The Zapata Times 10/23/2010

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 23, 2010

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MEXICO VIOLENCE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Almost lost Official: Inaction nearly nixed $1 million grant

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Miscommunication between the Zapata County project coordinator and the Economic Development Center president led the county to nearly lose a $1 million grant reimbursement from the Economic Development Administration that helped construct the Advance Education Center, according to president Peggy Umphres-Moffett.

Umphres-Moffett made the statement during a presentation at the last regular Com-

missioners Court meeting.

She received a letter from the EDA stating protocol had not been followed and a few items still needed to be addressed.

“The ZEDC and the Education Steering Committee was left out of the communications, which would have informed of the situation earlier,” Umphres-Moffett said.

Zapata County Judge Rosalva Guerra called a special meeting Tuesday, Oct. 19, in order to verify the status of

See GRANT PAGE 11A

Courtesy photo

This photo shows the headquarters building of Public Safety and Transportation in Ciudad Mier in the aftermath of an attack at approximately 1:30 a.m. Oct. 15.

Police station attacked Men burn empty building, police cars LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Ciudad Mier, a northern Tamaulipas town near the port of entry in Roma, can be called a lawless city. With no police force since Feb. 23 after a “horrible”

gun battle, the city regrouped and had plans to reorganize their municipal police, but armed civilians had other plans for the agency.

The headquarters building of Public Safety and Transportation in Ciudad Mier was attacked around 1:30 a.m. Oct. 15.

“Officials were going to reinstate patrol trucks and then this happened,” an official said.

Images show how the building was blasted and police cars were burned. The incident left only property damage and no reported injuries.

Eyewitnesses say that after armed civilians attacked the headquarters, located off the main square of town, they proceeded to go down the main

See CIUDAD MIER PAGE 11A

DRUG EDUCATION

EDUCATION

RED RIBBON WEEK BEGINS

Garcia named school chief

BP agents talk drug awareness

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

F

idel and Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary kicked off National Red Ribbon Week with a drug awareness presentation by Border Patrol agents from the Zapata County sector.

In a presentation to the second grade class, Border Patrol agent Jorge Molano emphasized the agency’s mission to gain control of the border and explained to students how agents keep the community safe by preventing the crossing of contraband.

“We contribute by keeping drugs off the street, away from schools and increase awareness as far as what drugs are out there,” Molano said. “There are a lot of drugs coming in, so I explain how we catch drugs,” Molano said.

Several tools and techniques used by Border Patrol agents to detect contraband were described by Molano and his partner, Border Patrol agent Jason Wells.

Molano also explained the consequences of using drugs and broke down the effects of drugs on the body.

The Border Patrol presentation showed students who may be interested in becoming border patrol agents students what they need to do, said counselor Claudia Garza.

“It’s important to say no to drugs, of course, because it affects their future and we want to send out the message to stay in school, go to college, get educated and live a healthy life style,” Molano said.

Molano and Wells kept the students engaged by asking questions after the presentation.

Joel Cavazos, a second-grade student at Villarreal Elementary volunteered to demonstrate the difference between being under the influence of drugs and not under the influence.

Molano made Cavazos walk a straight line, and then he spun him around several times and made him walk the same line. Cavazos could not walk the straight line after being spun around and Molano explained to the students his inability to walk was similar to being on drugs.

Prior to the presentation, Garza taught a lesson on the meaning of the “red ribbon” for National Red Ribbon Week, and the history of Enrique Camarena.

Camarena was an undercover agent for the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, and while assigned in Mexico on a drug investigation he was abducted by corrupt officials, tortured, and murdered in 1985, according to a DEA website.

Garza also incorporated videos on the dangers

See RED RIBBON PAGE 11A

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times

Second grade students from Villarreal Elementay in Zapata listen as their principal, Carmen G. Zavala, introduces U.S. Border Patrol agent Jorge Molano on Friday morning at the school gym, where they partcipated in a kick off rally for Red Ribbon activities.

Norma Garcia was officially appointed superintendent of Zapata County ISD at a school board meeting Tuesday night.

“I am very fortunate to be working with a dynamic, dedicated and united school board and I am looking forward to collaboratively create a strategic plan with them starting as soon as possible,” Garcia said.

She will be paid $120,000 per year, according to her contract.

Former Superintendent Romeo Rodriguez Jr. left the district last summer and now heads the South Texas Council of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Laredo.

Rodriguez signed a contract with the district in February 2008. The contract was slated to end in June 2011, but in May of this year; Rodriguez and the board agreed to end his contract a year early.

Garcia served as chief instructional officer for ZCISD, but was appointed interim superintendent after Rodriguez resigned.

Garcia pulled double-duty for the district for more than four months.

“I expect to continue to function as chief instructional officer; however, I have managed to delegate some of the duties to a very experienced and knowledgeable team. The team I call the Superintendent’s Systems of Support (SSOS),” Garcia said.

The SSOS is comprised of curriculum coordinators and program directors who also serve as campus liaisons, Garcia said.

“This way each campus has a central office connection for ongoing technical assistance and

See GARCIA PAGE 11A

PAGE 2A

Zin brief CALENDAR

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

AROUND TEXAS

TODAY IN HISTORY

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 The Texas A&M International University Teachers’ Club will hold “Saturday Story Hour” today at the Laredo Public Library main branch, 1120 East Calton Road from 2-3 p.m. Story Hour is for children ages 3-8. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Club faculty advisor, Dr. Sandra Garrett at sandra.garret@tamiu.edu.

The Webb County Heritage Foundation presents a demonstration of special effects creation by Mike Castro of Morbid Mansion Studios at 1 p.m. as part of the Haunted Heritage “Myths and Legends of Laredo” exhibit on display at the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St. Admission is $5.

The Laredo Theater Guild in cooperation with Texas A&M International University presents “The Lion in Winter,” today in the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre.

General admission is $15 and $10 discounted admission for students with ID and seniors. Tickets are available for advance purchase at Foster’s, 1605 E. Del Mar Boulevard, Blue Top on Hillside and at the TAMIU Bookstore. Tickets will be available on-site at the box office before show times. For more information, please call 956.319.8610 or visit www.laredotheaterguild.com Rio Bravo will be hosting its second annual Tripita Festival from noon to 1:00 a.m., organized by the Rio Bravo Mayor Nora Rivera and sponsored by Dr. Francisco I. Peña of Laredo, The event features a Tripita cook-off, a Tripita eating contest and the ever-popular Miss Tripita pageant. Musical acts include Los Cadetas de Linares, Pegaso, De Colombia, Misión Colombiana, Sensible, Carlos y Sus Cachorros, Patti y Su Sonora, and INQ Puro Norteño. Admission is $5, with proceeds benefiting the City of Rio Bravo Library Building Fund.

The Second Annual Festival de Teatro Chicano has its showing today at 8 p.m. at the Laredo Little Theater, with three short, original works being performed. The performances will continue on Oct. 24 at 3 p.m., Oct. 29 and 30 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 31 at 3 p.m.

Mature themes during Saturday and Sunday shows. Admission is $10.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by L.M. Otero | AP

Anderson County District Attorney Doug Lowe pauses when asked about the abuse that took place at a foster home in Elkhart, Texas on June 22, during an interview in Palestine, Texas. Lowe contends that the state’s failure to verify cases of abuse in the nearby foster home reflects a conflict of interest in the investigative process.

Case: Abuse continued

By DANNY ROBBINS ASSOCIATED PRESS

ELKHART, Texas — A frame house surrounded by connecting mobile homes served for years as a home for dozens of the most vulnerable children in Texas foster care. But instead of being a safe haven, it was a place where young girls were repeatedly molested and the abuse long ignored.

In a case with implications that reach beyond Elkhart, a community of 1,215 about 125 miles southeast of Dallas, a criminal prosecution has revealed how the state continually ruled out allegations of child abuse at the home before many of the same charges sent the man who served as its foster father to prison last year.

Officials with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services consider the case an aberration, saying it in no way re-

flects how standard cases in the child services system are managed. But some foster care experts say it calls into question how the state investigates abuse in its largely privatized network of foster homes. The Anderson County district attorney says investigations should be done by an independent office.

James Vick, who operated the home for 10 years with his wife, Marilyn, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to 18 counts of indecency with a child by contact. Marilyn Vick was not charged.

Anderson County prosecutors believe as many as nine preteen girls were abused by Vick, 47, and his adopted son, Michael, over 13 years, usually under the pretense of playing games such as hide and seek. Michael Vick has pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecency with a child and is free while awaiting trial.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 The Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra returns to the concert stage with the opening of the 31st season, “Connections,” today at 3 p.m. in the Texas A&M International University Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. The opening program includes a performance by soloist Dr. Yu Mei Huang, TAMIU assistant professor of music and strings and concertmaster of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra. The program will also feature a performance by well-known Laredo dance and castanet instructor Alta Gracia Garcia and her former students, who will perform both during intermission and with the orchestra in the famous “La Boda de Luis Alonso.” Tickets are currently on sale from LPO board members. For more information, please contact Brendan Townsend at 956.326.3130.

Thrill-seekers in the mood for some spooky fun are invited to enter the Haunted Dungeon from 2 to 6 p.m. at Laredo Community College South Campus. Admission is $2 with proceeds benefiting the LCC Criminal Justice Club. For more information, call club advisor Nelda De La Garza at 7944710.

City settles with newspaper, AG

AAA says prices at the pump hold steady

Man gets 90 years for farm house burglaries

BEAUMONT — The city of Beaumont has agreed to settle a lawsuit with The Beaumont Enterprise and the Texas attorney general and release reports of police officers’ use of force.

Under the settlement, the city will pay The Enterprise $66,519.63 and the attorney general $381.

The city now must release reports filed by officers when they use force and reports filed by supervisors when Tasers are used.

IRVING — Oil prices that appear to have stabilized are contributing to some relief at the gas pump as prices held steady in some markets and even slightly declined in Texas and across the nation this week.

The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Texas fell less than a penny and remains at $2.67 statewide while the national average also dropped less than a penny and remains at $2.83.

DUMAS — A serial burglar convicted of stealing from farm houses in the Panhandle has been sentenced to 90 years in prison.

Jurors convicted 38-year-old David Sandoval of burglary of a habitation, then sentenced him as a habitual criminal.

Sandoval, who lived in the Dumas area, had two similar convictions, plus three convictions for auto burglary.

Jobless rate slips to 8.1 percent in Sept

1st whooping crane of season reaches refuge

AUSTIN — The Texas unemployment rate dropped slightly to 8.1 percent in September.

The latest unemployment figure, down from 8.3 percent in August, is the lowest rate so far in 2010.

Texas added 3,700 new jobs in September and most of those positions were in the service industries.

AUSTWELL — The first migrating whooping crane of the season has arrived at a wildlife refuge at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday confirmed one of the rare birds was spotted.

The rest of the expected whooping cranes are in Canada.

— Compiled from AP reports

Nerf ball game locks down university HOUSTON — A brief lockdown at Sam Houston State University has been lifted after police discovered a Nerf ball game had sparked rumors that armed men were on campus.

The Huntsville campus was locked down for about an hour on Friday after reports of one or two gunmen on campus.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25 Registration is currently underway for computer courses offered by Texas A&M International University’s Division of International Programs. If you have ever wanted to acquire computer skills to help you get a better job or to be better at what you do, these are the courses for you! Classes available include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher and Windows and the Internet. The first course is offered Wednesday, Nov. 10. The courses will be taught at the beginner and at the intermediate level.

For more information, please contact Kimberly Martin Del Campo at 326.2765, e-mail kim.martindelcampo@tamiu.edu, or visit http://www.tamiu.edu/dip/COMPCOURSES.shtml.

LCC faculty members Mary Margarett Bausman and William H. Wisner are bringing their creative spirits together to offer Double Visions, a new exhibit of two- and three-dimensional art work. The exhibit may be viewed Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and weekends from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

AROUND THE NATION Plane crash near Los Angeles kills 3 people

CONTACT US

AGUA DULCE, Calif. — Investigators were trying to determine Friday what caused a small plane to crash into a horse corral and burst into flames in Los Angeles County, killing three people and three horses.

The Cirrus SR22 went down at 12:10 p.m. Thursday into a horse corral behind a barn in Agua Dulce. The plane caught fire but was quickly doused.

Coroner IDs body left in car for months COSTA MESA, Calif. — Medical examiners have identified a mummified corpse that was left in a car’s passenger seat for 10 months in Southern California, a police spokesman said Friday.

The woman’s remains, discovered Monday in a car parked illegally in Costa Mesa, are little more than skin and bones and

Today is Saturday, Oct. 23, the 296th day of 2010. There are 69 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Oct. 23, 1983, 241 U.S. service members, most of them Marines, were killed in a suicide truck-bombing at Beirut International Airport in Lebanon; a near-simultaneous attack on French forces killed 58 paratroopers.

On this date: In 1864, forces led by Union Gen. Samuel R. Curtis repelled Confederate Gen. Sterling Price’s army in the Civil War Battle of Westport in Missouri.

In 1910, Blanche S. Scott became the first woman to make a public solo airplane flight, reaching an altitude of 12 feet at a park in Fort Wayne, Ind. The Philadelphia Athletics won the World Series, defeating the Chicago Cubs in Game 5, 7-2.

In 1915, tens of thousands of women marched in New York City, demanding the right to vote.

In 1942, during World War II, Britain launched a major offensive against Axis forces at El Alamein in Egypt.

In 1950, entertainer Al Jolson died in San Francisco at age 64.

In 1956, a student-sparked revolt against Hungary’s Communist rule began; as the revolution spread, Soviet forces started entering the country, and the uprising was put down within weeks.

In 1973, President Richard Nixon agreed to turn over White House tape recordings subpoenaed by the Watergate special prosecutor to Judge John J. Sirica.

In 1980, the resignation of Soviet Premier Alexei N. Kosygin was announced.

In 1987, the U.S. Senate rejected, 58-42, the Supreme Court nomination of Robert H. Bork.

In 1995, a jury in Houston convicted Yolanda Saldivar of murdering Tejano singing star Selena.

Ten years ago: Secretary of State Madeleine Albright held groundbreaking talks in North Korea with communist leader Kim Jong Il. Five years ago: Warsaw’s conservative mayor, Lech Kaczynski, won Poland’s presidential runoff vote.

Today’s Birthdays: Baseball Hall of Famer Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) is 79. Movie director Philip Kaufman is 74.

Soccer great Pele is 70.

Rhythm-and-blues singer Barbara Ann Hawkins (The Dixie Cups) is 67. Actor Michael Rupert is 59. Movie director Ang Lee is 56. Jazz singer Dianne Reeves is 54. Country singer Dwight Yoakam is 54. Community activist Martin Luther King III is 53. Movie director Sam Raimi is 51. Parodist “Weird Al” Yankovic is 51.

Rock musician Robert Trujillo (Metallica) is 46. Christian/jazz singer David Thomas (Take 6) is 44. Rock musician Brian Nevin (Big Head Todd and the Monsters) is 44. Country singer-musician Junior Bryant is 42. CNN medical reporter Dr. Sanjay Gupta is 41. Country singer Jimmy Wayne is 38.

Rock musician Eric Bass (Shinedown) is 36.

Thought for Today: “Be content with what you are, and wish not change; nor dread your last day, nor long for it.”

— Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor (CE 121-CE 180).

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The fire-damaged roof of the Roseville Galleria in Roseville, Calif., is seen after firefighters doused the flames. It was started by a man who entered a store and set the shop on fire. No shoppers were injured when the mall was evacuated. weigh 30 pounds.

Dad accused of murder: ’I didn’t hurt my babies’ ALLEN PARK, Mich. — A suburban Detroit man declared, “I

didn’t hurt my babies,” after he was arraigned on murder charges Friday in the drowning deaths of his two toddlers.

Steven Nicholson, 27, called 911 about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday to say the children had drowned.

— Compiled from AP reports

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

Zlocal

PAGE 3A

Survivors tell their stories

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ

Schools to observe Red Ribbon Week

THE ZAPATA TIMES

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Villarreal Elementary staff wore the color pink and gathered as three survivors told their individual stories of pain, hope, and triumph.

Claudia Garza, school counselor, played a couple of songs about being tough and the color pink.

The song titled “Tough” represented how cancer patients have to be strong against their struggles, Garza said.

The other song described the meaning of the color pink, she added.

“I thought I would play some music on how tough they have to be to stand up to cancer because cancer does not discriminate,” Garza said. “We have to be ready to face challenges.”

As the cancer survivors shared their individual struggles with breast cancer, they stressed the importance of getting an annual mammogram.

The first survivor story came from Annabel Alvarez, the librarian at Villarreal Elementary.

Alvarez was diagnosed five years ago, only eight months after her last mammogram, she said.

Cancer is not an easy obstacle to face but must be taken positively, Alvarez said.

“It will make people sad or depressed and it’s something you cannot control, but they need to learn how to face cancer with a positive outlook or it becomes harder to fight it,” she said.

“I had to be strong because I have my three kids, my husband, and my parents were very concerned.”

All three women agreed they had to be strong for their families.

“Sometimes your family is the weak one so you

THE ZAPATA TIMES

Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times

Faculty and staff of Villarreal Elementary participated in a Breast Cancer awareness program Friday afternoon at the school. Among the organizers and participants were, from left, Claudia Garza, Enedelia Rivera, Annabel Alvarez, Janie Lieurance and Cynthia Morales. have to be the stronger one and keep fighting it,” said Janie Lieurance, Public Education Information Management System secretary, another breast cancer survivor.

Lieurance was diagnosed on December 2006, she said.

“You need a positive attitude and I had a friend here with me,” Lieurance said, pointing at Alvarez, the other cancer survivor.

When diagnosed Lieurance was told she was in stage two of her cancer and had to endure chemotherapy, she said.

“I hadn’t gone and that is my mistake,” Lieurance said.

Lieurance had a recurrence a year later, she said.

“I was taking my medication, the chemo, and the pill and it still came back,” she said. “Sometimes it’s not what you eat or what you do. It just happens and you can’t just blame something. You have to have faith in God.” Alvarez’s cancer was in stage one, she said, but when tested further the doctor told her she was at

high risk for the cancer to return within 10 years.

“I was not going to have chemotherapy because it was only in stage one, but the doctors suggested it and two years later I had my breasts removed as a precaution,” she said.

The next story came from a retired teacher, Enedelia Rivera, currently substituting at Villarreal Elementary.

She was diagnosed in November 2004 and talked about her depression and her will to overcome it.

Rivera was forced to retire and became very depressed, she said.

She missed her students, she added.

The doctor suggested she return to work and she did, Rivera said.

The women had support from their families and their friends, they said.

Cynthia Morales, receptionist at Villarreal Elementary, has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness for more than 11 years and has been team captain for the Relay for Life fundraiser for the past six years, she said.

“I feel really strongly about getting the word out,” Morales said. “Cancer can be very scary and if we face it, it will be easier.”

Morales shared how breast cancer touched close to home with her near experience in 1999 and her sister’s diagnosis last year.

“I was told there was a big possibility that I had breast cancer, but I was very happy that I wasn’t,” Morales said.

After her scare Morales was determined she was going to spread the word.

“I took a personal mission,” Morales said.

Relay for Life, a cancer awareness fundraiser benefiting cancer research, consists of cancer survivors, family members and supporters walking in support for the cause.

People need to realize that cancer is not what it used to be because of research, she said.

“Cancer patients live a more comfortable life since the advancement of medicine and technology,” Morales said. “It gives cancer patients hope.”

Beginning next week, Zapata County ISD will campaign for National Red Ribbon Week to help show students how to say no to drugs.

“It’s important for the kids to understand that being drug-free is very important,” said Marlen Guerra, counselor at Arturo L. Benavides Elementary School. “It’s also to create awareness that drugs can harm you and the consequences as well.”

Red Ribbon Week is Monday through Friday.

The school will campaign with themed days during which the students get to dress up in nonschool attire.

On Monday students are allowed to wear crazy socks to “sock it to drugs,” according to a press release.

During the week, students will “put a cap on drugs,” by wearing a crazy hat or cap, and for the “use your head, don’t do drugs” theme the students will wear a crazy hair style or a wig.

They will also “give drugs the slip” by wearing slippers to school on Thursday. On Friday students will wear their Halloween costumes to say “boo” to drugs.

A. L. Benavides staff came up with themed days several years ago to make National Red Ribbon Week fun for students, Guerra said.

“I think the crazy hair day is the most popular theme,” Guerra said.

Other ZCISD schools will be performing similar activities in celebration of National Red Ribbon Week.

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)

Zopinion

PAGE 4A

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM

COLUMN

OTHER VIEWS

Male voters grow the gender gap

By GARY ANDRES HEARST NEWSPAPERS

W

ASHINGTON — Around the 1964 presidential election — back when “Mad Man” Don Draper was still smoking Camels — men and women began to gradually diverge in their political views and behavior. We call this the “gender gap.”

Political scientists Karen M. Kaufman, John R. Petrocik and Daron Shaw, in their book “Unconventional Wisdom: Facts and Myths about American Voters,” observe that this split “that began more than 40 years ago has grown into a significant and enduring political division.”

Grows, shrinks The gender gap is neither constant nor caused by men and women equally. Kaufman and her colleagues demonstrate that it averaged about 5 points during the 1960s and 1970s. It disappeared around the time of the Watergate scandal, grew slightly during the 1980s, and then surged to double digits around the time of Clinton’s reelection in 1996. It then slipped back to around 7 points on average in the last several elections.

They also show that much of the gap was caused by men becoming more Republican rather than women shifting toward the Democrats.

Whether the gender gap moves again — and in what direction — holds major implications for the Nov. 2 elections. If men favor Republicans and women fail to deliver big margins for Democrats, the chances of the Democrats retaining control of Congress look bleak.

Some new research by political scientists Paul M. Kellstedt, David A.M. Peterson and Mark Ramirez, published in the most recent edition of Public Opinion Quarterly, provides strong evidence that men are the major driver of change in the gender gap.

Opinion studied Kellstedt and his colleagues don’t analyze electoral behavior per se, but instead focus on the gender gap in public opinion toward the role of government.

They argue the public mood for more or less government moves in the opposite direction of policy in Washington.

Americans prefer less government when federal policy becomes more activist and more government when policy-

makers move in a conservative direction.

Yet do men and women respond in the same way?

Analyzing data between 1980-2005, Kellstedt and his colleagues find men and women do indeed move in tandem — toward a more conservative mood during times of liberal policy and increased liberal views when Washington presents more conservative policies.

Active men But they also find an interesting twist, one that provides a possible explanation for changes in the gender gap over time: Men move more dramatically than women. Kellstedt and his colleagues write: “The movement in the gender gap is a result of men’s greater responsivenessMen’s response to shifts in spending are around twice as large as women’s.”

It’s this movement among men, triggered by shifts in policy, that produce fluctuations in the gender gap.

Has this more rapid movement by men occurred again in the last two years? After Barack Obama’s election in 2008 consolidated Democratic power in Washington, have men shifted more rapidly than women?

Some evidence suggests they have.

First, a Pew survey on independents released last month found that independent men moved from a plus-19-point Democratic advantage in 2006 exit polls to plus-19point GOP edge in their most recent polling — a net 38-point swing. By comparison, women moved in the same direction, but by only 23 points.

Second, writing at Pollster.com last week, Margie Omero produced data that also supports the “men moved more” thesis. According to 2006 exit poll data, men preferred Democrats by 3 points. She also presents gender data from 17 public polls released in September and October 2010.

The average reveals Republicans now leading by 9.7 points among men —a shift of almost 13 points in four years.

Women moved about half that amount during the same period.

The public mood moved a lot due to the political and policy consequences of the 2006 and 2008 elections. But it’s the “Mad Men” that look like they’ve responded the most — shifts that might augur a Republican congressional majority in 2010.

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EDITORIAL

Short-lived ad proves repugnant NEW YORK TIMES

This year’s crop of negative political ads is fresh and repellent and headed for the landfill on Nov. 3. At least they aim to motivate voters, however basely.

Now here comes a twist: a new ad so cynical that one media company, Univision, refused to air it. It’s from one of those 527 groups allowed to pursue “issue advocacy.”

The group, Latinos for Reform, aims its message at Hispanic voters fed up with inaction on immigration re-

form, which has been stalled for years.

It doesn’t tell them whom to vote for or against. It tells them not to vote. “Clearly, the Democratic leadership betrayed us,” it says. “Aren’t you tired of politicians playing games with your future?

Don’t vote this November.

This is the only way to send them a clear message.”

Wait. Don’t vote? Clear message? Who is “us”?

Latinos for Reform is not a grass-roots Latino immigration-reform group. It is the operation of a conserva-

tive Republican, Robert DePosada, a former director of Hispanic affairs for the Republican National Committee. While many Latinos are bitterly and rightly disappointed in President Barack Obama’s failure to win immigration reform, the ad’s prescription — “Democratic leaders must pay for their broken promises and betrayals” — has it upside-down and backward.

Every time Congress has come close to passing bipartisan immigration reform, lock-step Republicans have destroyed any hope of

passage. Democratic cowardice and ineptitude haven’t helped, but when a bill has come close to a vote, Republican-led filibusters killed it.

The Republicans’ contempt for Hispanic voters, of which this voter suppression is Exhibit A, is mirrored in the way the party exploits immigration rather than fixes it. Many immigrants and citizens yearn for reform. But if most of the Republicans running this fall have their way, we’ll never get it.

Good reason to get out and vote.

COLUMN

‘Voters are just too dumb’

By JONATHAN GURWITZ SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

W

hen workers in the former East Germany had the temerity to rise up against their Marxist masters in 1953, members of the communist Writers Union distributed leaflets demanding that the workers labor twice as hard to win back the confidence of the government.

Even poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht, a committed Marxist, recognized the absurdity of blaming the people for the failure of their leaders.

“Would it not be easier in that case,” Brecht asked, “for the government to dissolve the people and elect another?”

As the magnitude of the Nov. 2 electoral disaster for Democrats comes into perspective, many of the party’s leaders and their supporters in the press seem to have taken Brecht’s satiric observation seriously. According to them, the American people are just too stupid to realize how wonderful their governance has been.

Vice President Joe Biden,

on ABC’s “This Week,” explained that the public just doesn’t have the mental capacity to grasp the brilliance of the Obama administration’s monumentally spendthrift legislative packages: “The vast majority of the American people and a lot of people really involved don’t even know what’s inside the packages.”

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., postulated that citizens who oppose the Obama-PelosiReid agenda suffer from a mass case of attention deficit disorder.

“We have an electorate that doesn’t always pay that much attention to what’s going on,” he told reporters in Boston, “so people are influenced by a simple slogan rather than the facts or the truth or what’s happening.”

According to Washington Post columnist Stephen Pearlstein, a person’s intelligence is inversely proportional to his or her distance from the nation’s capital: “The dirty little secret is that most Americans don’t really know what they think about the issues that so animate the political conversation in Washington, and what they think they know about them is often

wrong.”

Why would anyone vote Republican?

“Because they aren’t rationally aligning belief and action,” explained Newsweek writer Jonathan Alter.

“They’re tempted to lose their spleens in the polling place without fully grasping the consequences.”

For Time columnist Joe Klein, criticism of the technocratic brilliance of Team Obama is a sign of civilizational decline: “There is something profoundly diseased about a society that idolizes its ignoramuses and disdains its experts. It is a society that no longer takes itself seriously.”

Really.

For 21 months, these are the geniuses who said that if you opposed a so-called stimulus bill that cost nearly $1 trillion, you were greedy; if you objected to the government takeover of failed corporations, you were uncaring; if you thought Obamacare would do more harm than good, you were selfish; if you wanted the nation’s immigration laws enforced, you were racist; and if you thought an Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero

DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

might hurt rather than promote inter-religious understanding, you were xenophobic.

Politics is a retail business. Every time a substantial number of Americans expressed doubts about buying the progressive brand, the makers of this line of partisan products responded by declaring there was no rational or good faith basis on which to withhold patronage, by insulting their customers and by condescendingly reminding them that they know what’s best.

These guys are so smart, yet they’re oblivious as to why Democrats are facing an electoral Armageddon.

And so from the Oval Office — “they cling to guns or religion” — on down, they’ve constructed the last great insult: Americans are just too stupid to comprehend their greatness.

If only THEY could elect the citizenry.

On Nov. 2, the citizenry will deliver what President Obama likes to call a teachable moment. The only question is this: Are these political prodigies capable of learning their lesson?

(E-mail: jgurwitz@express-news.net)

Local

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A

Schools eyeing more projects

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Further school renovations are in the offing for the Zapata County ISD, thanks to approval by the school board during its latest meeting.

The district is planning the demolition and reconstruction of the old Zapata South Elementary, said newly-appointed Superintended Norma Garcia.

“Some portions will be

salvaged to accommodate the technology department,” Garcia said. “The former library will be the technology department and training center.”

Zapata North Elementary was in need of a facilities committee for input on separate plans, Garcia said.

“Right now the committee is at the research and exploration stage,” she said.

The plans called for a

complete renovation of the school with additional rooms, but the school also needs other facilities, Garcia said.

“Right now we are talking to an architect who will entertain our needs and will be asked to offer suggestions,” she said.

Board approval will be needed if the cost of renovation is over half of what constructing a new building would be, Garcia said.

Also at the meeting:

A motion to appoint a director for the Advanced Education Center was tabled for further discussion.

The board approved a migrant counselor position for the district that will be announced at a later time.

A one-act play director position needed at Zapata High School was approved.

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)

Plenty of slots at benefit tourney

By DENISE BLAZ LAREDO MORNING TIMES

With only 43 of 120 slots filled, organizers of the first-ever Renato Ramirez Invitational Tournament are asking the public to take part in a golf event with the proceeds benefiting the Rio Grande International Study Center.

The event is scheduled for Oct. 30. There will be two tee times: 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tournament’s entry fee is $100 per player.

The golf tournament will be held at Los Ebanos Golf Course in Zapata. The event includes a greens fee,

The event is scheduled for Oct. 30. There will be two tee times: 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tournament’s entry fee is $100 per player. a cart fee and breakfast and lunch.

A dinner also will be provided at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 for participants for the event.

“Renato (Ramirez) is a prime example of a visionary businessman,” said Tricia Cortez, one of the main organizers of the event. “He’s a man that has a big heart and he knows

what’s at stake. He knows what will happen if our organization doesn’t survive.

We hope that many other businessmen take his lead.”

Founded 16 years ago, the center is an environmental organization with a mission is to monitor water quality, to safeguard the local environment and to foster stewardship of the

Rio Grande through education, research, advocacy and alliances.

For more information on the tournament, or to register, call Jorge Flores at 765-8336, or Alonzo Martinez at 286-8112.

The registration deadline is Oct. 27.

(Denise Blaz may be reached at 728-2547 or dblaz@lmtonline.com)

THE BLOTTER ARSON Deputies and firefighters responded to an arson call at 4:19 a.m. Oct. 15 at the intersection of Seventh Street and Miraflores Avenue. The complainant stated that an unknown person set fire to his 2007 Dodge Charger.

ASSAULT Deputies responded to a

domestic disturbance incident reported around 3 a.m. Oct. 17 in the 1200 block of Roma Avenue.

Deputies arrested Roel Villarreal Jr. and charged him with assault causing bodily injury and with resisting arrest. The man was taken to Zapata Regional Jail.

INJURY TO A CHILD A woman told deputies that an elderly man assaulted her 9year-old nephew around 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 in the 400 block of Miraflores Avenue. The Zapata County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation.

POSSESSION After a traffic stop Oct. 17 near 10th and 13th streets, deputies arrested Jesus Elias Ramirez-Saldana and charged him with possession of a controlled substance. The man was taken to Zapata Regional Jail.

THEFT Deputies responded to a theft call at 5:40 p.m. Oct. 15 in the 200 block of Lozano Road.

The complainant said a vehicle had been stolen.

Deputies responded to a theft call at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Las Lomas Ranch, located 1.5 miles east of FM 3169. A man told deputies that someone stole three calves from the property.

Scholars program seeking students SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Now is the time to apply for the 2010-2011 High School Aerospace Scholars program.

Students selected will apply their math and science skills to complete 10 web-based assignments during the school year and then travel to Johnson Space Center in Houston during the summer to use those same skills to investigate options and to propose a mission for sending humans to Mars alongside their peers, NASA scientists and engineers.

“This is a valuable opportunity for students to expand their knowledge in math and the sciences at NASA’s Johnson Space Center,” State Rep. Ryan Guillen said. “The High School Aerospace Scholars program is renowned for stimulating the minds of our state’s young people.”

Eligible students are required to be U.S. citizens; Texas residents; current high school juniors; have an interest in science, math or engineering; be able to commit to a relationship with JSC, including a one-week residential experience during the summer. They also must have access to the Internet and e-mail (home, school or public library).

The state of Texas, in partnership with JSC, and the Texas educational community, developed

“

This is a valuable opportunity for students to expand their knowledge in math and the sciences at NASA’s Johnson Space Center,” STATE REP. RYAN GUILLEN

High School Aerospace Scholars in 1999 to encourage students to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Additional partners include the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, University of Houston System and Rotary NASA. More than 6,000 students from across the state of Texas have participated in the program.

High school juniors interested in applying for the 2010-2011 program should visit the web site at http://aerospacescholars.jsc.nasa.gov/.

The deadline to apply is midnight, Monday, Nov. 15.

PAGE 6A

Zentertainment

‘Festival de Teatro Chicano’ Nine short plays at Laredo Little Theater SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Chicano culture returns to the Laredo stage as Laredo Community College hosts its second annual “Festival de Teatro Chicano: Nine Original Short Plays” on the weekends of Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 29-31 at the Laredo Little Theater, 4802 Thomas Ave. At 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29 “La Visita,” “Corn Nuts,” and “El Novenario de Tía Níne” will be showcased.

“Border Grammar,” “Breakfast Tacos,” and “Manila Folder” will be presented on at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 and Oct. 30.

Those plays are for mature audiences only. The final shows will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, for “La Lucha de Apuesta,” “My Little Mexican,” and “El Cabrito.”

A $10 admission per day helps promote the arts in the Laredo area.

Sponsored by LCC’s Institute of Mexican-American Studies, the short plays are a product of LCC’s Chicano Playwriting Workshop — held this summer and developed by Carlos Flores, an LCC English instructor who was part of the Chicano movement almost 40 years ago.

In 2009, the playwriting workshop was intended for only five weeks, but because of the community’s support, the workshop has blossomed into something much more than expected.

Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times

Doreen Peña, left, plays the role of Lola Ballesteros Jiménez, a social barracuda, and Tricia Cortez plays Patsy Mae, a neurotic social butterfly, while Jason Vasquez plays Edgar, an unaccepted intern, in one of the scenes from “Corn Nuts.” The “Festival de Teatro Chicano” begins at 8 p.m. today.

PLAY SCHEDULE Friday, Oct. 22 and Friday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m.

“La Visita” by Mary Sue Galindo “Corn Nuts” by Tricia Cortez “El Novenario de Tía Níne” by Alberto Guajardo Saturday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 30 “Border Grammar” by Dolores Díaz “Breakfast Tacos” by Anita L. Guerra “Manila Folder” by Oscar Peña Sunday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 31 “La Lucha de Apuesta” by Joe McCarry “My Little Mexican” by Luis Flores “El Cabrito” by Ángel Zamora “We’re now into the second year of producing this festival, and we’ve had tremendous support to produce plays like these,” Flores said. “It’s exciting to take this to the community because it not only enrich-

es lives but informs the audience about our border life as well.”

Nine members from the playwriting workshop will perform in the nine plays.

Tricia Cortez, a former Laredo Morning Times re-

porter, wrote “Corn Nuts,” a comedy about a barrio kid from the South Side who is rejected from the affluent and posh office of a neurotic social butterfly.

“What makes these plays very unique is that they were mostly done by Chicanos,” Cortez said.

Margie Cortez, Tricia Cortez’s mother and director for “Corn Nuts,” knew the pioneer of the Chicano Civil Rights movement.

“Cesar Chavez was a real quiet guy, but when he would sit down, you could tell he was the leader,” Margie said. “We sat around in ‘sacred circles’ and would plan our 50-mile marches to Fresno, California and back. It was a lot of work, but well worth it.

For more information, call Carlos Flores at 7215445.

Philharmonic making ‘Connections’ SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

The Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra will open its 31st season, “Connections,” at 3 p.m. Sunday at . in the recital hall of Texas A&M International University’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

“The word ‘philharmonic’ means ‘lovers of music’ and I believe that everyone in this community loves music of one form or another,” said Brendan Townsend, music director. “Our task is to reach out and make that connection to the community.”

Each concert in the fourconcert season will have a Carmen Ramirez - Rathmell, D.D.S.

“Let your smile be a sign of happiness & good health”

1520 Corpus Christi Street Telephone (956) 726-0160

unique focus and sound — ranging from the traditional symphonic program, to opera, to music for strings primarily, to a multi-media presentation of graphic artwork accompanied by the orchestra.

The challenge in having concerts in these economic conditions has also affected the LPO. A recent “Celebrity Chefs Gala” at the Country Club helped raise funds, and will help offset costs.

Youth orchestra Other connections are in the works as well for the Philharmonic.

After receiving a commitment to music education from the D.D. Hachar Charitable Trust, the LPO has revitalized the Laredo Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for students in grades 7 to 9.

The youth orchestra meets on Monday nights at the Christen M.S. band hall and is under the direction of Bea Balli.

Connections, too, between different musical genres will find a home in the philharmonic’s season.

In the opening concert, the beloved and much-respected dance and castanet instructor Alta Gracia Garcia and a group of her former students will join with

the orchestra to present “La Boda de Luis Alonso.”

The concert opens with Beethoven’s fifth symphony — arguably one of the best known pieces of music of all time, said Townsend.

Season tickets are $80 for adults and $60 for seniors.

Tickets may be purchased from LPO board members.

Contact Hortense Offerle at 724-4297, or e-mail Ardith Epstein at ardith@globetrotteroflaredo.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

COMING UP Tripita Festival in Rio Bravo Poteet pays tribute to the juicy strawberry and Laredo celebrates the spicy jalapeño. Now, its Rio Bravo’s turn to pay homage to a delicacy that is uniquely South Texas, the tripita (Spanish for tripe), during its Second Annual Tripita Festival.

Organized by Rio Bravo Mayor Nora Rivera and sponsored by Laredo doctor Francisco I. Peña, the Tripita Festival celebrates this South Texas community and culture. The event, set for Saturday from noon to 1 a.m., features a Tripita cook-off, a Tripita eating contest and the Miss Tripita pageant.

Live music will be provided by Los Cadetas de Linares, Pegaso, De Colombia, Missión Colombiana, Sensible, Carlos y Sus Cachorros, Patti y Su Sonora and INQ Puro Norteño.

The festival opens its gates at 1002 Paseo de Tiber, at noon. Admission is $5, with proceeds benefiting the City of Rio Bravo Library building fund.

‘Pretty in Pink’ benefits WINGS Reina’s Ultra Lounge is hosting a “Pretty in Pink” charity event to promote breast cancer awareness.

The event, set for Saturday, will have an “I Live ’80s” theme with songs from the 1980s all night and drink specials.

“Pretty in Pink” will benefit WINGS, a nonprofit organization that helps women affected with breast cancer.

Reina’s is located at 8602 McPherson.

For more information, call 726-1001.

‘The Lion in Winter’ continues at TAMIU The Laredo Theater Guild, in cooperation with Texas A&M International University, presents “The Lion in Winter,” tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. in the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre.

Admission is $15, with a $10 discounted admis-

sion for students with ID and seniors.

For more information, call 319-8610.

Makeup effects presentation On Saturday, the Webb County Heritage Foundation is hosting a special effects makeup presentation by Mike Castro, of Morbid Mansion Studios, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is also $5.

It will take place at the Border Heritage Foundation, 810 Zaragoza.

For more information, call the Webb County Heritage Foundation at 7270977.

LCA needs entries for exhibit The Laredo Center for the Arts is calling for entries for its annual Dia De Los Muertos cultural celebration, scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Saturday, Oct. 30.

Dia De Los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday in which the living honor and reunite with their beloved ancestors, family and friends. Dia de los Muertos is a celebration honoring the lives of the deceased and a celebration of the continuation of life.

LCA is calling for entries for altars and performers.

To reserve a spot or for more information, call Rosie Santos at 725-1715.

Tito ‘El Bambino’ discount tickets For the first time in Laredo, Tito “El Bambino” will perform at the Laredo Energy Arena on Saturday, Nov. 13, featuring Big Boy as the opening act. Twisted Entertainment, which is presenting the event, is offering a $5 discount to students, teachers and military personnel. Specific price levels are available with proper ID at the LEA box office window. There is a limit of 4.

Tickets are $68, $48, $28, $13, facility fees included, and are available at all Ticketmaster locations.

— The Zapata Times

National

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

THE ZAPATA TIMES 7A

Mall eyes Nov. reopening

By DON THOMPSON ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by Spencer Weiner | AP

Airman 1st class Daniel Clark, left, and Staff Sgt. Keri Embry post a sign warning surfers of a recent shark attack Friday at Vandenburg Air Force Base. Lucas Ransom, 19, was boogie-boarding in the surf line about 100 yards off of Surf Beach when a shark suddenly pulled him under the water.

Man bleeds to death after shark attack ASSOCIATED PRESS

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — A body boarder bled to death Friday at a beach northwest of Los Angeles after a shark mauled his leg, authorities said, prompting officials to close three beaches through the weekend.

Lucas Ransom, 19, was boogie-boarding in the surf line about 100 yards off of Surf Beach with a friend when a shark suddenly pulled him under the water shortly before 9 a.m., according to a statement from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff ’s Department.

Ransom’s friend and others at the beach pulled him from the water, but the University of California, Santa Barbara, student had a severe wound to his left leg and died a short time later, the statement said. The shark’s chomp took out a 1-foot portion of the board’s side.

Ransom, who was from Romoland in Riverside County, was a junior at UCSB majoring in chemical engineering, school spokesman Paul Desruisseaux said.

Surf Beach, 130 miles northwest of Los Angeles, is on the property of Vandenberg Air Force Base but is open to the public.

Vandenberg closed Surf Beach and adjoining Wall and Minuteman beaches for at least three days.

There have been nearly 100 shark attacks in California since the 1920s, including a dozen that were fatal, according to the California Department of Fish and Game. But attacks have remained relatively rare even as the population of swimmers, divers and surfers sharing the waters has soared.

The last shark attack on Surf Beach was in 2008, when what was believed to be a great white shark bit a surfer’s board. The surfer was not harmed. .

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in a Sacramento suburb Friday after part of a regional mall was consumed by an arson fire that collapsed portions of the roof, destroyed 20 stores and caused at least $6.5 million in damage.

Yet city officials said unburned sections of the upscale Westfield Galleria at Roseville could reopen within weeks, in time for holiday shopping.

“I think you’re going to be surprised,” said Roseville city manager Ray Kerridge. “They’ve got to be online by Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving that traditionally starts major holiday sales. The mall draws shoppers from a large portion of Northern California and generates $3.2 million in annual sales taxes.

Roseville Fire Department spokesman Dennis Mathisen said about 20 of the Westfield Galleria’s more than 200 stores, including Finish Line, Anchor Blue and PacSun, were destroyed along with

Photo by Steve Yeater | AP

Emergency personnel watch as firefighters battle a fire at the Roseville Galleria in Roseville, Calif., on Thursday after a man entered a store earlier in the day and set the shop on fire. the GameStop video game store where the fire was set Thursday.

Two anchor stores near the fire’s origin — Macy’s and JC Penney — were not as severely damaged.

Smoke lapped into the mall’s center court where Santa Claus would usually set up shop. But smoke, water and fire damage was limited in the rest of the 1.3-million-square-foot mall, and a newer portion was barely affected.

Large portions of the roof collapsed onto the burned section of the mall about 17 miles east of the state capital, and a major supporting wall spanning about 200 feet was in danger of collapse.

Schwarzenegger declared the state of emergency after officials projected damage would top $6.5 million. The emergency declaration will help those who have lost jobs and will suspend certain

rules to accelerate reconstruction.

City officials said they were working to develop a more accurate damage estimate. Roseville police spokeswoman Dee Dee Gunther said the preliminary figure was based on the legal statute used to hold 23-year-old Alexander Corney Piggee without bail on suspicion of arson, entering a building intending to commit arson and making criminal threats.

Coronor IDs body left in vehicle

By RAQUEL MARIA DILLON ASSOCIATED PRESS

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Medical examiners have identified a mummified corpse that was left in a car’s passenger seat for 10 months in Southern California, a police spokesman said Friday.

Authorities had said earlier it could take weeks to identify the homeless woman, but the Orange County coroner’s office was able to rehydrate the desiccated body’s fingertips to obtain a usable fingerprint, said Costa Mesa police Detective Sgt. Paul Beckman. The office will not release the name until next-of-kin are notified.

The woman’s remains, discovered Monday in a car parked illegally in Costa Mesa, are little more

Photo by Mark Rightmire/Orange County Register | AP

Evidence stickers are seen on the window of a vehicle in Costa Mesa, Calif., in which police say they discovered the mummified body of a homeless woman that could have been in the car anywhere from three to 10 months. Costa Mesa Police say the woman who drives the car told police she let the homeless woman sleep in her car and one morning found she had died. than skin and bones and weigh 30 pounds, said police Sgt. Ed Everett.

The car’s driver befriended the homeless woman in a park in nearby Fountain Valley and

told her she could sleep in the car. When she found the woman dead in the passenger seat, she was afraid to tell police, Everett said.

The driver is a 57-year-

old former real estate agent from Corona del Mar, an upscale beach community, who herself had fallen on hard times and was living with friends, he said.

Authorities have not determined if the driver will face any charges.

An autopsy showed no signs of trauma. Toxicology reports could take six weeks, Everett said.

“We would obviously be looking at what laws deal with the transportation of bodies. Ultimately, this is still an undetermined death,” Beckman said.

“There’s still a vast amount of investigation necessary.”

The woman whose car she died in last saw her in December, but it wasn’t immediately clear when she discovered the body.

8A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

Judge’s rehab ruling keeps Lohan on hold

By ANTHONY MCCARTNEY ASSOCIATED PRESS

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.

— New year, new Lindsay Lohan?

That appears to be the hope of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elden S. Fox, who on Friday ordered the starlet to remain in rehab until January. In doing so he ended any short-term plans for the actress’ comeback, but also followed the recommendations of medical professionals who say the “Mean Girls” star is only beginning to realize the depths of her addiction.

He also slyly removed one potential source of temptation and relapse.

“You’re staying past the New Year’s — there’s a reason for that,” Fox said.

Lohan, who was in court for her fifth time since May, cried after hearing the sentence for failing a drug test.

The ruling allowed Lohan to avoid a fourth trip to jail, but it wasn’t exactly the outcome the actress was hoping for.

Lohan’s probation report states she told an officer last week that she hoped to be released from the Betty Ford Clinic in Rancho Mi-

Photo by Bill Robles | AP

This courtroom artist’s sketch shows actress Lindsay Lohan, right, in court with her attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, in front of Judge Elden S. Fox on Friday, in Los Angeles. Lohan sidestepped another jail stint Friday when the judge sent the 24-year-old troubled starlet back to rehab. rage, Calif. after one month and cited financial worries.

She told the officer that “continued inpatient treatment would be a hardship financially, and damaging to her career.”

The 20-acre addiction treatment hospital is not cheap — three months of inpatient treatment can cost nearly $50,000.

Lohan cited problems with her clothing line and an upcoming role as porn star Linda Lovelace in a biopic as reasons for wanting to get out.

The movie, however, will wait for Lohan.

“Inferno” writer-director Matthew Wilder says Lohan’s rehab won’t interfere with role and that production was already set to begin in mid-January.

“It looks good and we are not replacing (her),” he said Friday.

Fox warned Lohan that she could suffer further damage to her career if she did not succeed.

The actress has become more of a tabloid mainstay than box office draw since a pair of high-profile arrests in 2007 led to the current drug and drunken driving case.

Watergate prosecutor dies

By ERIK SCHELZIG AND RANDALL DICKERSON ASSOCIATED PRESS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Outside the courtroom, James F. Neal had an amiable, backslapping way with friends and foes alike.

Inside the chamber, the face of one of America’s greatest trial lawyers often became fixed in a steely gaze.

The attorney who regularly grabbed national headlines — whether prosecuting Jimmy Hoffa or key Watergate figures, or defending Elvis Presley’s doctor or the Exxon Corp. after the Alaska oil spill — died Thursday night. He was 81.

Law partner Aubrey Harwell said Friday that Neal died at a Nashville hospital after a monthslong battle against cancer.

In the words of Fred Thompson, already a lawyer in real life before he became one on TV, “Jim

Photo by Mark Humphrey | AP

Attorney James F. Neal is shown in an undated photo. Neal, who successfully prosecuted Jimmy Hoffa and Watergate figures and later defended high-profile clients, including Exxon Corp., died Thursday in Nashville. He was 81.

Neal was the greatest trial lawyer of his time.”

For former Vice President Al Gore, Neal was a “brilliant attorney” and close friend. “As a prosecutor, he served our nation with brilliance and dedication at a time when his

skill was greatly needed by the American people,” Gore said in a statement.

And prosecute, by all accounts, was something Neal did well.

The government had tried four times to convict the Teamsters president Hoffa before Neal got it done in 1964 in a jury-tampering case. As a special prosecutor, Neal later put Watergate conspirators John Mitchell, Robert Haldeman and John Erlichman behind bars in the twilight of the Richard Nixon presidency.

And not only prosecute.

In private practice, Neal successfully defended Ford Motor Co. against reckless homicide charges in Indiana after the gas tank of a 1973 Ford Pinto exploded, killing the car’s driver.

In 1981, he successfully defended Dr. George Nichopoulos of Memphis against charges that he overprescribed drugs to the late rock ’n’ roll idol Presley.

Photo by Rich Pedroncelli | AP

Meg Whitman, left, the Republican candidate for governor, shakes hands with debate moderator Maria Elena Salinas, before the start of her second debate with Democratic opponent Jerry Brown, center, held at California State University in Fresno, on Oct. 2. Spanish-language media is taking an unprecedented role in this year’s election season, highlighting the growing influence of Hispanic voters.

Hispanics urged to vote

By LAURA WIDES-MUÑOZ ASSOCIATED PRESS

MIAMI — Spanish-language media is revving up a massive get-out-thevote campaign to ensure the nation’s Hispanics wield their clout at the polls.

The move follows a Latino Republican group’s airing of an ad in Nevada urging Hispanic voters to sit out Senate and congressional races because of Congress’ failure to enact immigration reform.

Hispanic leaders were outraged, and Democrats called the ad a dirty trick as Hispanic voters tend to vote Democratic. The ad was pulled from the air

by Univision, the nation’s largest Spanish-language media company.

On Friday, Univision was taping a sit-down in-

terview in its Los Angeles studios with President Barack Obama. Interviewer and radio host Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo played a major role in encouraging thousands of marchers to protest a harsh immigration bill in 2006. The show will air Monday.

Univision is also planning to promote its “Ya es hora” (The time is now) get-out-the-vote campaign all day Tuesday, across its TV, radio and Internet holdings. The programs will feature the network’s top stars.

Meanwhile, also on Friday, Telemundo Network unveiled its “Tu Voto, Tu Futuro,” (Your Vote, Your Future) campaign to encourage viewers to cast their ballots.

Telemundo has framed its political coverage around three issues: the

economy, immigration and education. In the final days before the election, it plans to press politicians on these themes and how they would affect Latinos, who make up 9 percent of eligible voters.

Telemundo Executive Vice President Ramon Escobar said the media needs to hold ordinary people, not just politicians, accountable.

“One of the responsibilities of belonging to civic society is to vote,” he said.

Following the election through the eyes of a few families made sense because of the importance of family in the Hispanic culture, Escobar explained. “It’s much more relatable than just covering the horse race of the candidates,” he added.

SÁBADO 23 DE OCTUBRE DE 2010

Zfrontera

PÁGINA 9A

Garcia es titular de ZCISD

Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 23 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — “A Dollar a Sack Day” es parte de la Venta de Usado en el Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church (1200 McClelland Ave) de 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. El público en general está invitado y no hay cuota de entrada.

LAREDO — Pase la tarde en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de TAMIU y explore “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” a las 5 p.m., “Seven Wonders” a las 6 p.m., y “Rock on Demand” a las 7 p.m.Entrada general es de 5 dólares.

LAREDO — Hoy es la Jamaica y Bingo anual en St. Peter’s Memorial School (1519 Houston Street) de 5 p.m. a 10 p.m. en los terrenos de la escuela. La entrada es de 1 dólares. Habrá módulos de comida, juegos y actividades infantiles, así como una subasta silenciosa y el bingo.

LAREDO — El Laredo Theater Guild en cooperación con TAMIU presenta “The Lion in Winter” a las 8 p.m. de hoy en el Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre de la Universidad. La entrada general es de 15 dólares.

LAREDO — El Laredo Center for the Arts (500 San Agustin Ave.) presenta la campaña de recaudación de fondos “Tequila at Twilight” hoy a las 8 p.m. y hasta la medianoche. Se presentará la banda Little Sister y habrá bar en efectivo. 18 piezas de arte serán rifadas esta nochge. Los boletos tienen costo de 35 dólares en la puerta. Más información en el 725-1715.

NUEVO LAREDO — Hoy se proyecta cine de terror en “Hasta el Viento tiene Miedo” a las 10 a.m.; “Rec 1” a las 12 p.m.; “Rec 2” a las 5 p.m. y “KM 31” a las 7 p.m. en Estación Palabra. Entrada libre. Adolescentes y adultos.

NUEVO LAREDO — Festival Infantil “Las Brujas” es hoy a las 2 p.m. en Estación Palabra. Entrada libre.

NUEVO LAREDO — Cine Club Infantil presenta “Hocus Pocus” a las 3:30 p.m. en Estación Palabra.

Entrada libre.

NUEVO LAREDO — Sábado de Museos para Niños presenta “Sigue las Huellas”, una plática sobre dinosaurios y creación de una huella de T-Rex” a las 4 p.m. en el Museo Reyes Meza. Entrada libre.

NUEVO LAREDO — “Noche Fantástica” con leyendas de los Fantasmas del Tren a las 8 p.m. y 11 p.m. en Estación Palabra. Entrada libre. Para niños de 7 a 12 años.

Cupo limitado. Debe inscribirse.

POR LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

Foto de cortesía

Una camioneta de la Comandancia de Seguridad Pública y Vialidad en Ciudad Mier, quedó destruida tras que supuestos civiles armados atacaron las instalaciones el 15 de octubre.

Sufrió ataque edificio de policía en Mier TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

El Edificio de la Comandancia de Seguridad Pública y Vialidad en Ciudad Mier fue atacada por supuestos civiles armados el viernes 15 de octubre.

Imágenes muestran cómo el edificio fue rafagueado y patrullas de vigilancia incendiadas. El incidente solamente dejó daños materiales y no se reportaron personas lesionadas.

Testigos de los hechos aseguran que tras que civiles armados atacaron la comandancia, ubicada frente a la Plaza principal del pueblo, procedieron a ir por la calle principal disparando a todas las residencias.

“El pueblo está aterrado”, dijo un residente de Ciudad Mier quien solicitó el anonimato.

Un oficial en la 8va. Zona Militar de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena) dijo que el ataque en Ciudad Mier debe ser investigado por la Procuraduría General de Justicia en Tamaulipas.

“Es un asunto que compete a la autoridad estatal”, dijo el oficial. “No tenemos reporte de esos hechos”.

El Coordinador de Comunicación Social de la Procuraduría General de Justicia en Tamaulipas, Rubén Darío Ríos

GUSTAVO RODRÍGUEZ VEGA: Obispo sostiene que frontera está secuestrada.

Rodríguez, dijo vía telefónica que la investigación debe estar a cargo de la Sedena ó de la PGR. “Por el tipo de hechos lo suele intervenir ya sea la Sedena o la PGR”, dijo Ríos. “No tengo ningún reporte de esa situación”.

La Procuraduría General de la República (PGR) no emitió comunicado al respecto de los hechos del 15 de octubre.

La Diócesis de Nuevo Laredo, bajo cuya jurisdicción están Miguel Alemán, Ciudad Mier y Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, asegura que la frontera chica sigue literalmente secuestrada por hombres armados.

El Obispo de la Diócesis Gustavo Rodríguez Vega aseguró que habitantes de Ciudad Mier y Nueva Ciudad Guerrero han tenido que emigrar y, los que no han podido hacerlo, terminan su día laboral alrededor del mediodía.

“Los servicios nocturnos se suspendieron”, dijo Rodríguez.

“La vida es lenta”.

Residentes en Nueva Ciudad Guerrero y Ciudad Mier viven continuamente temerosos, por lo que la labor de los

sacerdotes en las Iglesias es básica, sobre todo en momento donde no hay tranquilidad.

“Ojala que algún día podamos expresar que las grandes amenazas han sido acalladas y los riesgos superados”, dijo Rodríguez. “Todos en México estamos anhelando regresar a la paz”.

También aseguró que ningún sacerdote se ha visto amenazado por gente del crimen organizado.

“Esas personas se han portado muy bien con nosotros”, dijo Rodríguez. “No ha habido amenazas específicas”.

Otras ciudades Rodríguez, cuya Diócesis también se encarga de Miguel Alemán, dijo que ahí se ha regresado a la normalidad, aunque el poblado de Los Guerras sigue tomado.

“Las iglesias de San Francisco y San Pedro (en Miguel Alemán), continúan con su desarrollo normal”, dijo Rodríguez.

En iglesias de Nuevo Laredo no se han suspendido actividades, aunque las familias sí toman precauciones y Rodríguez expresó que espera pronto regrese la fuerte actividad de desarrollo, de empleo y de mejor vida.

La Junta de Fideicomisarios de Zapata County ISD designó oficialmente a Norma Garcia, Ph. D., como nueva jefa de distrito, durante la junta escolar regular del martes por la noche.

“Soy muy afortunada por estar trabajando con una junta escolar dinámica, dedicada y unida y espero crear entre todos un plan estratégico tan pronto como sea posible”, dijo Garcia.

Ella recibirá un salario de 120.000 dólares al año, de acuerdo al contrato.

Rodriguez firmó un contrato con el distrito en febrero del 2009 que concluye en junio del 2011.

El ex Superintendente Romeo Rodriguez Jr. dejó el distrito el verano pasado y ahora encabeza el South Texas Council of Alcohol and Drug Abuse en Laredo.

Rodriguez firmó un contrato con el distrito en febrero del 2008. El contrato estaba previsto que concluyera en junio del 2011, pero en mayo de este año, Rodriguez y el consejo tuvieron un acuerdo mutuo para terminar su contrato a inicios de este año.

Garcia fue Oficial en Jefe de Instrucción para ZCISD, pero tras que Rodriguez renunció en mayo ella fue designada para ocupar la superintendencia interina.

Ello estuvo a cargo de dos oficinas para el distrito por más de cuatro meses.

Tras que la junta seleccionó a Garcia como finalista para el cargo de Superintendente en ZCISD el mes pasado fue necesario que ella esperara un total de 21 días debido al protocolo de gobierno.

En ese momento la junta y Garcia construyeron un contrato con el que ambas partes estuvieran de acuerdo.

“Tenía unas cuantas preguntas”, dijo Garcia.

En los cuatro meses como superintendente interina Garcia pasó la mayoría de su tiempo planeando y colocando expectativas para el distrito, dijo ella.

“Se ve bien para nosotros”, dijo Garcia. “Quiero comentarios de todos los involucrados para estas juntas y foros de comunicación”.

A fin de crear un plan de acción, Garcia se ha estado reuniendo con un equipo Ejecutivo compuesto del Oficial en Jefe de Finanzas, el Oficial en Jefe de Personal, y el Director de Educación Compensatorio, dos veces a la semana para discutir temas del distrito y preocupaciones, dijo ella.

“Estamos creando un plan de instalaciones para asegurar que nos organicemos con todas sus obligaciones mientras superviso proyectos de construcción”, dijo ella. “También estoy separando tiempo para caminar a través de los campuses, oficinas y edificios”.

DOMINGO 24 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — La Orquesta Filarmónica de Laredo presenta “Crossing the Oceans” (Cruzando los Oceanos), en el Recital Hall del Center for the Fine and Performing Arts de TAMIU de 3 p.m. a 6 p.m.

Más información con Brendan Townsend al 326-3039.

LAREDO — A partir de hoy se puede visitar el Calabozo Embrujado en el Campus Sur del Laredo Community College, en horario de 2 p.m. a 6 p.m. El costo de entrada es de 2 dólares por persona.

LUNES 25 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — Hoy es el primer día de la Brigada de Médicos Misioneros de la Divina Misericordia para personas de bajos recursos organizado por la Diócesis de Laredo, Servicios Sociales Católicos y la Iglesia del Divino Redentor (1602 García).

Habrá varios lugares a partir de las 8 a.m., además de la Iglesia del Divino Redentor, en El Cenizo, Río Bravo y las Colonias de San Carlos y Las Peñitas. El evento continúa en mismas ubicaciones y horarios hasta el viernes 29 de octubre.

MIÉRCOLES 27 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — Texas A&M International University presenta el Concierto Internacional de Mariachi en el teatro del College of Fine and Performing Arts de 7 p.m. a 1 p.m.

Más información en el 326-2001.

VIERNES 29 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — “Elmo’s Green Thumb” se presenta hoy en la Laredo Energy Arena. Los precios varían de 12 a 48 dólares.

— Tiempo de Zapata

Habrá Festival de Salud Invitan a votar La mayoría de los servicios médicos serán gratuitos POR LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

El Centro Comunitario de Salud Gateway en colaboración con Zumba Fitness presenta el Festival Divertido de Salud de Zapata, una campaña para recaudar fondos para la fundación Light of Hope que beneficia a pacientes con cáncer.

El evento será el sábado 30 de octubre en el Zapata Community Center de 8:30 a.m. al mediodía.

Gateway Health Community Center estará ofreciendo una variedad de servicios gratuitos incluyendo revisiones dentales para niños, pruebas de embarazo, revisiones de pies, exámenes de glaucoma, y exámenes físicos, de acuerdo a un comunicado de prensa.

El público también recibirá servicios gratuitos de educación sobre diabetes, hipertensión, colesterol, actividad física, y manejo del peso, dijo la Promotora de Salud Nadia Gonzalez.

“Hay muchas personas con diabetes en la comunidad y deseamos llegar a ellos e informarles y qué mejor forma que hacerlo gratuitamente”, dijo Gonzalz.

Los servicios gratuitos y educativos incluyen una revisión ó examen para grupos de edades diferentes, sin embargo, el manejo del peso es tanto para niños como adultos, dijo Gonzalez.

Gateway Community Center educará a la comunidad sobre la diferencia de actividad física y ejercicio, dijo ella, porque las personas suelen confundir esos términos.

“Las personas piensan que si ellos se mueven alrededor en el trabajo eso es ejercicio, y no es así’, dijo González.

“Las personas necesitan un concepto FIT (frecuencia, intensidad y tiempo).

“Si no tienen esos tres (conceptos) no están haciendo ejercicio”.

“

Hay muchas personas con diabetes en la comunidad y deseamos llegar a ellos e informarles y qué mejor forma que hacerlo gratuitamente”.

PROMOTORA DE SALUD NADIA GONZALEZ

Los exámenes de la próstata para hombres adultos y el trabajo de laboratorio incluyen 24 diferentes pruebas y serán ofrecidos por 15 dólares, pero los primeros 50 participantes recibirán el servicio gratis como cortesía de Buckner International, un Ministerio Cristiano.

Zumba Durante el festival, Zumba Fitness tendrá un Zumbatón de 9 a.m. a 10 a.m. y de 11 a.m. al mediodía.

Se requiere una donación de 5 dólares, cantidad que se destinarán a la Fundación Light of Hope.

Los tres primeros equipos recibirán trofeos, de acuerdo al comunicado de prensa.

A forma de diversión, Zumba Fitness estará realizando un concurso de disfraces de Halloween para niños de 15 años y menores. Se premiará los disfraces más originales, según el comunicado.

POR LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

Una mínima cantidad de votos fueron emitidos la primera semana de la votación anticipada en el Condado de Zapata, y solamente pocos más de 500 votos se esperan el Día de la Elección.

La votación anticipada inició el lunes 18 de octubre y concluye el viernes 29 de octubre.

El Día de la Elección es el martes, 2 de noviembre.

El Condado de Zapata promedió 25 votos por día la primera semana de la votación anticipada, dijo la Secretaria del Condado Mary Jane Villarreal-Bonoan.

“Creo que ha estado lento porque los candidatos no tienen contrincante”, dijo VillarrealBonoan.

Los candidatos en las primarias fueron Demócratas solamente y tenían contrincantes, dijo Villarreal-Bonoan.

Aunque la boleta de la elección electoral es una mezcla incluyendo a todos los partidos, los candidatos locales no tienen opositores por candidatos de otros partidos, dijo ella.

El condado esperaba atraer una cantidad más grande de votos esta elección general, pero inclusive las campañas fueron escasas, dijo Vil-

Elección es el 2 de noviembre larreal-Bonoan.

“Nadie ha salido a hacer campaña, pero estamos esperando obtener más votos de los que llevamos hasta el momento”, agregó ella.

“Necesitamos ver esos números y que las personas salgan y voten porque ellos tienen una opción”.

Sostuvo que las personas necesitan estar atentas a la medida local.

Para la segunda semana de la votación anticipada, los votantes pueden ir por su boleta a varias ubicaciones, de 7 a.m. a 7 p.m.

El Centro Comunitario Falcon está desigando para el Precinto 1A; el Centro Comunitario Lojeño está abierto para el Precinto 1B; y el Pabellón del Condado de Zapata es para el Precinto 2.

El Precinto 2A estará emitiendo su voto en la Sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez, el Nuevo Centro Comunitario está destina para el Precinto 3, y el Edificio Anexo está abierto para el Precinto 4.

Local

10A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

Cancer patients could Voting finds slow going benefit from Zumba

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Gateway Health Community Center in collaboration with Zumba Fitness presents the Zapata Health Fun Fest, a fundraiser for the Light of Hope Foundation to benefit cancer patients.

The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. until noon Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Zapata Community Center.

The Light of Hope Foundation focuses on helping cancer patients along the Rio Grande Valley, Gonzalez said.

“It helps with monetary assistance for travel and lodging to their treatment sites,” Gonzalez said.

Gateway Health Community Center will be offering a variety of free services, including dental screenings for children, pregnancy tests, foot screenings, Glaucoma screenings and physical exams, according to a press release.

The public will also receive free education services concerning diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, physical activity and weight management, health promoter Nadia Gonzalez said.

“There’s a lot of diabet-

ic individuals in the community and we want to get them informed and what a better way but to do it for free?” Gonzalez asked.

There will be screening and tests for different age groups. The weight management workshop is for children and adults, Gonzalez said.

Gateway Community Center will educate the community on the difference between physical activity and exercise, Gonzalez said.

People confuse physical activity with exercise, Gonzalez said.

“People think that if they move around at work, it’s exercise. It’s not,” Gonzalez said. “People need a FIT concept (frequency, intensity and time). If they don’t have those three, they’re not doing exercise.”

Children also have a tendency to follow a parent’s example and habits, Gonzalez said.

“If the parents don’t exercise, the kids won’t, and if the parents eat fast food, the kids will eat fast food,” Gonzalez said.

Prostrate screenings for adult men and lab work including 24 different tests will be offered for $15, but the first 50 participants

will receive the service for free courtesy of Buckner International, a global Christian Ministry.

Buckner International in Mission provides care and resources for orphans and at-risk children in the United States, according to a press release.

For more information on Gateway Community Health Center services and education, call Gonzalez at (956) 718-6222 or Elisa Perez at (956) 718-6226.

Zumba Fitness will be hosting an exercise competition or “Zumba-thon” for individuals or teams from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to noon.

A donation of $5 per person is required to benefit the Light of Hope Foundation.

The top three teams will also receive trophies, according to the release.

Zumba Fitness will also be hosting a Halloween costume contest for children 15 and younger, who will be awarded prizes for most original costumes.

Anyone interested in participating or donating may call Selisa J. Gutierrez at (956) 231-8218 or Nina V. Gutierrez (956) 7716895.

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)

Relay run to help troops in Iraq

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

The Marine Corp League will be hosting its first annual relay run from Zapata to San Juan in support of troops fighting in Iraq.

The relay will take place at 5 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30,

beginning in Zapata.

Participants will run 104 miles to San Juan to raise funds to send troops care packages, said Michael Delgado, relay run organizer.

Organizers have been making plans for the run since August, Delgado said.

Approximately 23 run-

ners from Zapata County have confirmed their participation and a few others are needed from Starr County, Delgado said.

“The more the merrier,” Delgado said. “We need all the help we can get.”

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)

Few ballots were cast during the first week of early voting in Zapata County and fewer than 500 votes are expected by Election Day. Early voting began Monday, Oct. 18 and ends Friday, Oct. 29.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Zapata County averaged 25 votes per day the first week of early voting, said County Clerk Mary Jane Villarreal-Bonoan.

“I think it’s been slow because the candidates are unopposed,” Villarreal-Bonoan said.

Local candidates in the primaries were Democratic only, Villarreal-Bonoan said.

The general election ballot in November will include candidates from

For the second week of early voting, voters can cast their ballot in several locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

several parties.

The county was expected to bring in a larger amount of votes this general election, but even campaigning has been scarce, Villarreal-Bonoan said.

“No one has been campaigning outside, but we’re hoping to get more votes than we’ve been getting so far,” VillarrealBonoan said.

“We need to see those numbers and people need to come out and vote because they have a choice.”

For the second week of early voting, voters can

cast their ballot in several locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Falcon Community Center is designated for Precinct 1A; the Lopeño Community Center is open for Precinct 1B; and the Zapata County Pavilion is for Precinct 2.

Precinct 2A will be voting at the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Public Branch Library, the New Community Center is designated for Precinct 3 and the Annex Building is open for Precinct 4.

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956) 728-2557.)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

THE ZAPATA TIMES 11A

CIUDAD MIER Continued from Page 1A street shooting at residences.

"People are terrified," said a resident of Ciudad Mier, who requested anonymity.

An official with the City Ciudad Mier said people live in constant fear. She chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons.

Gunshots could be heard throughout the night. According to reports, it was unknown if there were any casualties.

An official with Protección Civil, the Mier fire department, said gunshots and detonation could be heard that night. But they did not respond to the call.

“We heard things, but we did not approach (the area) for our own safety,” the official said, noting that the fire consumed itself.

Though no one was harmed in the attack, the official said many surrounding businesses were affected by the flames and vehicles had bullet holes.

“It’s bad. It’s like in all municipalities. Not having a police force increases robberies. You have to take care of yourself,” the official said. “There is no security in the city. We’re a little worried (about the situation).”

Officials have requested officers and weaponry from the state government, but they’re still waiting for an answer.

With no one to regulate

“

We don’t want people to leave (because) of what they hear in the news. We want this to stop, so people can have trust again.”

UNNAMED OFFICIAL

traffic, the townspeople volunteered their time as traffic officers at school zones to take care of children. The city has a population of 3,200.

Many people had left the city searching for jobs, but others left for safety reasons. Officials say those who still live in Mier go to bed early.

“We don’t want people to leave (because) of what they hear in the news. We want this to stop, so people can have trust again,” the official said. “We need the authorities to do something.”

Meanwhile, an officer in the 8th Military Zone of the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA) said the attack in Ciudad Mier should be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office of Justice (PGR) in Tamaulipas.

"It’s a matter for state authority," said the official.

"We have no report of such facts."

The coordinator of So-

cial Communication of the Attorney General’s Office in Tamaulipas, Rubén Darío Ríos Rodríguez, said by telephone that the investigation should be conducted

by SEDENA or the PGR. "For the kind of facts which involve either the Department of Defense or the Attorney General," said Ríos, "I have no report.”

The Attorney General’s Office (PGR) issued no statement about the events of Oct. 15.

The Diocese of Nuevo Laredo, under whose jurisdictions are Miguel Alemán, Ciudad Mier and Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, said that the small border continues to be literally seized by armed men.

Bishop Gustavo Rodríguez Vega confirmed that residents of Ciudad Mier and Nueva Ciudad Guerrero have had to emigrate, and those who have been unable to, end their working day around noon.

"Evening services were

GARCIA Continued from Page 1A

suspended," Rodríguez said. "Life is slow."

Residents of Nueva Ciudad Guerrero and Ciudad Mier live in fear, so the work of priests in churches is essential, especially in times in which there is no peace.

"Hopefully someday we can say that the greatest threats have been silenced and risks overcome," said Rodríguez. "Everyone in Mexico is longing to return to peace."

He also confirmed that no priest has been threatened by organized crime.

"These people have been very good to us," Rodríguez said. "There have been no specific threats."

Other cities Rodríguez, whose diocese is also responsible for Miguel Alemán, said there has been a return to normality, even though the town of Los Guerras is still taken.

"The churches of San Francisco and San Pedro (of Miguel Alemán) continue with their normal development," said Rodríguez.

In Nuevo Laredo, churches have not suspended activities, but families do take precautions and Rodríguez said he hopes life soon returns to the development of jobs and the pursuit of better lives.

compliance support,” Garcia said.

After the board selected Garcia as a finalist for the superintendent position at ZCISD last month she was required to wait a total of 21 days due to government protocol.

In that time the board and Garcia wrote a contract that both parties could agree on.

“I had some minor questions,” Garcia said.

In the four months as interim superintendent Garcia spent most of the time planning and setting expectations for the district, she said.

“It’s looking good for us,” Garcia said. “I like input from all the stakeholders, so this requires meetings and forums for communication.”

In order to facilitate a plan of action, Garcia has been meeting with an executive team comprised of the chief financial officer, chief personnel officer and the compensatory educa-

tion director twice a week to discuss district issues and concerns, she said.

“We are creating a facilities plan to ensure that we get organized with all their duties while overseeing construction projects,” Garcia said. “I am also blocking time to conduct walkthroughs of campuses, offices and buildings.”

Once a week Garcia also meets with an instructional team comprised of the principals, SSOS and executive team members for instruction issues, plans of action, and other concerns, she said.

Garcia also meets with a facilities team once a week to discuss custodial and maintenance issues, she said.

“Soon I will break away from some of the planning and will delegate more so that I can visit with students, parents and the community,” Garcia said.

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)

RED RIBBON Continued from Page 1A of drugs in her presentation.

The annual presentation continued all day for all grade levels and Border Patrol agents will continue to stress the message to students about staying drug-

free the rest of National Red Ribbon Week.

“We’re booked today and the rest of the Red Ribbon Week,” Molano said.

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)

GRANT Continued from Page 1A the EDA grant and the duties of all responsible parties.

“The report given by Peggy at the last meeting raised concern,” Guerra said. “We didn’t want to lose this grant.”

Zapata County Project Coordinator Mario Gonzalez-Davis was responsible for a separate state grant provided by the Texas Department of Rural Affairs.

“The state grant has been closed for months and the county has received reimbursement,” Gonzalez-Davis said. “The EDA funding is still pending.”

The Economic Development Center procured the funding for the education center and was responsible for the internal grant administration of the EDA grant, and compliance with policies, Umphres-Moffett said.

“We are in compliance, making sure procedures don’t conflict with federal grant guidelines, and submitting the required documentation to the EDA in order to draw funds for the grant,” Umphres-Moffett said. “The ZEDC is being a good fiduciary of the grant funds by being adamant

Zapata County Judge Rosalva Guerra called a special meeting Tuesday, Oct. 19, in order to verify the status of the EDA grant and the duties of all responsible parties. that procedures are followed.”

An Education Steering Committee was created to facilitate the development of the project, she said.

As part of the steering committee, Zapata County ISD was responsible for the hiring of the administrative personnel for the education center Guerra said.

The district would also pay a direct cost associated with the administrative personnel, according to an agreement.

“That person is also the one that is supposed to gather information as far as what classes are to be provided,” Guerra said.

The county was responsible for the construction and the maintenance, according an agreement.

The county is the fiscal agent and delegated the authority and project administration to Gonzalez-Davis, Umphres-Moffett said.

Gonzalez-Davis, ERO Ar-

chitects, and PM2i Construction Company were required to prepare and submit documentation to the EDA to receive reviews and proper approvals prior to building the structure, Umphres-Moffett said.

“Only they know the timing to submit the documents as different phases are completed,” UmphresMoffett said.

ERO was responsible for ensuring the building was built to specification, and PM2i was responsible for paying wages of employees and purchasing building materials and supplies, Umphres-Moffett said.

“They have the documents and knowledge of what is going on throughout the construction stages,” Umphres-Moffett said.

The education center was completed in August.

“I notified everyone — and on multiple occasions — as soon as I was aware

that certain procedures were not followed to comply with EDA grant requirements,” Umphres-Moffett said. “As of the meeting last week, the project coordinator had never given me the invoices to pay. I don’t understand why the judge and project coordinator did not provide the documents to us when first notified.”

In a conference call with EDA representative Mathew Giannini, only three necessary items were listed, including the approved construction plans, invoices and a photograph of the sign logo.

The sign logo should include the Zapata County and the EDA logo, Guerra said.

“That’s all that is needed,” Guerra said. “When I heard the report, I thought it was more dramatic and that we needed a lot of things, but (Giannini) reassured us that that is it.”

The county has provided

Giannini with invoices and construction plans, Gonzalez-Davis said.

The sign is still pending, he said.

“We did our part. In fact, we did more than our part,” Gonzalez-Davis said.

The education center is slated to open in January, as it is still pending a cable and a telephone system for Internet usage, Guerra said.

“Hopefully that gets done and we get over that hurdle and move forward,” Guerra said. “I do agree with Peggy. Why weren’t they installed in the beginning?”

The agreement of memorandum does not specify the party responsible for equipment and technology, Guerra said.

“The county is willing to help with whatever is needed as long as we move forward and if we can, of course, we’ll help,” Guerra said.

The demand for a higher education facility is evident

and the education center would provide a much-needed higher education facility for high school and college students, Guerra said.

“We’re really excited. We really want to provide this service for the citizens of Zapata,” Guerra said.

“There is a list of students that want to go to college, but our current college transportation buses can only accommodate 16 or 17 people.”

Approximately 90 students are enrolled in the College Transportation Program, Guerra said.

The goal is to bring basic courses to the AEC, Guerra said.

“About 20 students out of the 90 need basic English; why not bring it over here?” Guerra asked. “I was told one of the students needing English dropped the class because they did not have sufficient space (on the bus).”

“Hopefully it will improve our whole community because knowledge is power and education is important to all of us,” Guerra added.

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)

12A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors CROSS COUNTRY

VOLLEYBALL

ALONE AT THE TOP

Photo by Clara Sandoval | Zapata Times

Senior Marlene Garcia crosses the finish line in third place at the UISD XC Invitational.

Speed Hawks

Courtesy Photo

The Zapata Lady Hawks pose with the district championship trophy.

Hawks sweep Lions to secure district title

By CLARA SANDOVAL ZAPATA TIMES

Zapata beats ranked Alexander in Laredo

By CLARA SANDOVAL ZAPATA TIMES

LAREDO – The Zapata Lady Hawks continued their march toward the district meet with a strong showing at the UISD Cross Country Invitational last weekend at Slaughter Park.

The Lady Hawks, ranked No. 5 by the Texas Cross Country Coaches Association, had their hands full when they met another state ranked team, Laredo’s Alexander Lady Bulldogs.

Zapata outpaced the La-

dy Bulldogs to capture first place at the UISD Invitational.

“This is our last tune up before the district meet,” Zapata coach Mike Villarreal said. “We have been having a hard time finding the win column and we finally did against Alexander.”

The Lady Hawks had two top-10 finishers, led by senior Marlene Garcia (third).

“The girls had a few

See CROSS COUNTRY PAGE 2B

The Zapata Lady Hawks didn’t want to leave anything to chance, so they secured the district volleyball title Tuesday on the road against their most viable threat in the La Feria Lady Lions.

Zapata soundly swept La Feria 25-13, 25-18 and 25-17 to be crowned District 31-3A volleyball champions for the 2010 season with two games left in the regular season.

La Feria still remains in second place in the district race.

Senior Brandi King, who has been the backbone of Zapata’s success, continues to make a

strong case for the district’s Most Valuable Player honor with a 24kill performance against La Feria.

The Lady Lions had no answer for King’s dominance at the net as her attacks constantly exploited the defense.

King masterfully moved the ball around the floor, keeping La Feria’s defense on their heels as she picked her points of attack.

King isn’t a one dimensional player that only works on the net; she is also one of the best defensive players that Zapata has to offer along with Cassi Quintanilla, Abby Aguilar and Jackie Salinas, who combined for 30 digs.

King recorded 15 digs to go along with five aces, three assists and one block.

Setter Estella Molina ran the Zapata offense to perfection, knowing when to give the ball to King, and when to throw the defense off with sets to Kris de Leon, Selina Mata or Shelby Bigler.

When defenses start keying on King, Molina involved the other hitters to force a more broad coverage of the net.

The Lady Hawks are putting together one of the most memorable seasons with their 21-3 overall record, but their unblemished district record (10-0) as of Tuesday is more impressive still.

Two of Zapata’s losses

came at the hands of 5A Laredo schools, United and Nixon, who are currently in the playoff race in District 29-5A. United is in third place while Nixon is battling for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Zapata was presented the district trophy at the conclusion of the game.

The Lady Hawks look to enter the postseason on a high note with an undefeated district record.

Zapata hosted Rio Hondo last night and will finish the regular season on Tuesday against Rio Grande City’s La Grulla.

Seniors playing their last game of the regular

See VOLLEYBALL PAGE 2B

NFL

MLS

Cowboys still a threat

U.S. soccer hero McBride to retire

ASSOCIATED PRESS

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Throw out the fact that the Dallas Cowboys own the worst record in the NFC East, occupying the basement with a 1-4 record.

The New York Giants, Dallas’ opponent Monday night, simply don’t want to hear it. They don’t look at the Cowboys as cellar dwelling also-rans, no matter what the standings say.

They still have all the respect in the world for their divisional rivals ... seriously.

“They have a lot of outstanding personnel to worry about,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Thursday.

“They’re big and strong and come off the ball very well.

They have a lot of playmakers. Every weekend, there’s a difficult game in this league. Dallas is a good football team no matter what their record is.”

The 4-2 Giants, fresh off their 28-20 win over Detroit at home last Sunday, don’t want to think that they can permanently put the Cowboys in the rear view mirror with a win on the road.

They are more concerned with their three-game winning streak, and how to add to it.

“We’re excited to be play-

By NANCY ARMOUR ASSOCIATED PRESS

cords. They’re a good team.”

Quarterback Eli Manning concurs. Like coach,

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — Brian McBride’s face was covered in blood, and it would take three stitches to close the gash under his eye after an elbow from Italy’s Daniele De Rossi.

Just the sight of him was enough to make soccer fans wince.

Yet McBride stayed in the World Cup game and helped the Americans salvage a draw against the eventual champions, just one example of the grit and determination that defined his career.

“He was a complete forward,” said Bruce Arena, who coached McBride at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. “He’s been a player who excelled on the field and obviously off the field, and he’s been even better in the way he represented American soccer and himself. He’s a first-class guy.”

McBride will play his final game Saturday — for the Chicago Fire against

See COWBOYS PAGE 2B

See MCBRIDE PAGE 2B

Photo by Jim Mone | AP

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) races for 14-yards on a drive during the second quarter of a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cowboys Sunday, in Minneapolis. The Cowboys scored later on a drive. ing our first divisional game and that’s how we look at it, Coughlin said.

“It’s an important game because it’s a divisional game.

We’re not worried about re-

Photo by Elise Amendola | AP

In this July 15, 2009, file photo, Chicago Fire’s Brian McBride, left, kicks the ball away from New England Revolution’s Kevin Alston during the first half of a SuperLiga semifinal soccer match in Foxborough, Mass. McBride will play the final game Saturday in a career which has spanned 17 years, two continents, three World Cups, some gruesome injuries and more than 150 goals.

PAGE 2B

Zscores

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

VOLLEYBALL Continued from Page 1B

CROSS COUNTRY Continued from Page 1B things in mind when they ran: keep the gap close, run a faster first mile and finish strong,” Villarreal said.

Jazmine Garcia edged out Alexander’s Ceci Garcia for fourth place while Cassie Pena came in 11th place.

Erika Hernandez (12th), Clarissa Villarreal (16th) and Gloria Jauregui (17th) rounded out the Zapata squad.

“We did something different today: that is running a faster first mile. Our No.1 and No. 2 times dropped,” Villarreal said. “The rest also dropped their times too.”

The junior varsity performed well and took home third-place honors.

Wendy Medina led all runners and was followed by Adrianna Ramirez (sixth), Angela Darnell (15th), Leslie Juarez (11th)

and Kassy Garza (19th).

The freshmen didn’t run their full squad, but still managed to post a good performance with Sara Pena’s first-place finish. She was followed by Daniela Vela (third), Alma Perez (fourth) and Norma Cepeda (sixth).

The Lady Merlins kicked off the day with a firstplace finish led by Norma Ramirez, who put on one of

the most gut-wrenching performances.

Ramirez was under the weather but still opted to run, coming away with the top performance of seventhgrade team.

The eighth graders were led by Alexandra Garcia’s fifth-place finish, followed

by Mary Rodriguez (seventh), Brianna Gonzalez (20th), Jazmine Garcia and Daphne Gonzalez.

season at home are Brandi King, Selina Mata, Cassie Quintanilla, Karen Villa, Suzy Dominguez, and Cristina Mendoza.

ZAPATA STATS: Brandi King (24 kills, five aces, three assists, 15 digs, one block), Kris De Leon (10 kills, one ace, four digs,

one block), Selina Mata (four kills, one ace, four digs), Cassie Quintanilla (16 digs), Estella Molina (one kill, 29 assists, five digs), Shelby Bigler (three kills, five aces), Jacke Salinas (one kill, one ace, seven digs) and Abby Aguilar (seven digs).

COWBOYS Continued from Page 1B MCBRIDE Continued from Page 1B Chivas USA — in a career that’s spanned 17 years, two continents, three World Cups, some gruesome injuries and more than 150 goals. Other players have had longer careers than the 38-year-old striker and scored more. He wasn’t the first American to go to England, and others have had more longevity in Europe.

But his goal-scoring ability, tenacity and spirit helped make the U.S. more competitive in the world’s favorite game, and paved the way for the next generation of players.

“I haven’t looked at it from that standpoint,” McBride said when asked what he wants his legacy to be. “I hope that I’ve added quality to wherever I’ve been and also done things in the right way, with class.

Hopefully I’ve been able to pass on a few words of wisdom.”

The U.S. has produced some world-class midfielders (Landon Donovan, Claudio Reyna, Clint Dempsey) and high-level defenders (Alexi Lalas and Steve Cherundolo), and most countries would be thrilled to have a goalkeeper like Tim Howard, Brad Friedel or Kasey Keller.

But forward is trickier.

A U.S. forward hasn’t scored since the 2002 World Cup, and Jozy Altidore has only two goals in his last 14 games with the national team. No American forward is getting regular playing time in Europe, and Major League Soccer’s best, Edson Buddle, wasn’t even in the World Cup mix at the beginning of the

year. (Donovan and Dempsey are sometimes listed as forwards, but their natural position is midfielder.)

A forward has to be able to play with his back to the goal and outmuscle defenders who want nothing more than to knock him off his feet. He needs cat-quick reflexes and vision, too, able to make something happen within a second, maybe two, of getting the ball.

As a “target” forward, McBride had all that — and more. Tough, physical and supremely gifted in the air, the 6-foot-1 McBride could create goals most other players could only imagine.

“He had an uncanny ability to get at the end of service in the box, whether in the air or on the ground.

And he showed great courage in the air,” Arena said.

“He was a good goal scorer.

He worked hard on finishing and scored in a variety of ways.”

McBride provided one of the lone U.S. highlights at the 1998 World Cup, scoring on a header against Iran.

Four years later, his diving header from 6 yards out would prove to be the game-winner in a 3-2 upset of Portugal. The Americans would go all the way to the quarterfinals, a surprising run that showed the rest of the world the United States was no longer part of the lightweight division.

McBride was the first American to score at two World Cups, and finished with 30 goals in a U.S. uniform. Only Donovan (45) and Eric Wynalda (34) have

more. He has 79 career MLS goals (he still shares the Crew record for goals scored), and scored another 40 in his 41/2 seasons at Fulham.

“You’ve been a massive inspiration for all of us,” Donovan said in a tribute video played after McBride’s final home game last Saturday. “We’re going to miss you.”

McBride wasn’t afraid to shed a little blood, either.

He absorbed so many elbows and arms over the years he has titanium plates in his cheeks. He missed most of the 2007-08 season, his last at Fulham, with a ruptured quadriceps and dislocated kneecap. It was that combination of quality and toughness that endeared McBride to the Fulham faithful. With the Cottagers deep in relegation trouble in 2008, McBride’s return sparked a remarkable turnaround and Fulham won four of its last five games to keep its spot in the Premier League.

A bar at Craven Cottage is now named “McBride’s” in honor of the contributions of “Captain Courageous.”

“Things that stick out are the ’02 World Cup and then my last year at Fulham,” McBride said.

“Those are probably two memories that just pop into your head because they were so strong.”

Though Fulham tried to lure him back for one more year, McBride and his wife Dina had already decided it was time to come back home. Both the McBrides are from Arlington

Heights, Ill., and family is a big part of their lives (when McBride scores, he kisses his ring finger in honor of Dina). They wanted their three daughters to grow up surrounded by family and close friends as they did.

McBride signed with his hometown Chicago Fire, and has 17 goals in twoplus seasons. The Fire’s leading scorer last year, he is second this season.

“Absolutely amazing player,” said teammate Freddie Ljungberg.

McBride could probably play for another season or two. But his daughters are getting older, and he wants to be around for all of their activities. He wants to take his wife out for dinner on a Friday or Saturday night, something he can only do in the offseason now.

But he’s not leaving the game entirely. McBride hopes to start soccer camps for attacking players, teaching them everything from fitness to movement off the ball to what they should do in various game scenarios.

He wants the camps to be small enough, 10 to 20 kids, so he can be hands-on and pass along all his knowledge and skills.

Who knows? Maybe one of those kids will play for the U.S. someday.

“He’s the kind of player you point to and tell younger players, ’Watch him.’ He serves as a great role model,” Arena said. “I don’t for a second take lightly the kind of character he had and how sorely it’s needed in the game and how it moved the game along.

“He’s a rare breed.”

like quarterback, apparently.

“We know how talented they are,” he said. “We have to go out there to Dallas and play great football to beat them. They’re always dangerous. They have playmakers on both sides of the ball, guys who are game changers. I know they lost some close games. We just have to make sure to keep it close and go into the fourth quarter with a chance to win the game.”

Defensive tackle Chris Canty, who came from the Cowboys when he signed with the Giants as a free agent last year, didn’t want to talk about the Cowboys or his days with Dallas.

“I’m not looking forward to this game more than any other,” Canty said. “That team posts a tough challenge and we have to be ready. They’re a tough divisional opponent and we’re playing on the road. It’s a great challenge.

It’s only the first game in the division for us. Any talk of putting them away is nonsense. It’s way too early. There’s a lot of football to be played.”

Canty was asked if he could help in the preparation for Dallas, considering he spent four years with the team.

“I can show our guys some different things they do, some little things here and there,” Canty said.

“I’m sure I can help in that respect.”

The Giants, clearly, are saying all the right things, but the fact remains the Cowboys lost to Minnesota, 24-21, last Sunday, and are on the brink of a disastrous season. But this is a home game, after all,

played out in front of a national television audience, and if Dallas has anything left in the tank, expect to see it.

“I don’t care what their record is,” Giants defensive back Antrel Rolle said. “They’re a great football team. Why aren’t they winning? I don’t know. But I’m not worried about them being desperate and looking to save their season. I’m worried about us winning. Their record doesn’t affect the way we’re going to play. I’m expecting a battle and looking forward to a battle.

Whether their status makes them dangerous, I don’t know. I know people say their backs are to the wall and they have something to prove. That doesn’t change what we do. They can be desperate all they want.”

Rolle isn’t even looking at the standings just yet.

“Even if they are 1-4, you can’t go on a team’s record,” he said. “You look at what they do and what they’re capable of doing.

Sometimes, teams can turn the tables on you very quickly. We have to be ready.”

Fellow safety Kenny Phillips agreed.

“They have a lot of weapons,” Phillips said.

“They’re still a great team and we have a lot of respect for them. Look at their depth chart. There aren’t a lot of teams that have as many talented players as they do. Sure, a lot of things haven’t gone their way, but we have to make sure they don’t turn it around against us. We want to win the division and that’s what we’re focused on.”

TCU prepares to face Bears Air Force triple option battle

for bowl eli

By STEPHEN HAWKINS ASSOCIATED PRESS

FORT WORTH — TCU coach Gary Patterson always tries to get an early jump on preparing for Air Force’s triple-option offense.

There are times during spring drills and two-a-days dedicated to learning how to stop the seldom-seen offense that is so productive when done right. Those lessons resumed about four weeks ago.

“It’s a three-hour mental drill as far as defense is concerned,” Patterson said of facing the Falcons. “You have to have the mentality to be able to handle that.”

Test time comes Saturday night, when the fourthranked Horned Frogs (7-0, 3-0 Mountain West) host Air Force (5-2, 3-1). This could be TCU’s toughest challenge despite one of its most dominating defensive stretches ever.

The Frogs have allowed only a field goal the past three games. Mountain West teams haven’t scored a touchdown against them this month and managed only 166 total yards a game.

“Like I told my guys, the key to it is, if you’re going to prove that you’re a great defense, you’ve got to play on all fronts,” Patterson said. “You have to be able to play an offense like (Air Force). ... It’s about being able to do your job and do the right things, and how you do it. That’s going to be our challenge this week.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by Jeffery Washington | AP

TCU quarterback Andy Dalton (14), center, runs for a first down against Wyoming Oct. 9, in Fort Worth. TCU beat Wyoming 45- 0.

Air Force is the nation’s top rushing team with 347 yards a game.

The Falcons lost fullback Jared Tew after he broke his leg last week, but that will not change what they do. Nathan Walker, a senior, will start alongside junior running back Asher Clark (95 yards per game) and running quarterback Tim Jefferson (66.3 ypg, teamhigh seven rushing touchdowns).

“Nathan has been as all in as all in gets. He’ll do a good job,” coach Troy Calhoun said, adding that he’s not worried about extra work for Clark.

“What (Clark) is, he is stronger,” he said. “The more that you carry, the more you get a feel to be a little bit more of a physical runner and how to sense where there are creases.”

Finding holes in TCU’s defense can be difficult.

Even for Air Force, which before running for 229 yards on a bitterly cold night in Colorado in a loss last October, managed only 131 yards rushing per game their previous three meetings against the Frogs.

TCU, ranked fifth in the first BCS standings, is playing the last of three consecutive home games.

WACO — In the 14-year history of the Big 12, the Baylor Bears have never played for the chance to go to a bowl game.

Their first shot at that crucial sixth win comes Saturday against Kansas State and coach Bill Snyder, who knows something about rebuilding a program and looking for breakthrough victories along the way.

Snyder’s Wildcats were battling nearly a century of football futility in 1993 when they beat nationally ranked Oklahoma for their sixth win in a 9-2-1 season that started a 12year bowl streak.

“That has to be part of the process and part of direction,” Snyder said. “If you did not get there, it would signify that you are not capable of winning very many ball games.”

Baylor’s 16-year bowl drought is the school’s longest since the Bears started making postseason appearances in 1949. The big chance for the Bears (5-2, 2-1 Big 12) just happens to be homecoming, followed by four remaining games in which Baylor is likely to be the underdog each time.

Coach Art Briles wasn’t

Photo by Jack Dempsey | AP

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) waves to the crowd following a game against Colorado Oct. 16, in Boulder, Colo. Baylor defeated Colorado 31-25. inclined to make any special speeches this week, though. He’s more likely to say six wins doesn’t guarantee a bowl game — it just puts his team on the list.

“We’re just trying hard for a win,” Briles said.

“Sometime here at the end of the season, we’ll add ’em up.”

The only other year the Bears had five wins in the Big 12 era was 2005, when they won their finale against Oklahoma State.

Baylor started 4-1 that year, which wasn’t unusual because the Bears generally have faded in con-

ference play. They once had a 30-game losing streak in Big 12 games.

Fortunes have changed under quarterback Robert Griffin. He had Baylor thinking bowl game as a freshman in 2008, when the Bears went 4-8 but nearly knocked off ranked opponents Missouri and Texas Tech. He struggled in a 45-10 loss to No. 4 TCU this year after missing most of 2009 with a knee injury, but now leads the Big 12 and is third nationally in total offense at 335 yards per game.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B

HINTS BY | HELOISE A CATCH TO FETCH Dear Heloise: Here is a PET WARNING I wanted to share: Be very careful when throwing “fetch” objects to your dog so that they aren’t thrown too high. Dogs love to leap up to catch things, but they can seriously injure themselves when they come down the wrong way.

My service dog (hearing) is an older rat terrier that loves to catch tennis balls.

We were playing the other night when he jumped up to catch a ball and badly sprained his back. He could have been much more seriously injured.

This is a very common injury, and one that easily can be avoided. Now the ball is thrown at dog level.

No more leaping. -- A Reader, via e-mail We are glad your companion dog is all right, and thank you for a very good pet pointer. Consider the age of your pet for play and exercise. -- Heloise PET PAL Dear Readers: Eileen Donlon of Staten Island, N.Y., sent a photo of her black cat, Charlie, “eyeing” some pretty flowers. Eileen says: “Charlie started out as a feral cat that I had been feeding since he was a kitten. Then he decided he would like to move into my home. He is a real character, and very lovable.”

To see Charlie, visit www.Heloise.com. -- Heloise AQUARIUM CLEANING Dear Heloise: Another use for a turkey baster: to help “drain” water from small aquariums for dwarf frogs or fish. Animals stay

“

HELOISE

in the aquarium and aren’t disturbed too much. -- Mo in California And speaking of aquariums, here’s a hint from Jane in San Antonio: “To make my fish aquarium really pop, I taped a mirror to the outside of the tank, so that it looks in on the fish. I have used artwork from my kids in the past (pictures of fish and turtles, etc.), which looked great, but the mirror gives the aquarium a fresh and modern look. It’s especially pretty at night with the top light on.”

-- Heloise HANDY DOG TAGS Dear Heloise: I have a hint regarding dog tags for your beloved pet. We recently rescued a Westie who has a health issue requiring daily meds for the rest of his life. I had a tag made, in addition to his name tag, that states his health issue and the phrase “Needs meds.” I always enjoy your columns -- especially the ones dedicated to pets! -- Donna Schennum, via e-mail CAT BLANKET Dear Heloise: A cheap lap blanket? The cat! Invite the cat up on your lap while lounging at home, reading or watching TV. Here in Canada, we have long, cold winters, and every bit of warmth helps.

The purring is soothing, also! -- L.B. in Canada

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Sports

4B THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010

’Horns come home for ISU

By JIM VERTUNO ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUSTIN — The last time Texas played at home, the Longhorns heard a rare chorus of boos during a humiliating loss to UCLA. A loss to Oklahoma a week later only intensified the shock and malaise that hung over the program. Texas fell out of the Top 25 for the first time in a decade.

After a month on the road, No. 22 Texas returns home Saturday a much happier bunch following a big win at Nebraska. Texas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) hosts Iowa State (3-4, 1-2) on Saturday in the first of five home games in the second half of the season.

“We’ve got to redeem ourselves at home,” defensive tackle Alex Okafor said.

The 34-12 loss to UCLA snapped a 16-game home wining streak and left Texas badly shaken.

Coach Mack Brown left the stadium that day apologizing to Texans fans for the “embarrassing” display, and his team went out the next week and lost 28-20 to the rival Sooners.

Turning it around Brown often talks about the swagger of typical Texas teams, swagger that disappeared until the Longhorns beat Nebraska. That victory on the road allowed the players

Photo by Nati Harnik | AP

In this Oct. 16 photo, Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert carries the ball against Nebraska in the first half of a game in Lincoln, Neb. Today the Longhorns will look for their first home win in a month when they play the Iowa State Cyclones in Austin. to strut around campus again.

“You can definitely feel the difference as far as the spirits being higher. It feels good to get back on track,” senior wide receiver James Kirkendoll said.

Brown said it was good for his players to get out of Texas for a week.

“One even told me it’s unusual to go somewhere where a whole state hates you. I think our guys respond really well in that situation. They never panic,” Brown said. “(But) we need our fans.

This team needs our fans.

Some of our teams have not, but this team needs our fans.”

Struggling Cyclones The Cyclones looked dangerous after beating Texas Tech 52-38 back on Oct. 2. But two crushing losses to No. 9 Utah (6827) and No. 3 Oklahoma (52-0) followed.

“When both sides of the ball play bad, there’s really nothing you can do,” Iowa State quarterback Austen Arnaud said of the loss to Oklahoma.

It doesn’t look to get much better for Cyclones.

Texas is the fourth ranked team on the

schedule with two more, Nebraska and Missouri, still to play. The Cyclones, who won the Insight.com bowl last season for just their third postseason win in school history, have to win three of their last four to become bowl eligible this season.

Photo by Pat Sullivan | AP

In this Oct. 16 photo, Texas A&M running back Christine Michael (33) tries to gain yardage as Missouri defender Brad Madison (57) reaches for him during the first half in College Station.

Struggling Ags face KU

By DOUG TUCKER

Talent gap Second-year coach Paul Rhoads, who took over a team that lost 10 in a row in 2008 and won seven games last season, knows there’s still a big talent gap between the Cyclones and Longhorns.

Iowa State has 20 players from Texas and Rhoads plans to continue mining the Lone Star State for recruits.

“We’ll be scheduling two trips to the state of Texas every year,” Rhoads said. “There’s an anxiety and an excitement for those guys going back home. There’s going to be a lot of people in the stands to watch them play.”

Most of them in the stands this Saturday will be wanting a Texas victory, something the home crowd hasn’t seen since the 34-7 win over Wyoming on Sept. 11 — a long time ago.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

LAWRENCE, Kan. — To the battered Aggies of Texas A&M, Kansas must look like a cold drink on a hot day.

The Aggies (3-3, 0-2 Big 12) are fresh off a threeweek ordeal that pitted them against No. 17 Oklahoma State, No. 21 Arkansas and No. 18 Missouri.

They were competitive in all, coming within three points of the Cowboys and one touchdown of the Razorbacks. But the result was a three-game losing skid and an unhappy head coach.

Kansas, meanwhile, has just suffered two of its most embarrassing back-to-back losses in decades. Unranked Baylor clubbed the Jayhawks 55-7 and unranked Kansas State trounced its archrival 59-7, creating a collective 100point beatdown and, one would assume, a possible crisis of confidence.

“We’re trying to forget

really quick and move on to the next game plan,” said Kansas punter Alonso Rojas.

Kansas (2-4, 0-2) also has in first-year head coach Turner Gill’s resume a season-opening 6-3 loss, at home, to North Dakota State. A loss to the struggling Aggies on Saturday night could pave the way for a 2-10 season since the only remaining home game that looks even possibly winnable is Colorado.

The loss to Kansas State was also the ninth Big 12 setback in a row for the Jayhawks.

“You can’t panic,” said running back Angus Quigley. “Panic is not going to help anyone and it will spread like a virus through the team.”

Quigley, a senior co-captain, was one of the few bright spots last week, rushing for 70 yards and one touchdown.

“This is a time when you need your leaders on the team,” he said. “As captains, we need people to

look up to us. How we go out to practice and how we play in the game, that stuff is contagious. That is where the leadership is coming from right now.”

Any team that’s allowed 114 points in two games obviously has issues on defense. For the Jayhawks, this has meant no sacks in two weeks and no interceptions in three straight outings.

If that futility continues, Aggies quarterback Jerrod Johnson could be in for a milestone night. The senior needs 155 yards of total offense to break Reggie McNeal’s school record of 8,876 yards. Johnson is also 128 yards short of becoming the first Aggie to surpass 8,000 yards passing.

To do that, Johnson will have to play. Aggies coach Mike Sherman said he was holding open the possibility of replacing people at several positions, including quarterback.

In six games, the Aggies have committed 18 turnovers.