellar said some may be infected with the disease and unaware of it. “This is why we must act now. This disease does not discriminate anymore.” Cuellar said. “It targets both young and old, men and women, and educated and
See GRANT PAGE 11A
A
s students gear up for the first day of school, teachers are busy preparing their lesson plans, reorganizing their classrooms, and attending conferences during staff development days. During staff development week, Zapata County Independent School District staff learned they will be following a “fish” philosophy theme for this year where four main principles will be followed through out the year. The principles include play, be there, make their day, and choose the attitude. ZCISD has also adopted “teach strong” as a fifth principal, said Dee Olivarez, a special education teacher at Zapata Middle School. “It helps us get a good attitude for the school year,” she said. Also, the “Catch the Energy and Release the Potential,” motto purposely depicts the story of a fish being caught and released to coincide with the fish philosophy theme.
See SCHOOL PAGE 11A
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
SATURDAY, AUG. 21
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A hunter’s education course will be offered at Zapata County Public Library today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 22 from noon to 5 p.m. Every Hunter, including out-ofstate hunters, born on or after Sept. 2, 1981, must successfully complete a Hunters Education Training course to hunt any animal in Texas. The minimum age to receive certification is 9 years old. For more information, contact Marshall Davidson at (956) 3375917. Back by community demand, Laredo Little Theatre will hold two encore performances of ’La Cindy del Barrio’ by Jeannie Lopez today at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at 4802 Thomas Ave., admission is $5.
SUNDAY, AUG. 22 Join the Krayons for Kids Carshow and Concert today at the Zapata County Pavilion. A $5 admission is requested at the door, all of which goes to purchasing school supplies for the Zapata community. E-mail kurtiz2007@live.com.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 25 South Texas Food Bank features a concert by 1970s musical sensation Three Dog Night. Floor table tickets for 10 start at $1,000. Table tickets include dinner and access to silent auction of artwork bowls. Concert-only tickets are $15 and are available at the Laredo Energy Arena and Ticketmaster.com. Call the South Texas Food Bank at (956) 726-3120.
FRIDAY, AUG. 27 Gold and platinum certified artist, Mark Chesnutt, performs at the Casa Blanca Ballroom tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets for admission begin at $15. For more information, visit markchesnutt.com
SATURDAY, AUG. 28 League of United Latin American Citizens Council 14 presents the third annual Football Kick-Off Tailgating Cook-Off today from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at El Metro Park and Ride. The event will feature a cook-off competition in the following categories: fajitas, finger ribs, boneless brisket and babyback ribs. There will also be a beefsteak-eating contest. Admission will be $3 for adults. For more information, call (956) 286-9055.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 4 Texas A&M International University hosts Autmus Fest 2010. Gate opens at 4:30 p.m. $10 pre-sale tickets are available at all Pocket locations. Tickets are $15 at the gate. Visit www.autmusfest.com. Sponsored by the Laredo Rotary Club, a rodeo will be at L.I.F.E. Downs Arena today at 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 9 Texas A&M International University reveals two art collections for the month of Sept., Fields and Monuments: Paintings by Joey Fauerso and sculptures by Riley Robinson at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Gallery. Call (956) 326-2654.
SUNDAY, OCT. 2 Funny man Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias returns to Laredo Energy Area tonight, ready to knock audience socks off with his Comedy Central Live, The Fluffy Shop, Comedy Tour. Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations, including the LEA Box Office, various H.E.B. stores or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. For more information, call (956) 791-9192.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 6 Shakira, one of the most exciting and successful global artists in recent history, will perform in Laredo tonight at the Laredo Energy Arena. For more information, call (956) 791-9192
SUNDAY, OCT. 10 As part of the Steinway Series, Texas A&M International University invites internationally acclaimed and prize-winning pianist, Ning An, to perform a piano recital featuring music by J.S. Bach, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Frederic Chopin today from 4 to 6 p.m. The even is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Fritz Gechter at (956) 326-2639. To submit an item for the calendar, send the name of the event, the date, time, location and contact phone number to editorial@lmtonline.com
Photo by L.M. Otero | AP
Law enforcement officers gather around where a chase ended on a taxi runway at Love Field in Dallas, on Thursday. Police chased a carjacking suspect onto the airport grounds before taking Laurence Browne, 46, into custody. He’s charged with evading arrest, criminal mischief, unauthorized use of a vehicle and aggravated robbery.
Suspect faces charges By ELIDA S. PEREZ ASSOCIATED PRESS
DALLAS — A man arrested after an hourlong chase that ended when he crashed a stolen pickup through a fence at Dallas Love Field was charged with evading arrest, criminal mischief, unauthorized use of a vehicle and aggravated robbery, officials said Friday. U.S. Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Kathy Colvin said it still is too early to say if Michael Laurence Browne, 46, will face federal charges. Despite Browne breaching the perimeter fence, law enforcement responded quickly, he said. “All airports have an approved security plan that includes perimeter security,” Luis Casanova, a spokesman with the Transportation Security Administration, said. “But I would think in light of this incident there
would be some considerations made.” Daniel Weber, the city’s director of aviation, said Friday the department had not made any decisions about whether there will be changes to airport security. He said the response to the incident was effective. “We’re going through the investigation,” Weber said. “We have no conclusions as far as whether any changes need to be made.” He said Love Field is in line with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Police said the truck Browne used to lead police on the chase Thursday was stolen in a carjacking the day before. A knife was found in the truck as well as property that makes Browne a suspect in other robberies. Browne remained in jail on Friday on $300,000 bond. Kim Leach, Dallas County sheriff ’s spokeswoman, said he did not yet have an attorney of record.
Court dismisses appeal of Oil companies to pay $6.9 Victoria attorney indicted nuke bond vote million settlement in child porn case AUSTIN — The state’s highest court has dismissed an appeal by two West Texas sisters opposed to a new radioactive dump site. The sisters wanted results of an election that narrowly approved $75 million in bonds for the project overturned. The bond referendum allows Andrews County to borrow to build the waste disposal site for Waste Control Specialists.
HOUSTON — Marathon Oil and Dominion Oklahoma Texas Exploration and Production will pay $6.9 million to resolve claims the two Houston-based energy companies separately underpaid natural gas royalties to the government and Native Americans. Dominion Oklahoma Texas Exploration and Production Inc. will pay $2.2 million and Marathon Oil Co., $4.7 million.
Flames engulfed 2 men burned at oil field
US rig count rises this week by 11 to 1,651
LUBBOCK — Two men critically burned in a West Texas oil field accident didn’t know natural gas was leaking around the well and were engulfed by flames after a fireball erupted. The men work for Basic Energy Services, Inc. The worst burns were on their faces and hands, and they remained in critical condition at a Lubbock hospital Friday.
HOUSTON — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased by 11 this week to 1,651. On Friday, 985 rigs were exploring for natural gas and 655 for oil. Eleven were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago this week, the rig count stood at 985. Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Texas lost four rigs, and Wyoming lost two.
VICTORIA — An attorney who chairs the Victoria County Democratic Party is facing child pornography charges. Stephen Jabbour, 57, was arrested Friday in Victoria on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography. A grand jury Thursday indicted Jabbour on seven counts of distributing child pornography via the Internet and four counts of possessing child pornography.
Houston-area woman mauled by pack of dogs HOUSTON — A woman mauled by at least three dogs in a Houston-area suburb has been airlifted to a hospital where she’s in serious condition. The attack occurred around 11 p.m. Thursday in South Houston. Witnesses called 911 when they heard a woman screaming and saw three dogs running away. — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE NATION Israel, Palestinians to hold talks
CONTACT US
WASHINGTON — Plunging into the Mideast peacemaker’s role that has defeated so many U.S. leaders, President Barack Obama on Friday invited Israel and the Palestinians to try anew in face-to-face talks for a historic agreement to establish an independent Palestinian state and secure peace for Israel. Negotiations will resume Sept. 2 in Washington.
47 immigrants arrested in New England BOSTON — Federal immigration officials say a three-month operation in four New England states has led to the arrest of 47 people suspected of being gang members or having ties to gangs. Many of the suspects had histories of violent crimes including attempted murder, car jacking, assault and battery with danger-
Today is Saturday, Aug. 21, the 233rd day of 2010. There are 132 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Aug. 21, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an executive order making Hawaii the 50th state. On this date: In 1609, Galileo Galilei demonstrated his new telescope to a group of officials atop the Campanile in Venice. In 1807, Robert Fulton’s North River Steamboat set off from Albany on its return trip to New York, arriving some 30 hours later. In 1831, Nat Turner led a violent slave rebellion in Virginia resulting in the deaths of at least 55 white people. (He was later executed.) In 1858, the first of seven debates between Illinois senatorial contenders Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas took place. In 1878, the American Bar Association was founded in Saratoga, N.Y. In 1911, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris. (The painting turned up two years later, in Italy.) In 1940, exiled Communist revolutionary Leon Trotsky died in a Mexican hospital from wounds inflicted by an assassin the day before. In 1963, martial law was declared in South Vietnam as police and army troops began a crackdown on Buddhist antigovernment protesters. In 1983, Philippine opposition leader Benigno S. Aquino Jr., ending a self-imposed exile in the United States, was shot dead moments after stepping off a plane at Manila International Airport. In 1991, the hard-line coup against Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev collapsed in the face of a popular uprising led by Russian federation President Boris N. Yeltsin. Ten years ago: Rescue efforts to reach the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk ended with divers announcing none of the 118 sailors survived. Five years ago: Pope Benedict XVI triumphantly ended his four-day trip to his native Germany, celebrating an openair Mass for a million people in Cologne. Robert A. Moog (mohg), whose self-named electronic synthesizers revolutionized music in the 1960s, died in Asheville, N.C. at age 71. One year ago: Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi welcomed with a hug the only man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing that killed 270 people and praised Scotland’s leaders for “their courageously right and humanitarian decision” to release him. A high-level delegation of North Korean officials paid their respects to late former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. Today’s Birthdays: Former football player Pete Retzlaff is 79. Actor-director Melvin Van Peebles is 78. Playwright Mart Crowley (“The Boys in the Band”) is 75. Singer Kenny Rogers is 72. Actor Clarence Williams III is 71. Rock-androll musician James Burton is 71. Singer Harold Reid (The Statler Brothers) is 71. Singer Jackie DeShannon is 69. Football Hall of Famer Willie Lanier is 65. Thought for Today: “Old age is the most unexpected of all the things that happen to a man.” — Leon Trotsky (1879-1940).
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Sandra Cleays shows her 1983 class ring from Scottsbluff High in Gering, Neb., on Aug. 5. Cleays lost the ring in 1983. She figured it was gone forever. Then, on Aug. 4, she got a call from a stranger who found it and wanted to return it. ous weapons, assault to rape and possession of firearms.
Bear kills caretaker; owner had legal trouble COLUMBIA STATION, Ohio
— A bear attacked and killed its caretaker at the home of a man who kept a menagerie of dangerous, exotic beasts and ran afoul of animal regulators a few years ago by staging wrestling matches between bears and humans. — Compiled from AP reports
SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted. The Zapata Times is free. The Zapata Times is published by the Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, P.O. Box 2129, Laredo, Texas 78044. Phone (956) 728-2500. The Zapata office is at 1309 N. U.S. Hwy. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, Zapata, TX 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes.net
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
Zlocal
PAGE 3A
GRANT WILL HELP COMPLETE WATER LINE
Vans to help veterans get to VA clinics By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Courtesy photo
Zapata County received a $531,041 Community Development Block Grant from the Texas Development of Rural Affairs, on Aug. 10. Zapata County Judge Rosalva Guerra and Zapata County Projects Coordinator Mario Gonzalez-Davis hold a copy of the block grant check. Funds will be used for Phase II of water improvements to the 24-inch main raw water line from the booster pump to the new water plant site. The grant will be used in conjunction with Texas Water Development Board Water Plant loan funds to complete the project.
Swap could help county, Ruiz avoid lawsuit By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
A property trade is expected to resolve a controversial land dispute between the Zapata County and San Ygnacio resident Joel Ruiz. “He made an offer and it is up to the lawyers to settle with Mr. Ruiz.,” said Commissioner Gabriel Villarreal. “We don’t know what’s going to happen.” Earlier this year, the town of San Ygnacio was surveyed for a road pavement project and several county property encroachments were found, including one of Ruiz’s properties. After months of dis-
pute, the county decided to seek legal action against Ruiz. There have not been any admissions of encroachment, but the county is pursuing negotiations with Ruiz, said Juan Cruz, attorney for Zapata County. “It looks positive,” he said. Both parties thought it be best to come up with a solution instead of continue with legal action, Cruz added. Attorney Fortunato Paredes will also be working with Cruz on the case. “I got word that they accepted it, but I haven’t received any paperwork,” Ruiz said, referring to the
trade. According to Vela, Ruiz proposed a property trade to Cruz to avoid litigation and the inconvenience of removing a wall and other property of current tenants. County officials have not designated a specific project for the donated land, but see a range of possibilities and easier access to a cemetery, Vela added. As for the alleged encroaching property, the county would have used it for public access to the lake, a boat ramp or bird sanctuary, officials said. (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557)
Congressman Henry Cuellar secured $1.9 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to purchase seven vans that will transport veterans living in local or rural areas to doctors’ appointments in Laredo or McAllen’s outpatient clinics. Zapata County will be housing one of the seven vans at the county courthouse, Cuellar announced Thursday. “Many times veterans in the area have a hard time finding a ride to their medical appointments and, for many, this can add more stress to their lives,” Cuellar said. “This van will transport veterans to the nearest VA (Veterans Affairs) facility where they receive primary and specialty care services.” The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System worked closely with Cuellar to ensure the vans made it to Zapata and surrounding areas. Cuellar said the van comes at no extra cost to the county as the VA administration will be taking care of regular maintenance and gasoline. The county will be responsible for securing volunteer drivers. The van has been secured and the next step is for the county to recruit volunteers and come up with a schedule for them to work as well as organize several pick up points, said Froy Garza, VA public affairs officer/congressional liaison. Local routes are being developed within 60 miles of the clinics. Anyone interested in volunteering will have to
Photo by Ulysses S. romero | The Zapata Times
The Disable American Veterans van is shown in front of the Zapata County Courthouse during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. apply and need to be physically able to drive, said Ulani M. Levy, chief of voluntary services. “In order for this to work, we have to have volunteers,” Garza said. “At least six drivers are needed,” Levy said. Applications are available at the Veterans Service Office in the county courthouse with Veterans Service Officer Manuel Uribe. For more information, contact Texas Valley
THE BLOTTER ASSAULT Deputies arrested Jose Francisco Cruz, 18, and charged him with assault causing bodily injury at about 11 p.m. Aug. 12 in the 300 block of Falcon Lane. An incident report states that Cruz shot a known female juvenile with an airsoft gun. The man was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail, where he was held in lieu of a $5,000 bond.
BURGLARY Deputies responded to a burglary alarm at about 10:30 p.m. Aug. 12 in the 5200 block of Pascual Lane in the Siesta Shores. An incident report states that someone tried to enter through the north side window.
Deputies say someone broke the window with a rock. A 43-year-old woman reported around 6 p.m. Aug. 13 in the 300 block of Gonzalez Street that unknown people burglarized her black 2007 Chevy Cavalier and stole the stereo. Deputies responded to a residential alarm at about midnight Aug. 13 in the 2100 block of Siesta Lane in the Siesta Shores. Deputies say the unknown offenders stole about $1,000 worth of items, including a lawn mower, fishing rods and reels. A 60-year-old woman reported a burglary of a residence around 8 a.m. Aug. 15 in the 1400 block of Laredo Street. Deputies say an air conditioning unit was taken from the property.
HIT AND RUN Deputies responded to a hitand-run incident around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at the parking lot of Junior’s Drive Inn near the corner of First Street and Texas 16. A 70-year-old man reported that a woman driving a green Expedition struck his vehicle and drove off.
POSSESSION Authorities arrested Erik Cisneros, 20, and charged him with possession of marijuana at about 10:30 p.m. Aug. 15 in the
intersection of Fourth and Miraflores streets. Deputies were dispatched to said intersection for a man urinating in public. An incident report states that deputies approached a brown Chevrolet Malibu and observed a brown blunt wrap and green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Cisneros was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail, where he was held under a $5,000 bond. Sandalio Ramos-Chapa, 41, was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance at about 11 p.m. Monday at a
residence in the intersection of 10th Street and Ramireño Avenue. Deputies also seized 46 foil packets of cocaine and $2,402. The man was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail, where he was held in lieu of $25,000 bond.
THEFT A 19-year-old woman reported around 3:30 a.m. Aug. 12 at the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office that someone stole jewelry from her home. Deputies say the items stolen are valued at $600. Carmen Ramirez - Rathmell, D.D.S.
“Let your smile be a sign of happiness & good health”
1520 Corpus Christi Street Telephone (956) 726-0160
Coastal Bend Health Care System at (956) 430-9339 or VCBVolunteer@va.gov. (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557)
PAGE 4A
Zopinion
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Woman grabs opportunity DORA MARTINEZ
Melissa M. Ramirez is proud to have had the opportunity to live in Zapata all of her life. She is the daughter of Victor and Romelia Martinez and excelled in her studies before graduating in the top 5 percent from Zapata High School in 2002 with high hopes of becoming a speech pathologist. But instead, after graduating from Texas Woman University with a bachelor’s degree, Melissa was presented with an unforeseen opportunity to carry on the legacy that her father-in-law, Santiago Ramirez Jr. started more than 40 years ago. Realizing the importance of helping people prepare for the unexpected and giving peace of mind to the individual, Melissa started working toward becoming an insurance and financial service agent. After days and nights studying, and many exams, Melissa acquired all the licenses and certifications needed. Now she is a Farmers insurance and financial service agent for Ramirez Insurance Agency. Melissa is happily married to Marcos Ramirez and they have two beautiful children, Marcos Jr. and Natalia. Melissa’s husband is also a life-long resident of Zapata. He is a
graduate of Texas A&M International University and is the owner of a local paving and construction company, which has been successful in completing several infrastructure projects. Most of Melissa’s free time is spent at home with her family. Weekends usually consist of cooking a good dinner, watching a movie and playing board games. She also enjoys reading with her son and simply watching her infant daughter explore new things. Recently, Melissa’s new hobby is playing the cello. She said she feels extremely blessed with the life God has provided for her, and it has been much greater than anything she had ever planned. She loves her family and the tight-knit community as well as helping all her customers and getting to know their individual insurance needs. Melissa hopes to continue serving her community for the next 40 years as a Farmers Insurance agent, and one day one of her children will carry on the legacy for another 40 years. (Dora Martinez is a Zapata native who published the Hispanic News in San Antonio for 21 years. She can be reach at the zapatatimes@att.net, (956) 324-1226 or (956) 7655113.)
COLUMN
Tea Party inspires memories By LLEWELLYN KING HEARST NEWSPAPERS
W
ASHINGTON — I should feel quite at home at the tea parties. I was present at the last round of them. It was another country and another time, but the anger was as genuine, the sense of betrayal by the political class was as real, and the idea of an endangered heritage was as painful.
Britain’s empire
COLUMN
Rights and a bad idea By JONATHAN GURWITZ SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
I
f the First Amendment has any meaning, then the backers of the proposed Islamic cultural center — not merely a mosque — have an indisputable constitutional right to go forward with their project near — not at — ground zero. About this, President Obama was completely correct in his initial comments about the subject to a Muslim audience at a White House meal celebrating the end of the daily Ramadan fast. This was not merely a restatement of the obvious. Some opponents of the Cordoba Initiative two blocks from where the World Trade Center once stood expressed disbelief that a New York City commission voted unanimously to approve the project. On what basis? Conservatives who cherish private property rights and the Constitution should be the first to refute the implied abuse of government authority. Whether the project is popular, whether its financing is sufficiently transparent or whether its leader is sufficiently moderate is immaterial to those rights. But if the free speech clause of the First Amendment has any meaning, then opponents of the Cordoba Initiative also have an indisputable right to voice their objection to the project. About this, Obama was also absolutely right, if muddled. A day after his iftar pronouncement about the constitutional propriety of the project, Obama made a distinction between the right to build the Islamic center in lower Manhattan and the wis-
dom of doing so. For this, he was pilloried by liberals for allegedly caving in to Fox News and right-wing bigotry. Just because Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf has the right to build a center for what he calls interfaith tolerance and respect near ground zero, that doesn’t mean he should. Doing so in proximity to a place many Americans regard as an open wound is likely to create enmity. Obama could have done more on this point and deflate the demagoguery in the debate surrounding the Islamic center. He also should do more to promote the notion of tolerance — the ostensible organizing concept of the Cordoba Initiative — and not only to Americans. Americans have, on the whole, demonstrated a remarkable degree of tolerance. If it is true to its purpose, the Cordoba Initiative can play a roleelsewhere. But if Imam Rauf and the supporters who are funding his $100 million project really want to promote tolerance, they should build their centers in Pakistan, where Sufi and Shiite Muslims, Christians and other religious minorities are routinely slaughtered; in Iran, where the government has waged a campaign of oppression, imprisonment and execution against members of the Bahai faith; or in Saudi Arabia, where the profession of any faith other than Islam is outlawed and conversion by a Muslim is punishable by death. Tolerance is a wonderful thing — too wonderful, in fact, for President Obama or Imam Rauf to allow Americans to selfishly keep it to themselves.
Also, then as now, there was a certain disconnect from reality. The place of these tea parties was throughout the dwindling British Empire. There, middle-aged people, who had spread the concept of British exceptionalism and borne World War II, felt everything they had built and fought for was slipping away.
Country’s role What was seen as the terrible leftward drift was opposed virulently by a phalanx of patriotic organizations, but most notably the League of Empire Loyalists, founded in 1954. The Loyalists were good yeomen who loved the Britain they believed had existed and was endangered, along with the position of Britain as the world’s dominant power. They believed in Britain’s special writ to civilize the world,
police it and sometimes settle it. Compared to the militarists of the 18th and 19th centuries, these were soft imperialists but believers nonetheless, held together in a loose federation throughout the British colonies and dominions. In Britain, the Loyalists formed a political bloc on the far right of the Conservative Party. They were on the fringe in Britain, but they were taken seriously in the colonies as a legitimate expression of wide discontent with the decline of British traditions, British leadership in business and British moral authority.
Anti-authority Loyalists inside and outside Britain railed against politicians in London, much as today’s Tea Party activists rail against Washington. In Britain, support for the Loyalists was limited because so much had already changed. The British public had already accepted the dissolution of the empire; after all, its jewel, India, was gone.
Changes Although the Loyalists raged against non-white immigration into Britain, this had not yet been identified by most people as a potential societychanging occurrence. Mainline British Conservatives feared that the leader of the loyalists, Arthur Chesterton, had been
a fascist sympathizer in the 1930s. Even though he had broken with the fascists and written a book about it, he was still suspect.
‘Good old days’ Where I was in Rhodesia, the Loyalists were seen as the hope for saving Britain, of returning her to greatness and somehow turning the clock back to “the good old days,” whenever they were imagined to have been. Many, including my parents, believed the Loyalists would bring about a glorious new Elizabethan era under the young Elizabeth II, who had been crowned a year before the founding of the League of Empire Loyalists.
Right wingers For those outside of the British Isles, the league was back to the future. But in London and across Britain, the Loyalists were just a right-wing pressure group (known in Britain as a “ginger group”), claiming support from a handful of Conservative Members of Parliament but shunned by the Tory leadership.
Comic character In the United Kingdom, they were sidelined as “Colonel Blimps,” a satirical comic figure who ridiculed the conservative middle class and had been
taken up and enshrined in criticism by George Orwell. The League of Empire Loyalists lasted 10 years, but its aspirations were sealed after six years with Prime Minister Harold Macmillan’s “wind of change” speech. The league’s domestic issues — the fight against socialism, the uncontrolled flood of immigrants from Asia and the Caribbean, and the growing power of the unions — were taken up by more sophisticated entities, like The Monday Club, operating inside the Conservative Party.
Similarities There is a limit to the analogy of the Tea Party movement to the Loyalist movement of the 1950s and 1960s. But the people are eerily the same. They share a decency, the sense of being let down and the feeling that something has to be done.
Empire’s gone In the British case, nothing was done until Margaret Thatcher much later addressed some of the concerns of the Loyalists (unions, state ownership, immigration and global stature). She did not bring back the empire, but she did make the Brits feel a lot better about not having it anymore. Who will do that for the good people of the Tea Party movement?
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Zapata Times does not publish anonymous letters. To be published, letters must include the writer’s first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The
phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication. We want to assure our
readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the letter. The Zapata Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms. Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-call-
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
ing or gratuitous abuse is allowed. Via e-mail, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A
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Zentertainment
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
Latin Lover headlines Saturday’s lucha libre By EMILIO RÁBAGO III THE ZAPATA TIMES
The excitement and high-flying action of Mexican lucha libre is returning to Laredo Saturday. In the same week that former Major League Baseball slugger Jose Canseco made his debut with the Laredo Broncos, Veterans Field will host other big names — in the lucha libre realm, at least.
Scheduled to appear at Saturday’s event are several well known wrestlers who play the part of Chippendale dancers, entertaining the ladies in the crowd. Dubbed “solo para mujeres,” or “for women only,” the wrestling matches will feature one of Mexico’s most recognizable names, Latin Lover. Born Victor Manuel Resendiz Ruiz, Latin Lover has been a professional wrestler
worldwide for almost two decades. The Monterrey native is also an actor, and in 2005 won the “Bailando Por Un Sueño” competition along with his partner, Mariana Vallejo Isrrade. The victory made the wrestler even more famous, prompting his return to wrestling in 2008 after retiring due to injury in 2006.
Featured matches Latin Lover has wrestled with many organizations, including the AAA, WWE (then World Wrestling Federation) and the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre and has been world champion in many divisions. He will tag-team with Marco Corleone and Intocable for a three-on-three match against L.A. Park,
Pirata Morgan and Lizmark Jr. Other featured bouts include Histeria, Psicosis and Alebrije against Oriental, Charly Manson and Mr. Aguila; La Super Parka, H. de Dr. Wagner, El Angel Blanco and Athor against H. de L.A. Park, Olimpico, Corazon de Barrio and Asterisco Jr. Also at the event will be Rossy Moreno, Esther Moreno, Cinthia Moreno, Diabolica,
Tiffany and Sexi Flor. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for kids 9 and under, and $10-$15 presale; door prices are $15$20. Front row admission is $30, but are limited. Tickets are available at all Danny’s restaurants and Tortamex, as well as the Veterans Field box office the day of show. (Emilio Rabago III may be reached at 728-2564 or erabago@lmtonline.com)
Photo by Las Vegas News Bureau/Darrin Bush | AP
Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez, from Venezuela, poses with Miss Universe pageant contestants next to the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign on the Las Vegas Strip in this Wednesday, Aug. 11 photo. The pageant airs Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC and Telemundo.
New Miss Universe gets crown Monday By OSKAR GARCIA ASSOCIATED PRESS
LAS VEGAS — Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez says it’s clear in her mind who’ll replace her as the world’s top beauty queen. “I have my five favorites but I can’t tell you. I’ll tell you August 24,” one day after the Miss Universe pageant, Fernandez said Monday. “It’s a secret.” But when asked whether she thought the competition was close or clear, Fernandez said: “It’s clear.” Fernandez, of Venezuela, won last year at age 18. It was Venezuela’s second straight and sixth overall win since the pageant started in 1952. Fernandez said at a gathering of more than 20 Latina contenders that Hispanic women are always a threat to win because they work hard to look good. She said in Venezuela, girls prepare for Miss Universe by taking classes to learn English, public speaking and how to properly put on makeup. Each of 83 contestants won their national competition to make Miss Universe. The two-hour pageant coowned by NBC and Donald Trump is scheduled for
Aug. 23 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, hosted by rocker Bret Michaels and NBC news correspondent Natalie Morales. Contestants will compete in swimsuit, evening gown and interview competitions, with the show aired in roughly 190 countries. Miss Great Britain Tara Vaitiere Hoyos said she thinks the competition will come down to someone making an unexpected run the night of the show. “I think this year, it’s extremely close. You could think you have your top 15 but there’s some people that will shine in different areas that will definitely surprise you,” the 20-year-old said. “With nerves and everything in dresses — just little different factors included — I don’t think you can know until the final day.” Hoyos said late nights, pageant officials and issues back home can take their toll on competitors, so the girls have to lean on one another to make it through the one-of-a-kind experience. Miss Haiti Sarodj Bertin said she thinks the competition is tough. “It’s a very hard competition. All the girls are so different, but all of them shine in their way,” said Bertin, 23.
File photo by Nicole Frugé | San Antonio Express-News
Three Dog Night lead singer Danny Hutton and his band perform with the San Antonio Symphony at the Majestic Theater in downtown San Antonio in this February 2005 photo. The band will play at the Laredo Energy Arena on Wednesday for the Empty Bowls IV fundraiser. Tickets are still available.
Three Dog Night concert Wednesday THE ZAPATA TIMES
The South Texas Food Bank and the Laredo Energy Arena are hosting Empty Bowls IV, a fundraiser for the food bank on Wednesday. The event will feature a sit-down dinner for its sponsors, honor Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, for her contributions in the fight against hunger, and a concert by 1970s hit machine Three Dog Night. According to the band’s website, Three Dog Night was the most popular rock band in America during the early ’70s, with 21 consecutive Top 40 hits and 12 straight Gold LPs. By late 1975, they had sold nearly 50 million records. Founding members Cory Wells and Danny Hutton on lead vocals, keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon, guitarist Michael Allsup, bass player Paul Kingery and dummer Pat Bautz are still
touring the United States. The band’s No. 1 hits include “Mama Told Me (Not To Come),” “Joy to The World” and “Black And White.” They’ve been around since 1969. Tickets are $15-$35 and they are available at the LEA box office, Ticketmaster.com or at the South Texas Food Bank, located at 1907 Freight at Riverside. Arena officials expect anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000 people, similar to last year’s attendance numbers.
The art part Nearly 50 artists from Laredo and the surrounding area have participated in creating bowls — actually, painting them with their unique touch. The artists’ bowls will be sold in a silent auction the night of Empty Bowls IV. Artists that participated
this year include Armando Hinojosa, Daniel Maltzman, Julio Mendez, Debbie Goldberg, Ymelda Salas, Sylvia DeLeon, Nicole Foran, Joe Olivares, Alex Garza, Maru Portillo, J. R. Alexander, Olivia de la Garza, Jason Martinez, Robert Garcia, Alejandra Garza, Diego Diaz, Mary Bausman, Denise Rodriguez, Maria Sierra and Martha Santos. Also, Hilda Rubio, Martin Cantu, Miki Rodriguez, Blanca Pena, Jorge Rojas, Silke Gage, Selika de los Santos, Delta Garcia, Olga Cardenas, Andrea Lozano, Enrique Botello, Sharon Cruz, Carlos Rene Ramirez Jr., Ana Garcia, Zaira Romero, Linda LaMantia, Alicia Gonzalez, Tony Figueroa Jr., Ana Laura de la Garza, Jessica Diez Barroso, Eva Raymond, Arturo Nochebuena, Christina Castillon, Jose Luiz Aun and Patty Goldberg.
Celebrity bowls There are even collectable bowls autographed by celebrities such as Rihanna, T.I., Ke$ha, Chicago, Foreigner, Intocable, Three Dog Night, Daddy Yankee, George Lopez, Carlos Mencia, David Spade, Lisa Kudrow and Mayor Raul Salinas. Also, sports personalities Chad Hennings, Roy Williams, Bill Bates, Freddie Benavides and coach Terry Ruskowski. Of course, they will be available for purchase. “A fact from Empty Bowls III last year: Mayor Salinas’ bowl outsold a bowl signed by Enrique Iglesias,” said Pancho Farias, of the South Texas Food Bank. The food bank serves 21,000 families, 6,000-plus elderly and 6,000-plus children per month. For more information, call the South Texas Food Bank 726-3120.
SÁBADO 21 DE AGOSTO DE 2010
Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 21 DE AGOSTO NUEVO LAREDO — Festival Infantil “Cultura Azteca” presenta actividades y textos sobre la Cultura Azteca con la Tía Por Qué a las 4 p.m. en Estación Palabra. Entrada libre. NUEVO LAREDO — Cine Club Infantil presenta “El Rey León 3: Hakuna Matata” a las 3:30 p.m. en Estación Palabra. Entrada libre. NUEVO LAREDO — En Sábados Infantiles se presenta “Observo, Pinto y Siento” en celebración del nacimiento de Rufino Tamayo a las 4 p.m. en el Museo Reyes Meza. Entrada libre.
DOMINGO 22 DE AGOSTO NUEVO LAREDO — El Grupo Expresión se presenta con “Cero Iván Tres” a las 7 p.m. en el Teatro Lucio Blanco de la Casa de la Cultura. Entrada Libre. NUEVO LAREDO — En el marco de Domingos Familiares se presenta “Te Cuento una Historia: Nuestras Leyendas ‘La Llorona’” a las 4 p.m. en el Museo de Historia Natual. Entrada libre.
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PÁGINA 7A
Entidad reactivará al turismo TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Ha sido un año difícil para Tamaulipas. El verano, una época que permitía recibir a turistas y visitantes del país y el extranjero no atrajo la cantidad de personas estimadas por el Gobierno de Tamaulipas. Pero en el último año diversos factores como la contingencia sanitaria, la coyuntura económica, las cuestiones de seguridad en el país y el Huracán Alex provocaron un decremento significativo tanto en los índices de ocupación, estancias y derrama económica, indica un comunicado de prensa del gobierno del Estado. Aunque aún no se dan a conocer cifras totales, autoridades han empezo a analizar nuevas estrategias para promocionar a la entidad a nivel nacional e internacional, con el objetivo de “fortalecer la imagen de nuestro estado, recuperar los niveles de ocupación para vacacionar”, agrega el comunicado. Con este objetivo, la semana pasada se reunieron en Ciudad Victoria empresarios del sector hotelero. Asistieron los representantes de las cinco zonas del estado: de Nuevo Laredo Santos Jiménez Alejan-
“
Es una urgencia diseñar y realizar una campaña de promoción que mejore la imagen del país en el mundo”.
de las zonas afectadas. “La afectación económica, igualmente, ha impactado en una reducción en el flujo de inversión extranjera, por lo que es una urgencia diseñar y realizar una campaña de promoción que mejore la imagen del país en el mundo”, dijo Hernández.
GOBERNADOR DE TAMAULIPAS, EUGENIO HERNÁNDEZ FLORES
Ideas dro, de Tampico Sergio Maldonado Pumarejo, de Victoria Don Antonio Carcur Carcur, de Matamoros Manuel Villanueva Leegi; de Reynosa Omar Elizondo García; el Director General de Promoción Hugo Garza Gómez y la Directora de Fideicomisos de la Secretaria de Turismo Angélica Plascencia Valadez. “(Estamos) unidos para seguir avanzando, ir por los mercados perdidos para poder enfrentar las circunstancias que inhiben nuestra actividad”, dijo Elizondo. Los inversionistas, reunidos con el Secretario de Turismo de Tamaulipas Javier Villarreal Terán, reafirmaron su apoyo en las acciones de Gobierno para tener un estado “competitivo, económico y familiar” y “evaluaron además los índices de ocupación y expectativas del sector”.
Villarreal dijo que se continuará brindado apoyo al sector hotelero.
Papel de la delincuencia La semana pasada, durante el “Diálogo por la Seguridad, Evaluación y Fortalecimiento” con el Presidente Felipe Calderón, el Gobernador Eugenio Hernández Flores aceptó que la delincuencia les ha afectado también. Dijo que no solamente al turismo, sino también a la actividad agropecuaria y a la industria, “al grado tal que ha habido ciudades que han quedado paralizadas por los hechos violentos que en ellas han tenido lugar”. Hernández pidió al Gobierno Federal inyectar recursos adicionales para reactivar la economía
En Matamoros, Villanueva dijo que unas acciones implementadas esta semana son el Tour de visitadas guiadas por la ciudad que comprende, el Centro Histórico, monumentos, sitios de interés, Playa Bagdad y puerto El Mezquital. En Tampico, Maldonado explicó que se pondría en marcha un plan de promoción tanto en México como en EU en el que personajes reconocidos destaquen los atractivos y las bondades de la zona. Otras formas de promoción incluirán reforzar la participación en las distintas ferias turísticas nacionales e internacionales, colocación de espectaculares en diferentes estados del país, revistas y publicaciones especializadas, campañas de relaciones públicas, el mejoramiento de la infraestructura existente, entre otras.
LUNES 23 DE AGOSTO NUEVO LAREDO — “Leer por Rebeldía” una sesión de lectura con Mau Pasta, Edgar Alan Poe, Marqués de Sade y Charles Bukowslo a las 6 p.m. en Estación Palabra. Entrada libre.
MARTES 24 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — La WBCA tendrá la develación de su Poster Oficial de la Celebración 114 a las 6 p.m. en el Laredo Center for the Arts. NUEVO LAREDO — Cineclub “Emilio Fernández” presenta “El Monstruo de la Laguna Negra” a las 7 p.m. en el Teatro Lucio Blanco de la Casa de la Cultura. Entrada libre.
MIÉRCOLES 25 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — Hoy es la campaña de recaudación de fondos “Empty Bowls” que organiza el Banco de Alimentos del Sur de Texas y la Laredo Energy Arena, con la presentación de Three Dog Night. Adquiera sus boletos por 15, 25 y 30 dólares, a través de Ticketmaster y la Taquilla de LEA.
SÁBADO 28 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — El Concilio 14 de los LULAC presenta su tercer evento anual de Football Kick-Off Tailgating CookOff el día de hoy de 10 a.m. a 11 p.m. en El Metro Park and Ride. El evento presentará una competencia de cocina en categorías de: fajitas, costillitas, brisket sin hueso y costillas babyback. También habrá un concurso sobre comer steak. La entrada es de 3 dólares por adulto. Las ganancias beneficiarán a las becas de LULAC No. 14 y fondos necesarios para la comunidad en general. LAREDO — La Conferencia de la Asociación de Enfermería Avanzada de Laredo es hoy en el Embassy Suites, 110 Calle Del Norte, de 7:30 a.m. a 4:15 p.m. Más información con Dolores V. Rodriguez al 740-4574.
VIERNES 3 DE SEPTIEMBRE LAREDO — La Generación 1975 de Martin High School tendrá su 35ta reunión el día de hoy y el sábado. Más información con Yolanda Robinson al 286-4627 ó Marisela Cervantes al 7751023.
SÁBADO 4 DE SEPTIEMBRE LAREDO — Se llevará a cabo una venta de libros en la Widener Room de la First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave., de 8:30 a.m. a 1 p.m. La entrada es gratuita. También se acepta la donación de libros y revistas. — Tiempo de Zapata
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
En el marco de la conmemoración del Bicentenario de la Independencia, y del Centenario de la Revolución, el Gobierno de Tamaulipas a través del Sistema DIF Estatal, hizo entrega de la medalla Abuelo Centenario a 180 adultos mayores que superan los 100 años de edad. En la gráfica, el Gobernador Eugenio Hernández Flores y su esposa, Sra. Adriana González de Hernández, acompañan a un grupo de abuelitos festejados.
Reconocen y premian a 70 ‘Abuelos Centenarios’ TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
CD. VICTORIA, México — En el marco de la celebración del Bicentenario de la Independencia de México y del Centenario de la Revolución Mexicana, el Gobierno de Tamaulipas y el Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) reconocieron a 70 adultos mayores de todo el Estado como el “Abuelo Centenario”, el 12 de agosto. “Durante más de cinco años, hemos atravesado por múltiples adversidades, como son económicas, naturales y sociales, pero en ningún momento hemos dejado de trabajar por los abuelitos”, dijo el gobernador de Tamaulipas Eugenio Hernández Flores. “Llegar a este momento de vida, es sin duda todo un privilegio”, dijo él. “Primero, porque
llegan con lucidez, con ánimo y con un corazón joven y segundo, porque llegan, orgullosamente, como un homenaje a la vida, toda vez que todos ellos han vivido de cerca los últimos capítulos de nuestra historia contemporánea”. En el evento participó la Primera Dama Adriana González de Hernández haciendo entrega de la medalla conmemorativa mediante la cual se hizo un público reconocimiento a los abuelitos tamaulipecos que cuentan con 100 o más años de edad. Hernández precisó que los abuelitos son una prioridad por lo que han hecho y porque “la pirámide poblacional esta girando y en un momento de esta década que inicia, los adultos mayores serán más que los niños menores de cinco años”. Durante el evento, el titular del Ejecutivo
Estatal manifestó su beneplácito por la realización de este encuentro realizado en el marco de los 200 años de vida independiente y 100 años de la revolución, ya que es la ocasión propicia para homenajear a quienes presenciaron sucesos que marcaron nuestra historia regional y la evolución del México moderno. “Ustedes fueron testigos de cómo los mexicanos y los tamaulipecos se levantaron contra la tiranía, alzaron su voz y cambiaron circunstancias del destino, así como de la reconstrucción de la vida nacional, la época de desarrollo estabilizador y el periodo del milagro mexicano, que se prolongó hasta los años setenta del siglo pasado, de tal forma que ustedes son un ejemplo y una razón para seguir proyectando al Tamaulipas del siglo 21”, concluyó.
Será obligatorio presentar receta médica Se controlará a pacientes y farmacias POR MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV
En Tamaulipas existen 2,400 farmacias y la Secretaría de Salud se encuentra verificando que se evite la comercialización de antibióticos sin receta médica.
TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
NUEVO LAREDO — Si Usted es de los pacientes que se automedican antibióticos para todo tipo de infecciones, la Jurisdicción Sanitaria No. V advierte que a partir del lunes ya no podrá tener acceso a 2,000 de estos medicamentos sin antes contar con una receta médica. Y si alguna farmacia llegara a ignorar la restricción, entonces (el negocio) será sujeto a multas que van de 1.000 a 2.000 salarios mínimos. “El objetivo es evitar resistencias bacterianas que provoca el automedicarse”, dijo el Jefe de la Jurisdicción Dr. Jaime Gutiérrez
Serrano. “Debemos cambiar de hábitos”. Agregó que se desconoce cuál será el impacto social de la medida. En Tamaulipas existen 2,400 farmacias y la Secretaría de Salud se encuentra verificando que se evite la comercialización de antibióticos sin receta médica. El Comisionado Estatal de Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COEPRIS), Roberto Hernández Báez, explicó que los 2,055 antibióticos que fueron publicados por la Comisión Federal de Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS) para que comerciali-
cen con receta médica, se prescriben para proteger las enfermedades digestivas, respiratorias y de otro tipo, siempre y cuando sean prescritas por un médico e incluso por dermatólogo cuando son de uso oral o inyectable; y las presentaciones cutáneas, oftálmicas, nasales, óticas, óvulos vaginales y supositorios, no requerirán de receta médica para su comercialización. Ante el nuevo esquema, empleados de farmacias locales han estado siendo capacitados. “(Advierten) que si desobedeciéramos entonces habría sanciones económicas”, dijo un emplea-
do en la Farmacia Calderón. “Pero también podríamos perder el empleo”. Ahora la venta se regirá basada en una bitácora, porque los empleados de farmacias anotarán en hojas oficiales a quién le expidieron qué tipo de medicamento, y recetado por cuál doctor. Las sanciones administrativas y económicas podrían superar los 880 mil pesos. Una lista completa de los medicamentos considerados en la Fracción IV del Artículo 226 de la Ley General de Salud se pueden encontrar en el portal electrónico de Internet de la COFEPRIS.
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
The Transportation Department’s mission is to transport students to and from school and on extracurricular activities on the safest way possible. It is our concern to provide a secure and efficient service for all eligible students. The Transportation Department will have some changes for this fiscal year 2010-2011 on the school routes due to the new school boundaries. Eligible students: • Reside 2 miles away from their campus • Reside on a hazardous area (need to cross a 5 lane Highway) Students that have transferred from one campus to another will not be eligible for transportation. Stops have been created for all eligible areas in Zapata and surrounding areas. • Students from Pre-k3 thru 5th grade will ride together on the Elementary routes • Pre-k3 routes will run: am route; mid day route; pm route; all three routes will be assigned to the same stops as other grade levels • Students from 6th grade thru 12th grade will ride together on the Secondary routes • All eligible students regardless of grade level will be pick up and drop off at the assigned bus stops • Students need to be on the bus stops 5 minutes before pick up time. For information on times, please call the Transportation Department. A reminder to all students: • No cell phones are allowed inside a school bus • Any loose items need to be inside a backpack • No food and drinks are allowed inside a school bus • Students please follow the 10 rules posted inside the school bus We ask for students and parents cooperation. Thank you. For any questions regarding Transportation, please feel to call our office: 956-765-9786 or Patricia A. Gonzalez, Supervisor at 956-847-6703
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A
La misión del departamento de Transportación es transportar estudiantes de y para la escuela además de actividades extras, con la mejor seguridad posible. Nuestro mayor deber es dar un seguro y eficiente servicio a los estudiantes que son elegibles para transportación Este ano escolar 2010-2011 se efectuaran cambios de rutas debido a las nuevas áreas escolares. Estudiantes elegibles: • Vivir 2 millas de retirado del campo escolar • Vivir en una área peligrosa (cruzar un camino grande de 5 carriles) Estudiantes que han requerido un cambio de campo escolar no serán elegibles para transportación. Se han asignado paradas para el autobús escolar en Zapata y áreas vecinas. • Estudiantes de Pre-k3 a 5to grado irán juntos en el autobús de escolar elemental • Las rutas de Pre-k3 van a correr: ruta AM; ruta de media día; ruta PM; todas estas rutas serán asignadas a las mismas paradas igual que los otros grados. • Estudiantes de 6to a 12e grado irán juntos en el autobús de esco lar secundario • Todos los estudiantes elegibles a pesar de grado se les va levan tar y dejar en la parada asignada • Estudiantes necesitan estar en las paradas del autobús 5 minutos antes del tiempo regular de la parada. Para mas información sobre los tiempos de las paradas, por favor llame a el departamento de Transportación. Un recordatorio para todo estudiante: • No se permiten teléfonos celulares dentro de un autobús escolar • Artículos sueltos necesitan estar dentro de la mochila • No se permite comida o bebidas dentro de un autobús escolar • Estudiantes por favor sigan las 10 reglas que están anunciadas dentro del autobús Pedimos a los estudiantes y los padres su cooperación. Muchas Gracias. Para alguna pregunta de Transportación, por favor llame a nuestra oficina: 956-765-9786 o a Patricia A. González, Supervisora al 956-8476703
10A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES 11A
SCHOOL Continued from Page 1A According to ZMS staff, during training they are introduced to a variety of activities to apply in the classroom to strengthen the sense of community with in the schools. Last week, as teachers attended the last conference and completed required training, they got busy cleaning and began setting up their classrooms. “The process is very tedious to clean and I’ve had my parents, husband, and co-workers help me,” Olivarez said. In the midst of an extensive preparation process, the district also held a big rally last week in the community center for faculty and staff in celebration of some schools and district receiving a “recognized” status by the Texas Education Agency.
“
The ZCISD recognized rating was the result of the synergy present in all schools.” INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT NORMA GARCIA, PH. D.
“The ZCISD recognized rating was the result of the synergy present in all schools,” said Interim Superintendent Norma Garcia, Ph. D. In addition, the reconfiguration of the elementary schools has been completed and was intended to mirror as close to a "neighborhood schools" model as possible, like AL Benavides has, Garcia said. “They have consistently been successful. The family/school relationships
that are built through the years are a very positive factor that contributes to the success of children,” she said. ZMS is still going through some major renovations and the staff has been temporarily placed in an older school building since last fall. The transfer date to the new building is still unknown, Olivarez said. (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557)
DUTIES Continued from Page 1A for certain purposes such as county employee information, Guerra said. “The intentions are not for any wrongdoing but to be able to acquire certain information and make certain types of decisions. I do not believe that only one person should be authorized,” she said. “I do not have anything against Mr. Salinas. I wish him well. There are more important issues for me to worry about.” Guerra described instances where about three years ago when she and the personnel director were attempting to acquire information on county employees with the potential to retire and possibly offer them incentives to do so. The personnel director should be the one respon-
Guerra described instances where about three years ago when she and the personnel director were attempting to acquire information on county employees with the potential to retire and possibly offer them incentives to do so. sible for acquiring this type of information, she added. After asking the retirement agency for information on those potential retirees, they were told only the county treasurer was authorized. A minimum of two people should be authorized to acquire personnel, insurance, telephone, and elec-
tric bill information, Guerra said. “The museum does not have the telephone system as of yet because we are not authorized to do so,” she said. “This is embarrassing, especially for a county judge.” (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557)
COUNTY Continued from Page 1A mendations, and/or suggestions to the proposed budget. The second hearing will be held Sept. 1. According to Guerra, the proposed budget is available for anyone, including the commissioners, to review. Each department was asked to cut 20 percent of its budget and the commissioners will then review the budgets and decide whether further cuts need to be made, said Commissioner Jose E. Vela. “If we are not satisfied with this budget, then we can amend the budget at the time of adoption,”
Guerra said. According to Vela, the commissioners will not be micromanaging the departments and are only asking they follow the instructions to reduce 20 percent of their budget where they possibly can. The county has maintained a 73 cents tax rate over the last five years and, since the news of the shortfall, the effective tax rate has been set at 83 cents for next year’s budget. Raising the tax rate has become an option, despite previous comments made by commissioners to make more budget cuts without having
taxpayers pay more taxes. A higher tax rate will affect everyone, especially businesses in the county, Vela said. According to Commissioner Eddie Martinez, commissioners are now considering a combination of additional budget cuts and a possible 2- or 3-cent increase in the tax rate. “Raising taxes means that additions to the proposed budget will be made. The amount will depend on what is being added,” Guerra said. (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956) 7282557)
GRANT Continued from Page 1A non-educated. This disease also knows no social barriers, as both the poor and the wealthy have been afflicted by this disease.” Over the next five years, the grant will allow STCADA to test 2,500 high-risk individuals, educate 7,500 participants to prevent HIV infections as a result of unprotected sex, and educate 500 homosexual men in order to prevent HIV infection, said Carlos V. Rodriguez,
STCADA director of HIV programs. STCADA also plans to link HIV positive clients to medical care, social services, and support and increase awareness of the importance of being tested, he added. According to Rodriguez, STCADA will continue to advocate for routine HIV testing among the community and intends to enhance the referral system among the agencies already working
to decrease the HIV infections in Webb County. STCADA’s ultimate goal is to contribute to behavioral and social change regarding the risks of HIV infections, train key players in the community to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and decrease the amount of unaware HIV positive individuals, Rodriguez said. (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956) 728-2557)
ZAPATA COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011 The Commissioners Court of Zapata County will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2010-2011. Date: August 26, 2010 Place: Commissioners Courtroom County Courthouse 200 East 7th Avenue Zapata, Texas Time: 9:00 A.M. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. Rosalva Guerra Zapata County Judge
12A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
Photo by Reed Saxon | AP
A sign warns customers of the recall of certain lots of eggs that had been previously sold at a supermarket in Los Angeles, on Thursday. Some 380 million eggs are being recalled in several states due to possible salmonella contamination in a case suspected to have caused hundreds of illnesses. No eggs on the shelf at this store were affected by the recall.
Recall expands to more than half a billion eggs By MARY CLARE JALONICK ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — More than a half-billion eggs have been recalled in the nationwide investigation of a salmonella outbreak that Friday expanded to include a second Iowa farm. The outbreak has already sickened more than 1,000 people and the toll of illnesses is expected to increase. Iowa’s Hillandale Farms said Friday it was recalling more than 170 million eggs after laboratory tests confirmed salmonella. The company did not say if its action was connected to the recall by Wright County Egg, another Iowa farm that recalled 380 million eggs earlier this week. The latest recall puts the total number of potentially tainted eggs at about 550 million. FDA spokeswoman Pat El-Hinnawy said the two recalls are related. The strain of salmonella bacteria causing the poisoning is the same in both cases, salmonella enteritidis. Federal officials say it’s one of the largest egg recalls in recent history. Americans consume about 220 million eggs a day, based on industry estimates. Iowa is the leading egg producing state. The eggs recalled Friday were distributed under the brand names Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms, Sun-
ny Meadow, Wholesome Farms and West Creek. The new recall applies to eggs sold between April and August. Hillandale said the eggs were distributed to grocery distribution centers, retail groceries and food service companies which service or are located in fourteen states, including Arkansas, California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Thoroughly cooking eggs can kill the bacteria. But health officials are recommending people throw away or return the recalled eggs. A food safety expert at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., said the source of the outbreak could be rodents, shipments of contaminated hens, or tainted feed. Microbiology professor Patrick McDonough said he was not surprised to hear about two recalls involving different egg companies, because in other outbreaks there have also been multiple sources. Both plants could have a rodent problem, or both plants could have gotten hens that were already infected, or feed that was contaminated. “You need biosecurity of the hen house, you want a rodent control program and you want to have hens put into that environment
People donate to reward fund By CAROLYN THOMPSON ASSOCIATED PRESS
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The funeral for two of the victims of a shooting in Buffalo turned into a fundraiser Friday, with religious leaders and mourners contributing to a reward for information leading police to the gunman. The Rev. Darius Pridgen and his True Bethel Baptist Church started the fund with $4,000 during the joint services for Shawn-Tia McNeil, 27, and her 32-year-old cousin, Tiffany Wilhite. Other pastors, two funeral home owners and a host of people from the packed pews came forward past the cousins’ white caskets and swelled the amount to around $20,000. With some donors waving credit cards, Pridgen instructed staffers to bring out the church’s card machine to take donations. “If we could take food stamps I would, too!” said the fired-up pastor, who said the outpouring was unexpected and unplanned. McNeil and Wilhite were among eight people shot, four fatally, outside the City Grill about 2:30 a.m. Saturday after managers, fearful trouble was starting, closed the crowded restaurant and made patrons leave. Police believe more than 100 people
were nearby when someone opened fire on the crowd, but witnesses have been reluctant to come forward. “Somebody knows something,” Pridgen said in announcing the reward. On Thursday, a 25-yearold man reportedly wanted for questioning about the shooting was arrested on charges unrelated to the attack. Police spokesman Michael DeGeorge confirmed Friday that Steven Talley was arrested on charges of burglary and unlawful imprisonment, but DeGeorge declined to comment on a Buffalo News report that said police wanted to question Talley about the gunfire outside City Grill. The news report, which cited unidentified law enforcement sources, said police believe Talley was at the shooting scene. Telephone listings for Talley or relatives could not be located Friday. Meanwhile, police asked witnesses to “exercise the courage to come forward and contact the police and help us solve this case.” Of the four men wounded, one remained hospitalized Friday. Demario Vass, 30, was in critical condition. Friday’s funerals marked the second of three days of services for the dead.
that are salmonella free,” McDonough said. The salmonella bacteria is not passed from hen to hen, but usually from rodent droppings to chickens, he added. This strain of bacteria is found inside a chicken’s ovaries, and gets inside an egg. CDC officials said Thursday that the number of illnesses related to the outbreak is expected to grow. That’s because illnesses occurring after midJuly may not be reported yet, said Dr. Christopher Braden, an epidemiologist with the federal Centers for Disease Control. Almost 2,000 illnesses from the strain of salmonella linked to both recalls were reported between May and July, almost 1,300 more than usual, Braden said. No deaths have been reported. The CDC is continuing to receive information from state health departments as people report their illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonella are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within eight hours to 72 hours of eating a contaminated product. It can be lifethreatening, especially to those with weakened immune systems. The form of salmonella tied to the outbreak can be passed from chickens that appear healthy. And it grows inside eggs, not just on the shell, Braden noted.
Burned men unaware of gas leak By BETSY BLANEY ASSOCIATED PRESS
LUBBOCK, Texas — Two men critically burned in a West Texas oil field accident didn’t know natural gas was leaking around the well and were engulfed by flames after a fireball erupted. The men, who work for Midland-based Basic Energy Services, Inc., an oil field services company, were at the well in a support capacity, Martin County Sheriff John Woodward said. The worst burns were on their faces and hands, he said, and they remained in critical condition at a Lubbock hospital. “These poor guys, they were in tough shape,” Woodward said. “They’re holding their own. They got out of there alive. That bumps them up” in their chances to recover. The men were identified as Abel Garcia and Fernando Zamora. Both are in their early 30s and live in the area, Woodward said. Investigators believe the natural gas leaked from equipment around the well, but haven’t yet pinpointed the spot, Woodward said. The gas got sucked into the engine air intake of a vehicle running at the well near Ackerly. The natural gas vapor ignited and the men were engulfed by flames.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors VOLLEYBALL
MLB
Lady Hawks enjoying hot pre-season
Clemens to fight
By CLARA SANDOVAL ZAPATA TIMES
The Zapata volleyball team continued to roll through its pre-season schedule with an impressive 4-1 record, with its only loss coming in the season opener against Nixon. This morning, the Lady Hawks are playing at the Port Isabel tournament after finishing pool play with San Isidro, Lyford, Santa Rosa and Valley View. “The P.I. tournament will be a good test to see where we stand,” Zapata coach Rosie Villarreal said. Twenty teams will participate in the tournament. On Tuesday night, the Lady Hawks picked up their fourth win, against United South on the road. Brandi King and company played at another level and came away with a hard-earned victory, 28-
“
The P.I. tournament will be a good test to see where we stand.” ROSIE VILLARREAL, ZAPATA COACH
26, 25-22, 22-25, 25-18 over the Lady Panthers. The Lady Hawk offense, behind King, looked like a well-oiled machine that kept the United South defense busy all night long. “The girls did well and it was coming down to who made the least mistakes,” Zapata coach Rosie Villarreal said. “Our offense looked well but we still need to work on our
See VOLLEYBALL PAGE 2B
CYCLING
Faced with perjury By PETE YOST ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — A federal grand jury’s indictment of pitching great Roger Clemens for allegedly lying to Congress about his use of steroids deals a further blow to baseball, reinforcing the game’s image as a sport where the use of performance enhancing drugs was widespread. The six-count indictment alleges that one of the most dominant pitchers of his era obstructed a congressional inquiry with 15 different statements made under oath, including denials that he had ever used steroids or human growth hormone. As he did when he testified to a House committee in 2008, the seven-time Cy Young winner denied using the substances again Thursday and said he will fight to clear his name. “I never took HGH or Steroids. And I did not lie to Congress,” Clemens said on Twitter. “I look forward to challenging the Governments accusations, and hope people will keep an open mind
Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais | AP
This Feb. 13, 2008, file photo shows former New York Yankees baseball pitcher Roger Clemens testifying before the House Oversight, and Government Reform Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. The New York Times reported on its website Thursday that federal authorities have decided to indict Roger Clemens on charges of making false statements to Congress about his use of performanceenhancing drugs. Clemens and his former trainer, Brian McNamee, testified under oath at a hearing before a House committee and contradicted each other about whether Clemens had used the banned substances. until trial. I appreciate all the support I have been getting. I am happy to finally have my day in court.” Clemens is just the latest superstar to be ensnared in baseball’s steroid scandal. All-time home run king Barry Bonds is scheduled to go on trial in March on
charges of lying to a federal grand jury when he said he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs. Slugger Mark McGwire admitted earlier this year to using steroids. Clemens, who turned 48 this month, ranks ninth on the career list with 354 victories and
was an 11-time All-Star. During a 23-year career that ended in 2007, he played for the Boston Red Sox, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees and the Houston Astros and struck out 4,672 with a lifetime 3.12 ERA. The rampant use of
See CLEMENS PAGE 2B
NFL
COWBOYS O-LINE IS CAUSE O’ CONCERN Wade Phillips running low on starters By JAIME ARON ASSOCIATED PRESS Photo by Laurent Rebours | AP
In this July 3, 2010 file photo, seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong strains to take a fourth place during the prologue of the Tour de France in Rotterdam, Netherlands. International cycling union chief Pat McQuaid told The Associated Press on the sidelines of the Youth Olympic Games on Tuesday that neither the U.S. federal authorities nor Interpol have asked for anything from the UCI. Investigators have contacted sponsors and reportedly former teammates of Armstrong.
Armstrong hires former W.H. counsel By NANCY KERCHEVAL ASSOCIATED PRESS
Lance Armstrong, facing a federal investigation of alleged doping, hired former White House special counsel Mark Fabiani. Fabiani, 53, said he has been working since July with the cyclists team, headed by Los Angeles at-
torney Bryan Daly. Fabiani, based in La Jolla, California, advised former President Bill Clinton on political, media and legal responses to the Whitewater scandal. The U.S. Attorneys office in Los Angeles is investigating allegations by
See ARMSTRONG PAGE 2B
Photo by LM Otero | AP
Oakland Raiders line backer Trevor Scott forces a fumble by Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Tony Romo (9) during the first quarter of the preseason NFL game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Aug. 12, 2010.
OXNARD, Calif. — On the opening drive of their last preseason game, the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line missed enough blocks to get Tony Romo sacked three times. Now the Cowboys are about to face a San Diego defense that just blitzed Chicago so often and so well that the Bears pulled starter Jay Cutler earlier than they’d planned. And Dallas will play the Chargers on Saturday night with two backups starting on the offensive line. “I stayed up all night and worried about Romo,” coach Wade Phillips said. “But I think he’ll be all right playing behind a makeshift offensive line.” He was being sarcastic. Very. Phillips said Friday that he expects to use his starters for “pretty close to a half ” against the Chargers. That includes Montrae Holland at left guard and newbie Robert Brewster at right tackle. And Romo at quarterback. “Romo needs to get ready to play,” Phillips said. “He doesn’t need to sit out the whole preseason. Neither one of those (starting linemen) is going to be back in the preseason so the theory of don’t put him in there because those two guys are gone, well, then he doesn’t play. He just
See COWBOYS PAGE 2B
PAGE 2B
Zscores
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
Former Kingsville great dies By SARAH PORTLOCK ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON — Johnny Bailey, a record-breaking running back in the small college ranks and former NFL Pro Bowl kick returner, has died from pancreatic cancer. He was 43. Texas A&M-Kingsville announced his death Friday. Bailey played for the Division II school from 1986-89, when it was known as Texas A&I University, and became the second college player to run for more than 6,000 yards in a career. “He was quite a top guy,” said Fred Nuesch, who was
In this undated file photo is Johnny Bailey, who died Friday. the Texas A&I sports information director during Bailey’s college career. “He was a nice young man and he represented us well whenever he went to different places (to accept his awards).” Bailey rushed for 6,320 yards. At the time, only he and Tony Dorsett at the University of Pittsburgh had run for more than 6,000 yards in a career. He was a three-time NCAA Division II player of the year and runner-up for the award as
a freshman, when he ran for 2,011 yards. That made him at the time only the third college running back to top 2,000 yards in a season. He rushed for more than 200 yards in his first four college games and had at least 100 yards in his first 11. He gained 7,803 all-purpose yards, an NCAA career record. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. Bailey played 81 games and scored nine touchdowns over six seasons in the NFL after he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in
the ninth round in 1990. He holds the team’s record for the longest punt return when as a rookie he took one back 95 yards for a touchdown. Bailey also played two seasons in Phoenix and two with the Rams, one in Los Angeles and the next when the franchise moved to St. Louis. He made the Pro Bowl in 1992 as a return specialist when he averaged 13.2 yards returning punts for the Cardinals. Funeral arrangements were pending for Bailey, who also starred at Houston Yates High School.
VOLLEYBALL Continued from Page 1B defense.” The Lady Hawks tore through their own sixteam tournament last weekend, claiming the championship trophy amidst the return of Villarreal to the sidelines after a leave of absence against Nixon. Zapata won its pool and advanced to bracket play on Saturday, where, led by King, they defeated C.C. Winn in the championship game. King was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Making the all-tourna-
ment team was Zapata’s Selina Mata, Estella Molina and Kristina De Leon; C.C. Winn’s Veronica Rodriguez, Miriam Hernandez and Andrea Garcia; Santa Maria’s Aida Gonzalez; Crystal City’s Hillary Guzman and Falfurrias’ Sam Patroelj. Villarreal also saw the emergence of De Leon, junior Shelby Bigler and Molina during the tournament. “Brandi is a big part of the team, but Kristina, Shelby and Estella compliment her very well,” she said.
ARMSTRONG Continued from Page 1B
WAC gets whacked by realignment By DOUG ALDEN ASSOCIATED PRESS
SALT LAKE CITY — The Mountain West is growing, the Western Athletic Conference is in danger of being whittled away and BYU is considering going it alone — at least in football. The west went wild Wednesday in the latest round of conference shuffling in college sports. Fresno State and Nevada ended a day of fast-paced change by accepting invitations to join the Mountain West Conference, which has added three prominent members of Western Athletic Conference in the last two months. Boise State is already bound for the MWC next year and now the Bulldogs and Wolf Pack are following as well, leaving the WAC’s future in question and the Mountain West preparing for life after Utah — and possibly without BYU, too. “We’re simply looking at getting better and we got better tonight with Fresno State and Nevada joining our league,” Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson said in a conference call Wednesday night. Thompson spoke after returning from a meeting in Philadelphia with Comcast and CBS officials, who said they wanted the league and its television network — The Mtn. — to reach more markets. The league started the network a few years ago, giving up national exposure on ESPN for more scheduling freedom. “(Expansion) just made lot of sense at this particular juncture. We got better and we helped our TV position,” he said. The MWC also helped its bargaining position with BYU, which is mulling go-
The Salt Lake Tribune published Holmoe’s comments on Wednesday after the rumors that the Cougars were going back to the WAC surfaced, then erupted when somebody apparently hacked Colorado State’s athletics Twitter account and said an announcement was imminent. ing independent in football and reportedly joining the WAC in all other sports. The Cougars have not confirmed anything and may need another look before making anything official. At this rate, there might not be much of a WAC left to join. The Mountain West is covered either way after inviting Fresno State and Nevada to join the league Wednesday morning and both schools accepting before the day was over. “I think people have been waiting a long time for this day. We think it is really a game changer for us,” Nevada president Milt Glick said. “This is a momentous day for the University of Nevada.” Glick said the Wolf Pack’s move, which puts Nevada in the same league as state rival UNLV, would either take effect next year or in 2012. Fresno State president John D. Welty said the Bulldogs will join the MWC in 2011-12, although the Bulldogs later amended that to sometime in the next two years. Thompson said the latest expansion wasn’t a preemptive strike if BYU does decide to leave the conference. Nor was it a way to prevent the Cougars from leaving, by giving them no where to go. But by adding Nevada and Fresno State, the Mountain West is clearly in
a stronger position with the Cougars. Thompson also said the additions will increase the conference’s chances of earning an automatic bid to the Bowl Championship Series, something the MWC has been pushing for in recent years. WAC commissioner Karl Benson was out of the office Wednesday and did not immediately return calls and e-mails seeking comment. The WAC announced Benson will hold a teleconference Thursday to address the losses. The WAC could be down to six members, two short of the NCAA requirement for a conference. The Mountain West lured Boise State in early June, but learned less than a week later that Utah was leaping west to a higherprofile spot in the Pac-10 along with Colorado. So the Pac-10 becomes 12 and the Big 12, which also lost Nebraska to the Big Ten, settled at 10 members when Texas agreed to stay and keep the remaining parts of the league intact. BYU, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was left out of the various realignments and athletic director Tom Holmoe said last month that going independent was an option the Cougars would consider. BYU already has its own television network — BYUTV — which would get the
Cougars out of having to share the Mountain West’s TV network with the league’s other eight members. “We have a national base. We can go all over the country and people can see that,” Holmoe told reporters last month. “That is a very important thing to us right now — exposure.” The Salt Lake Tribune published Holmoe’s comments on Wednesday after the rumors that the Cougars were going back to the WAC surfaced, then erupted when somebody apparently hacked Colorado State’s athletics Twitter account and said an announcement was imminent. The Tribune, citing an unidentified WAC source, said BYU’s move was awaiting approval of church leaders. A church spokeswoman referred calls back to BYU, which released a brief statement late in the day after media relations workers were bombarded with calls and e-mail. The statement did nothing to tone down speculation on whether conference realignment was really back again two months after it appeared settled for at least a little while. “BYU has been reviewing, and will continue to explore, every option to advance its athletic program,” the statement read. “At this point, BYU has no further comment.”
former teammate Floyd Landis that Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs during his career that netted him a record seven straight Tour de France wins. Jeff Novitsky, an agent with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is the lead investigator. Armstrong has denied ever using performanceenhancing substances. With salmonella causing the recall of 380 million eggs, Im probably not the only one wondering right now why the FDA is spending its re-
sources looking into international bicycle races that occurred years ago, Fabiani said in an email. Fabiani recently was part of the Washington team working for Goldman Sachs Group Inc. when executives were being called to testify before congressional committees about the companys part in the sub-prime loan crisis. He also was hired by the San Diego Chargers to handle their efforts to convince taxpayers to build a new stadium.
COWBOYS Continued from Page 1B sits out. That’s the silly part to me.” Kyle Kosier and Marc Colombo were lost this week to knee injuries. Colombo had arthroscopic surgery and is expected back within two weeks; certainly by the season opener. Kosier doesn’t need surgery but could miss up to the first three games. With neither starter back this preseason, Dallas has little choice but to plug in the replacements and hope for the best. The Cowboys certainly need the work. They haven’t scored a touchdown in either of their preseason games. The starters have played only 32 snaps, mounting several good drives but failing to finish them. Of course, there’s a fine line between the benefit of live action and the risk of losing Romo to injury. So the Cowboys will take precautions. Romo will have fewer seven-step drops, more handoffs and an extra tight end or fullback helping Brewster on the right side when they do pass. Sure, that means they won’t get a true test
of their offense, but Dallas wasn’t planning to dig deep into the playbook anyway. Phillips said how long the starters stay in will depend on how they’re doing. The better they play, the quicker they can have the night off. Romo’s health will be considered, too, if the Chargers are finding their way to him with ease. The Cowboys have allowed 11 sacks this preseason. Holland hasn’t played because of a hamstring, but he should be OK considering he’s made 48 career starts and played 74 games. Brewster is essentially a rookie because he was injured all of last season, his first. Rookie linebacker Sean Lee and rookie safety Akwasi Owusu-Ansah are expected to make their preseason debuts. OwusuAnsah also will be the primary returner on punts and kickoffs. “I think it’ll be important to see both of them,” Phillips said. Tight end Martellus Bennett also is expected to play for the first time this summer.
CLEMENS Continued from Page 1B performance-enhancing drugs in the 1990s and early 2000s has been one of baseball’s worst scandals. The indictments against Clemens raise new questions about whether the superstar will ever be enshrined in the sport’s Hall of Fame — and might instead spend time in prison. Clemens also used his lawyer Thursday to insist that he was telling the truth. “Roger is looking forward to his day in court,” the athlete’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, told a news conference. “He is happy this has finally happened. We have known for some time this was going to happen. We’ll let everything get taken care of in court.” Hardin said federal prosecutors made Clemens a plea offer but he rejected it. Hardin declined to comment on details of the proposed plea deal — which ordinarily involves admitting to a crime while avoiding the scenario of a multiple-count indictment as happened in the Clemens case. Clemens’ case was as-
signed to U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton, who presided over the perjury and obstruction trial of Vice President Dick Cheney’s former chief of staff, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby. No date was set for Clemens’ initial court appearance. The former pitcher faces a combined maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine if convicted on all charges. However, under U.S. sentencing guidelines, he would probably face no more than 15 to 21 months in prison. Hardin said that although many have argued that Clemens should simply admit he took steroids, “the problem is nobody ever talks about what he should have done if he didn’t do it.” “And he didn’t do it and he’s adamant about that and always has been. Today is just another continuing part of that saga,” Hardin said. Clemens had been prominently mentioned in the Mitchell Report, Major League Baseball’s own accounting of its steroid
“
He is happy this has finally happened. We have known for some time this was going to happen. We’ll let everything get taken care of in court.” RUSTY HARDIN, THE ATHLETE’S LAWYER
problem, and he went to Capitol Hill on his own to clear his name in 2008. “Let me be clear,” he told lawmakers. “I have never taken steroids or HGH.” What once seemed to be a he-said vs. he-said dispute between Clemens and his former trainer, Brian McNamee, once the New York Yankees’ strength and conditioning coach, escalated into a federal case. Clemens and McNamee testified under oath at the 2008 hearing before a House committee and contradicted each other about whether the pitcher had used PEDs. The grand jury heard testimony from McNamee, who gave federal authorities syringes he said were used to inject
Clemens with drugs. McNamee has said he injected Clemens more than a dozen times with steroids and HGH from 1998 to 2001. Clemens says McNamee was lying. “As far as we’re concerned, it’s vindication,” Earl Ward, one of McNamee’s attorneys, said of the indictment. Clemens was singled out by name 82 times in the 409-page report, compiled by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell and released in December 2007. Much of the information on Clemens came from McNamee. Former MVP Jose Canseco, who has admitted his own steroid use and accused others, was the most-mentioned player in the Mitchell Report with
105 references. “I am saddened to hear of the indictment of my friend and former teammate, Roger Clemens,” Canseco said in a statement through his attorney. “I am not aware of any use of steroids by Roger.” Major League Baseball did not comment on the indictment. But at least two former teammates expressed support for Clemens. “In my opinion, he’s a Hall of Famer. Period,” said New York Yankees slugger Lance Berkman, who played with Clemens in Houston. “Whatever you want to say about the guy, he belongs in the Hall of Fame. In my opinion, legacy-wise, I guess that’s up to — I mean, 200 years
from now, who cares? “But in the short term, I guess, he may have some things to address,” Berkman said. “He’s a big boy. He’ll face up to whatever it is. But it doesn’t change my opinion of him at all.” Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, who played with Clemens on two World Series championship teams, said he would back his former teammate. “I’m going to support him and I’m going to be behind him and that’s all I can say,” Posada said. Longtime Clemens friend and teammate Andy Pettitte told congressional investigators that Clemens confided to him that he had used HGH. “I believe Andy has misheard” the conversation, Clemens responded. He said he had simply mentioned to Pettitte a TV show about three older men who used HGH to get back their quality of life. Pettitte was taking part in a charity event after New York’s 11-5 win over Detroit at Yankee Stadium on Thursday and wasn’t immediately commenting, the team said.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B
HINTS BY | HELOISE OLDER POOCH A GREAT PET Dear Readers: With the economy still in the dumps, dogs are being given up all across the country, so if you are looking to bring one into your home, VISIT A SHELTER. While some dogs may be older, they just might make great pets. Older pooches have many benefits: Most are already house-trained, and they are full-grown, so no guessing if they are going to get bigger! Depending on age and breed, they can be less active and are usually more relaxed. They just may fit into your household without a lot of fuss. If you already have a dog or two, the new addition will usually figure out the pecking order — unlike a puppy, which may want to run the place and be Alpha Dog. When you bring your dog home from a shelter: Try to be with your new dog as much as possible on the first day or two to help ease it into its new environment. Get everyone in the family on board with behavior and training. Establish a routine for eating and exercise. Give your dog time to adjust. Let your dog develop a sleeping pattern and find its
“
HELOISE
own place to sleep, or make a safe and cozy spot with a special towel, blanket or pillow. Give it lots of positive reinforcement. Make your new dog feel safe and loved in its new home. Many of these suggestions came from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and others from our Heloise files. -Heloise WATER BOWL Dear Heloise: I have two large dogs, and it is really hard keeping a water bowl outside, because they chew up the plastic ones and the metal ones get too hot. My daughter solved my problem by suggesting I use an old, small ice cooler. I removed the lid and filled it with water. It’s too thick for them to chew up, and it keeps the water cooler because it is insulated. -- Susan Frison, Fayetteville, N.C. Brilliant! Big enough to hold a good amount of water, won’t get knocked over, and easy to clean! Woof, woof! -Heloise (c)2010 by King Features Syndicate Inc.
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New Quinciniera dress, pink size 8, $150 Call: 286-0862 store fixtures: shelves for sale (used) 303 Salinas (956) 722-2522
ARTICLES FOR SALE
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AUTOMOTIVE PARTS
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Sports
4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
Photo by John Angelillo | AP
In this file photo Texas Rangers Derek Holland reacts after walking New York Yankees Jerry Hairston Jr. in the second inning at Yankee Stadium in New York City on August 26, 2009. Holland has been optioned to a Triple-A club in Oklahoma City in exchange for Michael Kirkman. AP
Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is being counted on to lead Baylor to its first bowl game in more than a decade.
On the wings of a Griffin By SUZANNE HALLIBURTON ASSOCIATED PRESS
WACO — The best Big 12 Conference player who few are buzzing about is taking snaps, throwing passes and dashing past defensive backs every day on Baylor’s practice field. Just about the only thing different about quarterback Robert Griffin from two years ago, when he was a freshman All-American, is the black brace he’s sporting on his surgically repaired right knee. Griffin, who missed almost the entire 2009 season, was limited during spring workouts. Because of that extended absence, attention is being heaped on other quarterback story lines around the Big 12, from Texas A&M’s Jerrod Johnson, to Texas’ Garrett Gilbert, to Texas Tech’s Taylor Potts and Steven Sheffield. But maybe the chatter should be about Griffin. “When you get something taken away from you, you respond in (one of) two different ways,” Baylor coach Art Briles said. “You
pout, complain, sulk, cry and fall into a shell. Or you fight, you grind, you have vision, you have hope and you work harder than you ever have in your life. That’s what Robert’s done. That’s what we knew he would do.” Griffin played in only three games last fall. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament while running the speed option in the first quarter of a 68-13 thrashing of Northwestern State. He returned to the game and completed 13 of 19 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns before taking a seat at halftime. The next day, doctors determined he had an isolated tear of the ligament, the knee’s lateral stabilizer. Griffin tried to talk them out of surgery, but relented once he realized “you need your ACL.” He was cleared for full contact in July and no longer needs specific treatment on his knee. That’s why he joins his teammates in the massive ice pools right after workouts, rather than heading to the training room for individu-
al treatment. It’s also why his confidence — which never was lacking — has continued to soar. When asked this week how opposing defenses might defend his abilities, Griffin replied, “Whatever they plan on doing, they’ll be wrong.” Griffin’s ability to ad lib on the run is what made him such a special player his freshman season. With long strides, he glided down the field, dodging tacklers on his way to 843 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He claims that he’s even faster now than he was in 2008, when he was the Big 12’s newcomer of the year. That year, he led the Bears to a win over A&M and nearly pulled off upsets of Texas Tech and Missouri. He rushed for 101 yards on the road against Texas. “He just makes (defenses) look like a pylon,” said Bears offensive tackle Danny Watkins. Baylor receivers say Griffin’s arm has gotten stronger and more accurate. The 6-foot-2-inch quarterback has gained 12
Horns schedule BYU 2013-14 ASSOCIATED PRESS
PROVO, Utah — BYU and Texas have agreed to a home-and-home series starting in 2013.
The Longhorns will visit Provo for the first game, then the Cougars will travel to Texas for a game in 2014. The two schools will play three times in four
seasons. BYU was already scheduled to play at Texas on Sept. 10, 2011. BYU is 2-0 against Texas, winning a home-and-home series in 1987 and ’88.
pounds, to hit 222. He worked on the mental aspect of his game last fall while rehabilitating his knee. As a freshman, Griffin set an NCAA record by starting his career with 209 straight attempts (nine games) without an interception. “His (injured) knee wasn’t good for him,” said receiver Kendall Wright. “But when he got hurt, he got stronger, physically and mentally.” And perhaps most important to his team, Griffin’s confidence held steady and has escalated through the preseason. So with Griffin leading the team, maybe this will be the season Baylor will end its woeful streak of missed bowls and secure a postseason invitation for the first time since 1994. “Anything is possible,” Griffin said. “We don’t put a limit on anything this team can do.”
Rangers make late season bullpen moves ASSOCIATED PRESS
BALTIMORE — The Texas Rangers recalled left-hander Michael Kirkman from Oklahoma City on Friday and optioned left-hander Derek Holland to the Triple-A club. Kirkman arrived in Baltimore around 2:15 p.m. and immediately headed to Camden Yards, where the Rangers were to face the Orioles on Friday night. Kirkman, who has never played in the majors, said, “The adrenaline’s pumping in everything I do around here.” The 23-year-old went 13-3 with a 3.09 ERA for Oklahoma City. He was a starter before moving to the bullpen on Aug. 13, and will be used by Texas as a reliever.
“All they’ve really told me so far is that I’ll be coming out of the bullpen,” he said. “Fine with me.” Manager Ron Washington said, “Mainly we’re going to use him against lefties. He’s been outstanding in Triple-A against lefties.” Holland was recalled from Oklahoma City on Wednesday and lost at Tampa Bay in his only start. In other news, the Rangers intend to activate Rich Harden from the disabled list Monday and start the right-hander that night against Minnesota. Harden was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 15, retroactive to Aug. 8, with right shoulder tendinitis. “It feels good now,” he said. “I’m ready to go.”