rio grande underwriters insurance group, inc. AUTO • HOME • LIFE • COMMERCIAL • FLOOD • WIND
956-233-5744 705 W. HWY 100
Los Fresnos, Tx 78566
Volume 10 Number 10
www.losfresnosnews.net
Roy Garcia Insurance Agency We Specialize in Home Insurance
CALL TODAY Vahid Mirafzali, M.D., F.A.A.P. Mon. - Thurs. 9am - 7pm • Fri. 9am - 6pm Sat. 9am - 1pm • Closed Sundays
541-4939
quote@roygarciainsurance.com
6KDULQJ +RPHWRZQ 5HFLSHV &RRNLQJ 7LSV DQG &RXSRQV %\ -DQHW 7KDUSH
7UHDW <RXU 7DVWH %XGV WR 1HZ 2UOHDQV %UHDG 3XGGLQJ ³'HOLFLRXV OLNH D ZDUP KXJ ´
<
/LQGD (OPHQKRUVW 2LOWRQ 2. 3RS
RXU WDVWH EXGV ZLOO WDNH D WULS WR /RXLVLDQD ZKHQ \RX WU\ /LQGD (OPHQKRUVW¶V 1HZ 2UOHDQV %UHDG 3XGGLQJ 7KLV GHVVHUW LV SHUIHFWO\ OLJKW DQG Ã&#x20AC;XII\ ZKLOH VWLOO UHPDLQLQJ ZDUP DQG KHDUW\ 7KH ERXUERQ VDXFH LV MXVW ULJKW±IDU IURP RYHUSRZHULQJ±VR GRQ¶W EH GHWHUUHG +DYH D VHFRQG KHOSLQJ IRU PH 6HH VWHS E\ VWHS SKRWRV RI /LQGD¶V UHFLSH SOXV WKRXVDQGV PRUH IURP KRPH FRRNV QDWLRQZLGH DW ZZZ MXVWDSLQFK FRP EUHDGSXGGLQJ <RX¶OO DOVR ¿QG D PHDO SODQQHU FRXSRQV DQG FKDQFHV WR ZLQ (QMR\ DQG UHPHPEHU XVH ³MXVW D SLQFK´
1HZ 2UOHDQV %UHDG 3XGGLQJ
:KDW <RX 1HHG ORDI IUHQFK EUHDG TW PLON HJJV
F VXJDU F UDLVLQV
WEVS YDQLOOD WEVS EXWWHU
)RU %RXUERQ 6DXFH VWLFN EXWWHU F VXJDU
HJJ EHDWHQ
WEVS ERXUERQ ZKLVNH\
-Janet 'LUHFWLRQV
Â&#x2021; 7HDU EUHDG LQ SLHFHV DQG %RXUERQ 6DXFH VRDN LQ PLON DW OHDVW RQH Â&#x2021; ,Q D VDXFHSDQ PL[ KRXU FXS VXJDU VWLFN Â&#x2021; %HDW HJJV ZLWK VXJDU EXWWHU HJJ EHDWHQ DQG YDQLOOD $GG WR DQG WEVS ERXUERQ EUHDG PL[WXUH 6WLU LQ ZKLVNH\ UDLVLQV Â&#x2021; &RRN RQ ORZ KHDW XQWLO Â&#x2021; 0HOW WEVS EXWWHU LQ REORQJ [ EDNLQJ GLVK 3RXU SXGGLQJ LQWR GLVK %DNH DW GHJUHHV IRU KRXU
VXJDU KDV GLVVROYHG 6WLU FRQVWDQWO\
Â&#x2021; /HW FRRO &XW LQWR VHUYLQJ FXEHV DQG SODFH LQ ERZOV 7RS ZLWK ERXUERQ VDXFH
6XEPLWWHG E\ /LQGD (OPHQKRUVW 2LOWRQ 2. 3RS
ZZZ MXVWDSLQFK FRP EUHDGSXGGLQJ %URXJKW WR \RX E\ $PHULFDQ +RPHWRZQ 0HGLD
2014
Now Takin� Application�! Application� du� Marc� 12t�, 2014 Downloa� your applicatio� fro� www.losfresnoschamber.co� Contac� th� Chamber offic� for mor� inf� a� 956-233-4488
Dr. Julian F. Alvarez, MD Pediatric Clinic www.allegrargv.com
Photo by: Saldivar’s Photography
“Our Goal Is Everybody Rides”
2001 Toyota Tundra SR-5
6,500
$
4X4
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE
5,800
$
2003 Honda Accord
2000 Toyota Tacoma 4X4
2005 Ford Escape XLT
2002 Dodge Grand Caravan EX
Chevy Truck 1500 Series
2001 Ford Taurus SE
6,500
$
4,400
$
5,800
$
4,400
$
$2,200 2,500 (956) 233-1963 $
centuryr toppe
Available any time by appointment: (956) 755-9620
35871E. Hwy 100, Los Fresnos, 78566 Regular hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. - Thurs. Like us on Facebook
6 • march 5, 2014 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
Brownsville Historical Association is proud to host the Texas Tomato Lover’s Fest at the Brownsville Heritage Museum on Saturday March 8, from 10 am to 2 pm
Don’t Miss the Deadline to Determine Your Healthcare Eligibility By State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Brownsville, TX, February 2014-- The Paul Gilmore Memorial Garden at the Stillman House is proud to host a Texas Tomato Lover’s Fest. The festival will take place at Brownsville Heritage Museum on Saturday March 8th from 10 am to 2 pm and will consist of a tomato workshop, book signing, and tomato plant sale. The cost of the event is free for members and $10.00 for non-members. A light reception with tomato themed refreshments will be served. The Texas Tomato Lover’s Handbook author William “Bill” Adams will be our guest speaker and workshop host. Bill is a retired Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agent whose books
include “The Texas Tomato Lovers Handbook,” “The Southern Kitchen Garden”. Topics include: selecting the best tomato variety, grafting tomatoes, selecting the best location, fertilization, irrigation, insects and diseases
and weed control. There will be time for Q&A with the speaker. Check the website at brownsvillehistory.org and the Facebook event page for the latest on the event and registration information.
CITY OF LOS FRESNOS Community Health Worker GENERAL JOB REQUIREMENTS The Community Health Worker will conduct outreach and educational visits to participants of a community wide campaign programs relating to healthy lifestyles to priority community. Will be responsible for engaging community members by providing education materials, outreach messages and collecting data pertaining to programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Valid Driver’s License • Familiarity with the local community is a plus • Must have the willingness to work some evenings and weekends • Some understanding of computers, text messages, smart phones, data bases • Comfortable teaching individuals and large groups • Comfortable teaching physical activity and nutrition topics • English fluency (bilingual English/Spanish preferred )
BENEFITS
The City offers excellent benefits including paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, health and life insurance, and a retirement system. Applicant must successfully pass a pre-employment Drug screening prior to employment by City of Los Fresnos. Applications must be submitted on the official form which is available online or at Los Fresnos City Hall at 200 N Brazil, Los Fresnos, Texas 78566 and will be accepted until filled. Please contact our Finance Director for additional questions at (956) 233-5768. THE CITY OF LOS FRESNOS IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/DRUG FREE EMPLOYER
NOTICE OF BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION HEARINGS
It’s vitally important that every Rio Grande Valley resident have access to quality affordable health care. That’s why I highly encourage my constituents to know their options under the new health care law and enroll at www.healthcare. gov. ; The deadline to get covered is March 31. The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, created a marketplace through which any consumer may purchase subsidized health care. I fear, however, that too few realize the limited time they have to enroll. While more than 200 million Texans have already selected a marketplace plan, that number hardly compares to the more than 6 million estimated to be uninsured. People who fail to enroll on time won’t have another chance until November. But by then they may have to pay a penalty on their income taxes—as much as $95 per adult. This penalty seems particularly unfair for individuals that fall within the so-called “coverage gap,” that is those who make too much money to be eligible for Medicaid, but still too little to qualify for subsidized insurance. These individuals are in the gap through no fault of their own, but rather are victims of the fallout from a U.S. Supreme Court decision which determined states may chose not to expand Medicaid eligibility under
Obamacare. Empowered, our state leadership chose to keep more than 1 million needy Texans from accessing coverage. During the last legislative session, I proudly coauthored a bill to expand Medicaid eligibility in the state. To me, this plan just made fiscal sense. Because the federal government would pay no less than 90 percent of the cost of expansion, for a $15 billion investment spread over a decade, Texas could have received $100 billion in matching funds. In the Rio Grande Valley—the poorest region the country—the Legislature’s decision not to expand Medicaid is heartbreaking. To be clear, even with expanded Medicaid eligibility, we’d still only be serving the neediest of our working poor; to qualify a family of four could still make not more than $23,550. Further, according to a February 2013 report by former Texas demographer Ray Perryman, Medicaid expansion could have boosted Cameron County’s economy by $7 billion over the decade, and Hidalgo County’s by more than $12 billion. We also would have benefited from less uncompensated care in area hospitals and increased worker productivity. Determining coverage under the health care law can be confusing. Nevertheless, it is imperative that all uninsured consumers navigate the system. For example, for those who do fall into the coverage gap, it’s
The Building and Standards Commission (the “Commission”) of the Town of Bayview, Texas (the “Town”) will hold public hearings at the Girl Scout West Building, 102 South San Roman Road, Bayview, Cameron County, Texas 78566, during a Meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2014. The purpose of the hearings is for all persons to be heard concerning the following matters: Docket No. 2014-001 Address of the site:
Calle Hermosa, Bayview, Cameron County, Texas
Legal description: Unit 4, Section 3, Block 25, Bayview Citrus Groves, on Calle Hermosa, Bayview, Cameron County, Texas Property ID#1218182. Owner of record: Docket No. 2014-002 Address of the site:
Brownsville Anesthesia Consultants.
Palma Lane & W. Resaca Road, Bayview, Texas.
Legal description: Lots 1, 2 and 3 of Capi Estates Subdivision, Palma Lane & W. Resaca Road, Bayview, Texas Owner of record:
Trinidad Capistran
Docket No. 2014-003 Address of the site:
Valencia Drive, Bayview, Texas
Legal description: Unit 4, Section 3, 4.270 Acres out of 7.220 Acres, Block 26, on S. Valencia Drive, Bayview Citrus Groves, Bayview, Cameron County, Texas Owner of record:
Bernardino Salinas and Wendy J. Lee
Applicable regulations include Texas Local Government Code and Bayview Buildings and Standards Commission Procedures. Additional details and applicable regulations are available for public inspection at the Town office. Interested persons should attend the hearing. Call 956-233-6445 with any questions. Persons with disabilities must notify the Town 24 hours in advance of the meeting so proper arrangements can be made.
facebook.com/thelosfresnosnews
important to know if they qualify for a “hardship waiver” exempting them from paying an income tax penalty. Critical enrollment information is easily accessible in the Rio Grande Valley, and there are several location organizations trained to help you navigate the process. You may schedule an appointment at Migrant Health Promotions-Salud by going to their offices at 437 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco, Texas 78596 or by calling 1-800-461-8394 ext. 1004. You may also receive assistance from Nuestra Clinica Del Valle by calling 956-787-8915, or by calling the Children’s Defense Fund at 956-687-5437. The goal of the Affordable Care Act was to provide high-quality, affordable health coverage to all Americans. I implore you: don’t get left out; discover your options before March 31. Eddie Lucio, Jr. is the state Senator for District 27, which is composed of Cameron, Kenedy, Kleberg, Willacy, and part of Hidalgo Counties.
Nearly Half of Texas Renters Overburdened by Housing Costs Report says High Housing Prices Leave Little Room for Savings AUSTIN, Texas - Affordable housing can be key to helping working families gain and keep financial stability, but for many across Texas the costs of rent and utilities are taking more than their share of the monthly budget. The Center for Enterprise Development analyzed the latest data, and senior research manager Kasey Wiedrich said they found nearly half of renters in the state are what’s called “housing-cost urdened.” “Forty-eight percent of renters are spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs,” she said. “So, almost half don’t have an affordable place to live, by housing industry standards.” For homeowners in Texas, the rate is substantially better, with less than one in three considered housing-cost burdened. Wiedrich said the high cost of housing doesn’t allow for families on the edge to save for emergencies, a factor that is a major contributor to the “liquid-asset poverty rate.” In Texas, that rate is 50 percent. (contd.) Podcast and entire story available: http://www.newsservice. org/index.php
march 5, 2014 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 7
PRESERVATION TEXAS ISSUES CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR 2014 LIST OF TEXAS’ MOST ENDANGERED HISTORIC PLACES Rio Grande Valley Residents Encouraged to Help Identify Threatened Historic Sites and Submit Nominations by March 21, 2014 AUSTIN, TEXAS… Preservation Texas has issued a call for nominations for its 2014 list of Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places and is asking Rio Grande Valley residents to help identify threatened historic resources by submitting nominations. Since the program was initiated in 2003, the list of Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places has played a vital role in preserving the rich character, identity and heritage of our communities. A wide range of sites will be considered, from commercial, residential, public and religious buildings, to neighborhoods, bridges, monuments, and landscapes. The deadline for nominations is March 21, 2014. “Each year more and more of the state’s historic properties fall victim to commercial development, neglect or suburban sprawl,” said Charlene Orr, president of Preservation Texas, Inc., a statewide partner of the
National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places focuses attention on worthy sites, encourages appreciation of them, and helps local communities generate support for them.” Through the Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places program, selected sites receive technical assistance to determine how to best preserve the structure from architects, engineers and other preservation professionals; assistance with fund raising strategies, including grants and tax incentives, and information on restoration and revitalization techniques used successfully at other sites. Preservation Texas, Inc., a statewide nonprofit organization, is the advocate for preserving the historic resources in Texas. It is the only private, nonprofit membership organization in Texas dedicated to being a full-service statewide preservation organization.
Sites recognized by Preservation Texas have benefited from inclusion on the list of Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places through energized conservation efforts, commitments for restoration, and additional funding. Preservation Texas also was instrumental in securing national attention for the need to restore Texas’ historic county courthouses and for the extensive restoration effort that resulted. Galveston’s Strand and Mechanic Historic District and the Statler Hilton Hotel, both named to the Preservation Texas list, later received nationwide attention from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Some of the sites in the Rio Grande Valley recognized in previous years include the historic buildings of Rio Grande City and the George Kraigher House in Brownsville. Judging criteria for the 2014 list include: Significance. The site must be of architectural,
artistic, and/or historic importance within its cultural, social or geographic context. Urgency of threat. Urgency is the need for immediate action to stop or reverse serious threats. Threats can be demolition, alterations that would change the integrity of the building or structure; or significant loss of historic fabric through neglect, or through a new development plan or transportation plan that could affect the site in the future. Potential solutions and support. There must be clear evidence of local support for the preservation of the site. Nominations are open to the public and the nomination form is available by visiting www.preservationtexas.org. The 2014 list of Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places will be announced in Austin on May 20 during Historic Preservation Month. For more information, phone 512472-0102.
Ask Our Dentists Q: What are dental implants?
ANSWERED by DR. ADAM LALONDE: A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is surgically anchored to your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue. Implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth. Dental implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support; they are permanent and stable. With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental Implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth. They can also solve many of the problems associated with removable dentures and help a person gain self confidence by knowing that they are fixed in place, and more closely resemble real teeth. Dental implants help to eliminate the gag reflex (a choking feeling associated with some dentures). They make food taste better and speech articulation easier. Implants result in less tissue irritation within the mouth. If you are considering implants, a thorough evaluation by your dentist will help determine if you would be a good candidate. If you do not have a dentist, you may call my office to schedule a complimentary 15 minute dental implant consultation.
Dr. Adam Lalonde Dr. Grayson Sellers
Culligan Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems
Dr. Eric Valle
®
Bottleless Reverse Osmosis Water Cooler
Call today for a FREE Water Analysis!
800-698-5491
better water. pure and simple.®
1300 W BUS 77•SAN BENITO TX www.culliganrgv.com
956-233-4400 www.losfresnosdental.com Additional stories and content on our new, improved website
# Ʉ' " 4Ʉ*!Ʉ ' -.#$+Ʉ - /Ʉ' -.Ʉ' 1 Ʉ Ʉ( -&Ʉ*)Ʉ/# Ʉ *((0)$/$ .Ʉ/# 4Ʉ. -1 ƆɄ # 4Ʉ -$)"Ʉ+ *+' Ʉ /*" /# -ƇɄ - / Ʉ Ʉ *). ).0.Ʉ ) Ʉ2*-&Ʉ# - Ʉ/*Ʉ( & Ʉ+*.$/$1 Ʉ # )" ƆɄ # /Ʉ$.Ʉ *(+'$.# Ʉ/* 4Ʉ )Ʉ' ./Ʉ!*-Ʉ" ) - /$*).ƆɄ Ʉ
*.ſ - .)*.ſ *((0)$/4Đſ/# )&ſ4*0ſ!*-ſ - /$)"ſ ſ' ./$)"ſ' " 4ſ*!ſ .0 ..ďſ Ʉ Los Fresnos • 203 N Arroyo Blvd • 956-233-3600
wellsfargo.com
© 2013 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. 121951 02/13
Spring Break
is around the corner!!!
Schedule your kids’ dental check-ups today for priority apointment avalability.
233-440 Next to Pharmacy
Insurance Accepted
8 • march 5, 2014 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Boys & Girls Club of Los Fresnos Eddie Barron 100 W. 3rd St. • Los Fresnos, TX 78566 Tel: 956-233-1102
Greg’s Four Star Drive In 747 W. Ocean Blvd Los Fresnos, TX 78556 Tel: 956-233-4996
Abby’s Panaderia Bakery 417 W. Ocean Suite 1 Los Fresnos, TX 78566 Tel: 956-233-9600
Cuts & More Unisex Beauty Salon 216 S Arroyo Blvd Los Fresnos, TX 78566 (956) 233-3250
Dr. Adam Lalonde… Changing Smiles and Touching Lives...
OPEN 6 Days DAY/NIGHT CLINIC
Taking care of your family’s health is vital, and a healthy smile is an important part of overall health. Science has linked dental disease and poor oral health to increased risk for many serious systemic health risks. Dr. Adam Lalonde, Dr. Grayson Sellers, and Dr. Eric Valle want you to enjoy the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted, built on a foundation of optimal oral health. We are committed to providing you with a dental home you’ll be proud of. Los Fresnos Dental Center provides all of the dental services you and your family need in an inviting office with genuinely caring staff. From the cozy waiting area to the personalized greetings, we want your entire family to notice how much we care from the minute they enter our office. Any dentist can polish your teeth and fill cavities, but we develop long-term relationships with our patients for individualized, comprehensive care that will give you a healthy smile for a lifetime. As children’s and family dentist, Dr. Lalonde welcomes a diverse mix of patients. Young children who are apprehensive about dental visits will feel reassured by our team of dentists’ gentle touch, and older patients can gather information about restorative options to revitalize their smiles and restore dental health. From general dentistry to fillings to cosmetic dentistry, we promise to listen to your priorities and help you make the best decisions for your loved ones. Our team here at Los Fresnos Dental Center will go above and beyond to make sure you leave our office with a reason to smile. For your convenience, we offer evening appointments and convenient financing. It would be our honor to serve you and your family. Our motto is “The Smile You’ve Always Wanted…In an Office That Feels Like Home.” Call our office to schedule your first appointment. For more information, visit us on the web:
Dr. Julian F. Alvarez, MD Pediatric Clinic 324 W. Ocean, Suite 104 Los Fresnos, TX 78566 Tel: 956-233-2163 Los Fresnos Dental Center Dr. Adam Lalonde 810 W. Ocean Blvd. Ste. C-1 Los Fresnos, TX 78566 Tel: 956-233-4400
Little Caesars Pizza 810 W Ocean Blvd #3 Los Fresnos, TX 78566 (956) 233-1495
Los Fresnos Dry Cleaning & Formal Wear 101 S Brazil, Suite B Los Fresnos, TX 78566 956-233-9572
Esquivel Day Care & Learning Center 33842 Cactus Rd San Benito, TX 78586 Tel: 956-233-9319
The Flower Gallery 100 W 1st St Los Fresnos, TX 78566 956-233-1555
Julia’s Restaurant 220 W Ocean Blvd Los Fresnos, TX 78566 (956) 233-5653
Los Fresnos CISD 600 N. Mesquite St. Los Fresnos, Texas 78566 956-254-5000 www.lfcisd.net
956-233-4400 www.losfresnosdental.com
Fatty Chem By-Products Waste Oil Collection Service Restaurant Oil Recycling Hector Martinez 39809 State Hwy 100 • Los Fresnos, TX 78566 956-233-5691
Team Graphix 517 N. Arroyo Blvd. Los Fresnos, TX 78566 956-233-5606 www.teamgraphix.net
Carniceria Perez 33627 Holly Ln. (Hwy 100) Los Fresn os, TX 78566 956-233-1232 Business Hours 8am - 8pm Mon - Sun
Sun Loan Company 324 W. Ocean Blvd. Ste. 101 Los Fresnos, TX 78566 956-233-0195
203 N. Arroyo Blvd. Los Fresnos Texas, 78566 956-233-4488 Office
Everyday Low Prices 233-4597
Pork Spare Ribs
1
$ .99
per lb
Beef Finger Ribs
1
$ .59
Carne de Puerco Para Carnitas
per lb
Meat Market
Arracherras Whole Chicken Hanging Tenders Breast
per lb
Honey Comb Menudo
1per lb
$ .59
“Sigue” Envios de dinero a Mexico Centro y Sudameria Money Transfers to Central Mexico and South America
1
$ .29
Fidelity Express Orders Pay Station For Key Businesses AT&T, American Express, CPL Retail Energy, FMC, GMAC, Sams Club, Sears, Sprint, TXU, Time Warner Money Orders - Automobile License Renewal
2per lb
$ .79
Please Follow us on Facebook.com/ avlopezsupermarket
719 W. Ocean Blvd.
3
$ .99 per lb
Ranchero Steaks
Pork Picnics
1
$ .29
per lb
3
$ .79
Other Products
Mexico Strawberry US Corn Yellow
Mexico Zucchini Squash Mexico Carrots 1 lb Colortex Double Roll Bathroom Tissue Louisiana Fish Fry, Seasoned, N/Orl. Style, Cajun Gamesa Barra D/Coco, Hawaianas, Roscas, Ricanelas Parade Charcoal Briquets Reg., Mesquite
$2.49 $1.89 89¢ 69¢ $2.99 99¢ $1.49 $2.89
Specials Good March 5, 2014 to March 11, 2014
per lb
each each per lb each
12 double roll pak
10 oz pkg 14-17 oz box 8 lb bag