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ADVANCE EDUCATION CENTER
IMMIGRATION
Brand new problems
New status for some
Commissioners face serious situation at ed center By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
The newly built Advance Education Center is a cause for concern, with several building code violations found by newly hired AEC Director David Brown that will have to be addressed promptly at the next regular Commissioners Court meeting on Monday, among other county project requirements and ordinances.
“The building inspector found not structural but very serious safety violations that present danger to the public in the main stair well,” Brown said. “The stairwell is only halfway completed.” The stairwell includes three dangerous drops that are very likely to cause injury to the public, Brown said. The roof is another cause for concern, as the view from US 83
is a grassy hilltop; the roof of the building is under the hilltop, Brown said. “The building has no barrier or railing above the grass,” Brown said. Brown was concerned and could not sleep the day before the county Christmas parade and lighting of the county tree, he said, due to the fact that the parade took place in front of the AEC and children attending the
event would most likely be climbing the hill with no barriers and could likely fall two stories down to concrete. “I just can’t imagine the building was left in such a dangerous condition with a complete drop,” Brown said. “Barriers were put up for the parade,” he added. The design of the roof camou-
Advocates lobby for ‘protected status’
See COMMISSIONERS PAGE 10A
By SUSAN CARROLL HOUSTON CHRONICLE
ZAPATA COUNTY
VISITING HISTORIC HOUSES Also on tap: parade, tree lightings By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Christmas spirit is everywhere in Zapata County as residents first gathered in San Ygnacio on Sunday for the annual Historic House Tour and tree lighting and then met once again along US 83 for the Christmas Parade and the lighting of the county Christmas tree at Bravo Park Wednesday night. The cheerful but chilly parade Wednesday was sponsored by the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce for the second consecutive year. “The purpose of the parade and lighting is for the community to come together and celebrate the spirit of Christmas,” said Jose F. “Paco” Mendoza, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber of Commerce. That night the whole community waited anxiously on the edge of newly remodeled Bravo
See CHRISTMAS PAGE 10A
Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times
Dora and Henry Martinez, as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, ride in the San Ygnacio Christmas Parade with a group of children from A.L. Benavides Elementary.
It’s a potentially explosive idea being circulated on petitions in Houston’s Latino supermarkets and lobbied for in Chicago’s Hispanic neighborhoods, and now it’s landing on the front pages of the Spanish-language press. With more than 30,000 dead in the last four years from drug violence in Mexico, some immigrant advocates are starting to lobby the U.S. government to grant millions of illegal immigrants from Mexico “Temporary Protected Status,” a kind of temporary reprieve from deportation generally reserved for countries ravaged by natural disasters or destabilized by war. “There is a big chance of getting kidnapped and killed over there right now. It is extremely, extremely violent,” said Victor Ibarra, president of the Houston advocacy organization Alianza Mexicana. “That is why we’re asking for temporary protection.” Ibarra said volunteers had collected more than 1,000 signatures in support of TPS since starting a petition drive in Houston on Nov. 4. He said 15 immigrants rights organizations in Texas, including several in Dallas, Austin and San Antonio, were planning to participate in the petition drive. Nationally, he said, he’s been talking with organizations in California, Arizona and Chicago about making a more unified push for TPS. But the idea, which would require the approval of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, is highly controversial and, many say, unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future. Matthew Chandler, a DHS spokesman, said DHS is not considering TPS for
See STATUS PAGE 9A
ZCISD
ZMS construction set to finish by Friday By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata County Independent School District held a planning and decision-making committee meeting to update all members on construction projects and technology initiatives. The committee meets monthly
to discuss district planning, budgeting, curriculum, staffing patterns, and school organizations. The first item on the agenda was an update on the Zapata Middle School construction project by Superintendent Norma Garcia. The district facilities committee, along with other key mem-
bers of the construction process, organized a walk-through of the finished product, Garcia said. “We noticed our middle school is looking great,” Garcia said. “It is going to be like a brand new school and should last us about 30 or 40 years.” Some of the technology installed in the school is still not
found in newer schools, Garcia said. The middle school is projected to be finished by Dec. 17, Garcia added. “We were set back because there are still some things we were not aware of but things are still a go,” Garcia said. Zapata Middle School teachers
are scheduled to move into the campus Dec. 20 and 21. These days are unofficial, Garcia added. “We want to make sure the teachers have enough help,” Garcia said. “People are excited and they want to be ready for the
See ZCISD PAGE 10A
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
SATURDAY, DEC. 11 Texas A&M International University’s Fall Commencement is scheduled for today at 10 a.m. for students graduating from the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business. Commencement for the College of Education and College of Nursing and Health Sciences will take place at 2 p.m., followed by the commencement for the College of Arts and Sciences at 6 p.m. The ceremonies will take place at TAMIU’s Kinesiology and Convocation Building (gym). For more information on the TAMIU 2010 Commencement, visit tamiu.edu/commencement. The Falcon Lake Babes are holding their December International Catfish Series tournament today. Tournaments are held once a month, starting in November, with a championship round in March. The tournament is an individual event with a maximum of three contestants per boat. Bank fishing allowed. You must fish three out of four tournaments to qualify for the championship round in March. Registration is held at the Beacon Lodge Recreation Hall every Friday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. before each tournament on Saturday. You may also register by phone. Entry fee is $20 per person. Payback is 100 percent through sponsors, prizes and gifts. Twenty percent of each events prize pool is held back for the championship round in March. For more information, call Shirley at (956) 236-3842 or Jerri at (318) 613-9257.
SUNDAY, DEC. 12 Laredo’s St. Jude Catholic Church will celebrate its groundbreaking ceremony for their new offices located on Bristol Road and Albany from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Resident of Laredo and surrounding communities and parishioners are invited to join in this venture.
TUESDAY, DEC. 14 Fidel and Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary School will host its jamaica today from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Zapata Country Pavilion. Enjoy food booths, entertainment, games and prizes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is free, with pictures with Santa Claus at $2.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Odessa American/Cindeka Nealy/file | AP
Tom Jones III, general manager at Waste Control Specialists near Andrews surveys the 800,000-cubic-yard hazardous waste landfill in this Jan. 13, 2005, file photo. Opponents of a plan to allow nuclear waste from 36 other states to be buried near the Texas-New Mexico border raised their concerns at a public hearing this week in Lubbock.
Nuke foes argue case By BETSY BLANEY ASSOCIATED PRESS
LUBBOCK — Opponents of a plan to allow nuclear waste from 36 other states to be buried near the Texas-New Mexico border raised their concerns Thursday at a public hearing, complaining that the rules are being rushed through the approval process. Craig McDonald of Texans for Public Justice was among the 25 people who argued against the proposal during the meeting of the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission in Austin. He called it a "rush to radiation," suggesting the 30-day comment period that ends Dec. 26 doesn’t allow nearly enough time to weigh the issues, particularly because it comes during the holiday season. "In the development of the timeline for this rule the commercial interests have been
placed ahead of the public interest," he said. "Public safety and fiscal responsibility demand a more thorough examination of the consequences of the adoption of this rule." But Rick Jacobi, a licensed nuclear engineer speaking on behalf of the company that operates the site, Dallas-based Waste Control Specialists, said the commission has given the public ample time to comment. "This rule has been more than thoroughly reviewed, debated, discussed, amended and considered by both the public and the commission," Jacobi said. A previous set of rules withdrawn for revisions this summer had allowed for a 90-day comment period. Opponents of the plan far outnumbered the supporters at the meeting and expressed concerns about the potential dangers of transporting the waste.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15 Celebrating 75 years of service to the community, the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco and the Webb County Heritage Foundation present an exhibit of photos, artifacts, and memorabilia documenting the history of Mary Help of Christians School in Laredo. The public is cordially invited to an opening reception today at 6 p.m. at the Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St. For more information, call (956) 727-0977 or email heritage@webbheritage.org. LCC’s Fine Arts Center and the Performing Arts Department are holding auditions from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center (room 100) for the upcoming comedic productions, slated for Feb. 10-13. The auditions are open to the community, and no prior experience is necessary. Technical and stage crew are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact William Hauserman at william.hauserman@laredo.edu. The Monte Mucho Audubon Society will celebrate a successful 2010 during a meeting at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center @ LCC from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The public is invited to learn more information about bird watching. For more information, contact Raul Delgado at rcdelg@sbcglobal.net.
FRIDAY, DEC. 17 The Texas A&M International University Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium is showing "Season of Light" at 6 p.m. and "Stars of the Pharaohs" at 7 p.m. Admission prices are $4 for children and $5 for adults. Premium shows are $1 more. For show times call (956) 326-DOME. Texas A&M International University’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA) presents the 2010 Young Dancer Christmas Program, today at 7 p.m. in the CFPA Theatre. The program will feature all students from the Young Dancer Program. The performance will also feature students from the Ballet Folklórico Juvenil. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Bede Leyendecker at (956) 326-2649 or e-mail bleyendecker@tamiu.edu. To submit an item for the calendar, send the name of the event, the date, time, location and contact phone number to editorial@lmtonline.com
Man guilty in SA of prostituting girl, 13
Conviction over Mardi Gras burned body
Border Patrol agents discover pot in hay bale
SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio man faces up to life in prison after being convicted in what prosecutors say was the abduction, rape and prostituting of a 13-year-old runaway girl. A jury on Thursday night convicted Juan Moreno of human trafficking, super aggravated sexual assault of a child, aggravated kidnapping and compelling prostitution.
AUSTIN — An Austin man has been convicted of murder in the 2009 Mardi Gras slaying of a woman whose body was found burned. The penalty phase continues Friday for Kenneth Hernandez. The body of 21-year-old Christy Lynne Espinosa was dumped in a field. Police say Hernandez and his wife, Martha, suffocated Espinosa because they wanted to steal her identity.
LA GRULLA — Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande City station say they encountered an unusual method of marijuana concealment this week — the pot was tucked inside a hay bale. Agents following foot tracks from the Rio Grande on Thursday discovered a large hay bale that appeared to be out of place. Looking closer, they found more than 30 pounds of marijuana glued upon a layer of the bale.
UT Tower replica lands car wash in hot water CEDAR PARK — A replica of the famed 307-foot-tall University of Texas tower has landed an Austin-area car wash operator in hot water. UT officials are claiming potential trademark violations with the 60-foot-tall structure at Tower Car Wash in Cedar Park. Owner and Longhorns fan Bob Tesch says he just wanted to create something interesting.
Agents seize marijuana hidden in cotton seed FALFURRIAS — Border Patrol agents at the Falfurrias checkpoint seized more than 5 tons of marijuana this week. Those seizures included nearly 9,000 pounds from a Kenworth tractor hauling a grain trailer. The pot, contained in 359 bundles, was hidden within a load of cotton seed.
Man charged with defrauding oil spill fund HOUSTON — A Rancho Viejo man has been charged with wire fraud for falsely claiming he was due more than $28,000 from the BP oil spill disaster fund. An indictment alleges Sergio Corona sought $28,434 for lost income from a sea shell and collectible business using false receipts and invoices. — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE NATION Couple who only prayed for dying tot convicted
CONTACT US
PHILADELPHIA — A fundamentalist Christian couple who relied on prayer, not medicine, to cure their dying toddler son was convicted Friday of involuntary manslaughter and endangerment. Herbert and Catherine Schaible of Philadelphia face more than a decade in prison for the January 2009 pneumonia death of 2-year-old Kent.
Report details ties between US and ex-Nazis NEW YORK — Declassified CIA files reveal that U.S. intelligence officials protected a Ukrainian fascist leader and suspected Nazi collaborator from prosecution after World War II and set him up to wage covert war against the Soviet Union. Mykola Lebed led an underground movement to undermine
Today is Saturday, Dec. 11, the 345th day of 2010. There are 20 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Dec. 11, 1936, Britain’s King Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry American divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson. On this date: In 1602, forces sent by Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, launched a surprise attack on the city-state of Geneva by attempting to climb its walls; the Genevans were able to repel or capture the invaders. In 1792, France’s King Louis XVI went before the Convention to face charges of treason. (Louis was convicted, and executed the following month.) In 1816, Indiana became the 19th state. In 1910, French inventor Georges Claude publicly displayed his first neon lamp, consisting of two 38-foot-long tubes, at the Paris Expo. In 1928, police in Buenos Aires announced they had thwarted an attempt on the life of President-elect Herbert Hoover. In 1937, Italy announced it was withdrawing from the League of Nations. In 1941, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States; the U.S. responded in kind. In 1946, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed into a law legislation creating a $1.6 billion environmental “superfund” to pay for cleaning up chemical spills and toxic waste dumps. “Magnum P.I.,” starring Tom Selleck, premiered on CBS. In 1997, more than 150 countries agreed at a global warming conference in Kyoto, Japan, to control the Earth’s greenhouse gases. Ten years ago: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments from lawyers representing George W. Bush and Al Gore concerning the Florida presidential vote recount. Shortstop Alex Rodriguez agreed to a $252 million, 10year deal with the Texas Rangers. (Rodriguez was traded to the New York Yankees in 2004.) Today’s Birthdays: Composer Elliott Carter is 102. Actor Jean-Louis Trintignant is 80. Actress Rita Moreno is 79. Former California state lawmaker Tom Hayden is 71. Pop singer David Gates (Bread) is 70. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) is 69. Actress Donna Mills is 68. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) is 67. Singer Brenda Lee is 66. Actress Lynda Day George is 66. Music producer Tony Brown is 64. Actress Teri Garr is 63. Movie director Susan Seidelman is 58. Actress Bess Armstrong is 57. Singer Jermaine Jackson is 56. Rock musician Mike Mesaros (The Smithereens) is 53. Rock musician Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue) is 52. Rock musician Darryl Jones (The Rolling Stones) is 49. Actor Ben Browder is 48. Singer-musician Justin Currie (Del Amitri) is 46. Rock musician David Schools (Gov’t Mule, Widespread Panic) is 46. Thought for Today: “The people who think they are happy should rummage through their dreams.” — Edward Dahlberg, American author and critic (1900-1977).
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Snow covers a sign on Schell Road in southern Grand Traverse County, Mich. Residents in northern areas of the country are expecting cold and snow over the weekend. the Kremlin and conduct guerrilla operations for the CIA.
RFK-owned Emancipation Proclamation sold NEW YORK — A copy of the
Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln that was purchased by Robert F. Kennedy sold Friday for more than $3.7 million, an auction record for a U.S. presidential document. — Compiled from AP reports
SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted. The Zapata Times is free. The Zapata Times is published by the Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, P.O. Box 2129, Laredo, Texas 78044. Phone (956) 728-2500. The Zapata office is at 1309 N. U.S. Hwy. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, Zapata, TX 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes.net
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
Zlocal
VILLARREAL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
PAGE 3A
Tourney women hope to prove lake is safe By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Courtesy photo
Bottom row left to right: Victor Vela, Arturo Martinez, Guillermo Ramirez, Christopher Arroyo, Roberto Degollado, Claudia Amelia Garza, Victoria Alvarez and Ashley Mendoza. Second row kneeling left to right: Adnrea Martinez, Jennifer Medellin, Juan Carlos Guzman Ponce, Jaime Bautista, Jose Reyes, Ricardo De Leon, Jose Leal and Meztli Marquez. Top row standing left to right: Elizabeth Angeles, Fernando Rodriguez, Yesenia Montalvo, Luis Martinez Navarro, Luis Vega, Ramon Sanchez, Daniela Galvan, Mindy Garcia and Ernesto Martinez.
Rebate program could save consumers money SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Texas will offer a new appliance rebate program Dec. 20. Approximately $10 million will be available for this program, which is aimed at promoting awareness of Energy Star appliances and decreasing energy consumption by encouraging appliance replacement. “Recent technological advancements in many common household appliances are now giving more people opportunities to save money,” Rep. Ryan Guillen said. “This program will promote energy conservation in our state while being easy on the wallets of Texans.” The Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program is a traditional mail-in rebate program, and rebates will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis un-
til all funds are distributed. Texas residents with valid residential addresses may apply for the program if they follow all program rules. To participate, first research and select a new appliance. Then, on or after Dec. 20: Purchase a qualifying Energy Star appliance from a Texas retailer or contractor and retain the receipt; Install the new, qualifying appliance at a valid Texas residential address; Either properly dispose of or recycle the appliance being replaced; Completely fill out a rebate application form, including the appliance disposal or recycling information; Mail in the completed application form with the receipt and any other required documentation (for
example, disposal or recycling verification) to the address that will be available before the start of the purchase period on Dec. 20. Application forms will be ordered by the postmark date on the envelope of the application. If a postmark is missing, the application will be placed in the order based on the day it arrives at the processing facility. Rates will be offered for appliances in eight categories: air-source heat pumps, clothes washers, freezers, room air conditioners, central air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators and water heaters. To view the details about eligible appliances, find out more information about the program or get a rebate application form, visit http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.org/rebate/appliances.php.
Falcon Lake Babe’s International Catfish Series is a fishing tournament like no other, made up of women fighting for a purpose: to prove Falcon Lake is safe. “We want to show that if women can get out here and fish this lake by themselves, then it’s perfectly safe for everyone,” said Dee Dee Fox, president of Falcon Lake Babe’s International Catfish Series. “The bass fish and catfish are awesome; it’s just a great lake to fish in.” Fox organized this tournament to change the negative reputation Falcon Lake has received the past couple of months, she said. “We want to bring a positive message to the whole border region,” Fox said. “We need to get people to come back to show them that Falcon Lake is not Mexico and that it is a safe place.” Falcon Lake has been the focal point of several serious incidents with alleged cartel members attacking fishermen, especially the murder of David Hartley, a tourist killed while jet skiing on the lake. Hartley was killed while touring the Old Guerrero Church, which is not located on Falcon Lake but seven miles up the Salado River bordering Mexico, Fox said. “The media kept saying it happened on Falcon Lake when it didn’t,” Fox said. “People don’t
want to come over here anymore because they are afraid.” The bad publicity has killed tourism on Falcon Lake and affected the border region of Texas, Fox added. “It’s not just about Zapata County, it’s about the whole border region affected by the drug wars that is in turn affecting our economy,” Fox said. The fishing series began Nov. 28 with an event happening every month until the championship round in March. Approximately nine women participated in the last tournament that took place on Thanksgiving weekend, Fox said. The next fishing tournament will take place Dec. 11 at the Beacon Lodge, Fox said. “We would like to see about 20 women, because we want the public to understand that if women can fish this lake, it is safe,” Fox said. “There are still a lot of fishermen fishing this lake.”
Registration will take place every Friday at the Beacon Lodge Recreation Hall from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., according to a press release. The tournament calls for individual teams with an entry fee of $20, and there will be 100 percent pay back including sponsors, prizes, and gifts. Twenty percent of each events prize pool will be held back for the championship round, according the release. Three women are allowed on one boat and will be launching boats from Beacon Lodge, Fox said. The only downfall to having a women-only tournament is that most women do not know how to maneuver a boat, Fox added. “Women will be allowed to fish from the banks of Beacon Lodge only,” Fox said. After the tournament, individual teams will also be weighing in their biggest catfish at Beacon Lodge, she said.
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Zopinion
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
GOP ushers in more Federalism By GARY ANDRES HEARST NEWSPAPERS
W
ASHINGTON — Last week, congressional Republicans wrote a new chapter in government reform when they convened a meeting in Washington with 16 newly elected GOP governors. To some, the confab looked like just another photo-op celebrating the party’s historic gains in last month’s midterm elections. But that view misses the meaning of this fresh phase in federalism: A more active partnership between Washington and the states makes sense at a number of levels and will help both Congress and governors better accomplish their policy and political goals. Compared to the last four years, this renewed collaboration represents a different tone and direction. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and her fellow travelers believed states should take direction from Congress. Washington needed to “protect” citizens from misguided state decisions — actions that could jeopardize all of the good things Congress could lavish on voters. States, by the way, were also hamstrung with the financial burdens produced by this governmental generosity, wisdom and compassion. What a deal.
No communication In Pelosi’s House, there wasn’t much room for dialogue or collaboration. States were told what to do, how to structure benefits, and who was eligible for programs. In essence, the message was: “We expect you to do this, so just figure it out.” No more. Congressional Republicans reject such an approach for both practical and philosophical reasons. “Washington doesn’t have all the answers, and the best solutions usually come from outside of the Beltway,” Speaker-elect John Boehner, D-Ohio, said last week. Republicans prefer solutions generated closer to the people. What works in Maine may not in Montana. To think otherwise is both politically arrogant and substantively dumb. Boehner’s method requires dialogue — not dictates; malleability — not mandates. While emphasis on partnership with governors is a break from the last four years, it’s not entirely new either. Ronald Reagan used the phrase “new federalism” during the early 1980s as a way to describe his administration’s emphasis on devolving money, power, and influence out of Washington. Unfortunately, a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives had other ideas.
Working together In the mid-1990s, after similar GOP gains in Congress and the statehouses, the party also forged new partnerships with statehouse leaders. During those years, the Republican congressional majority, working
closely with governors, such as George W. Bush of Texas, John Engler of Michigan, Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania, and Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin, crafted a host of innovative policies on issues including welfare, education reform and Medicaid ideas that provided states with more flexibility, produced better solutions, and reacquainted Washington with the virtues of fiscal restraint.
New attitude Now, with Republicans capturing the majority in the House, growing their numbers in the Senate, and expanding control to 29 state houses, the time is right to reprise experiments in federalism. “For the last four years the attitude in Congress was, ‘We’re going to tell you what to do,”’ a senior GOP leadership aide told me. “Boehner’s view is just the opposite. He’s asking the governors, ‘What kind of flexibility do you need to succeed?”’ This also means the era of big mandates is over. “We understand you can’t ask the states to do more with less and then tie their hands,” he explained. But there’s another reason why the time is ripe for new approaches to federalism — Washington needs a budgetary diet and fiscal restraint produces its own set of political challenges. As a result, Republicans in Washington need allies to navigate these shoals. Governors can help by validating the wisdom of breathing new life into creative federalism. Democrats in Washington will no doubt attack Republicans for harming children, impoverishing the elderly, or wrecking the environment as they attempt to shrink Washington’s size and reach. Expanding federal power is always justified under the guise of noble protection. Governors can effectively challenge this rhetoric. Health care is just one example. Democrats in Washington will moan that efforts to repeal Obamacare are an example of austeritycrazed, politically motivated Republicans gone wild. But many statehouse leaders see through these accusations and take a different view. They believe the new health-care law is job killing and fiscally unsustainable. Repeal is a matter of budgetary and economic self-preservation, not ideology. Moreover, governors saying they just can’t afford Obamacare have a lot more credibility with voters than spendthrift Democratic congressional leaders who argue that the definition of compassion is to just spend more. This is the season to renew the spirit of federalism. The motive and the means to contract the federal Leviathan now exist. And it looks like Speaker-elect Boehner has a large number of allies in statehouses to do just that. (E-mail: Gary.Andres@dutkoworldwide.com)
COLUMN
Let’s see the secrets of China By JONATHAN GURWITZ SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
I
f you tell a secret to a close friend, there’s good reason to believe what you’ve divulged will be kept in confidence. If you tell it to a group of friends, there’s a chance it will remain within your circle. But if you tell it to a few hundred thousand people, you’d be nuts to expect it won’t gain wider circulation.
Shared info Yet that is precisely the absurd expectation that lies at the heart of the WikiLeaks fiasco. The United States has created an information-sharing network that gives at least 500,000 and as many as 3 million people around the world access to Pentagon reports and State Department cables classified as “secret” — a high level of classification — and below.
Accessing info Not some of the reports and cables, and not on a need-to-know basis. All of them, for any reason, accessible by anyone with a “secret” clearance and a connection to the net-
work. The Defense Department created the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network, or SIPRNet, in 1991. Use of the network by the Pentagon and the State Department grew tremendously after the 911 Commission identified the “stovepiping” of information — for instance, the failure of the CIA and the FBI to share information on suspected terrorists — as a key flaw that allowed the 9-11 plot to succeed.
Too much growth The unrestrained growth of SIPRNet, however, was the wrong solution to a real problem. That problem was a legal barrier that Congress erected in 1978 with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which itself was an overreaction to domestic intelligence abuses identified by the Church Committee investigation. “The ‘wall’ between criminal and intelligence investigations,” the 9-11 Commission concluded, “apparently caused agents to be less aggressive than they might otherwise have been in pursuing ... surveillance powers in counterterrorism investigations.” Instead of creating sensible pathways
through that wall, Congress under the leadership of both parties and the executive branch under both the Bush and the Obama administrations have engaged in the wholesale demolition of intelligence compartmentalization.
Blame game That is how an Army private first class was allegedly able to download 260,000 classified documents without anyone noticing. And now members of Congress and officials in the State and the Defense Departments want to blame Julian Assange or the New York Times or Amazon.com for intelligence leaks? This meets the classic definition of “chutzpah”: when a child kills his parents then begs the court for mercy on the grounds that he’s an orphan. Not to excuse Assange, who has revealed himself to be a pompous, antiAmerican provocateur masquerading as a Robin Hood of the digital age. On the WikiLeaks Web site, he chortles that the SIPRNet document dump “reveals the contradictions between the U.S.’s public persona and what it says behind closed doors —
and shows that if citizens in a democracy want their governments to reflect their wishes, they should ask to see what’s going on behind the scenes.”
Hard at work Actually, the cables do nothing of the sort. For the most part, they show American diplomats working diligently and giving valuable assessments that are completely consistent with, if somewhat more colorful than, what they say in public. They do, however, show the world’s dictators and oligarchs to be two-faced thugs. The day Assange publishes the state secrets of China or Russia or Iran, he can begin to claim to be a whistleblower for freedom. Citizens of those nations want their governments to reflect their wishes, too. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is reviewing SIPRNet security protocols and the State Department has at least temporarily disconnected from the network. Assange’s only regret might be that the CIA and the NSA resisted the rush to bare all and never completely connected in the first place. (E-mail: jgurwitz@express-news.net)
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A
A MESSAGE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF ZAPATA COUNTY FROM SHERIFF SIGI GONZALEZ, JR. Recently there has been talk that I travel quite a bit. This is partially true since there have been several times that I have been invited to testify before Congress in Washington and at the State Capitol in Austin. I also attend meetings that are beneficial to you, the taxpayers. Seldom are these meetings to my advantage but rather they are meetings in which concerns regarding Zapata County, and other counties are discussed, all to the benefits of Zapata County citizens. I have also been invited to make presentations or speeches in Texas and other states. By state law I cannot accept honorariums but ask that whoever is inviting me pay for the travel expenses. Now, to set the record straight, there is also talk that the traveling to these meetings is costing local taxpayers much money. In reality most of my travel expenses come from drug forfeiture funds and not from local taxpayer budgets. Other travel expenses come from grants that are awarded to my office, the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office. Now, it has always been known that sitting behind a desk will not get the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office much money in the form of grants. The Sheriff has to go looking for the funding since these grants will not land on my lap. Please keep in mind that I always have the good citizens in mind when I testify or inform our lawmakers. Another advantage in seeking these funding is that equipment is being purchased through grants instead of purchasing much needed equipment from local funds. I have also had the privilege of having many doors opened at the state capitol and in Washington, DC. Zapata County is known in these areas for the good people living here and for the professionalism being shown by your Zapata County Sheriff’s Office. So, as a result of some of the meetings I attend, I want to report the following to you, the taxpayers, even though I realize that this will not stop the talking by my opponents that will just not admit that we are in fact making progress. Bottom Line: Bring home the grants that are very much needed in our community. The Zapata County Sheriff’s Office, since 2003, has received a total of $9,204,121 from federal and state grants. The Zapata County Sheriff’s Office mission objectives for these grants are listed in two categories: To enhance border security by working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies on the same objectives to deter, prevent and apprehend illegal transport of narcotics and suspicious activities along the border to help maintain peace and security for the community, state and country and, To implement a statewide communications plan that will fully integrate Zapata County into the state of Texas Homeland Security strategy plan to target capabilities in planning, communication, local governmental preparedness, intelligence and information sharing, local emergency command and control coordination of emergency, man-made or natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
FUNDS RECEIVING IN THE FORM OF GRANTS: Operation Linebacker Awarded $367,500 in 2005 used to enhance border security by enhancing patrol in high crime target areas and areas with a nexus to border security and the purchasing of six (6) 2006 Ford F-150 marked pickup trucks that are still being used today for regular patrol and for enhanced operations. The vehicles were purchased at no expense to local taxpayers.
Operation Laredo Awarded $106,000 in July 2006 to enhance border security. This funding was used in a special state-wide operation with other local, state, and federal agencies.
Operation Wrangler Awarded $53,254.56 in 2007 that was used for a nine (9) day operation for border security.
Additional Linebacker Funds Awarded $249,100 and $481,017.01 in 2008 and of $214,285 in August 2009 for border security and to patrol areas with high crime rates with a nexus to border security.
Congressional and Governor’s Funding for Borderstar Operartions Awarded $814,919 in 2006 and 2007 for overtime and other operational use for border security.
Operation Stonegarden – 2008 Awarded $1,710,000 for the enhancement of border security that included the purchasing of two (2) ICX Mobile Surveillance Towers and nine (9) 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe patrol vehicles. These pieces of equipment greatly enhance surveillance techniques not only for border security but also in surveilling neighborhoods and target areas from a distance.
New Allocated Stonegarden Funds – 2009 Awarded an additional $941,801.40 that was used for the purchase of communications equipment to replace old and outdated radio equipment. A total of 72 Motorola two-way radios and 85 Motorola handheld portable radios were purchased along with 40 Panasonic Toughbook care computers that are currently on order to be used by deputies in their patrol vehicles. This will enable a patrol officer to have real time alert information with other officers and will eventually integrate with other agencies in the state of Texas with the use of a COPsync program that will also be purchased with these monies. Deputies will be able to check vehicles and individuals via their in-car computer to see if warrants are active. Eventually, license plate readers will also be installed in select patrol cars that will tell a deputy if a car is stolen or wanted for a crime without the officer even checking the car. Through the purchasing of new radio equipment the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office was able to equip 90% of emergency first responders in Zapata County (to include the fire department, county attorney’s office, and the four constable offices. This enabled Zapata County to be ahead of schedule in the region to be communications ready for the state’s interoperable emergency plan).
New Additional Funding for the 2009 Stonegarden Additional funding for the amount of $1,413,737 for the purchasing of 2 Explosive and Narcotic Detectors portable computers, 4 Ford F150 pickup trucks, 2 4X4 Ford F-350 pickup trucks, 1 Chevrolet Tahoe and 1 Chevrolet Suburban. These vehicles are being used by investigators in their investigative duties. The larger vehicles are used for patrol or transportation purposes for trainings, etc. These vehicles are also purchased without burdening the local taxpayers. This funding was also used to purchase of a TerraHawk Surveillance Tower Van and a Mobile Command Center that is currently being assembled in Columbus, Ohio, and also the activation of three Reserve Deputies that are paid through Stonegarden funds. This has increased the patrol force by one full-time and two part-time deputies. It has also resulted in more enhanced patrol in some neighborhoods in Zapata.
Texas Homeland Security/South Texas Development Council Grant Programs Awarded in 2008 the amount of $105,000 for the purchase of a Mobile Communications Suburban to enhance interoperable communications systems, not just for Zapata County but for the region in case of manmade or natural disas-
ters where local communications would be disabled. The communications vehicle has satellite communications capabilities. In 2009 the state of Texas granted Zapata County $240,897.99 for the purchase of a new 480 foot communications tower that replace the old and outdated 280 foot radio tower. This tower is located at the northern edge of Zapata. The old tower was built in 1973 and was in danger of falling. With the acquired funding the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office now has a 480 foot tower, almost double what we used to have. Again, funded at zero expense to Zapata County. This tower benefits the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, County Attorney’s Office, DPS, Game Wardens, Border Patrol, and other state and federal agencies. Additional funding from 2003 to 2006 in the amount of $445,083.32 to enhance communications capabilities by the Sheriff’s Office and other local, state, and federal emergency public safety agencies.
Cops Tech Grant $75,000 was awarded in July 2009 used for the purchase of two FLIR thermal surveillance cameras and one hand held thermal camera.
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program Awarded in 2009, $15,455 for the purchasing of three vehicle mobile radios.
Criminal Justice Progress JAG-CJD Grant Awarded in 2009 the amount of $63,106.30 for the purchase of 8 Heart Safe emergency defibrillators to equip the female and male jail facilities and for deputies on patrol to be used in cases where someone may be suffering a heart attack or their heart has stopped. The funding is to also be used to purchase of a Ford F-350 Utility Truck that will be converted into a crime scene vehicle to be used by patrol deputies and investigators at scenes of crimes, accidents, search and rescue missions and other emergencies. This vehicle, equipped with a radio, emergency lighting and equipment will have four telescopic lighting systems for the illumination at crime and accident scenes. This vehicle is currently being assembled and delivered.
Operation Borderstar Grant – (Task Force) $135,000 was awarded in 2008, 2009, and 2010, for a total of $405,000, for a three man Task Force team in Zapata County that is currently in use for narcotics investigations and apprehensions.
APPROVED BUT YET TO BE AWARDED FUNDING FOR THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE IN 2010. Stonegarden 2010
funding for a total amount of $1,129,698 to be used in the purchasing of mobile and portable radios, patrol vehicles, surveillance equipment and other items needed to maintain the same objectives of deterring, preventing and apprehending of suspicious activities for homeland security.
ARRA Borderstar 2010 Grant funding of $300,000 to be used for overtime and the purchase of two patrol Tahoe vehicles and a thermal camera for surveillance. Homeland Security Grant Program funding in the amount of $73,267 in 2010 for upgrading and purchasing of communication equipment for the Regional Interoperable Communications Plan. A plan designed to work with the state and the South Texas Development Council (STDC) of integrating the region that includes the counties of Jim Hogg, Webb, Starr and Zapata, into one communications link for local, state and federal disasters.
So far in 2010, the Zapata County Sheriff ’s Office has seized 13,883 pounds of marihuana with an estimated street value of $7,000,000 and 49 vehicles have been seized from drug traffickers and human smugglers. The Zapata County Sheriff ’s Office is committed to People Helping People. These are PROVEN RESULTS-NOT PROMISES.
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Zentertainment
COMING UP PILLAR hosts Hair Cut-A-Thon at MDN With a $10 donation, you can get a hair cut and help a good cause: the PILLAR Hair Cut-A-Thon at Mall del Norte. PILLAR, which stands for People with Ideas, Love, Liberty, Acceptance and Respect, is hosting the fundraiser on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., next to Dillard’s department store. Styling hair will be participating salons such as New Visions Beauty Salon, Regis Hair Salon, Roel’s Images, Steel Magnolia’s Unisex Salon, Trade Secret, Gina Tovar, Luz Hair Salon, Cristelle’s Hair Design, Ismael Inclan and TDK Premium Streetwear & Barber Shop. PILLAR is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteer mental-health providers, business and community leaders, nurses, attorneys, clergy, and youth — all lending their efforts to create a resource center aimed at addressing and improving the lives of people, namely youth. For more information, cal 2206100 or 337-2881.
Farmers Market set for next Saturday El Centro de Laredo will host its December Farmers Market on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. Held every third Saturday of the month, the market provides a small-town atmosphere that allows people to visit with friends, neighbors and family members, swapping recipes, telling stories and sharing the fruits of labor. Different than a typical market, El Centro de Laredo is home to local growers, gardeners and bakers who have unique products for sale. The relaxed community event will be held in one of Laredo’s beautiful parks, Jarvis Plaza. For more information, email lmsoffice@att.net or call 286-0642.
Animal Posada at St. Peter’s Plaza The Gateway Gatos of Laredo, St. Peter’s Church, the Laredo Animal Protective Society, St. Joseph’s Church Youth Group, Divine Mercy’s Church Youth Group and The Greens of Guadalupe are having a Christmas Animal Posada at St. Peter’s Plaza. The event, which encourages participants to dress up as animals, or to wear animal masks, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 4 p.m. Organizers also invite everyone to take their pets on a leash or a harness or in a cage. The Laredo Animal Protective Society will have cats and dogs available for adoption. The location will be the plaza, at the intersection of Matamoros Street and Main Avenue. For more information, call Birdie Torres at 2867866.
Dance battle postponed till January The dance-off scheduled for this weekend at the Laredo Civic Center has been moved to Saturday, Jan. 29, due to elections. The Civic Center is a polling site, prompting the change. The judging will be based on style, originality, coordination and stage presence and will be open to Top 40 and hip-hop music. Each team will have 3 minutes or less for its routine. Doors open at 10 a.m. For more information, call 744-5274, or go to twitter.com/globalbm. — The Zapata Times
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ continues at LLT SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The Laredo Little Theatre, in conjunction with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois presents its Christmas production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” by Philip Grecian, at Laredo Little Theater, 4802 Thomas Ave. The play started Friday night, but additional showtimes are tonight at 8 p.m., and a matinee on Sunday at 3 p.m. Directed by Lisa King, the play is based on the film by Frank Capra. The presentation of the play will be unique, and a first for Laredo, as it will be produced on stage as a radio drama, an entertainment form which has been dead for 50 years, according to the Balance Publishing Company. Radio drama is the medium by which the public was entertained before the advent of television. The actors in radio drama had at their disposal only their voices to convey the story or to allow their audience to “see” the characters they were playing. Today’s actors have it slightly easier, with movement, props, lights, sound and costumes as visual aides. When the audience walks into the Laredo Little Theatre, they will see a radio station of the 1940’s on stage — complete with microphones and sound booth. The cast includes Alex Lopez as George, Elisabeth (Elle) King as Mary, Gerardo Cantu as Clarence, Aira Greco as Gabrielle, Edward King as Mr. Potter, Mara Lopez as
Photos by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times
Part of the cast of “It’s a Wonderful Life” rehearses at the Laredo Little Theatre Wednesday afternoon. The play will be performed at the venue this weekend, beginning tonight at 8 p.m. Mrs. Bailey, Carlos Alvarez as Mr. Gower, Coqui Alvarez as young George, John Roman Galo as young Harry, Bianca Martinez as young Violet, Maya Vela-Cuellar as Zuzu, Jade King as young Mary, and Andria Zuñiga as Mrs. Hatch. The cast also includes Silke Gage, Marisol Suarez, Lauren Kazen, Katelyn Kahn, Ray Cortez, Polo Garcia, Linda Treviño, Andrea Lozano, Juan Ramirez, Fernando Castillo, Rebeca Rodriguez,
Mariana Salido, Sebastian Luna, Nicolas Pena, Paulita Rios, Eduardo (Wayo) Alvarez, Michael Kazen, Analise Zuñiga, Silke Gonzalez, Nina Vela-Cuellar, Monica Gutierrez and Carolina Garcia. Maria Eugenia Lopez is assistant director and Albert Guajardo is on board as consultant and will handle sound effects. The cast will be costumed in ’40s attire. The public is invited to go take
a trip to the past and witness George Bailey’s awareness of his truly wonderful life. Admission is $5. In the spirit of the Christmas season, the Laredo Little Theatre invites theatergoers to bring non-perishable food items which will be collected for the South Texas Food Bank to help make someone else’s life “wonderful.” For more information, call the LLT at 723-1342.
Harlem Globetrotters returning to arena SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
PHOENIX — The Harlem Globetrotters, who have contributed more innovations to the game of basketball than any other team in history, have implemented the first-ever 4point shot as part of all of its games on the team’s 2011 “4 Times the Fun” North American tour, the team’s record 85th season of touring. This game-changing in-
novation will be on display in Laredo, when the Globetrotters take on the Washington Generals at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at Laredo Energy Arena. “The Globetrotters have been at the forefront of basketball’s evolution throughout the sport’s history,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “From the alley-oop to the slam dunk to the behind-the-back pass, the Globetrotters have long
brought innovations to basketball that are now staples of the game, and we’re confident the 4point shot will change the game of basketball going forward.” Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their
iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experiences. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of
Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans for more than eight decades. Tickets start at $23.75 and are on sale at www.harlemglobetrotters.com and the Laredo Energy Arena box office.
SÁBADO 11 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2010
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PÁGINA 7A
Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 11 DE DICIEMBRE Texas A&M International University presenta las Ceremonias de Graduación de Otoño hoy a las 10 a.m. para alumnos egresando de la A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business; a las 2 p.m. para egresados del College of Education y el College of Nursing and Health Sciences; y, a las 6 p.m. para alumnos graduando del College of Arts and Sciences. Todos los eventos son en el Gimnasio del Edificio de Kinesiology and Convocation de TAMIU. La Iniciativa Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) encabezará un “Holiday Fitness Festival” de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m. en North Central Park (10202 International Blvd.). Habrá actividades como frisbee golf, clases de spinning, campamentos de soccer y béisbol, yoga, ‘punt, pass and kick’, porristas y danza. El Club de maestros de TAMIU explorará “Lectura” durante el “Saturday Story Hour” en la Biblioteca Pública de Laredo (1120 E. Calton Road) de 2 p.m. a 3 p.m. Es para niños de 3 a 8 años de edad, acompañados de un adulto. Veteranos Ayudando Veteranos tendrán una reunión de grupo en el aula 126 del Western Hemispheric Trade Center de TAMIU, a las 2:30 p.m. de hoy. La reunión es confidencial y exclusiva para veteranos militares. Habrá otra reunión el 18 de diciembre. NUEVO LAREDO — Hoy es el 2do Maratón de Pastorelas a las 6 p.m. en el Teatro Lucio Blanco de la Casa de la Cultura.
DOMINGO 12 DE DICIEMBRE Dunamis Ministries invita a su evento anual “Ven por un jueguete” hoy a partir de las 2 p.m. en la Laredo Energy Arena. Se presentará la obra “Aventura en el Espacio”. Entrada gratuita. La Orquesta Filarmónica de Laredo presente “Tis An LPO Season to Celebrate the Holidays” de 3 p.m. a 6 p.m. en las casas de Ray Keck, Mr. y Mrs. Javier de Anda, Peggy Newman, y Mr. y Mrs. Juan B. Carranza.
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
El Secretario de Gobernación José Francisco Blake Mora, el Gobernador de Tamaulipas Eugenio Hernández Flores y el Presidente Municipal de Ciudad Mier José Iván Mancias Hinojosa, encabezaron una reunión donde detallaron los planes para rescatar Ciudad Mier.
Prometen rescatar Cd. Mier POR MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
El gobierno estatal y federal prometieron rescatar a Ciudad Mier utilizando programas económicos a fondo perdido para negocios, un programa de empleo temporal y con la reactivación de la producción del campo. El martes, durante una visita al conocido como ‘Pueblo Mágico’, el Secretario de Gobernación José Francisco Blake Mora, dijo que el combate a la criminalidad no ha cesado y que “el gobierno mantendrá su liderazgo y continuará con el control de los territorios nacionales de frontera a frontera”. Prometió que se continuará actuando para que prevalezca la ley y justicia, “porque no van a permitir de ninguna manera que los
criminales se desplacen en impunidad”. Dijo que buscarán sin descanso la tranquilidad y seguridad en las regiones. “Allí estaremos donde mayormente se ha expresado la violencia”, dijo Blake. Pero aunque las noticias suenen alentadoras, un grupo de cien familias criticaron al gobierno federal porque, aseguran, se sintieron abandonados. “Nos dejaron solos a manos de los criminales”, dijo una persona. “Los soldados jamás viajaron a esta ciudad. Las balaceras eran continuas, solamente nos persignábamos y nos ocultábamos en casa”. Los manifestantes también sostuvieron que muchas familias aún viven en Laredo, Roma, del lado americano; y en Miguel Alemán.
Sesión de evaluación En el marco de reunión del Grupo Coordinador Operativo de Tamaulipas y el Grupo Coordinador Central, Blake junto con el Gobernador de Tamaulipas Eugenio Hernández Flores y el Presidente Municipal de Ciudad Mier, José Iván Mancias Hinojosa, revisaron las estrategias que sobresaldrán para regresarle la vida a esta comunidad. Por un lado se anunció que se trabajará con SAGARPA para motivar al sector primario, que refiere a la producción del campo, después que los ranchos regionlaes fueron abandonados debido a la inseguridad. También rescatarán los pozos de PEMEX para su asignación a la paraestatal y ayudar a fortalecer con mayor dinamismo la actividad económica de Mier y
de otros municipios de la frontera Chica. Se estima que PEMEX genera empleo para alrededor de 400 personas. “Nos preocupa el tema de la inseguridad en nuestro estado”, dijo Hernández a la vez que reconoció la labor de Gobernación, el Ejército, la Armada de México y la Policía Federal. Hernández aseguró que la criminalidad se ha replegado y algunas comunidades ya regresaron a sus actividades. Mancias Hinojosa refrendó al gobernador y al Secretario Blake su agradecimiento por regresar a la vida a los habitantes, porque ahora ven mayor patrullaje.
Aplicación de programas Hernández dijo que con
la presencia constante de las autoridades se permitirá que la ciudad esté tranquila. “Nos da aliciente para seguir trabajando y crearemos empleos”, dijo él. Acerca de personas desaparecidas, Blake dijo que se trabaja con la Procuraduría General de la República en los casos denunciados. “Seguramente serán atendidos con la atingencia que sea necesaria para poder tener los datos, y las pistas y la información para poder lograr encontrar esa infromación”, dijo Blake. Dijo que se trabaja bajo un esfuerzo común para restablecer el orden constitucional y buscar en los espacios de paz, tranquilidad, que son de los ciudadanos. (Localice a Miguel Timoshenkov en el 728-2583 ó en mramirez@lmtonline.com)
LUNES 13 DE DICIEMBRE NUEVO LAREDO — El Taller de Arte Renacimiento A.C. y Fundación Sergio Peña presentan “México, su historia y esplendor. Centenario y Bicentenario”, un programa de lecturas, historia, música, bailes y sorpresas a las 7 p.m. en el Teatro Principal del Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo. Evento gratuito abierto al público en general.
SÁBADO 18 DE DICIEMBRE Hoy es el 7mo. Torneo de Voliból “Spike for Tikes” de 10 a.m. a 3 p.m. en el Centro de Recreación Northeast Hillside (320 Wyoming). La entrada es un juguete de 10 dólares, más comida enlatada, más 5 dólares por participante. Los juguetes serán donados a niños en la comunidad y las latas al Banco de Alimentos del Sur de Texas. Veteranos Ayudando Veteranos tendrán una reunión de grupo en el aula 126 del Western Hemispheric Trade Center de TAMIU, a las 2:30 p.m. de hoy. La reunión es confidencial y exclusiva para veteranos militares.
MIÉRCOLES 29 DE DICIEMBRE El Show Mágico de Mickey tendrá dos presentaciones el día de hoy en la Laredo Energy Arena, a la 1 p.m. y las 4 p.m. Adquiera su boleto en Ticketmaster y la taquilla del LAE.
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Nuevo Laredo
Con una gran inversión estatal mas de 4 mil embarcaciones integran la flota camaronera en la zona lagunaria son operadas por 30 organizaciones pesqueras que reciben apoyo para rehabilitación y equipamiento.
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
El Gobernador de Tamaulipas, Eugenio Hernández Flores, rindió su sexto y ultimo informe de actividades desde Ciudad Victoria Tamaulipas el miércoles. El Gobernador habló de varios temas, pero enfatizó la seguridad sobre los demás.
Mejoran industria Gobernador ha ofrecido camaronera su último informe ESPECIAL TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
CIUDAD VICTORIA — Se han modernizado y equipado más de 200 embarcaciones camaroneras, lo que ha permitido consolidar a Tamaulipas como uno de los principales productores de camarón a nivel nacional. Las embarcaciones, que hoy conforman la flota mejor equipada del Golfo de México, fueron dotadas de tecnología de punta, que consta de equipos de navegación satelital, GPS y radares, que permiten hacer más eficiente y seguro el trabajo en altamar. Gracias al esfuerzo conjunto de productores y Gobierno del Estado, Tamaulipas registra una producción anual de más de 15 mil toneladas de camarón, lo que lo convierte en el tercer productor de este crustáceo a nivel nacional. El 50% de la producción en el Golfo de México, pertenece a la entidad.
"Desde un principio", aseguró Víctor de León Orti, Secretario de Desarrollo Rural (de quien depende la Dirección de Pesca y Acuacultura), "la instrucción del Gobernador Eugenio Hernández fue trabajar para contar con la mejor flota camaronera del país y duplicar la producción". La modernización de la flota camaronera ha beneficiado a más de 5 mil familias, entre pescadores, marineros, despicadoras y empacadoras, quienes basan su economía en esta actividad. Simultáneamente, el Gobierno del Estado en coordinación con la federación, ha impulsado la instalación de granjas acuícolas, en donde se producen más de mil 870 toneladas de camarón y otras especies anualmente con elevados estándares de sanidad. Además cuenta con 45 unidades de producción y 57 unidades de procesamiento.
TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Al rendir su sexto y último informe de actividades, el Gobernador de Tamaulipas Eugenio Hernández Flores aceptó que tuvo retos pero igualmente aseguró que deja un estado “competitivo, moderno y justo”. Durante el punto de seguridad, enfatizó que Tamaulipas fue el primer estado en modernizar totalmente la red de telecomunicaciones policiales y los primeros también en migrar hacia el sistema de mando único de información criminal de Plataforma México. Dio la bienvenida al Operativo Noreste, que con apoyo del Ejército, La Marina y Fuerzas Federales a través del Grupo de Coordinación Interinstitucional, refuerzan su presencia en el estado y renuevan nuestra esperanza de revertir el flagelo de la violencia. Añadió que desde hace dos años, se encauzaron los esfuerzos al cumplimiento puntual del Acuerdo Nacional por la Seguridad, la Justicia y la Legalidad, en el que se asumieron 15 compromisos que se manifestaron, entre otros avances, en el for-
talecimiento del Programa Escuela Segura, en la implementación de un programa para repatriados, en trabajo de prevención y atención de las adicciones y en la construcción de 46 Tamules. Ante invitados reunidos en el Polyforum de Victoria, destacó otros aspectos como la educación donde dijo que el promedio de escolaridad básica subió del 8.6 al 9.1 y que en el nivel superior se lograron abrir nuevas universidades como el Tec Milenio en Matamoros y Nuevo Laredo, y nuevas unidades académicas en los Tecnológicos de Matamoros y Reynosa. Habló también de cultura, deportes, desarrollo social y salud. En éste último renglón destacó “la construcción del primer hospital regional de alta especialidad, el nuevo hospital materno infantil de Reynosa, el hospital general de El Mante y los de Río Bravo, Valle Hermoso, Miguel Alemán y de Altamira, lo que se une a la ampliación y modernización de los hospitales generales de Victoria, Matamoros, San Fernando, Nuevo Laredo y el hospital infantil de Tamaulipas”.
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
HANGING ON FOR A 94
Church fire suspects to plead guilty ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Duane Prokop/Las Vegas Review-Journal | AP
Bull rider J.W. Harris from Mullin, Texas, hangs on a for a score of 94.5, the only 90 plus point ride of the night, winning round 7 of the 2010 Wranglers National Finals Rodeo on Friday at the Thomas and Mack Center, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kids raise funds for trips By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Students at Fidel and Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary will celebrate a Noche de Fiesta jamaica before they break for Christmas. The fiesta will raise funds for class trips and for buying Christmas gifts for needy children. “We’re inviting the community to join Villarreal Elementary (at) our Noche de Fiesta jamaica to promote family involvement,” said Principal Carmen Zavala. “We hope to see the community out there because it’s for a good cause.”
The Noche de Fiesta jamaica will be taking place at the Zapata County Pavilion on Tuesday, Dec. 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. free of admission. All grade levels, including kindergarten through fifth, will be sponsoring food and game booths. Third grade classes take a major field trip to Sea World and the proceeds will help with the expense parents have to make, Zavala added. “There’s going to be lots of food, fajita tacos, sausage wraps, nachos, hot dogs, baked goods, popcorn, all sorts of holiday treats,” Za-
vala said. “Games include loteria, cupcake walk, moon walk, ring toss, Guitar Hero, and a coloring contest.” Additional entertainment will be provided by the kinder classes and the Zapata Middle School Mariachi Juvenile Halcon Band, Zavala said. The kinder classes will be singing and dancing to Christmas songs, Zavala added. Children will also be able to take their pictures with Santa for $2 each, Zavala said. (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)
District to consider drivers’ jobs By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Zapata County Independent School District will be deliberating or taking action on the reinstatement of four bus driver positions, a new position for Special Education instructional assistant, and other contracts
or proposals in the next regular meeting Tuesday. Other items needing board approval are the Special Education contracted consulting service and a renovation proposal for the Professional Development Center. The PDC is the building where all board, staff, and committee meet-
ings are held. Also at the meeting, the Zapata High School JROTC and Future Farmers of America will be giving special presentations. ZCISD board meeting will take place on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. at the Professional Development Center, 600 W. 17th Ave.
TYLER, Texas — Two men indicted in a string of arson fires set at churches in East Texas have said they will plead guilty next week. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reported Friday that 20-year-old Jason Bourque and 22-year-old Daniel George McAllister waived their right to a jury trial during a hearing in Tyler on Thursday. They say they will plead guilty at a plea hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10. Bourque was indicted on five counts of arson and three counts of attempted arson. McAllister
was indicted on two counts of arson and two counts of attempted arson. It is unclear if the men plan to plead guilty to all of the charges. McAllister’s attorney Brent Ratekin told The Associated Press a judge’s gag order prohibits him from commenting. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reported Friday that Bourque’s mother hopes people have compassion for her son. She describes him as a "good Christian young man" who has much to offer. "I feel like we do (a) wrong thing and sin every day and we ask God for forgiveness," Kimberly Bourque said. Bourque and McAllister
remain in the Smith County jail on bonds of $10 million apiece and face up to life in prison if convicted on all charges. They were arrested in February. The men were charged in one fire and suspected of setting up to nine others. Nobody was injured in the blazes. Two churches were burned down on New Year’s Day in Athens and Van Zandt County. Over the next six weeks, two more churches in Athens, five in Smith County and another in Wills Point burned before the men were arrested. Investigators used videotapes and shoe prints to help them link Bourque and McAllister to the fires.
THE BLOTTER CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Deputies responded to a criminal mischief call at 11:17 p.m. Dec. 4 in the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Fresno Street. A man told deputies he saw someone he knows slashing a rear tire of his pickup. A woman told deputies at 9:42 a.m. Dec. 5 in the 400 block of Falcon Shore Drive that a person she knows broke the back window of her vehicle while it was parked in the driveway in the 400 block of Falcon Shore Drive.
FIGHT A fight was reported between two men at 4:53 p.m. Monday in the 400 block of Miraflores Street. Deputies say the alleged offenders used a steel pipe and several rocks as weapons. The Zapata
County Sheriff’s Department is looking into the case.
to look at her house.
TERRORISTIC THREAT POSSESSION
STALKING
Deputies responded to a call at 7:20 p.m. Dec. 2 at the corner of Seventh Street and Hidalgo Boulevard. The complainant told deputies she wanted to file a terroristic threat report against a person she knows. A woman reported at 10:47 a.m. Dec. 5 in the 2200 block of Brazos Street that three people she knows passed by her residence and threatened her and her son.
A woman called deputies at 5:07 p.m. Dec. 5 in the 5100 block of Laredo Lane. She told authorities she had been bothered by a person she knows with text messages. The complainant also told deputies the alleged offender would park outside her residence
Deputies responded to a theft call at 11:40 p.m. Dec. 5 in the 2100 block of Sunset Drive. A woman told deputies that someone stole her dog.
Ruben Villarreal was arrested after reports of suspicious activity at 4:30 a.m. Dec. 4 in the intersection of North Siesta and Mission lanes. Villarreal was charged with possession of a controlled substance and was taken to Zapata Regional Jail.
THEFT
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A
Eusebia Flores Villarreal ZAPATA — Eusebia Flores Villarreal, born Dec. 15, 1911, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, at the age of 98, 14 days before her 99th birthday. She is preceded in death by her husband, Casimiro Villarreal; two daughters, Lina and Josefina Villarreal; two grandsons, Ruben Villarreal and Abel Angel Villarreal; her parents, Daniel and Lucinda Flores; brothers, Manuel and Andres Flores; and two sisters, Felicidad and Natividad Bustamante.
She is survived by her sons, Jose H. (Alicia) Vil-
Dora Alicia Aleman ZAPATA — Dora Alicia Aleman, 46, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, at Laredo Specialty Hospital. Mrs. Aleman is preceded in death by her father, Felix Benavides; father-inlaw, Ruben A. Aleman; and sister-in-law, Ana Alicia Aleman de Barrera. Mrs. Aleman is survived by her husband, Luis Felipe Aleman; son, Luis Felipe Aleman Jr.; mother, Ana Maria Benavides; sister, Myrna Castañon; brothers, Felix (Siomara) Benavides and Claudio Benavides; mother-in-law, Maria Del Carmen Gonzalez de Aleman; brothers-in-law, Ruben (Tere) Aleman, Julio C. Aleman, Aldo Alberto Aleman and Joel Barrera; sisters-in-law, Rosa Martha (Juan Francisco) Ramirez, Maria Del Carmen (Ariel) Hernandez and Norma Angelica Aleman; and by numerous nephews, nieces and friends. Visitation hours were held Thursday, Dec. 2,
2010, from 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. A funeral mass was held Friday, Dec. 3, 2010, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 Highway 83 Zapata, Texas.
Juliana M. Barrera ZAPATA — Juliana M. Barrera, 86, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, at Laredo Specialty Hospital. Mrs. Barrera is preceded in death by her parents, Eusebio (Manuela) Mendiola; granddaughter, Yolanda Renee Elizalde; brothers, Toribio Mendiola, Martin Mendiola and Jesus Mendiola; and sisters, Juanita Alva, Lucia Moralez, Angela Garcia and Maria Lucia Mondoca. Mrs. Barrera is survived by her husband, Proceso Barrera Jr.; sons, Proceso Barrera III and Omar Barrera; daughters, Hilda Barrera and Nora (Jesse) Garcia; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Jose G. Mendiola, Higinio Mendiola and Lilia Reyna; and by other family members and friends. Visitation hours were held Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose
Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession departed Wednesday, Dec.8, 2010, 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. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata, Texas.
larreal, Rolando (Mercedes) Villarreal, Roel (Esther) Villarreal and Rodolfo (Diana) Villarreal; daughter-inlaw, Margarita Villarreal; 14 grandchildren; 35 greatgrandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren; and by numerous other relatives and friends. Pallbearers were: Jose H. Villarreal Jr., Rolando A. Villarreal Jr., Ricardo Villarreal, Raul Villarreal, Roel Villarreal Jr. and Luis Daniel Villarreal. Visitation hours were held Friday, Dec. 3, 2010,
from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a rosary at 2 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was held at 3:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 Highway 83 Zapata, Texas.
Kayla Aaralyn Martinez ZAPATA — Baby Kayla Aaralyn Martinez passed away Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, at Doctors Hospital in Laredo, Texas. Baby Kayla is survived by her mother, Rut Martinez; maternal grandparents, Rosevelt (Maria Del Carmen) Martinez; aunt, Alejandra (Obed) Ibarra; uncle, Rosevelt Junior (Perla Garza) Martinez; cousins, Obed Ibarra Jr., Gisselle Ibarra, Kassandra Ibarra, Roselyn Martinez and Carolina Martinez; and by other relatives and friends. Visitation hours were held Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, at 2 p.m. with a chapel service at 3:30 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. Committal services followed at Zapata County
Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 Highway 83 Zapata, Texas.
Pension fund bonuses upset retired teachers ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUSTIN — The investment team that achieved a nearly 13 percent return for the pension system benefiting Texas teachers will share $9.7 million in performance bonuses. The $104 billion Teacher Retirement System of Texas turned in the best one-year performance among the nation’s largest public pension funds as of Sept. 30, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The fund had a 12.6 percent one-year return, according to figures released Thursday by the pension system. Chief Investment Officer Britt Harris will receive a $444,553 bonus on top of his $480,000 base salary. Harris also will get another $343,515 based on the fund’s 2009 performance. Payment of that bonus was deferred until the fund turned in a positive annual return. The bonuses are part of a performance incentive program established in 2006. Between 2008 and 2010, the investment team gen-
erated $2.3 billion more than benchmarks for the incentives. The bonuses are “going to sting” for retired teachers who have not received an increase in their monthly checks in the past 10 years, said Tim Lee, executive director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association. Texas law says no additional benefits can be given to retirees unless the trust fund is fully funded, and it still has only 83 cents for every dollar needed to meet long-term obligations made to the system’s 1.3 million active and retired public school employees. Lee said he would like the 2011 Legislature to find a way to get retirees a benefit increase, but that would require the state to increase its contribution by more than $500 million. Texas lawmakers are trying to cut spending to deal with a projected budget shortfall topping $20 billion. On Tuesday, leaders asked state agencies to plan for additional cuts of 2.5 percent.
STATUS Continued from Page 1A Mexican nationals. “We continue to work with our Mexican partners to ensure the safety and security of communities on both sides of the border,” Chandler said. Mark Krikorian, executive director for the Center for Immigration Studies, an organization based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for stricter immigration controls, called the idea of TPS for Mexicans in the U.S. a “nightmare scenario.” “People have talked about it, the activist types, but I don’t see that happening,” he said. “Honestly, if the president actually did that, a sweeping TPS for Mexicans, I could see articles of impeachment being offered. That would be so beyond the pale that I just don’t see any way that can happen.” About 6.65 million illegal immigrants from Mexico live in the U.S., according to the most recent estimate from DHS in January 2009. It’s impossible to know how many would qualify for TPS. Temporary protected status gives people the opportunity to live and work legally here but offers no path toward a green card or citizenship. The U.S. government granted TPS to Salvadorans after two massive earthquakes in 2001 killed 1,200 people. After Hurricane Mitch in 1998, Nicaraguans and Hondurans were also offered the special status. In January, Napolitano granted Haitians TPS in response to the earthquakes there. Isaias Torres, a Houston immigra-
About 6.65 million illegal immigrants from Mexico live in the U.S., according to the most recent estimate from DHS in January 2009. tion attorney, said Congress allows the DHS secretary to grant TPS when an “armed conflict” in a country endangers deportees. Supporters of the idea of granting TPS to Mexicans say it would offer much-needed protection to people who have fled violence south of the border, but do not have viable asylum cases, which typically require that applicants face persecution in their home countries for specific reasons such as their race, religion or membership in a particular social group. During the past two years, immigration judges denied more than 85 percent of requests of the 1,145 asylum petitions filed by Mexicans in U.S. immigration courts, according to government data analyzed by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. “My colleagues and I have heard stories from people that would make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, chilling things, stories of people who have witnessed people being assassinated and executed in very, very gruesome ways,” said Elizabeth Mendoza Macias, a Houston immigration attorney. “But that doesn’t necessarily mean they would have an asylum claim. And other than asy-
lum, there isn’t per se anything they can apply for based strictly on fear of returning to Mexico.” Israel Martinez, a 29-year-old dentist from Tancitaro, Michoacan, and his wife, Dulce Carolina Lopez, came to Houston recently on tourist visas and say they are afraid to return home when their permits expire in February. After consulting with immigration attorneys in Houston, Martinez said he was told they did not have an asylum case, despite witnessing gunfights and kidnappings and watching as their small town slipped into the control of cartels that ran off the municipal government and police force. “Nothing happened to me personally, directly,” he said. “But I’ve seen and heard these things. I was afraid; little by little, they were taking more territory and people were being killed, and we didn’t understand why. We didn’t want to wait for something to happen.” Even supporters of the idea said they do not expect the U.S. government to grant TPS to Mexicans any time soon. “It will be a long fight for this,” Ibarra said. “It might take a few years, but we will keep fighting.”
10A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
COMMISSIONERS Continued from Page 1A
Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times
Visitors to San Ygnacio got to meet and hear about the historic home of Adrian Martinez during last Sunday’s Christmas House Tour.
CHRISTMAS Continued from Page 1A Park in front of US 83 for the parade to pass by. As the parade passed in front of them they cheered and called out to familiar faces. This year the parade had approximately 25 entries, including Border Patrol, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Zapata High School Band, ZHS Future Farmers of America, ZHS JROTC. AARP and veteran organizations also joined in. After the parade filled with Christmas-themed floats reached the Zapata County Courthouse, the community surrounded the county Christmas tree and waited as County Commissioner Jose E. Vela, County Commissioner Eddie Martinez, and County Judge-elect Joe Rathmell flipped the switch to light the tree’s lights. The Christmas tree, approximately 25 feet tall, is nicely decorated with shiny red and gold ribbon, clear Christmas lights that lit up the plaza, and topped
with a large gold star. “It’s very beautiful and I hope this keeps going for many years to come,” Vela said. After the lighting of the tree people stared in awe, sipping on hot cocoa and mingling with their families and friends. Some people took pictures of the nicely lit tree, while others stood in front of it while others took pictures of them. This tradition was sadly terminated a few years back, Mendoza said. “This had been going on for quite a long time. I remember it going on when I was a kid,” Mendoza said. “Then for a while it was let go.” The Zapata County News formerly sponsored the event before the Chamber of Commerce took over last year, Mendoza added. “It’s very hard for a private business to control, so we decided to take on the responsibility,” Mendoza
said. “We’ve been improving it every year, and I’m very satisfied with the results,” Mendoza said. “There are always a lot of people from the community that come out,” Mendoza added. The main reason for the celebration was to gather the community children and hand them early Christmas gifts donated by local businesses and other community members, Mendoza said. “We had a lot of gifts and generous donations from the businesses and other individuals so Santa could give to the kids,” Mendoza said. “Most kids won’t get as many toys as they would like because times are hard right now with the economic situation. “Many families are struggling, so we do this event to help those families,” Mendoza added. (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)
ZCISD Continued from Page 1A first day of school.” Texas Education Agency visited ZCISD last year and noticed handicap accessibility has not been completed throughout the district, Garcia said. An official Facilities Committee meeting will be held soon to discuss the TEA requirements, she said.
Curriculum items Next on the agenda were three different items regarding the 2011 curriculum. The first of the three was DPDMC Chair Olinda Flores announcing the 2009-2010 ZCISD and campus Gold Performance Acknowledgements. “Every school was recognized and we’re very proud,” Flores said. Zapata High School was recognized for graduating more than 85 percent of its students in the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Plan, she said. Zapata Middle School and Zapata South Elementary were recognized for comparable improvement in mathematics, Flores said. A. L. Benavides Elementary and Fidel and Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary
were recognized for comparable improvement in reading, Flores said. Benavides, Zapata South and Fidel and Villarreal received commended performance in science, Flores said. “This is the highest achievement the kids can get,” Flores said. A course called eInstruction Simple Solutions Real Results, a technology initiative by coordinator of science and technology instruction Connie Gray, was on the agenda. Gray introduced a demo of the new response system for teachers to use with their students in the classroom. “This is a totally different generation coming along what I like to call the video game generation,” Gray said. “We need to get on the bandwagon and get them what they want.” The demo included a tablet also known as the Interwrite Mobi and a clicker for 25 to 30 students with a USB connection. Each set is estimated to cost from $2,000 to $2,500, Gray said. In a video clip, Gray showed the committee the Interwrite Mobi tablet functionality. “It allows for instant feedback,” Gray said. The tablet also allows for multiuser activities and
students can only write on their own tablets and are unable to mess with others’ responses, Gray added. The committee agreed the system is necessary in every classroom and distribution will be discussed in the future. Initially, principals and librarians will be responsible for the systems on their campuses, Gray said. Teachers will have to check the systems out from the librarian, Gray said. Gray also discussed Proclamation 2011 Textbook Adoptions, the next item in the agenda. The district will be adopting textbooks for pre-k systems, handwriting, spelling, English, Spanish, English as a Second Language, and speech for different grade levels and teachers. For the last item in the agenda, Garcia had all teachers present representing their campus highlight and update the staff development plan schedule. “This is to see what has been done and needs to be done,” Garcia said. (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)
flaged by the grassy hill top could also fool drivers unaware of the roof design and in case of an accident the roof is not prepared to take on the weight of a normal-sized vehicle, much less an 18-wheeler, Brown said. Brown foresees a major disaster if the violations are not addressed as soon as possible, especially since the AEC is scheduled to open soon and will be filled with students, he said. “This is the most wonderful opportunity for Zapata to bring higher education and vocational education to the community and that could really cause a problem,” Brown said. The building is still under warranty and the architect is legally obligated to make the building safe, Brown said. “I’m going to make sure that we have a safe, functional, and fully operational learning center for the people of Zapata County,” Brown said. “There will be no compromises; safety will always come first and we’re moving forward with all fronts, but safety concerns are a priority.” Also needing court approval are several requirements for the Waste Water Treatment Plant project and the Las Palmas project, two major projects in Zapata County. Both projects are moving along, but both still lack a few requirements, including bond counsel, said Mario Gonzalez-Davis, Zapata County Projects Coordinator. Items 24 through 31 on the agenda include the approval of a bond counsel, bond counsel ordinance, signature for rights of way, and farm land/flood plain resolutions for both projects. “We need to hire a bond counsel, the legal person to issue bonds,” Gonzalez-Davis said.
All items are requirements of both projects, including reports sent by the project engineer confirming the need of rights of way that will need to be signed by the court, Gonzalez-Davis said. “We were told by the engineer that Las Palmas requires some rights of way, but the Waste Water Treatment Plant doesn’t. “The engineer also certified both projects are not being done on farm land or wet land,” Gonzalez-Davis said. Las Palmas project consists of connecting the community of Las Palmas to the main wastewater system in Zapata County, Gonzalez-Davis said. The Waste Water Treatment Plant project is a $6.4 million project to meet new service needs due to newer developments in the county, Gonzalez-Davis said. “The past few years we’ve been adding different developments and the treatment plant needs more capacity, so we’re upgrading it to handle what is coming in now and what the future will bring,” Gonzalez-Davis said. “It has a 20-year growth plan, so when we are finished it should be good for another 20 years.” In other business, Precinct 1 Commissioner Jose E. Vela has requested an update from Linebarger, Goggan, Blair and Sampson, LLP, the company hired to collect more than $2 million worth of delinquent fines and fees. Vela had requested an official progress report from the company in the last Commissioners Court meeting, but the company did not make one. The progress report is expected to be heard in the next Commissioners Court meeting, Vela said. “They are going to tell us how much we have to collect,” Vela said. Vela has also suggested
increasing the amount on delinquent fines and fees owed, he said. Also at the meeting, Vela, recently faced with a pollution violation in his precinct, has requested a report by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to be discussed in executive session. “We want to hear from the wastewater or sewer plant departments to see what they are doing to alleviate the problem,” Vela said. “We want to know what the protocol is if there is another leak or spill in the lift stations.” “We don’t want any more spills and we’re trying to avoid any more spills,” Vela added. Commissioners will be hearing possible solutions from Premier Engineering director Manuel Gonzalez to prevent future problems, Vela said. Other resolutions and proclamations include prohibiting aerial fireworks in Zapata County. “We do have an ordinance in the county to eliminate all aerial fireworks,” said Fire Chief Juan Jose Meza. “If you can shoot it up in the air and any part of it comes back down it is illegal, which includes bottle rockets.” The ordinance will be mentioned at the meeting to warn the public for the upcoming holidays, Meza said. “Kids can be handed sparklers but with any fireworks there should be parental supervision,” Meza said. “Children should be careful with their hair and clothing while using sparklers,” Meza added. The meeting will be held at the Zapata County Courthouse, 200 E. 7th Ave., Suite 108, at 9 a.m. (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors NFL
Cowboys try to contain Photo by Brandon Wade | AP
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo tosses a football before the game against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 25 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.
Jones wants Romo to Return ASSOCIATED PRESS Photo by Darron Cummings | AP
Dallas Cowboys place kicker David Buehler (18) kicks a 38-yard field goal out in overtime to defeat the Indianapolis Colts, 38-35, in a football game in Indianapolis on Sunday.
chance to kick the Cowboys while they were down. Now Dallas has recovered. Since a 1-7 start under coach Wade Phillips, the Cowboys are 3-1 under interim coach Jason Garrett. They’re coming off an overtime win in Indianapolis. "I think it shows the
IRVING — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wants Tony Romo to play again this season, even if the playoffs are a long shot at best. He just wants his star quarterback to get back on the field. Romo has been sidelined since Oct. 25 when he broke his collarbone in a loss to the Giants, and would only be able to return for the team’s final two games, at Arizona on Dec. 25 and at Philadelphia on Jan. 2. Asked if Romo would be
See COWBOYS PAGE 2B
See ROMO PAGE 2B
Vick’s high-speed Eagles visit Big D for Sunday night By JAIME ARON ASSOCIATED PRESS
ARLINGTON — Before Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles can even think about playing at Cowboys Stadium in February, they’re going to have to knock off the Dallas Cowboys. Twice, preferably. The Eagles are tied for first place in the NFC East
with four games remaining, and two are against the Cowboys, their most dreaded division rival. They meet Sunday night on Dallas’ home turf, the $1.2 billion site of the upcoming Super Bowl, then in Philadelphia on the final Sunday of the regular season. Losing both could be disastrous for the Eagles (8-4). Winning both would
go a long way toward helping them claim the division title or at least a wild card. It also would help make up for the way last season ended — a shutout loss in the regular-season finale at Cowboys Stadium, then a 34-14 loss in a wild-card game played there six days later. "Oh, man, if you can’t get motivated by that, I don’t know what will moti-
vate you," Vick said. "I wasn’t even on the field playing and it hurt me deeply. I can imagine what the guys who were out there are feeling now." The teams haven’t met since. What a shame for Philadelphia. Because the NFL moved some division games into the final month to boost the stakes (and ratings), the Eagles missed a
COMMENTARY
MLB
Hall of Fame perspective on free agency By MIKE SCHMIDT ASSOCIATED PRESS
EDITOR’S NOTE: Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt hit 548 home runs, was a three-time NL MVP and led the Phillies to their first World Series championship in 1980. It’s old news in the baseball world, happened a few days ago: Jayson Werth, former Phillies right fielder and free agent, agreed to accept $126 million over seven years to play for the Washington Nationals. Carl Crawford then trumped Werth, getting $142 million and seven years from the Red Sox. Cliff Lee might get even more. The Werth signing has gotten me thinking and I can’t for the life of me understand it. It’s not about him being worth the money, but about an industry where they can spend hundreds of millions on potential. I’m very happy for Jayson and his family who, as I once did, reaped the bene-
MIKE SCHMIDT: Former Phillies slugger, and Hall of Famer. fits of baseball’s free-agent system. He is a multitalented player who was important in the Phillies’ recent runs. In my estimation, he has the potential to win multiple MVP awards over the life of his new contract. He can become an elite player. The Nationals are betting on it. Jayson is a quiet young man. Marches to his own beat, as they say. He is my wife’s favorite player — she likes to see what his hair looks like every game. He enjoyed reasonable success his last two years in Philly because he was left alone to be himself, do his thing his way with low expectations. He played in the shadow of several All-Stars, highly paid teammates, the perfect environment. In his so-called breakout
See SCHMIDT PAGE 2B
Photo by David J. Phillip | AP
This Oct. 27 file photo shows Texas Rangers’ Cliff Lee throwing during the second inning of Game 1 of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants, in San Francisco. On Wednesday the New York Yankees made an offer to Lee, a six-year proposal worth nearly $140 million.
Rangers, Yanks splurge for Lee By STEPHEN HAWKINS ASSOCIATED PRESS
ARLINGTON — Texas Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg traveled to Arkansas on Thursday and presented Cliff Lee with a “menu of multiple offers” in an attempt to persuade the prized pitcher to re-
main with the team he helped reach the World Series. Greenberg, assistant general manager Thad Levine and co-chairman Ray Davis, a pipeline billionaire, met with Lee, the pitcher’s wife and agent Darek Braunecker at Braunecker’s office.
While Greenberg would not get into specific details, he said Thursday night the offers included “substantial additional commitments in years and dollars.” He characterized them as “highly competitive.” Before Thursday, the Rangers had asked Lee to
tell them what it would take for him to stay with Texas, which acquired the ace left-hander from Seattle in July. The New York Yankees added a year to their offer earlier in the day, proposing a seven-year contract
See LEE PAGE 2B
PAGE 2B
Zscores
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
College awards set stage for Heisman By FRED GOODALL ASSOCIATED PRESS
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A dapper Cam Newton strolled briskly down the red carpet, smiling and acknowledging adoring fans. He paused momentarily to sign a few autographs, then rushed off to begin collecting some of his postseason hardware. The Auburn star won the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top quarterback Thursday night, when he also walked away with the Maxwell Award as the best all-around player in the country. His next stop will be New York, where he’s the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy today. “No guy would be able to do it without a supporting cast,” he said to an audience that included his mother, Jackie, and his coach, Gene Chizik. Dressed in a black suit, white shirt and orange tie, Newton was the next-to-last
player introduced on the red carpet for the College Football Awards Show at Disney World — just ahead of Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi, the Outland Trophy winner as the nation’s best interior lineman. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound quarterback led top-ranked Auburn (13-0) to the Southeastern Conference championship and a spot in the Bowl Championship Series national title game against No. 2 Oregon on Jan. 10 in Glendale, Ariz. “I just take pride in being the person that everybody looks to for leadership and guidance,” said Newton, who answered questions during ESPN’s telecast but wasn’t available to reporters covering the event. Newton led the SEC in rushing with 1,409 yards, while also completing 67.1 percent of his passes for 2,589 yards and 28 touchdowns. In all, he accounted
for 49 TDs, scoring one on a reception and running for 20 to join former Florida star Tim Tebow and Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick (also this year) as the only Football Bowl Subdivision players with at least 20 TDs both rushing and passing in a season. “I think he’s the best player in the country,” said Oregon’s LaMichael James, who won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back and also is a finalist for the Heisman. The other Heisman finalists — Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and Boise State QB Kellen Moore — also were up for the awards Newton swept Thursday night. Earlier in the day, he won the Walter Camp player of the year award as well. Prior to the show, Newton said in an interview with ESPN that he “did no wrong” during the recruiting process that led to him signing with Auburn.
Speaking hours before the broadcast, Newton told the network that he followed his heart in signing with the Tigers instead of Mississippi State. “I’m a person that did no wrong,” Newton said. “I did it the right way.” He had not spoken publicly about the failed payfor-play scheme involving his father, Cecil, and former Mississippi State player Kenny Rogers while the star quarterback was being recruited by the Bulldogs. The NCAA ruled that Cam Newton was unaware of the payment scheme. After the ruling, George Lawson, the Newton family attorney, said that Cecil Newton cooperated with the NCAA. “Cam’s father participated in the investigation truthfully and honestly in terms of what he knew and what he didn’t know, regardless of the consequences,” Lawson told WSB-TV in Atlanta.
ROMO Continued from Page 1B ready for the Cardinals, Jones said: “In my opinion, he will be.” “I want to do anything we can to win those games. (The decision) will be based on what gives us the best chance to win,” Jones said. “And, when he’s ready to go, he’s going to be ready. I shouldn’t be concerned about additional injury to his shoulder.” Jones added that Romo would only come back this season as the starter, not as a backup. Jon Kitna has filled in for Romo, going 3-3 in his six starts. Given the fact that the Cowboys are virtually out of the playoff hunt, the benefits of having Romo play seem minimal. But along with trying to win
those games, Jones also saw a potential benefit of having Romo back before next season. “I can envision a scenario where you have a little better taste in your mouth if he came back, and he played the last two games and played lights out than if he hadn’t played,” he said. As for interim coach Jason Garrett, the owner had cautious praise. Since taking over for Wade Phillips, Garrett has led the Cowboys to a 3-1 record heading into Sunday’s home game against Philadelphia. “Jason is doing very well,” Jones said. “But I explore all possibilities. I always do. I look for what
ifs in things where individuals have expressed the direction of where they’re going with their careers. I work through that.” In determining who would be the next coach, Jones said he would value experience “a lot.” Jones made it clear that he is disappointed this season. After all, the Cowboys began the year with hopes of becoming the first team to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium. “I feel very much involved in the shortcoming that we’ve had this year,” Jones said. “And I am. No question about it. There’s no one on this coaching staff that’s not here be-
Photo by Dave Martin | AP
Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton is pictured at the university in Auburn, Ala. Newton is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top college football player each year.
LEE Continued from Page 1B cause I wanted them. Not a player on this team. It’s real easy. I get in the mirror and look and see what we can do differently and what we’re doing wrong.” Jones said he didn’t know when running back Marion Barber (strained left calf) would return. Asked if placing Barber on season-ending injured reserve was a consideration, Jones said: “Not today.” ... Jones doesn’t regret splitting training camp between Texas and California and doesn’t believe it led to his team’s season struggles. “We’ve traveled all over the world and won world championships,” Jones said, adding that he’d do the same thing again.
for the 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner. On Wednesday, the Yankees offered a six-year deal worth $137.5 million to $140 million. Then the Boston Red Sox agreed Wednesday night to a $142 million, seven-year contract with All-Star outfielder Carl Crawford. Greenberg said that deal changed the free-agent market dynamics and prompted the trip to Arkansas. “A very positive discussion,” Greenberg said. “We reiterated our strong desire for him to remain a Ranger.” Asked if he considered himself optimistic or pessimistic about that happening after the nearly 90-minute meeting, Greenberg responded, “We felt very good
about the discussion.” Greenberg, whose group bought the team from Tom Hicks in August, said the Rangers weren’t given a timetable for Lee’s decision. And they didn’t push for one either since a “considerable amount” of new information was presented to the pitcher and his family. “We’d rather it be sooner than later,” the owner said, “but they have an enormous decision to make.” It was the third time Rangers officials visited Lee in his home state. Team president Nolan Ryan and general manager Jon Daniels were involved in the earlier trips, and Greenberg also visited previously.
in the run, you’ve got to prepare for the wildcat, you’ve got to prepare for the pass, prepare for the scramble. It’s not just me, it’s the entire team and how the coach takes advantage of our talent." Philadelphia players should be fresh Sunday night, having gone from four games in 18 days to five days off before practicing Wednesday. Coach Andy Reid’s teams generally have done well late in the season, rested or not. He also is 14-9 against Dallas — but lost all three games to the Cowboys last season. Coincidence or not, sweeping changes followed. Nearly half the roster turned over, with Donovan McNabb the headliner overall and among several 30-somethings sent packing. "That didn’t necessarily
have anything to do with the games against the Cowboys," Reid insisted. "We needed to get younger and we did that. We did most of our stuff through the draft and not free agency. We had a fill a few holes in free agency. We were able to get most of it done with the draft and get a little younger." Whether the overhaul had the Cowboys in mind or not, they’ll find out Sunday night — and in the finale — whether it was enough for them to reclaim the NFC East title Dallas won last season. "We’re going to come out on a mission," receiver Jeremy Maclin said. "Our mission is to achieve what we want to achieve, and not just beat Dallas. So, we know in order to do that, we have to beat Dallas this week."
COWBOYS Continued from Page 1B true character of a lot of players, to be in the situation where we are, and the fight that we have," tight end Jason Witten said. "Jason’s instructions has been clear and everybody is following that up. A lot of those players are veteran guys that could’ve taken the easy way out. That shows the mental toughness you have to have to bounce back." However, the best they can do this season is break even. While not yet eliminated from the playoffs, their chances are so remote that it might take the alignment of all the planets, plus Pluto regaining planet status and falling in line, too. There are still realistic goals, especially for Garrett. Beating Philadelphia once would clinch no worse than a break-even re-
“
I think it shows the true character of a lot of players, to be in the situation where we are, and the fight that we have," TIGHT END JASON WITTEN
cord for his tenure. Beating the Eagles twice would really impress team owner Jerry Jones as he considers whether to give Garrett the job permanently. "I don’t know if this is the time to be impressed by anything," Garrett said. "We’ve got work to do. ... But I think our team has fought well. They hear me talk a lot about adversity and challenges of this league. It’s hard. It’s hard
to win on Sundays. You have to fight through different things to win. And I think our team is doing that." The Cowboys have managed to thrive despite being without starting quarterback Tony Romo (broken collarbone). The training room is starting to get crowded, though, as Marion Barber could miss a second straight game because of a calf strain and
rookie receiver Dez Bryant just went on injured reserve with a broken ankle suffered against the Colts. Fill-in quarterback Jon Kitna has been a steadying force and so has an improved running game. New starter Felix Jones gained 83 yards against Indianapolis and Tashard Choice ran for 100 yards in relief. Dallas know it had to run the last two weeks to keep Drew Brees and Peyton Manning on the sideline. The Cowboys will need to do so again Sunday night with Vick leading the Eagles to the most yards and second-most points in the NFL. "You have to account for everything," said Vick, who also has moved into the top spot in Pro Bowl voting. "We’re a pass-heavy team. We’re going to throw the football, we’re going to mix
SCHMIDT Continued from Page 1B free agent year, he was a highly touted position player. The Phillies were defending National League pennant winners, consistently on national television. Werth was having a good year while many of his teammates were struggling with injuries, so he got the lion’s share of the attention, especially as a free agent to be. He’s durable, can run like a deer, play a Gold Glove right field and hit with power. He can be the real deal, but will he? In Philly, the stars were aligned perfectly for him. Should the Nationals have considered this? This is what puzzles me about this contract. Are the Nationals in a position to wager $126 million that he can do it all? In Philly, Jayson had men on base on a regular basis with proven players Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Chase Utley stirring it up. He
Players are commodities and are worth what someone will pay for them. could stumble into 75 RBIs just by playing everyday, but he only drove in 85 last season. In Washington, the lineup is young and inexperienced, right-handed dominant, and the park is big, so RBIs will not come as easily. RBIs are much tougher when everyone’s counting. Jayson now will be the man, the cleanup hitter with the burden of production, far surpassing anything he has experienced. His name will be first on the opposition’s “don’t let him beat us” list. If the Nationals don’t come up with a legit left-handed bat behind him, he will quickly see what Ryan Howard had to deal with in Philly. Baseball’s executives don’t understand the responsibility that playing un-
der a contract like this brings, nor do players until they feel it. Is it Werth the weight, so to speak. I know, I felt it, it’s really heavy if you are in New York or Philly. Lucky for him, not nearly so in Washington, as attendance will drop as the season progresses, but the baseball world will be watching, and the player feels it. Is it good business to drop $126 million in the lap of a player who is in the growth stage? The Phillies had the right plan for Jayson, a plan that worked well for Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Both were slowly adjusted upward. Ryan was forced to use arbitration, then a competitive multiyear deal and then, after Rookie of the Year, MVP award and ave-
raging 135 RBIs a season, he got his bonanza. Not a gamble, a lock. Utley’s path was similar. Up through the Phillies system, slowly climbed the salary ladder, became the best second baseman in the game, will jump to Howard money soon. Again, like buying Apple stock, no risk. This is good management. The Phillies were looking for the same for Jayson. He was one 30-homer/100-RBI year from $100-plus million with Philadelphia, and maybe a couple more championship rings with them. But today the open market is irresistible. The Nationals are building a nice team. Adam Dunn is gone and boy, would he have cast a nice shadow. Ryan Zimmerman, Ivan Rodriguez and Josh
Willingham, and Bryce Harper is not far away. Of course, Stephen Strasburg will be back eventually. There are several young players with great potential, but a journeyman starting staff will not allow any team to contend, especially against the Phillies and Braves. Maybe they have something up their sleeve, a couple more signings to bolster the middle infield, a first baseman, a left-handed hitter with power, maybe Cliff Lee. Now we’re talking contention, but no money in the till to pay the grounds crew. So if the season started tomorrow, Jayson Werth will make nearly the same a year as the Nationals’ starting lineup combined. That can add some pressure,
wouldn’t you think? My closing thought on this is that I’d have done the same thing, given the same situation as Jayson. So would most everyone else. He could have stayed in Philly and earned his $100 million, but there’s always a chance of a career-ending injury, so you take the money and run. I guess there is no one at fault here. It’s the moneydriven world in which we live. Players are commodities and are worth what someone will pay for them. The Nationals needed a shot in the arm, a player to feature on billboards, they’re betting on him as their future star. Now it’s his shadow that will be cast on other players, he will be expected to deliver, he will need to face the media music every game, all as the search for the potential the Nationals are betting on him to attain unfolds.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B
DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:
FAMILY CIRCUS
HINTS BY | HELOISE CATS ON THE COUNTER Dear Heloise: My daughter has a problem with CATS GETTING ON HER TABLE and countertops. What is a good way to get them to stay off ? Thank you. -- Betty, via e-mail Betty, this is a common problem because cats are natural jumpers and, of course, very curious. Don’t discourage their jumping; just provide alternatives, such as carpeted perches and “trees,” available at pet stores. Keep food put away and off the counters to prevent temptation. A “hands off ” way to teach nonjumping? Put aluminum foil on the counters, or aluminum pie plates that will startle a cat. Most importantly, don’t scold or punish a cat; it’s just doing what comes naturally, and it’ll only learn to be afraid of you. -- Heloise GOOD DOG, BAD BREATH Dear Readers: Does your dog have bad breath? The culprit could be bits of wet food stuck in between the teeth. Your veterinarian
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HELOISE
should do a tooth and gum checkup. A tooth cleaning may be all that’s needed, and afterward? A dog toothbrush and beef-flavored toothpaste for dogs. Never use human toothpaste on dogs. -- Heloise GIVING HAIR THE BRUSHOFF Dear Heloise: To remove dog hair from sofas and chairs, I use one of the small dog brushes that I use to brush my dog. After I have removed the hair that I picked up from the brush, I give the brush a good cleaning with shampoo and warm water. Works wonders! -- Anna in Virginia SAVE MONEY Dear Heloise: Taking on a pet can be a big investment! After buying bowls, blankets and everything else, I checked out the dollar store. It had a lot of good pet items we use, and we saved a lot of money! -Adam in Indianapolis
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4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
Texans to face tough defense on MNF By CHRIS DUNCAN
actually gain confidence when they study the Texans on film, knowing that sooner or later, the defense will give up a pivotal play. "A lot of teams come in here say, ’If our passing game isn’t going right, it’s going to go right on Monday. If our running game isn’t going right, it might be all right on Monday,’" Pollard said. "They’re going to slap us around a few times. We’re going to just keep swinging, and eventu-
ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON — Texans safety Bernard Pollard is looking forward to seeing the Baltimore defense in person Monday night. He’s hoping that Houston’s younger players also watch — and learn. Baltimore (8-4) doesn’t have the league’s top defense, not this year anyway, but still has a reputation for punishing hits and fierce intensity. The Texans (5-7), meanwhile, rank near the bottom of the league in every defensive category, and the secondary has given up big plays in the fourth quarter of their last four losses. The unit has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, but Pollard laments how many mental breakdowns the Texans are still making at crucial moments. The Ravens, Pollard says, simply don’t have those kinds of lapses. "They go out there and fight all game," Pollard said. "That’s been one of our biggest knocks. Nobody can question the talent we have on this team. What they can question is the effort that’s been given, as far as for 60 minutes. We have to evaluate ourselves, because we’re not who we think we are." The Texans have dropped five of six, but sit only two games behind first-place Jacksonville in the AFC South. They draw hope for salvaging this season. Last year, they won their last four games to finish 9-7, the franchise’s first winning record. Baltimore is in much better shape for the postseason, though last week’s 13-10 loss to Pittsburgh dropped them out of first place in the AFC North. Coach John Harbaugh called the defeat the toughest he’s had in three years in Baltimore, but he doesn’t expect any mental letdown heading into Monday’s
Photo by Michael Perez | AP
Houston Texans’ Derrick Ward (32) tries avoid a tackle from Philadelphia Eagles’ Mike Patterson in the second half of a football game last Thursday in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 34-24. game. "I think they do a good job of taking it one day at a time," Harbaugh said. "We’ve got a lot of preparation to put in before we can be prepared to play that game. That’s our focus." Harbaugh is more concerned about the Ravens’ offensive consistency after they mustered fewer than 20 points for the fifth time this season. Baltimore averaged only 2.2 yards on 20 carries in the game and ranks 16th in rushing this season (108.4 yards per game). "I’m disappointed in the
fact that we haven’t run the ball for a better yard-percarry average," Harbaugh said. "I think we’re capable of doing better than that. That establishes a lot of other things." Harbaugh expects fullback Le’Ron McClain (sprained ankle) to return for Monday’s game, but said tight end Todd Heap "doesn’t look good" for the game due to a hamstring injury. The Texans have hardly slowed down any offense, regardless of who’s been hurt on the other side. And Pollard thinks that teams
ally we’re going to knock them out." The Texans’ offense has done its part to keep the season afloat, averaging 373 yards and 24 points per game. Arian Foster leads the league in rushing (1,230 yards) and yards from scrimmage (1,709), while Andre Johnson ranks fourth in yards receiving (1,018), despite playing most of the season with a sprained right ankle. Foster is Houston’s sec-
ond-leading receiver, with 50 catches for 479 yards, and reminds Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis of former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig. "He’s very shifty and very smooth," Lewis said. "Very shifty with high knees, and (he) runs way faster than people think. He’s more of a glider with good hands out of the backfield. The kid has the total package when it comes to an allpurpose back."