bloggin' all things brownsville

I Took Advantage of My Elected Position

2012-01-19T11:50:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to visit the new library at Harmony Science Academy today! The school didn't have a library, and its administrators expressed to me their frustration with collecting books a couple months ago when I was a guest speaker. With just one phone call to HEB, they shipped more than 5,000 books collected from customers and employees! These are the moments I so much enjoy! Did I take advantage of my elected position to solicit the books? Heck yeah! It's for the children!

An Award With a Message

2012-01-18T21:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, when the Mayor's unavailable, I get the opportunity to represent the City Commission at various events.

He was to unable to attend tonight's 41st Annual International Art Show. I was tasked with providing the welcome to artists and guests. I was also asked to choose one piece to receive the "Mayor's Award."

I went during my lunch hour to make the selection. Although there were many pieces, I found myself returning to the same piece.

“Generation Boom” by Angel Cabrales.

This piece consisted of a plastic gun, a helmet and combat boots. All were colorfully painted and adorned with children's stickers.

It was a timely piece. My interpretation was that society -- through media, television shows and even cartoons -- has desensitized weapons and war so much that our youth see their use to be more acceptable and having minimal consequence.Of course, everyone's interpretation is different.

An artist and judge for the show said the piece conveyed a woman's struggle in the military.

Let's see if I get asked again by the Mayor to represent him at another art show.

I'll Take Moral Turpitude for a $1,000, Please

2012-01-17T11:58:00.001-08:00

The City Commission tonight will decide on a policy for the selection of board/committee appointees. There's been quite a hold-up on appointments with many boards having vacancies because of this proposed policy.

I missed the special meeting held earlier this month while away at a marketing conference.

Here are my thoughts on board appointments:

1. I believe boards should be equally represented by the commissioners, hence, the respective districts.

2. I do not believe in setting up a new board/committee to review applicants.

3. I do not believe in appointing folks who do not reside in Brownsville.

4. And, according to the proposed policy, individuals with a felony conviction or who have over the past 10 years been convicted of any crime of "moral turpitude" may not appointed. I don't believe this should be included in the policy. Some folks make mistakes at a young age, and later become contributing members of society via volunteerism/civic engagement. Why should these folks be excluded?

Besides who defines "moral turpitude," and what makes that person better than the next? I found this on one Web site: "Moral turpitude is usually vague, in a context where it's vitally important not to be vague."

We'll see how this goes tonight.

No Good Reasons ...

2012-01-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

“There is no good reason. Don't waste your life waiting for good reasons ... You'll wait and wait.”
― Susan Minot, Evening

Great movie. Bought it for $3 at Big Lots. What a find. Can't wait to find the book.

New UTB Land Purchase to Support Growth

2012-01-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

New UTB Land Purchase to Support Growth

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – JANUARY 13, 2012 – The University of Texas at Brownsville has recently acquired additional land to support the growing needs of the university.

Dr. Juliet V. García, President of UT Brownsville, made the announcement on Friday, Jan. 13 at the annual Spring Convocation for faculty and staff held at The Arts Center.

The property consists of 20 acres on the corner of East Avenue and Expressway 77/83 adjacent to 80 acres of existing UTB property at the site of the university soccer field. The UT System Board of Regents approved the university’s purchase of the land last year.

“This latest acquisition will be the site for much-needed expansion at UT Brownsville,” García said. “We are greatly appreciative for the support of the UT Board of Regents and Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa, for their genuine enthusiasm in helping build the new UTB and for the many UT System and UTB staff who generously lent us their expertise to help negotiate this latest acquisition. Every step forward creates new momentum and excitement.”

This most recent purchase is one in a series of decisions that the UT System Board of Regents has approved to move the university forward, from planning for physical expansion to the approval of a new university mission.

In May 2011, the Board of Regents approved UTB’s purchase of new student housing as well as several tracks of adjacent land for university expansion.

In August, the regents also approved UTB’s new mission statement, admission standards and a $30 million investment focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in the Rio Grande Valley. The new logo and school colors were approved in November.

Last semester, Casa Bella, the new student residence apartments, welcomed its first class of almost 400 students in affordable and student-centered residence halls with amenities that include private bedrooms, full kitchens and many shared spaces to enhance student life.

Demand for more housing quickly exceeded supply, so the university immediately began to develop a waiting list for students who had not been fortunate enough to get into the housing on the first round.

Last summer, UTB purchased an additional three acres of land in front of the Casa Bella residence halls with plans under development for additional housing to be added in the future.

SOURCE: UT-Brownsville Press Release

Just Say No to Robocalls, Candidates.

2012-01-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

I never understood why local or even regional candidates find the need to hire folks to send a pre-recorded message via a telephone call. It happens here. Call me Old-Fashioned, but I'd like a knock at my door. I'd like to shake your hand. I'd even be grateful for one of those expensive mail-outs.

Give me SOMETHING that doesn't take me back to the frustrating experience of pressing 1 or 2 or 3 or 7 to finally speak to a real customer service representative with a cable company.

If I'm making dinner or rushing out of the shower just to answer a Robocall that asks me to vote for a candidate, I'd be inclined to do the opposite.

Obviously, I'm not the only one who feels this way. Check out the video below. If it's this annoying in a presidential race, imagine a local race?

Like my son, Sammers, says, "Imaginate"?

video platform video management video solutions video player

What Character Arc Really Means

2012-01-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

Do your research, kid.

A friend, who is currently on the outs with me, said today he never grows tired of witnessing my "peaks and valleys. Better than a telenovela."

My response: "Happy to amuse."

His response: "At least a couple of volumes of Amazon best-seller material right here."

My response: "Hope so."

His response: "Only thing lacking is some kind of character arc."

My response: "Do my peaks and valley compare to your state of contentment?"

His response: "As any good entertainment, they've propelled me from such a state. I'm beyond content."

My response: "What a life of vicarity."

His response: "Better you, than me."

I had to look up what a character arc was. I think I've done a great job of shoring up resolve against whatever is thrown at me.

See here.

Picking up the pen, again, so to speak

2012-01-11T09:09:00.001-08:00

It's time I write. It's been a while since I've touched or even looked at this blog until a dear friend reminded me of its existence.

Folks won't always agree with what I have to say, never have and never will. So be it.

2010-09-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Yo.

BCIC-funded Quality-of-Life Projects 2003 to Present

2010-07-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

BCIC-funded projects 2003 to present: Click here.

Arbor Day Foundation Recognizes Brownsville as "Tree City USA"

2010-05-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

For the 11th consecutive year, the City of Brownsville has been recognized as a “Tree City USA”, 2009, by the Arbor Day Foundation in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service.

Since receiving the first award in 1998, Brownsville remains the only city in the Lower Rio Grande Valley to receive a Tree City USA designation. Brownsville is recognized as the most heavily forested city in South Texas.

Brownsville has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. The city has a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Shoes Needed

2010-05-11T18:34:00.001-07:00

Local drop-off sites:

Wink's Saloon Grill & Rodeo
Contact: Linda Garcia
www.winkssaloon.com
10700 FM 1421
Brownsville
(956) 399-9465

The Carriage House Day Spa and Hair Design
Contact: Teri Rendon
www.thecarriagehousedayspa.com
319 East Elizabeth Street
Brownsville
(956) 544-4111

Revitalize MD Day Spa and Anti Aging
Contact: Susan Martinez
1200 Central Boulevard
Brownsville
Phone: (956) 542-2781

Melissa Castro
1216 East Madison Street
Brownsville
(956) 554-9595

Pronto Insurance
Contact: Ella Rendon
805 Media Luna
Suite 401
Brownsville

Enjoy.

2010-05-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

Valley AIDS Council to Offer Substance Abuse Treatment/Preventive Services to Brownsville Youth

2010-05-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

Valley AIDS Council ("VAC") Youth Community Services has its Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. today at the Parks and Recreation Building (Old Boys and Girls Club) on Tyler Street.

The facility will provide substance abuse treatment and preventive services for the youth of southern Cameron County.

The clinic is a collaboration among United Way of Southern Cameron County, Valley AIDS Council and the City of Brownsville.

The public is invited to today's event.

Going Green Without Breaking the Budget

2010-05-06T03:47:00.000-07:00

The Go Green Assistance Center provides tips on reducing our carbon footprint, incorporating sustainable energies and green building techniques into the built environment. Through the many resources of the center such as workshops, interactive screens, and a green home within the center everyone can experience first hand what it takes to be green. The Go Green Assistance Center seeks to foster dialogue within the community.

This is a great Center to visit. They have tips on building a home that's energy efficient without breaking the budget. And, it's a free service to the community!

Click here, for more info.

Brownsville Named One of Top U.S. Cities with Cleanest Air

2010-05-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

SOURCE: USA TODAY, May 3

Despite many cleanup efforts, more than half of Americans -- particularly those in California -- are still exposed to potentially dangerous air pollution, according to the American Lung Association's annual report.

Los Angeles remains the nation's smoggiest city, followed by Bakersfield, Calif., says "State of the Air 2010." Of the 10 smoggiest metro areas, eight are in California. The two exceptions are Houston, Texas, and Charlotte, N.C. The report says smog or ozone can trigger coughing and asthma attacks.

In contrast, two of the five cities with the least smog are in North Dakota: Bismarck and Fargo. The other three: Brownsville, Texas; Couer d'Alene, Idaho, and Duluth, Minn.

The annual report also looks at particulate pollution -- or soot -- at short-term and year-round levels, based on Environmental Protection Agency data for 2006, 2007 and 2008.

How does your area rank? Just type your zip code into the report's website.

At least half of the 10 cities with the most soot are in California. The dirtiest, on the short-term scale, is Phoenix, followed by Bakersfield and Los Angeles. Year-round, Bakersfield has the most particle pollution, followed by Fresno, Calif., and Pittsburgh, Pa.

Much progress has been made in the last year, according to the report, which says 20 of the sootiest cities year-round improved their annual averages. Also, 14 of the 25 smoggiest cities made gains.

Still, it says, more that 175 million people or 58% of the U.S. population breathe potentially dangerous air.

"More needs to be done," said Mary H. Partridge, the national board chair of the American Lung Association , in releasing the report.

The short-term soot levels of seven of the dirtiest cities got worse in the last year. This list includes Phoenix, Provo, Utah, and five California cities: Bakersfield, Fresno-Madera, Visalia-Porterville, Modesto and Stockton.

Biggest Loser Competition Draws More Than 300 Participants

2010-02-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

Scout Government Day at the City of Brownsville

2010-02-13T09:41:00.001-08:00

Brownsville’s Biggest Loser/ “Gana Perdiendo” Challenge Kicks Off Saturday

2010-02-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

What: City of Brownsville and School of Public Health Announce “Brownsville’s Biggest Loser Contest”
Contact: Lisa Mitchell-Bennett (956) 882-5183 Art Rodriguez (956) 542-3437
Date of Event: Challenge Kick-Off February 13, 2010—Challenge and activities on-going through May 15th
Location: Linear Park Harrison between E. 6th and E. 7th Streets

________________________________________________________________

The City of Brownsville and the UT School of Public Health, Brownsville Regional Campus announce the Brownsville’s Biggest Loser/ “Gana Perdiendo” Challenge! The goal of the challenge is to inspire the community to increase physical activity, make healthy food choices, and when necessary, lose weight in order to improve overall health. The rates of obesity and over-weight in our community are some of the highest in the nation and this Challenge is designed to address this.

Another positive part of the challenge is that participants will have the opportunity to register for the popular network show Biggest Loser (NBC) sponsored “Pound for Pound Challenge”, a national initiative which donates 14 cents for every pound lost to charities that feed the hungry in the United States.

Cash prizes will be awarded to groups and individuals who lose the most % weight over a three month period. Categories include male individual, female individual, small group (2-10 participants), large group (11-26 participants) and a family category (up to 5 participants). Prizes range from $200 for the individual winners to $1,200 for the large group winners.

Participants must be 18 years or older to participate. You may not participate if you are pregnant or not overweight. Participants should see their doctor before starting an exercise or weight loss program.

Every City Commissioner will be participating in fun activities that will include screening, fitness activities and fun walks every weekend throughout the challenge to inspire healthy eating and active living. Some local companies are matching the prize money, or offering other incentives to employees who participate. Improving the health of employees can increase productivity and reduce the cost of health insurance premiums paid by employers. The competition is meant to build community and social support in a positive spirit and to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating and active living throughout the city in a united fashion so that our lives and lives of our children are enriched.

Challenge organizers emphasize that this is not about excessive weight loss, fad diets or extreme measures. Research shows that the healthiest way to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight is to keep loss to at most 2-3 pounds a week. The safest, most effective way to do this is to exercise 30 minutes a day, most days of the week; increase the amount of fruits and vegetables and reduce the portions of the other foods you eat. The competition lasts 14 weeks so that participants have enough time to develop lasting habits, and lose the weight in a slow, steady manner. These simple recommendations will be the emphasis of the contest, as they are of the Tu Salud ¡Si Cuenta! campaign.”

In addition to the initial weigh-in (Feb. 12th and 13th) and the final weigh-in (May 15th), participants will be invited to attend weekly activities. They will be required to weigh-in at a mid-point during the competition to assure that they are not losing excessive weight or engaging in unhealthy weight-loss practices.

If you would like to participate, you can take your pick of two registration/weigh-in dates, but all participants must attend either Friday, February 12th between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. at the former Boys and Girls’ club (now home to the Dept. of Parks and Recreation) on Tyler St. between E. 7th St. and 8th St., or Saturday morning, February 13th between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00p.m. at the Brownsville Farmers’ Market Linear Park at Harrison between E. 6th and E. 7th St.

The Saturday registration/weigh-in will be a festive kick-off event featuring cooking and exercise demonstrations, and other activities going on at the Farmers’ Market.

Rest in Peace, Dr. Joe

2010-01-25T14:15:00.000-08:00

I'm saddened to hear the news of Dr. Joe Zavaletta's passing. The former City Commissioner served Brownsville for many years in many capacities. May God be with his family during this very difficult time.

Ozanam Center Open for Those Seeking Shelter

2010-01-07T14:44:00.000-08:00

The Ozanam Center located at 656 N. Minnesota Ave. is open 24 hours/365 days a year.

Of the 187 beds they have available, they currently have 120 beds left for those seeking shelter from the cold weather. They provide breakfast, lunch and dinner at no cost.

If you know anyone needing shelter, please call (956) 504-7405, and free transportation will be provided if needed.

If you are interested in volunteering, please call the Shelter in the morning at (956) 831-6331.

Blanket/Clothing Drive

2010-01-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

All blankets, socks, hats, shoes, sweaters, coats, anything that can protect from the cold weather will be greatly appreciated. Items to go to Brownsville families, especially children, ASAP in light of the upcoming cold snap.

Items may be dropped off through 10 a.m. Friday at Putegnat Elementary School, 730 E. 8th St. For more info, call (956) 548-8930.

Merry Christmas, Brownsville

2009-12-25T07:35:00.000-08:00

NORAD Tracks Santa

2009-12-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to track SANTA!

City Installs Hike/Bike Trail Lights

2009-12-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

The long-awaited security lights are being placed (as I type) every 500 feet along the Historic Battlefield Trail. And, water fountains are being installed at every pavilion trail stop.

Many residents were concerned about the safety and potential for crime along the trail. The lights will certainly help to alleviate concerns.

Many thanks to city staff and PUB!

Blog to Check Out: Digging for Fire

2009-12-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

Valley Veteran Ben Christensen's Memoir Project -- Iraq 2004-05.

Click here.

Happy Thanksgiving, Brownsville!

2009-11-25T16:57:00.001-08:00

Texas Universities' Open Admissions Policy Closer to Extinction

2009-11-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

UH-Downtown is one of only two Texas universities that offer open admission. The other is the University of Texas at Brownsville. Texas Southern University dropped its open admissions policy in 2008. (Source: Nov. 21 Houston Chronicle article)

UH-Downtown may drop open admissions
The goal is to remain accessible while increasing standards, hiking graduation rate

For the article, click here.

A Plastic Bag Perspective.

2009-11-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

2009-11-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

Why vote Tuesday November 3, 2009 For a Veterans Hospital?

2009-11-01T18:00:00.001-08:00

Why vote Tuesday November 3, 2009 For a Veterans Hospital?

This Tuesday November 3, 2009 we have a very important election. In fact I would venture to say that this election is more important than, the many boards, commissions, and city, county, state and federal elections of this century. We have the opportunity to GO VOTE FOR Constitutional Amendment 8(H.J.R. 7) to authorize the State to contribute money, property, and other resources for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of veteran’s hospitals in this state.” Our State Legislators are to be commended for proposing this amendment. Now it is up to us to ratify it into the Texas Constitution.

Why do I say this?

Well let me try to explain to you my reasoning. Each time I visit the Viet Nam Memorial Wall I choke up and ask my self “why I am here and their names are inscribed there”? The only answer I can come up with is “That is what we might just call the Grace of God'.

I lost friends and class mates and dear loved ones that served. I still shed pent up tears trying to relieve the shadowed sorrow that mortally wounded my soul by that crazy war.

When our fellow veterans came back they were treated with out the respect and gratitude that our nation clearly owed them.

Now as our Veterans age and a new era of Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans come home. It is up to us to make sure they are welcomed and helped to reassemble into civilian life. They must absolutely have their medical needs and harsh emotional wounds attended to right here in our Rio Grande Valley. The very place where they deployed from the safety and warmth of their home, friends, family and other loved ones when duty called. I must tell you that when they return they are never the same as when they left.

Yes the VA Hospital in the RGV is way past due! How can our country spend billions on a border wall and other such things in the RGV? Our state has spent hundreds of millions rebuilding the Texas State Capitol Buildings. It is presently spending more millions for the Governor's Mansion restoration. How then can we forget that great debt of gratitude we owe our veterans?

Today, November 1, 2009, "all Souls Day", I salute and thank all our veterans for their service in all wars it is your heart and soul that has made and keeps our country great and free.

Our sick and suffering veteran's life and limb deserve restoration and rebuilding too!
When asked to do their duty they snapped to, hand saluted and said "yes sir"!

When asked by these same men and women for the hospital they so desperately need
How else can we respond but to go to the polls on Tuesday “snap to” and vote "Yes Sir” on Amendment 8 for a VA hospital in the Valley? We must now turn “the tide of possibilities” into the reality of a VA hospital in the RGV.

To quote professor Samuel Freeman's article in the RGV Guardian today "The ONLY way we will get a Veterans Hospital in the Valley is for the Veterans Administration, the State, and the University of Texas System to work together in partnership to bring both a Medical School and a Veterans Hospital in the valley. Please vote for this proposition. As a veteran, I thank you. for your support"

Ralph Cowen

City Offers Pet Adoption Special

2009-10-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a grant from the Rotary Club of Brownsville Charitable Foundation, anyone who adopts an animal from the Brownsville Animal and Control Center will get an automatic $20 discount. This means the usual $70 fee for a spay/neuter adoption will drop to $50.

According to Art Rodriguez, director of the city’s health department, there are—as of October 28—159 animals in the kennel inventory: 88 dogs and 71 cats.

Rodriguez points out that the fall adoption promotion special is good so long as the $1,850 grant lasts.

“This is a great opportunity,” says Rodriguez, “to take advantage of our adoption promotion. There are lots of deserving, adoptable animals in our kennel and this is a good chance to give one a good home/”

The Animal Control Center is located at 416 FM511, north of Brownsville near Olmito. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 1-5 p.m.

For more information call 544-7351.

Volunteers Needed

2009-10-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Volunteers needed!!!!

Call:
Rose Timmer
Healthy Communities of Brownsville
956.882.5067
www.healthybrownsville.org

Texas Recycles Day- Brownville meeting at the Brownsville Recycle Center on Elizabeth Street. Planning meeting for November 14 event

Public Forum- 6 to 8pm at the ITEC Campus. Banning Plastic Bags will be the to...pic & the public is invited. Need meet/greet volunteers. Need meeting evaluators.

Paint a Can- volunteers needed to help unload cans and give out information about recycling, sign up volunteers for HCB

Texas Recycles-Brownsville Recycling Center on Elizabeth Street-volunteers needed to meet and greet, give out information, cook and give out healthy snacks. Pick up recycles. Groups are welcomed. We anticipate 400 to 700 participants.

Health Literacy Symposium –January 27th at the Brownsville Event Center- volunteers needed for setup, registration, -more information as committee meets.

HCB and Imagine Brownsville- meeting on environmental priorities’ for 2010-volunteers needed to direct people to meeting place. Need someone to take notes of meeting.

Survey- volunteers to make phone calls to participants about Banning Plastic Bags. A short survey over the phone. Week of Dec 14th

Office Help-my filing is piling up. Need someone to help file and put stuff away. Need someone to answer the phone and take messages during the weeks of November 15 through November 30.

Texas Municipal League Conference

2009-10-21T10:13:00.001-07:00

I'm currently at the Texas Municipal League Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

Here is a link to the conference program: http://www.tml.org/ed_ac_program.asp

The seminars are very informative. At the above link, you will find handouts we are using for many of the seminars. I hope you find this useful. I just completed a seminar on Dealing With Difficult Personalities, and I plan to attend additional seminars on economic development, marketing and federal updates.

~Melissa

New Business ... Tommy Boy's Country Farmers Market

2009-10-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

I discovered this locally owned and recently opened establishment at 1254 Military Hwy. Best of luck to this new small business. For more information, call Tom Rhodes at (956) 621-3446.

2nd Season of Farmers' Market Opens Saturday

2009-10-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

Date of Event: Saturday, October 3, 2009 (8 a.m.-noon)
Contact Information: Lisa Mitchell-Bennett Mitchell-Bennett@uth.tmc.edu, (956) 466-5657 or Kathy Martin (956) 882-5896

****************************************************************

The second season of the Brownsville Farmers' Market opens Saturday at Linear Park located on the corner of 6th and Harrison streets.

Hours are 8 a.m.-noon with welcoming remarks by Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr.at 9 a.m.

The opening market will feature herbs, carrots, squash, eggplant and other veggies as well as farm fresh eggs, local honey, exotic, locally grown fruit, wild gulf shrimp, live music and more!

Healthy Communities and the National Weather Service will have booths with children’s’ activities and Su Clinica Familiar will provide health information. The event will include a raffle for Farmers’ Market items including aprons and gift certificates with the drawing at 10 a.m.

The mission of the Brownsville Farmers’ Market is to create an event where fresh, affordable and Texas grown produce is available to local families which will improve their health and well-being while providing local farmers with an outlet to sell their produce.

For more information, go to www.brownsvillefarmersmarket.com.

Stillman House Presents An Old Fashioned Halloween

2009-10-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Stillman House, in historic downtown Brownsville, invites the public to An Old-Fashioned Halloween from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.

The event is free for Brownsville Historical Association members and is included in the cost of $2 general admission for non-members. BHA members must show membership card in order to receive free admission.

The event includes guided tours of Stillman House. The tours of the decorated Stillman House will focus on the Halloween games, traditions, and legends that were popular in Victorian America. Guests will also enjoy Victorian-era Halloween craft activities, and Victorian-era Halloween refreshments. Guests will also enjoy the talents of Kate Moore, a Tarot Card reader from California, who will delight guests with a Victorian-style Tarot reading.

The Brownsville Heritage Complex is located at 1325 E. Washington Street and is managed by the Brownsville Historical Association. For more information on BHA programs and exhibits please call 956-541-5560.

About Brownsville Historical Association

The Brownsville Historical Association manages the Brownsville Heritage Complex which consists of: Stillman House, Brownsville Heritage Museum, Aiken Education Center, and Preservation Resource Center. The BHA also manages the Old City Cemetery Center, Market Square Research Center and Southmost Heritage Center. The Brownsville Heritage Complex is located at 1325 E. Washington, Brownsville, Texas 78520. The mission of the BHA is to preserve, educate, and promote the history, heritage, and cultural arts of Brownsville, Texas and its environs through exhibitions, educational programs, publications, cultural events, and archival collections.

GBIC Awards $250,000 to VIDA for Workforce Development

2009-10-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

A locally driven initiative for workforce training was approved for $250,000 by the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation to support the development and training of 53 area residents.

The Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is a non-profit organization which helps low-income, unemployed and underemployed individuals obtain the necessary training to get a high-skilled and high-wage job. VIDA’s efforts help the city benefit from the promotion, development, and expansion of area business enterprise.

This is the third year VIDA is approved for community job-based funding by the GBIC. The previous two years, VIDA has been awarded $180,000 and $192,000, bringing the three-year total to $622,000.

City Receives $800,000 from Community Development Grant Program

2009-09-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON--Today, U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz announced more than $800,000 in funding awarded from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the City of Brownsville from the Community Development Grant Program.

“Through our Community Development Grant Program, we continue to stimulate our economy, while making jobs available for residents of South Texas,” Ortiz said. “These funds can create suitable living environments, provide affordable housing and create economic opportunities in Brownsville.”

The City of Brownsville will receive $881,400, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“Today, I am proud to announce that HUD has moved quickly to obligate more than $10 billion in Recovery Act funds,” said Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Nearly three quarters of our Recovery Act funds are now available to communities across the country and are being put to work creating jobs, making homes more energy efficient, and strengthening neighborhoods.”

Brownsville is one of 500 communities to receive funding totaling $620 million in the Community Development Grant Program.

Under the Recovery Act, recipients apply for funding for priority projects for which contracts can be awarded through a bidding process within 120 days of the grant agreement.

The Recovery Act made available a total of $1 billion through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. On July 16, HUD announced the first round of grants under this program to nearly 700 communities, totaling $360 million. With today’s announcement, all $1 billion are now in the hands of communities.

For more information about this grant, go to www.hud.gov.

###

Ortiz.House.Gov

Report Dissects Money Chase in Guv's Race

2009-09-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

A new Texans for Public Justice report, "Senator v. Governor," analyzes the first $29 million raised by GOP gubernatorial candidates Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rick Perry. The report is the most comprehensive look yet at their rival fundraising machines.

"Senator v. Governor" finds evidence of a gender gap, with women supplying 21 percent of Hutchison's funds and 6 percent of Governor Perry's cash. Hutchison also leads Perry in the number of overall contributions--including those from Texans.

The new report allows readers to download the full list of itemized contributions for both candidates.

Check out the report. Click here.

Brownsville Appreciation Days at the Gladys Porter Zoo/Oceanarium

2009-09-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

The Gladys Porter Zoo is offering an entire weekend of admission discounts and events in appreciation for all residents living inside the Brownsville city limits through Sunday. Residents can visit the Zoo for the special admission price of $2.

Residents will need to show proof of residency. Identification such as a driver’s license, utility receipt or school ID will suffice. At least one family member must show proof of residency at the gate.

Rutledge Still Rocks

2009-09-12T14:29:00.001-07:00

2009-09-11T01:50:00.000-07:00

I received this today in my Yahoo e-mail account. Interesting, but considering it's an education-related commercial, can we please use a basic spell/grammar check?

TODAY: Watch President Obama's Live Address to Schools

2009-09-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

Whether you like it or not, President Obama IS the leader of this great nation. I don't understand the big deal folks are making about watching his 11 a.m. address to America's students.

His prepared remarks are already posted. Click here.

Here's an excerpt:

I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve.

But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.

Proposed 2010 City of Brownsville Budget

2009-09-08T00:45:00.001-07:00

To review the proposed City of Brownsville 2010 budget, click here.

Brownsville Appreciation Days at Glady Porter Zoo Sept. 11-13

2009-09-07T23:49:00.000-07:00

I received a behind-the-scenes tour of our Gladys Porter Zoo last week, and I gained a greater appreciation for everything the zoo offers Brownsville with its limited resources. Many do not know that the Zoo is a city-owned facility that annually draws more than 390,000 visitors.

The Zoo serves as a living classroom with its unique plants and animals, provides habitat for resident and migratory birds and represents an ecotourism site for the Texas birding trail. More than 45 percent of its visitors are non-Brownsville visitors. As compared to other city-owned zoos such as the Dallas Zoo, the Texas Zoo, the Houston Zoo, the El Paso Zoo, etc., the Gladys Porter Zoo's receives the least amount of city funds to supplement its budget.

All residents living inside Brownsville city limits will be able to visit the Zoo Sept. 11-13 for the special admission price of $2. Residents will need to show proof of residency. Identification such as a driver’s license, utility receipt or school ID will suffice. At least one family member must show proof of residency at the gate. For more information, call (956) 546-7187 or visit www.gpz.org.

Dago: Taxation, No Representation

2009-09-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

At last week's City Commission meeting, Brownsville resident Dagoberto Barrera provided us, the City Commission, with homework. A copy of an Aug. 25 Freedom News Service column by Tibor R. Machan, Taxation, No Representation, was distributed to each commissioner. I took a moment to snap a photo. We need more engaged members of this community with as much passion as Dago.

I found an online copy of the column for your review. Click here.

Let's Talk Issues ...

2009-05-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

... Because I shall continue to refrain from personal attacks during this campaign. Regardless.

I did call Moses Sorola to confirm the rumor I heard about his endorsing my opponent Commissioner Carlos Cisneros. He told me that he met with Commissioner Cisneros. Sorola said Cisneros is taking care of "some issues" at the City he (Sorola) had and that he (Sorola) "needed to find a way to recover all the money he (Sorola) spent on the campaign." I asked him (Sorola) about all the money the citizens of Brownsville have lost due to Cisneros' poor decision-making on the City Commission. Sorola said, "I'm talking about the money I spent." He then excused himself from the phone call, because he had another call he needed to take.

It is what it is.

------------------------------------------------------------

Cisneros vs. Sorola

By The Issues

1) Mr. Sorola supports the construction of the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

(Moses Sorola, Letter to Editor, Brownsville Herald, published Jan. 29, 2008)

Note: The border wall is opposed by Brownsville's majority.

Carlos Cisneros opposes the wall 100 percent and said: "No Border Wall." Yet, Cisneros is accepting an endorsement from Moses Sorola who is vehemently opposed to the Wall.

2) Mr. Sorola claims that politicians and political leaders who oppose the construction of the wall are "trafficking in illegal labor, illegal immigration, illegal drugs, money laundering illegal support to drug cartels and illegal financial support by drug cartels to churches." (Moses Sorola, Letter to the Editor, Brownsville Herald, published Sept. 9, 2008).

Note: Cisneros opposes the Wall, because it is wrong and because most of his constituents, including myself, oppose it. Opposing the Wall does not make one a drug dealer or money launderer. This statement is an insult to the Brownsville majority who either oppose the Wall or desire an alternative. I prefer strengthening the levees and allocating more resources to law enforcement.

3) Mr. Sorola opposes the construction of more publicly funded bridges to Mexico and does not care about how long it takes traffic to go from Mexico to the United States. He has stated that "if it takes all day for (immigration) to do their checks, so be it." (Moses Sorola, Letter to the Editor, Brownsville Herald, May 17, 2004)

Note: Our economy is dependent on trade with Mexico. When you slow down traffic on the bridge, you slow down trade and commerce. Many people who live in Brownsville also visit family in Mexico. Every elected Brownsville City Commissioner must care if it "takes all day to cross the bridge." Sorola has stated he does not care. Since Cisneros is accepting his endorsement, does he, too, not care?

4) Mr. Sorola also is against bilingual education and has stated that the programs "do little to promote a quality education." (Moses Sorola, Letter to the Editor, Brownsville Herald, Aug. 2, 1998).

Note: (Did Sorola receive extra payment as a certified bilingual teacher? Just a question.) Bilingual education is a must along the border. We live in the United States, a country of many cultures and languages that must be embraced. It makes us who we are -- a country most-desired to live in. Cisneros is born and raised in Brownsville and certainly must understand the necessity of bilingual education. Or does he since he sought and accepted Sorola's endorsement?

5) Mr. Sorola thinks that churches should pay taxes so that they can "appreciate the burden taxpayers face when they have to support the poor." (Moses Sorola, Letter to the Editor, Brownsville Herald, Jan. 10, 2009)

Note: Supporting the poor is not a burden, it is a societal obligation to look out for those who are less fortunate.

Sorola's position appears to be hypocritical. He states that churches should have to pay taxes, but he didn't mind starting his own not-for-profit corporation with another prominent Brownsville resident called the Brownsville GGL.

Cisneros has always touted that he's for the people especially with his "Getting it Done" approach. Does this exclude the poor?

6) Sorola criticized Valley Interfaith and other religious groups for "lobbying for more funds for the poor" and states that the "churches and some of their members are not interested in poor people, that they just want to keep their jobs running the clinics and others just want to let the drug trade and illegal immigration continue unabated."

Note: Sorola appears to be hostile to religious groups and appears to be hostile to the poor. However, according to Cisneros' Facebook, Cisneros is a very religious man. When told by a friend that "We" will win this election, Cisneros states: "We meaning God and the people! Yes we will!"

7) Sorola recently, in a Letter to the Editor in The Brownsville Herald, quoted Thomas Jefferson who wrote in 1814 the following:

"In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always the despot, abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own."

(Moses Sorola, Letter to the Editor, Brownsville Herald, Jan. 10, 2009)

Note: Priests and religious leaders are not "despots (a person exercising power tyrannically)" They are members of our community and often serve as leaders in faith-based community initiatives. Certainly Cisneros appreciates the civic duty of Brownsville's religious leaders. Right?

8) Sorola touted the Imagine Brownsville Master Plan as a waste of taxpayer dollars in ads and in the many candidate debates and forums.

Note: Cisneros is proud of the Imagine Brownsville $900,000 project.

(Imagine Brownsville Web site, click here)

9) Sorola's stance on taxes/impact fees differ greatly from Cisneros' stance. Sorola's previous statements obviously were in support of lower taxes and higher impact fees.

Note: While Sorola supported the highest recommended impact fee, Cisneros found it to be too high. In a prior increase, Cisneros voted to rescind it.

Sorola wrote in an ad: "Some folks are taking two jobs to make ends meet and support their families. Fuel, shelter and the cost of other basic necessities are going up. And taxes are eating up any disposable income people can get." However, Cisneros touts his being a PID board member under Community Involvement and Service on his campaign Web site. Major (Hudson) taxing issues there.

------------------------------------------------

In conclusion: As much as I'd like to take full credit for the above information, much of it was produced to me today by a disenchanted (former) member of the Cisneros Camp after the Camp chose to take this race to a personal level. I've done nothing of the sort to my opponent. It is a 12-page document that was to be used against Sorola in advertising in the event of a runoff between the two. I will say that I did add numbers 8 and 9, and I added my personal comments, too, to reflect the stark discrepancies in each candidate's stance on the issues.

I won't be intimidated. I believe in better government. I will continue this race.

Join Us.

2009-04-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Click on Image for Larger View.

Brownsville-Harlingen Unemployment Rate Highest in State

2009-04-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

The Texas Workforce Commission released unemployment rates for March on Friday.

The Brownsville-Harlingen rate for March was 9.1 percent. In March of 2008, the rate was at 5.9 percent.

Melissa Zamora for City Commissioner District 3

2009-03-12T13:15:00.001-07:00

Hello Folks,

I humbly ask for your support. Please visit my campaign Web site.

Thank you,

Melissa Zamora
http://www.votemelissazamora.com/

2009-02-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

Los Huaraches Charro Days Party
Tickets are $35 per person (tickets also available at the door)
Includes Dinner, Full Bar, Live Band and Mariachis
Charro Days Attire Encouraged
Costume Contest
Begins at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21
Brownsville Board of Realtors Building
1825 Central Blvd.
For more information, call Eliceo Davila at (956) 455-3676.

Zavaletta Issues Statement on Defamation Suit Filed Against Cowen

2009-02-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

The below was received today from Brownsville attorney Peter Zavaletta
~Melissa

-------------------------------------------------------

February 12, 2009

Brownsville lawyer Peter Zavaletta has filed a defamation suit against Michael Cowen, also of Brownsville. The suit arises out of a newspaper advertisement Cowen published in the Brownsville Herald and Valley Morning Star 16 days before the election for Cameron County District Attorney. Cowen’s ad called Zavaletta a “crook,” among other things.

“Although leading in the polls until the ad’s publication, Zavaletta lost the election,” the suit states. The suit says Cowen’s statements are “defamatory per se.”

Brian Turner of the Law Office of Brian Turner of Austin is Zavaletta’s lawyer.

In addition to actual and special damages sought, the suit seeks exemplary damages because Cowen published the ad “with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for its truth,” Zavaletta alleges.

“I have taken this action to clear and restore my good name against this malicious and defamatory attack,” said Zavaletta.

Michael Cowen’s name recently surfaced as the lawyer for State Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. of Brownsville. Cowen’s uncle is the Senator’s longtime Chief of Staff. As the former Chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District, Zavaletta led the call for an investigation into how $21 million was spent on a non‐existent bridge. One of Senator Lucio’s paid consulting clients, Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation of Houston, was a key figure in that investigation.

Zavaletta Files Suit Against Cowen

2009-02-14T20:11:00.000-08:00

Brownsville attorney and former Cameron County District Attorney candidate Peter Zavaletta filed suit Feb. 12 against fellow Brownsville attorney Michael Cowen for defamation of character.

The suit, filed in the 357th Judicial Court, alleges that an advertisement placed by Cowen in The Brownsville Herald and Valley Morning Star with a headline stating that Zavaletta was a “crook,” defamed him during his bid for Cameron County District Attorney in 2008.

""The truth is an absolute defense to defamation," Cowen said.

The lawsuit further states that Zavaletta was leading the polls prior to the Feb. 15, 2008 ad and that the ad injured Zavaletta in his profession.

Counsel for Zavaletta is Austin-based attorney Brian Turner.

Mayor Opposes Proposed Agreement with DHS

2009-02-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

Folks,

Below are two separate releases from the Mayor.

Melissa

--------------------------------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RE: SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING, FEB. 12, 2009

DATE: February 6, 2009

It has just come to my attention that the proposal being put before the City Commission at the Special Meeting scheduled for February 12, 2009, is to approve an agreement that would allow the City of Brownsville to remove the border fence in specific areas to complete projects designed to promote economic development. Based on the information received, this agreement would return title and possession of this property to the city upon removal of the fence. It was stated that the Federal Government gained title to this property through condemnation proceedings filed on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security. Neither the citizens of Brownsville nor I had previously been informed that the Federal Government had gained title to any city property, information which obviously was withheld by this commission and city management who, it appears, allowed this to happen through continued secret negotiations with DHS in direct opposition to the will of all the citizens and property owners who spoke out against such negotiations at the commission meeting held July 1, 2008. How could this agreement have been reached and what guarantees do we have that DHS will tear down a fence that has not been built? Given the current state of the economy and the exorbitant cost of the construction of the border wall, does it make any sense for DHS to spend so much time, money, and effort building a wall, only to tear it down? The citizens of Brownsville expected this commission to defend and protect their property rights and these developments are an outright betrayal of that trust.

Patriots for transparent government, please join me in making our voices heard. I urge you to attend the meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2009, and make your opinions known.

Thank you.

Pat M. Ahumada, Jr.
Mayor

---------------------------------------------------

Date: February 6, 2009

Re: City entering into an agreement with DHS to build border fence.

To All Citizens:

I have requested a Public Hearing to be posted for Thursday, February 12, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. and to be held at City Hall Commission Chambers. The subject to be discussed is to accept or reject a contract that allows DHS to build the Border Fence on city property.

This is based on discussion and negotiations held with DHS representatives without my participation or knowledge. I have found out about these discussions by repeatedly asking to be kept informed. Today during the Scout session I was told by the city manager that this subject will be discussed and acted on this coming Thursday.

By way of this press release, I request all citizens who oppose or support the Border Wall to be present at said meeting to make sure your voice is heard by the commission and DHS. This item will be discussed in Executive Session but will have to be acted on during the public session. I, for one, believe that this subject matter should be discussed entirely in open session.

As mayor, I strongly oppose the fence and any agreement that will allow the fence to be built for the many reasons I will state at the meeting. To name a few, it will cause irreparable harm to our ecological corridor, adversely impact future development of our river walk and eliminate our damage claims should the fence be built by force. It will also affect the federal lawsuit filed by TBC and the Amicus Brief by El Paso. Please help me get the word out to all interested parties.

Thank you,

Pat Ahumada

No Border Wall Group Urges City Commission to Avoid "Backroom Deal"

2009-02-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

Folks,

Received this release from the No Border Wall group.

Melissa

---------------------------------

For Immediate Release
February 6, 2009
Contacts: Elizabeth Garcia 956-459-3205
Merriwood Ferguson 956-371-5111

Brownsville Citizens Urge City Commission: Don’t Give Away Hope Park in a Backroom Deal with DHS

After learning that Brownsville city officials may be considering a deal to give away city property to the Department of Homeland Security in order to build the border wall, citizen activists have banded together to call for transparency and public input in the city’s dealings with DHS. The Coalition of Amigos in Solidarity and Action, or CASA, a coalition of church communities and social activist groups, and No Border Wall, a coalition of groups and individuals opposed to the border wall, are urging the Brownsville City Commission to publicly disclose the details of any proposed contract with DHS and give the community at large an opportunity to respond in a public hearing before any agreement is signed.

“These are our elected officials, and they should be representing the concerns of their constituents,” said Elizabeth Garcia, founder of CASA. “This community is still overwhelmingly opposed to the border wall, and our city government should support that sentiment.” Garcia added if the city must compromise with DHS, it should meet them in the courtroom like the University of Texas at Brownsville and dozens of landowners have done.

“We hope that, just as UTB did, our commissioners will fight before they compromise. It will be wrong for them to reach a deal behind closed doors, without informing the public and without giving the community at large the opportunity for some input,” Garcia said.

Widespread local opposition led both the City of Brownsville and Cameron County to pass resolutions against the border wall. As recently as last month, the city wrote a friend-of-the-court brief supporting El Paso in its lawsuit challenging Homeland Security’s efforts to build the border wall.

But Cameron County voluntarily gave county land to DHS to build the border wall, and last summer the Brownsville City Commission considered a contract, drafted by the Army Corps of Engineers, that would have turned over $93,500 worth of municipal property to build the wall. One clause of the contract would have allowed the federal government to condemn the city’s property, and forced the city to assist the government in the condemnation rather than fight to keep their property. When word of the contract was leaked, outraged Brownsville residents packed the city commission meeting, forcing them to table the deal.

No Border Wall and CASA are concerned that the City Commission may be trying to quietly revive that contract, or one that similarly helps DHS build the border wall through Brownsville .. Of particular concern is Hope Park, the downtown city park overlooking the river that has become a symbol for Brownsville ’s opposition to the border wall.

Merriwood Ferguson, a Brownsville resident and No Border Wall member says that elected officials who refuse to stand up for the citizenry against the border wall “have no backbone.” Ferguson adds, “The landowners who are standing up for their rights against the condemnation of their property have set a precedent which the Brownsville City Commission should follow. We did not elect them to have them give up Hope Park without a fight.”

NO BORDER WALL COALITION
WWW.NOTEXASBORDERWALL.COM
WWW.NOTEXASBORDERWALL.BLOGSPOT.COM
WWW.BORDERWALLINTHENEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM
WWW.NOBORDERWALL-TAKE-ACTION.BLOGSPOT.COM

City Commission to Consider Border Wall Agreement

2009-02-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

Hello folks,

I received the below today from the City Manager's Office.

Melissa

--------------------------------------------------

February 6, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Brownsville is in the unique position to be the only border city between San Diego, California and the Gulf of Mexico to be offered the ability to remove the federally mandated border fence. After 18 months of negotiations between the City and the Department of Homeland Security, the City Commission will be asked to approve an agreement that allows the city to remove the border fence to complete projects designed to promote our economic development. Specifically the areas affected by this agreement include land along the river between the Gateway and B&M Bridges as well as the route of the proposed East Loop.

Equally important, when the border fence is removed, the City will regain title and possession of the property. This property has already been taken by the filing of condemnation proceedings on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security. At this time the Federal Government has title to the property where the fence is going to be constructed.

The approval of this proposed agreement will permit the re-development of Historic Downtown Brownsville to continue and will also insure that the proposed East Loop connecting the Veterans Bridge and the Port of Brownsville will not be stopped by a permanent border fence.

This agreement will be considered by the Brownsville City Commission at a Special Meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 6:00pm in the Commission Chambers, 2nd floor City Hall. Persons interested in seeing Brownsville continue to progress are invited to attend.

Official Charro Days Fiesta Blog

2009-02-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

Check out the blog.

Click here.

Villalobos Expresses Interest in U.S. Attorney Spot

2009-02-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

Prosecutors, judges jockey for U.S. attorney spot

For the Houston Chronicle article, click here.

Watch Webcast of Unveiling of the 2009 Official Charro Days Poster Wednesday

2009-02-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

Hello folks,

Been busy lately with volunteer work, Charro Days publicity being one of them. With the event marking its 72nd year, Publicity Committee Chairman Letty Fernandez recently organized a "new media" team to bring promotion of the event to a new level.

The use of new media, consisting of Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Webcasts and YouTube, aims to bring a renewed energy to Charro Days Fiesta in an effort to entice participation from a broader demographic. This is key in keeping Brownsville's much-loved tradition alive.

I'm looking forward to being part of a great team of folks. This is a work in progress, and your patience is appreciated.

Thank you,

Melissa Zamora
Charro Days Fiesta
Publicity Co-chair

---------------------------------------------------------

News Media Advisory:

What: Students Dance at Unveiling of 2009 Official Charro Days Poster

When: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009

Where: Charro Days Headquarters; 455 E. Elizabeth St.; Brownsville, Tx.

Background: Longoria Elementary students dressed in costume will be on-hand to officially unveil the 2009 Charro Days Commemorative Poster and perform a traditional dance.

This year’s poster depicts a young boy and girl dancing “La Danza de los Concheros,” a modern, mystic, folk dance of Central Mexico based on the cultural legacy of the “Aztecs.”

The poster was designed by Brownsville artist Don Breeden, who has illustrated 10 of the 11 posters in the Charro Days poster series. Longoria Elementary students Mario Davila Jr. and Alina Gutierrez were the models for this year’s poster.

In 1991, the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc. (BCVB) began the tradition of creating a Charro Days poster to commemorate the event. In 2004, Charro Days, Inc. partnered with the BCVB, and this year, Keppel AmFELS joined as the sponsor of the poster.

Free posters, while they last, are available at the Charro Days Headquarters, 455 E. Elizabeth St., and the BCVB Visitors’ Center, 650 Ruben M. Torres Blvd. Businesses are being encouraged to display the poster.

The event will also be viewable LIVE on the Internet. Go to the Charro Days Fiesta Web site at www.charrodaysfiesta.com.

The 72nd Charro Days Fiesta kicks off Feb. 22 and continues through March 1.

Contact: Mike Puckett, Charro Days, Inc.; (956) 542-4245

E-mail: charrodaysfiesta@sbcglobal.net

Charro Days Web site: www.charrodaysfiesta.com

Charro Days Blog: www.charrodays.blogspot.com

Charro Days Twitter: http://twitter.com/CharroDays2009

Hey! What's Up With That?

2009-01-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

Howdy folks,

I received this e-mail for the blog from someone seeking to relocate to Brownsville.

Melissa

--------------------------------------------------

hey folks!

I'm thinking about accepting a job offer there but i just can't make up my mind. I don't know enough about the town and I've searched every website I could find only to find out that they all pretty much have the same information but just not the ones I need. So here's the breakdown:

1. How's the diversity there?
2. How are working conditions for nurses there?
3. What's the current pay rate for nurses? Approximation from no experience to about 20yrs experience would be good enough for me.
4. How are the living conditions there? a.k.a. cost of living, tornadoes etc.

If you guys think up of some more pointers you wanna add, please feel free to do so:-)

And in case you're wondering where I'm from, it's San Francisco, CA

Any help I could get from you guys will be very much appreciated.

thanks!
Wendell

City Taps Patterson as Recreational Services Director

2009-01-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

City Manager Charlie Cabler has selected Christopher T. (Chris) Patterson to be director of the city’s Recreational Services Department.

Patterson, a native of Toledo, Ohio, has worked in that department for seven and one-half years. Patterson is married and the father of three children.

As recreational services director, Patterson will oversee 89 city parks employees and will administer an annual budget of $7.1 million. The city currently has 28 parks that cover about 700 acres.

Patterson was chosen over three other current city employees and will officially assume his duties on January 26.The position was recently vacated by Skip Keller.

In making the announcement, Cabler said “your performance during your tenure with our city has been of great value and deserving of your appointment.”

Source: City of Brownsville

2009-01-19T07:57:00.000-08:00

I Don't Understand ...

2009-01-16T07:30:00.001-08:00

... that President Bush's farewell address and the Hudson River plane crash didn't make The Brownsville Herald's front-page news.

Quien Sobby.

City Receives State Arts and Humanities Award for Urban Center

2009-01-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

City Recreation Manager Chris Patterson today announced that the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) has awarded to the city its 2009 Class II Texas Arts and Humanities Award. The award specifically recognizes the Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department’s Urban Center at Gonzalez Park.

Winning the award qualifies the Urban Center for nomination for the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA) Southwest Region Arts and Humanities Award.

“This award honors those departments with outstanding arts and humanities programs,” says Paterson. He and recreation supervisor Hawk Scott will go to Austin to accept the award on February 27.

For more information on the award and on the Urban Center, contact Patterson at (956) 455-7729.

Source: City of Brownsville

Miller Announces Candidacy for District 4 Commissioner

2009-01-16T06:12:00.001-08:00

I am here this morning to announce my candidacy for the Dist. 4 seat on the Brownsville City Commission. As some of you know, I have been a citizen who has stayed in touch with what our city government has been doing. My interest is not in blaming my opponent for any sort of shortcoming or failing. I am solely focused on making Brownsville a better community.

We live in difficult times that call for serious solutions to ever-difficult problems. I may not have all the answers, but what I promise is a 110-percent effort in working with the commissioners to bring a new shine to this diamond of ours - this city who should be more than it is, should be better than it is, and should gain fame for being not just a border town quick to corrupt, but one quick to make the turn-around to higher ground. I will in the next few weeks engage as many of my constituents as possible. No resident of District 4 will be valued any less than any other. I intend to work for the collective and in so doing contribute to the City Commission's work.

The journey starts today. It is a journey fraught with the awful history of previous public servants who failed our lovely city, but it too is a journey of re-awakening. I hope to awaken the sleeping giant that is the average resident, the one whose voice is rarely heard, but whose voice is really the voice of all of us. My campaign will be a clean campaign. There will be no rumor or innuendo coming from me, or from my supporters. I firmly believe that Brownsville too can have clean politics, and that it is that which will allow us a chance to practice the Art of Public Service as it should be practiced. I will walk the streets of my district beginning tomorrow, taking soundings of the needs and the wants of that sector of the community. I will listen to everyone and place great value on what each and every one of them tells me. There will be no rich and no poor; there will be no influential and disenfranchised; there will be no issue too small or too big.

My friends, the time has come to work the magic it will take to move our great city to greatness, to a loftier standing, to its rightful place. The era of the dusty, sleepy border town is over. We are more than that. We are more than that. I thank you as we set sail on this new campaign, and I will thank you on Election Day. God Bless this Campaign and Brownsville, Texas.

Your most humble Servant/ Su Mas Humilde Servidora,

Ms. Argelia Miller

U. S. Air Force Veteran

Mayor Responds to Suspension of BISD Superintendent

2009-01-14T01:02:00.000-08:00

Below is a copy of a Letter to the Editor sent to The Brownsville Herald by Mayor Pat Ahumada. The letter was e-mailed to me early this morning.

~Melissa

---------------------------------------------------

From: Pat Ahumada

To: City Editor

Date: January 14, 2009

Re: BISD Superintendent

I have had my differences with the BISD Superintendent, particularly when it came to more funding for the chess program and hiring a qualified expert to be Director of the Chess Program, along with purchasing multi-million dollar properties without them being appraised to guide the school district in its decision making. I still believe my opinions to have been right then and do to this day, but we move on and do not dwell on the differences of opinion.

Having said the above, I want to say as a concerned citizen that my differences were never personal, but professional and based on what I thought was best for BISD. One must not focus on what one believes is the Superintendent’s failure, but on the overall impact he has had on the school district, which in this instance by all accounts he has had an overall positive impact.

The Brownsville Herald has reported the many awards and accolades BISD has received under Mr. Hector Gonzalez and his team of leadership which we all applaud and support him for the good he has done. Constantly attacking our school Superintendent weakens our city and creates low morale without any gain to BISD and creates a bad perception of how political we are. Politics should not outshine the accomplishments, nor divert us from the mission to produce the best school environment for our children and to be the exemplary school district that it has become for others to emulate.

Unless there are intentional acts to hurt the school district by the Superintendent or illegal activity, then it is my opinion we should remained focused on the mission to be the very best and stop the continuous attacks that benefit no one. People should remember where we were when the Strayhorn report pointed out how bad we were in administration and educating our kids. Let us be proud of the accomplishments and work out the differences in a constructive way for the benefit of our school district and the children and not become self-destructive like our city commission that will politicize everything for the benefit of no one.

Sincerely,

Pat Ahumada
Via E-mail

Zamora to be Sworn In Today

2009-01-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

Newly appointed Precinct 1 Constable Horacio Zamora will be sworn in at 4:30 p.m. today in the County Commissioners' Courtroom at the Dancy Building.

The ceremony will be conducted by Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos.

The public is invited.

Report: Cameron County on Dangerous Dozen List for Freight and Rail Passenger Safety in Texas

2009-01-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

A report released today by the Texas Rail Relocation and Improvement Association lists Cameron County in its "Dangerous Dozen" list of the most dangerous counties for freight and rail passenger safety in Texas.

The report, “Dangerous Dozen: Rail Safety in Texas,” lists the 12 most dangerous counties in Texas based on the number of freight and passenger rail accidents and incidents reported from 1998 through 2007. Among all states, Texas ranks No. 1 for train-vehicle collisions and deaths at rail crossings. Cameron County is listed as No. 8 of the 12 listed counties.

In descending order, Texas counties on the “Dangerous Dozen” list are:

1. Harris County (Houston).

From 1998 through 2007 in Harris County, 1,376 rail accidents and incidents—such as derailments, collisions, pedestrian trespassing and hazardous material releases—were reported to the Federal Railroad Administration, according to a data analysis by the Texas Rail Relocation and Improvement Association. Over the 10-year period, rail accidents and incidents in Harris County resulted in 90 deaths and 1,145 injuries.

2. Tarrant County (Fort Worth): 799 accidents and incidents, 39 deaths, 710 injuries.

3. Bexar County (San Antonio): 493 accidents and incidents, 51 deaths, 519 injuries.

4. Dallas County (Dallas): 356 accidents and incidents, 38 deaths, 225 injuries.

5. Webb County (Laredo): 331 accidents and incidents, 17 deaths, 282 injuries.

6. El Paso County (El Paso): 282 accidents and incidents, 34 deaths, 231 injuries.

7. Jefferson County (Beaumont): 222 accidents and incidents, eight deaths, 154 injuries.

8. Cameron County (Brownsville): 144 accidents and incidents, seven deaths, 124 injuries.

9. Brazoria County (Angleton-Pearland): 143 accidents and incidents, eight deaths, 112 injuries.

10. Potter County (Amarillo): 123 accidents and incidents, nine deaths, 111 injuries.

11. Fort Bend County (Richmond-Sugar Land): 121 accidents and incidents, 15 deaths, 77 injuries.

12. Bell County (Temple-Belton): 116 accidents and incidents, 16 deaths, 97 injuries.

From 1998 through 2007 in Texas, 12,271 rail accidents and incidents were reported to the Federal Railroad Administration—the highest number of any state. Over the 10-year span, 853 deaths and 7,203 injuries occurred in those accidents and incidents.

“Although 2007 was the safest year ever in the history of the American rail industry and Congress recently passed the most sweeping rail safety legislation in more than 30 years, much work remains toward further enhancing the safety track record of our nation’s rail lines,” Bruce Todd, executive director of the Texas Rail Relocation and Improvement Association, said.

“In Texas, millions and millions of dollars are needed to improve the safety of our rail system, including rerouting freight tracks away from congested urban areas and fixing an assortment of dangerous at-grade rail crossings. Far too many Texans are being killed and injured along our state’s rail lines.”

More than 40 railroads operate in Texas on nearly 15,000 miles of track—the highest amount of rail mileage of any state. Each year, railroads in Texas carry more than 10million carloads of freight.

Texas is among 30 states that are part of the federal Rail State Safety Participation Program. Under this program, government-employed safety inspectors check compliance with rail regulations concerning hazardous materials, operating practices, power and equipment, tracks, and signal and train controls.

During the Texas Legislature’s 2009 session, which starts Jan. 13, the Texas Rail Relocation and Improvement Association will pursue various options for funding that would enable relocation and improvement of freight rail lines around the state.

The funding would create a revenue stream that could leverage billions of dollars in bonding authority to improve transportation safety, ease congestion at hundreds of railroad crossings around the state, increase the capacity of the state’s freight rail network, shift more of the state’s ever-growing truck freight load to improved rail lines and open up existing freight lines for passenger traffic.

Texas voters passed a constitutional amendment in 2005 establishing the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund to finance relocation and improvement projects. However, even though the amendment has been approved, state lawmakers have not yet dedicated any money for the fund.

For more information, visit www.railrelo.org.

SOURCE: Texas Rail Relocation and Improvement Association

Camarillo Launches Campaign Web Site

2009-01-08T07:41:00.000-08:00

Click here.

Desal Pilot Study Report Released

2009-01-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

Pilot study results from consultant NRS Consulting Engineers have confirmed that seawater desalination on the shore of the Ship Channel in Brownsville is technically feasible, according to the International Desalination & Water Reuse Quarterly industry Web site.

“The final Texas Seawater Desalination Demonstration Project pilot study report to the Texas Water Development Board was completed in October 2008 and was published on the NRS Web site on 30 December 2008,” the Web site states.

NRS' final Texas Seawater Desalination Demonstration Project pilot study report to the Texas Water Development Board was completed in October 2008. Click to view the Executive Summary or the Full Report.

Brownsville United Summit Jan. 15

2009-01-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

Thirteen different governmental agencies and entities are scheduled to participate in the first-ever “ Brownsville United Summit” January 15, 5-7 p.m. at the Events Center, 1 Events Center Boulevard.

This summit is aimed at centralizing issues and projects that are common to the entire area. Local state representatives and U.S. Representative Solomon P. Ortiz have also been invited to participate.

City Commissioner Charlie Atkinson and Port Commissioner Martin Arambula are co-sponsors of the event and will urge participants to adopt a resolution on “going green” which could result in a regional impact on the region’s environment, infrastructure and quality of life as a whole.

Agencies to be represented include BEDC, BND, BISD, BPUB, the City of Brownsville, BCIC, Cameron County, GBIC, BDVB, UTB/TSC, the Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Mobility Authority and the Consulate of Mexico.

Atkinson says each agency is being asked to discuss two projects vital to that agency and to Brownsville ’s role in a rapidly changing global scenario.

SOURCE: City of Brownsville

Garcia Highlights Security Fence, Academics At Spring Convocation

2009-01-07T16:07:00.000-08:00

A 10-foot-tall southern campus property line fence being built as part of a border security deal with the federal government is almost finished, and the campus community and residents can plant for its future at a February event.

“Many still hunger for a way to demonstrate the pride they had in the University’s action and eventual success,” The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College President Dr. Juliet V. Garcia told staff and faculty at Spring Convocation today, in the Science, Engineering and Technology Building Lecture Hall.

Garcia said details are still being worked out for a wildflower and vine event to “plant seeds of hope for a better future for our democracy” on Monday, Feb. 2. Keppel-AMFELS, a longtime supporter of the University, donated $3,000 for flowers to plant.

Besides working with a team to stop the on-campus construction of a border fence aimed at curbing illegal immigration, Garcia worked late last fall as a member of President-Elect Barack Obama’s education transition team.

“But, I have had the great privilege of service,” Garcia said. “If called tomorrow under the same circumstances, I would return again and again. Not because that work is better than ours, but because it is as important as ours. And, because it seems disingenuous to preach about the virtues of public service and not respond to the call yourself.”

Garcia encouraged the campus community to watch the Inauguration on television or on the Internet on Tuesday, Jan. 20, because it is democracy in action.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Garcia said students seemed to have embraced the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) guidelines put in place in fall 2007. According to SAP, students must earn at least a 2.0 grade point average and complete 70 percent of hours attempted to stay in good academic standing.

“The bottom line is that since the implementation of the new SAP, students are passing a higher percentage of their classes and withdrawing from a lower percentage of their classes,” Garcia said. “The failure rate is also slightly lower in fall 2008 than two years ago.”

The number of students on academic probation fell because of SAP. In fall 2007, 2,154 students were affected; the number fell to 1,787 students in fall 2008.

Academic suspensions also decreased due to SAP. In fall 2007, there were 674 students not allowed to take classes; that number dropped to 626 students for fall 2008.

Giving To The University

Garcia asked staff and faculty to think about philanthropy at the University.

Gifts can be items, like the 1,000 Sabal palm trees being planted along the Fort Brown Resaca and University Boulevard that were donated by Lloyd Horn, father of former UTB/TSC Associate Vice President for Development Barry Horn.

Or, gifts can be monetary that can name seats, brick pavers and rooms at the $25 million Arts Center under construction behind Jacob Brown Auditorium. As part of a campaign for The Arts Center, the University needs to raise more than $6 million to finish the building scheduled to be completed later this year.

“Please believe me when I say that every single donation, no matter the amount, will make a difference,” Garcia said.

Construction

Garcia said there will be grand opening celebrations and tours for new buildings opening in the next several months: the Recreation, Education and Kinesiology Center, Classroom Building, New Library and the Center for Early Childhood Studies.

The University will ask the Texas Legislature during their 2009 session to approve $63 million in tuition revenue bonds for a Student Support Services Center to house financial aid, testing, advising, enrollment planning and other offices that support students. Funding will also be sought for a Coastal Studies Center through a partnership with The University of Texas – Pan American in Edinburg.

People

Garcia recognized new faces in University leadership roles in academic advising and athletics, but has already started the process in finding a new provost.

Dr. Jose G. Martin will be honored at a celebration on his birthday, Thursday, Feb. 4, and retire later that month. He became provost in fall 2000 and also served four years as dean of the UTB/TSC College of Science, Mathematics and Technology. He will have an office on campus to write and do research on sustainable energy, architecture and engineering science.

Greenwood Asher and Associates, a nationwide search firm for education executives, will seek and screen qualified job candidates. Dr. Yvonne Freeman, a professor in the UTB/TSC School of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction, is the chairman of the campus search committee. Garcia said the goal is to have a new provost by this fall.

Two staff members were selected to receive Texas Southmost College Foundation Scorpion Family Scholarships, which pay for three semester credit hours toward an undergraduate degree. Scholarship money comes from campus community contributions through the State Employees Charitable Campaign. The winners were Ubaldo Martinez in User Support Services and Marcela Guerra in Classic Upward Bound.

SOURCE: UTB-TSC News and Information

Mayor Opposes Zoning That Allow World's Gym to Become a Bar

2009-01-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

Press release

Date: January 6, 2009

Due to the upcoming State Legislative Session and preparation for funding requests for Brownsville's needs and projects that required my travel to Austin, Texas, my absence from tonight's City Commission meeting is necessary and I extend my apologies for not being there. As mayor, I feel it is of the utmost importance to work on the citizens' behalf in preparation for the upcoming legislative session in order to make sure our city needs are heard and taken into account. I feel that working with and through the Texas Border Coalitiion and Brownsville Chamber Interagency Commitee, as Chairman of the MPO TXDOT Committee and as Ex-officio PUB Board member to ensure funding requests for the City / PUB desalinization plant, city roads and maintenance funding are appropriated during this next legislative session along with mass transportation needs, and that serious consideration be given towards funding a pilot program for electric generation in order help keep our citizens' future utility bills low make this time well spent in Austin.

I also want it known for the record that I oppose the approval of the zoning that will allow World Gym to be converted into a bar, based on the fact that it is within 1,000 feet of a school or school facility where many children depend on us to protect them from drivers who are most likely to be under the influence of alcohol when they leave a bar.

Thanks,
Mayor Pat Ahumada

Congressman Ortiz Nominated to Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

2009-01-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

Congressman Solomon Ortiz has been nominated to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, according to the Speaker of the House Web site.

The House Democratic Steering Committee began its nominations to various committees with the 111th Congress beginning today.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi was elected Speaker of the House by a vote of 255-174 this afternoon during the opening session of the 111th Congress.

Speaker Pelosi said that “with the talent and intellect of this distinguished group of Members, the 111th Congress will take America in a New Direction that restores our economic security, creates jobs, and invests in America’s future. The full Democratic Caucus must still approve the assignments and is expected to do so soon.

The Steering Committee approved the following new Committee members:

Agriculture

Congressman Kurt Schrader of Oregon
Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson of Illinois
Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper of Pennsylvania

Armed Services

Congressman Glenn Nye of Virginia
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of Maine
Congressman Larry Kissell of North Carolina
Congressman Martin Heinrich of New Mexico
Congressman Frank Kratovil of Maryland
Congressman Eric Massa of New York
Congressman Bobby Bright of Alabama

Education & Labor

Congresswoman Marcia Fudge of Ohio
Congressman Jared Polis of Colorado
Congressman Paul Tonko of New York
Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi of Puerto Rico

Energy & Commerce

Congressman Peter Welch of Vermont

Financial Services

Congressman Walt Minnick of Idaho
Congressman John Adler of New Jersey
Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy of Ohio
Congressman Steve Driehaus of Ohio
Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas of Florida
Congressman Alan Grayson of Florida
Congressman James Himes of Connecticut
Congressman Gary Peters of Michigan
Congressman Dan Maffei of New York

Foreign Affairs

Congressman Gerry Connolly of Virginia

Homeland Security

Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick of Arizona
Congressman Ben Lujan of New Mexico

Natural Resources

Delegate Gregorio Sablan of the Mariana Islands

Transportation & Infrastructure

Congressman Solomon Ortiz of Texas
Congressman Phil Hare of Illinois
Congressman John Boccieri of Ohio
Congressman Mark Schauer of Michigan
Congresswoman Betsy Markey of Colorado
Congressman Parker Griffith of Alabama
Congressman Michael McMahon of New York
Congressman Tom Perriello of Virginia
Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada
Congressman Harry Teague of New Mexico

Ways & Means

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez of California

For more information, go to www.speaker.gov.

Camarillo to Announce Bid for Re-election Today

2009-01-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

District 4 City Commissioner Edward Camarillo will announce his bid for re-election at 4:30 p.m. today on the steps of City Hall.

AIDS Survival Project Casino Night Fund-raiser Jan. 24

2009-01-06T09:32:00.000-08:00

Donations sought for prizes. Contact info above.

~Melissa

Cameron County to Streamline Court System for $3.7M

2009-01-05T15:08:00.000-08:00

Tyler Technologies Inc., a North Texas company that provides government entities with information management assistance, said today the company has inked a $3.7 million contract with Cameron County to provide the county with the firm’s courts and justice software.

The software program allows local entities, like Cameron County, to provide law enforcement and the judicial system with automated technological solutions that have the capacity to manage everything from court case management to jury selection and payment logs. Brownsville is the county seat of Cameron County.

Dallas-based Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) said the software program allows counties and court systems to streamlined their court systems.

“Cameron County is doing what many counties throughout Texas and courts across the U.S. have done — turn to Tyler for its courts and justice software solution,”said Bruce Graham, president of the company’s Courts & Justice Solutions segment.

SOURCE: Dallas Business Journal

Officials Speak on Legislative Agenda Concerning Infrastructure Spending

2009-01-05T14:23:00.000-08:00

State Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. (D-Brownsville), State Rep. Dr. Tara Rios Ybarra (D-Kingsville) and TxDOT Executive Director Amadeo Saenz Jr. speak with journalist Ron Whitlock on infrastructure spending in the state's 2009 Legislative agenda and I-69.

Source: Ron Whitlock Reports.

Mayor Pushes Legislative Agenda

2009-01-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

From: Mayor, Pat Ahumada

Date: January 5, 2009

Re: Austin Trip

I will be traveling today to Austin to meet with Texas Border Coalition members in preparation for the upcoming State Legislative Session and will attend a TXDOT conference and reception to lobby for the designation of U.S. Highway I-69, funding for Morrison Road, and other transportation infrastructure needs.

As mayor, I am working with legislators to represent to them the need to commit funding for Brownsville and regional projects that benefit Brownsville’s needs for present and future growth. Brownsville has been by far overlooked or ignored in the past and it is time that we all make sure our needs are heard and approved.

This is the time to work together with all our governmental entities to ensure that we speak with one voice. As mayor, I will also be traveling with the Brownsville Chamber’s Interagency Legislative Committee in early February to reinforce Brownsville’s request for consideration and approval.

As mayor of Brownsville, Chairman of the MPO Committee, PUB ex-officio board member, TBC member, and in support of Brownsville’s Chamber’s Interagency Committee, I will be spending the time needed to lobby hard in support of these entities and for the designation and funding for I-69 U.S. Highway, PUB’s 20 MG desalinization plant, Amtrak passenger train service, Morrison Road expansion, and other road projects, along with environmental funding and consideration for alternative sources of energy.

Some of these projects and requests the city and the committees want funding for are something that we have been working on all year long, but it is important to work in unity with all the entities and to make sure our legislators hear from us often in order to get the funding all other cities are competing for. I encourage citizens to write their legislators in support of the city’s requests.

Thanks,
Pat Ahumada
Via email

Mayor Stands United With Texas Border Coalition

2009-01-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

From: Pat Ahumada

Date: January 3, 2008

Subject: Border Wall

It has been brought to my attention by Department of Home Land Security through the Texas Border Coalition that preparation to build the Border Wall will commence this WEEK in Cameron County, with most areas affected being the Los Indios and Harlingen land area holdings. Preparations are defined as clearing, grubbing and building drainage culverts in anticipation of constructing the Wall. The City of Brownsville areas affected are in the proximity of the River Bend and the Los Fresnos Pump Station areas (see attachment), consisting of two segments totaling 5.2 miles. Brownsville’s Hope Park, where the proposed River Walk is to be built, is being spared.

At my request, through TBC communications with DHS, there will be a “Walk The Line” date set for TBC and city elected officials to meet with DHS to inspect future sites where the Wall is proposed to be built. It is my understanding that Hope Park will be spared. Sparing Hope Park is not reason to stop our opposition to the Wall since other vital areas of the City of Brownsville will be affected, mainly our ecological and historical corridors, along with other land owners who reside in Cameron County and expect us to be their voice against the proposed Wall.

As mayor of Brownsville, I stand united with TBC and all who oppose the Border Wall and ask the incoming administration to reassess the intent for the proposed Wall and its effectiveness before allowing DHS to continue with a project that has already proven to be a failure and to consider the alternatives being offered by the TBC and the municipalities most affected by the Wall. As mayor, I ask our new President Barrack Obama to “Tear Down This Wall” and build virtual fencing using our geography to deter illegal immigration, narcotics trafficking and all illegal activity along the Rio Grande River.

2008-12-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

May everyone have a Merry Christmas! God Bless!

-Melissa

Chertoff Retirement Party Jan. 10 at Galeria 409

2008-12-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

Below is an invite from the No Border Wall Coalition and Galeria 409. --Melissa

During his illustrious career, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has driven a wall through the borderlands, thrown out the laws that protect us, imprisoned immigrant families, and set a new low in the response to Hurricane Katrina. Join us in Brownsville at 6 p.m. January 10th as we celebrate his long-awaited exit!

Retirement Cake! Music! Games! Puppets! Raffle!

Galeria 409 is located at 409 E. 13th Street, between Levee and Elizabeth, a block from the Gateway Bridge and spitting distance from the coming border wall. Contact noborderwall@yahoo.com for more information.

Hosted by NO BORDER WALL and Galeria 409

NO BORDER WALL COALITION
WWW.NOTEXASBORDERWALL.COM
WWW.NOTEXASBORDERWALL.BLOGSPOT.COM
WWW.BORDERWALLINTHENEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM
WWW.NOBORDERWALL-TAKE-ACTION.BLOGSPOT.COM

Today's Special

2008-12-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

A bit blurry, but the Capt. Bob's Restaurant marquee on Price Road reads: B.I.S.D. Seems Unfair.

Watch UTB-TSC's Graduation Ceremony Live!

2008-12-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

Check out tomorrow's live Webcast of UTB-TSC's 14th Annual Winter Commencement Ceremony.

Graduation starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Cardenas Hall South Lawn.

Click here.

More than 1,000 students are eligible to walk the stage.

The number of students graduating includes those who finished in August. Graduates will be receiving certificate, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Rosalinda Olivares, Juan J. Mendoza and Cesar Garcia will earn the very first Master of Arts in History, and Nazul Grimaldo will receive the first Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Computer Science.

Dr. Ruben Gallegos, the 2008 UTB-TSC Distinguished Alumnus, will speak to the graduates.

Born into a large family in El Calavoz, Gallegos began his college education at Texas Southmost College and earned an Associate in Arts degree in 1957. He went on to receive a master’s degree and education doctorate from East Texas State University.

Gallegos helped lead school districts in Brownsville, Dallas and Edinburg before his retirement in 1993. He also heads an international education agency that works with undocumented children who are apprehended by immigration officials

Sports Park Grand Opening Tonight

2008-12-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

Grand Opening of the Brownsville Sports Park

Gates open at 6:30 pm

1000 Sports Park Blvd

(off the Merryman Rd. Exit on Expressway 77/83)

BPD: Bank Teller Identifies Mayor as Invididual Who Deposited Vendor Check Into Mayor's Personal Account

2008-12-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

Below is a release from the Brownsville Police Department ~Melissa

Investigation of the $26,139.00 check deposited into
Mr. Pat Ahumada’s account.

The summary contained in this media release is based on facts and evidence gathered through the investigation.

On October 22, 2008 the City of Brownsville printed/issued a check in the amount of $26,139.00 to TARSA Technical Industries of New York for services provided to the city. This was the second payment of two scheduled payments.

On October 28, 2008 at about 9:15am, Mr. Larry Brown arrives at Mr. Ahumada’s residence, located at 53 Alan-A- Dale, to pick him up and transport Mr. Ahumada to the airport, later determined to be the Matamoros airport. Mr. Ahumada advises Mr. Brown that he needs to run an errand to the bank and that he will be right back. Mr. Brown waits for him. Mr. Ahumada is observed leaving his house, to the bank, in a black truck.

At approximately 9:30am this check was deposited into Mr. Ahumada’s account at the BBVA Compass bank located at 3255 Boca Chica by Mr. Pat Ahumada himself through the drive thru window. The bank teller, who handled this transaction, recognized Mr. Ahumada through previous bank transactions and positively identified Mr. Ahumada through a photo lineup. The bank teller provided a sworn statement to Brownsville Police Investigators recalling the events of this transaction. The teller remembers the transaction for several reasons. He knows Mr. Ahumada, since he has been a customer of BBVA Compass, formerly Texas State Bank, for numerous years; the amount of the check and such check not being made payable to him; the check was already endorsed and had an account number that was verified by the teller to be that of Mr. Ahumada; the teller proceeded with creating a deposit slip for Mr. Ahumada since he did not provide one at the time, a customer service provided by the bank; and he did not want to question Mr. Ahumada’s integrity as he feared that a complaint would be brought forth against him, since he knows Mr. Ahumada’s character as a person and his reactions. The transaction was finalized. No other checks were submitted for deposit that were part of this transaction. Mr. Ahumada left the drive thru in his black Chevy Avalanche as sworn to by the bank teller. The bank video depicts a black Chevy Avalanche departing the drive thru at approximately 9:33am. The driver of such vehicle cannot be clearly identified thru the video; however the bank teller has provided a sworn statement that he knows Mr. Ahumada drives such vehicle and a motorcycle.

At about 9:45am Mr. Ahumada arrives at his residence and departs with Mr. Larry Brown to the airport (Matamoros). Mr. Brown transports Mr. Ahumada to the Matamoros airport and while on their way there, they stop at a pharmacy in Matamoros at the request of Mr. Ahumada. Mr. Brown has provided BPD investigators with a sworn statement of these events on that day.

On December 2, 2008 Grand Jury Subpoenas were issued and executed to BBVA Security Office in McAllen, Texas for bank records pertaining to Mr. Ahumada’s account.

On December 15, 2008 late in the afternoon BPD investigators officially receive the bank records and video for Mr. Ahumada’s account from BBVA Compass.

On December 16, 2007, late in the evening, I called Mr. Ahumada and advised him that BPD investigators were ready to interview him. Arrangements were made for him to come in at 9:00am on December 17, 2008.

On December 17, 2008 at 8:30am Mr. Ahumada calls me and advises me that he is running late and will be here by 9:30am. I advise him that this is not a problem and that the investigators will wait for him. Mr. Ahumada provided a sworn and signed statement which contradicted with the facts and evidence collected by BPD investigators. He was advised of this and disagreed with the investigators.

On December 17, 2008 late in the afternoon, we are notified by the finance department that on this date the city’s account has been credited with the amount of $26,139.00. This is contrary to what Mr. Ahumada had been stating, that the city had already been credited for the amount of the check.

We are still investigating the circumstances as to how the check resulted in the hands of Mr. Ahumada.

We are still continuing this investigation and the final results will be forwarded to the Cameron County District Attorney for their review with a recommendation that the results be presented to a grand jury to determine what charges, if any will be brought forth against Mr. Ahumada. The local FBI office has been authorized to review this case and will be provided with a copy of the final investigation. Any final determination as to the jurisdiction for the prosecution, if any will be a matter for discussion and decision between the District Attorney and the United States Attorney’s Office.

No questions or interviews will be granted at this time. You will be notified accordingly at the appropriate time.

What I Want for Christmas ...

2008-12-18T14:03:00.001-08:00

Colunga Files Suit Against Brownsville Bloggers

2008-12-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

Updated to reflect correction in plaintiffs' attorney. -mz

Joe Colunga filed suit today for himself and his son against blogger Robert “Capt. Bob” Sanchez and blogger/journalist Juan Montoya for libel and defamation.

The suit references an Dec. 7 article on Sanchez’s blog, RobertSanchez2011.Blogspot.com, entitled “Colunga Milking BISD.”

Attorney for the plaintiffs is Mark Sossi. Colunga is also a trustee for the Brownsville Independent School District.

Click here, for the suit filed today in the 4o4th state District Court. The court will be that of Judge Elia Cornejo-Lopez beginning Jan. 1.

Chief Garcia Responds to Questions Concerning Vendor Check Deposited Into Mayor's Personal Account

2008-12-17T10:26:00.000-08:00

Last week, I e-mailed questions to Sgt. Jimmy Manrrique pertaining to the $26,000 vendor check that was deposited into Mayor Pat Ahumada's personal account. I was later asked to forward my questions to Chief Carlos Garcia. Chief Garcia promptly responded. Although the responses are brief, I believe his response to Question No. 4 is key. Responses are in red.

~Melissa

1. Who owns the bank account, and are there other names on the account?
As has been publicly stated by the Mayor himself, he owns the account. No other names at this time.

2.What was the specific deposit date?
On October 28, 2008.

3. Who made the deposit and signed the check for deposit?
Currently under investigation. Reviewing bank records and video.

4. Is there a video that clearly shows who made the deposit and signed the check?
Yes, there is, however it is not clear as to a person, only a vehicle.

5. What charges and or indictments, if any, will be brought against the check casher(s) and/or the owner of the bank account?
Case will be forwarded to the DA’s office for their review with our recommendation for review by a grand jury.

6. Has the money been returned to the City of Brownsville ?
To my knowledge, as of this date, no. Check with Mr. Pete Gonzalez.

SACS Reaffirms UTB-TSC Accreditation

2008-12-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

The Commission on Colleges for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has reaffirmed the accreditation of The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.

The announcement was made at the organization's annual meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, in San Antonio.

"We are very pleased that the reaffirmation process resulted in the recognition that UTB/TSC is doing exemplary work, "said Juliet V. García, president of UTB/TSC. "As always, it took the combined effort of the entire campus community focusing on continued improvement."

The Commission on Colleges (COC) of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is the recognized regional accrediting body for institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degrees in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and in Latin America.

As part of the SACS reaffirmation of accreditation process, a team of faculty and administrators from other colleges and universities visited the campus in April to interact with students, faculty, staff and administrators. The team addressed institutional effectiveness and student learning.

Barnes Resigns as Scorpions' Head Volleyball Coach

2008-12-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

John Barnes, head coach of the Scorpion women's volleyball team, has resigned, Director of Athletics Vernon Mummert announced Monday.

Barnes took over as the team's head coach in June. UTB-TSC finished the 2008 season with a 10-23 record and was eliminated in the Red River Athletic Conference tournament semifinals.

Barnes came to UTB-TSC after four years as head girls' volleyball coach at Port Isabel High School, where he also taught physics. He previously served as a volunteer assistant coach with the Scorpions in the 2004 and 2005 seasons and was also an assistant coach during the 1999-2001 seasons at Cedar Valley College in Dallas.

A national search for a successor will begin immediately.

SOURCE: UTB-TSC Sports News Information

Renaissance Man: The Mulitalented Mr. Schnabel of Brownsville, Texas

2008-12-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

Note: Mention of his Brownsville, Texas upbringing begins at 6:12. Report released today on CBS 60 Minutes Web site.

Christmas Needs List

2008-12-08T08:16:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: I want to thank those folks who have already contacted me to donate items as requested on this list. To donate items, you may call LOVE, INC directly at 233-1844. Thank you, and God Bless! - Melissa

Special thanks to Brownsville Community Fellowship, Christ’s Harbor Church , Church of the Advent, International Christian Center and Los Fresnos Church of Christ for their assistance in meeting needs this past month.

Please announce the needs listed below to your congregation, put in your bulletin, post on your bulletin board or display electronically prior to your services. As always thank you for all you do!!

•Sweaters/Sweatshirts – a family with 4 children (mom is unemployed and dad is disabled) need help with sweaters or sweatshirts for their 3 boys and one daughter. The children need these mostly for school so they cannot have any designs and cannot be pullovers. (boys sizes 16, 14, 12; girl’s size 12) (12B08) [Brownsville]

•Winter clothes – Single mom of 2 girls and with limited resources needs help with winter clothing. (girls size 5 &18 month; and ladies – Large shirts & size 10 pants) (12A08) [Cameron Park]

•Queen Bed Frame – Unemployed single mother of 3 blessed with a bed needs a bed frame – Queen-size. [Pt Isabel](11H08)

•Beds, winter clothing, sheets, & towels – A family recently moved to be close to father. Husband is self-employed. Wife had an accident and husband developed health problems. 1 Full & 3 twin beds needed. (*Men’s pants – 34 x 32; 36x34; *Boy’s – large shirts, *Girls 5-6, *Women’s – size 16 pants, large & 2x tops) (11G08¬) [Boca Chica/Old Pt Isabel area]

•Work – Father with three children, needs any kind of work, experienced in cutting lawns.(11F08) [Los Fresnos]

•Dressers, bed, table & chairs – family with three children recently relocated. Have limited income because they have been helping support elderly mother. (11E08) [Los Fresnos]

•3 Twin beds, beds, and refrigerator – Single mom recently relocated from San Antonio and unable to bring her furniture with her. (11C08) [Southmost area]

•Dining table & chairs –family of 4 with a new baby due any day. (11B08) [FM 511/ Hwy 48 area]

•Table & chairs, bed, dryer – Single mother with a disabled child. (11A08) [Los Fresnos]

•Bed – A couple (wife is legally blind) on limited income in need of a bed. (close to Valley Baptist-Brownsville) (10J08)

•Winter clothes for children – Single mother of 3 needs some warm clothes for her children [downtown Brownsville](boy’s size 14 – 16; girls size 12 & 6) (10I08)

•Maternity clothes – Expectant mother needs maternity clothes. She and her husband are unemployed. (woman size 12 pant, medium blouse) (10F08) [Los Fresnos]

•Dresser, bed, night stands – A family recently moved to the Brownsville-area and the husband is working few hours. (10E08) [Southmost area]

•Electrician needed – FEMA helped an elderly widow (on a very limited income) get parts to replace her fuse box but she is unable to pay for an electrician to do the work. She lives outside the Los Fresnos city limits (near FM 510 & FM 803). (10C08)

•Couch – An amputee in Brownsville is in need of a couch. (10B08)

•Ceiling fan & Delivery of 2 doors – an elderly widow in Pt Isabel would like a ceiling fan to help keep her electric bill down. 2 doors located in Los Fresnos need to be delivered. (09G08)

•Bed, heater, tv, dishes, pots & pans – Disabled, formerly homeless, man starting over. (09D08) [downtown Brownsville]

•Window AC Unit – Elderly widow needs window unit while on waiting list to replace central unit. (09B08) [near the Port of Brownsville]

•Bed (Full Size or larger) – Couple’s bed in Brownsville was ruined in their recent move. (07E08) [Brownsville]

•Plumbing repairs – Disabled woman has leaks under kitchen sink & the outside spigot (by Pace HS). (07A08)

•Washing machine – Couple with 7 children (father & 3 of the children are on disability) in need of a washing machine. (02C08) [Brownsville]

•Grocery bags – Do you have an over-abundance of grocery bags? Don’t throw them away! Good Neighbor Settlement House can use them! They can be delivered directly there or call the Love INC office and arrangements can be made. This is an on-going need. Thank you to all who have been taking your bags directly there.

•Old Suitcases – Do you have old suitcases you don’t know what to do with? Don’t throw them away! Give our office a call – the K-9 unit from one of the local law enforcement offices has mentioned they could use suitcases in their continued training of the dogs. (This is an on-going need – those dogs go through many suitcases!)

Please call the Love INC office @ 233-1844 if you can help with any of the needs listed above. Please reference the 5 digit number listed at the end of each request/need. Also, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have or if more information is needed.

Cabler: Police Investigating Missing Vendor Check Possibly Linked to Mayor Ahumada

2008-12-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

The Brownsville Police Department is investigating the deposit of a $26,000 check into a personal account traced to a Brownsville bank, according to City Manager Charlie Cabler.

Late last month, a technology vendor from New York contacted the city about non-payment for services. An investigation yielded that the check had been deposited into a personal account in Brownsville.

However, Mayor Pat Ahumada believes the personal account to be his, and he is cooperating with the PD's investigation, Cabler said.

"He (the Mayor) feels he is being framed," Cabler said.

Still, Cabler stated that he's yet to receive confirmation from police on who owns the bank account.

A police report has been filed, and the incident remains in its early stages of investigation.

*I've contacted the Mayor for comment. Update pending a response.

The Cyclical Pat on the Back?

2008-12-01T15:51:00.001-08:00

The Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners will consider awarding a Security Systems Integration contract with Sec-Ops, Inc. at Wednesday's 6 p.m. regular meeting.

If awarded the contract, Sec-Ops, Inc. will provide security systems integration services under the Port Security Grant.

Let's break this down.

Research reflects that Sec-Ops, Inc. is located at:
5729 1a Leopard St 1 A,
Corpus Christi, TX 78408.

Its principal is listed as Robert Lott. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Lott is also listed as an owner/partner/shareholder for AMTEX Security, Inc.

AMTEX company details, listed at the TDPS Web site, reflect other owners as Florencio Rendon and Solomon Ortiz.

AMTEX and Sec-Ops, Inc. share the same address, too.

AMTEX has been embroiled in controversy at the Port of Corpus Christi where Lott is even quoted as AMTEX's CEO in a 2007 Corpus Christ Caller-Times article.

AMTEX's bid with the Port of Corpus Christi was $930,000, as the above listed article states. Who knows how much Sec-Ops, Inc.'s contract/bid comes in at?

Another simple Google search brings up articles on Congressman Ortiz's possible conflict of interest due to his association with AMTEX.

The BND Board agenda states that such security services will be supported by the Port Security Grant, which, by the way, were strongly supported/advocated by none other than Congressman Ortiz.

And, there are BND board members who donated to Ortiz's campaign.

Go figure.

BND Board to Discuss FY 2009 Operating Budget, Selection of Delinquent Tax Firm

2008-12-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

The Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners will hold a 5:30 p.m. workshop Wednesday to discuss the fiscal year 2009 operating budget for the Port of Brownsville.

During the board's 6 p.m. regular meeting, the law firm of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair and Sampson LLP, will give a presentation on delinquent tax collections for the Port.

The board will also consider renewing its financial advisory services agreement with Estrada, Hinojosa & Company, Inc..

Also on the agenda under BIDS/AGREEMENTS/PURCHASES, the board will consider selecting a law firm to collect delinquent taxes for the Port, and they may award engagement in an external audit for 2008a, 2009 and 2010.

In other other business, the board will consider amending the district's retirement plan for employees and the district's procurement policy and procedures.

For the full agenda, click here.

Bring "Christmas" Back!

2008-12-01T15:04:00.000-08:00

Program Sends Brownsville Soldier on Holiday Vacation

2008-12-01T14:52:00.001-08:00

2 Wounded Soldiers To Enjoy Holidays In N.H.

JACKSON, N.H. (AP) ― Two wounded soldiers and their families will enjoy an old-fashioned New Hampshire Christmas thanks to a new program that started with one family's generosity and has spread to an entire town.

Gerald Carrier, a retired dentist from New Bedford, Mass., has been bringing his family to Jackson for the holidays since 1969. When he and his family offered to adopt two military families and put them up in a hotel for a week, the whole town got in on the act, with numerous businesses donating gift cards for lodging, shopping and activities.

"For us, Christmas goes over the top, as you can expect when you put that much love for one another in one room," said Andre Carrier of Las Vegas. "We wanted to take some of this surplus and put it toward something charitable on our own, as part of our Christmas tradition."

The first two soldiers to benefit from the Christmas Can Cure program will be Staff Sgt. Jerry Cortinas of Brownsville, Texas, and Sgt. 1st Class Roy Mitchell of Fort Drum, N.Y., both of whom were seriously injured in Afghanistan.

Cortinas, a Special Forces soldier, lost his left hand and suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was attacked by a rocket-propelled grenade five days before Christmas 2002.

"As you can imagine, Christmas time for us is a bittersweet time," said his wife, Celina Cortinas. She said she tries to make the season special for their two children, "but with limited money and the memories of the worst time of our lives, it is a tough situation."

"This trip would fill that month with good memories that we can associate with December, instead of a very bad one," she said. Mitchell has had a leg amputated and undergone 37 surgeries since being injured in November 2003.

"If I could, I would not change a thing, except having more time as a family," he said. "We have not had a lot of time to spend just as a family."

Andre Carrier said they plan to have baskets of Christmas cards in the families' rooms when they arrive Dec. 18.

"For anyone who may have become cynical about Christmas and needs to find the power of the human spirit, they need to start initiating something like this," he said.

Source: Associated Press

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T06:59:00.001-08:00

I hope you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe and enjoy your holiday with your family and friends! Life is good, and we have much to be grateful for.

God Bless!

~Melissa