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Defending border policy Napolitano strikes back at those who criticize Obama administration By GARY MARTIN SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano defended the Obama administration against Republican attacks on lax enforcement of immigration laws, border security and a gun smuggling
scandal during a contentious hearing Wednesday. Napolitano said apprehensions of undocumented immigrants along the Southwest border dropped 36 percent in two years and violent crimes in border counties have decreased 30 percent. She also said the U.S. deport-
ed 397,000 illegal immigrants charged with crimes last year, the highest amount in Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency history. But those accomplishments came under sharp attack from Rep. Lamar Smith, chairman of the committee, who in a feisty verbal exchange said the Oba-
ma administration’s lax worksite enforcement and failure to deport all apprehended illegal immigrants denied jobs to unemployed American workers. Smith said ICE agents were being instructed not to remove most illegal workers found in the United States. “These illegal immigrants
FILLING THE ARENA WITH HITS
can simply walk down the street, knock on the door of another employer and take another job away from an unemployed American worker,” Smith said. Smith also challenged security on the border, citing a recent
See BORDER PAGE 8A
TEXAS
Voting begins By ANDREW KREIGHBAUM THE ZAPATA TIMES
Early voting began this week for Texas constitutional amendments affecting laws on water development, veterans’ benefits and issues of local government. The 10 measures on the ballot this year have inspired little discussion or controversy. In the last off election year, voters approved all 11 ballot propositions. Under state law, constitutional amendments must receive support from two-thirds of Senate and House members to be on the ballot.
Water
Photo by Danny Zaragoza | The Zapata Times
Members of popular southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd perform a hit song Sunday evening during the group’s performance at the Laredo Energy Arena. ZZ Top followed with more favorites.
Proposition 2 would allow the Texas Water Development Board to issue additional bonds to local government entities for water infrastructure project construction. The amount of bonds issued from Texas Water Development Fund II at any one time would not exceed $6 billion. The amendment would not
See VOTING PAGE 8A
LAREDO WRESTLING ALLIANCE
Wrestling group marks 1st anniversary with show By MIKE HERRERA IV THE ZAPATA TIMES
Nearly five months after it brought the pain to Zapata, the Laredo Wrestling Alliance returns for its one-year anniversary show, called “Legacy.” Reflecting on the fact that this band of rogue grapplers has lasted longer than some observers predicted, LWA founder and wrestler Rey Chavarria summed up his feelings: “I’m in shock. I’m happy. I’m in awe.” Chavarria, who wrestles as “Ace,” said keeping the promotion alive was difficult, especially when it’s a one-man show. He takes care of promotion and along with
“
I’m in shock. I’m happy. I’m in awe.” LWA FOUNDER AND WRESTLER REY CHAVARRIA
the other wrestlers sets up the ring. They also train weekly. Though the sport has been criticized, wrestling takes it toll on the body of anyone who attempts it. “Injuries do occur, but once your entrance theme hits, and you hear the fans, all the aches and pains seem to go away,” Chavarria said.
Professional wrestling icon Bret “The Hitman” Hart once told a documentarian he takes pride in being able to put on a good, rough-and-tumble match for the crowd without injuring his opponent. The mark of a professional, Hart said, is that your moves and blows look credible, but you can both walk out of the arena uninjured. It’s this level of professionalism the
LWA strives for. “We practice three to four times a week to try and prevent injuries,” Chavarria said. As anyone who has seen an LWA show knows, concern for each other by no means diminishes the quality of the matches. Back in June, when the group packed in the Oswaldo and Juanita Ramirez Exhibit Hall, wrestlers hit each other with metal chairs, power bombed each other through a table, and fought up in the bleachers amongst rabid fans. Keeping this level of performance up is not only a feat, but a surprise. Chavarria
See WRESTLING PAGE 8A
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
SUNDAY, OCT. 30
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The LCC Opera Workshop will present “Little Shop of Horrors” in the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center theater, located on the Laredo Community College Fort McIntosh campus, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. today. Tickets are $10 per person. Proceeds benefit productions. For more information, contact Joseph Crabtree at 7215330 or jcrabtree@laredo.edu. The Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra’s 32nd season begins with “Fright Night” at 3 p.m. today in the Recital Hall at the TAMIU Center for the Fine & Performing Arts. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and will be sold at the door. Season tickets for all five concerts of the season cost $60 for adults and $50 for seniors. For more information, visit www.laredophil.com or call 3263042. A Wedding Fair is at 1 p.m. today in the Civic Center in Laredo. Registration applications are at the Chapel of Everlasting Love and other participating vendors. Call Tonie Gamboa at 333-5096 for more information. Acupuncturist Jose Adrian Martinez invites the community to come discover the fundamental elements of acupuncture at a free workshop from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. today in the Laredo Public Library H-E-B Multi-Purpose Room, 1120 E. Calton Road.
Today is Saturday, Oct. 29, the 302nd day of 2011. There are 63 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Oct. 29, 1929, Wall Street crashed on “Black Tuesday,” heralding the beginning of America’s Great Depression. On this date: In 1618, Sir Walter Raleigh, the English courtier, military adventurer and poet, was executed in London. In 1901, President William McKinley’s assassin, Leon Czolgosz (CHAWL’-gahsh), was electrocuted. In 1911, Hungarian-born American newspaperman Joseph Pulitzer, 64, died in Charleston, S.C. In 1923, the Republic of Turkey was proclaimed. In 1940, Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson drew the first number — 158 — in America’s first peacetime military draft. In 1956, during the Suez Canal crisis, Israel invaded Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. “The Huntley-Brinkley Report” premiered as NBC’s nightly television newscast. In 1960, a chartered plane carrying the California Polytechnic State University football team crashed on takeoff from Toledo, Ohio, killing 22 of the 48 people on board. In 1966, the National Organization for Women was formally organized during a conference in Washington, D.C. In 1979, on the 50th anniversary of the great stock market crash, anti-nuclear protesters tried but failed to shut down the New York Stock Exchange. In 1998, Sen. John Glenn, at age 77, roared back into space aboard the shuttle Discovery, retracing the trail he’d blazed for America’s astronauts 36 years earlier. Ten years ago: The FBI issued a terrorism warning asking Americans and law enforcement to be on the highest alert for possible attacks in the United States and abroad. A gunman killed four people in the French city of Tours. (Suspect Jean-Pierre RouxDurraffourt was later sentenced to life in prison.) Today’s Birthdays: Bluegrass singer-musician Sonny Osborne (The Osborne Brothers) is 74. Rock musician Denny Laine is 67. Singer Melba Moore is 66. Actor Richard Dreyfuss is 64. Actress Kate Jackson is 63. The president of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, is 61. Actor Dan Castellaneta (“The Simpsons”) is 54. Comic strip artist Tom Wilson (“Ziggy”) is 54. Rock singer SA Martinez (311) is 42. Musician Toby Smith is 41. Actress Winona Ryder is 40. Actress Tracee Ellis Ross is 39. Actor Trevor Lissauer is 38. Actress Gabrielle Union is 38. Olympic gold medal bobsledder Vonetta Flowers is 38. Actress Milena Govich is 35. Actor Jon Abrahams is 34. Actor Brendan Fehr is 34. Actor Ben Foster is 31. Rock musician Chris Baio (Vampire Weekend) is 27. Actress India Eisley (TV: “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”) is 18. Thought for Today: “Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.”— Joseph Pulitzer (18471911).
TUESDAY, NOV. 1 Today is the last day to enroll in TAMIU’s Zapata Small Business Management Certificate Program. Enrollment fee is $20. Classes wil be held at the Zapata County Courthouse. For information, call 956-2860042. A driver’s safety class is at 8:30 a.m. in English and 1 p.m. in Spanish today. It is $12 for AARP members, $14 for nonmembers and free for veterans and their spouses. The class will be at First Baptist Church, 7610 N. Bartlett Ave., Laredo. To preregister, call instructor Robert Garza at 361425-5390 or volunteer Doug Alford at 956-568-4448 or 903-305-3530.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2 The Texas A&M International University A.R. Sanchez Jr. School of Business and the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade present the International Bank of Commerce 2011-2012 Keynote Speaker Series, featuring Nicholas V. Montalto, president of Diversity Dynamics LLC in Cranford, N.J. Montalto will present “Meeting the Social Service Needs of Immigrants: Challenges and Opportunities” from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. today in the TAMIU Student Center Theater, SC 236. The event is free. For more information, call 326-2820.
THURSDAY, NOV. 3 Texas A&M International University will host a screening of the film “Milagro” from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today in the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. For more information, contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326-2180.
FRIDAY, NOV. 4 The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Big Buck Country 98.1 FM will host the sixth annual radiothon for the charity from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at Mall del Norte. Call in at 712-9474 to pledge or renew support. For more information, call 235-0673. The Texas A&M International University Rec Center will host AFAA’s Personal Fitness Trainer Certification from Nov. 4-6. The three-day certification workshop will include lectures, practical demonstration and exams. Topics will include anatomy, kinesiology, special populations and medical considerations. Participants will earn 15 CEUs. Weight room and weight training experience are strongly recommended for participants. The workshop fee is $499. TAMIU rec members and employees receive a 35 percent discount. To register, call 1-877-9687263. For more information, contact Lisa Reyes at 512-506-9923 or lisa_texaspac@att.net.
Photo by Ralph Barrera/Austin American-Statesman | AP
In a Sept. 27 photo, Ray and Janet Blackwell look over the ruins of their home in Bastrop, lost during the September wildfires. They lost everything, spending the weeks since the tragedy shifting through the ashes, but did find Ray’s father’s 1954 Texas A&M Aggie graduation ring.
Bastrop bounces back By DAVE HARMON AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN
BASTROP — Elizabeth Tipton and her family have been living in a hotel since the Labor Day fires took their home in the ColoVista subdivision. In a few weeks, when their federal temporary housing assistance runs out, she and her husband and their three children will move into a camper on their property, a gift from strangers. Some people who know their neighbors — Tipton still isn’t clear on the connection — happened to have a camper. Next thing they knew, they owned the camper, which these strangers had outfitted with new bedding, towels, kitchen utensils, cookware, plates, a slow cooker, even coloring books and crayons for their three children. “We don’t even know them,” said Tipton, 35. “They’re not even from Bastrop. I was
Authorities indict 3 in Judge to be questioned in Burn ban alters Stephen F. scheme to fix court cases wrongful conviction case Austin’s bonfire plans HOUSTON — A defense attorney from Houston and two others are facing charges accusing them of making false claims to defendants that they could fix their cases through bribes and contacts with officials. Federal authorities announced Friday that Abraham Moses Fisch faces charges that include conspiracy, obstruction of justice and money laundering. Monica Bertman, and Lloyd Glen Williams face similar charges.
New dinosaur species named for Perot family DALLAS — A newly discovered dinosaur species will be named for H. Ross Perot and his family. The Museum of Nature & Science said Friday that paleontologists will announce the discovery of the new species next week. The species will be named the Pachyrhinosaurus perotorum.
The blotter on Page 3A of the Oct. 21 edition of The Zapata Times incorrectly identified a man arrested and charged with assault family violence. In fact, Jose Ernesto Garza was arrested Oct. 15.
AUSTIN — An appeals court says a former prosecutor who is now a judge can be questioned by attorneys for a man who is claiming he was wrongfully sent to prison because evidence was suppressed in his case. Attorneys for state District Judge Ken Anderson wanted the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to stop his deposition by lawyers for Michael Morton, who was freed based on new DNA evidence after serving 24 years of a life sentence in the 1986 murder of his wife.
South Texas jail finally passes state inspection BROWNSVILLE — A South Texas jail passed a state inspection after a decade of failures. Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio said he learned earlier this week that the jail he oversees now meets minimum standards.
NACOGDOCHES — A countywide burn ban has prompted an East Texas university to adorn its homecoming bonfire structure with electric lights instead of torching it with flames. Stephen F. Austin State University dean Adam Peck says the college has traditionally set a bonfire structure ablaze for homecoming but the state’s prolonged drought makes that “inadvisable” this year.
Woman who hired teen waitress arrested SAN ANTONIO — Police say a Central Texas restaurant owner heard telling a teen waitress in short shorts to get up on the counter at her Mexican restaurant and dance has been arrested. Myriam Luna was charged with employment harmful to children Wednesday. — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE NATION White House to review Energy Department loans
CONTACT US
WASHINGTON — On the defensive over a loan to a nowbankrupt solar company, the White House on Friday ordered an independent review of similar loans made by the Energy Department in response to rising criticism over Solyndra Inc. The announcement came as Republicans prepared for a possible vote next week to subpoena White House documents related to the defunct company.
Stocks finish mixed after Thursday’s big rally
SETTING IT STRAIGHT
just ... wow. Who does that? It blows me away.” For all of the things the fires burned away — the homes, the pickups, the memories, the forest — the people who lost the most seem determined to focus on what they didn’t lose. It’s the people who live here and the connections that they’ve woven over the years that have enabled Bastrop County to face the state’s worst wildfires with a let’s-get-onwith-life resilience that seems to permeate the community. “There’s absolutely no benefit in wallowing,” Tipton said. “You just have to keep going. We have so much support from family, from community, from friends — it’s just incredible.” Everyone who lost something seems to have a story about how friends and family and total strangers have rallied to their aid.
Friday on Wall Street ended with major stock indexes little changed after a rally the day before. The Dow Jones industrial average closed out its fifth week of gains Optimism ebbed on Friday as analysts raised questions about the plan.
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Wall Street protesters huddle under an umbrella and plastic to keep warm in City Park in Denver in this Oct. 26 photo. A winter storm moved through the area, bringing snow and freezing temperatures.
Occupy protesters prepare for winter weather PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Wall Street protesters around the country who vow to stand their
ground are also digging in against a different kind of adversary: cold weather. With the temperature dropping, they are stockpiling donated coats, blankets and scarves. — Compiled from AP reports
SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted. The Zapata Times is free. The Zapata Times is published by the Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, P.O. Box 2129, Laredo, Texas 78044. Phone (956) 728-2500. The Zapata office is at 1309 N. U.S. Hwy. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, Zapata, TX 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes.net
Local
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3A
Annual golf tourney Deputies take note of fishing gear thefts to aid river group By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The Río Grande International Study Center is hosting one of its major fundraisers today: the second annual Renato Ramirez Invitational Golf Tournament at Los Ebanos Golf Course in Zapata. This year’s tournament features four flights, a putting green tournament, a shot at the IBC Money Machine, a hole-in-one car prize courtesy of Sames Motor Company, door prizes and a raffle. IBC Zapata will provide breakfast and lunch at the tourney. Tee time is 8:30 a.m. Registration is $125 per golfer. Ramirez, chief executive officer of IBC Brush Country’s 13 South Texas banks and the owner of Los Ebanos, will donate proceeds from the tournament to the environmental nonprofit. “Renato’s support and that of IBC, Los Ebanos, many generous corporate citizens from Zapata and
Laredo, and some great environmentally minded golfers have made this an important event for us,” said Tricia Cortez, executive director of RGISC, which for the 17 years has been based at Laredo Community College. “The environmental and conservation aspects of this course dovetail with RGISC’s philosophy,” said co-founder Dr. Jim Earhart, a biologist. “The course recycles water plant effluent, and its natural setting makes it a haven for wildlife and migratory birds.” Meg Guerra, an RGISC board member and a founding member, saluted Ramirez’s environmental preservation efforts. “RGISC is fortunate to have a friend in Renato. He has dedicated a large part of his life to conservation and to participating in efforts that showcase the economic value to eco-tourism of keeping wild places wild and clean.”
The RGISC is a 501c3 nonprofit research and educational foundation dedicated to the preservation of the Río Grande and its watershed Since its establishment in 1994, RGISC has tested the waters of the Río Grande above, at and below Laredo and at the Webb/Zapata county line. The amassed data has been shared over the last two decades with local, state and federal health and environmental agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the International Boundary and Water Commission. The organization’s strong educational component is aimed at students of all ages to encourage environmental stewardship and the conservation of natural resources as vital as the Río Grande. To register for the tournament, call pro Jorge Flores at Los Ebanos Golf Course at 956-765-8336.
Grand jury indicts in pot case By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
A federal grand jury indicted a man from Angleton, south of Houston, on Tuesday for allegedly transporting nearly 1,400 pounds of marijuana while driving through Zapata County. Carlos Gonzalez is being charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. If convicted, the man could face five to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and supervised release.
The case developed on Sept. 28 when a Zapata supervisory U.S. Border Patrol agent conducted an immigration inspection on a white 2008 Dodge Ram 300 pulling a gooseneck trailer traveling on U.S. 83, a mile north of the town of Falcon. A federal criminal complaint states the agent noticed abnormalities with the trailer. The driver was identified as Gonzalez, a U.S. citizen. “Gonzalez admitted that the contents found in the truck and trailer was his and that no one else is responsible,” a federal crimi-
nal complaint states. Court records go on to say agents seized 76 bundles of marijuana from the truck. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took on the case. ICE spokeswoman Nina Pruneda said the contraband added up to 1,391 pounds, with an estimated street value of $1,112,800. Arraignment is set for Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 3C before Magistrate Judge Guillermo R. Garcia. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
THE ZAPATA TIMES
At least five thefts of fishing equipment have been reported in Zapata County in October, two of those last weekend, according to Zapata County Sheriff’s Office reports. With the rash of thefts, sheriff’s officials are urging local and visiting fishermen to stay alert and to secure their belongings before heading out to the lake. “Burglars are targeting fishing equipment. If you stay at a motel or are at the lake, secure your belongings,” said Sgt. Mario Elizondo on Friday afternoon. The sheriff’s office has received several reports of
vehicles which have been broken into to steal the fishing equipment. At least two incidents were recorded last weekend. On Oct. 23, a 35-year-old man reported at 6:29 a.m. at Oso Blanco Motel on U.S. 83 that someone had stolen his 12 fishing poles, a depth finder and boat cover. The items were valued at $7,635, according to Elizondo. That same day at 8:50 a.m., a 70 year-old man called deputies from the Stinson RV Park located south of 83 to report that his two depth finders were stolen. Each item was valued at $1,500. A man reported at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 16 in the 300 block of Lakeshore Drive
that someone stole fishing poles from his boats. Another person reported at 8:22 a.m. Oct. 16 from the 300 block of Lake Shore Drive that five fishing poles were stolen. Deputies responded to a theft call at 2:38 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Zapata County public boat ramp, where a complainant stated that someone stole a fish finder. Anyone with information about the above-mentioned cases should contact the sheriff’s office at 7659960. Readers can also call Crime Stoppers at 765-TIPS (8477). Information leading to an arrest may be rewarded with up to $1,000. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
PAGE 4A
Zopinion
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Tunisia’s moderates facing test By TRUDY RUBIN THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
T
UNIS, Tunisia — This small Mediterranean country with its educated populace and large middle class has become the test case for whether democracy and Islam can mix. The first elections of the Arab Spring were held here Sunday, with a turnout of more than 80 percent. Voters patiently queued for hours to cast ballots freely. The big winner was the moderate Islamist party called Ennahda. Islamists also are expected to win the most seats in Egypt’s elections and to play a key role in Libya’s transition. But Ennahda leaders take far more moderate positions than Islamist parties in Egypt and other Arab countries. Last week, I interviewed Ennahda’s two top leaders — founder Rashid Ghannouchi and the party secretary-general, Hamadi Jebali. They told me they would respect democratic pluralism and women’s rights. That remains to be proved, and many secular Tunisians are worried. Yet Ennahda has a unique chance to prove Islamic values can mesh with democracy at a time when reactionary Islamist forces are rising in the region. If this mix can’t work in Tunisia, it won’t work anywhere else in the Arab world. The gray-haired Ghannouchi, 70, has mellowed since he founded an earlier version of Ennahda in the 1980s, when some of its members were accused of violence. He fled to exile in London after Tunisia’s former ruler arrested thousands of Islamists, and became a wellknown Islamic thinker who endorsed political pluralism. Jebali spent 16.5 years in prison, including 10 in solitary. Today, Jebali is the political organizer of Ennahda, and Ghannouchi the philosopher who returned home after the Tunisian revolution. “We don’t see a contradiction between religion and politics,” Ghannouchi says. He cites as a model the ruling party of Turkey, which endorses Islamic values but operates within a democratic system. Ghannouchi rejects the Islamic thinking of the Taliban and also dismisses the undemocratic system in Iran, where a supreme religious leader is above institutions and above the law. “I am for the separation of religious institutions and political institutions,” he says. Both men also contend that sharia (Islamic law) is a set of principles open to interpretation — not a body of immutable demands, as Islamic hardliners contend. “We know there are some Muslims who do not believe in democracy or freedoms in society,” Jebali said. “We consider this a wrong interpretation. For us, the authority in Islam is given to the people, and even the legislative power should come from the people.” Those principles, both men say, do not rule out full rights for women. They say there is no contradiction between sharia and Tunisia’s family-status law, the most liberal in the Arab world, which
guarantees women equal rights with men, including the right to divorce and to have child custody. It also outlaws polygamy. “I’ve confirmed my support for the family-status law a million times and will do it again,” Ghannouchi said. He adds that Ennahda would seek equal salaries for men and women for the same job and would address sexual harassment in the workplace. Still, many secular women distrust his promises. But Ghannouchi says that if his party alienates them, Ennahda will lose the next election. “More than half the voters are women, so there is no hope for anyone to win without women’s votes.” Both political leaders appear to realize that they must take account of the particular characteristics of Tunisia — a Mediterranean society with close links to Europe and a high literacy rate. “Tunisians embrace their civilization, and enjoy the good life,” says Jebali. ”They do not like extremes. They don’t like niqab (a nearly full-face veil) or long beards, but they don’t like seminaked women.” Critics of Ennahda say the party will exert social pressure, if not legal means, to push more women to cover. And they contend that Ennahda hasn’t taken a strong enough stand against the hard-line Muslim salafists who attacked a TV station for showing the animated film Persepolis, which showed a picture of God. They also fear the Islamists can count on funding from the Arab Gulf that enables them to distribute food and cash. “We don’t get one penny from any outside country,” Ghannouchi insists. He points out that he has been kicked out of Saudi Arabia, denied a visa to Iran, and is under death threat from al-Qaida. Yes, Ennahda clearly has lots of cash, but it can’t have bought all of its votes with money. In the new Middle East, many people will vote for Islamists as a reaction against political corruption, or — in Ennahda’s case — because its followers are known to have suffered under past regimes. Yet, having won a plurality of seats, Ennahda will now be judged by how it performs. The newly elected assembly is tasked with writing a constitution, and Ghannouchi has pledged to seek consensus with secular parties. He will have to restrain followers who are more hard-line than he, and take a stronger line against salafists who use violence. Everyone who has hoped in vain in the past for an Arab democracy to emerge should help Tunisians make their experiment work. They should also observe whether Ennahda lives up to its leaders’ pledges. ”The Muslim world is thirsty for such a model,” Jebali says. The rest of the world is thirsty for such a model, too. (Trudy Rubin’s email is trubin@phillynews.com.)
COLUMN
Amendments take the stage By KEN HERMAN COX NEWSPAPERS
A
USTIN — You know what’s weird about Texans? No, I mean in addition to whom we elect to public office. I’m talking about the fact that you’d think people of such strong constitution would have a sound constitution. We do not. Texas has a 90,000-word constitution that includes 467 amendments approved by voters and doesn’t include 176 amendments defeated by voters. Like lots of constitutions, ours begins with a bill of rights, the usual constitutiony stuff about inalienable rights and equality and bearing arms. Also included is Article 1, Section 4, which simultaneously bars and establishes a religious test for officeholders. “No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification for any office, or public trust in this state; nor shall any one be excluded from an office on account of his religious sentiments, provided he acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being.” There is no definition of “a Supreme Being,” but it’s generally agreed it includes the University of Texas System chancellor. Overall, our constitution is a big ol’ mess, chock full of stuff that probably should be in statutes, not in a constitution. But Texans seem to like it
that way. A 1975 attempt to rewrite it was defeated at the ballot box. In March 2010, the Texas Legislative Council issued a report billed as an attempt ‘to fill a gap in the body of research detailing Texas constitutional history” (a nice way of saying nobody knows how the heck this happened).
Lots to read The Texas Politics project at UT’s College of Liberal Arts (anybody ever heard of a College of Conservative Arts?) notes in a report that “the Texas Constitution is like other state constitutions in key respects, only bigger, you might say.” “These characteristics of the Texas Constitution can be outlined with a few brief terms: overly long, extremely detailed, confused in organization, poorly written.” And we like it that way. “With amendments,” the report says of our constitution, ”it is today the second longest of the 50 state constitutions, as the chart ‘Size Matters’ illustrates.” Yes, it does. And we like it that way. Sometimes, we vote on stuff perhaps beyond our expertise. In 2003, we voted on whether to let cities donate surplus firefighting equipment to volunteer fire departments. I think we all remember how that turned out. In 2007, we (or, to be precise,
76.6 percent of the 8.7 percent of the registered voters who voted) abolished the office of inspector of hides and animals, leaving our hides uninspected.
Three are missing Overall, Texas lawmakers have sent 646 proposed constitutional amendments to voters for review. Because you are good at math, you noted that 467 (the approved amendments) plus 176 (the thumbs-down ones) equals only 643. You’re wondering what happened to the other three. So did the Texas Legislative Council, which, in its report, tells us, “The other three amendments never made it to the ballot for reasons that are historically obscure.” Obscure, but probably involving the word “lobbyist.” And so, dear voters, it is once again time for you to pass judgment on amending the constitution under which we are constituted. Once again, you are clueless.
10 up for a vote There are 10 proposed amendments (and some local matters) on the Nov. 8 ballot, and early voting continues until Nov. 4. Some of the 10 are important. Some of the 10 are important only to some people. And some of the 10
are important only to some people only in some parts of the state. Unless you are special, you have no idea how to vote on any of the 10. You are particularly unconcerned about Proposition 7 and its impact on El Paso County conservation and reclamation districts. There also are some involving important topics you might care about, including water, education and whether the “Permanent School Fund” should be called anything other than the “Permanent School Fund” in the constitution (a more important change than it sounds).
Study time Informed voting requires homework. If you don’t do the homework, please don’t vote. The homework is available in the League of Women Voters of Texas’ voters guide at http://bit.ly/oakfqC. History tells us few of you will do the homework. On the positive side, history also tells us few of you will bother to vote. In 2009, when there were 11 proposed constitutional amendments (and nothing else) on the statewide ballot, 8.2 percent of registered voters found their way to the polls. Democracy: It’s not for everyone. (Ken Herman’s email is kherman@statesman.com.)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Zapata Times does not publish anonymous letters. To be published, letters must include the writer’s first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The
phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication. We want to assure our
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DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
ing or gratuitous abuse is allowed. Via e-mail, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A
2 facing prison time for several federal charges By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Mexican federal prosecutors are a step closer to putting away nine people belonging to the Gulf and the Zetas cartels, which are known to operate on the Tamaulipas-Texas border. This week, the Procuraduría General de la República or PGR, Mexico’s attorney general, announced through its organized crime division that it had obtained prison time while investigations continue in the case of seven people suspected to be involved in organized crime. Federal district judges ruled that Jorge Bryean Aguilar Hinojosa, known as “Bryan” or “R-24”; José Luis Esteban González, known as “El Colofox” or “El Tacos”; Santos Otilio Benito González, known as “El Stich” or “El Dientón”; Abiel González Briones, known as “El R-2”; Chito Leal Olguín, known as “El Chito”; Luis Gerardo Rosa Ibáñez, known as “El Fla-
THE BLOTTER BURGLARY A 31-year-old man reported at 7 a.m. Monday in the 800 block of Miraflores Street that someone stole stereo equipment, Avon products and an iPod from his ford Explorer. All items were valued at a total of $665.
DUI Jose Noe Garza III, 20, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence at about 11:15 p.m. Oct. 22 at Seventh Street and Villa Avenue after a traffic stop. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. He was later released for a future court appearance.
FORGERY Deputies arrested Rachel B. Munoz, 29, and charged her with theft of check and forgery at about 8:15 a.m. Oct. 23 at Junior’s Drive Inn & Meat Market, 102 Texas 16. The woman was taken to the Zapata County Jail and held on a $5,000 bond.
MISSING MONEY A 34-year-old woman reported at 6:11 p.m. Oct. 21 at Villarreal Elementary School that a money bag containing $8,000 went missing. Investigators are looking into the case.
NO PASSING ZONE Gonzalo Tadeo Garza, 26, was arrested and charged with passing in a no passing zone around 10 p.m. Oct. 22 on Farm Road 496. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail.
POSSESSION Deputies seized a crack pipe at about 1 a.m. Oct. 21 on FM 496 at a local business. A possession of drug paraphernalia report was filed. An investigation continues. Kenneth Alan Rich, 48, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance at about 4:45 p.m. Oct. 22 about two miles west of Zapata on Farm Road 496. In addition, deputies served him with a theft warrant. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail and held on a combined $15,000 bond. An 11-year-old male juvenile was detained and charged with possession of marijuana just before noon Tuesday at Zapata Middle School. Deputies turned over the alleged offender to the juvenile probation office.
PUBLIC INTOXICATION Heriberto Navarro Jr., 17, was arrested and charged with public intoxication after he was spotted walking alone along the roadway at about 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at 16th Street and Zapata Avenue. The man was taken to Zapata Regional Jail, where he was later released to appear in court at another date.
NICOLÁS ALEXANDER ORTEGA SÁNCHEZ: Facing prison time. co”; and Damián Santés Santiago, known as “El Pajarillo” or “La Chispa,” be held behind bars for allegedly being involved in organized crime. The report states that all seven men work for the “Cártel del Golfo (Gulf Cartel).” Federal police arrested them Aug. 27 in Ciudad Camargo, Tamaulipas, across the border from Rio Grande City, while they attempted to elude federal forces. All seven are in federal custody. Also this week, organized crime division officials obtained prison time for two suspected Zetas arrested in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, on Aug. 2. When arrested, both men had prohibited weapons, a PGR report states. Mexican authorities have identified the men as Néstor Elliut Ortega Hernández and Nicolás Alexander Ortega Sánchez, or Alberto Ro-
NÉSTOR ORTEGA HERNÁNDEZ: Facing federal prosecution. dríguez Murcia. Federal police officers transported the men to the Matamoros prison. The report states that a federal district judge in Matamoros found probable cause to keep Ortega Hernández and Ortega Sánchez behind bars for being involved in organized crime, possessing firearms used exclusively by military personnel, unlawfully carrying a firearm and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute it. In an effort to strengthen the area known as “Frontera Chica (Little Border),” President Felipe Calderón sent 600 troops to combat organized crime. They are stationed in the recently created 105th Battalion quarters. Federal officials say they hope the military presence will deter organized crime in Tamaulipas.
PÁGINA 6A
Zfrontera
Agenda en Breve ZAPATA 10/29 — Segundo día del torneo de pesca 2011 Pro/Am, patrocinado por Couples Association of Sport Tournaments. Más información en (281) 796-7486 o visite www.fishcast.com. 10/30 — Tercer día del torneo de pesca 2011 Pro/ Am, patrocinado por Couples Association of Sport Tournaments. Más información en (281) 796-7486 o visite www.fishcast.com.
LAREDO 10/29 — Pase la tarde en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de TAMIU y disfrute el día familiar de película Spooktacular con la presentación de “E.T. – The ExtraTerrestrial”. Costo: 5 dólares general, 4 dólares niños. Presentaciones a las 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. y 7:30 p.m. 10/29 — “She Said YesWedding Fair”, es hoy de 1 p.m. a 6 p.m. en Laredo Civic Center Ballroom. Habrá desfile de modas y exhibiciones; registro para parejas comprometidas en Hobby Lobby; regalos y aperitivos. Informes con Tanie Gamboa al 333-5096. 10/29 — El equipo femenil de fútbol soccer de TAMIU recibe a St. Edward’s University a la 1 p.m. en la cancha universitaria. Costo general: 5 dólares. Más información en godustdevils.com 10/29 — Christian Alliance Reaching Teens Border Region producirá el “Concierto Despertares de la Juventud” a las 7 p.m. en Dunamis Ministries Chruch, 1601 Shiloh Rd. Puertas abren a las 6:30 p.m. Entrada gratuita. Participarán varios reconocidos artistas cristianos. 10/29 — Laredo Bucks recibe a Rio Grande Valley a las 7:30 p.m. en Laredo Energy Arena. 10/29 — El Taller de Opera de LCC presentará “The Little Shop of Horrors” en el teatro Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center del campus Fort McIntosh de LCC, a las 7:30 p.m. Costo: 10 dólares. 10/30 — 3er Circuito Internacional Anual de Ciclismo a partir de las 7 a.m., cubriendo 14 millas, con salida en Sierra Vista Boulevard siguiendo hacia Cuatro Vientos. Cuota: 40 dólares. Puede registrarse en www.cityoflaredobikerace.com. 10/30 — El Taller de Opera de LCC presentará “The Little Shop of Horrors” en el teatro Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center del campus Fort McIntosh de LCC, a las 7:30 p.m. Costo: 10 dólares. 10/30 — La Orquesta Filarmónica de Laredo presneta “Fright Night” de 3 p.m. a 5 p.m. en el Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall de TAMIU. Costo: 15 dólares adultos; 12 dólares adultos mayores y gratis para estudiantes.
SAN ANTONIO 11/01 — El Instituto Cultural de México, 600 Hemisfair Park, invita a celebrar el Día de Muertos con la presentación de altares tradicionales honrando a Leonora Carrington, Mario Moreno ‘Cantinflas’, Manuel Esperón, Daniel Catán y Eugenio Toussaint. A las 7 p.m. se presentará el grupo de danza Urban 15 y el Ballet del Centro Cultural Guadalupe. 11/02 — El Instituto Cultural de México, 600 Hemisfair Park, invita a celebrar el Día de Muertos con la presentación de altares tradicionales. A las 7 p.m. se presentará el grupo de danza Urban 15 y el Ballet del Centro Cultural Guadalupe.
SÁBADO 29 DE OCTUBRE DE 2011
PROCESO BUSCA DEFINIR ENMIENDAS EN TEXAS
Momento para votar POR ANDREW KREIGHBAUM TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Las votaciones anticipadas están en proceso con el objetivo de reemplazar enmiendas constitucionales de Texas, afectando leyes sobre el desarrollo de agua, beneficios a veteranos y aspectos del gobierno local. Las 10 medidas en la boleta de votación este año ha inspirado poca discusión o controversia. En la pasada elección, los votantes aprobaron las 11 propuestas de enmiendas. La ley estatal requiere que enmiendas constitucionales reciban apoyo de dos-tercios de los miembros del Senado y Congreso para aparecer en la boleta de votación.
Agua La Propuesta 2 permitiría al Consejo para Desarrollo de Agua en Texas emitir bonos adicionales a entidades de gobierno local para construcción de proyectos de infraestructu-
La fecha límite para que la oficina de elecciones reciba las boletas de votación por correo es el 1 de noviembre. El día de la elección es el 8 de noviembre. ra de agua. La cantidad de bonos emitidos desde el Fondo II de Desarrollo de Agua en Texas, en cualquier momento, no excedería 6 billones de dólares. La enmienda no agregaría impuestos a residentes del estado ni locales. La Propuesta 8 permitirá excepciones fiscales a propietarios realizando esfuerzos voluntarios para conservar agua. Las propuestas surgen en momentos cuando el estado se encuentra en medio de una de las peores sequías en décadas.
Gobierno local La esposa sobreviviente de un veterano con discapacidad total, podría calificar para deducciones de impuestos a la propiedad
bajo la Propuesta 1, hasta que volviera a contraer matrimonio. La Propuesta 4 permitiría a gobiernos del condado emitir bonos o notas para apoyar proyectos de mejora local y respaldarlos con promesas de impuestos a la propiedad incrementados. Actualmente la ley requiere que existan acuerdos ínter locales entre ciudades y condados para rehacerlo anualmente o imponer un impuesto. La Propuesta 5 permite que tales acuerdos sean firmados sin ningún compromiso financiero a largo plazo, dijo Elna Christopher, vocera del Texas Association of Counties. La Propuesta 10 amplía el término sin expiración antes del cual un oficial electo debe renunciar
antes de buscar otro cargo, de un año a un año y 30 días. La legislatura hizo el cambio para estar a la par con el llenado de fechas límites que fueron cambiadas de la primera semana de enero a la segunda semana de diciembre.
Educación La Propuesta 3 autoriza al Consejo de Coordinación de Educación Superior de Texas a emitir bonos para financiar préstamos estudiantiles con un bajo interés. La enmienda no crearía un costo adicional para los contribuyentes porque los estudiantes pagarán los préstamos. La Propuesta 6 permitiría autorizar la distribución del Fondo Escolar Permanente al Fondo Esco-
lar Disponible, permitiendo al estado gastar en inversiones educativas adicionales.
Perdones Una persona quien concluya exitosamente un término de adjudicación diferida pudiera recibir un perdón del gobernador sobre la recomendación escrita del Consejo de Perdones y Libertad Condicional, si la Propuesta 9 es aprobada. La fecha límite para que la oficina de elecciones reciba las boletas de votación por correo es el 1 de noviembre. El día de la elección es el 8 de noviembre. (Localice a Andrew Kreighbaum en el 728-2538 o en akreighbaum@lmtonline.com)
FIESTA EN CIUDAD GUERRERO
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Guerrero
El pasado 23 de octubre, en el marco de las festividades por el 58 Aniversario de Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, México, se llevó a cabo la Tradicional Cabalgata. A las 10 a.m. inició la travesía de los cabalgantes, partiendo del Rastro Municipal y concluyendo en el Centro Cívico. Para cerrar con broche de oro, el Gobierno Municipal organizó un baile, comida y una rifa entre los cabalgantes.
MÉXICO
TAMAULIPAS
Revelan datos tras Vigilarán higiene muerte de sospechoso en panteones ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Un hombre supuesto líder de una organización criminal quien fuera muerto por elementos militares esta semana en el estado mexicano de Nuevo León, era buscado en México con una recompensa por su cabeza, y tenía antecedentes en Texas. Los restos de Sergio Ricardo Basurto Peña, alias “El Grande”, supuesto lugarteniente de Los Zetas fue sepultado el viernes en un cementerio de Nuevo Laredo, México. El nombre de Basurto, de 33 años de edad, se encontraba en una lista de la Procuraduría General de la República (PGR), donde ofrecían hasta 10 millones de pesos por información para lograr su captura. Basurto falleció esta semana en Nuevo León, aunque primeras informaciones habrían hecho referencia a que los hechos ocurrieron en Nuevo Laredo, tras un enfrentamiento con elementos del Ejército Militar, explicó un vocero federal, quien solicitó el
anonimato. “El Grande” era responsable de controlar la venta de droga en las llamadas “tienditas” en Nuevo Laredo y operaba en otros estados, como Veracruz y Nuevo León, según indica un comunicado de la PGR. Inclusive, Basurto tuvo encuentros con autoridades federales en el Distrito Sur de Texas en el año 2005.
Buscado en México El 30 de agosto del 2010 el Diario Oficial de la Federación (que publica el Gobierno de México) anunció que en base al acuerdo A/205/10 se ofrecía recompensa “a quien o quienes proporcionen información oportunamente a la localización, detención o aprehensión de 27 reclamados”. “El Grande” figuraba en el número 7 de la citada lista, firmada por el ex Procurador de Justicia de México, Arturo Chávez Chávez.
En Laredo En febrero del 2005, Basurto acompañado de otro hombre, intentó pasar hacia Nuevo Laredo por el Puente Internacional Juárez-Lincoln cuando fueron detenidos por oficiales de Buró de Protección y Aduanas. Tras una inspección, fueron localizados 287,880 dólares envueltos en celofán dentro de bolsas de plástico. Posteriormente, autoridades federales encontraron una Beretta 9mm modelo 92FS. Por sus acciones y tras llegar a un acuerdo con fiscales federales, Basurto se declaró culpable por intento de evasión de reportes monetarios. Fue acusado de transportar más de 287,000 dólares de EU a México. En octubre del 2005, fue sentenciado a 18 meses en una prisión federal y tres años de vigilancia tras cumplir su condena. La corte ordenó a Basurto servir 80 horas comunitarias en su primer año de libertad condicional.
Como parte de las actividades del Programa Estatal de Lucha contra el Dengue, la Comisión Estatal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (Coepris) intensificó las acciones sanitarias en los 350 panteones que existen en Tamaulipas, a fin de evitar la proliferación del mosco trasmisor del dengue y daños serios a la salud de la población que los visitará la semana entrante. El Comisionado Estatal, Alfredo López de León, expuso que ante la proximidad de las fechas conmemorativas del Día de Muertos (el miércoles 2 de noviembre) fue desplegado un operativo de verificación para aplicar los 14 puntos que se consideran en este tipo de giro sanitario. Explicó que unos 350 panteones son verificados por las coordinaciones sanitarias correspondientes. De esos cementerios, 85 son municipales, 26 son privados y 239 ejidales. Cada uno de ellos debe contar con un aviso de funcionamiento y evitar la acumulación de
ALFREDO LÓPEZ DE LEÓN: Dijo tendrán listos panteones para el martes.
agua en maceteros o cualquier tipo de depósito, mismos que deben mantenerse tapados o con mecanismos de desagüe. Las verificaciones también se enfocan a supervisar que los panteones cuenten con certificado de fumigación y desinfección, bitácoras de mantenimiento de las instalaciones, así como aseo de las mismas con agua potable en cantidad y presión suficientes para satisfacer las necesidades del servicio. Otro aspecto importante es que cuenten con una zona especial para el depósito de desechos sólidos, tener botes con tapa para basura, evitar el material en desuso y objetos obsoletos o ajenos al giro, mantenimiento, orden, limpieza y procurar que no existan encharcamientos. “Por supuesto, queda estrictamente prohibida la entrada de vendedores de alimentos y bebidas”, dijo López de León.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 7A
Sci-fi theater at LCC ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ opens By STEPHANIE IBARRA THE ZAPATA TIMES
“Little Shop of Horrors,” a comic retelling of the Faust story with a sci-fi twist, opens for business this weekend at the Laredo Community College Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center. It’s the classic tale of a man who sells his soul to the devil to get what he wants — in this case it’s the plant, said Dr. Joseph Crabtree, the show’s director and Opera Workshop professor. The moment the green velvet curtain rises, the audience is swept onto the downtrodden back alley of Skid Row. It’s here we find Mushnik’s Florist Shop, the nexus around which the plot of
the show turns, and where the show’s leads are first introduced. The main characters include Seymour, a luckless florist shop worker with a heart of gold; world-weary shop owner Mushnik; and Audrey, a leopard printwearing dreamer. It’s Seymour who discovers the strange, Venus fly trap-like plant he christens as Audrey II — a nod to his infatuation with Audrey. To flourish, Audrey II demands human blood, a sacrifice Seymour is willing to make of himself. In true horror fashion, as the plant grows, so does its appetite, and Seymour is forced to choose between the fame, fortune and affection of the woman he loves and the guilt and horror of appeasing the plant’s appetite. “If they’ve seen the movie, they’re in for a real big
surprise,” said actor Alex Vargas, who plays Seymour. “The cast is amazing. I say if you love your cast, it helps with the energy,” he added. “I’m really loving this role right now.” Meanwhile, Jessica Cardenas, no stranger to the theater scene, captivates audiences with her impeccable performance as the lovable, scatterbrained Audrey. “It’s been a rush,” she said. “Probably one of the most difficult roles I’ve done. I’ve never played ditzy before. This is the first time I’ve played blonde, bubbly.” While Alfredo Iniguez portrays a calculating, somewhat ambivalent Mushnik, Hector Rios (as Orin) steals the spotlight as Audrey’s boyfriend. At every given opportunity, Rios fills the stage
with sadistic, manic laughter and fluid use of physical expression. Renee Hinojosa (as Ronette), Celia Hernandez (as Chiffon) and Edna Gonzalez (as Crystal) provide constant pizzazz, accompanied by impressive vocal numbers. Stir into the mix a talented band of five and a colorful mob of over 20 other Skid Row residents and a botanical haunting awaits theatergoers. Several of the roles were double cast, including the role of Seymour (also played by Mark Garner) and Musknik (also played by Javier Valenciano). The Little Shop of Horrors runs through Sunday. General admission tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, contact the LCC Performing Arts Department at 7215330.
Woman faces smuggling charge By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Federal authorities say a woman driving what appeared to be a utility truck turned out to be her smuggling eight undocumented people, according to court records released Monday. Luella Ann Leever, a U.S. citizen from Houston, is being charged with transporting undocumented people within the Southern District of Texas with a motor vehicle. On Oct. 19, an off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent contacted agents assigned to the station in Zapata to report a suspicious white Chevrolet pickup traveling north on U.S. 83. A federal criminal complaint states the truck resembled a vehi-
cle attempting to smuggle people. Agents spotted the truck and noticed it was traveling “well below” the posted 70 mile per hour speed limit. A federal criminal complaint states this is a tactic used by human and narcotics load drivers. An agent saw how the driver reacted when she saw the marked Border Patrol vehicle. While following the pickup, agents noticed the reflective warning tape on the rear lift gate of the truck was painted. A criminal complaint states it was not reflective like the one on the side. “This is a characteristic of vehicles used in the transportation of narcotics and alien smuggling to be able to blend in as utility or
company work vehicles,” court records state, adding that narcotic and human smuggling organizations try to avoid inspection by law enforcement agencies. Agents activated their emergency lights. Eventually, the truck stopped approximately eight miles north of San Ygnacio near Tejon Ranch. The driver was identified as Leever. Federal officials say two front passengers were wearing reflective vests attempting to pass themselves off as oil field workers. Authorities also noted several people on top of each other in the back seat. All occupants were determined to be Mexican nationals without proper documentation to be in the United States. Leever did
not want to answer questions without an attorney present, the complaint states. People held as material witnesses said that a cousin living in Houston instructed them to go to Reynosa and that “an alien smuggler” would recognize them by the type of clothing they wore. One man, states the criminal complaint, was going to pay $2,800 to be smuggled to Houston. A criminal complaint states another man held as a witness told federal officials he agreed to pay $3,000 to be transported to Houston. The man added that Leever knew he was an undocumented person. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
College students may get loan aid By NICK GEORGIOU THE ZAPATA TIMES
President Barack Obama announced Wednesday a plan to help alleviate college graduates’ financial struggles by altering payments on student loans. Starting in January, the new “pay as you earn” program would allow graduates to reduce their monthly student loan repayments to 10 percent of their discretionary income, a cap that was due to take effect under federal law in 2014. Current law mandates a cap of 15 percent. In addition, the plan calls for forgiving all remaining debt on federal
loans after 20 years. Under current law, it’s 25 years. According to the White House, the accelerated program would benefit more than 1.5 million college students. At Texas A&M International University and Laredo Community College, a majority of the students rely on financial aid and loans to fund igher education costs. “About 84 percent of current TAMIU students receive federal financial aid,” said the university’s financial aid director, Laura Elizondo, in a statement Wednesday. “While we’ve not seen specifics of the … plan or the new encouragements for loan consolidation, both would offer
welcome relief.” The Obama administration’s plan comes amid a federal report that shows that a higher percent of the nation’s 36 million student loan borrowers are failing to repay their loans. In September, the U.S. Department of Education announced that the national student loan default rate increased from 7 percent in 2008 to 8.8 percent in 2009. At public institutions, the default rate rose from 6 to 7.2 percent. Students who default face a number of consequences, from it affecting their credit to not qualifying for financial aid if they wish to return to school. “While TAMIU students
on the whole have a lower default rate (of 8 percent) on student loans than the national average … this (plan) certainly helps to keep that rate low,” Elizondo states. Another facet of the plan allows some borrowers who have more than one federal student loan to consolidate their loans and reduce their interest rates by up to 0.5 percent. This would help almost 6 million students and graduates. “These are real savings that will help graduates get started in their careers,” U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Tuesday, according to a Washington Post report.
RAUL NAVARRO Raul Navarro, 68, passed away Oct. 24, 2011, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen, Texas. Visitation hours were Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a wake at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession departed Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonza-
lez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata, TX.
MARIA TERESA MEDINA Maria Teresa Medina, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at Laredo Medical Center in Laredo, Texas. Ms. Medina is preceded in death by her mother, Hortencia Medina; and brothers Jose Luis Bello and Carlos Daniel Mercado. Ms. Medina is survived by her brothers Jesus (Maria) Bello, Juan A. (Wendi) Mercado, Lauro S. Mercado, Jose Daniel Mercado and Romeo (Claudia) Mercado; sisters: Rosalva M. (Roberto) Gonzalez and Rosalinda M. Saenz; nieces: Sandra L. Medina and Tannia L. Medina; nephew, Jose Luis Bello Jr.; lifelong friend, Rocio Ochoa; and by numerous other relatives and friends. Visitation hours were Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral will take place today, Oct. 29, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. The funeral procession
will depart at 8:45 a.m. for a 9 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata, TX.
LUIS ENRIQUE ‘KIKE’ GARZA Luis Enrique “Kike” Garza 30, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2011, in Zapata. Kike is preceded in death by his brother, Jose Alberto Garza. Kike is survived by his sons, Luis Enrique Garza, Jr. and Javier Agustin Garza and a daughter, Janely Itzel Garza; parents, Jose Noe and Socorro C. Garza; brothers, Jose Noe (Maricruz) Garza, Jr., Juan Carlos (Blanca) Garza and Ruben (Lizzette) Garza; sister, Veronica (Genaro Jr.) Sanchez; and by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many friends. Visitation hours were held Wednesday, October 26, 2011, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a wake at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. A chapel service was held Thursday, October 27, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. Commit-
tal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Hwy. 83, Zapata.
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
BORDER Continued from Page 1A Government Accountability Office study that showed only 44 percent of the U.S.-Mexico border is under operational control by federal agencies. Napolitano said the Obama administration has sent historic levels of equipment and manpower to provide border security. A second drone will arrive in Corpus Christi this week, providing surveillance from three unmanned aerial vehicles, based in Texas and Arizona, from flights over the Rio Grande. “For the first time, we now have Predator unmanned aircraft system coverage along the Southwest border from the California-Arizona to the Texas
Gulf Coast,” Napolitano said. On illegal immigration, Napolitano said DHS policies on detention and deportation of illegal immigrants were described, simultaneously by the political left and right, as mean-spirited and as an amnesty. “These opposing views are both incorrect, and it’s my hope that moving forward, we can have a civil and fact-based dialogue about immigration enforcement,” she said. Napolitano said the lack of resources has forced federal agencies to first deport violent criminals, not those found here illegally and charged with nonviolent crimes.
But Smith called the DHS deportation numbers deceiving, because many of the deportations are illegal immigrants apprehended and returned across the border multiple times, he said. He said DHS has failed to provide specific information about illegal immigrants held on criminal charges, their names and crimes, and whether some were later released back into communities. He vowed to issue a subpoena for the information if DHS does not give him the information by next week. Napolitano also was grilled by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who asked why DHS failed to
WRESTLING Continued from Page 1A said the promotion originally intended to put on two shows a year. Last year it put on 14. After the first few shows in Laredo at venues such as the Texas National Guard Armory and the gymnasium Crossfit 1, word spread and demand grew. By August, the group had built such a reputation that they were allowed to perform at Texas &M International University’s Autmus Fest. “To be wrestling at a place like Autmus Fest is a dream come true,” Chavarria previously told Laredo Morning Times’ 956 Sports. Thinking ahead to the next
few years, Chavarria’s goal is for the LWA to put on a show in the nearly 10,000-seat Laredo Energy Arena. The one-year anniversary, however, goes to Zapata. “We’re all extremely happy to be in Zapata and to put on a great wrestling show,” Chavarria said, adding that when the group last visited, it partnered with the Marine Corps League of Zapata to raise student scholarship funds. Chavarria said that’s the case again this time. As for the show itself, four championships will be defended, including the promotion’s crown jewel, the LWA Championship,
in a match between the The Necro Monger and K-OZ. In a gauntlet match, the massive Havoc attempts to survive consecutive matches against Xinico, Lou Crow, X-Acto, Amazing Rude, Spiderman, John Mason and The Freak. Plus, Airborne Inferno battle The Original Texas Outlaws in a Texas, Ladders and Chairs match. The action gets underway tonight at the Oswaldo and Juanita Ramirez Exhibit Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are $5 each. (Mike Herrera IV can be reached at 728-2567 or mherrera@lmtonline.com)
Redistricting maps criticized By APRIL CASTRO ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUSTIN — The U.S. Department of Justice is arguing that Texas’ new voting maps for Congress and for the state House were drawn by the Republicanled Legislature with discriminatory intent against minority voters, and has asked a federal court to reject the plans. In briefs filed with the court Tuesday, the Justice Department says that both maps are retrogressive, meaning minority vot-
ers’ ability to elect their candidates of choice is diminished. The state, represented by Attorney General Greg Abbott, contends that the plans maintain or increase the voting strength of minorities and are in compliance with the law. A three-judge panel in Washington has scheduled a hearing on the case for Wednesday. The legal fight in Washington revolves around a requirement in the 1965 Voting Rights Act that certain states, including Texas, be granted “preclearance”
before redistricting maps and other changes in voting practices can be enacted. Texas has submitted its plans to judges in Washington seeking approval. The legal standard is whether the new plan has the effect of denying or diminishing the right to vote based on race or color. The Justice Department says Texas has not met that standard. It says “discriminatory intent permeated the congressional redistricting process, based on a broad array of circumstantial evidence.”
immediately investigate a gun smuggling operation now known as “Fast and Furious” after a Border Patrol agent was killed in Arizona last December with a gun smuggled across the border through the controversial program. Napolitano said DHS initially did not probe the allegations that smuggled weapons were used to kill the agent because the Justice Department Office of the Inspector General was investigating. Issa, who is leading a separate House Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigation into Fast and Furious, said he found it incredulous that Napolitano
would wait to investigate. “Wait just a minute,” Napolitano snapped. “That insinuation is not accurate.” Napolitano said everyone should be outraged at the death of a Border Patrol agent. “I think the first thing is recognize who actually killed him and that our number one priority was to make sure the shooters were found,” said Napolitano, who added that DHS worked with the FBI immediately following the shooting. Smith has scheduled a separate Judiciary Committee hearing into Fast and Furious on Dec. 8 when Attorney General Eric Holder is scheduled to testify.
VOTING Continued from Page 1A add to the taxes of state and local residents. Proposition 8 would allow for tax breaks for property owners voluntarily conserving water. The propositions come up for a vote as the state is in the midst of one of the worst droughts in decades.
Local government The surviving spouse of a totally disabled veteran would qualify for property tax deductions until he or she remarries, under Proposition 1. Proposition 4 would allow county governments to issue bonds or notes to fund local improvement projects and back them with pledges of increased property taxes. Current law requires that interlocal agreements between cities and counties be redone annually or impose a tax. Proposition 5 allows such agreements to be signed without any long-term financial commitments, said Elna Christopher, a spokeswoman for the Texas Association of Counties. Proposition 10 lengthens the unexpired term before which an elected official must resign before running for another office from one year to one year and 30 days. The Legislature changed the time to conform
with filing deadlines that were moved up from the first week of January to the second week of December.
Education Proposition 3 would authorize the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to issue bonds to finance low-interest student loans. The amendment will not create an additional cost for taxpayers because students will pay back the loans. Proposition 6 would authorize distributions from the Permanent School Fund to the Available School Fund, allowing the state additional education investments.
Pardons An individual who successfully completes a term of deferred adjudication could be pardoned by the governor on the written recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles if Proposition 9 passes. The deadline for the election office to receive a mail-in ballot is Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 8. (Andrew Kreighbaum may be reached at 728-2538 or akreighbaum@lmtonline.com)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Hawks break records
VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS SET TO GET UNDERWAY
Zapata’s 20 points unprecedented By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata blew away the competition as the Hawks scored 20 points, a district record, and captured their sixth straight District 32-3A title last week. “Capturing the district title was our first postseason goal that allows us to be a contender at the regional meet,” Zapata coach Luis Escamilla said. “We set a district record of 20 points and it feels good to continue our tradition of six titles in a row.” The Hawks had five runners in the top seven to secure their title, while Progreso scored 70 points for second place. La Feria scored 75 points for third place. Luis Garza (16:30) paced the Hawks with his first-place finish, while Carlos Rodriguez (3rd, 16:43), Rafael Benavidez (4th, 16:47), Jose Garcia (5th, 16:52), Tony Mendoza (7th, 17:09), Edgar Hernandez (13th, 17:31) and Juan Rangel (18th, 17:47) all followed closely behind. “That’s exactly what I predicted,” Escamilla said of where his runners finished at the meet. “I knew the kid from PI was the favorite to win the individual title, but he did not beat my top by a large margin as everyone expected.” The junior varsity also captured the district title with Sam Camacho leading the way. The Hawks only fell short in the freshmen division as they came in a disappointing third place. “I did not meet expectations with my freshman group,” Escamilla said. “They ran solid, but their season best was not enough to repeat a complete sweep.” With Zapata hosting, the meet brought together what Escamilla started six years ago when the current team was full of seventh graders. Now the Hawks are on to their next step, a regional title and a berth to the state meet. The Hawks will be back in action on Nov. 5 at the regional meet in San Antonio.
All-district teams on the way With the regular season in football, volleyball and cross country coming to an end, coaches will soon gather to start the process of naming the alldistrict teams in their respective sport. Being named to the all-district team is an honor and something athletes cherish for many years. The all-district teams are supposed to comprise of the best athletes in the district, despite their classification. Coaches are to vote on the athletes that they feel are the best in the district, but that is not always the case. Politics is a nasty word that has infiltrated into all-district teams and sometimes the best athletes do not get chosen because of a variety of reasons. You need to understand that they are very limited guidelines on how to choose the team, and coaches sometimes let their personal feelings make the right decision. The way the process works is the district champion in the sport is given the honor to host the alldistrict meeting. I have been to quite a few all-district meetings as an assistant coach and a head coach during my
See ALL-DISTRICT PAGE 2B
Photo by Clara Sandoval | Laredo Morning Times
Kristina De Leon and the Zapata Lady Hawks will play Palacios or Ingleside on Thursday or Saturday of next week in their bi-district playoff game. The Lady Hawks finished 12-0 in District 32-3A to claim the title, 17-7 overall.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Lady Hawks head to regionals By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
Courtesy photo
The Lady Hawks will make their 11th straight trip to the regional cross country competition in San Antonio after placing well at the recent District 32-3A track meet.
The Zapata girls’ cross country team knew heading into the season that grabbing another district title was going to be an uphill battle after losing some key seniors to May’s graduation. In addition, the Lady Hawks belong to one of the toughest 3A districts in South Texas that also boasts La Feria, which has qualified for state the past three years along with Zapata. Zapata and La Feria have dominat-
See LADY HAWKS PAGE 2B
PAGE 2B
Zscores
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
Big 12 welcomes Mountaineers By RALPH D. RUSSO ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Big 12 welcomed West Virginia from the Big East and bid goodbye to Missouri before the Tigers even had a chance to make their move to the Southeastern Conference official. Now that the poaching of the Big East seems to be over, the beleaguered league is not backing down. It has been busy courting six schools and says it was braced for the latest loss. And despite what the Big 12 says, the Big East plans to keep West Virginia for two more years — just as it has vowed to keep Pittsburgh and Syracuse away from the Atlantic Coast Conference until 2014. The latest round of conference realignment appears to be winding down, but tugo-war over who goes where when likely will take a while to sort out. The Big 12 completed its work Friday by adding West Virginia to become its easternmost member, joining Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, TCU and Iowa State. The Big 12 said it expects to have 10 schools for the 2012-13 season, listing West Virginia but not Missouri, which is expected complete its move to the SEC any day now. Ames, Iowa, is the closest Big 12 campus to Morgantown, W.Va., at 870 miles away, but that hardly matters. The Mountaineers bring a football program that has
consistently been ranked in the Top 25 in recent years, and that’s what counts most when it comes time to sell TV rights. In April, the conference signed a 13-year TV deal with Fox worth $1.17 billion that kicks in next year and was based upon the league having 10 members. The Big 12 leaders voted to add West Virginia, rather than closer Big East rival Louisville, on Friday morning. “The addition of West Virginia, while expanding the reach of the Big 12, brings an impressive institution with esteemed academics and a proud athletic tradition into the Conference. This is another step in building a strong foundation for the future of the Big 12,” said Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis, the chairman of the Big 12 board of directors. West Virginia is one of the founding members of the Big East’s football conference, created in 1991. Of the eight original members, only Rutgers remains. The Big East is trying to reconfigure itself as a 12team football league and has been pitching itself to six schools, including Boise State. Now it will need seven to get to 12, though maybe not for a couple years. While the Big 12’s statement said West Virginia will begin competing in the 201213 athletic season, Big East Commissioner John Marinatto said the Mountaineers will be staying in the Big East for two more seasons. “West Virginia is fully aware that the Big East Conference is committed to en-
forcing the 27-month notification period for members who choose to leave the conference,” he said in a statement. Syracuse and Pittsburgh announced last month they would join the ACC, and Marinatto has been adamant about saying the Big East plans to hold them for two more seasons. TCU was on its way to the Big East, set to join in 2012, before being diverted to the Big 12 earlier this month to take the place of Texas A&M, which was first to make the jump from the Big 12 to the SEC. The Big East can’t hold the Horned Frogs because they never started competing, but it does expect to receive a $5 million exit fee from them, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and West Virginia. Big East presidents two weeks ago agreed to raise the league’s exit fee to $10 million, but not until it had received commitments from one of its two main expansion targets — Air Force or Navy. West Virginia will not be on the hook for the doubled exit fee but clearly it will cost the something for the Mountaineers to start playing in the Big 12 next season. Same goes for Pitt and Syracuse and the ACC. It appeared earlier in the week that the Big 12 had settled on West Virginia as its replacement for Missouri. But Louisville briefly re-entered the picture, and the Mountaineers’ invitation to the Big 12 was put on hold. In the end the extra time didn’t pay off
for the Cardinals. “I’m not certain how everything went down, but they fought a good battle and won,” Louisville Athletic Director Tom Jurich said. The Big 12, even before landing that big TV deal, distributed more revenue ($137 million) last year to its members than the Big East ($113), which will begin negotiating new TV deals next year. West Virginia University President James Clements said: “The Big 12 is a perfect fit for West Virginia.” “It’s a great day to be a Mountaineer,” West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin told the AP. CBSSports.com first reported West Virginia’s move to the Big 12. The decision by the Big 12 caps a strange week of conference realignment that included West Virginia officials on Tuesday preparing a press release and planning a news conference to announce its conference switch, then being told later that day to put the brakes on those plans. Louisville made a late push for inclusion that reportedly involved a phone call from Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Louisville alum, to Big 12 officials. “He lobbied for us, of course he did, as did many other people,” Jurich said. That set off Manchin, who threatened Wednesday a senate investigation if it were found that another lawmaker had stood in the way of the Mountaineers move.
Merlins’ young talent on display By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata Middle School has become the lifeline of Zapata High, as it consistently delivers runners who are accustomed to winning so early in their careers. This past Monday, the Merlins made their presence felt at the District 32-3A meet with two district titles and two runner-up performances. The day began with the seventh grade Lady Merlins picking up a runner-up finish at the meet. All five runners placed in the top 14. Abby Zuniga raced out to a second-place finish, while Mariela Hernandez and Yulitza Mendiola placed fifth and seventh, respectively. Gabby Gonzalez and Daniela Santos came in 13th and 14th to round out the top five runners on the team. Also contributing to the team’s success were Daniella Guzman, Vanessa Guerra and Samantha Pena. The seventh grade boys brought Zapata its first district title, as they were able to pull off a close race at the end. Leading the way for the Merlins was Joan Zuniga with a third straight runner-up finish of the season. Not far from Zuniga was Jorge Garcia, who grabbed third place, while Jose Avila came in seventh. Rounding out the Merlins were Mario Landa (12th place), Javy Flores (14th place), Connor Moreno (15th place), Jose Guzman
Courtesy photo
The Zapata middle school cross country team picked up a pair of district titles at Monday’s district 29-5A track meet. (20th place), Gabriel Bautista, Juan Diaz and Joel. The eighth grade Lady Merlins mirrored last year’s effort as they repeated their district championship performance. Six of the seven runners placed in the top nine to run away with the title. Norma Ramirez placed second overall to lead
LADY HAWKS Continued from Page 1B ed the region, taking the top two spots the past three years. La Feria had been the perennial district champion until Zapata entered the district in 2008. Since then, the teams have split titles with each program claiming two titles apiece. This year was more Zapata. Behind the sensational performance of Jazmine Garcia, who captured the runner-up trophy in District 32-3A at last week’s meet, the Hawks will make their 11th straight trip to the regional meet in San Antonio. Zapata placed three runners in the top 10 to push into second place overall. Along with Garcia, Cassie Pena and Angela Darnell finished sixth and ninth, respectively, to round out the varsity medalists. “The teams had a great year, as they competed well at every race they attended,” Zapata coach Mike Villarreal said. “We had several high marks throughout the season and a good district meet despite running on, by far,
the toughest course in the area.” Villarreal and the Lady Hawks look forward to their next goal of making a return trip to state. “The varsity will continue working to achieve their next goal of a berth to the state meet when they take on the 23 best cross country schools our region has to offer next Saturday in San Antonio,” he said. The junior varsity team had a stellar performance on the course as they captured the district runnerup title with a strong performance by freshman Alexandra Garcia, who captured third place. Teammates Daniela Vela and Sara Pena rounded out the medalists, finishing eighth and 10th, respectively, to capture district medals. The freshman team finished third, but had the best finish of the day by a Zapata runner, as Bianca Ponce ran her way to an individual district champion title to cap off a great rookie season. Teammate Kassy Galvan took 10th place.
the team. Raquel Almaguer came in fourth, while Alexa Alvarez (fifth place), Andrea Garza (sixth place), Alondra Lara (eighth place), Alyssa Alaniz (ninth place) and Tatiana Lopez (21st place) all ran strong. The second strong finish of the day belonged to the eighth grade
boys’ team with Robert Salinas running away with the individual boys title and posting the fastest time of the day. Adding to the second-place team performance were Orlando Villarreal (fourth place), Leandro Hinojosa (ninth place), Austin Brandon (17th place) and Adrian Bugg (20th place).
“On behalf of ZMS cross country, we would like to thank all the parents, family, and friends for your unending support,” Zapata middle school coach Laura Villarreal said. “And to all the runners, a big thank you from your coaches, your hard work and true grit through those hot afternoon practices.”
ALL-DISTRICT Continued from Page 1B coaching days that spanned more than 10 years, so I have first-hand knowledge of what goes on. The all-district meetings are closed to the public and certainly media. Most, if not all, coaches are decked out in school colors and will make small talk with the colleagues that they get along with. The ones that they don’t, they try to avoid. Once the meeting has started, the first order of business is to choose the Most Valuable Player. That should be an easy process: Which athlete is the best player in the district? This can turn into an odyssey, because I feel that the Most Valuable Player should come from the playoff teams, or if for some reason someone who let’s say had a 30-point average in the season but the team came in fifth place. That individual could be considered, but the majority of the time the MVP is from the top team in the district, though not always. Coaches can nominate their player, but when it comes to the voting, they cannot vote for their player. Coaches can sometimes exhibit childish behavior and not vote for an athlete simply because they don’t like a coach. One time, I did ask a coach – whose team finished in the basement of the standings – why they nominated their athlete for MVP and she said so it can take votes away from other ath-
This can turn into an odyssey, because I feel that the Most Valuable Player should come from the playoff teams, or if for some reason someone who let’s say had a 30-point average in the season but the team came in fifth place. letes. My question was: “Are you voting on personality or what the athlete did on the court or field?” Coaches do hold grudges and they are sometimes the biggest babies when it comes to voting the right way. In some all-district meetings, they vote publicly, meaning out in the open where everybody knows how you voted, while others are by silent vote. Basketball coaches can be vicious when it comes to all-district meetings. One time someone voted for their own kid and the only reason that we knew is because the votes did not match. A shouting match between the coaches almost turned into a brawl. These are grown men and women who were ready to fight, but cooler heads prevailed. The coach who is conducting the meeting will ask each school to nominate one athlete and their name is written on the board. Some schools do not nominate anyone and pass. If only two athletes are
nominated, then that is who the coaches vote on. Sometimes two athletes are tied for the MVP title and coaches just give them a co-MVP status. When they finally settled on the MVP, they move into other categories, such as offensive and defensive players of the year, et cetera. Once they get through those, they can vote for first team and second team. Athletes that are nominated but do not make the first or second teams are placed in the honorable mention. Logic is that the district champion should have more kids on the all-district team, but I have been in meetings where the third place team has more athletes than the first-place team. If they truly had that many athletes on the all-district team, then they should have been the district champion. Period. (Clara Sandoval can be reached at sandoval.clara@gmail.com)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B
HINTS BY | HELOISE Call Buttons Need a Test Dear Heloise: We need your help. I thought of you because you reach so many people, and our loved ones deserve this one basic need to be met. It won’t cost anyone a cent, and it is easy to do. Our friends and relatives who are patients and residents of facilities that use CALL BUTTONS — independent and assistedliving facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, etc. — are depending on us. Anytime your friend or family member begins at a new facility, PLEASE TEST the call buttons. They often are found beside the bed and in the bathroom. We expect them to work. Make sure they are plugged in. Do they light up at the nurses’ station? Do they light up outside the door in the hallway? Do they sound an alarm somewhere? — Pat King, Cypress, Texas Pat, you are right, and this is a hint I’m happy to pass along. — Heloise
PET PAL Dear Readers: Christine in San Antonio sent a picture of her beautiful Lab mix, Sasha, doing morning stretching exercises with her daddy before going to the doggie park. To see Sasha and our other Pet Pals, go to www.Heloise.com and click on “Pets.” — Heloise
SHOE STORAGE Dear Heloise: I store my out-of-season shoes in large, plastic storage boxes. I’m finding the lining on some of the shoes eaten away and cracked. Sometimes there is nothing left over in the shoe — the lining is gone. I don’t see any bugs. This is so creepy. Have you ever heard of this problem? We live in Houston. — M.M. in Texas Let me see if I can help. I am guessing that your
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HELOISE
shoes are leather. Leather needs air circulating around it, so storing leather shoes in plastic long term is not the best method. Plastic storage boxes can give off a gas, which might be what’s causing the lining to dissolve. Keeping leather boots in the summer or sandals in the winter in a breathable cotton bag is what experts recommend. — Heloise
SIMPLE SOLUTION Dear Heloise: Here is a simple solution to an old problem: dealing with the toothpaste tube. Use the flat side of your comb to push the paste up, then turn and roll up the empty tube. Slip a large paper clip into the interior and exterior folds. Costs nothing and takes up no additional space. — Z.N. in New Jersey
EASY ID Dear Heloise: For the plethora of cords we seem to accumulate with all the electronics and can’t remember which device they are connected to: attaching a flat, plastic bread-bag clip and putting the device name on it with a fine-tipped marker does the trick of identifying each cord. — Connie, via email
HANGER HINT Dear Heloise: I have found that the small hangers that come with baby clothes are very useful in the laundry room. I use them to air-dry socks, lingerie, gloves, place mats and other small items. The hangers with clips on them are especially useful. — Linda S., Gillette, N.J.
DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:
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Sports
4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
No. 16 A&M hosts Mizzou By KRISTIE RIEKEN ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Dave Einsel | AP
The Houston Texans’ Andre Johnson stands on the sideline before an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Oct. 9, in Houston.
Johnson to sit Texans’ game By KRISTIE RIEKEN ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON — Houston star receiver Andre Johnson will miss his fourth straight game Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a hamstring injury. Johnson returned to practice this week and the Texans had hoped he would be able to play. He made progress, but Johnson said Friday that he would sit out another week. “I don’t feel like I’m ready to play,” he said. “I’m not at full speed yet. I said I wouldn’t put myself out there until I’m able to run full speed.” He was injured on Oct. 2 against Pittsburgh and had a minor procedure to repair the right hamstring injury early that next week. Coach Gary Kubiak said it was difficult to make the decision to keep him out another game, but that it’s better to get him completely healthy than to rush him back and have problems later in the season. Johnson said there isn’t anything specific he can do to speed the pro-
cess, but that he simply has to continue working with trainers to improve. “I just have to keep maintaining the rehab and keep pushing myself,” he said. “It gets frustrating because every week a game goes by that you wish you could be out there, but it’s just part of the process. I’ll just keep working hard at what I’m doing and hopefully next week I can get back on the field.” The Texans (4-3) lost to Oakland and Baltimore in their first two games without Johnson, before bouncing back with a 41-7 win over AFC South rival Tennessee to take the division lead behind a 115-yard rushing and 119-yard receiving day by Arian Foster. Foster’s 287 yards receiving in the last three games have led the team with Johnson out. Kevin Walter has added 168 yards and Jacoby Jones has 112 yards receiving in that span. Johnson said he’s probably about 70 to 75 percent recovered and that it wouldn’t be smart for him to return if he isn’t close to 100 percent.
COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman was so unhappy with his team’s 30-9 loss to Missouri last season that he set fire to the game plan, play book and tape the Monday after the game. He wanted his team to forget about the loss and figured burning the remnants would be the best way to do it. The Aggies salvaged the season by winning the next six games. No. 16 Texas A&M (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) is preparing to again host Missouri (3-4, 1-3) this Saturday and most of the Aggies said they don’t really think about that game. But Sherman hasn’t let it go. “I think we learned from the mistakes of the Missouri game and got better after that,” he said. “It definitely was a low point, but you can learn a lot about yourself and what you need to do from those low points if you look at yourself objectively. ... does it linger? It does for me, because we should have played better.” He hopes Texas A&M can extend its winning streak to four games against a team that many believe will soon be following the Aggies to the Southeastern Conference. After that Missouri game a year ago, Sherman split quarterback duties between Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill and then wound up benching Johnson for the rest of the season. Playing receiver against Missouri last season gives Tannehill a pretty good idea of what to ex-
Photo by Jon Eilts | AP
Texas A&M tail back Cyrus Gray (32) runs the ball against Baylor’s Josh WIlson, right, during the second half of an NCAA football game, Oct. 15, in College Station. pect on Saturday. “Last year we didn’t play well and they put it on us pretty good,” he said. “They are a good football team, an aggressive defense that will throw a lot of things at you. They’re not afraid to bring a lot of pressure.” The Tigers know that this team lead by Tannehill and entering the game is different than the one they faced last season. The senior has thrown for 15 touchdowns and 2,005 yards this season and will be making his 14th start at quarterback. “They are playing well, and offensively, their numbers are similar to Oklahoma State’s,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. “This is a pretty high-powered offensive league this
year. Tannehill is an experienced quarterback and a very good player. We are impressed with him and how he plays.” Texas A&M is averaging more than 552 yards a game, which ranks seventh in the nation. Tannehill has thrown for at least 200 yards in all but one game this season and had a season-high 415 yards passing in a win over Baylor. Though teammates rave about his poise and accuracy, Tannehill credits much of his success this season to A&M’s ability to run the ball. Christine Michael and Cyrus Gray are averaging nearly 194 yards rushing combined. The two each rushed for more than 100 yards in last week’s win over Iowa State and have combined for 15 rushing
touchdowns. “When you have them in the backfield it makes my job a lot easier,” Tannehill said. “Those guys are dangerous with the ball. They can make guys miss in the hole and have the speed to get outside if they need it ... it’s definitely a luxury to have those guys in our backfield and we try to get them the ball as much as we can.” Missouri quarterback James Franklin hopes to bounce back after committing four turnovers, including a season-high three interceptions, in the second half of Oklahoma State’s 45-24 loss to No. 3 Oklahoma State last week. Receiver T.J. Moe said Franklin and the rest of the team are trying to put last week behind them.
Cowboys live by the blitz, die by the blitz ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHILADELPHIA — Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, as his last name suggests, is going to blitz the opposing offense. Just as his father, Buddy, did for years as a coordinator and as a head coach, and just as his brother, Rex, did and does as a coordinator and head coach, Rob sends as many as five and six defenders at a time after the quarterback. “Yeah, he will blitz,” Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. “He’ll move people around. He’ll move people over in unusual ways which are sort of uncommon. You see some of it from other teams, but he does it a little bit more.” The Eagles (2-4) will play host to the Cowboys (3-3) on Sunday night. Linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who is second in the league with eight sacks, is the player Ryan will move the most in search of the biggest mismatch on the Eagles’ line. If there is a bright spot for the Eagles, it’s that left tackle Jason Peters, who missed the team’s last two games with a hamstring injury, practiced all week and will be back in the lineup. Peters’ return gives the Eagles the offensive line it hoped for with first-round pick Danny Watkins and Evan Mathis at the guard spots, rookie Jason Kelce at center and veteran
Todd Herremans, who may see a lot of Ware, at right tackle. “We’ve made some big moves and we’ve had some guys playing at new positions,” Mornhinweg said. “The key is continuity and trying to get the offensive line to get more reps together. That’s going to be important in the long run.” In the short term, the Eagles are going to have to protect quarterback Michael Vick from the blitzes Ryan is going to throw at them in order to avoid falling to 2-5 on the season and losing for the sixth straight time at home, dating back to last season. Through the first six games — and for that matter going back to the end of last season — the blitz has caused problems for Vick. Most of his 11 turnovers this year have come against the opponents’ blitz package. “We have a pretty good feel of what they want to do,” Vick said of the Cowboys. “We just have to be ready for it.” In 13 games against the Eagles in his career, Ware has 111/2 sacks, including three last season and two in the Cowboys 2009 playoff win. “They move him inside, outside, everywhere,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said of Ware. “He’s one of the best in the business. He’s a tremendous athlete, a tremendous football player. It’s going to be a challenge for our offensive line.”
Photo by Mike Fuentes | AP
Texas quarterback David Ash (14) passes during the first half of an NCAA football game against Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on Oct. 8.
UT needs no QB against KU By JIM VERTUNO ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUSTIN — The Texas Longhorns had a week off to figure out who to play at quarterback and how to end a five-game home losing streak in the Big 12. The quarterback question may take all season to resolve. The losing could very well end Saturday night against woeful Kansas. The Jayhawks (2-5, 0-4 Big 12) are a desperate bunch that could very well be playing for second-year coach Turner Gill’s job. Texas (4-2, 1-2) has lost two games in a row and has dropped five in a row at home in league play. The Longhorns need a win to move closer to getting to becoming bowl eligible and prove they are on the upswing after last season’s 5-7 debacle. After giving freshman David Ash his first career start and letting him play the entire game in 38-26 loss to No. 3 Oklahoma State, Longhorns coach Mack Brown suggested this week that sophomore
Case McCoy could get the nod against the Jayhawks. Or the Longhorns could go back to the QB rotation it used during a threegame winning streak. Or they could stick with Ash, who earned the start against Oklahoma State but also has five turnovers in the last two games. “Both of them want to play. They understand we’re just in it to win. We could care less which one starts, how much they play,” Brown said. Texas may have the luxury of experimenting Saturday night against a Kansas defense giving up 50 points a game, but an unsettled quarterback situation could scuttle a rebuilding project that still has No. 19 Texas Tech, No. 10 Kansas State, No. 16 Texas A&M and Baylor still on the schedule. “I think the team trusts both of them whenever they’re playing,” senior tight end Blaine Irby said. “They’re battling every week. No position on this team is set in stone.” The Texas offense aver-
aged just 13 points in the last two games and Brown is still waiting for either quarterback to show they have what he calls the “it” factor, an intangible quality of leadership and playmaking ability that separates the great quarterbacks from the average ones. Brown knows “it” when he sees it. Vince Young led Texas to a national championship. Colt McCoy, Case’s older brother, won 45 games and led Texas to the brink of another national title in 2009. “You have to be a winner. You have to be able to lead your team,” Brown said. Even with the unproven quarterbacks, Texas has developed a solid running game behind freshman tailback Malcolm Brown, who has rushed for 516 yards and is on pace to be Texas’ first 1,000-yard rushing since 2007. Fozzy Whittaker has been a standout on special teams the last two games, becoming the first Texas player to return kickoffs
for touchdowns in consecutive games. Gill probably wishes that his biggest problem was who to start at quarterback. The Jayhawks keep getting blown out week after week, turning up the heat on Gill. After a 59-21 home loss to rival Kansas State last week, Kansas athletic director Sheahon Zenger sent an ominous message that the program was being evaluated on a weekto-week basis. Gill seemed to take it in stride when he met with reporters this week and said he’s trying to figure out how to get a win. “You have to get back and go to work ... You have to have the mindset that you have to improve,” said Gill, who is 5-14 at Kansas. “I’m a human being and a good competitor. I wanted (the turnaround) to happen immediately. I don’t like to lose.” Kansas hasn’t won since Sept. 10 against Northern Illinois. The Jayhawks are 0-8 against Texas since the Big 12’s first season in 1996.