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Roma man dies in rollover A 45-year-old Roma man died in a rollover accident after trying to overcorrect on a road in Chihuahua, on Sunday.
Driver lost control of truck while overcorrecting By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
A man from Roma died after his truck rolled over last Sunday in southern Zapata. Authorities identified the man as 45-year-old Leopoldo Zamora Gonzalez, an oil filed worker. First responders went out to an acci-
dent call at about 5:15 p.m. about one mile east of FM 2687 in Chihuahua. Sgt. Tony Salas, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman, said the Ford truck veered off the roadway. When Zamora Gonzalez attempted to overcorrect, he lost Courtesy photo
See FATALITY PAGE 10A
THE HARTLEY SAGA
COMMERCE
TAMIU biz center opens Operation designed to aid small businesses By MIKE HERRERA IV THE ZAPATA TIMES
covered. A DNA test on Tiffany’s life vest showed it had David’s blood on it. But Jose F. “Paco” Mendoza Jr., CEO of the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce, does not believe the cartel chase tale at all. “So many good things happen here, and we don’t get a minute of coverage. But the minute something like this happens, everybody comes to spread the negative,” Mendoza said. “(Sheriff Gonzalez) has assured ev-
Texas A&M International University held a ribbon cutting Thursday for the Zapata satellite office of its Small Business Development Center. Though the ribbon was cut and the doors opened Thursday, the SBDC already had left its mark in Zapata. Just ask Amada Garza. “It’s a beautiful day in Zapata,” Garza beamed as she spoke during the opening ceremony. She and her husband Mario made news in August when they patented a pipeline discovery method and formed SureFind Pipeline Markers LLP. This was made possible thanks to the SBDC, Garza said. “We were moving forward with the business,” she said. “So I started thinking ‘What am I going to do?’ I heard about SBDC. Everybody made sure I was not a number to them. I am an individual they wanted to see succeed.” SBDC Interim Director Mercurio Martinez, who emceed the ceremony, addressed one of the SBDC’s chief functions. “The mom and pop operators, many of these individuals do not have the background to come up with a financial statement. This is where we can provide the assistance,” he said. For people with no idea what to do with their ideas, the SBDC’s
See FALCON PAGE 10A
See BUSINESS PAGE 10A
Photo by Cesar G. Rodriguez | The Zapata Times
A warning sign at Falcon Lake stands near a boat ramp. It has been one year since David Michael Hartley was reportedly gunned down on the Mexico side of the lake. No suspects have yet been arrested in the case.
THE LAKE, ONE YEAR LATER Locals battle fallout from Hartley shooting incident By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Z
APATA — Falcon Lake provides the perfect outing to just sit down, fish or relax. That changed a year ago today when presumed Zetas shot and killed Colorado jet skier David Michael Hartley, a district manager at Calfrac Well Services. His wife, Tiffany, tried to pull her husband’s 250-pound body out of the water to no avail.
While the armed men were distracted, Tiffany sped away as bullets were striking the water around her. The couple had ventured into Arroyo Salado on their jet skis to take pictures at the submerged town of Guerrero Viejo on the Mexican side of the lake, in Tamaulipas. On their way back to U.S. waters, presumed Zeta enforcers chased them back. Perhaps that was the clearest indicator of what narcotraffickers will do to protect their turf. Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez Jr. believes David’s body will never be re-
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
SATURDAY, OCT. 1 The ninth annual Pink To Do Breast Cancer Awareness Walk is from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. today at the LCC South campus. The donation is $20. Children walk for free. All money raised at the yearly fundraiser is used for breast cancer survivors in Laredo. For more information, call Martha Narvaez 791-1446. The Webb County Heritage Foundation presents “Haunted Heritage – Myths and Legends of Laredo” throughout October. Ghost Walk tours of the San Agustín Plaza area, presentations by the Laredo Paranormal Research Society and Paranormal Tours are available all month. Visit the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum to see an exhibit of Laredo’s haunted sites. Special museum hours throughout October are Tuesday to Saturday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.webbheritage.org, call 956727-0977 or visit the foundation’s Facebook page. Laredo Community College will host an open chess tournament for students K-12 and college from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Kazen College Center, at the Fort McIntosh campus. There will be a rated and a nonrated division. Registration is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with the first round scheduled for noon. The entry fee is $7 if preregistered or $10 at the door. The Laredo Rotary Club is the awards sponsor. Laredo Chess Club members will direct. For more information, call Dan Navarro at 722-4600. Today is the 17th annual Dia del Rio cleanup at the Paso del Indio, located at the LCC Fort McIntosh campus. The event is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include free T-shirts and giveaways. Lunch will be provided.
FRIDAY, OCT 7 The first day of the three-day Bass Champs tournament takes place today. For more information or to register, call 817-439-3274 or check the website at www.basschamps.com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 8 The first day of the three-day Bass Champs tournament takes place today. For more information or to register, call 817-439-3274 or check the website at www.basschamps.com.
SUNDAY, OCT. 9 The first day of the three-day Bass Champs tournament takes place today. For more information or to register, call 817-439-3274 or check the website at www.basschamps.com.
TUESDAY, OCT. 11 “Managing Cash — The Small Business Owner’s Guide to Financial Control Workshop in Zapata, Texas” is set for 9:30 a.m. through noon at the Zapata County Courthouse, Suite 248. Fee for the seminar is $20. For more informationm, contact the TAMIU Small Business Development Center.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26 The “Customer Service: A Key to Business Success in Zapata, Texas” workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m,. through noon at the Zapata County Courthouse, Suite 248. Fee for the seminar is $20. Contact the TAMIU Small Business Development Center for more information.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by David Goldman | AP
Republican presidential candidate Texas Gov. Rick Perry leaves the podium after a speech at the Georgia Legislative Briefing on Friday in Atlanta.
Perry attacks Romney By KASIE HUNT AND SHANNON MCCAFFREY ASSOCIATED PRESS
ATLANTA — Rick Perry said Friday anyone with doubts about how he would govern as president should simply look at Texas. In his first domestic policy speech as a candidate for the White House, Perry touted his record on taxes, health care and the environment during a decade at the helm of the Lone Star state. But he used the brief outline of his tenure to bludgeon his political rivals. Perry drew a contrast between his record and that of Mitt Romney, his main opponent, and raised the specter of the health care law Romney ushered through as governor. “As Republican voters decide who is best suited to lead this country in a new direction by stopping the spending spree and scrapping Obamacare, I am confident they will choose a nominee who has governed on
conservative principles, not one whose health care policies paved the way for Obamacare,” Perry said. “I knew when I got into this race I would have my hands full fighting President Obama’s big government agenda. I just didn’t think it would be in the Republican primary.” The speech to the Georgia Public Policy Foundation was delivered in a low-key style. He received polite applause from the crowd, which included a number of prominent Romney supporters. Perry offered no policy proposals, instead pointing to Texas as a roadmap for a Perry presidency. “I have a lengthy record, and sometimes it has ruffled feathers,” Perry said. “But sometimes you have to shake up the system. I am not running from my record.”
Brief fire shuts Houston-area refinery
Life sentence for suspected Texas rapist
Man sentenced to life in prison in student’s death
PASADENA — Firefighters have extinguished a blaze at a suburban Houston refinery. No injuries were reported in the fire Friday afternoon, and all workers have been accounted for at the Pasadena Refining System Inc. plant. Refinery owners say the blaze was in a distillation section of the plant, which can refine 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
EDNA — A former Texas prison employee suspected of a being a serial rapist who targeted older women was sentenced Friday to life in prison for sexually assaulting a disabled woman. Jurors who deliberated Billy Joe Harris’ sentence also fined him $10,000 The jury convicted Harris of sexually assaulting a 59-year-old disabled woman in Edna.
WACO — A McLennan County jury has sentenced a man to life in prison after his conviction in a high school student’s death in a drive-by shooting at a Waco park. Jurors on Friday sentenced Willie Contreras. Jurors Thursday found him guilty of murder.
Couple sentenced on tax fraud charges MARSHALL — A Big Sandy couple has been sentenced to prison after claiming exemption from federal income tax. Sixty-one-year-old Timothy J. Patton and his 54-year-old wife Dawn G. Patton were found guilty July 7 of conspiracy to attempt to evade federal income tax and five counts of attempting to evade federal income tax.
Harris County official pleads guilty in case HOUSTON — A Harris County commissioner who had been facing a retrial on charges he took more than $100,000 in bribes to help a Houston developer obtain millions of dollars in contracts has pleaded guilty in the case. Jerry Eversole pleaded guilty in Houston federal court on Friday to a charge of making a false statement to FBI agent.
Former firefighter charged with murder AUSTIN — A former firefighter has been indicted on a murder charge in the July death of his girlfriend, whose body was found floating in Lake Travis, wrapped in a tent and weighted with a paint can. Joe Carr, 27, a former Pedernales firefighter, was indicted Thursday. He was charged in July with tampering with physical evidence. He remained in Travis County Jail Friday on $1 million bail. — Compiled from AP reports
FRIDAY, OCT. 28 The first day of the three-day 2011 Pro/Am Event sponsored by the Couples Association of Sport Tournaments fishing tournament takes place today. For more information or to register, call 281-796-7486 or check the website at www.fishcast.com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 29 The second day of the three-day 2011 Pro/Am Event sponsored by the Couples Association of Sport Tournaments fishing tournament takes place today. For more information or to register, call 281-796-7486 or check the website at www.fishcast.com.
SUNDAY, OCT. 30 The third day of the three-day 2011 Pro/Am Event sponsored by the Couples Association of Sport Tournaments fishing tournament takes place today. For more information or to register, call 281-796-7486 or check the website at www.fishcast.com. 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.
AROUND THE NATION Hispanic students vanish from Alabama schools
CONTACT US
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Hispanic students have started vanishing from Alabama public schools in the wake of a court ruling that upheld the state’s tough new law cracking down on illegal immigration. Education officials say scores of immigrant families have withdrawn their children from classes or kept them home this week, afraid that sending the kids to school would draw attention from authorities.
Stocks end gloomy 3rd quarter on a weak note NEW YORK — This was the worst quarter for the stock market since the financial crisis ended on another down note. Stocks fell Friday on signs that Europe’s debt problems and the U.S. economy continue to languish. Makers of raw materials,
Today is Saturday, Oct. 1, the 274th day of 2011. There are 91 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Oct. 1, 1961, Roger Maris of the New York Yankees hit his 61st home run during a 162-game season, compared to Babe Ruth’s 60 home runs during a 154-game season. (Tracy Stallard of the Boston Red Sox gave up the round-tripper; the Yankees won 1-0.) On this date: In 1861, during the Civil War, the Confederate navy captured the Union steamer Fanny in North Carolina’s Pamlico Sound. In 1908, Henry Ford introduced his Model T automobile to the market. In 1910, the offices of the Los Angeles Times were destroyed by a bomb explosion and fire; 21 Times employees were killed. In 1936, Gen. Francisco Franco was proclaimed the head of an insurgent Spanish state. In 1940, the first section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, 160 miles in length, was opened to the public. In 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the People’s Republic of China during a ceremony in Beijing. A 42-day strike by the United Steelworkers of America began over the issue of retirement benefits. In 1964, the Free Speech Movement was launched at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1971, Walt Disney World opened near Orlando, Fla. In 1986, former President Jimmy Carter’s presidential library and museum were dedicated in Atlanta with help from President Ronald Reagan. In 1987, eight people were killed when an earthquake measuring magnitude 5.9 struck the Los Angeles area. Ten years ago: New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, in an impassioned speech to the United Nations, said there was no room for “neutrality” in the global fight against terrorism. The Supreme Court suspended former President Bill Clinton from practicing before the high court. A Pakistan-based militant group attacked the state legislature in Indian-ruled Kashmir, killing 38 people. Today’s Birthdays: Former President Jimmy Carter is 87. Pianist Roger Williams is 87. Actress-singer Julie Andrews is 76. Actress Stella Stevens is 73. Rock musician Jerry Martini (Sly and the Family Stone) is 68. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Rod Carew is 66. Actor Randy Quaid is 61. Rhythm-and-blues singer Howard Hewett is 56. Alt-countryrock musician Tim O’Reagan (The Jayhawks) is 53. Singer Youssou N’Dour is 52. Actor Esai Morales is 49. Retired MLB All-Star Mark McGwire is 48. Actor Christopher Titus is 47. Actress-model Cindy Margolis is 46. Rock singermusician Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra) is 43. Actor Zach Galifianakis is 42. Singer Keith Duffy is 37. Actress Sarah Drew is 31. Actress Jurnee Smollett is 25. Actress Brie Larson is 22. Thought for Today: “Everybody favors free speech in the slack moments when no axes are being ground.” — Heywood C. Broun, American journalist (1888-1939).
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SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY Photo by Gus Ruelas | AP
California Highway Patrol officers investigate the scene of two cars at the bottom of a remote mountain in Castaic, Calif., on Friday. David Lavau, whose car had plunged 200 feet, was found alive yesterday by his three adult children. industrial companies and banks had the biggest losses. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 240.60 points, or 2.2 percent, to 10,913.38. HewlettPackard Co. fell the most of the 30 stocks in the average, 5.6 percent. Aluminum maker Alcoa
Inc. was close behind with a 4.9 percent decline. JPMorgan Chase & Co. fell 4.1 percent. The broader S&P 500 index shed 28.98, or 2.5 percent, to 1,131.42. All 10 industry groups in the S&P 500 index fell. — Compiled from AP reports
(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
Local
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3A
Food bank Sheriff to get $135,000 grant offers help to local hungry SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
By SALO OTERO SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
With a poverty rate of more than 30 percent, the hungry in Laredo and South Texas are plentiful. And can you imagine millions of government dollars earmarked to feed the hungry going unused because qualifying candidates do not apply for assistance? Yes that happens. But, enter the South Texas Food Bank and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach Program. SNAP was formerly the food stamps program. The STFB has a crucial role in the state-wide initiative that kicked off in 2006 partnering with the Texas Food Bank Network and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The goal is to get more needy South Texans to apply for SNAP. SNAP is an entitlement program and the Center for Public Policy Priorities reported in 2009 and 2010 millions of dollars in benefits for hungry Texans were left unclaimed. In Zapata County the estimated amount runs into the millions of dollars. People seeking assistance are often discouraged by delays because of long application lines, a tedious eligibility process and overloaded caseworkers. The South Texas Food Bank addresses the critical problem by providing individual application and process assistance for applicants, who are sometimes elderly or otherwise have problems filling out the application. Zapata County residents can fill out SNAP applications at the Helping Hands pantry, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information call Graciela Villarreal at 7659327. South Texas Food Bank executive director Alfonso Casso emphasizes that the SNAP Outreach Program plays a key role in the food bank mission. He notes, “Feeding the needy
is our main mission but in almost 100 percent of these cases, the need is not just for food. Our outreach program looks for other state and federal programs and services available such as SNAP and Temporary Assistance to Families in Need (TANF) that our clients may not be aware. We direct them to these services. United Way, of which we are a member, supports many other local agencies who also help provide services and we refer many of our clients to these agencies and vice versa. Together we all can help those in need in our community.” Alma Blanco is the South Texas Food Bank SNAP Outreach Program coordinator. For information call Blanco in Laredo at 956-726-3120 or 726-0888. Juan Solis of the STFB staff is the chief programs officer. He is in charge of SNAP, Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and Adopt A Family. The food bank is at 1907 Freight at Riverside in Laredo. The website is www.southtexasfoodbank.org. Blanco’s staff informs families about SNAP benefits and helps with the application, which is then delivered to the state office for processing. “We get 70 to 80 percent of the applicants to qualify,” Blanco said. Casso’s report at the monthly South Texas Food Bank board meetings reveal an average of 400 applicants per month. In August, the South Texas Food Bank, which serves eight counties from Del Rio to Rio Grande City, signed up 350 families, representing 475 adults and 505 children, for SNAP, bringing the year’s total to 3,149 applications, representing 4,230 adults and 4,309 children. “The SNAP outreach is a win-win situation for everyone,” said Mike Garza of the South Texas Food Bank board. “The outreach feeds the hungry and is a big boost to the economy.”
Zapata County’s Operation Border Star Project was the recipient of a grant totaling $135,000 that will provide the Zapata County Sheriff ’s Office with additional resources to strengthen its efforts in protecting county families. The Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, received by the Zapata County Operation Border Star Project,
is annually awarded to local law enforcement agencies, as well as crime control and prevention districts, to help them address violent crimes in their communities, particularly in the areas of drug enforcement and criminal enterprise. In total, the South Texas counties of Starr, Hidalgo, Duval, Webb and Zapata were awarded more than $1.3 million in Byrne Jus-
tice Assistance Grant funds this September. The other grant recipients include the Starr County Violent Crime Unit, Hidalgo County’s DWI Court, Webb County’s 406th District Court Drug Court Program and Duval County’s Central South Texas Criminal Investigative Unit. The Criminal Justice Division’s mission is to create and support programs that protect people
from crime, reduce the number of crimes committed and promote accountability, efficiency and effectiveness within the criminal justice system. CJD focuses on the enhancement of Texas’ capacity to prevent crime, provide service and treatment options, enforce laws, train staff and volunteers and restore crime victims to full physical, emotional and mental health.
Guilty plea gets man eight years By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
A man was sentenced to prison Tuesday in the 49th District Court in Zapata County after pleading guilty to touching a girl’s genitals. Samuel Herrera, 52, will serve eight years in prison and pay a $10,000 fine. According to district attorney officials, it took jurors less than an hour to sentence Herrera. Pete Garza, chief prosecutor for Zapata County, prosecuted the case and Ramon A. Vil-
SAMUEL HERRERA: Pleads guilty to touching 10-yearold girl. lafranca Jr., the chief prosecutor of the special victims unit, co-chaired in the case. Jury selection began Monday, but Herrera pleaded guilty the following day, causing the trial to go into the punishment phase with the victim, a Zapata County sheriff ’s detective, a Child Protective Services worker and a child psychologist as prosecution witnesses. Herrera’s defense
witnesses included himself and two other people. During closing arguments, Garza told jurors they were sending a message to the community that this sort of crime will not be tolerated. “Children will know that they will be heard and predators will know that probation is not an option,” he stated in a district attorney’s office news release. The case developed on Aug. 4, 2010, when a girl, 10 years old at the time, cried out in the 900 block of
Guerrero Street. Officials say Herrera found the girl alone, away from other adults in a residence, and reached up her skirt to touch her genitals. A forensic interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Laredo showed the girl had symptoms consistent with those of child abuse. The CAC multidisciplinary team reviewed the results and determined there was sufficient evidence to arrest Herrera. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
Rendon receives insurance trade award SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Juancarlo Rendon, LUTCF, FSS, agent for Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Company, has received the NAIFA Quality Award from the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the industry’s leading trade as-
JUANCARLO RENDON: Honored by insurance trade association. sociation. The NAIFA Quality Award recognizes professionalism through education and earned designations, production mea-
sured by performance metrics customized for each practice specialty, adherence to the NAIFA Code of Ethics and service to the industry association. “The NAIFA Quality Award is more than a measure of an advisor’s production,” said Terry Head-
ley, immediate past-president of NAIFA. “By emphasizing quality client service, education, ethical conduct and service to NAIFA in addition to production, the NAIFA Quality Award is a mark of excellence to be recognized by advisors and consumers alike.”
THE BLOTTER CRIMINAL MISCHIEF A 24-year-old man reported at 5:43 a.m. Tuesday in the 1900 block of Miraflores Street that a 2007 Dodge Ram pickup had its driver’s and front windshields damaged.
DISORDERLY CONDUCT Deputies arrested Doralene Smith, 23, and Sylvia A. Prezaz, 28, and charged them with disorderly conduct after deputies responded to a fight in progress at 2:51 a.m. Sept. 24 at the EZ
Pawn parking lot at 10th Avenue and U.S. 83. Both women were taken to the Zapata County Jail. On Sept. 24 at 10:23 p.m., deputies went out to the Aqua Restaurant and Bar, 178 S. U.S. 83, in reference to a fight in progress. Deputies arrested two brothers. Johnny Chavera, 21, and Ruben Chavera, 22, were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Both men were taken to the Zapata Regional Jail.
PUBLIC INTOXICATION
Mario Medina Jr., 24, was arrested and charged with public intoxication at about 10:30 p.m. Sept. 25 after deputies found him sitting outside the Zapata County Public Library, 901 Kennedy Street. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. Abiud Buruato-Ayala, 49, was arrested and charged with public intoxication at about 8:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Seventh Street and Zapata Avenue in the Medina Addition. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. Ernesto Ivan Guerra, 32,
was arrested and charged with public intoxication at approximately 7 a.m. Sept. 24 at 10th Street and Roma Avenue in the Medina Addition. Guerra was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail
THEFT On Monday at about 8:07 a.m., a theft report was filed from the Zapata County Nutrition Center. A representative of the business reported that a handicap sign valued at $45 had been taken.
Zopinion
PAGE 4A
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
It’s a race to the bottom in this election By J.T. YOUNG HEARST NEWSPAPERS
W
ASHINGTON — Get ready for the most negative presidential campaign in modern U.S. history. The prevailing factors for the 2012 election will drive both sides ”to go negative.” Once started, this is likely to begin a process that plays both ends of the political spectrum against the middle — further accelerating the negative trend. If you think you were depressed by America’s economy, just wait for its approaching politics. In case you missed it, the 2012 presidential election began with Obama’s jobs speech, which was more about off-loading responsibility for the recession than jump-starting the economy. Who can blame him? Usually when an incumbent president seeks reelection, times are pretty good. That’s why so many do. In the last century, only two — Johnson and Coolidge — haven’t sought reelection. And that’s also why so many who run, win. In the last century, only five — Bush, Carter, Ford, Hoover, and Taft — have lost. When any incumbent seeks reelection, the campaign is inherently about him and his record. Under any circumstance, this referendum on the incumbent is going to cause his opponent to highlight shortcomings — real or imagined — in the incumbent’s record. How else is a challenger to win? If everything is great with the incumbent, why elect a challenger? Prevailing even under the best of times, this dynamic greatly intensifies under less-than-the-best of circumstances — when there is real material available to make the challenger’s case. Obama is certainly facing less than optimal conditions for reelection. While Americans generally profess comfort with Obama as a person, after almost three years in office they are increasingly uncomfortable with his record. The dominant issues of his presidency thus far are: the economy, budget deficit and health care. None are political winners right now.
Which poll? Just pick your poll. According to the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll (released 9/6), Obama’s approval rating was 43 percent. His handling of the economy and creating jobs both had 36 percent approval versus
62 percent disapproval. According to the latest Fox poll (released 9/1), Obama’s disapproval outweighed approval by at least 13 percent on every domestic issue tested.
Alternatives In such a situation, changing public opinion about the incumbent, which was formed over a long time, is difficult. Far easier to mold unformed public opinion — that is: shape the public’s opinion of a far-less wellknown challenger. The worse the incumbent’s situation, the greater the need to paint a negative portrait of the challenger. Barring a dramatic change in circumstances, Obama’s need will be great indeed. So, the negative dynamic of this campaign is set on both sides. Republicans won’t lack for anti-incumbent ammunition. And to counter it, Obama’s team must hope to make Republicans look unfit for the presidency. Both sides won’t only have motive. Rest assured, they will have the weapon too: money. They will have scads of it, and ample opportunities for spending it. The downward prevailing trajectory of this election is also likely to jump into hyper-drive. As both sides ”go negative,” expect more and more independents to tune out.
Non-voters Negative campaigns inherently attempt to craft extreme images of the other side. Those least attracted by such images are those in the middle. When facing a race in which both candidates are made to look extreme, and the choice appears to be the lesser of two evils, the more moderate voters often opt to make no choice at all. They sit out the election. That leaves both parties even more dependent on their bases. Base voters are the parties’ most dependable — and also those most motivated by the negative images their party paints. So the incentive of negative campaigning — by being self-reinforcing — only increases. With both parties having motives and money, American voters can expect a presidential race to the bottom over the next 14 months. Likely beginning low and then going lower, this presidential election is not going to be one for the squeamish. (Email: jyoung400@verizon.net)
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-calling 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.
COLUMN
Take time to listen to God H
ow can I make a difference? How do I know what God’s will is for me? These are just two questions of many that faith believers often ask themselves. These days, with all the distractions of the modern world, it is sometimes difficult to hear what God is saying. Sometimes, we just need to slow down, take a break and reflect. Tomorrow afternoon presents a perfect opportunity with the annual Life Chain that starts on the corner of Hillside and McPherson in Laredo and moves north. Hundreds of people, young and old, of faith and of goodwill, take to the sidewalks in a peaceful and prayerful gathering as witnesses to the sanctity of life from the moment of conception until natural death.
“
JAMES TAMAYO
And I encourage you to become a link in the Life Chain and spend time in prayer from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. For the past 11 years, citizens of our community have gathered along this major thoroughfare in a peaceful effort to bring awareness to our community that all human life is sacred. Through this Life Chain, faithful followers pray the Holy Rosary and give grateful witness for the life we have received from our parents and from God, our Heavenly Father. The Catholic Church in the United States recognizes October as the month of Respect Life and of the Ho-
ly Rosary. As a result, the Office of Respect Life in the Diocese of Laredo embraces this opportunity to celebrate the Good News that our compassionate and merciful Father gives us the gift of life and provides us with “our daily bread.” The annual Life Chain becomes a vehicle to educate others on the gift of life given to us by God and on the sanctity of human life. How can I make a difference? Participate in the annual Life Chain on Sunday by becoming a strong link protecting and respecting the life of every person born and unborn. Bring the whole family! Bring water, lawn chairs, umbrellas and strollers. By participating in Life Chain 2011, we become beacons of light in a darkened
world overshadowed by death and violence. Through this peaceful gathering, our community becomes a visual statement of prayerful solidarity. From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the corner of McPherson and Hillside, we will form a Life Chain linking us closer to God and to one another. How can I make a difference and how do I know what God’s will is for me? Live a life that gives honor and glory to the one who created us in His divine image. Lead a life of prayer and service in respect of life — yours and others’. And come pray with me tomorrow so that our merciful Father hears our intentions for the respect and sanctity of every life from conception to natural death and that we all may be treated Todo Con Amor.
Saudi women get right to vote MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
H
ow nice it would be to praise one of the world’s richest but most backward countries for finally taking a step to elevate the status of its women. Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has issued an important decree permitting women to vote and to seek local elective office and seats on the king’s advisory council as of 2015. But the action puts the kingdom nowhere close to where it should be, here in the 21st century. Saudi Arabia still doesn’t allow women to drive, reportedly the only country on the planet with such a restriction (although women may legally fly aircraft as long as a man drives them to the airport). Women risk being
beaten if they appear in public without covering everything but their hands and eyes. Saudi democracy remains in its infancy. Maleonly elections in the kingdom, set for Thursday, mark only the second time in the kingdom’s history in which a popular vote has been held. All elective offices carry minimal power since the king is the ultimate arbiter of everything under his domain. What weight should we give to the king’s decision on women? According to some reports, women who seek election may do so only with the consent of their closest male guardian. In order to campaign, they will have to ask a male to drive them around. A Saudi woman was sentenced to 10 lashes earlier this week for driving her-
self on the streets of Jeddah, on the Red Sea. Two other women are slated for trial later this year for the same offense.
Following traditions It is an absurd state of affairs, based more on insular, outdated Saudi traditions than on written Islamic stricture. Around the Muslim world, laws permit women to dress, worship and run their lives as they please, although domestic mores typically put a brake on many freedoms. Women’s powers vary greatly, from rural Afghanistan, where their status often ranks only slightly above that of farm animals, to the freewheeling bikini beaches of Muslim-dominated west Beirut and Dubai, in the
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
United Arab Emirates. Women helped lead the protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square that ended half a century of dictatorship. The three most populous Muslim countries — Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh — all have had women prime ministers or presidents. It’s a shame that Saudi Arabia ranks far closer to the most illiterate, remote corners of Afghanistan than its Muslim counterparts on gender equality. So, sadly, this is not a time to praise King Abdullah for his bold steps to nudge his people out of the dark ages — even though bold steps they are. We can only hope that the women elected to advise his government in the future will keep pressing for bigger changes. With their male relatives’ permission, of course.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A
ZAPATA COUNTY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL EDUCATION OFFICE PUBLIC INFORMATION
CHILD FIND/CHILD SERVE Do you know a child or a student ages 0-21 who shows signs of developmental delay, on-going learning problems, behavioral or medical problems that interfere with learning? Do you suspect the presence of a disability? Zapata County Independent School District has an on-going process in identifying, locating and evaluating any children/students residing within the district who are in need of special education and related services. Please contact any of the following for referral information:
¿Conoce Ud. algún niño o algún estudiante entre la edad de 0 a los 21 años que demuestre retraso del desarrollo, problemas de aprendizaje, problemas de salud o problemas de comportamiento que se interponen con su aprendizaje? ¿Sospecha Ud. la presencia de algún impedimento? El distrito escolar del condado de Zapata tiene un proceso para identificar, localizar y evaluar niños o alumnos dentro del distrito escolar que tienen necesidad de educación especial o de servicios relacionados. Para más información favor de comunicarse con alguna de las siguientes personas:
Jose Maria Flores. Jr.
Gerardo H. Garcia
Carmen G. Zavala
Principal Zapata High School Box 3750 Zapata, Texas 78076 (956) 765-0280
Principal Zapata Middle School Box 3636 Zapata, Texas 78076 (956) 765-6542
Director of Special Instructional Services P.O. Box 158 Zapata, Texas 78076 (956) 765-6130
Norma Villarreal-Arellano
Pedro M. Morales
Esmeralda Mora
Principal A.L. Benavides Elementary P.O. Box 219 San Ygnacio, Texas 78067 (956) 765-5611
Principal Zapata South Elementary Box 2030 Zapata, Texas 78076 (956) 765-4332
Child Find Specialist Region One ESC 1900 West Schunior Edinburg, Texas 78539 (800) 274-7346
Ana Mariela Martinez
Erica A. Ramirez
Ana Perez
Principal Fidel & Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary Box 3637 Zapata, Texas 78076 (956) 765-4321
Principal Zapata North Elementary Box 3224 Zapata, Texas 78076 (956) 765-6917
Project Nino Director 5709 Springfield Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 728-1769
ZAPATA COUNTY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL EDUCATION OFFICE CONFIDENTIALITY RIGHTS
DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE DEL CONDADO DE ZAPATA OFICINA DE EDUCACION ESPECIAL DERECHOS CONFIDENCIALES
AS A PARENT OF A STUDENT WITH A DISABILITY OR ADULT STUDENT WITH A DISABILITY (18 YEARS OR OLDER OR MARRIED), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: RECEIVE A LIST OF THE TYPE AND LOCATION OF YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATIONAL RECORDS WHICH ARE COLLECTED, MAINTAINED OR USED BY THE SCHOOL (34 CFR 300.565). The student's records are maintained at the Special Education Office located at 17th & Carla Streets and at the school the student attends. The referral information, the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee reports, the related service reports, assessment reports and any correspondence pertaining to the student is kept in the main folder at the Special Education Office. The school folder contains copies of the Admission, Review or Dismissal (ARD) and Individual Educational Plan. INSPECT AND REVIEW ALL OF YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATIONAL RECORDS WITHOUT UNNECESSARY DELAY AND BEFORE ANY IEP MEETING OR DUE PROCESS HEARING AND IN NO CASE MORE THAN 45 DAYS AFTER YOUR REQUEST (34 CFR 300.562). When you and/or a student makes a request, the Director of Special Instructional Services will ensure that before records are made available, identification will be required when the request is received from an individual of the specified classification who is not personally known. Each request will be honored as soon as possible, but the time will be no longer than forty-five days. The superintendent of schools will be notified if a request cannot be honored in time. A suitable place for record inspection will be provided by the Director of Special Instructional Services. The Director will see that a notification is placed in the student record folder indicating date of access, name of individual obtaining access, and reason for inspection. SEE A LIST OF THOSE PERSONS, BESIDES YOU OR AUTHORIZED SCHOOL EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE SEEN YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATIONAL RECORDS AND WHY THEY SAW THEM. (34 CFR 300.563). The district will not honor requests for personally identifiable information or records unless authorized by written consent by the parent/guardian or eligible student unless requested by responsible school officials needing the information to provide educational services to the student. Responsible school officials are considered to be representatives of the school listed in Texas Education Agency, Region One Education Center and the United States Government. The Director will be responsible to determine that representatives of the agencies listed above have a legitimate need to the information to carry out an audit or monitoring function. The list of the persons who have seen your child's records will be maintained in the individual student folder for seven consecutive years. The Director of Special Instructional Services assumes the responsibility for ensuring the confidentiality of any personally identifiable information. If you have any concerns regarding the confidentiality rights, feel free to write or call: CARMEN G. ZAVALA DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES 17th & CARLA STREETS, P.O. BOX 158 - ZAPATA, TEXAS 78076 (956) 765-6130 • (956) 765-4049 • (956) 765-3967 (Fax)
USTED, COMO PADRE DE UN ESTUDIANTE CON IMPEDIMENTOS, O ESTUDIANTE ADULTO CON IMPEDIMENTOS DE 18 ANOS EN ADELANTE O CASADO TIENE EL DERECHO DE: RECIBIR UNA LISTA DONDE SE LOCALIZA LOS ARCHIVOS Y TIPO DE EDUCACION QUE RECIBE SU HIJO(A) QUE SE CONSERVAN, O QUE SE UTILIZAN EN LAS ESCUELAS (34 CFR 300.565). Los archivos de los estudiantes se conservan en la oficina del Departamento de Educación Especial ubicada en 17th & Carla asi como en la escuela a la que asiste el estudiante. La información de referencia, el reporte del comité de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro (ARD),reporte de servicios relacionados, reportes de evaluación, y correspondencia que esté relacionada con el estudiante se conservan en el archivo principal en la oficina del Departamento de Educación Especial. El archivo que permanece en la escuela contiene copias del reporte de Admisión, Repaso y Retiro (ARD), reportes del comité, y El Plan Individual de Educación (IEP). REVISAR Y REPASAR TODOS LOS ARCHIVOS EDUCATIVOS DE SU HIJO(A) SIN TENER QUE ESPERAR MUCHO TIEMPO, Y ANTES DE CUALQUIER JUNTA DE IEP O AUDIENCIA, Y POR NINGUN MOTIVO ESPERAR MAS DE 45 DIAS DESPUES DE HACER SU SOLICITUD (34 CFR 300.562) Cuando usted o el estudiante hace la solicitud, el Director del Programa de Instrucción Especial, deberá solicitar, ya sea por escrito o verbalmente, que estos archivos le sean proporcionados. El Director se reserva el derecho de pedir identificación al solicitante, si este no es ampliamente conocido. Cada solicitud será atendida lo más pronto posible, y siempre antes de los 45 dias. Se dará aviso oportunamente al Superintendente de las escuelas si por algun motivo la solicitud no puede ser atendida dentro de los 45 dias. El Director del Programa de Instrucción Especial asignará un lugar apropiado para el repaso de los archivos. El Director anotará en archivo del estudiante la fecha en que se llevó a cabo el repaso del archivo, el nombre de la persona que hizo la solicitud, y la razón por la cual se hizo el repaso. TENER ACCESO A LA LISTA DE PERSONAS, ADEMAS DE USTED O PERSONAL AUTORIZADO DE LAS ESCUELAS, QUE HAN TENIDO ACCESO A LOS ARCHIVOS EDUCATIVOS DE SU HIJO(A) Y LA RAZON POR LO CUAL FUERON REVISADOS (34 CFR 300.563). El distrito no atenderá la solicitud para la revisión de archivos con información personal si no está autorizada por escrito por los padres/tutores o estudiante elegible y solamante se está autorizado por algún oficial responsable de la escuela que necesite la información para prestar servicios educativos al estudiante. Oficial responsable de la escuela se considera a aquellas personas que se considera sean representantes de la escuela según la lista del Boletin de la Agencia de Educación de Texas, Centro Educativo Region I, la Agencia de Educación de Texas, y el gobierno de los Estados Unidos. El Director tendrá a su cargo la responsabilidad de verificar que las razones de los representantes de las agencias arriba mencionadas sean legitimas y necesarias para llevar acabo una auditoria o para supervisar las actividades. Una lista de las personas que han revisado el archivo de su hijo(a) se mantendrán en el archivo personal del estudiante por un periodo de siete años consecutivos. El Director del Programa de Instrucción Especial es responsable de mantener información confidencial y no podrá dar ninguna información a la persona sin presentar propia identificación y consentimiento de los padres o tutor. Si tiene alguna duda sobre sus derechos confidenciales, puede llamar o escribir a: CARMEN G. ZAVALA DIRECTORA DEL PROGRAMA DE EDUCACION ESPECIAL 17th & CARLA STREETS, P.O. BOX 158 - ZAPATA, TEXAS 78076 (956) 765-6130 • (956) 765-4049 • (956) 765-3967 (Fax)
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6A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
COMBINED NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN WATER QUALITY PERMIT AND NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION FOR TPDES PERMIT FOR MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER NEW PROPOSED PERMIT NO. WQ0010462002 APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION. Zapata County, 2824 Stop 28B, Zapata, Texas 78076, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a new permit, proposed Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0010462002, to authorize the discharge of treated domestic wastewater at a daily average flow not to exceed 17,500 gallons per day. The facility was previously permitted under TPDES Permit No. WQ0014550001, which expired September 1, 2010. TCEQ received this application on December 15, 2010. The facility is located approximately 1,600 feet northeast of the intersection of State Highway 83 and Farm-to-Market Road 2687 and 515 feet north of Farm-to-Market Road 2687 in Zapata County, Texas 78076. The treated effluent is discharged to Arroyo Miguel; thence to International Falcon Reservoir in Segment No. 2303 of the Rio Grande Basin. The unclassified receiving water use is no significant aquatic life use for Arroyo Miguel. The designed used for Segment No. 2303 are high aquatic life use, public water supply, and contact recreation. In accordance with 30 Texas Admin. Code § 307.5 and the TCEQ implementation procedures (January 2003) for the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, an antidegradation review of the receiving waters was performed. A Tier 1 antidegradation review has preliminarily determined that existing water quality uses will not be impaired by this permit action. Numerical and narrative criteria to protect existing uses will be maintained. This review has preliminarily determined that no water bodies with exceptional, high or intermediate aquatic life uses are present within the stream reach assessed; therefore, no Tier 2 degradation determination is required. No significant degradation of water quality is expected in water bodies with exceptional, high, or intermediate aquatic life uses downstream, and existing uses will be maintained and protected. The preliminary determination can be re-examined and may be modified if new information is received. The TCEQ Executive Director has completed the technical review of the application and prepared a draft permit. The draft permit, if approved, would establish the conditions under which the facility must operate. The Executive Director has made a preliminary decision that this permit, if issued, meets all statutory and regulatory requirements. The permit application, Executive Director’s preliminary decision, and draft permit are available for viewing and copying at Zapata County Waterworks Office, 2824 Stop 28B, Zapata, Texas. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=26.784464&lng=-99.118904&zoom=13&type=r. PUBLIC COMMENT/PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting about this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ holds a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing. OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting a contested case hearing or reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in a state district court. TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: Your name, address, phone number, applicant’s name and permit number, the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the facility, a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public, and the statement “(I/we) request a contested case hearing.” If the request for a contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are germane to the group’s purpose. Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission will only grant a contested case hearing on disputed issues of fact that are relevant and material to the Commission’s decision on the application. Further, the Commission will only grant a hearing on issues that were raised in timely filed comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACTION. The Executive Director may issue final approval of the application unless a timely contested case hearing request or request for reconsideration is filed. If a timely hearing request or request for reconsideration is filed, the Executive Director will not issue final approval of the permit and will forward the application and request to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which lists(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. All written public comments and public meeting requests must be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, MC 105, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087 or electronically at www.tceq.texas.gov/about/comments.html within thirty (30) days from the date of newspaper publication of this notice. AGENCY CONTACT AND INFORMATION. If you need more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Participation and Education Program, Toll Free, at 1 (800) 687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1 (800) 687-4040. General information about the TCEQ can be found at our web site at www.TCEQ.texas.gov. Further information may also be obtained from Zapata County at the address stated above or by calling Mr. Carlos Trevino, Jr., Utilities Director, Zapata County Waterworks at (956) 765-9975. Issuance Date: September 14, 2011
SÁBADO 1 DE OCTUBRE DE 2011
Agenda en Breve
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ZAPATA SIGUE ADELANTE
Pocos acuden a cita
SÁBADO 1 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — Concurso de Bandas de Marcha Regional del Suroeste de Texas USSBA, a partir de las 4:30 p.m. en el Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex Stadium, 5208 Sta. Claudia Lane, auspiciado por el Departamento de Bellas Artes de United ISD. Costo 9 dólares por persona. Gratis para niños de 5 años y menores. LAREDO — Webb County Heritage Foundation tendrá la apertura de la exhibición “Haunted Heritage – Myths and Legends of Laredo” de 5 p.m. a 9 p.m. en Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St. Costo: 5 dólares. LAREDO — “Cellopalooza” es hoy a las 7 p.m. en el Center for the Fine and Performing Arts de TAMIU. El concierto presentará los sonidos de violonchelistas tocando a la vez. LAREDO — Alianza Ministerial Evangélica Hispana presenta al Conferencista Internacional David Hormachea con el tema “Hazlo por tu familia”, a las 7 p.m. en el Laredo Civic Center, 2400 avenida San Bernardo. NUEVO LAREDO, México — FIT 2011 presenta: Teatro “¿Quién teme a los espantapájaros?” en el Teatro Experimental del Centro Cultural, en dos funciones, 10 a.m. y 12:30 p.m. Entrada gratuita. NUEVO LAREDO, México — FIT 2011 presenta: “Memoria de Soles” con Contempodanza, dirigidos por Cecilia Lugo a las 7 p.m. en el Teatro Principal del Centro Cultural. Se requiere presentar Carnet. Informes en el (867) 717-5959.
DOMINGO 2 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — La serie Steinway presenta al pianista Shai Wosner, a las 3 p.m. en el Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall de TAMIU. Entrada gratuita. LAREDO — La Gira de Adal Ramones “¿Quiéren Monólogo” llega hoy a Laredo a las 6 p.m. en el Laredo Civic Center. Precios varían de 30, 50 y 75 dólares. Informes al (956) 222-2687. NUEVO LAREDO, México — FIT 2011 presenta: “En el Bar” con Juan Carlos Kardel a las 7 p.m. en la Sala Sergio Peña. Evento gratuito. NUEVO LAREDO, México — FIT 2011 presenta: HipHop “Urban in Disguise” con 180 GRA2 a las 7 p.m. en el teatro experimental del Centro Cultural. Entrada libre. NUEVO LAREDO, México — FIT 2011 presenta: Ballet Clásico “La Cenicienta” con la Compañía Nacional de Danza-INBA a las 7 p.m. en el Teatro Principal del Centro Cultural. Se rquiere Carnet. Informes en el (867) 7175959.
MARTES 4 DE OCTUBRE NUEVO LAREDO, México — FIT 2011 presenta: “Comuna Voz” a las 7 p.m. en la Sala Sergio Peña. Evento gratuito. NUEVO LAREDO, México — FIT 2011 presenta: Homenaje a Carmen Alardîn con el grupo de danza Ceres dirigidos por Alicia Ledezma a las 7 p.m. en el Teatro Principal del Centro Cultural. Evento gratuito.
MIÉRCOLES 5 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — Hoy es el Foro Público y Desfile de Modas por Atención al Cáncer de Seno, a las 6 p.m. en el UT Health Science Center Regional Campus, 1937 E. Bustamanete. Se invita a sobrevivientes de cáncer de senjo, familiares, amigos y otros preocupados con el tema. Invita Doctors Hospital. Reserve su espacio en el 1877-992-1711.
De EU solamente asiste un gobernador; por México la mitad. POR ELLIOT SPAGAT ASSOCIATED PRESS
Foto por Brad Doherty | Associated Press
Tiffany Hartley, viuda de David Hartley, habla durante una conferencia de prensa, junto con los Congresistas Blake Farenthold, a la izquierda, y Ted Poe, el 19 de septiembre en Brownsville. El viernes se celebró un año de la desaparición de David Hartley en el Lago Falcón, del lado mexicano.
Comercio presenta leve recuperación POR CÉSAR RODRÍGUEZ TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
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APATA — El Lago Falcón provee el escape perfecto para sentarse, pescar o relajarse. Eso cambió hace un año cuando supuestamente miembros del crimen organizaron dispararon y mataron a David Michael Hartley. Su esposa, Tifanny, intentó jalar a su esposo del agua sin éxito. Mientras los hombres armados estaban distraídos, Tifanny aceleró conforme balas tocaban el agua a su alrededor. La pareja se había introducido al Arroyo Salado en sus motocicletas acuáticas para tomarse unas fotos en el pueblo sumergido de Guerrero Viejo, Tamaulipas, México. Cuando regresaban a aguas de EU, supuestos miembros del crimen organizado los persiguieron con el desenlace conocido. El Alguacil del Condado de Zapata, Sigifredo Gonzalez Jr. cree que el cuerpo de David jamás será recuperado. Un examen de ADN al chaleco antibalas de Tiffany, mostró que tenía sangre de David. Pero Jose F. “Paco” Mendoza Jr., CEO de la Cámara de Comercio del Condado de Zapata, no cree el total de la versión sobre la persecución. “Suceden tantas cosas buenas aquí, y no obtenemos un minuto de cobertura. Pero al momento que algo así sucede, todos esparcen lo negativo”, dijo Mendoza. “(El Alguacil Gonzalez) les ha asegurado a todos que Tiffany Hartley dice la verdad en un 99.9 por ciento. Ese punto uno (0.1 por ciento) hace una gran diferencia”. Durante las primeras semanas de la balacera, autoridades hicieron todo lo que pudieron para recuperar el cuerpo de David. Al menos cinco sospechosos han surgido en la balacera. Gonzalez dijo que su oficina ha
recibido los nombres de los hermanos Juan Pedro, conocido como “El 27”, y José Manuel Zaldivar Flores, conocido como “El 31”, de las autoridades mexicanas. Durante la investigación, su oficina ha agregado otros tres nombres, pero Gonzalez dijo que no podía darlos a conocer. Días después del incidente de los Hartley, la oficina del alguacil colocó dos anuncios dos-porcuatro en Inglés y Español, advirtiendo a las personas de mantenerse alejados de aguas mexicanas. Conforme la investigación progresaba, la oficina del alguacil recibió una fotografía que muestra seis personas sobre un bote con lo que aparentan ser paquetes de marihuana. Gonzalez dijo que la fotografía fue tomada alrededor de 30 minutos después del ataque sobre los Hartley. La imagen muestra dos hombres — uno con camiseta verde, el otro con camiseta negra — lo que es similar a las descripciones que otorgó Tiffany. Antes del incidente en Falcon, a Zapata le iba bien con pescadores y visitantes a la ciudad. Desde abril del 2008, cuando Paul Elias rompió el record mundial durante el torneo Bassmaster Elite Series Lone Star Shootout, Zapata empezó a ver un incremento en pescadores visitándolos, dijo Mendoza. Después del 30 de septiembre de 2010, las cosas cambiaron. “No creo todas las cosas que ella dijo. No creo que ellos realmente sepan el panorama negativo que han causado a nuestra comunidad con este caso”, dijo él. Mendoza dice que cuando le preguntan sobre el tema, aclara que el incidente no ocurrió en Zapata o los Estados Unidos. Hartley fue abatido a unas 7 a 9 millas dentro de aguas mexicanas. Aunque se reportó que muchos torneos de pesca fueron
cancelados, Mendoza dice que “oficialmente, nunca hubo ningún torneo de pesca cancelado”. Dos torneos se realizaron tras el incidente en aguas mexicanas del Lago Falcón. Mendoza dijo que en tanto las personas permanezcan del lado de EU en el lago, ellos no tendrán problemas. Sostuvo que los residentes de Zapata han estado en una montaña rusa desde entonces. Y, pese a reportes negativos, los pescadores han empezado poco a poco a regresar. “El negocio ha empezado a regresar. Hemos visto de 40 a 45 por ciento en ocupación hotelera. En los pasados meses, hemos visto nuestros restaurantes, gasolineras más ocupadas. Ahora, vemos más botes en la ciudad, como antes”, dijo Mendoza. Un campeonato Bass Champs South Region Team está programado para el 8 y 9 de octubre. Se espera la llegada de 350 botes, 750 pescadores a Zapata para competir. Mendoza dijo que la cámara invierte dinero para que las personas vean el lado real de Falcon Lake. A un año de lo ocurrido a los Hartley, Mendoza dice que los residentes se mantienen fuertes y positivos. “Zapata es seguro. Conminamos a todos a venir a Zapata y disfrutar los muchos atractivos que tenemos. Es seguro. Se disfruta y las personas no deben desorientarse por lo que ven en los medios”, dijo Mendoza. Gonzalez estuvo de acuerdo. “Siempre he dicho que el lado de EU de Falcon Lake es seguro. Los medios lo hacen ver como inseguro. A donde voy, siempre le digo a las personas que el lado de EU de Falcon es relativamente seguro pero que es importante se queden del lado de EU en el lago”, dijo Gonzalez. (Localice a César G. Rodriguez en el 728-2568 o en cesar@lmtonline.com)
ENSENADA, México — El estado de Nuevo México fue otra vez el único de Estados Unidos que asistió a la conferencia anual de gobernadores fronterizos con México, lo que puso en duda si esta tradición de 30 años ha perdido relevancia. La gobernadora de Arizona, Jan Brewer, canceló la reunión de 2010 en Phoenix luego del boicot en contra de los gobernadores fronterizos mexicanos porque ella acababa de promulgar una estricta ley de inmigración que afectaba a inmigrantes sin autorización legal para residir en Estados Unidos. El entonces gobernador de Nuevo México, Bill Richardson, organizó la reunión en Santa Fe, pero fue el único que acudió de los cuatro gobernadores fronterizos de Estados Unidos. Richardson también fue el único de Estados Unidos que había asistido a la conferencia de 2009 en Monterrey, México. La actual gobernadora de Nuevo México, Susana Martínez, fue la única que asistió por Estados Unidos a la 29na reunión que duró dos días y concluyó el jueves en Ensenada. California y Arizona enviaron representantes pero Texas no envió a nadie. “No me parece que uno pueda hacer esto a medias”, dijo Martínez en una entrevista. “Tiene que haber comunicación entre todos los 10 gobernadores y tratar de arreglar los problemas que afectan a cada cual en sus respectivos lados de la frontera”. La gobernadora de Nuevo México dijo que intentará extender en los próximos días una invitación para la próxima reunión que tendrá lugar en 2012 en Albuquerque y enviará un recordatorio tres meses antes de la fecha. “Será como la invitación a una boda, hay que recordarle a la gente que no se olvide de asistir”, agregó. La mitad de los seis gobernadores fronterizos de México tampoco asistieron a la reunión. Los únicos que lo hicieron fueron los de Baja California, Chihuahua y Sonora, en tanto que estuvieron ausentes los de Nuevo León, Tamaulipas y Coahuila. Brewer se excusó el martes de la reunión y canceló toda posibilidad de que ésta tuviera interés tras el fiasco del año pasado. El portavoz de la gobernadora, Matthew Benson, dijo que Brewer necesitaba ponerse al corriente sobre asuntos estatales debido a que había concluido el sábado una gira de 10 días por China. Por su parte, el gobernador de California, Jerry Brown, pretendía acudir pero está ocupado en Sacramento en la revisión de cientos de iniciativas que debe firmar, dijo su vocero Gil Duran. El gobernador de Texas, Rick Perry, estaba abocado a la recaudación de fondos antes de que venciera el viernes el plazo para la presentación de las declaraciones de financiamiento de la campaña presidencial. El miércoles asistió a un acto de recaudación de fondos en Tenesí, y el jueves en Tenesí, Carolina del Norte y Virginia Occidental. Las reuniones se efectúan cada año y de manera alterna en Estados Unidos y México.
TAMAULIPAS
Continúa curso sobre proyectos culturales POR IMELDA CÁZARES ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
CIUDAD VICTORIA, México — Jóvenes artistas, promotores culturales y líderes de la sociedad siguen capacitándose mediante los talleres que ofrece el Instituto Tamaulipeco para la Cultura y las Artes (ITCA) en colaboración con los gobiernos municipales. Desde el 19 de septiembre, Carlos de la Mora imparte el Taller de Elaboración de Proyectos Culturales, dirigido a la Red de Colectivos Culturales Comunitarios de Tamaulipas y público en general.
Carlos de la Mora ha sido consultor del Consejo Nacional de Fomento Educativo (Conafe), instructor en el Sistema Nacional de Capacitación de la Dirección de Capacitación del Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes (Conaculta) y miembro fundador de MOMO Consultoría Integral. La gira de talleres tendrá sus siguientes paradas en Matamoros, del 29 de septiembre al 1 de octubre; Reynosa, del 3 al 5 de octubre, y Nuevo Laredo, del 6 al 8 del mismo mes. La inscripción es gratuita. Para mayores informes llamar al teléfono (834) 1 53 43 12 extensión 131.
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
Carlos de la Mora imparte el Taller de Elaboración de Proyectos Culturales, dirigido a la Red de Colectivos Culturales Comunitarios de Tamaulipas y público en general.
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
Man caught with 800 pounds of pot By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
U.S. Border Patrol agents stationed in Zapata arrested a man accused of driving through the county with more than 800 pounds of marijuana, according to state court records released Friday. Carlos Gonzalez is facing federal charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Agents conducted an immigration inspection on a white 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 pulling a goose neck trailer on U.S. 83, one mile north of Falcon, on Thursday. A federal criminal complaint states agents noticed abnormalities and inconsistencies with the trailer. After a vehicle stop, the driver was identified as Gonzalez, a U.S. citizen who was the sole occupant. “Gonzalez admitted that the contents found in the
truck and trailer was his and that no one else is responsible,” the criminal complaint states. Federal court documents go on to say that agents removed 76 bundles of marijuana from the vehicle. The approximate weight of the contraband is 824 pounds. Gonzalez was taken to the Webb County Jail. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
Activity lands two teens in Zapata lockup By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Suspicious activity led Zapata County sheriff ’s deputies to arrest two teenagers on narcotics charges. Deputies were dispatched at 4:46 a.m. Monday to the vicinity of Siesta and Laredo Lanes in the Siesta Shores subdivision for a reported suspicious vehicle in the area. Deputies located a blue Dodge four-door passenger vehicle parked by a stop sign by Laredo Lane. According to sheriff ’s Sgt. Mario Elizondo, the deputy
OVIDIO GARZA JR.: Faces narcotics charges. witnessed two men asleep in the driver’s and passenger’s seats. The motor vehicle was not running. Authorities identified the men as Zapatans Luis A. Saenz, 17, and Ovidio Garza Jr., 17. Sheriff ’s officials say the men had small amounts of narcotics. Saenz was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance. Deputies also arrested Gar-
LUIS A. SAENZ: Held in jail on a $5,000 bond. za and charged him with possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. Both men were taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. Saenz was held on a $5,000 bond. Garza had a $7,500 bond. Deputies seized narcotics worth approximately $60, Elizondo said. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
County gets $623K in 2 grants SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Zapata County received two federal grants recently, totaling $623,655. One of the grants will provide first-time sewer service to seven homes in the Floress II subdivision. That grant, for $323,655, was awarded to the county by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds will be administered by the Texas Department of Rural Af-
fairs. The other will pay to create a Georgraphic Information System database and conduct a market analysis and feasibility study to evaluate economic development activities along the U.S. Highway 83 corridor. That grant, for $300,000, was awarded to the Zapata County Economic Development Center, Inc., by the Economic Development Administration. “The EDA project will en-
hance Zapata County’s capability to foster economic development, attract domestic and international business and become globally competitive,” according to a press statement released by Rep. Henry Cuellar’s office in announcing the grants. Cuellar joined County Judge Joseph Rathmell, EDC President Peggy Umphres and others at the Zapata County Courthouse on Wednesday to announce the grants.
Incomes take a tumble 1st time in 2 years earnings down By MARTIN CRUTSINGER ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — Americans earned less in August, the first decline in nearly two years. With less income, consumers could cut back on spending and weaken an already-fragile economy. Their lower pay explains why consumers increased spending at a slower pace in August. And most of the increase went to pay higher prices for food and gas. When adjusted for inflation, spending was flat. Many people tapped their savings to cover the steeper costs. The savings rate fell to its lowest level since December 2009. The decline in income offered “more evidence that households are in quite a bind,” said Paul Dales, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics. Consumer spending rose 0.2 percent in August, after growing 0.7 percent in July, the Commerce Department said Friday. Incomes fell 0.1 percent, which was the first decline since October 2009. The data also contributed to a rough day on Wall Street. The Dow Jones industrial average tumbled to close 240 points down. Broader indexes also fell. When people have less income, they spend less and that slows growth. Consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of economic activity. The economy grew just 0.9 percent in the first half of the year, the worst sixmonth stretch since the recession officially ended more than two years ago.
Debit card debt Monthly fee awaits customers By EILEEN AJ CONNELLY AND DAVE CARPENTER ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — Angela Malerba, who works in public relations in Boston, carries a debit card because she likes to know when she buys something that she has enough in her account to pay for it. But paying $5 a month to use her own money? That’s too much. So when Bank of America starts charging the fee next year, Malerba figures she’ll rely more heavily on her credit card. Or, in a strategy that seems almost quaint in these swipe-andgo times, she may just carry more cash. “Paying $60 a year in debit card fees just seems absurd,” she says. The 38.7 million people who carry Bank of America debit cards will face a similar decision in the latest example of banks raising fees or establishing new ones — not just for debit cards but for visiting ATMs or talking to a teller. Bank of America’s announcement follows tests by Wells Fargo and Chase for $3 monthly fees for debit cards in some markets. Other banks have begun charging for basic checking. Banks have sharply restricted their rewards programs for debit cards. Bank of America said the fee will apply only when customers use their debit cards for purchases in a certain month. The fee will not apply if the card is used only to access ATMs. It will not apply for premium customers, who keep high balances. Debit fees hit particularly hard because banks have spent the past decade encouraging their customers to go for the ease of the cards, which deduct purchases immediately from a checking or savings account. In 1995, debit cards accounted for only 1 percent of the transactions when people pulled a card out of their wallet to pay for something. Credit cards made up the rest. Debit cards grew steadily, hitting 50 percent in 2006. Today, there are more than 530 million of them in use in the U.S. Two out of every three times someone reaches for plastic, it’s debit, according to the Nilson Report, which tracks the card industry. Credit cards still make up 56 percent of the money spent, according to the report. So when people use debit, it’s for the forgettable, smaller transactions of everyday life — a pack of gum or coffee. Banks have cashed in big. They collect about $19 billion a year from swipe
Photo by Paul Sakuma | AP
A Bank of America customer uses an ATM machine in Mountain View, Calif. When Bank of America starts charging customers a $5 monthly fee in 2012 to use debit cards, those who carry them will have to decide if the convenience is worth the money. fees, the pennies they collect from a store every time you run your card through a magnetic reader at the checkout counter. On Saturday, that revenue will be cut almost in half. Federal rules will cap the amount banks can charge merchants at about 24 cents per transaction, down from an average of 44 cents. It’s the latest regulation imposed on banks. Last year, strict rules on credit cards limited when they could raise interest rates and virtually eliminated customer fees for going over credit limits. Then the Federal Reserve tightened rules for when and how often banks could charge for checking account overdrafts. But each regulation aimed at reducing the costs for consumers has chipped away at bank revenue — and left banks to make the customer pay for services that had been offered at no charge. Bank of America, for instance, created a checking account that is free only if the customer banks online and at ATMs. Get a paper statement or visit a teller, and there’s an $8.95 fee for the month. Bankrate.com found recently that 45 percent of non-interest-earning checking accounts are free today, down from 76 percent two years ago. Minimum balance fees, ATM surcharges, foreign transaction fees and more have also proliferated. Many
banks even charge customers a fee for drawing on lines of credit linked to checking accounts, which most users seek in order to avoid overdraft fees. Customers are frustrated. Jose Bucheli, a graduate student in Albuquerque, N.M., thought back to the economic crisis of 2008, when banks pledged to stand with customers. “But whenever they have the opportunity, they impose a new fee,” he says. “I understand that Bank of America is a business, and trying to maximize its profits, but I’m trying to maximize my profits, too.” Bucheli doesn’t like to carry cash and relies on his debit card for almost everything, so he isn’t interested in getting around the fee by using a credit card. Some banks are trying to take advantage of that impulse. The regulation doesn’t apply to banks with $10 billion or less in assets, which may give some community banks and credit unions an edge. Consumer advocates suggest credit unions as a haven from fees. BECU, a Seattle credit union, says its membership has risen 18 percent in the past year. Many of the newest members say they’re switching because of bank fees, a spokesman says. Some larger banks are also resisting the urge to tack on charges, instead trying a no-fee strategy to lure customers.
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Photo by Reed Saxon | AP
A shopper carrying bags is silhoutetted at a mall in Los Angeles on Thursday. The Commerce Department said Friday that consumer spending rose 0.2 percent in August. Incomes fell 0.1 percent, which was the first decline since October 2009. Most economists have been predicting the second half of the year will be better, in part because gas prices have come down since peaking this spring. Dales estimates 2.5 percent growth in the JulySeptember quarter and 1.5 percent in the final three months of the year. Those estimates take into account the weaker income figures. Such growth may be enough to calm recession fears. But it is far from what is needed to lower the unemployment rate, which was 9.1 percent in August. And Dales cautioned that he might have to lower
his estimates even further if consumers have less money to spend. “Households haven’t seen their incomes increase at all this year. That goes a long way to explain why consumption growth has been so weak,” Dales said. Most people probably didn’t experience an actual pay cut in August. But the economy added no new jobs. And among those who were working, average hourly earnings dropped 3 cents and hours worked fell slightly. Those factors combined to lower wages and salaries.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A
JOSE ANTONIO VIDAL
Photo by Al Seib/Los Angeles Times | AP
Defense attorney Edward Chernoff questions Robert Russell, a former patient of Conrad Murray, during Murray’s involuntary manslaughter trial in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. Murray has pleaded not guilty and faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical license if convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson’s death.
Medic: Info didn’t add up Doctor denied problems as Jackson was dying By ANTHONY MCCARTNEY ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES — After just a few moments in Michael Jackson’s bedroom, the paramedic dispatched to save the singer’s life knew things weren’t adding up. There was the skinny man on the floor, eyes open with a surgical cap on his head. His skin was turning blue. Paramedic Richard Senneff asked the sweating, frantic-looking doctor in the room what condition the stricken man had. “He said, ‘Nothing. He has nothing,”’ Senneff told jurors at the involuntary manslaughter trial of Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray. “Simply, that did not add up to me,” Senneff said. Over the course of the 42 minutes that Los Angeles paramedics tried to revive Jackson, several other things about the room and Murray’s responses seemed inconsistent to Senneff. After repeated prodding, Murray revealed a few details about his actions, saying he had only given Jackson a dose of the sedative lorazepam to help him sleep, Senneff testified. In addition, there were bottles of medicine on Jackson’s nightstand, and Murray finally offered that he was treating the singer for dehydration and exhaustion. Senneff said Murray never mentioned that he had also been giving Jackson doses of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives, a key omission that prosecutors say shows he repeatedly tried to conceal his actions during the struggle to save the pop superstar. Murray, 58, has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison and lose his medical license. Prosecutors contend the Houstonbased cardiologist repeatedly lied to medics and emergency room doctors
about medications he had been giving Jackson in the singer’s bedroom. They claim Murray administered a fatal dose of propofol and other sedatives. Defense lawyers claim Jackson gave himself the fatal dose after his doctor left the room. Defense attorney Nareg Gourjian asked Senneff whether Jackson’s appearance was consistent with someone who was a drug addict. Senneff said that was a difficult determination to make, but he did think the singer “looked like he had a chronic health problem.” Senneff was the first paramedic to reach Jackson’s bedroom and said within moments, he and three other paramedics were working to revive Jackson. After trying multiple heartstarting medications and other efforts, Jackson was still lifeless. “Did you ever see any sign of life in Mr. Jackson during the entire time you were attempting to save him?” prosecutor Deborah Brazil asked. “No I did not,” Senneff said. Another paramedic dispatched to the room, Martin Blount, agreed. He told jurors that they thought Jackson was dead soon after they arrived in the room. Blount also said he saw three open bottles of lidocaine on the floor of the room but noted that Murray never mentioned giving Jackson the painkiller. He told jurors he saw the doctor scoop up the vials and drop them in a black bag. Between the paramedics’ testimony, Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor threatened Murray’s lawyers with a contempt charge over an interview the law partner of lead defense counsel Ed Chernoff did with “The Today Show.” In the interview, attorney Matt Alford criticized a key prosecution witness, Jackson’s bodyguard Alberto Alvarez. Alvarez testified Thursday that Murray ordered him to place vials of medication in a bag before calling 911. Defense attorneys have repeatedly challenged his account.
Prosecutors complained and Pastor watched the interview during a break. He told attorneys he was shocked and had watched the interview “with my mouth open.” The interview was done hours after the judge warned attorneys not to comment about the case outside court. He ordered Alford to appear for a contempt hearing on Nov. 15 and described him as a witness after Chernoff told Pastor to hold him in contempt instead of his partner. All the discussions about the interview were held outside the presence of jurors, who are under strict orders to avoid media coverage about the case. The seven-man, five-woman panel instead heard testimony about efforts to revive Jackson, who the paramedics and emergency room doctor thought was dead at his rented mansion. Still, the singer was transported to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center because Murray wanted life-saving efforts to continue. After loading Jackson into an ambulance, Senneff said he saw Murray collecting items from Jackson’s bedside. The doctor was alone in the bedroom for several moments before joining paramedics in the ambulance for the drive to the hospital, Senneff said. Gourjian suggested Murray had been collecting his wallet and glasses, but Senneff said he could not see the items. In the ambulance, Blount said, he heard Murray make a phone call. “‘It’s about Michael, and it doesn’t look good,”’ Blount recalled hearing Murray saying. Jurors also heard from a former Murray patient who lauded the doctor’s treatment of him, but said the cardiologist became increasingly distant and hard to reach while working with Jackson. “I felt like I was getting the best care in the world,” said Robert Russell of Las Vegas, before Murray became the singer’s personal physician. “The advice he gave me saved my life.”
Jose Antonio Vidal passed away Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, in Houston, Texas. Mr. Vidal is preceded in death by his father, Eustorgio Vidal; sister Lupita Vidal; and a sister-in-law, Julia Vidal. Mr. Vidal is survived by his wife, Aurora L. Vidal; mother, Lydia Vidal; daughters: Olga (Oscar) Guevara, Ana (Jesus) Coyac and Esmeralda (Jose) Martinez; son, Jose Antonio Vidal Jr.; grandchildren: Lynet, Dina, Oscar Guevara Jr., Chad Payne, Rosalynn Coyac, Maryah Gonzalez, Cithlaly, Isaiah Martinez, (Vilma mother) Delilah, Enrique and (Monica mother) Angel; brothers and sisters: Sixto (Blanca), Sergio, Benito (Lydia), Martha (Carlos) and Nora (Rey); and by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many friends. Visitation hours were Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at 8 p.m. with a chapel service at 2 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession
departed Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at 2:45 a.m. Committal services followed at Falcon Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata, TX.
JOSE LUIS VENEGAS Jose Luis Venegas, 78, passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at Laredo Medical Center in Laredo, Texas. Mr. Venegas is preceded in death by his wife, Idalia Dean. Mr. Venegas is survived by his children: Norma Dean, Luis (Rosemary) Venegas, Claudia (Philip) Marshall, Jesus Ruvalcaba and Maria Ruvalcaba; grandchildren: Ian Venegas, Victor Venegas, Cecilia, Jesus Jenny Ruvalcaba, Bruce and John Raymond; and by numerous other family members and friends. Visitation hours will be held Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, at 9 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. A chapel service will be held Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata, TX.
ERASMO CUELLAR Erasmo Cuellar passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at Doctor’s Hospital in Laredo, Texas. Mr. Cuellar is survived by his wife, Flor Cuellar; mother, Adelina Cuellar; children: Monica (Kiko) Garza, Horacio Cuellar, Erasmo Jr. (Marina) Cuellar, C.G. Ann (Refugio) Garcia, Priscilla Cuellar, Emmanuel (Velma) Cuellar and Lisa (Erik) Sanchez; sister, Palmira (Leonel) Martinez; 15 grandchildren; and by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many friends. Visitation hours were Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a wake at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. A chapel service was held Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. Committal services followed at San
Jose Cemetery in Uribeño, Texas. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata, TX.
10A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
FALCON Continued from Page 1A eryone that Tiffany Hartley is saying the truth, 99.9 percent sure. That point one (0.1 percent) makes a big difference.” During the first weeks of the shooting, authorities did all they could to recover David’s body. On one occasion, Mexican authorities clashed with organized crime members, killing three people. The case changed directions when the lead investigator in Mexico, Rolando Flores, was decapitated and his head was delivered in a suitcase at a Mexican military base. At least five suspects have emerged in the shooting. Gonzalez said his office received the names of brothers Juan Pedro, known as “El 27,” and Jose Manuel Zaldivar Farias, known as “El 31,” from Mexican authorities. Through an investigation, his office added three more names, but Gonzalez said he could not release them. As the investigation continued, the sheriff said that drug-trafficking organizations were warned about two jet skis heading to the Arroyo Salado in Mexico, an area believed to be a Zeta stronghold. Investigations have shown spies doing surveillance at the public boat ramp in Zapata are the ones who alerted the organizations to the Hartleys’ apparent plans. Gonzalez said the Hartleys’ white pickup, which had Mexican plates, might have triggered the spies to alert the Zetas on the other side of the lake. Days after the Hartley incident, the sheriff ’s of-
The case changed directions when the lead investigator in Mexico, Rolando Flores, was decapitated and his head was delivered in a suitcase at a Mexican military base. fice put out two-by-four signs in English and Spanish warning people to stay away from Mexican waters. Several shootings have occurred on the Mexican side, including one in which Mexican marines killed 12 Zetas. As the investigation progressed, the sheriff ’s office received a picture that shows six people on a boat with what appear to be bundles of marijuana. Gonzalez said that picture was taken about 30 minutes after the attack on the Hartleys. The image shows two men — one wearing a green shirt, the other wearing a black shirt — that fit the descriptions Tiffany had given. No weapons are seen on the boat. Gonzalez said he has believed Tiffany since the beginning because of recent incidents involving fishermen being accosted by cartel members to rule out the possibility of the fishermen being members of the rival Gulf Cartel. Not long ago, a fisherman and his grandson ventured near where Hartley was shot. Gonzalez said the fisherman saw a man dressed in military clothes. Seven more came out of the brush and started firing at him. One bullet struck his windshield. He went
back to the Mexican shore and explained with his limited Spanish he was a “pescador (fisherman).” Before the Falcon shooting, Zapata did well with fishermen and visitors going into town. Since April 2008, when angler Paul Elias broke a world record during the Bassmaster Elite Series Lone Star Shootout, Zapata had been booming with fishermen coming into town, Mendoza said. After Sept. 30, 2010, things changed. “I’ve never really believed a lot of the things that took place with that case. I’ve always been very skeptical (of) it. I think there’s more to it. I think there are a lot of things that are not being let known to the public,” Mendoza said. “I don’t believe all the things she said. I don’t believe they actually know the actual negative they have caused for our community with this case.” Mendoza said when he’s questioned on the topic, he stresses the incident did not take place in Zapata or the United States. Hartley was gunned down 7 to 9 miles into Mexican waters. Mainstream media told their stories saying Falcon Lake was in Zapata. “It wasn’t always specified that
BUSINESS Continued from Page 1A new office offers a Zapata Small Business Management Certificate Program. In four months participants take courses in forming a business plan, customer service, financial management, and “basic business essentials.” Upon successful completion, participants receive continuing education credit. The program costs only $20 because the SBDC, like other such centers, is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration. “That’s why we don’t like to call this a free service,” said Al Salgado, director of
the South-West Texas Border SBDC Network. “We all pay our taxes, so let’s utilize the service.” Rural business advisor Yael Rodriguez, who will run the Zapata office, told The Zapata Times that she walks all prospective small business owners through financing options, permits and marketing. “We can help with the management if you plan to hire for your business,” she said. “Here in Zapata, most of the time it’s just the owner and one or two employees.”
Community and business leaders including County Judge Joseph Rathmell and Zapata Chamber of Commerce President Francisco “Paco” Mendoza offered their support at the ceremony. Classes for the Zapata business management program will be held in the Zapata County Courthouse, and the SBDC plans to hold a graduation ceremony Dec. 13. For class information, call 956-286-0042. (Mike Herrera IV can be reached at (956) 728-2567 or mherrera@lmtonline.com.)
this took place in Mexico. I think that hurt us as well,” Mendoza pointed out. “We would get a lot of calls from people who were planning trips to come down here and they would call the chamber to ask, ‘How bad is it down there? Is it safe to go to Zapata?’ … We got several of those calls.” Though it was reported that many fishing tournaments were cancelled, Mendoza said “officially, there were never any fishing tournaments cancelled.” Two tournaments were on schedule for after the shooting in the Mexican waters of Falcon Lake. Mendoza said those were cancelled for other reasons, including contractual. “We didn’t have any cancellations due to the Hartley case. That’s a popular misconception,” Mendoza said. Mendoza said that as long as people stayed on the U.S. side of the lake, they would have no problems. He said Zapatans have been on a rollercoaster since then. People have been brainwashed to believe what they see on the major news networks, he added. Despite that, fishermen are slowly starting to go back. Mendoza said anglers have had no
problems, and he hopes word of mouth will spread to other fishermen. “Business has been starting to pick up. We’ve seen between 40 to 45 percent in hotel occupancy. In the last few months, we’ve seen our restaurants, our gas stations a lot busier. Now, we’re starting to see a lot more boats in town, like we used to see before,” Mendoza said. A Bass Champs South Region Team Championship is scheduled for Oct. 8 and 9. About 350 boats and 750 anglers, are expected to be in Zapata to compete. Mendoza said the chamber invests money so people can see the real side of Falcon Lake. With the Hartley shooting oneyear anniversary, Mendoza believes people are going to start bashing Zapata again. But locals are staying strong and positive, he said. “Zapata is safe. We encourage everyone to come to Zapata and enjoy the many attractions that we have. It is safe. It is enjoyable, and people should not be misled by the media,” Mendoza said. Gonzalez agrees. “I’ve always said the U.S. side of Falcon Lake is safe. The media has portrayed it as being unsafe. Everywhere I go, I still tell people the U.S. side of Falcon is relatively safe but it’s very important they stay on the U.S. side of the lake,” Gonzalez said. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
FATALITY Continued from Page 1A control of the truck and it rolled over. Zapata County sheriff’s deputies also responded to the scene. On arrival they saw how U.S. Border Patrol agents were already at the
scene administrating cardiopulmonary resuscitation to Zamora Gonzalez. Zapata County EMS paramedics rushed the man to the Rio Grande City Memorial Hospital. The man
passed away hours later. Salas said Zamora Gonzalez was pronounced dead at 9:40 p.m. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors CROSS COUNTRY
Running to the Rock No. 5 Hawks race for Round Rock By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Zapata boy’s cross country doesn’t allow their No. 5 state ranking serve as a lead weight around their neck. Instead, the Hawks utilize it as motivation everyday during those long practice sessions because they have a much bigger goal in mind. “It is a big motivation because you know who is out there,” Rafael Benavidez said. The Hawks want a state championship and will not stop at nothing until they accomplish that goal in Round Rock this year, the site of the state meet. “It gives us something to chase,” Juan
See CROSS COUNTRY PAGE 2B
Merlins run with magic By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
Photo by Clara Sandoval | The Zapata Times
The No. 5 Zapata Hawks cross country team runs every race with their eyes on the ultimate goal of winning a state championship.
The success of Zapata High’s cross country team is a direct product of the strong middle school program that resides down the road. The Lady Merlins kicked off their season with bang, logging two impressive victories early this season, taking home a lot
See MERLINS PAGE 2B
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
Painting the town pink
T
oday marks the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month as the world wears pink and stands united against a disease that cuts so many lives short. This is a month that I am passionate about, not because breast cancer has touched me personally, but because it is the responsibility of all women — and men — to spread awareness through education, in the form of selfbreast self-exams. For the past few years I have worn a pink bracelet on my right hand, year round, to remind me that there are thousands of people in a fight for their lives. That pink bracelet is never taken off, serving as a reminder that I need to continue spreading the word about early detection. Whenever I am tired and my energy level is low, all I need to do to get that boost is take a look at my pink bracelet, reminding me that there are so many fighting for survival. . Pink symbolizes the hope that we can beat this disease, a disease that effects one in eight women. Statistically we will all know someone in our lifetime affected by this deadly disease, but through educating the public, we can beat it. Education and self-breast exams are the weapons we all must wield if we are to band together, standing shoulder to shoulder as we march forward to meet this disease head on. I always tell people that breast cancer is not just a female problem, but rather a human problem that also affects males. So many companies are coming together, selling products and donating some of their profits to Breast Cancer Awareness nonprofit organizations. A variety of professional and college sports teams, including the NFL and MLB have worn pink in support of breast cancer awareness. It’s great to also see high school athletics teams start to wear pink. In Laredo, all the District
See SANDOVAL PAGE 2B
Photo by Clara Sandoval | The Zapata Times
The Lady Hawks volleyball team looks to stay undefeated as they cruise through Distrct 32-3A.
SETTING THE STANDARD Zapata zooms into District 32-3A second round By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
With the start of the second round of district play, the Zapata volleyball team isn’t planning to slow down anytime soon, with a lot of volleyball left to be played. Zapata is flying high after taking down Port Isabel 25-13, 25-16, 18-25 and 29-27 to keep their unblemished District 32-3A record intact and stay atop of the district standings. “I am proud of the girls in the way that they came back in the fourth set,” Zapata coach Rosie Villarreal said. “In the third
game we killed ourselves with our serves. “We rallied for the last two points in the fourth game and we played great defense.” Zapata built their lead by two games and has started to separate from the rest of the district after Tuesday’s win. Zapata sits at 7-0 in first place, while second place is a toss up between Port Isabel and La Feria, both of which have identical records at 5-2 The Lady Hawks had to pick up their level of play to get by a pesky Lady Tarpon team that wouldn’t go away, becoming a thorn in the Zapata’s side.
Kristina De Leon has carried the offensive load for Zapata through the bulk of the season, coming through for the Lady Hawks again on Tuesday when the game became tight. De Leon ended the night with 17 kills to lead all Lady Hawks and lent a hand to the defense with nine digs and three blocks. Shelby Bigler added 16 kills and four aces on offense. Setter Estella Molina controlled the offense recording 38 assists on the night.
See VOLLEYBALL PAGE 2B
PAGE 2B
Zscores
NBA season hangs in balance By BRIAN MAHONEY
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
Francona-Sox split, era comes to end By HOWARD ULMAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — Regularseason games could be at stake when NBA owners and players meet this weekend. And those might not be all that is lost, Commissioner David Stern warned, without real headway toward a new labor deal. “All I’d say to that is that there are enormous consequences at play here on the basis of the weekend,” Stern said Wednesday. “Either we’ll make very good progress, and we know what that would mean — we know how good that would be, without putting dates to it — or we won’t make any progress and then it won’t be a question of just starting the season on time, it will be a lot at risk because of the absence of progress.” Talks between negotiators ended after two days Wednesday so they could return home before summoning their respective bargaining committees to New York for the most important stretch of the lockout. They will meet Friday and are prepared to talk through the weekend if progress toward a new collective bargaining agreement is being made. There hasn’t been enough of it so far, with the lockout nearly three months complete. Both Stern and union president Derek Fisher of the Lakers said they are not close, with the Nov. 1 season opener a little more than a month away, and Fisher added the commitment to block out multiple days this weekend “points more toward the calendar than actually being able to measure progress.” “It points to the realities that we face with our calendar and that if we can’t find a way to get some common ground really, really soon, then the time of starting the regular season at its scheduled date is going to be in jeopardy big-time,” he added. Training camps already have been postponed and 43 games scheduled for the first week of the preseason have been canceled. The league has said it will make decisions about the remainder of exhibition play as warranted, and those could come shortly. The league denied an ESPN.com report that Stern planned to threaten players with cancellation
Photo by Mary Altaffer | AP
NBA commissioner David Stern speaks to reporters after a meeting with the players’ union, in New York. NBA owners and players will meet through the weekend, with Stern warning there are “enormous consequences at play” as the sides try agree. of the entire 2011-12 season if there wasn’t progress toward a deal by the end of the weekend. “It’s simply not true,” NBA spokesman Tim Frank said. Fisher said some of the league’s biggest names could join the executive committee in Friday’s meeting, and Miami guard Dwyane Wade has committed to attend. Wade was part of a meeting about labor issues at the 2010 All-Star weekend in Dallas, when players were briefed about owners’ plans for dramatic changes to the league’s salary structure. Owners have been looking to reduce the players’ guarantee of basketball-related income from 57 percent to somewhere in the mid-40s. “I look forward to learning something that I didn’t learn two years ago,” Wade told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “Hopefully, it’s different information, something that will move us forward. Hopefully we don’t walk out of the meeting back at where we were at the AllStar game two years ago.” Wade has been in New York for the past couple days for business meetings. When the invitation came to attend Friday’s session, he did not hesitate. “I’ve talked to a couple guys,” Wade said. “I’m here. ... I was going to leave tomorrow, but I’m going to stay in town and go to the next meeting.” Fisher will brief the players first on the state of the talks. “I can’t say that common ground is evident,
but our desire to try to get there I think is there,” Fisher said. “We still have a great deal of issues to work through, so there won’t be any magic that will happen this weekend to just make those things go away, but we have to put the time in.” The sides met for about four hours Wednesday, again in small groups. The full groups have met only once since the lockout began July 1, and it resulted in a setback. Players were prepared to make what union executive director Billy Hunter called a “significant” financial concession, but owners rejected their call to leave the current salary cap structure intact as a condition of the move. Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver said it was time to go back to the larger groups again because “whatever decisions we are now going to be making would be so monumental given the point of the calendar that we’re at.” Stern wouldn’t comment on reports that owners had softened their insistence on a hard salary cap in favor of adding more restrictions to the current cap system that allows teams to exceed it through use of certain exceptions. Nor would he say if the season could still start on Nov. 1 without any preseason play. “I shouldn’t deal with hypotheticals here,” he said. “I’m focused on let’s get the two committees in and see whether they can either have a season or not have a season, and that’s what’s at risk this weekend.”
SANDOVAL Continued from Page 1B 29-5A volleyball teams will be wearing pink socks and shoelaces for today’s games. They are encouraging everyone attending their games to wear pink, and will sell pink t-shirts with the profits going to non-profit organizations. Every single team agreed to kick off the month of October by wearing pink; even the coaching staffs will be wearing pink tshirts. I would love to see the
Hawk football team wear pink socks for one of their home games too, as the old saying says: “real men wear pink.” Speaking with volleyball coach Rosie Villarreal on the subject, she said that the Lady Hawks will wear pink shoelaces and bows for the entire month of October during their games. I challenge the crosscountry teams to come up with a creative way to show support for breast
cancer awareness by wearing pink socks in one of their cross country meets. As a community Zapata needs to stand together and help remember all those people that have succumbed to this disease and those that are still fighting. Come on Zapata, wear pink during the month of October to show your support. (Clara Sandoval can be reached at sandoval.clara@gmail.com)
BOSTON — The Terry Francona era is over in Boston. In a joint statement released on Friday, the Red Sox announced they will not pick up the option on Francona’s contract in the wake of the team’s September collapse. Owners John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino acknowledged a change was needed, and thanked Francona, who led the franchise to two world titles. But the statement also mentioned that Francona was also ready to head in a different direction. “Tito said that after eight years here he was frustrated by his difficulty making an impact with the players, that a different voice was needed, and that it was time for him to move on,” the statement said. “After taking time to reflect on Tito’s sentiments, we agreed that it was best for the Red Sox not to exercise the option years on his contract.” The press release ended a whirlwind day at Fenway Park that saw all of the principle parties shuttle in and out of the facility several times. Francona was in the building three different times. Boston missed the playoffs despite leading the AL wild-card race by nine games on Sept. 4. It went 618 after that, ending with a 4-3 loss Wednesday in Bal-
timore. The Red Sox did not win consecutive games all month. “We have enormous respect, admiration and appreciation for Tito and the job that he did for eight years, including two World Series championship seasons and five playoff appearances,” the statement read. “His poise during the 2004 postseason was a key factor in the greatest comeback in baseball history, and his place in Red Sox history will never be forgotten. “We wish him only the best going forward.” General manager Theo Epstein released a statement earlier in the day, saying the club had not yet made a decision on Francona’s future. But he later revised his thoughts. “Nobody at the Red Sox blames Tito for what happened at the end of this season; we own that as an organization. This year was certainly a difficult and draining one for him and for us,” Epstein said. “Ultimately, he decided that there were certain things that needed to be done that he couldn’t do after eight years here, and that this team would benefit from hearing a new voice. “While this may be true, his next team will benefit more than it knows from hearing Tito’s voice. I will miss seeing Tito every day in the manager’s office, and I wish him and his family nothing but the best in their next chapter.”
The Red Sox failed to make the postseason in Francona’s final two seasons. “We met this morning to look back on the 2011 season and to consider the future of the Boston Red Sox, including my involvement with the club. I passed along my frustrations at my inability to effectively reach the players. After many conversations and much consideration, I ultimately felt that, out of respect to this team, it was time for me to move on,” Francona said. “I’ve always maintained that it is not only the right, but the obligation, of ownership to have the right person doing this job.” The decision came as both of the American League Division Series were set to begin. So, obviously, the Red Sox were a hot pregame topic in Texas and New York. “I know how well liked he is by his players and that city and in baseball in general. He’s a great guy; he’s not just a good guy,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. “It’s not easy.” Maddon’s Rays, and Joe Girardi’s Yankees both made the postseason out of the same division as Boston. The Red Sox went 744552 under Francona, and 8-0 in World Series games under him, sweeping the Cardinals and Rockies. He became the first manager to win his first six World Series games.
CROSS COUNTRY Continued from Page 1B Rangel said. “We know that there is someone in front of us and we need to beat them.” Zapata feels that they have the team to take it all this year, and will not stop until they win state. “That is our goal, to be state champs,” Rangel said. “We have everything in the mix and have a strong group of runners.” With every step they take in practice, they are working for that payoff in November. “It is good to be ranked,” Zapata coach Luis Escamilla said. “They know that they need to take the season with every step because on days that they feel sluggish and tired there is someone out there working hard. “A lot of people are giv-
ing them respect, so they need to run for their name and their school.” The Hawks were ranked as high as No. 2 in the state last week, but Escamilla’s plan for this season saw Zapata sit out last week, causing it to drop in the rankings. The Hawks were able to take a sneak peak at the main competition, Liberty Hill, at the UTSA meet last week and also get a feel for the new regional cross country course. “According to last year’s results we are ahead of our times,” Escamilla said. “We are looking good but still have that goal of winning state.” Last year the Hawks went into the regional meet as one of the favorites to advance to state,
but had to reach deep inside to accomplish that goal. After being knotted with Liberty Hill in second place, only one team could advance to state. They needed to go to their sixth runner to break the tie. Rangel placed in front of Liberty Hill’s sixth runner to help Zapata earn the regional title. The Hawks are working on closing the gap between their No. 1 runner and their No. 5 runner. “We need to run closer together and close the gap,” Benavides said. The Hawks have been logging miles and will take their legs to Carrizo Springs early this morning on their journey that hopes to end at Round Rock.
VOLLEYBALL Continued from Page 1B After storming through the first two sets, Zapata was in the driver’s seat heading into the third set against Port Isabel. The Lady Tarpons found their second wind and took the lead from the opening point, never looking back as they stunned Zapata with a 25-18 win to stay alive in the match. That served as Zapata’s wake up call, but Port Isabel wasn’t done as they took 22-16 lead. De Leon and the Lady Hawks dug down deep to chip away at the lead and started rolling off points.
Zapata was able to turn away Port Isabel’s set point, 24-23 and held their ground to knot it up at 24. The game teetered back and forth until the Lady Hawks were able to get back-to-back points and a kill down the line by Bigler to win the set and the match. Now the Lady Hawks are off playing Progreso this afternoon and looking to feast on its lacking blocking game at the net. “In our first meeting Progreso did not have blockers, but they do have a great defense and we can
not take them lightly,” Villarreal said. “The second round is a little harder and teams will try to come after you. This time it will be more difficult but the team has been working hard.”
ZAPATA STATS De Leon (17 kills, three blocks, nine digs, one ace), Estella Molina (38 assists, one ace), Shelby Bigler (16 kills, four aces), Abby Aguilar (27 digs) and Jackie Salinas (six digs).
MERLINS Continued from Page 1B of hardware. Zapata’s star shined brightly at the Ringgold Invitational in Rio Grande City last weekend as they flew to victory. Abby Zuniga and Joan Zuniga captured the individual girls’ and boys’ titles in the seventh grade division. The seventh grade girls’ team is off to one of its best starts in recent memory, accumulating 26 points in its first meet. The Lady Merlins placed four runners in the top 10, while
their fifth runner fell just outside the top 10, with an 11th place to run away with the victory. Zuniga, who is the face of Zapata’s future, tore through the course on her way to grabbing first place to pace the Lady Merlins. Following closely behind were teammates Mariela Hernandez (second place), Yulitza Mendiola (third), Gaby Gonzalez (ninth), and Daniela Santos (11th). Not to be out done by the sev-
enth grade girls’ team, the boys found success quickly, coming home with the runner-up trophy. The seventh grade Merlins placed three runners in the top 10, while their fourth and fifth runners came in the top 20. Leading the Merlins, Joan Zuniga snared a first place finish with Jose Avila coming in third. Jorge Garcia (fifth), Albert Hinojosa (12th), and Jose Guzman (19th) rounded out the
Merlins’ top five finishers. When the eighth grade girls got their turn to toe the line, they carried on the success of their younger teammates, but with one year under their belt, they did it with a lot of flair. Zapata finished six runners in the top ten, blowing away the competition. The eighth grade Lady Merlins scored 25 points to impress the coaching staff and set the tone for the rest of the season. The Lady Merlins took home
their second first place trophy of the day. Norma Ramirez crossed the line in third place to lead the eighth grade runners. Ramirez’s performance was followed by Raquel Almaguer (fourth), Alexa Alvarez (fifth), Andrea Garza (sixth), Kassandra Martinez (eigth), and Alondra Lara (ninth). The boys and girls will be back in competition this morning at their own Zapata Middle School meet.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B
HINTS BY | HELOISE Dear Heloise: When I shop, I really appreciate a salesperson checking on me in the FITTING ROOM. Often, I try on something and wish I had a size smaller or larger in the same article. It’s a hassle to get dressed and go out on the floor to look on my own. Their going and checking for me is a very helpful service. In fact, this is one thing I miss when I shop in the discount stores that have no salespeople. — JoAnne in Tupelo, Miss. Thanks for weighing in on the salespeople subject. It is nice when they are helpful, especially when trying on clothes! Be sure to say “thank you” when one is especially helpful or nice. — Heloise
PET PAL Dear Readers: An email reader sent in a photo of her min-pin, Terry, playing with his favorite rubber hot dog. He runs around the house with it, and the chase is on. To see Terry and his “dog,” visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pets.” — Heloise
CAT GROOMING Dear Heloise: I read in The Washington Post your column about grooming pets. Cats also benefit from weekly grooming sessions. My husband and I have a house full of cats, and we have weekly grooming sessions for them. We use a variety of grooming tools, including a shed blade designed for dogs. Grooming allows you to discover abnormalities that may need veterinarian attention, and provides bonding time. It also helps improve their coats, circulation and overall general well-being. Grooming can include claw trimming, checking ears for mites, and looking for fleas, ticks and scratches. If you have kittens, you can get them used to this routine quickly. If you have older cats, they will
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HELOISE
get used to the routine — and sometimes demand it. Grooming also helps minimize animal-hair buildup in your home. — C.M. Williams, Las Vegas, N.M. “Woof, woof ” and “meow.” Cabbie, our miniature schnauzer, agrees. I try to brush her several times a week. The best time is when she’s napping and just seems to go with the flow. We both get bonding time, and it seems to help relax me, too! — Heloise
DEATH NOTICE Dear Heloise: I get so upset with children and caregivers who do not report on their parents and friends who pass on. We sometimes lose track of our friends and never know about them unless someone notifies us. Please encourage people to use the address book left behind to at least notify others. — Elaine A., Santa Ana, Calif.
COFFEE-FILTER HINTS Dear Heloise: To get coffee filters to keep their shape, I buy a box of whatever size I need to fit my coffee maker. When I have used them all up, I cut the box down the front and sides, leaving it a little high in the back. Presto, you have a holder for your filters that holds their shape. Now you can buy the filters that come in the plastic bags with less packaging. — Marie Edley, Springfield, Ohio Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:
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Sports
4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011
Letting superstitions set the pace By NOAH TRISTER ASSOCIATED PRESS
DETROIT — Midway through September, during Detroit’s remarkable run of 12 straight victories, manager Jim Leyland revealed that he wasn’t changing his underwear as long as the streak was alive. “That was pretty disgusting and disturbing, wasn’t it?” asked Alex Avila, the Tigers’ bemused catcher. Perhaps mercifully, the Tigers lost later that night, but their skipper’s declaration lived on as an unsettling-but-endearing reminder that the end of a baseball season is no time to be bashful— or to worry about hygiene — when it comes to staying in the hunt. After a thrilling finish to the regular season Wednesday, eight teams are in the playoffs, knowing their championship hopes could hinge on any pitch. Some players and managers feel like they get a boost from a particular object or behavior — and indulge themselves in some of the oddest superstitions imaginable. “The pitching staff hasn’t allowed me to shave my goatee since the middle of the season,” said Avila, whose Tigers take on the New York Yankees in the first round. “I think at the time, I was hitting well, and they were like, ’You can’t change anything.”’ Yes, the man who wears a mask all game is minding his facial hair — and it’s all perfectly normal. Avila’s goatee. Leyland’s underwear. Nyjer Morgan’s socks. Baseball is a sport that confounds its participants, leaving them constantly searching for a way to preserve those fleeting moments of triumph. “Say you have a 5-for-5 night, of course you’re going to try to do everything the same the next day,” said Morgan, Milwaukee’s eccentric outfielder. “Yes, I’m superstitious. Of course, all baseball players are superstitious.” It’s no surprise that Morgan is. After all, this is the player who commonly refers to himself as his alter ego, “Tony Plush.” The Brewers now face Arizona in an NL division series. Morgan recently identified a pair of baby blue argyle socks as a catalyst for
Photo by Matt Slocum | AP
So many baseball minds agree that superstitions lead to success in the game. It’s a popular philosophy throughout all the league’s playoff contenders.
Milwaukee’s surge after some early-season struggles. “I wear them under my regular socks,” Morgan said. “The fans were talking about the road woes, and I was like, ’No it’s all over now. Plush is bringing out the magical socks.’ And the next thing you know, here we go. ... Whatever Plush wears turns to magic.” Detroit pitcher Max Scherzer is a little more reticent. One of his superstitions, apparently, is that he doesn’t talk about his superstitions. Not while they’re still “active” at least. “I used to wear shorts underneath the pants when I pitched, and there was a game where I actually wore the shorts backwards, and I pitched really well. So I was like, ’I’ve got to do that every time now,”’ Scherzer said. “I ran off like a really long scoreless streak, and as soon as someone noticed they were on backwards, I gave up a run.”
Darren Oliver, the 40-year-old reliever for the Texas Rangers, has seen some quirky routines over the years. Some pitchers want to wear the same undershirt before taking the mound, for example. Oliver says he probably had some superstitions of his own earlier in his career, but they’re a little too time consuming. “Ever since I got married with kids, my routine changes every day,” Oliver said. “This morning I was helping my kid with homework.” There are reasons baseball players seem more superstitious than most athletes. The sheer number of games forces everyone to adopt a sensible routine. It’s not easy to stay sharp mentally during a season of seemingly inexplicable streaks and slumps. “I don’t have any crazy superstitions,” Rangers reliever Darren O’Day said. “(Starting pitcher Derek) Holland has a pretty good
one. When I used to live with Holland a couple of years ago, every night, the night before his start, we have to go to Wendy’s. The first time was an eye-opening experience because we went up to Wendy’s ... and his bill comes to $30. I wasn’t paying attention to what he ordered, the bill comes to $30, and I was like, ’Are we bringing home food for somebody else?’ “He said, ’No, it’s all for me.’ ... That’s his pregame routine. He’s a young buck. He can still do that. If I did that, I wouldn’t be able to move for two days.” Texas faces Tampa Bay in the first round, but only after the Rays overtook Boston for the AL wild card with a stunning late-season rally. On Tuesday, Tampa Bay turned a triple play in a win over the Yankees, and on Wednesday, the Rays fought back from a sevenrun deficit to beat New York. No wonder baseball folks appear so willing to believe in the su-
pernatural. They’ll try almost anything to snap out of an untimely funk. “When we came out of the ballpark, I told the bus to go a different direction yesterday,” Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez said on Sunday in Washington. “Take a left instead of a right, things like that.” Even the scenic route couldn’t save the Braves, who lost their last five games to relinquish the NL wild card to St. Louis. The Cardinals now play the Philadelphia Phillies in the playoffs. As for Gonzalez, he’ll surely come up with few more superstitions during this long, disappointing offseason. “I think it’s just sports in general, and I think it’s just humans,” he said. “I bet if you go into a law firm, a guy has a lucky tie when he has to give a big opening statement or that kind of stuff. I think it’s human nature.”