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Dancers spark debate By ZACH LINDSEY THE ZAPATA TIMES
A combination adult book store and bar and grill with topless dancers opened recently on U.S. 83 in Zapata, sparking a flurry of debate between the county commissioners and representatives from the store. There are no zoning laws related
to adult businesses in Zapata County. At Monday’s Commissioners Court meeting, the court discussed the importance of creating such laws. “I had about 10 to 20 calls last week,” said Commissioner Joe Rathmell. “I thought it was appropriate that we try to take care of our residents.” “Under current law, counties and
municipalities have the authority to regulate sexually oriented businesses,” said Hector Uribe, an Austin-based lawyer who serves Zapata County. “How they’re generally regulated is distance.” In many cases, there is a rule that such businesses must be at least 1,000 feet away from residences, religious facilities, educational facilities and government
facilities. Uribe suggested going a step further and restricting those types of businesses to industrialcommercial zones. Michael Adelman, a representative from Zapata’s Fantasy Ranch, the business in question, said this was unfair because if Zapata’s zoning was more established, the
See DEBATE | PAGE 13A
JPs asking for Blue Santa help By DIANA R. FUENTES THE ZAPATA TIMES
In less than two weeks, Zapata kids who might have thought they weren’t going to receive a Christmas present this year will be in for a delightful surprise at the Zapata County Courthouse. But it’s going to take the help of generous Zapata residents to make the Justices of the Peace Blue Santa project a success.
A special appearance On Monday, Dec. 22, Blue Santa plans to be at the courthouse, distributing gifts and candy bags to children who otherwise would have to do without. “We want them to see the miracle of Christmas,” said Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Ana Muñoz Guerra, who has played Blue Santa for several years. “I love doing this. You get to see all the smiles from these little kids. Their eyes light up and they run over to hug you. ‘I love you, Santa!’ they say. ‘I love you!’ “It’s a lot of fun,” the judge said.
This year, those who donate a wrapped present to Blue Santa can get more than just a warm feeling of helping others. If you take a wrapped toy to the Zapata County Courthouse on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to noon, you’ll get a free autograph from Costumbre.
Donations Members of the popular band are donating their time to the project, signing autographs and greeting fans that day in exchange for toys for the Blue Santa program. “This is the first time we do this,” Guerra said. “It’s new, and we’re hoping to collect more toys.” Stuffed animals, games, dolls, trucks, trains — all kinds of toys for all ages will be accepted. Candy also is needed for the candy bags, and financial contributions will be accepted. Even if you can’t make it to the autograph session, though, your donations still will be
See BLUE SANTA | PAGE 13A
Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times
United Way volunteer Rolando Flores greets Teodoro Grajeda as they start working on assignments to help Grajeda become a better student.
Communities in Schools helps kids By CHRISTINA ROSALES LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Photos by Ulysses S. Romero | The Zapata Times
TOP: The U.S. Border Patrol’s Green Santa waves to onlookers as Border Patrol Agent Henry Rodriguez looks on during the Zapata Christmas Parade on Friday.“I think we had a good turnout. It seemed like all the kids enjoyed themselves, and that’s mainly why we did it, for the kids,” said Danielle Westerman. assistant editor for the Zapata County News, parade sponsor. ABOVE: A lighted float moves along Highway 83 in Zapata during the Zapata Christmas Parade, attended by hundreds of residents.
Lyndon B. Johnson High School student Teodoro Grajeda was thinking about dropping out. He was angry about his problems and lacked motivation. It took some time with Communities in Schools of Laredo, Inc. counselor Rolando Flores for him to understand that an education was necessary for a better lifestyle. “Mr. Flores encouraged me and said that education was a must nowadays,” Grajeda said. “I thought about it and kept going to him for counseling and advisement.” Communities in Schools of Laredo, Inc. is a stay-in-school program for students who can
go to CIS counselors for advisement and help with personal problems. The program provides several services for local students including food baskets and $300 vouchers for eyeglasses. Students can receive services for free and teachers and peers can recommend students for the program. Flores said some students need someone to guide them and listen to them. “School counselors have a
See COMMUNITIES | PAGE 13A
A LAKE VIEW
Ride to frontier brought settlers to South Texas area t was from the historic city of Queretaro in central Mexico where it started for Jose de Escandon y de Helguera, heading north to settle the northern region of Nueva España. History tells that Escandon initially was looking at 14 settlements to include space for church and related facilities, which explain why history referred to these developments as missions — to teach the faith, to civilize (convert) the Indians and to enhance security. Escandon was fixing to make
I
ODIE ARAMBULA stops in Nuevo Leon (Monterrey) and Coahuila (Saltillo) to recruit people willing to take the risks to travel the wilderness to get to the Rio Grande frontier.
Laredo and the rest of South Texas were not even a bad dream at the time because, in later years, Tomas Sanchez would first check out sites along the Nueces River. Escandon, having earned the trust and graces of the Crown in Spain, was the man for the job. Recognizing the dangers of the unexplored mountainous route he would have to travel to reach the frontier, he talked a good story. Escandon would seek out recruits in Monterrey and Saltillo where he expected to find tough and tested men and women for the project.
“These people had to be tough as nails to put up with the rigors of the journey,” Rodolfo Gonzalez de la Garza, Nuevo Laredo genealogist-historian, used to tell guests at his talks. “You had to be because you were coming to a region with that basically offered a terrible environment.” Gonzalez de la Garza, however, claimed from his readings of archived material, the settings were favorable to raise crops and livestock because of the availability of water from the river. He said the reports indicated wildlife
game was plentiful. “A los que venían se les avisaba que el viaje no seria nada fácil,” Gonzalez de la Garza would explain (People who signed up were cautioned that it would not be easy.) “También les advirtiron del los riesgos con la presencia de los indios. Entre tantos tendrían que encontrase con unos que eran unos bárbaros. En las partes montañnozas habitaban en las cuevas.” (People were warned about dangers of the Indians along the way. Some were considered as outright barbarians. In the
mountainous parts of the region are, the Indians tended to seek shelter in caves.) Evidence of Indian life in these caves has been reported through modern times in the mountain sectors in the vicinity of towns in Coahuila and Nuevo Leon. Donald E. Chapman, in his Spanish Texas (1994), quoted from the national archives January 7, 1747, as the date of Escandon’s departure from Queretaro. Escandon had received approval
See LAKE VIEW | PAGE 13A
Zin brief
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 13,2008
AROUND THE NATION | IN BRIEF
WHAT’S GOING ON
SUNDAY,DEC.14 The eighth annual San Carlos Mission Parade & Toy Drive is today. The event will consist of a Christmas trail ride and 5-mile parade and benefits the children of the San Carlos Mission. Registration will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The event starts at the corner of Texas 359 and Loop 20 in Laredo, east from the Conoco Pump & Shop, heading toward San Carlos Mission.At the end of the ride, participants will drop toys off — two toys each — at Gregory’s Smart Start, 4019 San Dario Ave.; Kelly’s Western Wear, 4220 Santa Ursula Ave.; or One by One Cuts, 1901 San Bernardo Ave. Four-wheelers, motorcycles and car clubs are welcome. For more information, call Rosy Gregory Castilleja at 744-7505.
New test aims to predict breast cancer risk better
MONDAY,DEC.15 Zapata County Girl Scouts are collecting new, unwrapped toys as well as gift wrapping paper through Dec. 17 for their “Make a Child Happy” Angels Christmas Toy Drive. The donations are accepted at the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
TUESDAY,DEC.16 Zapata County Independent School District will have a public hearing on the AEIS district report and campus report starting at 6 p.m. today at the Professional Development Center, 17th and Carla, followed by a meeting of the district’s Board of Trustees. Blue Santa is accepting wrapped toys, candy and financial donations at the Justices of the Peace offices on the second floor of the Zapata County Courthouse. Toys will be distributed on Dec.22.For more information, call 765-9165, 765-5619, 7659945 or 765-6655.
WEDNESDAY,DEC.17 Bring a wrapped toy for the annual Blue Santa drive between 10 a.m.and noon today and get a free autograph from Costumbre. The popular band is donating its time to help the project.
THURSDAY,DEC.18 Juvenile Board meets today from 11:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.on the third floor of the Zapata County Courthouse. Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts and The Laredo Ballet Theatre present “The Nutcracker”at the Laredo Civic Center Auditorium, 2400 San Bernardo Ave.Performances are scheduled for Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. ($4 group rate for 10 or more seats) and Dec. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m., $7 general admission. For ticket information and reservations, call 795-3325 ext. 22 or 796-9923.
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Photo by David Karp | AP
Rudy Mass, center, managing director of New York Stock Exchange Operations, works the post where General Motors stock is traded on the floor of the NYSE on Friday.
Stocks edge higher amid hope for automaker rescue By SARA LEPRO and TIM PARADIS ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — Wall Street set aside fears that the U.S. auto industry would soon collapse after the Treasury Department said it was prepared to funnel cash to the nation’s Big Three automakers. Stocks pulled off sharp losses, and edged higher in late afternoon. The Dow Jones industrial average was down more than 200 at the open, but all the major indicators began to regain ground when the White House and the Treasury announced they were considering diverting money from the Wall Street rescue fund to stave off bankruptcy filings among the U.S. carmakers. “Things are looking a little bit brighter after they made those announcements,” said Anthony Conroy, managing director and head trader for BNY ConvergEx Group. “Anytime there’s indecision, that
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AROUND TEXAS | IN BRIEF
SATURDAY,DEC.13 Norma’s Crystal & Silver Jewelry, 1706 Fresno St., will have a grand opening today from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Door prizes will be given away, and there will be beverages and finger foods. For more information, call 765-8324. A trail ride in memory of Raul “Tio” Flores will be held today at 9 a.m. starting at Laredo International Fair and Exposition Downs, off U.S. 59, then going to the rest area before returning to the Downs. Registration is $20 and includes lunch.All proceeds will benefit the Flores family. Don’t forget your Coggins test. For more information, call George Jimenez at 7442146. A retrospective exhibit showcasing the history of the Ursuline Sisters in Laredo continues on display at the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St., throughout December. Museum hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission is free Tuesdays and $5 other days. The museum will be closed Christmas Day. For more information, call the Webb County Heritage Foundation at (956) 727-0977.
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indecision breeds volatility. And that’s what we were seeing.” Stocks fell sharply in the early going after a $14 billion rescue package for the automakers was derailed in the Senate late Thursday when the United Auto Workers refused to meet Republican demands for big wage cuts. Lawmakers have called on the Bush administration to use a portion of the $700 billion financial rescue to help the car companies. General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC have said they could run out of cash within weeks without government help. Ford Motor Co., which also would be eligible for aid under the bill, has said it has enough cash to make it through next year. “The market’s been pretty resilient,” said Matt King, chief investment officer of Bell Investment Advisors, noting that Wall Street has at times since mid-November advanced even in the face of bad news.
SAN ANTONIO — A new test to predict an ordinary woman’s odds of getting breast cancer works better than a method doctors have relied on for decades, researchers reported Friday. The test is the first to combine dozens of genes and personal factors like age and childbearing to gauge risk in women who don’t have a strong family history of the disease. They account for threefourths of all cases. In a California study to check its validity, the test correctly classified 50 percent more women with breast cancer as high risk than the current method did, and properly scored others lower. Results were given at a cancer conference in Texas.
Inmate cleared by DNA to be free on bond HOUSTON — A Houston man who spent five years in prison for the sexual assault of an 8-year-old boy was to be freed Friday after DNA evidence — which was collected after the 2002 attack yet never tested — showed he didn’t commit the crime.
A judge approved a personal recognizance bond Friday for Ricardo Rachell, was to be released while the paperwork is completed to officially overturn his conviction. Rachell, transferred from a state prison to the Harris County jail earlier this week, did not appear at a brief court hearing where his bond was approved. Rachell, 51, had been sentenced in 2003 to 40 years in prison.
Union leader optimistic Ark.plant can stay open TEXARKANA, Ark. — Union members in Texarkana agreed Friday to vote on a renegotiated contract with Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. that would freeze wages for three years with the hope that the move would give the company incentive to keep the plant open. Cooper Tire is evaluating its four U.S. plants and says it intends to close one of them because of high costs and lower demand. Texarkana and the other three communities with a plant — Findlay, Ohio; Albany, Ga.; and Tupelo, Miss. — are competing to keep their factories open. —Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE WORLD | IN BRIEF
Photo by Khalid Tanveer | AP
A supporter of Pakistani political party Pakistan Muslim League-Q chants slogans against the Indian government in Multan, Pakistan, on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Pakistan has proposed a joint investigation of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai after India blamed elements in Pakistan for the bloodshed.
GM to temporarily close 20 plants to slash output
Northeast ice storm leaves 1.25M without power
Illinois AG asks high court to declare gov.unfit
Vatican issues major new bioethics document
6 alleged Islamic zealots charged in Belgium
NEW YORK — General Motors Corp. said Friday it will temporarily close 20 factories across North America and make sweeping cuts to its vehicle production as it tries to adjust to dramatically weaker automobile demand. GM said it will cut 250,000 vehicles from its production schedule for the first quarter of 2009, which includes a cut of 60,000 vehicles announced last week. Normal production would be around 750,000 cars and trucks for the quarter, spokesman Tony Sapienza said. Many plants will be shut down for the whole month of January, he said, and all told, the factories will be closed for 30 percent of the quarter.
CONCORD, N.H. — An ice storm to compare with some of the Northeast’s worst made a mess of the region Friday, leaving 1.25 million homes and businesses in seven states without power as it forced schools to close and toppled ice-laden trees and power lines onto slippery roads. Most of the outages were in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and New York, and it was expected to take several days to completely restore electricity. The storm wreaked havoc from Maine to Pennsylvania, leaving a sparkling landscape too destructive for many to find beautiful. “I'm already sick of winter and we have nine days to go before it officially begins,” said Bob Cott, of Portland, Maine, who lost power for the first time in 10 years.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In an unprecedented move, the Illinois attorney general asked the state’s highest court Friday to strip scandal-plagued Gov. Rod Blagojevich of his powers. Lisa Madigan took the action as pressure on the governor intensified to step down and lawmakers considered impeachment. And the fallout over the scandal continued Friday as the governor’s chief of staff resigned; John Harris was arrested along with the governor on Tuesday. Madigan said that she took the action with the Supreme Court because she thinks that this is a faster way to strip Blagojevich of his power than through impeachment, which could take several weeks. —Compiled from AP reports
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican hardened its opposition Friday to using embryos for stem cell research, cloning and in-vitro fertilization. But in a major new document on bioethics, it showed flexibility on some forms of gene therapy and left open questions surrounding embryo adoption. The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued “The Dignity of a Person” to help answer bioethical questions that have emerged in the two decades since its last such document was published. With it, the Vatican essentially confirmed in a single, authoritative instruction the opinions of the Pontifical Academy for Life, a Vatican advisory body that has debated these issues for years.
BRUSSELS, Belgium — Authorities on Friday arrested the Belgian widow of a man involved in killing an anti-Taliban warlord, saying she was part of an al-Qaida group about to launch a suicide attack. Malika El Aroud, 49, was charged with belonging to a terrorist organization. Five men in their 20s were also charged; eight others were released for lack of evidence. El Aroud, dressed in black from head to toe, was pushed into a police car during a night raid early Thursday a few miles away from, and a few hours before, a summit of European Union government leaders was scheduled to open. Authorities said she was too dangerous to walk the streets and even mulled calling off the summit. —Compiled from AP reports
TODAY IN HISTORY ASSOCIATED PRESS
Today is Saturday, Dec. 13, the 348th day of 2008. There are 18 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Dec. 13, 1862, Union forces suffered a major defeat to the Confederates in the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg (Va.). On this date: In 1642, Dutch navigator Abel Tasman sighted present-day New Zealand. In 1769, Dartmouth College, in New Hampshire, received its charter. In 1835, Phillips Brooks, the American Episcopal bishop who wrote the words to “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” was born in Boston. In 1928, George Gershwin’s musical work “An American in Paris” had its premiere, at Carnegie Hall in New York. In 1944, during World War II, the U.S. cruiser Nashville was badly damaged in a Japanese kamikaze attack that claimed more than 130 lives. In 1978, the Philadelphia Mint began stamping the Susan B. Anthony dollar, which went into circulation in July 1979.
In 1996, the U.N. Security Council chose Kofi Annan of Ghana to become the world body’s seventh secretary-general. Ten years ago: With a grave impeachment threat looming, President Bill Clinton told a news conference in Jerusalem he would not resign, and insisted he did not commit perjury. Voters in Puerto Rico rejected U.S. statehood. Five years ago: Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. forces while hiding in a hole under a farmhouse in Adwar, Iraq, near his hometown of Tikrit. A summit to forge a European Union constitution collapsed in Brussels, Belgium. Oklahoma quarterback Jason White won the Heisman Trophy. Former Sen. William V. Roth Jr., R-Del., creator of Roth IRA accounts, died in Washington at age 82. O n e y e a r a g o : Democratic presidential hopefuls meeting in Johnston, Iowa, called for higher taxes on the highest-paid Americans and on big corporations in an unusually cordial debate. Shareholders of Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, approved a takeover by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.
LEPROSY ADVOCATE Major League Baseball’s Mitchell Report was released, identifying 85 names to differing degrees in connection with the alleged use of performanceenhancing drugs. Today’s Birthdays: Former Secretary of State George P. Shultz is 88. Actor-comedian Dick Van Dyke is 83. Actor Christopher Plummer is 79. Actor Robert Prosky is 78. Country singer Buck White is 78. Music/film producer Lou Adler is 75. Movie producer Richard Zanuck is 74. Actor Robert Lindsay is 59. Country singer-musician Randy Owen is 59. Actress Wendie Malick is 58. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is 55. Country singer John Anderson is 54. Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert is 54. Singer-actor Morris Day is 52. Actor Steve Buscemi is 51. Actor Johnny Whitaker is 49. Actor-comedian Jamie Foxx is 41. TV personality Debbie Matenopoulos is 34. Rock singermusician Thomas Delonge is 33. Actor James Kyson Lee is 33. Thought for Today: “My theory is to enjoy life, but the practice is against it.” — Charles Lamb, English essayist (17751834).
Photo by Eric Risberg/file | AP
In this Jan. 22, 2003, file photo, Richard Marks, a survivor of Hansen’s disease, or leprosy, looks out over the view of the ocean at Kalaupapa, Hawaii, with towering 1,600-foot cliffs in the background. Marks, who educated thousands of tourists about Hansen’s disease and the history of Kalaupapa while playing a role in getting the state to end its century-old forced quarantine to the leprosy settlement, died late Tuesday. He was 79.
Zlocal
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 13,2008
Fed workers raise $457K for charity
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
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STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Organizers of this year’s Combined Federal Campaign hoped to collect $250,000 from federal employees of seven southwest Texas counties centered around Laredo, including Zapata County. Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents and employees heard the plea and single-handedly pledged $268,169 toward the effort that ultimately raised $457,240. There are about 4,100 federal employees in the local CFC region. Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents and employees account for about 1,700 of those employees. Those figures show although Laredo Sector personnel, including those in Zapata County, represent about 42 percent of the region’s federal employee population, they donated 107 percent of the contribution goal. “The fact that our agents and employees alone pledged enough to exceed the goal set for all federal employees in this region demonstrates our commitment to being good neighbors as well as being vigilant sentries of our nation’s border,” said Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Carlos X. Carrillo. To further illustrate his assertion that Laredo Sector agents and employees are actively engaged in the community, Carrillo pointed out that $123,105, or 45.9 percent, of Laredo Sector CFC donations went to the United Way of Laredo, which also provides assistance to Zapata County. The CFC is the only authorized solicitation of federal employees in their workplaces on behalf of approved charitable
The CFC is the only authorized solicitation of federal employees in their workplaces on behalf of approved charitable organizations. organizations. The campaign began in the early 1960s to coordinate the fundraising efforts of various charitable organizations so federal donors would only be solicited once and have the opportunity to make charitable contributions through payroll deduction. In 2007, the program raised $273 million for charitable causes around the world. The local affiliate of the CFC, known as the Greater Southwest Texas campaign, covers all federal employees of Dimmit, Duval, Jim Hogg, La Salle, Maverick, Webb and Zapata counties. In 2007, the Greater Southwest Texas campaign raised $244,912, exceeding a goal of $240,000. This year’s total contributions of $457,240 nearly doubled the $250,000 goal. “The generosity of our employees has certainly raised the bar for next year’s campaign,” Carrillo said. “I hope that it inspires other local citizens to give to their favorite charities.”
Courtesy photo/Villarreal Elementary | Special to the Times
Villarreal Elementary recently honored its Students of the Week for Dec. 5. Shown, bottom row, left to right, are Romeo Benavides, Oscar Garcia, Dominic Murillo, Vianey Lara, Raymundo Hinojosa, Jose Cruz, Israel Cervantes, Rolando Piedra, Marlen Toscano, Mindy Garcia and Crista Cruz; middle row, left to right, are Kaitlyn Ramirez, Roel Villarreal, Arlina Saenz, Derly Sanchez, Victoria Ramos, Perla Garza, Kaylee Longoria, Mario Mendoza and Noelia Angles; top row, left to right, are Alejandro Tovar, Daneila Perez, Carlos Martinez, Maria Pizano, Ana Vega, Gabriela Gutierrez and Joseph Galzerano. Not pictured are Amado Luna, Isidro Ramirez, Alejandro Garcia, Maryanna Gavilanes, Stephanie Trejo and Rosa Isela Salinas.
THE BLOTTER ASSAULT ON A PUBLIC SERVANT A man was charged with four counts of assault on a public servant Monday after deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in Lopeño. According to the offense report,Luis Antonio Arambula assaulted the four deputies when they arrived at the residence at about 7:30 a.m. in the 100 block of 2nd Street. He was later taken to the regional jail.
The case is open and active, the offense report stated.
RECKLESS DRIVING
CHILD ABUSE
Two men were arrested at about 5:30 p.m.Dec.6 after deputies responded to a report of drag racing on Alamo Street. Upon arriving at the scene, they arrested and charged Victor Ivan Medina and Carlos Daniel Salazar with reckless driving. Both were later taken to regional jail.
Authorities responded to a possible case of child abuse Dec. 5 in the 200 block of Lozano Street. According to the offense report, a Child Protective Services investigator reported the case to deputies at about 10:30 a.m.
A man told sheriff’s deputies Dec. 6 that someone poured sugar into his car while it was parked outside his exwife’s residence in the 500 block of Medina Avenue. The case is open and active, the offense report stated.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
BURGLARY OFAVEHICLE A vehicle was reported burglarized Tuesday in the 1900 block of Alamo Street. According to the offense report,the male complainant told deputies at about 5 a.m. a gym bag containing several items was stolen from the pickup parked outside his residence. The case is open and active, the offense report stated. A vehicle was reported burglarized Tuesday in the 1800 block of Brazos Street. The female complainant told deputies at about 10 a.m. someone attempted to steal the TV screens embedded in the vehicle’s headrests. According to the offense report, the case is open and active.
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Zopinion
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 13,2008
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OTHER VIEWS
EDITORIAL
NATO allies give Obama a chance THE BOSTON GLOBE
olitely yet firmly, America’s European allies rebuffed the Bush administration recently in two major ways. At a summit in Brussels of NATO foreign ministers, the allies were determined to renew dialogue with Russia and delay indefinitely any decision on admitting Georgia and Ukraine as members. This stance creates a welcome opportunity for President-elect Barack Obama, who has a chance to reconfigure relations with NATO allies and with Russia. The foreign ministers were tactful in rejecting the positions that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice espoused, but the message was clear. After eight years of tension with the Bush administration, the NATO allies of “old Europe” wanted to assert their interests. The foreign ministers decided to resume talks with Russia in the context of the so-called NATO-Russia Council — talks that had been suspended in the aftermath of Russia’s war with Georgia last August. The decision amounted to a negation of the Bush administration’s policy of refusing to conduct business as usual with the Kremlin. NATO Secretary General Jaap
P
de Hoop Scheffer put the matter delicately: “Allies agreed on what I would qualify as a conditional and graduated reengagement with Russia.” But the policy shift was significant. Despite the continued presence of Russian troops in the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Scheffer had been authorized to resume contacts with Russia and to host a meeting soon with Russia’s ambassador to NATO. The other crucial decision in Brussels was no less a denial of Bush administration requests. Rice had sought informal GeorgiaNATO and Ukraine-NATO councils. Sensing an end-run around the formal application process and the veto it guaranteed to each of the 26 NATO members, Germany Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said after the summit that the allies “decided today that there will be no shortcut.” In other words, Georgia and Ukraine cannot gain entry into NATO until Germany and the other European allies are sure their relations with energy-supplier Russia will not suffer. This will not be a bad starting point for Obama if he wants to forge sounder, more cooperative relations with Russia as well as the European allies.
EDITORIAL
Perry should boost ACCION fund HOUSTON CHRONICLE
COLUMN
f the $14 million that the nonprofit ACCION Texas loaned small businesses this year, the microlender can expect its usual 95 percent repayment rate. While that’s good for the lender, it’s even better for Texas: Between 1994 and 2007, ACCION loaned small businesses $60 million, producing $112.8 million in new economic activity and creating 1,400 jobs. Gov. Rick Perry has the power to multiply this growth by using already-available state funds to support more small business loans.
O Illinois governor was on bad road W ASHINGTON — Rod Blagojevich was a scandal waiting to hap-
pen. When he was running for governor of Illinois for the first time in 2002, he had two impressive opponents in the Democratic primary. One was Paul Vallas, a reform-minded intellectual who had been Mayor Richard Daley’s choice to take over the troubled Chicago school system. The other was former state Attorney General Roland Burris, a leading African-American politician who had demonstrated his appeal to white voters. When I went to Chicago to cover their pre-primary debate, Blagojevich, a boyish-looking young congressman who got his seat thanks to the clout of his father-in-law, an influential Chicago alderman, was by far the least impressive candidate. He had made no particular mark on Capitol Hill and he seemed much less informed on Illinois issues than his rivals. I was inclined to dismiss his chances, but a longtime Chicago reporter friend told me, “Don’t write him off. He’s a money machine.” On a return visit after the primary, which Blagojevich won, a consultant to the Vallas campaign said the congressman had swamped his rivals with hundreds of thousands of dollars of ads on TV stations in downstate Illinois. “Neither Vallas nor Burris could keep up,” the consultant said. In the general election, Blagojevich defeated state Attorney General Jim Ryan. He had a rocky first term in Springfield, where he quickly became known as an absentee executive and where his inner circle was rumored to be operating with hands out. An unseemly family feud with his father-in-law fed the gossip mills. But in 2006, the badly weakened Illinois Republican Party furnished another unelectable opponent and Blagojevich won without breaking a sweat. During that campaign, a visit with Mayor Daley gave me insights into Blagojevich’s problems. “When he was elected,” Daley said, “I advised him to get the policy right and then worry about the politics. He did exactly the opposite and, as a result, he’s got millions in his campaign treasury and the school districts across Illinois are going broke.” In Blagojevich’s second term, it got worse. He became enmeshed in a bitter feud with the Democratic leadership of the General Assembly, especially House
DAVID BRODER
Successful
Speaker Mike Madigan. While problems festered unattended, no budget could be passed. On a visit to the Lincoln Library in Springfield, I was told by leaders of both parties that “this is the worst” they had ever seen. Republicans or Democrats, they readily confessed that their heartfelt prayer was that something would occur to rid them of Blagojevich. That something turned out to be Patrick Fitzgerald, the tough U.S. attorney in Chicago best known as the prosecutor of Lewis “Scooter” Libby, Vice President Cheney’s former chief of staff. Fitzgerald began to close in on Blagojevich. A number of the governor’s pals, including developer Tony Rezko, were indicted and convicted. But Blagojevich was heedless of the risk and, according to the charges made public on Tuesday, saw the Senate vacancy created by Barack Obama’s election as an opportunity to cash in. Unaware that Fitzgerald had obtained court orders allowing him to tap Blagojevich’s phone and bug his office, Blagojevich indulged himself in obscenity-laden talk about how he would use the Senate appointment to enrich himself and his wife — or maybe parlay it into a prestigious Cabinet or ambassadorial appointment. The brazenness and the utter sleaziness of Blagojevich stunned even veteran FBI men, Fitzgerald said, but it did not surprise people in Chicago or Springfield who had been watching the governor. The criminal complaint against Blagojevich, the nominal head of Obama’s home-state party, is a mild embarrassment for the president-elect. But it really does not reflect on Obama, who has kept Blagojevich at arm’s length for a long time. As a fellow Illinoisan, I have to admit that this latest example of the Springfield Syndrome that has now tainted four recent governors is a signal that the ethics reforms Obama sponsored as a member of the Illinois Legislature did not go far enough to cleanse the pay-toplay culture. Get out the scrub brushes. (To reach David Broder, email davidbroder@washpost.com)
ACCION Texas, based in San Antonio, is the country’s biggest and most successful microlender. Based on ideas pioneered by Nobel Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus, ACCION
makes careful loans to small, mostly minority businesses unable to get or afford credit from banks.
Good stewards The secret to ACCION’s fantastic repayment rate, directors say, is its careful assessment process — along with the financial coaching it offers. Usually, businesses apply for very small loans on a 12- to 36month repayment schedule, gradually working their way to more credit. Loans can range from $500 to $100,000. Since its founding in 1994, the nonprofit has loaned almost $75 million. Like other nonprofit lenders, ACCION gets funding from grants and from banks participating in the Community Reinvestment Act. But from 2002 to 2004, it also received $200,000 from the Texas Capital Access Program (TCAP) — a statewide fund to which small business
lenders can apply to make up some of their losses. These additional “loss loan” reserves had an extraordinary impact. With help from the state fund, ACCION Texas made a total of 854 loans worth $5.1 million. For each of these dollars they borrowed, the entrepreneurs created an average of 60 cents in new economic activity for the state. Yet despite its obvious benefits to the Texas economy, TCAP hasn’t gotten a dime from the state since 2004, when it was funded with $869,000. Once those funds were used, the program never got replenished.
Add funds Thirteen state legislators, including Rep. Mike Villareal, DSan Antonio, have written to Perry requesting he transfer $2 million to this small business fund. There’s a ready source for
this money: the Texas Enterprise Fund, which has received a towering $360 million over the past four years.
Strong economy The Enterprise Fund is meant to strengthen Texas’ economy by luring outside companies to locate here. But as Villareal noted, these hundreds of millions go to corporations playing one state against another. Meanwhile, microlenders such as ACCION pump vitamins into homegrown small businesses, which in Texas provided 1.4 million jobs in 2005. Now, more than ever, all Texans need these businesses to prosper. We need the new jobs they create — and the reliable return on public funds that groups like ACCION Texas deliver. Applying a $2 million sliver of the Enterprise Fund to support small business is a sure investment in the most uncertain of times.
YOUR OPINION FLW thanks Zapata for successful fishing event,looks forward to next year To the editor: FLW Outdoors would like to thank the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce for hosting a record-setting WalMart FLW Series East-West Fish-Off on Nov. 20-22 on Falcon Lake. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the entire community of Zapata for
its hospitality and overwhelming support during the tournament. Earlier this year, we broke records on Falcon Lake, including the heaviest four-day cumulative weight in FLW Outdoors history, which now stands at 110 pounds, 2 ounces for 20 bass. During the Fish-Off, we set five new, single-day, five-bass records, the heaviest of which is
now 39 pounds, 11 ounces. The community’s generosity, friendliness and warmth made our job very enjoyable, and your lake’s tremendous fishing certainly delighted our anglers who will undoubtedly return. Falcon Lake was the perfect start for the year in January and a perfect end to the season in November.
We look forward to opening our 2009 Stren Series season Jan. 15-17, 2009, and hosting the very first National Guard FLW College Fishing tournament on Jan. 17, 2009, on Falcon Lake in Zapata. Signed, Charlie Evans President and CEO FLW Outdoors
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Zapata Times does not publish anonymous letters. To be published, letters must include the writer’s first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. The identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication. The Zapata Times does not publish letters with just an initial
and a last name. People who want to air their opinions publicly must do so openly. We want to assure our readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the letter; The Zapata Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms. Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-calling or gratuitous abuse is allowed. This space allows for public debate of the issues of the day.
We do publish “thank you” letters, but due to limited space, we ask writers to list no more than 10 names in such letters. Letters with more than 10 names will not be published. Send letters to Letters to the Editor; 111 Esperanza Drive; Laredo, TX 78041, or e-mail to editorial@lmtonline.com. Letters also may be dropped off at the Laredo Morning Times office, 111 Esperanza Drive, during regular business hours, 8:30
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or they may be dropped off at The Zapata Times office, 1309 N. US Highway 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, in Zapata. Letters that are provided in hard copy must be handsigned. Letters sent by e-mail don’t require a signature, but the first and last names of the letter writer must be included along with a contact phone number.
LOCAL
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008
THE ZAPATA TIMES | 5A
Fund allows anybody help with donations
GUERRERO VIEJO REVISITED
By PATI GUAJARDO SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Photo by Ricardo Segovia | Laredo Morning Times
W. Eugene George is seen discussing his book,“The Lost Architecture of the Rio Grande Borderlands: The Tragedy of the Falcón Reservoir”at a book signing and reception Thursday at the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St., in Laredo. George is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects renowned for his studies of Texas-Mexican border historic architecture and preservation. An photography exhibit,“Guerrero Viejo Revealed,” was also presented by Everardo Castro Medellin,
Girl Scouts busy helping those in need By ERIKA LAMBRETON THE ZAPATA TIMES
’Tis the season to spread cheer and be jolly with one and all.” With this in mind, the Zapata sector of the Girl Scouts of America is taking donations for its “Make a Child Happy” Angels Christmas Toy Drive until Dec. 17. Toys may be dropped off at the Zapata Chamber of Commerce from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The toy drive, which is hoped to be held annually, came about after a previous collection’s success inspired the members of the Zapata Girl Scouts, who are advocates of community service. According to Cadet Troop Leader Ysela Singleterry, that first drive, dubbed “Project Undercover,” in which undergarments for needy
children in the area were collected, caught the attention of Dollar General who then asked for the help of the Girl Scouts in collecting toys for underprivileged children. From the collaboration, the “Make a Child happy” toy drive was born, and was quite successful. “When we went to Dollar General on Saturday (Dec. 6) we ended (filling) up a threefoot-tall box and two bags with over 50 presents,” Singleterry said, adding the toys will be distributed to local families. Monica Lopez, Troop 91007 leader, said more gifts are needed. “The girls wanted to do a toy drive,” Lopez said. “And we had a good turnout but still we wish we could get more.” Lopez said every donation counts, and those who are interested in donating are more than welcome to do so. The toys collected were also wrapped that
same day with wrapping paper donated by the employees of the neighboring Family Dollar. “It’s people like them that show the girls that one person (can make) a difference,” Singleterry said. In addition to the toy drive, the Girl Scouts will be offering their gift wrapping services Thursday, Dec. 17, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Zapata Public Library, in exchange for canned goods, another collection started by the Girl Scouts. All donations of canned goods will be given to those in need within the Zapata community. “We will gift wrap any presents the public brings in exchange for at least one canned good,” said Singleterry. (Erika Lambreton can be reached at 7282567 or e-mail at erika@lmtonline.com)
The Laredo Area Community Foundation’s Acorn Fund serves as a vehicle for giving that allows donors to make a difference in their community by building their fund a little at a time. While all other endowment funds request a beginning investment of $10,000, donors have up to five years to build their permanent endowment to help local non-profit organizations. It takes only three steps to start your legacy of giving. 1) Name Your Fund: You may name your fund after yourself, a family member or a cause you care about. Once the fund reaches $10,000, gifts made from the fund will go out in the name of the fund. What better way to memorialize a loved one then to establish a fund in their name? With the holidays coming upon us, what better time to think about a gift that will last for generations. 2) Designate Its Purpose: Funds generally serve one of the following purposes: An “advised” purpose, allowing you or your children to recommend grants from your fund every year. A “designated” purpose, which permanently directs grants to a particular charitable agency or group of agencies. A “field of interest” purpose, which directs grants to causes that are important to you and your family. An ‘Unrestricted” purpose, allowing the community foundation to use the fund for the community’s most urgent needs. As the years pass, so do the areas of most urgent need. An unrestricted fund will always fund current issues affecting those most in need. 3) Decide on Contributions: All funds start with a minimum contribution of $2,500, although you may subsequently invest as little as $1,500 per year. Donors may choose annual
payments or make periodic payments of a minimum of $1,500 annually. Additions may be made to the fund even after it reaches the $10,000 goal and becomes a permanent endowment. Acorn funds must reach the $10,000 goal within five years in order to become a grant-making fund. With the end of year arriving quickly, consider how you will structure your end-of-year giving. This year, consider a fund that will build a legacy for your entire family. Your children and grandchildren can become actively involved in philanthropy with the establishment of an “Acorn Fund.” Once the fund reaches $10,000 and becomes eligible for grant distributions, the entire family can work together to decide on the charitable goals for the fund. The “Acorn Fund” can serve as a teaching tool to assist parents and grandparents educate young people on the art of giving. Just as it is with the foundation’s other fund types, the Acorn Fund does not require anything else other than a fund agreement between the foundation and the donor. It is that simple. Begin your legacy of giving today. Contact the foundation office at 796-1700 or contact any foundation board member. The officers of the board are Irving Greenblum, president; Richard P. Perez, vice president; Nancy de Anda, treasurer; Elizabeth Sames, secretary. Board members include Ray M. Keck, Barbara A. Kazen, Melissa Peters, James B. Harrell, William B. Green, Robert H. Summers, Nancy N. de Anda, Diane D. Gates, Mercurio Martinez, Jr., Priya Vaswani, Fernando Zuñiga III, Adriana McKendrick, Adrienne Treviño and Rosie Glassford. (Pati Guajardo is executive director of the Laredo Area Community Foundation.)
6A | THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008
DNA frees man accused of sexual assault of 8-year-old boy
11th Jamboozie to feature Latin jazz artist Tito Puente Jr.
By JUAN A. LOZANO ASSOCIATED PRESS
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Latin jazz artist Tito Puente Jr., son of the legendary Tito Puente Sr., will headline the 11th annual UETA Jamboozie Urban Street Festival, Streets of Laredo representatives announced Thursday. Joining the performer on the stages of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration event are Los Tex Maniacs, featuring Flaco Jimenez. The 11th annual UETA Jamboozie, which officially kicks off the Washington’s Birthday Celebration, is slated for Saturday, Jan. 24, with gates opening at 4 p.m. It draws more than 27,000 attendees and features one of South Texas’ most diverse offering of musical entertainment, with more than 40 performers on seven stages. It also boasts an array of food as well as the signature “Jamboozie” drink. Puente was featured in an
NBC television special, “The Apollo at 70: A Hot Night in Harlem,” a two-hour tribute to his father’s music. His latest CD, “In My Father’s Shoes,” featuring classic Puente favorites, was spun off into a television special tribute by BET Jazz. Another headliner is Los Tex Maniacs, a concoction of Tex-Mex conjunto, Texas rock, R&B riffs and even a bit of the blues. The founder, Max Baca, has worked with everyone from Doug Sahm’s Texas Tornadoes to the Rolling Stones. Their first CD, “A Tex-Mex Groove,” contains a wide sampling of styles while keeping the unity of a musical focus that is characteristic of the group. Joining them will be Jimenéz. Few artists in conjunto and Tejano music have received the level of critical acclaim Jimenéz has enjoyed. “The UETA Jamboozie Urban Street Festival is destined to breathe new life to historic
Photo by Hannah Neal | Special to the Times
Latin jazz performer Tito Puente Jr., son of the legendary Tito Puente Sr., is a headliner of the 11th annual UETA Jamboozie next month. downtown Laredo,” said Francisco Barrientos of PMDG Marketing Communications. “We want people to rediscover downtown Laredo and its unique cultural offerings that make up the
fabric of our communities’ lives.” Tickets are $10 presale and $15 at the door. Presale tickets will go on sale the first week of January at select IBC locations.
Bush tells A&M grads doing right counts most By DARLENE SUPERVILLE ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLLEGE STATION — A reflective President George W. Bush told graduates of Texas A&M University on Friday that popularity is capricious and what matters is whether they think they’ve done what is right. In the final commencement address of his presidency, Bush commiserated with graduates who don’t have a job, spoke wistfully about his affection for Texas and described the “tremendous privilege” of serving as president for two terms. Bush made no mention of the failure of a bailout package for the auto industry after his lobbying of Senate Republicans or the latest dire economic news, developments likely to be a coda on his eight years in office. Bush told the graduates to pay no heed to those who recommend something more popular. “Remember that popularity is as fleeting as the Texas wind. Character and conscience are as sturdy as the oaks on this campus,” he told the graduates and their families at Reed Arena. “If you go home at night, look in the mirror and be satisfied that you have done what is right, you will pass the only test that matters.” He reminisced Friday about memorable moments of his pres-
Photo by Stuart Villanueva, Bryan College Station Eagle | AP
The Texas A&M Ross Volunteers salute as President George W. Bush enters Reed Arena before speaking at the Texas A&M Fall Commencement in College Station, on Friday. idency, with travel to 74 countries and nearly every corner of the nation. “These days I’m asked a lot about my time as president. Some days have been happy, some days not so happy. Every day joyous. It’s been a tremendous privilege,” he said during his 23rd and final speech as president to a graduating class. He joked about his post-presidency prospects. “To those of you with jobs
lined up, congratulations. To those of you not exactly sure what comes next, I know how you feel,” he said. Bush, who wore the light blue gown of his alma mater, Yale, alluded to several Texas A&M traditions and said he was thrilled to be in Aggie land. He said Texas was where he met his wife, Laura, and where his daughters, Jenna and Barbara, were born. “And next month, when our
time in Washington is done, Texas is where we’re coming home,” said the state’s former governor. Bush received a brief introduction to the 3,700 graduates at the College Station campus from his father, former President George H.W. Bush. Also present was his mother, former first lady Barbara Bush, who was released from a Texas hospital 10 days ago after undergoing surgery for a perforated ulcer.
HOUSTON — A Houston man who spent five years in prison for the sexual assault of an 8-year-old boy was to be freed Friday after DNA evidence — which was collected after the 2002 attack yet never tested — showed he didn’t commit the crime. A judge approved a personal recognizance bond Friday for Ricardo Rachell, was to be released while the paperwork is completed to officially overturn his conviction. Rachell, transferred from a state prison to the Harris County jail earlier this week, did not appear at a brief court hearing where his bond was approved. Rachell, 51, had been sentenced in 2003 to 40 years in prison. “This is a horrible mischaracterization of justice I think on everybody’s part,” said Deborah Summers, Rachell’s attorney. “It’s this kind of case that really is frightening for our system.” Summers said she plans to file paperwork to both overturn his conviction and ask for a pardon, which the Harris County District Attorney’s Office has indicated it will support. Roe Wilson, chief of the district attorney’s legal services bureau, said DNA evidencewas never tested because the boy and a young companion both identified Rachell as the attacker. Wilson said it was a mistake not to test the evidence. “Our office is being very candid. We should have requested the testing,” she said. “There was what we thought was strong eyewitness identification.” Summers said she can’t understand how Rachell was misidentified because he has a very distinctive appearance; his face was disfigured in a shotgun accident years ago. “He’s not the kind of person you would mistake,” she said. “This is a case where no one would have believed he would be misidentified because there is just no way. There was never any wavering in the identification. But how could you misidentify this guy?” The victim was taken to a vacant house and sexually assaulted after being told by the man that he would pay him for
help with removing some trash. The next day the boy’s family called police and the boy identified Rachell. Although DNA from both the attacker and Rachell were collected, no tests were ever performed. Summers, who was not Rachell’s trial attorney, said she doesn’t know if Rachell’s facial disfigurement was ever brought up at his trial. “Before the arrest, the victim and the other boy described him as having something wrong with his face,” she said. “When he was identified it seemed at the time to make sense.” Summers said Rachell always maintained his innocence and was vehement there was DNA in his case that was never tested. “I said, ‘I don’t think there was because everybody kept telling me there wasn’t,”’ she said. Summers said she was aware there was mention of a rape kit in the offense report but she didn’t know what happened to it. The DNA evidence — clothing and medical swabs — was finally found in February, more than a year after Rachell and his attorney filed a request with the state for a DNA test of it. The testing was completed Oct. 28 and it identified the attacker as being another man who is a known sex offender, Summers said. Rachell’s case is among about 540 that have been reviewed — or are currently under review — by the district attorney’s office since 2001. Many reviews were prompted because of problems with the Houston Police Department’s crime lab, which has been under scrutiny since 2002, when its DNA section was first shut down. Inaccuracies were later found in four other lab divisions that test firearms, body fluids and controlled substances. Three inmates have been released from prison because of mistakes by the lab. Wilson said Rachell’s case is different from those because this wasn’t a situation where testing was done and it was wrong or improperly done. Carmen Ramirez - Rathmell, D.D.S.
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Zlife
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 13,2008
MISS MANNERS | BYJUDITH MARTIN
Invitations not so inviting DEAR MISS MANNERS — The invitation to my office holiday party just arrived and I’m fuming. The invite says that I should bring “a spouse, significant other or date.” Is it acceptable for the hosts to specify what categories of MARTIN guests are permissible, or have these people stepped over the line? GENTLE READER — Those poor people who were assigned to write the invitations! Miss Manners’ heart aches for them. They used to send these invitations in the names of employees and their husbands and wives. But then they began getting angry reactions from female employees and wives of employees who had not taken their husbands’ names or who had, but wanted to be addressed by their own given names as well. To avoid dealing with these complications of names and honorifics, there was a switch to the generic “spouses.” This produced angry reactions from employees whose marriages had ended and who wanted to bring new interests, from employees whose marriages had not ended but who wanted to bring new interests and from employees whose interests had not ended but whose marriages had not begun. So they added “significant other.” This produced angry reactions from the single employees who were not significantly attached but who did not want to attend alone, so they added “date.” Now what are you fuming about? If you want to bring your
nephew, your neighbor or your fourth-grade teacher, there are not likely to be objections. They could have added that everyone could bring “a guest,” but by this time, their nerves were shot. What if it turned out that some of the employees lived in menages a trois? DEAR MISS MANNERS — I was at the bank the other day to straighten out a statement issue and something odd occurred: As the gentleman tended to my business, his phone began to ring. And ring. And ring. Then it stopped. He then briskly wrapped up my business and bade me a good day. I have three questions: Did he exercise proper manners? I thought that in present day America, when one received a phone call one answered it, regardless of circumstances. Was I out of line to be utterly stunned by this turn of events. Is the end of the world nigh on? GENTLE READER — It must be, if it is possible for you to believe it rude not to desert a live person — and not just any person, but yourself — who has come into someone’s work place in favor of taking a telephone call. True, someone should be taking that call. Miss Manners sympathizes with the caller, who is listening to a recording about how important the call is to the bank and being asked to punch an endless series of buttons that he cannot find while listening to the instructions because the buttons are in the part of the telephone he has to hold to his ear. But this should not be done at the expense of leaving you sitting there while someone who presented himself later is helped.
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7A
‘The Nutcracker’ returns to the stage By JASON BUCH LAREDO MORNING TIMES
There’s “a lot of happiness” in the story of “The Nutcracker,” A.J. Flores said. “I’m big on dreams coming true,” said the Nixon High School junior, who portrays the main character’s bratty little brother, Fritz. “This story says that dreams can come true. I think that’s a great message to spread.” Fritz breaks his sister Clara’s Christmas gift from her godfather, a nutcracker. That act launches the story of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas ballet, Flores said. “It’s really joyous,” said Emmylou Gutierrez, a St. Augustine High School junior. “It gets you into the spirit. The music that goes with it, I don’t know, it just inspires you.” Gutierrez will appear as a party girl, a waltz flower, a snowflake and a candy cane in this year’s production by the Laredo Ballet and Theater and the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts, which debuts Thursday. “I like being nervous at first,” she said. “I like the thrill and I like being the entertainment, that everyone says, ‘Oh wow, look what she’s doing.’ And I like inspiring little kids to get involved.” Part of the fun of performing in “The Nutcracker” is all the children who come out in the show, Flores said. The part of Fritz fits him particularly well, he said, despite the fact he hasn’t been dancing very long. “I like it a lot because theatrically, it’s like a main character,” Flores said. “I have an acting background, so what I lack in technique, I make up in the theatrical part of dance.” Choreographer and director Mary Ellen Kirkpatrick-Leyendecker said she started putting on performances of “The Nutcracker” in the 1990s, first with the Laredo Children’s Museum
Photo by Ricardo Segovia | Laredo Morning Times
Members of the cast rehearse for the upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker” on Wednesday evening. Shown center are dancers Orlando Moreno and Azahy Ayala. and more recently with the magnet school. The students involved in this year’s performance have been practicing since October, Kirkpatrick-Leyendecker said. “They’ve been doing really well,” she said. “They’ve been working long hours with blisters on their feet and bleeding toes. They’re ready for this.” The ballet and the music tell the story of the nutcracker turning into a prince, who rescues Clara from the Rat King, takes her on the journey through the snow until they arrive at the Kingdom of Sweets, KirkpatrickLeyendecker said. “No Christmas season is complete without the magic of ‘The Nutcracker,’ ” she said. “Of course, it sounds so cliché, but it puts you in the Christmas spirit.” The performances will feature all the frills associated with a
production of “The Nutcracker,” Kirkpatrick-Leyendecker said. “We’ve got beautiful scenery, show effects, special lighting effects and beautiful costume design,” she said. And, of course, it’s a great experience for the students who are performing. “It’s really magical for the kids, especially,” KirkpatrickLeyendecker said. “I think they’re the ones who really enjoy it.”
“The Nutcracker” will be performed at 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday and at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Laredo Civic Center Auditorium. Tickets for the Thursday morning performance are $4, while the encore performances cost $7. For reservations or information, call 7953325 ext. 22 or 796-9923. (Jason Buch may be reached at 728-2547 or by e-mail at jbuch@lmtonline.com)
Zentertainment
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 13,2008
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8A
Festival de Cine to celebrate local talent By KIRSTEN CROW LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Cuadro Café has been the site of numerous cultural events since its opening last year, but Sunday, the coffee shop will be host to its first independent film festival, boasting more than a dozen works submitted by numerous local filmmakers. Selections for the Festival de Cine range from horror and comedy to dramatic and surreal pieces, many shot in Laredo and using local talent as actors. Ruben Requena, co-owner of the café, said the idea was originally the brainchild of film students from Texas A&M International University, many of
whom frequent the shop. “The idea came from the people who visit Cuadro Café and are involved in conceiving, writing, scripting, editing and videotaping short films,” he wrote in an e-mail. “Plans are to have a panel of judges, to include experienced cinematographers from Laredo and the region, (to) critique the films.” The filmmakers will also have the opportunity to briefly explain their works before their screening, he added. The festival is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday at Cuadro Café, 1701 Jacaman Road, Suite RP1. Admission is free. (Kirsten Crow may be reached at 728-2543 or by e-mail at kirsten@lmtonline.com)
In this image released by Overture Films, John Leguizamo is shown in a scene from “Nothing Like The Holidays.”
Courtesy photo
Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, better known as Cheech and Chong, are bringing their “Light Up America” tour to the Laredo Entertainment Center in January. Tickets for the show go on sale at 10 a.m. today.
Cheech and Chong to light up LEC SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Photo by Chuck Hodes/Overture Films | AP
‘Holidays’ celebrates Latin Xmas By JAKE COYLE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Like the plantains and empanadillas that adorn the film’s Christmas dinner table, “Nothing Like the Holidays” is comfort food. Though its title suggests uniqueness, “Nothing Like the Holidays” is exactly like most holiday films, with the notable exception of an almost entirely Latin cast. John Leguizamo, Freddy Ro-
driguez and Vanessa Ferlito play the sons and daughter of Edy (Alfred Molina) and Anna Rodriguez (Elizabeth Peña). As families are wont to do in holiday films, all have congregated for Christmas — in this case, at their home in Chicago’s largely Puerto Rican neighborhood Humboldt Park. Each brings their own problems to the table: marital troubles for Leguizamo with his gringo wife (Debra Messing), Rodriguez
is just back from Iraq and Ferlito’s character is a struggling actress. As you might guess, the fortunes of all will greatly improve over one trying holiday weekend. “Nothing Like the Holidays” comes from the producers of “Soul Food” and, like that film, revels in its ethnicity. Though the film apes every convention of Christmas films, it’s hard to fault
See X-MAS | PAGE 9A
Comedy duo Cheech and Chong are bringing their “Light Up America Tour” to the Laredo Entertainment Center on Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. For the first time in 25 years, the two have teamed up for an international tour, and everyone is getting ready for one explosive night of laugh-out-loud comedy at the LEC. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today. “We are very excited to bring yet another bigname comedy show to the LEC, and we have already started to get great feedback from fans, especially those who remember the duo’s huge success of the ‘70s,” said Roy Medina, interim general manager of the LEC. “Cheech and Chong are jokingly promoting the event as one they will not remember, but we at the LEC are hoping it’s one you won’t forget. Based on local response to other comedy shows, we expect a great turnout, so get your tickets Saturday and laugh your way into 2009!” Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin have enjoyed
incredible success since their 1978 hit movie “Up in Smoke,” where both men played out-of-work and in-debt characters while trying to make a buck and breaking a few laws along the way. Since then, Cheech and Chong have starred in 10 films, and their popularity continues with their most recent album release in 2002, “Where There’s Smoke There’s Cheech & Chong.” Among Marin’s film credits are roles in “Desperado,” “From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” and “Christmas with the Kranks.” Chong’s acting credits include starring in the movie “Far Out Man” and appearing in “Half Baked” and “The Spirit of ‘76,” as well as co-starring on the FOX Television series “That ‘70s Show.” Tickets to see Cheech & Chong live at LEC are $25, $38.50, $48.50 and $58.50 and will go on sale this today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the LEC box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 712-1566. For more information, visit www.laredoarena.com.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008
THE ZAPATA TIMES | 9A
XMAS | Continued from Page 8A
ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
‘The Christmas Sweater’ Glenn Beck will bring his recently released novel, “The Christmas Sweater,” to life during a live in-theater event in a story of love, tragedy, redemption and the power of faith this holiday season. “The Christmas Sweater,” featuring theatrical animation, specially-created projections and a powerful Christmas musical score from a 10-piece orchestra and Broadway gospel singer, will be presented live in more than 420 movie theaters nationwide from the Charleston Performing Arts Center in Charleston, S.C., on the final night of Beck’s 11-city tour. Based on a deeply personal true story, Beck’s “The Christmas Sweater” is a narrative of a boy named Eddie who wanted nothing more than a new bike for Christmas from his mother. What he got instead was a sweater, a “stupid, handmade, ugly sweater” which Eddie crumpled into a ball and left in the corner of his room. That Christmas morning started a tragic and painful road to manhood for Eddie. It takes a battle with himself, his family and his faith to help Eddie fight through the storm to the realization he already had life’s most valuable treasures, and the simple sweater from his mother was given with a love more valuable than any gift. In addition to his work as a novelist and stage performer, Beck is also the host of a nationally syndicated radio program. “The Christmas Sweater” will air at Cinemark Mall Del Norte at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Christmas cheer Fourteen cheerleader and dance teams will showcase their skills and “bring it on” during the first-ever Christmas Cheer and Dance Competition at Laredo Community College on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. in the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center theater. The LCC Palomino Cheerleaders are hosting the competition, which will be judged by instructors from the National
Cheerleaders Association, for the benefit of elementary, middle and high school squads. Admission is $5 per person. Proceeds will benefit the Palomino cheerleaders’ efforts to attend the NCA national competition in Florida this spring.
Come to the ‘Playhouse’ “Playhouse Disney Live!” the first live touring stage production featuring favorite characters from four shows in Disney Channel’s popular Playhouse Disney program block for preschoolers, has added a new performance to its Laredo schedule, now playing a 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. show at the Laredo Entertainment Center on Sunday, Dec. 28. Tickets are currently on sale at the LEC box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket prices are $44, $38, $26 and $18.
Jamboozie jams Latin jazz artist Tito Puente Jr., son of the legendary Tito Puente Sr., will headline the 11th annual UETA Jamboozie Urban Street Festival, Streets of Laredo representaanPUENTE JR. tives nounced Thursday. Joining the formidable performer on the stages of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration event are Los Tex Maniacs, featuring Flaco Jimenez. The 11th annual UETA Jamboozie, which officially kicks off the Washington’s Birthday Celebration, is slated for Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, with gates opening at 4 p.m. This colorful outdoor urban festival draws more than 27,000 attendees and features one of South Texas’ most diverse offering of musical entertainment, with more than 40 performers on seven stages. It also boasts a delicious array of tempting food choices as well as the signature “Jamboozie” drink. Tickets for the event are $10 presale and $15 at the door. Presale tickets will go on sale the first week of January at select IBC locations.
its sentimental conventions too much; so many holiday films have been white Christmases. And the movie is welcoming. Occasional subtitles are flashed to help the Spanish deficient keep up. Messing is the minority here, an uptight business woman hoping to land her own hedge fund (pre-economic collapse, one assumes). At the dinner table, she plays the overly clueless outsider, asking, “Why is everyone fighting?” only to be informed no one’s fighting, they’re just “conversating.” The roles are paper thin, which is too bad considering the talent of the cast. They have all been better. Molina and Leguizamo, in particular, deserve better material. The always funny Luis Guzman does his usual enlivening schtick. Music from Paul Oakenfold also helps keep things pulsing. Working from the simpleminded script by Rick Najera and Alison Swan, director Alfredo De Villa (“Washington Heights”) — shooting on location — lets his camera linger on the kitchen cutting board, the snowy urban landscape of Humboldt Park, the traditional Christmas march through the community. It’s at these moments that one
Photo by Chuck Hodes/Overture Films | AP
In this image released by Overture Films, Debra Messing, left, and John Leguizamo are shown in a scene from “Nothing Like the Holidays.” realizes “Nothing Like the Holidays” was really meant to be a documentary showing the vibrant, festive Puerto Rican community of Humboldt Park. As a
fictional film, though, it needs a story. “Nothing Like the Holidays,” an Overture Films release, is rated PG-13 for thematic ele-
ments including some sexual dialogue and brief drug references. It is playing at Cinemark Mall Del Norte and Hollywood Theaters.
ZFrontera AGENDAEN BREVE ENTRETENIMIENTO LAREDO — Tómese un tiempo para usted mismo e inscriba a su hijo/a en el Santa’s Workshop previsto para el sábado 13 de diciembre de 8 a.m.a 1 p.m.y el domingo 14 de diciembre, de 1 p.m. a 5 p.m. y el domingo 14 de diciembre de 1 p.m. a 5 p.m.; un taller más será el 20 de diciembre de 8 a.m.a 1 p.m.yel domingo 21 de noviembre de 1 p.m.a 5 p.m.Las actividades incluyen manualidades, juegos y arte.El espacio es limitado.La cuota es de 30 dólares por día para inscripción temprada y 10 dólares más de cuota por inscripción tardía en la puerta. De asistir dos días la cuota es de 50 dólares.Más información llamando a Jennifer Raines en el 326-2765 ó 326-2700. NUEVO LAREDO — El Fideicomiso del Centro Histórico invita a la pastorela “La Apuesta”, dirigida por Edoardo Torres, el sábado 13 de diciembre a las 6 p.m.en la Plaza Hidalgo.El elenco estará integrado por el grupo “Laberintos”y el libreto es original de Hugo R. Gómez. LAREDO — Pase la tarde en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de Texas A&M International University para disfrutar el sábado 13 de diciembre de “Season of Light” a las 6 p.m., seguido de “Holiday Music Magic” a las 7 p.m. y “Seven Wonders” a las 8 p.m. Para el viernes 19 de diciembre las funciones son las siguientes: “Extreme Planets” a las 6 p.m.,y“Holiday Music Magic”a las 7 p.m.La entrada general es de 5 dólares; niños,estudiantes,personal yexalumnos de TAMIU pagan 4 dólares. Más información llamando al 326-2444. LAREDO — Un coro Navideño interpretara villancicos e himnos de la época el domingo 14 de diciembre de 6 p.m. a 8 p.m. en la Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1520 E. Hillside Road. Se darán refrigerios. Le seguirá un open house. LAREDO — La Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts y el The Laredo Ballet Theatre presentan “The Nutcracker” (El Cascanueces) en el Laredo Civic Center Auditorium (2400 San Bernardo Ave.).las actuaciones están previstas para el jueves 18 de diciembre a las 9 a.m.(4 dólares la entrada para grupos de más de 10 personas) yuna función más el 18 de diciembre y19 de diciembre a las 7:30 p.m.con la entrada general de 7 dólares.Información sobre boletos llamando al 795-3325 ext. 22 ó 796-9923.
SÁBADO 13 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2008
EN INTERNET: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
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Desean evitar muertes Por MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
NUEVO LAREDO — Una de las constantes preocupaciones del gobierno es la falta de precaución de los conductores que han provocado en el año la muerte de 39 personas en más de 3 mil accidentes viales diversos, hasta el 9 de diciembre. De estas 39 muertes, por lo menos 8 han sido debido al alcohol y 22 casos por velocidad excesiva. Ahora, las corporaciones han unido esfuerzos diferentes oficinas para crear un mega operativo, encabezadas por Seguridad Ciudadana y Vialidad, a fin de contener a conductores intoxicados. Jorge Luis Pineda Peña, subdirector de tráfico, dijo que posiblemente han fallecido otras víctimas días después del accidente, pero no se contabilizan como muertos en la escena. La estadística del Departamento de Vialidad resalta que 9 de las víctimas fueron por atropellamiento; 8 en volcaduras, y 22 en choques frontales contra unidades u objetos fijos. “Lamentablemente han muerto 39 víctimas de estos accidentes”, dijo Pineda. “Sabemos que una sola muerte es algo que no debió ocurrir”.
ierno municipal no esta buscando infraccionar para obtener fondos. “El interés es tener control de quienes están conduciendo un vehículo en las calles de la ciudad”, dijo Pineda. “Buscamos que la integridad de los ciudadanos quede libre de riesgo”. Negó que los agentes pudieran prestarse para favorecer a los conductores, porque será el médico y el alcoholímetro que determinara la cantidad de afectado que esté en su torrente sanguíneo el conductor. Si el conductor está intoxicado en un nivel inferior, podría infraccionársele y pedirle a una persona que conduzca el vehículo, pero si su resultado es más de 0.8, será enviado a detención por 24 horas, además el vehículo sería llevado al corralón. En los operativos ha permitido a la Seguridad Ciudadana localizar a criminales que por muchos años estuvieron prófugos. La participación de Asuntos Internos, Contraloría, así como Derechos Humanos, es garantía que los derechos de las personas se respetarían. Un médico será responsables de vigilar que las acciones legales se apliquen en el estricto orden.
Se pretende frenar la ola de colisiones y volcaduras ya que se sabe que los riesgos de percances se incrementarán con el inicio de las posadas, navidad y fin de año. Alfonso Olvera Ledezma, Director de Seguridad Ciudadana, dijo que han diseñado una buena estrategia para proteger la integridad de conductores y de terceras personas. Saldrán a las intersecciones, colonias, cubrirán los diferentes puntos de la ciudad. A los agentes les acompañara un médico y un oficial de la Contraloría y Asuntos Internos que supervisaría que el procedimiento de ley se aplique sin excesos o abusos. “Nos hemos reunido y afinado nuestras acciones en diferentes puntos de la ciudad”, dijo Olvera Ledezma. “Tenemos instrucciones de evitar accidentes y posibles muertes”. Las acciones legales se aplicarán en el estricto sentido de protección a la ciudadanía ya que el gob-
Evalúan a pacientes de labio leporino TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Estadísticas
Operativo
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Nuevo Laredo
José Feliciano Santos Velázquez, a la extrema derecha, agradece al DIF y médicos por la operación de labio leporino que le cambió la vida. La presidenta del DIF, Rebeca Canales de Garza Barrios, a la izquierda, encabezó el evento.
Pineda dijo que se han registrado 3,936 accidentes de tráfico en los diferentes puntos de la ciudad. En estos accidentes han resultado 1,303 personas lesionadas, algunas de ellas de gravedad y otras en menores condiciones. Las víctimas en accidentes fueron cinco de edad entre 1 a 10 años; 9 personas de 10 a 20 años; 8 víctimas de 20 a 40; de 40 a 60 años nueve; y de 60 a 80 fueron seis las víctimas. En dos de los casos los peritos no identificaron la edad de las víctimas. Las arterias que generaron mayor número de accidentes son las Carreteras Aerouerto, Anáhuac, Nacional y Piedras Negras. Trece de las 39 víctimas ocurrieron en carreteras. En el Bulevar Colosio se disminuyó el índice drásticamente y se reportaron dos muertes en esta vialidad. (Puede localizar a Miguel Timoshenkov llamando al (956) 728-2583 o escribiendo a timo1@lmtonline.com)
NUEVO LAREDO — Cambio radical en su vida experimentaron 56 personas operadas de labio leporino y paladar hendido, en la primera campaña masiva que el Sistema DIF Nuevo Laredo realizó en meses pasados. Rebeca Canales de Garza, presidenta del DIF local constató el 11 de diciembre el progreso de los pacientes en su etapa de rehabilitación. En la primera valoración a los pacientes hubo resultados exitosos y Alejandro Azuara fue testigo. Él es padre de Rodrigo Alberto y Alejandro, de 6 y 7 años respectivamente, beneficiados a través de este programa. “No tengo más que dar gracias a Dios y al Sistema DIF porque me los están atendiendo
cuando no cuento con recursos para sacarlos adelante por mí mismo”, dijo Azuara. Reconoció que la mejoría en Alejandro es muy notoria, ya que antes de su operación no hablaba nada. Después de la intervención, comenzó a expresarse bien y a alimentarse solo. Canales expresó su satisfacción por la evolución en los pacientes y reconoció la labor de los cirujanos. “No me lo tienen que agradecer a mí, sino al Sistema DIF, (y a) los doctores de la Ciudad de México que vinieron a operarlos y les cambiaron su vida”, dijo Canales. Siete especialistas en cirugía oral y máxilofacial de la clínica “Renacer Ciudad de México”, a cargo del doctor Rafael Ruiz, practicaron las intervenciones quirúrgicas.
DEPORTES LAREDO — F.S.Lara Academy y el Laredo Chess Club tendrán un torneo de ajedrez para estudiantes de K-12 el sábado 13 de diciembre. Se realizará en la cafetería (2900 E. San Jose St.). Estudiantes pueden jugar en la división avanzada USCF ó en la división no clasificada para principantes. Las inscripciones son de 10:30 a.m. a 11:30 a.m. con la primera ronda siendo al mediodía. La cuota de entrada es de 5 dólares si se pre-inscriben ó de 8 dólares en la puerta. El Concilio No. 12 de los LULAC es el patrocinador de los premios.Más información llamando al 722-4600. LAREDO — El equipo femenil de baloncesto de Texas A&M International Universityjugará el lunes 15 de diciembre contra la Missouri Southern University a las 6 p.m. en las canchas de TAMIU. La entrada general es de 5 dólares; estudiantes pagan 3 dólares; gratis para cualquier con identificación de TAMIU. Más información llamando al 326-2891.
SERVICIO SOCIAL LAREDO — El área de Recolección de Desperdicios Peligrosos de la Ciudad de Laredo llevará a cabo un evento para recolectar desperdicios peligrosos en casa el sábado 13 de diciembre de 9 a.m. a 4 p.m. en El Metro Park & Ride (1800 E.Hillside Road).El evento es gratuito.De llevarse llantas,se le pagarán al residente .50 centavos por llanta. Más información llamando al 794-1650. LAREDO — Comparta esta temporada donando cobijas,sábanas y toallas, nuevas ó un poco usadas, pero limpias, para ayudar a mantener a los animales calientes en el Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Laredo.Se aceptan donaciones en la Oficina de Relaciones Públicas de TAMIU en la Biblioteca Sue and Radcliffe Killam,aula 268, desde hoy y hasta el martes 23 de diciembre.Más información llamando a Ana Clamont en el 326-2182. LAREDO — El miércoles 17 de diciembre se desarrollará un taller de 9 a.m. al mediodía en la Biblioteca Pública de Laredo (1120 E.Calton Road) para informar sobre los beneficios de Medicare a sus beneficiarios.Las metas de la reunión son educar sobre los Planes de Prescripción de Medicamentos, Planes de Ventaja de Medicare y cómo evitar enrrolarse en un plan que no cumple sus necesidades. Más información llamando a Yvonne Arevalo en el Area Agency on Aging en el (956) 7223995 ó 1-800-292-5426.
Para informar acerca de eventos y actividades envíe el nombre, fecha, hora y dirección, y un número de contacto a tiempo@lmtonline.com
Fotos de cortesía
De izquierda a derecha, encendido del árbol navideño en Miguel Alemán, en Ciudad Victoria y en Nuevo Laredo, el domingo 7 de diciembre.
Arrancan época Navideña TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
El espíritu navideño invade la frontera mexicana desde la semana pasada, cuando autoridades de gobierno llevaron al cabo el encendido oficial de los árbolitos de navidad en sus respectivas ciudades.
Ciudad Victoria El gobernador de Tamaulipas, Eugenio Hernández Flores, acompañado de su esposa, Adriana González de Hernández prendieron el tradicional pino navideño, y en ceremonias simultáneas se encendieron en los restantes 42 municipios del estado. En el evento al que asistieron más de diez mil victorense, se disfrutó además de fuegos artificiales y de un concierto navideño que ofreció la artista infantil Tatiana. El Gobernador y su esposa desearon una feliz navidad a los
tamaulipecos en compañía de sus familias, así como un próspero año nuevo 2009.
Nuevo Laredo El llamando Árbol de la Esperanza fue encendido el 7 de diciembre a las 7:30 p.m. en la Explanada Baca Calderón por el alcalde Ramón Garza Barrios, su esposa Rebeca Canales de Garza, sus hijos Ramoncito y Ariadna y dos sobrinas. Niños y adultos se aglomeraron alrededor del pino monumental adornado con luces multicolores y moños. A un costado, fueron colocados dos enormes esferas rojas y un nacimiento como símbolo de las tradiciones mexicanas. “Es el deseo de mi familia y de un servidor que en cada uno de los hogares neolaredenses reine la unidad, la solidaridad, la paz, el amor y la alegría, dijo Garza Bar-
CIUDAD MIER: BANDERAZO
rios. “Hay que ayudar a los que menos tienen, hay que tener esa responsabilidad social para poder hacer que la Navidad sea mágica para todos los habitantes de Nuevo Laredo y la región”. También se interpretaron villancicos y hubo mensajes de buena voluntad. “Mi deseo es que vivan con mucho amor y mucha paz no solamente esta Navidad, sino todos los años de su vida. Que vivan con mucha salud y olviden los malos momentos, pues estamos de paso por esta vida y hay que disfrutarla con muchos amor, con nuestros seres queridos”, dijo Canales de Garza Barrios.
Miguel Alemán Con el deseo sincero de que en esta Navidad la paz, la salud y la felicidad esté presente en las familias de Miguel Alemán y que el Año
Nuevo llegue lleno de prosperidad, el presidente municipal, Servando López Moreno, acompañado de su esposa, Sandra Isela Garza de López, y de su hija, Paulina, encendió la noche del 7 de diciembre el pino navideño en la explanada de la Presidencia Municipal. En la ceremonia del encendido del pino navideño y las luces de la plaza principal, López deseó a las familias de Miguel Alemán que sus hogares sean invadidos de paz, salud, felicidad y prosperidad.
“Estas son fechas para valorar lo que hemos hecho en el año que termina y programar lo que haremos en el siguiente; de disfrutar con nuestras familias y dar gracias a Dios por todo lo que nos dado”, dijo López. Todos los asistentes gritaron la cuenta regresiva que marcó el encendido del pino y las luces navideñas, y posteriormente, los niños se tomaron la fotografía del recuerdo con Santa Claus, quien les entregó dulces.
Abren albergue en la presidencia ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Ciudad Mier
El presidente municipal de Ciudad Mier, José Iván Mancias Hinojosa, al centro, acompañado del Director del Cobat No. 11, Leonal García Hinojosa, a la derecha, llevó a cabo el arranque de la rehabilitacion de dos salones de clase bajo el programa de “Suma de voluntades”. El las aulas se colocará vitropiso, se hará sarpeado de paredes y se colocará candelería.
MIGUEL ALEMÁN —Ante la llegada de los frentes fríos, típicos de la temporada invernal el gobierno municipal activó de manera temporal la Casa del Adulto Mayor, como alberge para atender a toda persona que no tenga refugió seguro para enfrentar las bajas temperaturas. Fue el presidente municipal, Servando López Moreno, quien en conferencia de prensa anunció la apertura inmediata del alberge, el cual contará con lo necesario, incluyendo: cobertores, alimentos calientes, una ambulancia de planta y personal médico para atender a las personas con problemas respiratorios. López Moreno se dijo preocu-
“Es importante que la ciudadanía colabore con nosotros y nos indique donde viven las familias con techos de lamina”. ALCALDE, SERVANDO LÓPEZ MORENO
pado por las familias que viven en la periferia de la ciudad “donde el viento les pega de lleno a las humildes viviendas”. A fin de atender a estas familias, personal del DIF, protección civil, policía y tránsito se han dado a la tarea de ubicar las casas con este tipo de problemas para auxiliarlos en caso de que se sientan vulnerables a los cambios climáticos. “Es importante que la ciu-
dadanía colabore con nosotros y nos indique donde viven las familias con techos de lamina y que tengan entradas de aire para poder ayudarlas o simplemente invitarlas a usar el alberge”, dijo López Moreno. El alberge está ubicado en la parte baja de la presidencia municipal, en la Casa del Adulto Mayor y permanecerá activo por tiempo indefinido, según órdenes del Alcalde.
Zbusiness
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 13,2008
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
11A
Oil pares losses on European stocks close possible help for Detroit 3 down on U.S. car fears By MARK WILLIAMS ASSOCIATED PRESS
Oil prices rallied from early lows Friday as the president and the Treasury Department said they were prepared to act if needed to save the U.S. auto industry after a proposed bailout for Detroit Three collapsed. The price for a barrel of oil, however, finished lower on another round of poor economic news that showed consumers cutting back on spending for a record fifth straight month. Crude’s wild swings Friday capped a volatile week in which prices surged on the back of a weakening dollar, and also the potential for severe production cuts from OPEC. “We are being torn in a lot of different directions,” said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Alaron Trading Corp. Oil prices, off by as much as 7 percent earlier in
the day, fell $1.70 to settle at $46.28 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. In London, January Brent crude fell 98 cents to settle at $46.41 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange. A day after the dollar got crushed on the possibility of a bailout and sent oil prices 10 percent higher Thursday, the market seemed more worried about weak demand on Friday after bailout of the automakers failed, Flynn said. General Motors Corp., Chrysler LLC and Ford Motor Co. failed to secure $14 billion in emergency loans after efforts collapsed in the Senate late Thursday. The Senate rejected the bailout 52-35 on a procedural vote. Crude seemed to gain some support and the stock market, which had been off about 200 points, rallied into positive territory by the afternoon as President Bush and the Treasury Department said they were prepared to act to keep the automakers from failing.
By CARLO PIOVANO ASSOCIATED PRESS
LONDON — European shares closed lower Friday amid a global stocks sell-off on worries the U.S. auto industry may go bust after the Senate refused to grant it a $14 billion lifeline. However, losses were not as sharp as earlier in the day as investors drew some hope from news the White House is considering diverting money from the Wall Street rescue fund to stave off bankruptcy filings among the automakers. The FTSE 100 of leading British shares was down 2.5 percent at 4,280.35, while Germany’s DAX fell 2.2 percent to 4,663.37. The CAC-40 in France dropped 2.8 percent to 3,213.60. In the US, the Dow Jones industrial average was
1.0 percent lower at 8,480.02 in early afternoon trading New York time, while the broader Standard & Poor’s 500 index was down 11.53 points, or 1.3 percent, at 862.06. Stock markets recovered some of their losses after the Treasury Department said it stands ready to “prevent an imminent failure” of the auto companies. But despite hopes that the White House may use some of the $700 billion financial bailout fund to help Detroit’s automakers, investors remained rattled by the state of the U.S. economy and the vulnerability of some of its biggest companies. “The equity markets’ response to the stalling of the bailout for the U.S. auto sector late on Thursday provides further evidence (if any were needed) of the fragility of sentiment,” said Julian Jessop at Capital Economics.
12A | THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008
SCARED OF SANTA
Kingsville has reason to be proud of native son Hector F. Lopez Jr. BY DORA MARTINEZ
The town of Kingsville has to be proud of Hector F. Lopez Jr., who was born there in 1955. His ancestors come from Lopeño and were among the original founders. His parents are Hector F. Lopez and Olga Herrera de Lopez, who have been married for more than 55 years. During those years, the elder Lopez taught history in school. The couple also owned one of the finest restaurants in the 1960s, The White House, as well as Olga’s Clothing Store. Lopez Jr. admires his father for making use of the G.I. Bill in 1947, which has led the family to many fine things along the way. The younger Lopez says his family comes from a time when people had morals and values.
Photo by Victor Calzada/El Paso Times | AP
Ulysses O’Rourke, 2, bashfully turns away from Santa Claus who was trying to greet him shortly after Santa’s arrival at the Boys and Girls Club on Friday, in El Paso,Texas. Santa was on hand for the delivery of more than 40,000 toys by Operation Santa Claus soldiers from Fort Bliss to the club. The toys will then be given to underprivileged children in south El Paso.
COLUMN When he was a young lad, he recalls the Lions Club, which in those days was the No. 1 club. He hated to see it fold. Lopez attended Laredo Junior College, then transferred to the University of Texas at Austin, where he got his bachelor’s degree. He then attended Texas A&I in Kingsville, where he got his master’s in business and also did graduate work in history, which is one of his passions. He speaks four languages. In 1990, he joined the Navy, where he served until 1996. From there, he started working for the county and later went into teaching for three years. In 2000, he ran for commissioner against Tata Flores. Lopez Jr. also has done vol-
unteer work for various organizations such as the Historical Commission and the Historical Society, among others. Continuing his passion for history, he’s working on two books: “In the footsteps of Col. Jose S. Zapata” and “Tejano Soldiers from South Texas Past and Present.” His hobbies include traveling; he has visited numerous places in Europe. On a personal note, he loves ice cream and was sad when Baskin Robbins folded since that was his favorite. Lopez Jr. is now the Recycling environmental director for the county. Hector is an Orgullo of our city. (Dora Martinez is a native of Zapata who was publisher of Hispanic News in San Antonio for 21 years. She can be reached at thezapatatimes@att.net)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008
THE ZAPATA TIMES | 13A
DEBATE | Continued from Page 1A industrial-commercial zone would run adjacent to the highway. However, no matter where the business would be placed within the Zapata town limits, it would be within 1,000 feet of a residential area, according to the Adelman. “I’m a constitutional absolutist,” Adelman said. “I have other facilities. All my facilities are clean. I agree that zoning is a way to do things, but I don’t agree (in) doing things hastily because you’re in a rush to do something, and violating people’s constitutional rights.” The Commissioners Court agreed not to make any hasty decisions, and gave Uribe time to do more research. The court will have a special meeting on Monday, Dec. 15 to have further discussions on the issue. One major question that the court will be faced with is if they will grandfather in Zapata’s Fantasy Ranch once new zoning is created. Grandfathering in the estab-
lishment would mean it would be exempt from regulations the court created regarding adult businesses. There is no precedent requiring the court to grandfather the establishment, according to Uribe. Zapata is a growing community and as it grows, “we are going to experience some of the urban problems,” Uribe said. The establishment is open but undergoing renovations to fix the roof. Also at Monday’s meeting: The court accepted a bid by Bryan Construction to build the new water plant. The company was the low bid. Bryan’s estimated cost for construction is $10,617,000. The contract still has to be approved by the Water Development Board. The court agreed to put a speed bump and 15 mile per hour signs on Lago Vista Street by Falcon Lake West Subdivision. (Zach Lindsey may be reached at 728-2538 or zach@lmtonline.com)
Photo by Pat Sullivan | AP
Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Council Chairman Carlos Bullock looks over the empty, dilapidated amphitheater on the reservation near Livingston,Texas.A tourist train once lured visitors and their dollars to the reservation but sits idle in its tunnel, weeds choking the tracks. This once-grand amphitheater is falling apart.
Tribes fighting to revive gambling By KELLEY SHANNON ASSOCIATED PRESS
LIVINGSTON, Texas — Preschoolers on the AlabamaCoushatta reservation play beneath a leaky roof and beside aging emergency exits. Tribal members who seek treatment for diabetes and cancer at the nearby health clinic share the facetious warning, “Don’t get sick after June” — money may run out for the year. A tourist train once lured visitors and their dollars to the reservation but today sits idle in its tunnel, weeds choking the tracks. A once-grand outdoor amphitheater is falling apart. These sad conditions worry Alabama-Coushatta leaders, but they say the American Indian tribe’s history is proud and its destiny is hopeful. What they want now is the Legislature to help them relaunch a shuttered casino that drew big-spending gamblers to their remote East Texas land. “In the end we’ll be successful. It’s just not easy,” said tribal council chairman Carlos Bullock, who is working with the Tigua tribe of El Paso to get an Indian casino bill passed when lawmakers convene in January. Both tribes’ casinos were closed in 2002 by court orders sought by then-Attorney General John Cornyn. Indian leaders argue the creation of Texas’ state lottery opened the legal door for their casinos. But after the court disputes with the state, they’re trying — again — to persuade lawmakers to approve Indian casino gambling. “We are lining up our ducks,” said Carlos Hisa, lieutenant governor for the Tigua tribe, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. “We are considering everything.” Both tribes have hired prominent Austin lobbyists and consultants, some with close ties to Republican Gov. Rick Perry. The politically savvy tribal leaders grew wise about the legislative world the hard way, through past defeats and costly connections to convicted Washington ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The Tiguas lost millions of dollars to Abramoff and a business partner as the tribe attempted to get its casino back. Meanwhile,
Photo by Pat Sullivan | AP
Bethany Celestine, 3, and Alonzo Bullock,4,watch television at the Alabama-Coushatta day care center near Livingston,Texas.The Alabama-Coushatta leaders say they have trouble keeping up with roads and housing maintenance, and are under pressure to make repairs to the buildings that house one of the oldest Head Start programs in the nation. the Alabama-Coushatta waged a civil lawsuit against Abramoff and others, accusing him of working with other tribes against their casino interests. The AlabamaCoushatta reached an undisclosed settlement with Abramoff’s former law firm. Winning at the Texas Capitol won’t be easy, and the tribes know it. Baptist and social conservative activists are lining up in opposition. “We’re absolutely against any form of expanding gambling,” said Julie Drenner, spokeswoman for the conservative Texas Eagle Forum. She contends casinos lead to financial ruin and crime and don’t help the Indian tribes as promised. “We will be ramped up to fight it as hard as we can.” Suzii Paynter, director of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, said money spent on gambling, while perhaps helping to pay for tribal services, reduces what’s spent in the local economy, hurting area businesses. Even limited Indian casinos in other states like California have led to overall expansions of gambling,
Paynter added. “You are taking a lot of money out of the consumer economy,” she said. The politics surrounding gambling could change in the weeks to come should a new Texas House speaker be selected who is more or less friendly to gambling than incumbent Republican Tom Craddick, who at least has allowed Indian gambling to come up for a vote in his chamber. Lawmakers could also view casino gambling as a potential state money source, and Indian reservations could benefit, said Rep. Norma Chavez, an El Paso Democrat who pressed an Indian gambling measure last year that barely failed in the House. “We might be looking for revenue-generating bills,” Chavez said, adding that the Tiguas will support all the “big bills” of major gambling interests attempting to bring casinos to Texas and work to ensure Indian casinos are included. If an Indian gambling bill passes the House and Senate, Perry isn’t saying whether he would veto it. But spokeswoman Allison
Castle said the governor does not want to expand “the footprint of gambling” in Texas. Currently the Kickapoo tribe in Eagle Pass is the only one of the three Texas tribes operating a limited casino. It is governed by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act — not the more restrictive Restoration Act that applies to the Alabama-Coushatta and Tiguas — according to the Texas Attorney General’s Office. The Tiguas ran their Speaking Rock casino for nine years, producing $60 million annually for housing, health care and education for their 1,600 tribal members, Hisa said. The Alabama-Coushatta operated its casino for only nine months, generating $1 million per month for the tribe of 1,100, Bullock said. These days Alabama-Coushatta leaders say they have trouble keeping up with road and housing maintenance and are under pressure to make repairs to the buildings that house one of the oldest Head Start programs in the nation.
COMMUNITIES | Continued from Page 1A horrendous amount of paperwork so they send them to our program,” the CIS counselor said. That’s what Grajeda needed, guidance and a good listener, Flores said. Grajeda was raised primarily by his mother since his father left the family when 18-year-old Grajeda was a young boy. “He had a lot of anger toward his father,” Flores said. “As a freshman, he would be in the in-school suspension all the time. He wasn’t getting good grades, giving attitude to the teachers and not respecting adults.” One of Grajeda’s teachers then recommended the student for the Communities in Schools program. “I couldn’t control my temper,” the student said. “Every time someone was teasing me, I couldn’t control my temper and I just went into action.” Flores and Grajeda set some goals for their counseling sessions and Grajeda would see Flores two times a week. The two talked about the things that his anger stemmed from such as family life. Flores noticed a difference during the second year Grajeda was getting counseled at CIS. His grades improved and he
became more involved in school activities. Soon enough he let go of a lot of anger, Flores said. Grajeda was able to call his father and forgive him. “He and his parents would come to our parental workshops at school,” Flores said. “He was very delighted to see that his parents were there for him.” Today the family is back together and is thankful for the work of Communities in Schools, Flores said. Grajeda said he learned many lessons from working with Flores and CIS. “I learned that there’s other people who need more help besides me,” Grajeda said. “We helped out some people in rural communities with some food and a few years ago and I helped again for Christmas.” Grajeda graduated from LBJ High School in May 2008 and plans to study criminal justice at Laredo Community College. Flores said he can see Grajeda becoming a leader in the community. He supports Grajeda’s effort in becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college. For more information about Communities in Schools of Laredo, Inc., call 791-2199 or stop by their office at 101 W. Hillside, suite 9.
BLUE SANTA | Continued from Page 1A warmly accepted at the Justices of the Peace offices on the second floor of the courthouse. You won’t get the autograph, but you will get the satisfaction of helping Zapata’s littlest residents during a very special time. “The other day, there was a young woman in our office and she was talking to Judge (Fernando) Muñoz. She was talking about how (a couple of years ago) she had been separated from her husband and it was a difficult time. Her children were able to get toys from Blue Santa that year. “‘You made my children happy,’ she told him,” Guerra recalled. “Things like that make me look forward to this event.” Guerra is quick to give cred-
it for the Blue Santa program to former Justice of the Peace Juan Antonio Guevara. “I thank Judge Guevara — he started it,” she said. “We just continued it. I plan to continue doing Blue Santa as long as the good Lord allows me to do it.” In addition to Guerra and Muñoz, other participating judges include Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Jose Clemente Gutierrez and Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Juana Maria Gutierrez. For more information, call any of the JP offices at 765-9165, 765-5619, 765-9945 or 765-6655. (To reach Diana R. Fuentes, call 728-2581 or e-mail dfuentes@lmtonline.com)
LAKE VIEW | Continued from Page 1A Sept. 3, 1746, from Viceroy Juan Francisco de Guemes y Horcasitas (Count of Revillagigedo) to colonize Nuevo Santander. Escandon’s lieutenants started off with similar contingents from Cerralvo and Linares, both in Nuevo Leon, as well as from Valles, Tampico and San Juan Bautista (Eagle Pass). Archived data cited in Notable Men and Women of Spanish Texas details Escandon’s founding of Santa Maria de Llera with 45 families, a dozen soldiers and several Indians on December 25, 1748. From his archived personal records, history posted these dated sequence of events: Sept. 3, 1746, Viceroy Juan Francisco de Guemes y Horcasitas (count of Revillagigedo), granted Escandon the rights to colonize Nuevo Santander; Jan. 7, 1747, Escandon left Queretaro with fray Jose Velasco, fray Lorenzo de Medina, a military captain, a
dozen soldiers and several servants; Feb. 24, 1747, Escandon reached the Rio Grande and established a camp of operations, Real del Rio del Norte (El Solineño); October 1847, expedition ended and Escandon submitted expedition update and future plans; May 31, 1748, Count Revillagigedo cleared plans and authorized Escandon to start settling Nuevo Santander. Rodolfo Gonzalez de la Garza, Tamaulipas genealogist-historian, quoted in one of his Mil Familias editions (from Archivo General de la Nacion) a list of the 22 settlements in this order: Phase I — Santa Maria de la Llera (Llera), Dec. 25, 1848; San Francisco de Guemes, Jan. 1, 1749 (Notable Men and Woman of Spanish Texas had it as San Fernando deGuemes); Padilla, Jan. 6, 1749; Santander de los Cinco Señores, Feb. 17,1749; Burgos, Feb. 20, 1749; Santa Ana de Camargo, March 5, 1749; Reynosa, March 14,
1749; San Fernando de Presas, March 19, 1749; Altamira, May 2, 1749; Horcasitas, May 11, 1749; Santa Barbara, May 19, 1749; Real de Los Infantes, May 26, 1749. Phase II – Santa Maria de los Dolores, (Texas), Aug. 22, 1750; Soto de la Marina, Sept. 3, 1750; Santa Maria de Aguayo (Ciudad Victoria), Oct. 6, 1750; Revilla (Guerrero Viejo), Oct. 10, 1850; Xicotencaptl, March 15, 1751. Phase III — Santo Domingo de Hoyos (Hidalgo), May 19, 1752; Abasolo, Dec. 26, 1752; Mier (Ciudad Mier), March 5, 1752; Villa de San Agustin de Laredo (Laredo), May 15, 1755; Real de Borbon (Villagran), May 8, 1757. History was about to see the developments in the province of Nuevo Santander that included a portion of modern day Texas attached to Coahuila. It also gave the Royal Court in Madrid an outline and an Escandon map of the territory of Nuevo Santander along the stretch of the Gulf coast
(Seno Mexicano) region. Escandon’s accounts from the national archives tell that Viceroy Juan Francisco de Guemes, count of Revillagigedo, granted Escandon the rights to colonize Santander. The real authority really came from the Royal Court in Madrid. Escandon left Queretaro on Jan. 7, 1747, with a contingent that included fray Jose Velasco, fray Lorenzo de Medina, a captain Maldonado, a dozen soldiers and several servants. The leading families for the Escandon contingent were recruited mostly in San Luis Potosi, Nuevo Reino de Leon (Monterrey) and Coahuila. His notebook tells that he reached the Real del Rio del Norte (Rio Grande), on Feb. 24, 1747. Don Jose made camp (El Slieño) from where he would direct inspections of the region. His report, submitted October 1747, was approved by a commis-
sion headed by Count Revillagigedo on May 31, 1748, after an in-depth tour of most of the region. A hundred years later, most of the modern-day territory of Texas, once part of Coahuila, was part of the U.S. as a result of Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty that concluded the Spanish-American War. The irony of all this South Texas history is that Escandon was a recipient of one of the largest land grants in Santander,
but the man some regard as the Father of South Texas did not live to claim it. Historians in Mexico wrote the Crown’s gift to Escandon was never officially granted to one of heirs until after a son, Manuel, prevailed in a long legal dispute on both sides of the Atlantic. That land grant stretched down to the modern-day Reynosa areas of Tamaulipas. (To reach Odie Arambula, email odie@stx.rr.com)
14A | THE ZAPATA TIMES
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Sports&Outdoors Hawks’ basketball squads take flight Myra Alaniz, Lynda Leyva leading girls By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
When Coach Clyde Guerra, Jr inherited the Zapata girls basketball program seven years ago, he implemented his philosophy and had high expectations for the Lady Hawks. Five years later, he had his Lady Hawks on the verge of making history as they broke a 40-year playoff drought. Zapata beat a heavily favored Falfurrias team in front of a packed house to clinch at least a playoff appearance that season, finishing with an overall
XC team lauded THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Zapata cross country teams’ successful season continued well after their state meet showing, as Coach Mike Villarreal and his runners were honored at the Rio Grande Valley Cross Country Coaches Association banquet this week. GARCIA Sophomore Marlena Garcia, who finished 49th among 3A girls at the state meet last month, was named to the honorable mention team for the Rio Grande Valley. Garcia was among the young athletes honored at the event, the first of its kind. The association was created this year to promote the sport and showcase the talent of local cross country runners. Villarreal was a finalist for the association’s Coach of the Year award, but the honor eventually went to Tencha Lancaster from Edinburg High School. Villarreal led his team to new heights this season, as both the boys and girls advanced to the state meet. It was the first time in school history the teams had gone that far in the same year. The boys, led by Raul Serna, finished in fifth place at the state meet, while the girls finished 12th.
record of 16-13. “You could feel the electricity in the atmosphere,” Guerra said. “We all knew what was at stake when we took the court that day. It was exciting for the girls that one of the goals that I set for this program was fulfilled. Everyone strived to reach that goal.” To add the icing on the cake, at the end of the regular season the Lady Hawks were crowned tri-champions and on their way to the playoffs.
See GIRLS | PAGE 2B
Boys preparing for first home game By NINO CARDENAS THE ZAPATA TIMES
The growing pains for the Zapata Hawks are evident as they make the uphill trek to returning boys’ basketball back to its glory days. The current Hawk (3-6) squad is off to a rough start, and not helping their case is that six of those games came on the road. So far, first-year coach Juan Villarreal is trying to install
his personality to his team. The transition is taking some time, but the coach is confident that soon the results will be evident on the court. By that time, the coach is hoping that there is a welcoming crowd at the Zapata gym. They don’t play at home until Dec. 19 when they play the alumni, and they will open District 32-2A play on Jan. 2 against La Feria at home. The Hawks stay at home for their first four district games.
See BOYS | PAGE 2B
ON THE OTHER SIDE Cowboys look to become this season’s Giants By STEPHEN HAWKINS ASSOCIATED PRESS
RVING — The Dallas Cowboys would love to become this year’s New York Giants, the wild-card team turned Super Bowl champion. “Yeah, we have talked about that. It is definitely possible to still win a Super Bowl from where we at,” quarterback SUNDAY’ S are Tony Romo said. “And GAME it is definitely possible COWBOYS vs. not to win a Super GIANTS Bowl from where the 7:15 p.m. Giants are at.” The NFC East rivals play Sunday night with their roles reversed from a year ago, when Romo and the Cowboys proved that scenario the hard way. This time, the Giants (11-2) have already won the division title with three games left, though they are still trying to clinch a first-round playoff bye and the No. 1 seed. And they want to avoid a Cowboys-like collapse down the stretch like the one New York contributed to last season. Dallas (8-5) was the early division clincher last season and earned the No. 1 seed before losing two of its last three regular-season games. Then the Cowboys lost at home in the playoffs to New York, which was halfway into a fourgame postseason road sweep to an unexpected championship. “I do see where guys can kind of look at the way we went about our season last year and use that as motivation,” defensive end Justin Tuck said. “It does not surprise me because the example has been out there and I’m sure
I
Photo by Keith Srakocic | AP
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Farrior, left, sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo in the third quarter of the Steelers’20-13 victory in Pittsburgh, on Sunday, Dec. 7.The loss dropped the Cowboys to 8-5 heading into this weekend’s matchup with the defending champion New York Giants,whose late run last season is something they would like to duplicate. used by a lot of the teams in the league that feel like they’re in position,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. The Giants will be at Texas Stadium for the final time, their first trip there since that January playoff game provided a bitter ending to Dallas’ 13-win season that included two double-digit victories over New York in the regular season. “I don’t have any fond memories of
that place, except beating them in the playoffs,” receiver Amani Toomer said. New York clinched the NFC East title last week despite a loss to Philadelphia that snapped a seven-game winning streak. That’s because the Cowboys lost later that day in Pittsburgh after blowing a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. Tuck said there was no celebration by the Giants for winning the division, but that he’s not too bothered by the loss to
the Eagles. “Because it settles us back and puts us back in that mode we’ve got to play every game and go win it,” Tuck said. “We did get hot at the right time (last year). Hopefully we can do that again.” The Giants dominated Dallas 35-14 on Nov. 2, but that was when the Cowboys were still without Romo and in a
See COWBOYS | PAGE 2B
Bradford, McCoy and Tebow look to take Heisman By RALPH D. RUSSO ASSOCIATED PRESS
BRADFORD
McCOY
TEBOW
NEW YORK — In recent years, the Heisman Trophy ceremony has been about as suspenseful as Florida vs. The Citadel. Even before it started, the outcome was never in doubt. Southern California’s Reggie Bush in 2005 and Ohio State’s Troy Smith in 2006 took home their Heismans after
two of the biggest landslides in the award’s 73-year history. And it was no shock last year when Florida quarterback Tim Tebow became the first sophomore to win the big bronze statue. Tebow’s back in Manhattan for another Heisman handout, looking to make it two in a row on Saturday night, but this time if his name — or Sam Bradford’s or Colt McCoy’s — is called, he won’t have to pretend to be sur-
prised. “I think this year, no one really knows,” said Bradford, Oklahoma’s prolific passer. “It’s going to be a close race.” Bradford, who leads the nation in passer rating (186.3) and TD passes (48), is the slight favorite going into the festivities at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square, according to StiffArmTrophy.com, a Web site that polls
some of the 925 Heisman voters and has successfully predicted the last six winners. Most of those have been pretty easy, though the site also boasts of getting within 2.9 percentage points of the winning vote, on average. As of Friday afternoon, the site had Bradford projected to receive 1,687
See HEISMAN | PAGE 2B
Zscores CHL NORTHERN CONFERENCE Northeast Division W L OTL Pts GF GA Oklahoma City 15 3 2 32 64 35 Bossier-Shreveport12 6 2 26 61 52 Mississippi 12 9 0 24 65 60 Tulsa 6 11 2 14 52 85 Northwest Division W L OTL Pts GF GA Colorado 17 3 0 34 92 56 Rapid City 5 8 6 16 59 77 Rocky Mountain 6 11 2 14 53 78 Wichita 6 14 1 13 54 74 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE Southeast Division W L OTL Pts GF GA Laredo 16 5 1 33 79 53 Texas 13 6 2 28 67 52 Rio Grande Valley 9 8 2 20 64 65 Corpus Christi 8 9 2 18 61 64 Southwest Division W L OTL Pts GF GA Odessa 15 5 2 32 91 60 Arizona 10 13 1 21 93 101 New Mexico 8 13 1 17 82 97 Amarillo 6 14 0 12 55 83 Thursday’s Game Corpus Christi 2, Laredo 1, SO Friday’s Games Texas at Mississippi Tulsa at Odessa Wichita at Oklahoma City New Mexico at Rio Grande Valley Amarillo at Colorado Bossier-Shreveport at Rapid City Arizona at Rocky Mountain Saturday’s Games Corpus Christi at Amarillo Texas at Mississippi Laredo at Odessa Rocky Mountain at Wichita Tulsa at Oklahoma City New Mexico at Rio Grande Valley Arizona at Colorado Bossier-Shreveport at Rapid City Sunday’s Game Corpus Christi at Odessa
NFL All Times EST AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA N.Y. Jets 8 5 0 .615 354 292 New England 8 5 0 .615 301 276 Miami 8 5 0 .615 269 260 Buffalo 6 7 0 .462 279 275 South W L T Pct PF PA x-Tennessee 12 1 0 .923 332 184 Indianapolis 9 4 0 .692 292 253 Houston 6 7 0 .462 306 331 Jacksonville 4 9 0 .308 251 293 North W L T Pct PF PA Pittsburgh 10 3 0 .769 289 183 Baltimore 9 4 0 .692 316 200 Cleveland 4 9 0 .308 222 275 Cincinnati 1 11 1 .115 154 345 West W L T Pct PF PA Denver 8 5 0 .615 316 336 San Diego 5 8 0 .385 324 281 Oakland 3 10 0 .231 179 299 Kansas City 2 11 0 .154 233 364 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA x-N.Y. Giants 11 2 0 .846 366 226 Dallas 8 5 0 .615 312 280 Philadelphia 7 5 1 .577 339 263 Washington 7 6 0 .538 218 246 South W L T Pct PF PA Carolina 10 3 0 .769 323 254 Tampa Bay 9 4 0 .692 303 238 Atlanta 8 5 0 .615 323 271 New Orleans 7 7 0 .500 390 353 North W L T Pct PF PA Minnesota 8 5 0 .615 307 276 Chicago 8 6 0 .571 331 302 Green Bay 5 8 0 .385 355 319 Detroit 0 13 0 .000 219 413 West W L T Pct PF PA x-Arizona 8 5 0 .615 372 323 San Francisco 5 8 0 .385 286 327 Seattle 2 11 0 .154 237 335 St. Louis 2 11 0 .154 169 394 x-clinched division Thursday’s Games Chicago 27, New Orleans 24, OT Sunday’s Games Buffalo at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Houston, 1 p.m. Seattle at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Miami, 1 p.m. Detroit at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. San Diego at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Washington at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Minnesota at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. Denver at Carolina, 4:15 p.m. New England at Oakland, 4:15 p.m. Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 4:15 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 8:15 p.m. Monday’s Game Cleveland at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 8:15 p.m. Saturday’s Games Baltimore at Dallas, 8:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 New Orleans at Detroit, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
Miami at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Arizona at New England, 1 p.m. San Francisco at St. Louis, 1 p.m. San Diego at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. Houston at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Buffalo at Denver, 4:05 p.m. Atlanta at Minnesota, 4:15 p.m. Philadelphia at Washington, 4:15 p.m. Carolina at N.Y. Giants, 8:15 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22 Green Bay at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic W L Pct GB Boston 21 2 .913 — New Jersey 11 9 .550 8½ New York 10 12 .455 10½ Toronto 9 12 .429 11 Philadelphia 9 13 .409 11½ Southeast W L Pct GB Orlando 17 5 .773 — Atlanta 12 9 .571 4½ Miami 12 9 .571 4½ Charlotte 7 16 .304 10½ Washington 4 16 .200 12 Central W L Pct GB Cleveland 19 3 .864 — Detroit 11 9 .550 7 Chicago 10 11 .476 8½ Milwaukee 9 15 .375 11 Indiana 7 14 .333 11½ WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest W L Pct GB New Orleans 12 6 .667 — Houston 14 8 .636 — San Antonio 13 8 .619 ½ Dallas 12 9 .571 1½ Memphis 7 15 .318 7 Northwest W L Pct GB Denver 15 7 .682 — Portland 15 9 .625 1 Utah 15 9 .625 1 Minnesota 4 17 .190 10½ Oklahoma City 2 21 .087 13½ Pacific W L Pct GB L.A. Lakers 18 3 .857 — Phoenix 13 10 .565 6 Golden State 7 15 .318 11½ Sacramento 6 16 .273 12½ L.A. Clippers 4 17 .190 14 Thursday’s Games Boston 122, Washington 88 Dallas 95, Charlotte 90 Utah 97, Portland 88 Friday’s Games Toronto at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m. Atlanta at Miami, 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m. Chicago at Memphis, 8 p.m. Indiana at Detroit, 8 p.m. New Orleans at Boston, 8 p.m. San Antonio at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Orlando at Phoenix, 9 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Portland, 10 p.m. Houston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m. Sacramento at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m. Saturday’s Games Cleveland at Atlanta, 7 p.m. Detroit at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Washington at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. New Jersey at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. Indiana at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m. Oklahoma City at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Orlando at Utah, 9 p.m. Golden State at Denver, 9 p.m. New York at Sacramento, 10 p.m. Houston at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m. Sunday’s Games New Orleans at Toronto, 12:30 p.m. Miami at Memphis, 4 p.m. Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 7 p.m. Minnesota at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.
NHL All Times EST EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L OT Pts GF N.Y. Rangers 19 10 2 40 80 Pittsburgh 16 9 4 36 97 Philadelphia 15 7 6 36 94 New Jersey 15 8 2 32 74 N.Y. Islanders 10 17 2 22 75 Northeast Division W L OT Pts GF Boston 19 5 4 42 95 Montreal 16 7 5 37 84 Buffalo 14 11 3 31 78 Toronto 10 12 6 26 84 Ottawa 10 11 5 25 63 Southeast Division W L OT Pts GF Washington 16 10 3 35 91 Carolina 13 12 4 30 76 Florida 13 12 3 29 69 Atlanta 9 14 4 22 79 Tampa Bay 7 14 8 22 68 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division W L OT Pts GF Detroit 19 4 4 42 99 Chicago 13 6 7 33 92 Nashville 14 12 3 31 79 Columbus 12 13 3 27 78 St. Louis 12 13 3 27 80 Northwest Division W L OT Pts GF Vancouver 16 10 3 35 89 Calgary 16 11 2 34 84
GA 78 81 86 64 107 GA 62 73 81 98 65 GA 87 89 76 96 93
GA 83 73 90 87 91 GA 75 88
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 13,2008
Minnesota Colorado Edmonton
15 11 1 31 73 59 14 13 1 29 78 81 13 12 2 28 74 80 Pacific Division W L OT Pts GF GA San Jose 23 3 2 48 104 64 Anaheim 16 11 3 35 86 83 Phoenix 14 13 2 30 77 83 Los Angeles 12 12 4 28 76 80 Dallas 10 13 4 24 75 98 Thursday’s Games Tampa Bay 3, Montreal 1 Columbus 2, Nashville 1, SO Philadelphia 6, Carolina 5, SO Pittsburgh 9, N.Y. Islanders 2 Florida 2, Edmonton 0 Phoenix 3, Minnesota 1 San Jose 2, Anaheim 0 Los Angeles 6, St. Louis 2 Friday’s Games Ottawa at Washington, 7 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Boston at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. Toronto at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. Detroit at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Chicago at Colorado, 9 p.m. Florida at Calgary, 9 p.m. Saturday’s Games Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Minnesota at Los Angeles, 4 p.m. Atlanta at Boston, 7 p.m. Buffalo at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Tampa Bay at Ottawa, 7 p.m. Washington at Montreal, 7 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Columbus, 7 p.m. Carolina at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m. Dallas at Nashville, 8 p.m. Detroit at Phoenix, 9 p.m. Vancouver at Edmonton, 10 p.m. St. Louis at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. Sunday’s Games Columbus at Chicago, 7 p.m. Minnesota at Anaheim, 8 p.m. Florida at Vancouver, 10 p.m.
MLB Free Agent Signings NEW YORK — The 16 free agents who have signed, with name, position, former club if different, and contract. The contract information was obtained by The Associated Press from player and management sources: AMERICAN LEAGUE LOS ANGELES (1) — Announced Darren Oliver, lhp, had accepted salary arbitration. SEATTLE (1) — Signed Russell Branyan, 3b, Milwaukee, to a $1.4 million, one-year contract. NATIONAL LEAGUE CHICAGO (1) — Re-signed Ryan Dempster, rhp, to a $52 million, four-year contract. CINCINNATI (2) — Re-signed Mike Lincoln, rhp, to a $4 million, two-year contract; announced David Weathers, rhp, had accepted salary arbitration. HOUSTON (2) — Re-signed Doug Brocail, rhp, to a $2.75 million, one-year contract; signed Mike Hampton, lhp, Atlanta, to a $2 million, one-year contract. LOS ANGELES (2) — Re-signed Casey Blake, to a $17.5 million, three-year contract; signed Mark Loretta, 2b, Houston, to a $1.25 million, one-year contract. MILWAUKEE (2) — Signed Jorge Julio, rhp, Atlanta, to a $950,000, one-year contract; re-signed Mike Lamb, 3b, to a $400,000, oneyear contract. NEW YORK (1) — Signed Francisco Rodriguez, rhp, Los Angeles Angels, to a $37 million, three-year contract. ST. LOUIS (1) — Signed Trever Miller, lhp, Tampa Bay, to a $500,000, one-year contract. SAN FRANCISCO (3) — Signed Jeremy Affeldt, lhp, Cincinnati, to an $8 million, twoyear contract; signed Bobby Howry, rhp, Chicago Cubs, to a $2.75 million, one-year contract; signed Edgar Renteria, ss, Detroit, to an $18.5 million, two-year contract.
NCAA Football Bowl Glance All Times EST (Subject to change) Saturday, Dec. 20 EagleBank Bowl At Washington Payout: $750,000 Navy (8-4) vs. Wake Forest (7-5), 11 a.m. (ESPN) New Mexico Bowl At Albuquerque Payout: $750,000 Colorado State (6-6) vs. Fresno State (7-5), 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl Payout: $1 million South Florida (7-5) vs. Memphis (6-6), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2) Las Vegas Bowl Payout: $1 million BYU (10-2) vs. Arizona (7-5), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Sunday, Dec. 21 New Orleans Bowl Payout: $325,000 Troy (8-4) vs. Southern Mississippi (6-6), 8 p.m. (ESPN2) Tuesday, Dec. 23 Poinsettia Bowl At San Diego Payout: $750,000 Boise State (12-0) vs. TCU (10-2), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Wednesday, Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl At Honolulu
Payout: $750,000 Hawaii (7-6) vs. Notre Dame (6-6), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Dec. 26 Motor City Bowl At Detroit Payout: $750,000 Florida Atlantic (6-6) vs. Central Michigan (8-4), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2) Saturday, Dec. 27 Meineke Bowl At Charlotte, N.C. Payout: $1 million North Carolina (8-4) vs. West Virginia (84), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Champs Sports Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Payout: $2.125 million Florida State (8-4) vs. Wisconsin (7-5), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Emerald Bowl At San Francisco Payout: ACC: $750,000 Pac-10: $850,000 California (8-4) vs. Miami (7-5), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Sunday, Dec. 28 Independence Bowl At Shreveport, La. Payout: $1.1 million Louisiana Tech (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (6-6), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Dec. 29 PapaJohns.com Bowl At Birmingham, Ala. Payout: $300,000 Rutgers (7-5) vs. North Carolina State (66), 3 p.m. (ESPN) Alamo Bowl At San Antonio Payout: $2.25 million Northwestern (9-3) vs. Missouri (9-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Tuesday, Dec. 30 Humanitarian Bowl At Boise, Idaho Payout: $750,000 Nevada (7-5) vs. Maryland (7-5), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl At San Diego Payout: $2.3 million Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Oregon (9-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Texas Bowl At Houston Payout: $750,000 Rice (9-3) vs. Western Michigan (9-3), 8 p.m. (NFLN) Wednesday, Dec. 31 Armed Forces Bowl At Fort Worth, Texas Payout: $750,000 Houston (7-5) vs. Air Force (8-4), Noon (ESPN) Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Payout: $1.9 million Oregon State (8-4) vs. Pittsburgh (9-3), 2 p.m. (CBS) Music City Bowl At Nashville, Tenn. Payout: $1.7 million Vanderbilt (6-6) vs. Boston College (9-4), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Insight Bowl At Tempe, Ariz. Payout: $1.2 million Kansas (7-5) vs. Minnesota (7-5), 5:30 p.m. (NFLN) Chick-fil-A Bowl At Atlanta Payout: $3 million LSU (7-5) vs. Georgia Tech (9-3), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Jan. 1 Outback Bowl At Tampa, Fla. Payout: $3.2 million Iowa (8-4) vs. South Carolina (7-5), 11 a.m. (ESPN) Capital One Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Payout: $4.25 million Georgia (9-3) vs. Michigan State (9-3), 1 p.m. (ABC) Gator Bowl At Jacksonville, Fla. Payout: $2.5 million Nebraska (8-4) vs. Clemson (7-5), 1 p.m. (CBS) Rose Bowl At Pasadena, Calif. Payout: $17 million Southern Cal (11-1) vs. Penn State (11-1), 5 p.m. (ABC) Orange Bowl At Miami Payout: $17 million Cincinnati (11-2) vs. Virginia Tech (9-4), 8 p.m. (FOX) Friday, Jan. 2 Cotton Bowl At Dallas Payout: $3 million Texas Tech (11-1) vs. Mississippi (8-4), 2 p.m. (FOX) Liberty Bowl At Memphis, Tenn. Payout: $1.8 million Kentucky (6-6) vs. East Carolina (9-4), 5 p.m. (ESPN) Sugar Bowl At New Orleans Payout: $17 million Utah (12-0) vs. Alabama (12-1), 8 p.m. (FOX) Saturday, Jan. 3
International Bowl At Toronto Payout: $750,000 Connecticut (7-5) vs. Buffalo (8-5), Noon (ESPN2) Monday, Jan. 5 Fiesta Bowl At Glendale, Ariz. Payout: $17 million Texas (11-1) vs. Ohio State (10-2), 8:30 p.m. (FOX) Tuesday, Jan. 6 GMAC Bowl Mobile, Ala. Payout: $750,000 Tulsa (10-3) vs. Ball State (12-1), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Jan. 8 BCS National Championship At Miami Payout: $17 million Florida (12-1) vs. Oklahoma (12-1), 8 p.m. (FOX) Saturday, Jan. 17 East-West Shrine Classic At Houston West vs. East, TBD (ESPN2) Saturday, Jan. 24 Senior Bowl At Mobile, Ala. South vs. North, 7 p.m. (NFLN) Saturday, Jan. 31 Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge At El Paso, Texas Texas vs. Nation, 1 p.m.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Top 25 Schedule All Times EST Saturday’s Games No. 1 North Carolina vs. Oral Roberts, 6 p.m. No. 3 Pittsburgh vs. UMBC, 7 p.m. No. 5 Oklahoma vs. Utah, 4 p.m. No. 6 Texas vs. Texas State, 1 p.m. No. 8 Tennessee at Temple, Noon No. 9 Louisville vs. Austin Peay, 1 p.m. No. 10 Xavier at Cincinnati, 8 p.m. No. 12 Notre Dame vs. Boston University, 7 p.m. No. 13 Syracuse vs. Long Beach State, Noon No. 14 Purdue vs. Indiana State, 2 p.m. No. 16 UCLA vs. DePaul at the Honda Center, Anaheim, Calif., 7 p.m. No. 17 Memphis at No. 19 Georgetown, 2 p.m. No. 18 Michigan State vs. Alcorn State, 6 p.m. No. 21 Ohio State vs. Butler, Noon No. 22 Baylor vs. Prairie View, 3 p.m. No. 23 Davidson vs. Chattanooga, 7 p.m. No. 24 Marquette vs. IPFW, 2 p.m. No. 25 Kansas vs. Massachusetts at the Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo., 2 p.m. Sunday’s Games No. 4 Gonzaga vs. Arizona at U.S. Airways Center, Phoenix, 6 p.m. No. 11 Wake Forest vs. Wright State, 4 p.m. No. 15 Villanova at La Salle, 7 p.m. No. 20 Arizona State vs. IUPUI at U.S Airways Center, Phoenix, 3:15 p.m.
NCAA Women’s Basketball Top 25 Schedule All Times EST (Subject to change) Saturday’s Games No. 2 North Carolina vs. Coastal Carolina, Noon No. 3 Stanford vs. Fresno State, 5 p.m. No. 4 Texas A&M vs. Texas State, 8:30 p.m. No. 5 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 California at San Jose, Calif., 9 p.m. No. 8 Notre Dame at Valparaiso, 2:30 p.m. No. 10 Baylor vs. Samford, 8 p.m. No. 12 Louisville vs. Kentucky, 2 p.m. No. 16 Pittsburgh vs. West Virginia State, 2 p.m. No. 21 Purdue vs. Iona, 7 p.m. Sunday’s Games No. 1 Connecticut vs. Penn State at New York, 2:30 p.m. No. 6 Texas vs. No. 7 Tennessee 2 p.m. No. 14 Rutgers vs. Army at New York, Noon No. 19 TCU at No. 24 Oklahoma State, 3 p.m. No. 22 Arizona State vs. UC Riverside, 9:30 p.m. No. 25 Kansas State vs. Texas-Arlington, 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 No. 2 North Carolina vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 7 p.m. No. 18 Ohio State vs. Cleveland State, 7 p.m.
Fight Schedule National TV in parentheses Dec. 13 At Mannheim, Germany (HBO), Wladimir Klitschko, Ukraine, vs. Hasim Rahman, Baltimore, 12, for Klitschko’s IBF-WBO-IBO heavyweight titles. At Atlantic City, N.J. (SHO), Kendall Holt, Paterson, N.J., vs., Demetrius Hopkins, Philadelphia, for Holt’s WBO light welterweight title; Yuri Foreman, Brooklyn, N.Y., vs. James Moore, New York, 10, for Foreman’s NABF light middleweight title. At Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Cabazon, Calif. (VERSUS), James Toney, Sherman Oaks, Calif., vs. Tony Thompson, Silver Spring, Md., 12, heavyweights. At Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot, San Juan, Puerto Rico (HBO Plus), Eric Morel, Puerto
Rico, vs. Ricardo Vargas, Mexico, 10, super bantamweights; Roman Martinez, Puerto Rico, vs. Walter Estrada, Colombia, 10, super featherweights. Dec. 20 At Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland, Nikolai Valuev, Russia, vs. Evander Holyfield, Atlanta, 12, for Valuev’s WBA heavyweight title. Dec. 23 At Tokyo, Daisuke Naito, Japan, vs. Shingo Yamaguchi, Japan, 12, for Naito’s WBC flyweight title. Dec. 31 At Hiroshima, Japan, Takefumi Sakata, Japan, vs. Denkaosan Kaovichit, Thailand, 12, for Sakata’s WBA flyweight title. Jan. 3 At Kanagawa, Japan, Yusuke Kobori, Japan, vs. Paulus Moses, Nambia, 12, for Kobori’s WBA lightweight title; Toshiaki Nishioka, Japan, vs. Genaro Garcia, Mexico, 12, for the interim WBC super bantamweight title. Jan. 9 At Primm Valley Resort Casino, Primm, Nev. (ESPN), Yuriorkis Gamboa, Miami, vs. Roger Gonzalez, Chino, Calif., 10, junior lightweights. Jan. 24 At Staples Center, Los Angeles (HBO), Antonio Margarito, Mexico, vs. Shane Mosley, Pomona, Calif., for Margarito’s WBA welterweight title. Jan. 30 At Montreal, Herman Ngoudjo, Canada, vs. Juan Urango, Miami, 12, for the vacant IBF light welterweight title. Feb. 7 At TBA (SHO) Vic Darchinyan, Australia, vs. Jorge Arce, Mexico, 12, for Darchinyan’s IBF-WBC-WBA junior bantamweight title.
Transactions BASEBALL American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX—Agreed to terms with INF Dayan Viciedo on a four-year contract and OF DeWayne Wise on a one-year contract. KANSAS CITY ROYALS—Designated INF Jason Smith for assignment. TORONTO BLUE JAYS—Signed RHP Matt Clement to a minor-league contract. National League NEW YORK METS—Named Ken Oberkfell manager for Buffalo (IL). PITTSBURGH PIRATES—Agreed to terms with INF Ramon Vazquez on a twoyear contract. Selected LHP Donnie Veal from Tennessee (SL) in the Rule 5 Draft. American Association EL PASO DIABLOS—Signed INF Brett Cant. BASKETBALL National Basketball Association CHARLOTTE BOBCATS—Signed F Juwan Howard. Waived F Dwayne Jones. Continental Basketball Association ALBANY PATROONS—Signed G Shawn Fountain, F Gabe Freeman, and G Lucious Jordan. Waived C James Smith and G Adrian Walton. EAST KENTUCKY MINERS—Waived F Emmanuel Little. MINOT SKYROCKETS—Signed F Brandon Smith and G Andrew Davison. FOOTBALL National Football League CHICAGO BEARS—Placed RB Garrett Wolfe on injured reserve. Signed LB Gilbert Gardner. HOCKEY NHL NASHVILLE PREDATORS—Assigned F Ryan Jones to Milwaukee (AHL). NEW JERSEY DEVILS—Waived C Petr Vrana. PHOENIX COYOTES—Assigned F Kevin Porter to San Antonio (AHL). PITTSBURGH PENGUINS—Assigned G John Curry and F Chris Minard to WilkesBarre/Scranton (AHL). TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING—Re-signed RW Steve Downie to Norfolk (AHL). AHL ALBANY RIVER RATS—Announced Carolina (NHL) returned G Justin Peters. Recalled D Ryan McGinnis from Florida (ECHL). MANITOBA MOOSE—Recalled F Dan Gendur from Victoria (ECHL). SYRACUSE CRUNCH—Announced Columbus (NHL) assigned D Trevor Hendrikx to the team from Johnstown (ECHL). ECHL PHOENIX ROADRUNNERS—Signed F John McNabb. READING ROYALS—Signed D Tim Branham. Loaned D Steve Ward to Albany (AHL). SOCCER Major League Soccer TORONTO FC—Acquired MF Dwayne De Rosario from Houston for D Julius James and allocation money. COLLEGE ARMY—Fired football coach Stan Brock. BOWLING GREEN—Named Dave Clawson football coach. CLEMSON—Named Charlie Harbison defensive backs coach, Danny Pearman tackles and tight ends coach and Woody McCorvey football administrator. NORTH DAKOTA—Signed football coach Chris Mussman to a two-year contract extension through the 2012 season. SYRACUSE—Named Doug Marrone football coach.
COWBOYS | Continued from Page 1B miserable slump. That loss dropped Dallas, which went into the season as a decided Super Bowl favorite, to last place in the division. Dallas then got a much-needed open date and Romo back from that broken pinkie on his throwing hand. The Cowboys followed with three straight victories, and were about to make it four in a row until Pittsburgh scored its only two touchdowns in a late 24-second span, the second on an interception return. “I know we have the capable talent and ability on this team to play like we did three or so quarters,” Terrell
Owens said this week. “We’ve got to learn somehow, some way to finish games. ... (Our defense) put us in position to win a game. As an offense, I take it personally, because we let those guys down.” As for T.O.’s sideline outburst at receivers coach Ray Sherman after he wasn’t the target of Romo’s game-sealing fourth-down incompletion, Owens insisted he was venting about the overall frustrations — and not about the last pass being intended for somebody else. Owens described the team’s mood as “jolly” and said the Cowboys were confident and looking forward to chal-
lenges they face. While Romo’s return has certainly sparked the Cowboys since their 2-4 midseason slump that made them chasers instead of leaders, an improved defense has also had a significant impact. In New York, the Cowboys allowed 200 yards rushing. They have since given up only 268 yards rushing combined to four opponents who have averaged only 272 total yards. Brandon Jacobs ran for 117 yards against Dallas, but it wasn’t clear if he would play this week because of lingering aches in both knees. Of course,
the Giants are already without receiver Plaxico Burress, suspended for the rest of the season because of that gun incident. Dallas wasn’t sure about its own bruising halfback, Marion Barber, because of the broken right pinkie toe and calf problem that developed when he altered how he ran because of the toe. New York can’t knock the Cowboys out of the playoffs this week, but can make it more difficult for them to make the playoffs. Dallas’ remaining games are against Baltimore and Philadelphia, another division rival and wild-card hopeful.
BOYS | Continued from Page 1B The Hawks are looking for their killer instinct, the coach says. “We are seeing the same pattern in every single game. We are trying to get the kids to play a full game. We are lacking a little bit of intensity,” Villarreal said. That pattern showed up in their latest game at the San Diego tournament against Premont on Thursday. A game in which the Hawks led in the half, only to lose 63-43. “We just couldn’t put them away,” Villareal said about the contest. On Friday, the Hawks proved to be
quick learners as they strung together back-to-back victories over Bishop (5249) and St. Augustine (52-42). “We pushed the ball and were fast breaking a little bit more. Still not happy, but it’s looking good,” Villarreal said. With district still a couple of weeks away, Villarreal and company returned to the drawing board to figure out how to up the intensity a few notches. “They do as much as they can, but still I expect them to be a little bit tougher. I want to see that hustle, the want-to. To get the ball, the rebound
and have that killer instinct,” Villarreal said. Toughness and durability are key to the Hawks success this season. The Hawks lost center/power forward Jerry Buentello this past week after he dislocated his shoulder again. He is out for the season. That leaves the Hawks with 10 players, and Villarreal isn’t planning on dipping into junior varsity to find a replacement. “We want to hopefully do some damage with these 10 guys. We are staying with what we have,” he said.
The play of sophomore guard Andrew Magee, senior small forward Rene Garcia and senior power forward Arlo De Los Santos has been good, but they are now being asked to give just a little bit more. The four game home stretch to open district is going to set the tone for the Hawks. Home court advantage is something they hope comes into play. “We would like people to come watch what Zapata basketball is all about,” Villarreal said. (Nino Cardenas can be reached at 72802578 or Nino@lmtonline.com)
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SPORT SHORTS Lady Hawks in San Diego Tourney final The Lady Hawks (7-6) advanced to the San Diego Tournament championship game with a win over the host Lady Vaqueros on Friday afternoon. Brandi King led Zapata with 19 points, and Lynda Leyva added 18. The Lady Hawks will face Falfurrias for the championship today at 4 p.m. They also won their opening game on Friday, routing the Hebbronville Lady Longhorns. Selina Mata led the team with 16 points, and King added 15. On Thursday, Zapata opened up the tournament with a win over the Bishop Lady Badgers. Leyva led the team with 14 points.
Toys 4 Kids Holiday Football Shootout The Toys 4 Kids first holiday flag and touch football shootout takes place today and Sunday at Father McNaboe Park (located in back of George Washington Middle in Mines). The divisions are 8 on 8 for men’s flag football. High school boys play 7 on 7 touch football (j.v. and varsity together). The fee is $135 and a minimum of five toys per team. Teams are required to wear same color uniforms. Prizes include trophies, t-shirts and MVP awards. For information contact Rafa Ramirez 319-0671 or Eli Ortiz 774-2938.
New 9-Ball Billiard League Meeting The meeting will be on Monday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Hal’s Landing. For more information, contact Arturo Banda at 771-5323.
TAMIU men’s soccer youth camp The Texas A&M International University men’s soccer team will host a youth camp from Dec. 20-23 at Dustdevil Soccer Field on campus. The camp will run 9 a.m. – noon daily except for 2–5 p.m. on Sunday and is open to students 4 -13 years of age. The fee is $80 per camper. The camp will be conducted by head coach Claudio Arias, who was named Heartland Conference Coach of the Year after directing the Dustdevils to a 12-5-1 overall record and third place Heartland Conference finish last season. A total of six student-athletes earned All-Heartland honors, including conference and NCAA Division II South Central Region Player of the Year honoree Greg Mulamba. For more information contact Coach Arias at 3262893 during normal business hours.
18th Annual Jingle Bell 5K The 18th annual Jingle Bell 5K run will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 8:30 a.m. Participants can run or walk in the 3.1 mile race. Registration will be held at the San Isidro IBC location (2442 San Isidro Parkway) from 7:30-8:20 a.m. on the day of the race. Entry fee is $10, and there will be awards for first, second and third-place runners in each division (male/female: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over). For more information, call the Laredo Parks and Leisure Department at 795-2350.
Softball tournament reset for Jan.17-18 A two-day, city-wide softball tournament scheduled for this weekend has been reset for Jan. 17 and 18. Co-hosted by Laredo Community College and the City of Laredo Parks and Leisure Services Department, the fast-pitch softball tournament has been moved to a later date to accommodate more teams. The women’s softball tournament, which is open to ages 20 and under, will be conducted under National High School Federation rules. The Laredo International Airport Softball Field at 800 Sandman will be the site of the tournament. Proceeds from the sporting event will benefit the LCC Lady Palomino fast-pitch softball intramural club team. Admission to watch the tournament is free and open to the community. The entry fee to participate in the tournament is $75 per team with a $20 umpire fee for every match played. All teams also must provide their own game balls. First-, second- and third-place trophies will be awarded to the winners of the tournament. Participants do not necessarily have to be associated with a high school softball team to participate. Interested club teams can register and pay the required fees on site on Saturday, Jan. 17, the first day of the tournament, at 8 a.m. For more information, call Kristina Rodriguez at (361) 231-0550 or the LCC Athletics Department at 721-5326.
HEISMAN | Continued from Page 1B GIRLS | Continued from Page 1B Guerra turned to a young and inexperienced group led by then-sophomores Myra Alaniz and Lynda Leyva. “Myra was asked to lead the team as a sophomore,” Guerra said. “She played in some big games for us and always kept her poise even in the close games. “Lynda is great athlete who gives 100 percent. During the season and playoff game, she came out big for us.” The Lady Hawks added to their tradition as they made their second playoff appearance last season. Alaniz and company continued to add another chapter to their history book as they captured their first bidistrict championship title in the school’s history by beating Port Isabel,
53-51. Leyva poured in 12 points to lead the Lady Hawks. Zapata eventually fell to stateranked West Oso in the area championship game. Alaniz and Leyva are, once again, the foundation of this year’s team as they have put the fate of the Lady Hawks on their back as they hope to lead the Lady Hawks to another playoff run. “Our goal is to make it to the playoffs and take one step further beyond area,” Alaniz said. Alaniz, a three-year letterman, is a feisty point guard whose uncanny court vision can see the slightest opening in an opponent’s defense.
She has the ability to connect from beyond the arc or attack the basket and score on the fly. “Myra is a very dedicated individual for the program,” Guerra said. “She is a real humble leader who is always looking to make the team better.” Leyva can play any position and is the heart and soul of Zapata’s signature press defense. She can mix it up under the boards as the Lady Hawks’ post or fill in at the guard position whenever needed. “We have very high expectations this year and we want to continue to make history,” Leyva said. “Lynda is a very coachable athlete who does anything that is asked of her,” Guerra said. “She never com-
plains and has been part of the tradition that was started here three years ago.” The Lady Hawks are diligently working during practice in order to accomplish their goal at the end of the season. Guerra put his Lady Hawks through a grueling preseason schedule as they played 5A and 4A teams, in addition to attending the Alice tournament. “Coach did a great job in matching us up against some tough teams before we get to district,” Alaniz said. They will get their first crack against their district foes on Tuesday, as they open district on the road against Rio Hondo.
points, McCoy 171 points back with 1,516 and Tebow 1,446. The vote hasn’t been that close between the top two since Oklahoma quarterback Jason White beat out Pittsburgh wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald in 2003 by 128 points. The closest margin in points came in 1985, when Auburn’s Bo Jackson beat out Iowa quarterback Chuck Long by 46 points. If the three quarterbacks who are the finalists this season were jumpy about the outcome, they weren’t letting on about 29 hours before the announcement was to be made. Bradford, McCoy and Tebow — in that order — took turns fielding a few questions from the reporters packed into a hotel room in Midtown Manhattan on Friday. The consensus: They’re all honored to be here. None would be here without their teammates. And they’ve all enjoyed getting to spend some time with each other the last couple of days. The three were also at the college football awards show in Orlando before heading North.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008
THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B
HINTS BY HELOISE Dear Readers: We thought we would share some important information about FOODS THAT ARE DANGEROUS to feed your dogs. Read this, cut it out and post it on the refrigerator so that everyone knows what NOT to feed your pampered pet. HELOISE Raw eggs — can lead to skin and fur problems. Moldy foods — refrigerated foods that have become moldy, such as cheese, can cause health problems. Fats from meat — the skin of
various kinds of meat is a real danger to your dog’s health, so don’t give your pet rendered fat or the skin to eat, since it can lead to obesity and other problems. Mushrooms — can cause various health problems. Caffeine — coffee, tea and caffeinated sodas can affect the heart and nervous systems. Raisins and grapes — both contain toxins that can damage the kidneys. These are only a few of the things that you should not feed your dog. Dogs gobble food — they don’t taste and savor — so watch what they eat. — Heloise HAIRBALLS Dear Readers: Here is a vet’s hint to help your cat pass hair-
balls. Spread 1/4 teaspoon plain petroleum jelly on your cat’s paws or under its nose daily for four days. When the cat licks its paws or nose, the petroleum jelly is swallowed, helping to eliminate the hair mass more easily. Of course, there are commercial products available. Brushing your cat daily, if you can, will certainly help prevent the old hairball problem. — Heloise DACHSHUNDS RIDE Dear Heloise: I enjoy taking my dachshunds for car rides. I used to stop and give them water periodically. Now, I bring along a disposable cup filled with water and put it in the car’s cup holder. They have water whenever they get thirsty. — A Reader, via e-mail
HOROSCOPES | BY FRANCIS DRAKE ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your appreciation of beauty is heightened today. Give yourself a chance to enjoy architecture, parks, galleries, museums and beautiful stores. Spirituality and mysticism also intrigue you today. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You might use shared property or money that you have access to through someone else to help those who are needy. Your fundraising abilities are excellent today. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Conversations with partners and close friends are mutually sympathetic, warm and understanding. Enjoy time with loved ones. Patch up quarrels. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) If you can help a coworker on the job today, you will do so. Likewise, others are sympathetic to you. People feel very helpful to each other today. LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) Your creative vibes are hot today. Your imagination is strong, and you’re full of wonderful ideas. Share your ideas with the world! Romance is sweet and tender.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) You might introduce luxurious additions to your home today. Family discussions will be about wanting to help a family member who is in need. Do what you can to make this happen. LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) You might spend time daydreaming today. You’re full of imaginative ideas. However, you have a need to escape into fantasy, which we all do from time to time. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) You’re tempted to buy something elegant, extravagant and luxurious (and quite likely beyond your means). Naturally, this is entirely up to you. Be sure you can afford it. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to D e c . 2 1 ) You’re very tuned in to the feelings and moods of others today. Because of this, all your relationships with others will be quite smooth, since you know what they want and need. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Solitude in beautiful surroundings will please you today. You need time off by yourself to mentally relax and take it easy. Consider it a mental-health day.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) A friend might need your assistance or at least your sympathy about something today. Alternatively, it may work the opposite; you might need someone to listen to you. Either way is just fine. PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) People view you in very favorable terms today. They see you as caring and very genuine. (It’s really quite a compliment to who you are.) You also might be asked to give your artistic input into something. YOUR BORN TODAY You’re never casual about things. You study and work hard, observing all necessary details, and it is this work ethic that makes you successful. You’re thoughtful and perceptive, and these qualities make others respect you. Your optimism is your saving grace. You’re powerful now. Next year you’ll wrap up something you’ve been involved with for nine years. Birthdate of: Emily Carr, artist; Christopher Plummer, actor; Jamie Foxx, actor/comedian.
Zclassified REAL ESTATE
HOMES FOR SALE
61
HOMES FOR SALE
BY PHONE: (956) 728-2527 61
CONDOS FOR SALE 64 1 Condo $60,000.
HOMES FOR SALE
61
Norte, Central y Sur de Laredo Casas Disponibles de 3 a 5 recamaras para mudarse el dia de HOY. Facil de Calificar. Financiamiento Disponible. Llame HOY, al 956-237-2041 O a 956-717-0958 Con Adriana Moya Tijeriana
Great Location-New Spacious Homes 3 Bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage approx. 1400 sq.ft. paying closing cost. Monthly payment $1100.00 Call Jesus @ cell 956-740-2542 office 956-724-9756
2 NEW SUBDIVISION IN NORTH LAREDO FROM THE $150’S & UP. RESERVE YOUR HOMESITE TODAY WITH ONLY $500.00 IN HOUSE FINANCING AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFO. CALL ANTHONY CARABALLO @ 333-3844
Has your family outgrown your home? Good news! Your dream home is just a trade away! Call me, Eddie Rendon (956) 763-8207
QQQ QQQ QQQ HELP WANTED
4 bedroom 2 bath approx. 1,500 sq.ft. home on a 10,000 sq.ft. lot for only $117,990 I will also help you with your closing costs let me worry about your credit. Call Luis Calderon @956-725-1965 or @ my cell 956-645-8977
PORQUE RENTAR cuando puede tener casa propia y al mismo tiempo calificar para un prestamo de hast $7,500.00 dlls, casas al norte y sur de laredo hableme para mas informacion, De Hoyos 956-635-6702
Must Sell, Moving Out, negotiable, 2bd/1.5ba, 2803 Bayard. Brand new, south Laredo. For sale by owner.
Call Dr. Rendon 011-52-867-714-1502 or 011-52-867-715-011
GATEWAY AMBULANCE HIRING EXPERIENCE EMT-B F/T APPLY AT 1308 CLARK ST. SUITE-B DRIVERS WANTED LEASE PROGRAMNO CREDIT CHECK NO MONEY DOWN
12 month lease with option to buy + $2400 completion bonus on a ’07 Freightliner Century. Only $462 per week lease cost to drivers. Average 91 CPM (based on avg. length of haul) + fuel surcharge. Also hiring owneroperators, solo & team drivers.
866-817-9666 www.xpressdrivers.com
122
2bd/1ba fridge/stove, CAH, $12,500 Must be Moved. Call 724-3367 Corner Lot & Moblie Home 2bd/2ba 5418 Ramirez, By Lp. 20 & Saunders fenced w/ Carport. Reduced Price $55,000 754-2141
LOTS FOR SALE
122 HELP WANTED
MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE 67
HELP WANTED
122
70
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
LOTS FOR SALE
70
North Laredo. 1.3 Acres on Loop 20 near TAMIU, next to Khaledi Heights on Blue Quail St. $12.50 Per SqFt Neg. Call Dr. Rendon 011-52-867-714-1502 or 011-52-867-715-0118 R-3, Lot & 1/3, corner, 120 W Locust and McDonell, 12,860 sq ft., $80,000.(956)725-6641.
ACREAGE FOR SALE 76
2 Lots for Sale South Laredo, Financing Available, Call 744-3299
5 acre tract, frontage on Casa Verde Rd. $200,000 per acre. Contact (956)725-6641
607 Mier, R3, $39,500 obo, some financing available. Call:(956)236-9459; 723-6540
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 82
TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Natural Resources Specialist III, posting # 09083, $3,063 monthly. Closing Date: 12/12/08. The Small Business & Local Government Assistance Program in San Antonio provides environmental technical assistance and outreach to small businesses and local governments. A complete description of the job, minimum qualifications, preferred requirements and special requirements for the position may be found on the web address listed below. A completed State of Texas application must be received in the Human Resources Division of the TCEQ by 5:00 PM on closing date. The employment history on the application must be completed. Mail applications to: Human Resources Division/MC116, TCEQ, PO Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 or fax to 512/239-0111, or deliver to 12100 Park 35 Circle, Bldg A Rm 141, Austin. For more info, call 512/239-0102. Internet: www.tceq.state.tx.us EEO/AA/ADA Employer.
$ Great Opportunity$ Franchise La Paletera $95,000OBO Been operating for 3yrs. Fully Equip 1212 International Blvd. Call 251-3797
Make over $50,000 per year! Total sign shop for sale w/all NEW equipment, including Roland inkjet printer/cutter, plotter, laminator, computers, customer & vendor lists, etc. Call (956)237-8310 or (956)744-2679 New Apts. (2) For Sale by Owner! 2bd/1ba, CAH, W/D Hkps, $135,000 Call 723-6896; 645-8556 Sell personalized children’s books. Start up cost $1,550 Call:(956)726-8982
PETS & SUPPLIES
GARAGE SALES
134
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 ‘62 Sony Projection TV, $500 OBO Call 723-7076, evening Beautiful Rustic Dining Chairs set of 5, $150 for Set Call 693-8903 Black metal bunk beds with mattresses. $175 obo.excel. cond.Call:(956)220-3518
Dining room set, table, six chairs (padded), solid wood. $275 Call:(956)763-4483 Display refrigerators, $300ea. (2) Call(956)324-8759 Estufa electrica, 6 meses de uso, $125. Inf:220-2453 Excellent cond. glass dinning table, rod-iron 6 chairs, beigo/gold $175 235-9632
Mini Yorkie puppies, 3F, 2 mo., registred, $800 & up. updated shots. Call:(956)236-6426
Pomeranian puppies, 1F/1M 8 weeks $300 each. Call 235-3062
Pomeranian Puppies,1M $400ea. Call 791-6623 or 52*180118*1 Tiger Stipe Pitbulls For Sale $100 Dewormed, 6M & 1F Call 722-7108
MISCELLANEOUS
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194
24 in. rims, $2,700 CallL (956)857-8390 Like New! Set of 4 Bridgestone tires & 17” wheels, for ‘07 Chevy Tahoe LT, 265/70R17 $700 OBO Call 645-3391 or 645-7301
MOTORCYCLES
196
636 Ninja ‘06 Blue, Pipes, Helmet $5800, 7000 miles Info. Raul 242-1360
Lexmark laser print cartridges, $25 dollars each. Compatible for Lexmark E321, E323. Call(956)251-3439
TRUCKS FOR SALE 198
Se Venden Ojarascas $3.50 La Dozena. Llame (956)229-8812 Mrs. Lujan despues de las 4PM Tambien se vende Tamales!
TV Wall Mounts for Sale. All Sizes $10 each. Call 956-251-1465 or 231-7067
Boston Puppies for sale. 1st shots & dewormed $300ea. and up Call 324-3289
190
Pelican pedal paddle boat 2008 7ft7in x 62in, 113lbs., max. capacity 800lbs., bimini top cover, lrg. built in cooler, trolling moter, many extras. 235-4940
Kenmore electric stove, beige, 3 yrs. old, $325 negotiable Call:(956)763-4483
SERENATAS
128
BOATS
Full Country Club Membership for Sale $4,000. Call 235-8654
$30 for 3 songs, by guitarist singer. Also hourly.(956)728-8481.
PETS & SUPPLIES
TRANSPORTATION
114 Northview Dr, Saturday Only 6am-9am, Clothes, toys, ornaments, Desk & Chairs, computer parts & Misc Items
Dodge Grand Carivan Sport ‘02 Excellent Cond., A/C, low mileage, cd player, one owner, Fully loaded. $5200 OBO
‘00 Chevy S-10 Ext. Cab 4x4, 84Kmil., Lifted, larger tires, bedliner, brush guard, Hi-lift, $6500 Call 237-9587 Chevy Trailblazer ‘06, 3rd. seat, rear a/c, 4x4, under warranty, $14,900 Call:(956)220-2937
Used bars for sale, windows & doors. Starting at $30 & up. Call:723-7711 after 5pm. Vendo laptop marca Dell buenas condiciones, burn cd’s $350. Tel: 956-220-5146
Washer, Good condition. $200 OBO Free Dryer Call 956-231-9686 X-Box 360 with 60gig harddrive 2 controlers & 10 games, $315 Call 334-7545
MUSICAL MENTS
INSTRU138
New 2008 Yamaha Acoustic FG-460 guitar, spruce top, mahogany back & sides. Many extras $350. Call:235-4940
Cummins 3.9 Diesel & Gas Step Vans 7 to Choose From. $4,000 and up. Call 722-3840 or 763-4840 Ford pick up 1983, supercab, $1,500. Could see at 1803 Gates. Ford Ranger ‘00, supercab, 4x4, $3,500 obo. Call:(956)722-6458; 285-9845 GMC single cab ‘00, stepside, $4,500 obo. Call:(956)722-6458; 285-9845 Jeep Liberty ‘04, v6, cd, PW, 80K MI., $6,500. (956)771-7047.
SPORTING GOODS 142 Mini max 45 ACP, 6+1, Colt look alike, 3 in. barrel $375 Call:(956)235-3441.
Let me help you by putting you in your new home like if you are paying rent. You can choose a home from 3, 4 & 5 bedrooms. You can even choose the area where you want your family to grow up. Call Javier Garcia today @ 956-235-4641
HELP WANTED
122
Ruger MK3, bull barrell, SIGP226, 357 SIG, stainless, night sight, $300 & up. 235-3841
Ad for opening in Laredo, Texas for LCB Hiring BACKHOE OPERATOR. Must have a minimum of 1 year experience with oil field work and must have a CDL. Apply in person at 3905 Rotary Dr. Also hiring TIRE MAN with experience in 18 wheeler tires. Please apply in person.
Licensed Customs Broker – part time, flexible hours. Consulting work for extra cash. Current License. Call 956-723-0396 or send resume to LicensedCustomsBroker@gmail.com
Trailblazer ‘05, V6, automatica, electrica, cd, 2 a/c, placas al coriente en Texas. $7,450 Inf: (956)774-3693
CARS FOR SALE
200
‘02 S-type 4.0 Fully Loaded, Blue title, new tires, $10,900 Call 754-3212 Camaro Convertible ‘01, V6, A/C, SS Hood, Tail, Rims, $6,350. 326-5340; 145*2*12864, after 5pm.
Chevrolet MG 1972, Convertible, original classic condition, fully functional, blue title, $11,000 Call: (956)771-3961; 52*15*14476
4B | THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008
<DATE>
LAREDO MORNING TIMES | 1B
Zapata Classified
REAL ESTATE
HOMES FOR SALE
61
HOMES FOR SALE
61
CONDOS FOR SALE 64 1 Condo $60,000.
HOMES FOR SALE
61
Norte, Central y Sur de Laredo Casas Disponibles de 3 a 5 recamaras para mudarse el dia de HOY. Facil de Calificar. Financiamiento Disponible. Llame HOY, al 956-237-2041 O a 956-717-0958 Con Adriana Moya Tijeriana
Great Location-New Spacious Homes 3 Bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage approx. 1400 sq.ft. paying closing cost. Monthly payment $1100.00 Call Jesus @ cell 956-740-2542 office 956-724-9756
2 NEW SUBDIVISION IN NORTH LAREDO FROM THE $150’S & UP. RESERVE YOUR HOMESITE TODAY WITH ONLY $500.00 IN HOUSE FINANCING AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFO. CALL ANTHONY CARABALLO @ 333-3844
Has your family outgrown your home? Good news! Your dream home is just a trade away! Call me, Eddie Rendon (956) 763-8207
;;;;; QQQQQ ;;;;; QQQQQ ;;;;; QQQQQ ;;;;; QQQQQ HELP WANTED
4 bedroom 2 bath approx. 1,500 sq.ft. home on a 10,000 sq.ft. lot for only $117,990 I will also help you with your closing costs let me worry about your credit. Call Luis Calderon @956-725-1965 or @ my cell 956-645-8977
PORQUE RENTAR cuando puede tener casa propia y al mismo tiempo calificar para un prestamo de hast $7,500.00 dlls, casas al norte y sur de laredo hableme para mas informacion, De Hoyos 956-635-6702
Must Sell, Moving Out, negotiable, 2bd/1.5ba, 2803 Bayard. Brand new, south Laredo. For sale by owner.
Call Dr. Rendon 011-52-867-714-1502 or 011-52-867-715-011
GATEWAY AMBULANCE HIRING EXPERIENCE EMT-B F/T APPLY AT 1308 CLARK ST. SUITE-B DRIVERS WANTED LEASE PROGRAMNO CREDIT CHECK NO MONEY DOWN
12 month lease with option to buy + $2400 completion bonus on a ’07 Freightliner Century. Only $462 per week lease cost to drivers. Average 91 CPM (based on avg. length of haul) + fuel surcharge. Also hiring owneroperators, solo & team drivers.
866-817-9666 www.xpressdrivers.com
122
2bd/1ba fridge/stove, CAH, $12,500 Must be Moved. Call 724-3367 Corner Lot & Moblie Home 2bd/2ba 5418 Ramirez, By Lp. 20 & Saunders fenced w/ Carport. Reduced Price $55,000 754-2141
LOTS FOR SALE
122 HELP WANTED
MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE 67
HELP WANTED
122
70
LOTS FOR SALE
70
North Laredo. 1.3 Acres on Loop 20 near TAMIU, next to Khaledi Heights on Blue Quail St. $12.50 Per SqFt Neg. Call Dr. Rendon 011-52-867-714-1502 or 011-52-867-715-0118 R-3, Lot & 1/3, corner, 120 W Locust and McDonell, 12,860 sq ft., $80,000.(956)725-6641.
ACREAGE FOR SALE 76
2 Lots for Sale South Laredo, Financing Available, Call 744-3299
5 acre tract, frontage on Casa Verde Rd. $200,000 per acre. Contact (956)725-6641
607 Mier, R3, $39,500 obo, some financing available. Call:(956)236-9459; 723-6540
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 82
TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Natural Resources Specialist III, posting # 09083, $3,063 monthly. Closing Date: 12/12/08. The Small Business & Local Government Assistance Program in San Antonio provides environmental technical assistance and outreach to small businesses and local governments. A complete description of the job, minimum qualifications, preferred requirements and special requirements for the position may be found on the web address listed below. A completed State of Texas application must be received in the Human Resources Division of the TCEQ by 5:00 PM on closing date. The employment history on the application must be completed. Mail applications to: Human Resources Division/MC116, TCEQ, PO Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 or fax to 512/239-0111, or deliver to 12100 Park 35 Circle, Bldg A Rm 141, Austin. For more info, call 512/239-0102. Internet: www.tceq.state.tx.us EEO/AA/ADA Employer.
$ Great Opportunity$ Franchise La Paletera $95,000OBO Been operating for 3yrs. Fully Equip 1212 International Blvd. Call 251-3797
Make over $50,000 per year! Total sign shop for sale w/all NEW equipment, including Roland inkjet printer/cutter, plotter, laminator, computers, customer & vendor lists, etc. Call (956)237-8310 or (956)744-2679 New Apts. (2) For Sale by Owner! 2bd/1ba, CAH, W/D Hkps, $135,000 Call 723-6896; 645-8556 Sell personalized children’s books. Start up cost $1,550 Call:(956)726-8982
PETS & SUPPLIES
GARAGE SALES
134
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 ‘62 Sony Projection TV, $500 OBO Call 723-7076, evening Beautiful Rustic Dining Chairs set of 5, $150 for Set Call 693-8903 Black metal bunk beds with mattresses. $175 obo.excel. cond.Call:(956)220-3518
Dining room set, table, six chairs (padded), solid wood. $275 Call:(956)763-4483 Display refrigerators, $300ea. (2) Call(956)324-8759 Estufa electrica, 6 meses de uso, $125. Inf:220-2453 Excellent cond. glass dinning table, rod-iron 6 chairs, beigo/gold $175 235-9632
Mini Yorkie puppies, 3F, 2 mo., registred, $800 & up. updated shots. Call:(956)236-6426
Pomeranian puppies, 1F/1M 8 weeks $300 each. Call 235-3062
Pomeranian Puppies,1M $400ea. Call 791-6623 or 52*180118*1 Tiger Stipe Pitbulls For Sale $100 Dewormed, 6M & 1F Call 722-7108
MISCELLANEOUS
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194
24 in. rims, $2,700 CallL (956)857-8390 Like New! Set of 4 Bridgestone tires & 17” wheels, for ‘07 Chevy Tahoe LT, 265/70R17 $700 OBO Call 645-3391 or 645-7301
MOTORCYCLES
196
636 Ninja ‘06 Blue, Pipes, Helmet $5800, 7000 miles Info. Raul 242-1360
Lexmark laser print cartridges, $25 dollars each. Compatible for Lexmark E321, E323. Call(956)251-3439
TRUCKS FOR SALE 198
Se Venden Ojarascas $3.50 La Dozena. Llame (956)229-8812 Mrs. Lujan despues de las 4PM Tambien se vende Tamales!
TV Wall Mounts for Sale. All Sizes $10 each. Call 956-251-1465 or 231-7067
128
190
Pelican pedal paddle boat 2008 7ft7in x 62in, 113lbs., max. capacity 800lbs., bimini top cover, lrg. built in cooler, trolling moter, many extras. 235-4940
Kenmore electric stove, beige, 3 yrs. old, $325 negotiable Call:(956)763-4483
SERENATAS
Boston Puppies for sale. 1st shots & dewormed $300ea. and up Call 324-3289
BOATS
Full Country Club Membership for Sale $4,000. Call 235-8654
$30 for 3 songs, by guitarist singer. Also hourly.(956)728-8481.
PETS & SUPPLIES
TRANSPORTATION
114 Northview Dr, Saturday Only 6am-9am, Clothes, toys, ornaments, Desk & Chairs, computer parts & Misc Items
Dodge Grand Carivan Sport ‘02 Excellent Cond., A/C, low mileage, cd player, one owner, Fully loaded. $5200 OBO
‘00 Chevy S-10 Ext. Cab 4x4, 84Kmil., Lifted, larger tires, bedliner, brush guard, Hi-lift, $6500 Call 237-9587 Chevy Trailblazer ‘06, 3rd. seat, rear a/c, 4x4, under warranty, $14,900 Call:(956)220-2937
Used bars for sale, windows & doors. Starting at $30 & up. Call:723-7711 after 5pm. Vendo laptop marca Dell buenas condiciones, burn cd’s $350. Tel: 956-220-5146
Washer, Good condition. $200 OBO Free Dryer Call 956-231-9686 X-Box 360 with 60gig harddrive 2 controlers & 10 games, $315 Call 334-7545
MUSICAL MENTS
INSTRU138
New 2008 Yamaha Acoustic FG-460 guitar, spruce top, mahogany back & sides. Many extras $350. Call:235-4940
Cummins 3.9 Diesel & Gas Step Vans 7 to Choose From. $4,000 and up. Call 722-3840 or 763-4840 Ford pick up 1983, supercab, $1,500. Could see at 1803 Gates. Ford Ranger ‘00, supercab, 4x4, $3,500 obo. Call:(956)722-6458; 285-9845 GMC single cab ‘00, stepside, $4,500 obo. Call:(956)722-6458; 285-9845 Jeep Liberty ‘04, v6, cd, PW, 80K MI., $6,500. (956)771-7047.
SPORTING GOODS 142 Mini max 45 ACP, 6+1, Colt look alike, 3 in. barrel $375 Call:(956)235-3441.
Let me help you by putting you in your new home like if you are paying rent. You can choose a home from 3, 4 & 5 bedrooms. You can even choose the area where you want your family to grow up. Call Javier Garcia today @ 956-235-4641
HELP WANTED
122
Ruger MK3, bull barrell, SIGP226, 357 SIG, stainless, night sight, $300 & up. 235-3841
Ad for opening in Laredo, Texas for LCB Hiring BACKHOE OPERATOR. Must have a minimum of 1 year experience with oil field work and must have a CDL. Apply in person at 3905 Rotary Dr. Also hiring TIRE MAN with experience in 18 wheeler tires. Please apply in person.
Licensed Customs Broker – part time, flexible hours. Consulting work for extra cash. Current License. Call 956-723-0396 or send resume to LicensedCustomsBroker@gmail.com
Trailblazer ‘05, V6, automatica, electrica, cd, 2 a/c, placas al coriente en Texas. $7,450 Inf: (956)774-3693
CARS FOR SALE
200
‘02 S-type 4.0 Fully Loaded, Blue title, new tires, $10,900 Call 754-3212 Camaro Convertible ‘01, V6, A/C, SS Hood, Tail, Rims, $6,350. 326-5340; 145*2*12864, after 5pm.
Chevrolet MG 1972, Convertible, original classic condition, fully functional, blue title, $11,000 Call: (956)771-3961; 52*15*14476