Island moon 10 10 13 section a web

Inside the Moon...

Tokyo Rose, American Hero A3

Fish Stories A7

Beach Eats Truck A9

The

Island Moon

FREE PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY

Local Music A18

Sharkey’s Chili Cook-Off A11

Free

Photo by Larry Cashion

Weekly

361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com The Island Newspaper since 1996 Facebook : The Island Moon Newspaper

October 10, 2013

Who Owns The Seawall?

The only Island in Texas with a two-pack habit and a motel tan…

Next Publication Date: 10/17/2013

Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Year 16, Issue 495

City Parking Lot Gulfstream El Constante

Asset Development 50’

Island House

Asset Development 393’

Rm Gulf Coast / Property Manti Denver z493’ 125’

Beach Front Hospitality / Cl Realty Austin

Holiday Inn

Portofino

841’

Rm Property Denver

Beach Front Hospitality

Rm Property Denver

125’

175’

350’

By Dale Rankin When it was built in 1964 it was about the only permanent structure on The Island. The reason it was built first was pretty simple: without a seawall there wasn’t much use in building anything else because the next big storm would wash it all away.

The Island seawall, renamed the Michael J. Ellis Seawall and Beach in 2011, is 4200 linear feet of protection from tidal surges and hurricanes. It survived Hurricanes Beulah in 1967 and Hurricane Celia in 1970 but in 1980 Hurricane Allen dealt it a blow that cost $1.4 million in private money to repair. The beach along it is exempt from the Dune Protection Act which applies to most Gulf beaches.

Around The Island

By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com

By Dale Rankin

Our second Cold Front of the season blew through last weekend and it was a good one and we’re going to name it Buuurt because it was a little cool out there on the beach.

The wind shifted out of the north and the surfers hit Las Olas even as the high tides found their way to the bottom of the dunes. The high tides left great beach driving conditions and the great weather brought out the drivers. It’s the best time of the year to be on the beach with warm water and open space.

Police Boat for canals There will be a pubic meeting on November 4 to discuss plans to bring a police boat to Island canals. The meeting will be at the Seashore gym on Encantada at 7 p.m. Donations have begun coming in for the $35,000 portion of the cost that will be paid by Islanders. For more information see MayBeth’s column in this issue.

New Cans Some good news on the garbage can front: The city this week spent $488,989.20. 7,488 new 96-gallon garbage cans and recycle containers.

Well, they didn’t actually buy them, it’s a lease/ purchase deal but we got that going for us.

New cell phone law It is now illegal to text or talk on your cell phone while driving. CCPD will begin enforcing the new law immediately but will allow a thirtyday grace period to hand out warnings before writing tickets. To read the entire ordinance see the Police Blotter in this issue.

Jailbreak on The Island There will be a jailbreak on The Island on Saturday, October 19, as “Pirates and Scallywags will be swashbucklin’ over dunes and obstacles as they make their way through 3.1 miles of sandy fun.”

The event will take place on the beach at the seawall and involves an obstacle course with twenty obstacles strung out along the sand. So far several hundred “jailbreakers” have signed up for this first-time event. Even a couple of ambitious Moon Monkeys.

That is the weekend of the Island Moon ArtWalk sponsored by the Island Moon so we will be in the parking lot all day. It promises to be a big day on the sand and we will see you there with some live music.

In the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.

It is a little known fact about the seawall that it is not publicly owned. It is owned jointly by the owners of the property which abut it on the landward side. It is controlled by a Seawall Committee made up of those property owners which can call for special assessments for repair but there is no record of when that committee last met.

According to one member of that committee, who prefers to remain anonymous, there is no insurance policy on the seawall and if a hurricane destroys it, “there is no money to fix it.”

Seawall continued on A16

IUPAC Information Night – Cruise Ships, Water Desalinization and Destination Bayfront

Crews have cleaned sand off the seawall in preparation for winter tides

Island on the Move!

Schlitterbahn, New Townhomes, Parking Lot for Boats

By Brent Rourk A reminder for all islanders who are interested in upcoming ballot issues to attend the IUPAC INFORMATIONAL evening with Todd Hunter and Colleen McIntyre on Monday October 14th at the Seashore Learning Center gymnasium from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M..

IUPAC intends to objectively present issues that are of concern to voters, giving them the opportunity to learn more in a neutral environment. Previous use of the term Bond Fire was not intended to imply that there would be a debate or fierce partisanship concerning the issues.

Wave Pool at Schlitterbahn Beach Coountry Resort

By Dale Rankin

Representative Todd Hunter will present the Constitutional Amendments that we will be voting on in November. He will also discuss

Work continues at a brisk pace at the Schlitterbahn Beach Country Resort as crews work to put the finishing touches on the wave pool and work continues to expand the clubhouse at Padre Isles Country Club.

PAC continued on A3

Work began this week to expand the west

Todd Hunter

Taste of The Island Set for Wednesday October 16 at Port Royal Next Wednesday is the day and Port Royal is the place.

side of the clubhouse by using recycled trailer homes as the basic structure to begin adding a members’ clubhouse. The next phase of the development will be to add a second story to the building.

Developer Paul Schexnailder said last week that 75% of the excavation work on the 3600 Island on the Move continued on A6

The Annual Cuttysark Street Festival

The annual Taste of The Island event sponsored by the Padre Island Business Association is set for Wednesday, October 16, around the newly remodeled pool Port Royal Resort on The Island.

The event features food from Island restaurants and during the event PIBA will be awarding $5,000.00 scholarships to both Texas A&M and Del Mar College.

Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling PIBA at 361-949-9498, or picked up at American Bank, Frost Bank - island branches; 1st Community Bank island branch; Isle Mail & More; the POA office; Office Lounge; Prosperity Bank island branch; and Padre Island Country Club. There will also be special rates from Port Royal for those who wish to spend the night.

This is the major fundraising event for PIBA and a premier social event for North Padre Island, Mustang Island, Port Aransas, Flour Bluff and Corpus Christi. The money raised through this event allows the PIBA to continue Taste continued on A15

By CSM (Ret.) Harold (Butch) Smith WOW!! What a great event on a chamber of Commerce day. This year’s Annual CuttySark Street Festival was hosted by JoAnn and Butch Smith on October 6th and was attended by over 100 CuttySark residents and neighbors. The CuttySark Festivals have been a great forum for our residents to meet each year. There have been so many new homes built in the area that the festival really helps the residents get reacquainted with old neighbors and meet new ones.

Cuttysark continued on A15

A 2

Island Moon

October 10, 2013

The Travelling Moon Gets Around...

Red Hats At The Corpus Christi Yacht Club!

On September 27th, the Island’s PIPPs Chapter of the Corpus Christi Red Hat Society held their luncheon soiree at the Corpus Christi Yacht Club. A beautiful view was enjoyed by all. Hostess were Lauret Bridgford and Judy Johnson. Pictured left to right: Alida Jordan, Trude Ferguson, Sofia Solis, Carolyn Loe, Joani Sarkiss, Nancy Horsley, Dianne Hanelt, Debbie Adams, Linda Munger (guest), Melly Dinkel (guest), Mary Leja (Queen), Roseanne Milroy, Katie Clark, Clara Mosley, Pat Diggins, Bebe Gale (Vice Queen), Rayleen Rittenberry, Lauret Bridgford, Arleen Ward, Judy Marsyla, Jaki Boyd, Pearl Benoit and Judy Johnson. Picture taken by Karen Sharp.

Island artist Sheri Hargrove was a guest in northern Minnesota for the fall studio tour at Frostbite Betty’s gallery. She brought the Moon to the local bait shop The Beaver House.

Island Creations Remodeling

Total Renovation & Remodels, Outdoor Kitchens & Spas, Additions, Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades, Sunporches, Replacement of Windows and Doors, Roofing, Painting & Stucco

Landscaping Insured Member, Padre Island Business Association Member, Builders Association, Corpus Christi

960-0327

Design work, Yard Maintenance, Decks, Pergolas, Installation of Rock, Grass, Plants, Trees, Walkways, Paths, Tree Trimming, Container Planting, Vacant Lot Mowing & Shade Covers. All Kinds of Fencing, Pressure Washing & Deck Staining & Sealing

Concrete

Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, Patio Overlays, Decorative Stamping & Staining, Decks, Bulkheads, Grouted Stone Walls & Patios, Decorative Stone Paver Driveways & Patios

Owned & Operated by Island Residents David & Katherine Pierce References Available Upon Request Commercial & Residential

C

a

Doing Everything a Home or Business Needs

u

s

e

w

a

PIPOA Board member Nancy Tressa took the Moon to Sturgeon Bay, WI this past summer for the tall ship festival and to the giant wood carving gnome in Sturgeon Bay.

y

Climate Controlled Storage

Starting at $39.00

Flo ur B luff Dr.

Sunset on the JFK Bridge Photo by Tony Tagliaferro

HEB

Flour Bluff

Lag una Sho res

Climate CoNtrol oN site maNaGer opeN 7 Days eleCtroNiC Gate aCCess ViDeo surVeillaNCe HouseHolD & CommerCial moViNG supplies aVailable

Wa ldro nR oad

No loNG lease aGreemeNt!

Storage iS our buSineSS! offiCe Hours:

(361) 937-8673

m-f 8:30-6:00

sat 8:30-5:30

10514 S.P.i.d.

Where’s the beach?

Our Beautiful Island Photos by Steven Pituch

RAY HERRERA DIRECTOR

361-949-8200 14802 Compass Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78418

CHRISTI KRESSER VETERINARIAN

dog-gone margarita festival Well-Behaved Dogs & Owners Welcome Bring Your Coolers & Lawn Chairs

October 10, 2013

Island Moon

A3

Senior Moments

News from your

Tokyo Rose - The Rest of the Story

By Dotson Lewis

By Maybeth Christiansen Welcome back winter Texans. It is always great to see old friends return to the Island.

Remember, if you are looking for reading material, our swapping library is bursting at the seams. Now that the weather is cooling off, it seems the activity level has increased dramatically.

I know most of the items I’m writing about are covered in other places in the Moon, but I know you can’t repeat the information often enough.

Cuttysark party

dlewis1@stx.rr.com how it is done. Basically, it takes a core group of people to plan it and everyone else chips in to help. Neighbors contribute money and labor and everything comes together for a great time.

PAC informational meeting

At the end of last week’s article, I asked: Do you believe that Iva (Ikuko) A.K.A. Tokyo Rose was a war criminal and should have been tried?

Here is what I believe to be the “rest of the story:”

Felipe & Iva (Ikuki)-1945

The Island United PAC is hosting an informational meeting Monday, October 14 at 7 PM at the Seashore Learning Center Gym – on Encantada – note the change in place.

Representative Todd Hunter will explain the constitutional amendments which will be on the November 5 ballot. Council member Colleen McIntyre will explain the City question regarding Destination Bayfront which will also be on the ballot. Be informed and ask questions.

Cuttysark had their annual street party this past weekend. It is always fun with lots of great food, games, prizes and neighbors meeting their neighbors.

I’ve heard Yardarm will be having a party on their street and other streets have called to ask

PAC continued from A1 HCR56 - Cruise Ship industry in South Texas and HCR59 - Water Desalination.

Colleen McIntyre Council Member Colleen McIntyre will deliver a neutral presentation of the city bond issue dealing with the $44.6 million dollar project Destination Bayfront that we will be voting on in November. It is a 32 acre programmed park where the old coliseum was located.

Dog Party!

Sunday, October 20, P I D O G will have a lunch at the beach event for all dog owners and their dogs (each dog must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Padre Bali Park and bring your own sandwich.

Police boat The Police officers who have developed the proposal for a marine patrol boat will be presenting their information at 7 PM on Monday, November 4, at the Seashore Learning Center Gym on Encantada. Learn what is being proposed and ask questions.

One of the trial’s many critics explained it in this manner, “One of the twentieth-century’s most publicized criminal prosecutions was the 1949 trial of an innocent woman for treasonous conduct during WWII radio broadcasts from Japan. That woman was publicly described as ‘Tokyo Rose.’

Although her trial was over five decades ago, Iva (Ikuki) Toguri’s story remains compelling although she died 2006. It remains relevant because the tactics of deception used by her prosecutors to pervert the fair functioning of the judicial system to make an innocent woman appear guilty are regularly used in state and federal criminal trials across the country.

Iva being escorted from Federal CourtSept. 29, 1949

For all of the informational meetings, plan to attend and hear first hand what is being proposed. Don’t rely on the Island coconut telegraph for the information.

These are key issues that we will be voting on, so please take this opportunity to learn more about the issues as well as to meet our representatives in government and your IUPAC Board. The IUPAC maximizes representation of Corpus Christi residents on Padre and Mustang Islands in area government by promoting and supporting, by the endorsement process, proactive and united voting in non-partisan races and other issues and referendums put to public vote.

Gentle Loving Care Dog and Cat grooming and boarding

361 462-2412 Visit us at

www.divine-doggie.com or check us out on Facebook!

Remember to book our Party Room for your next event - call for details -

“Hello there, Enemies! How’s tricks? This is Annie of Radio Tokyo, and we’re just going to begin our regular program of music, news and the Zero Hour for our friends – I mean, our enemies! - in Australia and the South Pacific. So be on your guard, and mind the children don’t hear! All set? OK. Here’s the first blow to your morale – the Boston Pops playing “Strike Up The Band!”

“Hi, boys, this is your old friend, Orphan Annie. I’ve got some swell records just in from the states. You’d better listen to them while you can, because late tonight our flyers are coming over to bomb the 43rd group when you are all asleep. So listen while you are still alive.”

In describing the warnings he credited Iva with broadcasting on her program, that same serviceman wrote: “Almost without fail, the Jap bombers would come over. She was a better air raid system than our own.” Other pilots acknowledged the help they thought she provided by letting them know Tokyo’s weather conditions.

On July 5, 1949 the trial began in San Francisco’s federal court of the woman known to the world as ‘Tokyo Rose.’ She was a U.S. citizen charged with treasonous conduct during WWII for allegedly voluntarily remaining in Japan after the war began and making radio broadcasts that betrayed the U.S. by “urging G.I.’s to lay down their arms.”

The trial of ‘Tokyo Rose’ was a major world media event that is on the short list of candidates for Trial of the Century. It lasted 13 weeks and cost $750,000, which was more than the government had spent prosecuting any person in U.S. history up to that time. After deliberating for 80 hours, on September 29th the jury returned not guilty verdicts on 7 of the 8 counts in the indictment. The one guilty verdict was for “speak[ing] into a microphone concerning the loss of ships.” That count referred to her alleged broadcast of news about the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines in October 1944. Eight days later, on October 6, 1949, U.S. District Judge Michael Roche sentenced ‘Tokyo Rose’ to 10 years in prison and fined her $10,000. Her release on January 28, 1956 after serving over 6 years at the Federal Reformatory for Women in Alderson, West Virginia, and a total of 8-1/2 years in custody, would seem to have closed the book on the infamous ‘Tokyo Rose.’

Divine Doggie

LIVE MUSIC

Iva, tongue-in-cheek, warned listeners during her 20 minute segment that it had “dangerous and wicked propaganda, so beware!” An example of her program’s innocuous tongue-incheek dialogue is:

U.S. military personnel also credited Iva with slipping serious things into her broadcasts like air raid warnings in the guise of bragging about Japanese military superiority. After the war a member of a B-24 Squadron wrote that she made comments such as:

Garden Tour The Island Gardeners are sponsoring a free Tour of Island Gardens, Saturday, October 19, 9 AM to 1 PM. Maps are available at the POA office. Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions about what types of plants do well on our Island.

A few of the facts that have come to light:

It was news around the world when on September 29, 1949, the woman identified as the infamous ‘Tokyo Rose’ was convicted of treason against the United States. Found guilty of aiding the Japanese by making a radio broadcast during WWII that could have harmed U.S. troop morale, she was sentenced to ten years in prison. Yet her prosecution, conviction and imprisonment were unconscionable travesties of justice. At the same time Justice Department prosecutors were publicly defaming the woman they called ‘Tokyo Rose’ to the entire world as a vicious blackheart, they were suborning witnesses to commit perjury and concealing evidence of her innocence. Her prosecutors successfully used smoke and mirror tactics to create the illusion the innocent woman on trial was guilty. For more than 60 years the federal government has successfully concealed the truth: rather than being a traitorous siren, the woman prosecuted as ‘Tokyo Rose’ was a genuine American heroine who risked her safety to aid allied POWs in Japan and subvert Japanese efforts to undermine allied troop morale in the Pacific.

It would have except for two things: ‘Tokyo Rose’ never existed; and the woman accused, prosecuted, convicted and imprisoned of being her was innocent. That woman was Iva (Ikuki) Toguri. (Her married name was Iva Toguri d’Aquino.)”

On January 28, 1956, she was released from the Federal Reformatory for Women at Alderson, West Virginia, where she had served six years and two months of her sentence.

She successfully fought government efforts to deport her and returned to Chicago, where she worked in her father’s shop until his death.

President Gerald Ford pardoned her on January 19, 1977. Iva died at the age of 90 on September 26, 2006.

Dotson’s Note: Guilty as charged? If you have friends or relatives who served in the Pacific during WW II, please ask them what they think.

Contact Dotson: Email: dlewis1@stx.rr.com Phone: 361-949-7681; Cell: 530-748-8475

Deluxe Nails

Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m - 5 p.m.

Deluxe Pedicure with Hot Stone Massage & Paraffin Hot Wax Offering: s Eyelash Extension s Pink & White Full Set s Solar Nails s Nail Design s Gel Nails s Waxing

The BACK PORCH

s Manicure

oPEN 7 dAYS + nOON-2AM Live Music

The Tom Gilliam Friday night BACK PORCH Dust Devils Saturday night Bar Jerry Diaz & Hannah’s Reef Oct. 18 11th Annual COASTAL BENDER This Weekend

Clay McClinton

Oct. 19

Ruben V

Oct. 25

The

361 949-1794

Appt. or Walk-in Welcome Next to Padre Pizzeria

t Sanitary and Professional Nail Service t Gift Certificates Are Available

14493 S. Padre Island Dr., Unit B Corpus Christi, TX 78418

Oct. 26 BACK PORCH

Mike Milligan & the Altar Boys

$2 WackyBar Wednesdays!

ON THE WATERFRONT

132 W. Cotter St.

PortA

Member Padre Island Business Association

Member Padre Island Rotary Club

A 4

Island Moon

October 10, 2013

Bargaining in Spanish

By Brent Rourk Trying to master both bargaining skills and speaking in Spanish, students at SMA recently delivered their bargaining skits in the Spanish 1B classes. All of the students were organized in groups of three and practiced one of the three roles, speaking only in Spanish while trying to respectfully bargain with a vendor over the price of a ring. Students practiced for a few days before taking the front of the room while their fellow Spanish students observed.

This house being built on Whitecap across from Yardarm job site is absolutely trashed!

There are wrappers, bags, empty beer bottles, Whataburger trash, etc. all over the place. And there is a huge trash container right in the front yard. What’s going on with the contractors ? Photo by Ruben Estrada

High Tide brings in Fish, Seaweed & Surfers

Skylar Powell and Jack Gibbs demonstrate how they can Students then self-assessed bargain in Spanish their bargaining project.

Overall, the students did Hopefully, students will be able to recall these a superb job of remembering key phrases in skills when they stop to bargain for a treasure in the bargaining process and respectfully and a Spanish speaking market in the future. fluently delivering all of their lines in Spanish.

Island passes have been full of fish and anglers trying to catch them.

A storm in the Gulf brough waves and surfers to the beaches.

High Tide & Brown Grass

High water drove cookers to the parking lot

October 10, 2013

Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder

Island Moon

Wake Breaker

Letters to the editor Clean Up

A5

Foster Needed!!!

This report is in from for the beach cleanup Saturday, September 28.

We had a great cleanup. This is the final count on the numbers: • There were 277 volunteers • They collected 7300 lbs or (3.65 tons) of trash.

• We cleaned about 7.8 miles of beach.

Thanks for all the volunteers who contributed to make the beach cleanup a success. We want to be proud of our Port Aransas/San Jose beaches!

Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery

The winter cleanup will be on February 8, 2014, and the spring cleanup is on April 26, 2014. Come join us!

Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin

The next important event coming up is Dunk Your Junk, on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Ross St. Collection Center (the Dump). Bring your unwanted junk from 9 am till noon. Contact Mike Secich (749-7144) for more information.

Patrick Kelliher Office Lisa Towns Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers

See this boat regularly; hollering at him does nothing, so, got some pictures. Can you make him famous?? Please leave my name out of it.

Thats a ski boat and makes a wake that takes 10 minutes to calm. It washes up on my neighbors dock. No telling how much damage he is doing with these high tides. These pics are from two different days and I have seen him going faster with a bigger wake but could not get the shot.

I also seen him a few nights ago coming in after dark with zero running lights. This is the Cuttysark canal.

Joey Farah Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner Todd Hunter Danniece Bobeché Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk

[Name withheld by request]

Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers

Boat Circles

Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan

After that is our annual Community Appreciation Dinner on Monday, October 28, at the Community Center. It will be from 5:30 till 7:30, or whenever the food runs out.

Come and enjoy food from around the world.

Contact Pam Greene at 361-443-4683, pamg@ cityofportaransas.org if you would like to bring a dish.

Deno Fabrie

Schlitterworkers Henry & Sons Construction (building Schlitterbahn) is looking to hire experienced concrete workers. If you are interested, apply in person at the construction office located at 14353 Commodores on the Island. Turn right in parking lot and drive all the way down to HSC office.

Dance

Mary Craft

Port Aransas Community Theatre now offers Dance Lessons for kids. Have fun and learn to dance with Miss Edye @ Island Dance Studio.

Lessons held at Port Aransas Community Theatre 2327 HWY 361 Ballet, tap, hip-hop, yoga and more!!!!

Please, call or email edye for more information edye.hudiburg@gmail.com, 830-305-7101 Office Security/Spillage Control Riley P. Dog Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor

WHY PURCHASE FROM GARY LUNT, INC.?

The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher.

Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses.

News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.

The Island Moon Newspaper 15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250 Corpus Christi, TX 78418

I notice this boat with five young men doing donuts in canal.. Very Talented skills. They went under Gyspy Bridge and did six more donuts and was wondering why one of these young man yelled.”Let’s sink this [expletive deleted]. I will give this to them, they did not sink it but they sure used a lot of gas to go around in circles...

t 13 years of proven quality and service t Over 3,200 lights sold and working TODAY t The only know system on the Gulf Cost which has actually passed the Building Inspector’s test using the National Electric Code Requirements U.S. Patent 7,008,081 Issued March 7, 2006

1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Call for references Standard 50’ models starting at $375 + tax

GARY LUNT, INC 361-537-8333 PORT ARANSAS “YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR”

361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas Lisabella’s Restaurant Pioneer RV Park Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A

The Gaff Wild Horse Saloon

North Padre

Amano

Whataburger

Felder Gallery

Doc’s Restaurant

Island Woman Boutique

Snoopy’s Pier

Coast Club Coffee Waves Moby Dicks Spanky’sLiquor IGA Grocery Store Port A Business Center Carter Pharmacy

Port A Parks and Rec Public Library Chamber of Commerce Duckworth Antiques Back Porch Woody’s Sports Center Shorty’s Place The Flat’s Lounge Giggity’s Stripes @ Cotter & Station

I mowed a vacant lot today located behind my house that had very tall grass and was taken back more so when asked why would I do such a thing. Stunned at first, but replied to the lady...

Because it needed to be done! I was surprised because of the way it was asked. I was tired of seeing the tall grass breaching my fence line and the mosquitoes breeding in it. As a result of my neighborly gesture there is one less rattlesnake.

The riding mower I was using made quick work of it and so did the crows. Now maybe the mosquitoes will find another lot to hang out in.

November 1 is our big fundraiser. Congressman Blake Farenthold is our Celebrity Roastee. At the Ortiz Center, 6m. Big silent auction, good grub, etc. Tickets are $100. Table of 8 is $720.

We need tables filled and sponsors. This govt shutdown sure put a damper on everything, and our little place is no exception.

Texas Star (Shell) Jesse’s Liquor Padre Isles Country Club

Island Tire

Mower

I was taken back by a question asked of me today:

Timon’s Needs Help!

Holiday Inn

And all Moon retail advertisers

We had a great market last week and expect this week to be even better!! From the Garden will be there with eggs, swiss chard, some squash, cookies and breads. They will have more squash and green beans available very soon!

If you’d like to preorder, visit their website for more info! http://www.from-the-gardenodem.com We are very excited to welcome Haute Brown Sugar back with her gorgeous jewelry and other amazing pieces. Visit her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/haute. brownsugar.7?fref=ts! Elaine will be there with her home grown and self dried herbs and her amazing handmade jewelry. DDD will be there with their gourmet, natural dog treats, Island Honey will be there too- and we may have a few surprise vendors.

Claudia Stoneburner Estep

Island Italian

Subway

Saturday, October 12 8:00-11:00 AM Island Presbyterian Church 14030 Fortuna Bay Dr.

I’m looking for a Quilting Club and/or Artist Group on the Island. Do any exist?

Ace Hardware

Wash Board Laundry Mat

Island Farmer’s Market

Artists and Quilters

Isle Mail N More

Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant

Larry Cashion

Hammons Sales

CVS

San Juan’s Taqueria

peace+blessings,

Even my neighbor across from me who is in his 70s came out to assist. So the next time I am asked the same question my response will be swifter and with a smile!!

Tarpon Ice House

All Stripes Stores

Greetings! After a post hurricane swell surf session, I took some photos of folks doing their thing.I did not expect a dolphin to fly out of the line-up though..

It only takes one person in a neighborhood to perform a good deed without expecting any thing in return to start a chain reaction of performing good deeds.

Port A Glass Studio

Miss K’s Catering & Bistro

Dolphin

I hope to see you soon!

Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi

Dale Rankin About the Island Moon

Can anyone FOSTER?? This beautiful momma and her 3 babies are at Aransas County Animal Control. Here is the information we have so far -- They have been at the shelter for several weeks, and two of the babies have died (there were originally five, now there are three).

Mommy is stressed, and I don’t think babies are getting what they need. They were owner surrenders. The babies are a few weeks old, eyes just opened, and they look like they could be rat terrier mix. Mommy is dachshund mix, or she might even be full-blooded, around two years old. If you can foster, please call Belinda 361-510-5980.

Mon-Thurs 8am-7pm • Friday 8am – 4pm Member hours (with keytag): 4am-11pm every day (361) 949-3298 – (361) 947-7732

The future of Timon’s is resting on some big bucks coming in....i did not get a paycheck in Sept. Our employees get paid first, not to mention the IRS, utilities and building payment...the “trickle down” theory is not fun.....especially when there ain’t no trickle...i’m too darned old to be this stressed. Lots of good people depend on us. Call 361 937 6196.

Kae Berry

www.islandfitnesscc.com

WB Liquor

Flour Bluff H.E.B.

Custom Built Furniture, Remodeling,

Liquid Town

Cabinets, Doors, Custom Pull-Out Shelves,

Whataburger on Waldron

Exterior Mold Removal, Power Washing,

Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station

Gratitude Gift Shop

Police Station

Keepers Pier House

Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID

Dry-Wall, Tile, Quality Carpentry, Faucets-Disposals

Island Moon

A 6

by Dale Rankin

By Riley P. Dog

Padre Island National Seashore remains closed as of this writing due to the shutdown in our nation’s capital. Somebody is paying this fellow though to wait for visitors as they try to get into the park entrance.

Lost Pet Hotline!! Everyone needs to have this number saved in their cell phone 882-7387 Dog Pee I’m not sure of the best way to get this message out but this might be a start:

County commissioners will try to blame their decision to raise taxes on rising appraisals which, hopefully, they know is bunk. It reminds me of Governor Ann Richards’ line, “Don’t pee down my leg and tell me it’s raining.

To all the dog owners who frequent Douden Park. Please stop letting your dogs urinate in the playground area. My kids play there. I don’t like my kids playing in your dogs urine.

It’s disgusting. It makes the playground stink.

On top of it all, when my kids want to dig in the gravel, they end up digging in your dogs urine, like they did today. There are plenty of other places for you to take your dog to do its business, leave the playground area alone.

PINS is still closed. Photo by JBM Photography Stuff to not feed your dog.

We are also getting calls from boaters who are being turned away from the PINS shoreline

by Homeland Security. We’ll find out what the rules are as we move forward.

says that dogs peeing in the park seems to be city’s only plan for removing stickers from our parks. I have always suspected there is a connection between stickers and mosquitoes but so far I haven’t been able to figure out what it is. It’s all so confusing. Especially to a dog.

But the claim of control of water 1000 feet out from the shore is making people with cabins down there very nervous. Current plans call for 3800 acres of land currently owned by the state – The Texas General Land Office – to be purchased by the Texas Nature Conservancy and donated to the park at which time the park limits would move north to the current Corpus Christi City Limits just a little more than a mile south of Bob Hall Pier.

Thanks Erin Stock Barnes Disgusted Mother of 3

Which reminds me: When you see your humans loading your bed and bag of food into the car – RUN! They are going to leave you somewhere! In my case they take me to Sandy Paws so it’s okay but you never know so better to be safe by hiding under the couch. But there is nothing to eat under the couch Erin so sooner or later I have to come out and I’m on a diet so I get hungry a lot. I like hotdogs. Do you have any hotdogs Erin.

If you do please send them to Save The Riley P. Dog Foundation care of International Falls, Minnesota. The international dogs will thank you.

But as for peeing in the parks I have mixed emotions about that Erin. Generally speaking I am against it but there are two things that cloud the Pee-or-not-Pee dilemma on The Island. First, if we don’t go in the parks then where do we go when we are away from home? We don’t have a dog park and if we go in somebody else’s grass we get yelled at. What’s a dog to do Erin? I dunno. We can pee on the beach but if we leave a more permanent calling card there we sometimes get yelled at. It’s all so confusing. I mean, what’s the difference?!

The only reason we might want to go in the park is to kill the stickers. My human

A lot of Island dogs pee on gravel because we don’t have any grass in our yards. Gravel peeing is different than grass peeing because if you try to scrape some gravel on your leavings like you are in the grass that flying gravel can damage the paint on the neighbor’s car and boy do you get in trouble for that. Seems like paint would be tougher than that.

The question is whether that would mean people with cabins, currently licensed by Texas Parks and Wildlife, that are within 1000 feet of that shore line would have to move their cabins.

Holders of cabin permits within 1000 feet of the existing PINS shoreline say they were told to move out or be burned out. We have also had unconfirmed reports that the sale of the GLO land is on hold pending the cleanup of an oil well on the site.

And speaking of getting into trouble…last week I got into trouble when my human took me into the patio at Bob Hall Pier. My human got in trouble too. Then a nice lady let me come in but I’m not sure if I can go back. I sure hope so because I really like that place.

It’s a good place to smell the air.

We sent a series of questions one this subject to the Texas General Land Office this week.

We include it here. The questions are ours, the answers printed verbatim.

I’ll make a deal with you Erin. I’ll tell all my dogs friends to stop peeing in the park if you will tell your human friends to put this number in the telephone - 882-7387 – that’s the Lost Pet Hotline and if some of my friends wander off they will need some help finding their humans. I have my phone number on my collar but sometimes I leave home without it.

Maybe that will help Erin.

Stuff your Butt Things may be at a standstill in our Nation’s Capital this week but not at City Hall. Our city this week was handed a $2000 grant from Keep American Beautiful Cigarette Litter Prevention to be used to give away 500 pocket ashtrays and “butt buckets”

I have to stop writing now. My nose is getting sore from hitting the space bar. Remember – Save the Riley P. Dog Foundation…

International Falls, Minnesota…I’ve already lost twenty pounds and I sure would like to find them.

We could use one of those Butt Buckets at Commodores and SPID because friend, we got a lot of ‘em.

Seems flicking a butt into the median while waiting for the light is quite the pastime and puffers have been doing it there for so long the butts are thick as gravel. I like Andre’s idea; put a flower seed in each butt so at least when it ends up on the ground a flower will grow.

Hotdogs Erin. International Falls…

Island on the Move continued from A1 lot layout | padre beach view

feet of new canals at the site is complete and crews will begin ground work on the east side of SPID in about six weeks.

Beach View Drive

3

Beach Way Drive

4

Pool Access

5

Pool Area (Lot 33) | 5’ Side Yard & 10’ Front Yard

6

Street Yard | 10’ minimum along Windward

7

Dumpster

naismith engineering, inc.

planned unit development: padre beach view

Be

ach

22 23

Rising cost of democracy

1

24

30

e wD

31

Ro bla

Driv

4

12

4 5

7

15

1

8

16 17 18

e

6

6

14

2

5

NORTH

Padre Beach View

6

september 2013

The announcement comes on the heels of word from Schexnailder last week that he has signed a letter of intent to bring a 200-unit apartment complex to the area around Lake Padre.

Meanwhile, over between Packery Channel and the JFK Causeway work is underway to pave the parking lot at Clems’s and Billings Bait Stand. When finished the parking lot will provide paved parking for vehicles and trailers. Work there is expected to be complete around the end of 2013.

The Island is on the move!

Wine

We better hurry up and have that election or we won’t be able to afford the vote much less the park. I can’t help but wonder how much good that $369,000 could have done for our parks on The Island…

We’ll have more on Destination Bayfront in the next issue.

A billion here…a billion there It was Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen also known as “The Wizard of Ooze” for his smooth speaking style from the great state of Illinois who was famously quoted as saying, “A billion here a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking real money”

Parking lot near JFK

WHITECAP LIQUOR Liquor

The vote on Destination Bayfront is about to kick off and a few weeks ago our city council voted to pay $200,000 to fund the election. But on Tuesday they found out the cost of decisions just went up by $169,000 and is now $369,000.

By my eighth grade math that’s right at an 85% increase.

3

3

13

ach

1

e

2

11

Vie

27

riv

1

10

1

riv

26 28

yD

9

25

29

1 Wa

1

dD riv e

Parking | See sheet 8 for Layout

2

7

19

W in dw ar

1

It’s truly an ill wind that doesn’t blow somebody some good.

20 21 7

Be

Meanwhile, developer Alex Harris announced he is building a new 31-unit townhome development with a pool on the beach side of Legend The Island at Robla and Windward which will be called Padre Beach View with construction set to begin in early December and completion in May, 2014. Zoning for the project is expected to go before Corpus Christi City Council for approval late this month or early November.

before has the current Commissioners Court in a tight race with the city at 10.2% combined tax hike in the past three years. The city jumped ahead this year but you guys are only .4% behind the city now; come on you guys you can do it! A measly 4% is nothing compared to your 10.2% track record since the five of you took office three years ago.

Since 2000 county property taxes have been raised by 44.1%; that is on top of all of the appreciation in property values that have been added to the books in that time.

Dear Riley,

I used to be disgusted too Erin, but now I try to be amused. So far it’s working okay. You have come to the right place to get the word out Erin because if the humans were going to stop this problem they would have already done it. No Erin it’s up to us dogs and I know from talking to Dr. Kristi that Island dogs read The Moon and many of them read my stories.

October 10, 2013

Stuff I Heard on the Island

Letters to Riley

Hey Erin,

Dirksen would have been proud of our local city and county leaders as the Corpus Christi City Council this week announced a total tax levy for 2013 of $89,809,808.21 based on the adopted property tax rate of $0.585264 per $100 valuation. That’s a 10.6% hike in city taxes from last year.

Beer

It’s funny but I still don’t remember anyone running for office with a bumper sticker that said, “If Elected I Promise to Raise Your Taxes by 10% Next Year.” I guess that’s too many words to get on one bumper sticker.

14414 Whitecap Blvd.

Corpus Christi, TX On North Padre Island..... near the Beach

Even with the increase, according to the new city budget, property taxes alone still won’t cover the cost of police and fire protection.

361 949-9289

County trying to keep up…

whitecapliquor@yahoo.com http://www.whitecap.vpweb.com

3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30Work pt at Padre Isles Country Clubhouse

Schedule a complimentary portfolio review.

Neal Nelson, AAMS® Financial Advisor .

14646 Compass Street Suite 4 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-9500

Member SIPC

Not to be outdone the Nueces County Commissioners Court is raising county taxes by 4.5% for this year. They must be trying to keep up in the Race to the Bottom with the city because the 4.5% increase this year on top of the 3.5% tax hike last year and the 2% the year

Port Aransas bucking the trend Voters who like to send Serial Tax Hikers into office may want to look for some new blood over Port Aransas way. The council there is falling way behind in the tax raising department. Their new budget adopts the Effective Tax Rate which doesn’t include any tax increase at all! Come on you guys! You’re never going to catch up that way. How are you ever going to tax your way to the bottom if you don’t raise taxes?

The new budget for the City of Port Aransas raises $152,409 more in tax revenue next year than it does this year but of that amount $152,033 comes from tax on new property which is excluded from the formula when calculating a tax hike because the new property will require additional services.

So the new budget will only raise taxes by $376. You can’t call that a tax increase; that’s a rounding error. Port Aransas will dip into their reserve funds for $237,592 which will be used to match state funds for airport improvements.

And it is being done with property tax levels that are but 65% of those being paid by property owners in Corpus Christi. Seems like the Corpus Christi City Council and the Nueces County Commissioners Court could learn something from their smaller neighbor up the road.

Living within your means, what a concept!

Q& A With the GLO

Q: As you know the GLO is currently in negotiations with the Texas Nature Conservancy to purchase 3800 acres of land from the GLO that reaches from the current park boundary north to the Kleberg County Line.

They also plan to bollard off about seven miles of the beach in Kleberg County that is currently open to the public and force beach goers to pay the daily entrance fee to access that beach from Park Road 22.

A: By they, I am assuming you mean the National Park Service. I can’t say what they might or might not do once/if they acquire that property. We’re working to sell it to the Nature Conservancy. It is our understanding that they will then sell it to the feds. What they will do with it from there is their business.

Q: 1. Does the National Park Service own the water in the Laguna Madre reaching out 1000 feet from the back of PINS into the Intracoastal Canal and can they ban boaters from it?

A: The park boundary reaches out almost to the Intracoastal, but that’s still public water.

So it’s not really clear to anyone here how they could ban boaters from it. However, TPWD has jurisdiction over boaters, not the GLO. I suspect the only real way to test that would be for someone to go and get arrested and have the case brought before a judge.

Q: 2. Will the GLO as part of the sale to the Nature Conservancy allow the National Seashore to bollard off the seven miles of beach in Kleberg County?

A: The GLO can’t allow or disallow an activity by someone who doesn’t own the property.

Q: 3. After the completion of the sale of the GLO land and once it is donated to the National Park Service, will the current holders of GLO cabin permits within 1000 feet of the shoreline lose their permit rights?

A: The floating cabins are not regulated by the GLO, but by TPWD. The GLO cabins are built on spoil islands. Checking now to see if we have any out there.

Q: 4. What is the status of the sale of the land by the GLO to the Nature Conservancy?

A: Delayed. They need to appoint a new park super for it to go forward and nothing is moving on that now.

Jim Suydam Press Secretary General Land Office

October 10, 2013

Island Moon

Angler’s Alley- A little Island History

A7

On the Rocks

By Jay Gardner Greg Smith is doing a great series on the history of Padre Island, and it made me remember that I have a set of papers handed down to me by the late John Elliff, who was County Parks Director for a number of years. One of the things he left for me was a copy set of newspaper clippings from 1946 to 1956, that mostly revolved around then County Engineer Jesse Laurence and the construction of the Padre Island Causeway and

Only got four,but, this big girl is 23.5 inches and weighed five pounds five ounces Gigged near Packery, Got this one about 1 minute after we started. Paul Slobojan and Carrie Crank.

80 yr old grandmoterh from Fort Worth landed three of these monsters.

3225 Nassau 13941 Jacktar 3225 Nassau 13941 Jacktar Flour Bluff Padre Island Flour Bluff

Padre Island

!

D E !

D C E DUC EDU RRE

Fisherman’s Fisherman’sdream dreamhouse! house! Well Well maintained maintainedthree threebedbedLots of decks overlooking room, two bathroom with Lots of decks overlooking room, two bathroom with water. enclosed water. Covered Coveredparking parkingininthe the double doublegarage garageand and enclosed front liftlift&&dock frontand anda aboat boat dock porch, porch,split splitbedrooms, bedrooms,easy easy installed in 2011 and rated for maintenance yard, great installed in 2011 and rated for maintenance yard, great 4500 4500lbs. lbs. New Newroof roofiinstalled nstalled island island home. home. Access Accesstoto Feb. boat Feb.2013.

2013. “turn “turnkey”. key”. boatramp ramp&&playground. playground.

Offered for $274,500 Offered Offered for $274,500 Offeredfor for$199,900 $199,900

Amanda ClarkClark - Windsor Amanda

Broker Associate Broker Associate 361-739-3225 361-739-3225 amanda@whittenrealestate.com amanda@whittenrealestate.com

At the time, Albert Jones of Kansas City is known as owning the Island (North Padre) and enters into an agreement to give the County 840 acres of land for County Parks and at three locations and rightof-way for roads for the County’s proposal for development of the island as a recreational center.

Many people touted Padre Island as the next “Miami Beach” at the time.

By February of 1949, the County Commissioners approve the $1.7 million The official opening of Padre Island causeway June 17, 1950. bond for the construction of the Causeway. The plan was to have a County a new plan regarding the dredging of Packery Park operational by the time the causeway was Channel. This early plan revolved around finished. Records indicate that the prominent local oil and gas companies wanting access to park would be the (now) Padre Balli Park. The wells in the Gulf. It was also touted to be a County first erected 27,600 feet of sand fence “boon to sportsmen” who would benefit from to stabilize the dunes. This goes along with the free exchange of Laguna and Gulf waters. early aerials of Padre Island that show that the The committee that was formed to perform the area was basically denuded of vegetation during feasibility study included Jim Naismith (then that time frame in that area. There’s also a note City Commissioner and founder of the company that the County planted hundreds of salt cedars, I work for today, Naismith Engineering), Jesse oleanders, and palms variously around Padre Laurence (still County Engineer) and another Balli. unnamed engineer from the Humble Oil Co. So The Causeway Project was to connect 3 County plans for a channel at Packery had been on the parks on Padre, one at the northern end (today’s books for at least 60 years before it became a Packery Channel Park), existing Padre Balli, reality.

2013 Blue Wave 19’ Super Tunnel

• Legendary “Super Tunnel Design”

• Full Fiberglass “Inner Liner” 100% Composite • 100% Hand Laminate Hull w/ Lifetime Warranty • 115 HP Suzuki “4 Stroke” w/ Stainless Steel 4 Blade Prop • Aluminum Custom Drive-on Trailer

Sale $28,995 Self bd bailing deck W/ check ball scuppers

S.S. Reversible S.S. cup Forward Holders Livewell Helm Seat

Flip-up Seats W/ Arm rests

245Mo.

$

List $34,572

Fish Box Step-up Storage Anchor Locker

Inset Transome

Hydraulic Aft Livewell Steering

Alum. Rod Removable Holders Windshield

Lockable Rod Storage

40 Gal Fuel Tank Under deck

10% down + TTL @ 5.9% APR for 180 months W.A.C.

10121 South Padre Island Drive Hours of Operation M-F

8 - 5:30

•

Sat 10 - 4

(361) 937-7800

www.gcmboats.com Mary Ann McShane, Realtor, GRI, SRES e-mail: malm335@sbcglobal.net Corpus Christi Realty Group Considering a move to the Island?

Let me help you find your piece of Paradise - waterfront or interior homes, condos, townhouses, lots Considering selling your Island Property?

Call me for a free consultation to obtain the current market value along with tips to make your property the one buyers will put on their “must see” list

Island Office (361) 215-8629

The contract for the causeway construction (there was a separate contract for the two swing bridges (one at the Humble, one at the ICWW that had recently been dredged) was awarded to Bauer-Smith Dredging Co. of Port Lavaca in April 1949. The causeway fill was hydraulically pumped by the dredge “Roy Miller” by excavating channels parallel on the north and south side of the causeway. These channels are still there today, look for the channel markers.

The causeway opened with much fan-fare on June 17, 1950.

Dignitaries from Nueces County, Cameron County, and Mexico were on hand for the festivities. The toll was $1 for the round trip, and an estimated 10,000 people visited Padre on the first big day. A party from Port Isabel drove up the island (including the mayor and several Commissioners) to attend the ceremonies, and prove that one could drive Padre Island Map from 1950 from one end of the island corresponding Nueces County Parks. Hope I to another. There had been much speculation regarding connecting the two ends of the Island don’t steal part of your story Greg. with a “Dunes Highway.” Cameron County In January 1946, County Judge George Prowse constructed their first causeway several years tells incoming Nueces County Engineer Jesse behind the local causeway, and it opened in Laurence to begin feasibility studies to build a December of 1953. permanent causeway across to Padre Island due With plans underway to construct a road from to the lack of one (of course, the Don Patricio Causeway had been wiped out in 1933) and Port Aransas to Padre (driving was still on because building a causeway was the platform the beach between the two) 1954 ushered in that Prowse had run on to become County Judge.

and another park on the Laguna side south of

1900 STL

where Sea Pines is today. Of course the latter park was never built, and I haven’t found in the history where these plans were abandoned.

Construction of JFK Causeway

The Padre and Aransas Causeway manager duties were turned over to Jack Sanders in 1955 as the clippings in the compilation come to end. There was still talk of an Island Dunes Highway from North Padre to South Padre, but the papers were beginning to lean towards covering new discussions regarding something that could potentially stand in the way; the formation of the Padre Island National Seashore.

Thanks for reading folks. I’ll get back to the usual stuff next week. Right now, the beach fishing is doing really great, and the furlough is still furlough-ing. Shoot me an email at jaygardner@scientist.com

Island Moon

A 8

October 10, 2013

STATE Early Voting Begins October 21

Island early voting location moved to Seashore Learning Center

Early voting in the November 5 election begins October 21. Note the change in the early voting location on The Island. The usual voting location at Padre Isles Country Club has been moved to the Seashore Learning Center due to construction at the club.

Voters may vote at any location during early voting; you do not have to vote in your precinct if you vote early. Only on Election Day are you required to vote in your home precinct.

The following is the only local issue on the ballot: $44.6 million for Destination Bayfront.

Proposition No. 1

Vote early and vote often…

Oct. 21-Oct. 26 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Oct. 27

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Oct. 28-Oct. 30 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Oct. 31-Nov. 1

7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Main Polling Location SEASHORE LEARNING CENTER (Marlin Building) 15801 SPID Corpus Christi, Texas FLOUR BLUFF ISD-MAINTENANCE

The City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas shall be authorized to issue and sell one or more series of general obligation bonds of the City in the aggregate principal amount of not more than $44,600,000 for the purpose of designing, demolishing, constructing, acquiring, improving and equipping a publicprivate project known as Destination Bayfront -- a parks, recreation and cultural enrichment project developed with public input to make improvements, renovations and enhancements to revitalize approximately 34 acres of public land and beach downtown, which would leverage public construction dollars with private donations and other sources of funding for ongoing park programming, operation and maintenance costs, the improvements and amenities to be made having been developed through a series of public meetings and which include:

2510 Waldron Road

• Improvements to Veteran’s area including shaded event space, restrooms and handicap parking;

COUNCIL FOR THE DEAF

• Large event area with covered stage, including necessary utility connections and lighting to support festivals and other large events; • Boardwalk promenade along the seawall with shade structures and restrooms adjacent to shops and restaurants; • Public pier with shade structures;

Corpus Christi, Texas PORT ARANSAS CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX 710 W. Ave. A Port Aransas, Texas NUECES COUNTY COURTHOUSE (1st Floor Atrium) 901 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, Texas BISHOP COMMUNITY CENTER 102 W. Joyce Street Bishop, Texas CORPUS CHRISTI AREA 5151 McArdle Road Corpus Christi, Texas GREENWOOD SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER 4040 Greenwood Drive.

Corpus Christi, Texas HILLTOP

• ADA ramp to access Magee beach and beach wash off stations;

COMMUNITY CENTER

• Children’s and family play areas including shaded seating, recreational and playground equipment for all ages, a climbing wall, and a water spray feature;

Corpus Christi, Texas

11425 Leopard Street JOHNNY S. CALDERON COUNTY BUILDING

• Senior exercise area;

710 E. Main Street

• Hiking and jogging trails and sports courts;

Robstown, Texas

• Dog park;

CORPUS CHRISTI CITY HALL

• Picnic area;

(1ST Floor Utility Section)

• Adding shaded areas, landscaping, lighting, drop off points and transportation connection improvements throughout the site; • Providing parking within the area; and • Construction, renovation and acquisition of buildings and other facilities for lease or grant of retail, food or other concessions to private entities.

November Constitutional Amendment Election Amendments 4,5 and 6

By Todd Hunter, District 32 The November constitutional amendment election is just around the corner. This year, the first Tuesday of November falls on November 5, 2013 (Election Day). Before you can vote on Election Day, it is important to make sure you have everything in place and to know what you will have the opportunity to vote on.

This year, you will have the opportunity to vote on nine constitutional amendments. Below is a brief analysis of proposed constitutional amendments 4, 5 and 6 as they are placed on the ballot with the use of information provided by the Texas Legislative Council*: 1. Amendment No. 4 (H.J.R. 24) - As worded on the ballot “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran if the residence homestead was donated to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization.”

Amendment No. 4 proposes to authorize a new property tax exemption based on the percentage of the market value of a partially disabled veteran’s residence which is equal to the percentage of the veteran’s disability if the residence homestead was donated to the veteran by a charitable organization at no cost to the veteran. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to grant the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran, if the veteran passed away after qualifying for the new exemption, the same exemption if the surviving spouse has not remarried, was the residence homestead at the time the veteran passes away and remains the residence homestead.

2. Amendment No. 5 (S.J.R. 18) - As worded on the ballot “The constitutional amendment to authorize the making of a reverse mortgage loan for the purchase of homestead property and to amend lender disclosures and other requirements in connection with a reverse mortgage loan.” Amendment No. 5 proposes to amend the Texas Constitution to authorize advances under a reverse mortgage. It must be the borrowers primary residence. In addition, it would authorize expansion of the conditions under which a lender may establish repayment of this type of reverse mortgage. In order to receive a reverse mortgage in this method, both the borrow and the borrower’s spouse must receive counseling on reverse mortgages and other financial alternatives. The proposed amendment would also modify the constitutionally required written notice, to include the grounds for which the lender may foreclose on a reverse mortgage.

Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas to assist in the financing of priority projects in the state water plan to ensure the availability of adequate water resources.” Amendment No. 6 proposes to amend the Texas Constitution by creating the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas and the State Water Revenue Fund for Texas.

The new funds would be allocated as special funds within the state treasury and outside the general revenue fund to be administered.

In addition, the amendment would allow the legislature the ability to authorize the Texas Water Development Board to enter into bond enhancement agreements as well as issue bonds and enter in to related credit agreements (also requires Legislative Budget Board approval) with the use of the newly created funds. The proposed amendment would also establish that any obligation payable from either fund are not considered general obligations of the state. The Texas Water Development Board is required to set aside from each fund annually the amount necessary to make the bond or bond enhancement agreement payments. *The mission of the Texas Legislative Council is to provide professional, nonpartisan service and support to the Texas Legislature and legislative agencies.

If you would like to view the proposed constitutional amendments on the Texas Legislative Council website you can go to www.tlc.state.tx.us/const_amends.htm .

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office.

As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@ house.state.tx.us

3. Amendment No. 6 (S.J.R. 1) - As worded on the ballot “ The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas and the State

1201 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, Texas LONDON ISD MIDDLE / HIGH SCHOOL (Middle School) 1306 FM 43 Corpus Christi, Texas

Great Seafood and Burgers Libations Amusements 18 Holes of Minature Golf

Prime Rib Wednesdays Twice-Baked Potato & Salad Open 11 am - 2 am $15.95 Kitchen Closes @ 1 am

One Bite & You’re Hooked

2034 State Highway 361

361 749- Taco (8226)

Under the Bridge Serving South Texas Seafood for Over 30 Years Open Daily 11:00 - 10:00 AlsoScoopy’s Veranda With Sweet Treats, Soups, Salads & Sandwiches

Snoopy’s Scoopy’s

(361) 949-8815 (361) 949-7810

13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418

October 10, 2013

Island Moon

A9

Backwater Adventures Spot and Stalk Fishing

By Joey Farah Farah’s Fishing Adventures Lately the fishing has been at times not “easy” for most anglers in our area.

The high tide has pushed water, fish, and bait up into the far reaches of our bay system. This is a seasonal occurrence that sends everything into migration, as we have talked about in recent weeks. Take a walk out on Bob Hall Pier and look into the first few guts. The swarms of baitfish are amazing, thousands of finger mullet everywhere. In the bays this movement of large amounts of bait is not limited to mullet, small fish of many types are around every corner. To be a successful angler now one needs to be mobile and flexible. Gone are the days of summer when we can anchor up with live croakers and catch 30or more fish in one spot. Until the bays cool off to a point where the fish are pushed together in the deeper holes anglers will need to find and fish small pinch points, corners, sides of channels, and irregular formations in grass lines and drop-offs. Whether you are choosing to pitch artificial or use live bait, the spot and stalk techniques I’ve been using are going to pay off with bent rods and nice fish.

The spotting part of this strategy is the hardest for many folks that love to drive fast to a certain “spot” they like to fish. Slow down and scan the area for clues to areas holding fish. Idle and poke, search the sides of the channel for small

Mr. Vick with a monster redfish along the spoils south of Bird Island

cuts and blown out areas along the side of the drop-off. These will offer a good ambush point for predatory fish, as well as cover for small baitfish to get out of the current. Concentrate on looking for places for even just one fish to set up an attack. When drifting the flats pick out the best part of each sand pocket. Soft muddy bottoms will look darker than glowing white

and around the particular spot that you are banking on being holding spot. Using and rigging up your tackle for a variety of baits is important in that there is a big diversity in the types of food available right now. I’ve been using a mix of live shrimp, small finger mullet, little pin perch, and large chunks of cut pony mullet. In the Upper Lagoon live shrimp will be attacked by hungry pin This monster mud hole at Packery Channel has claimed at least ten trucks in the last few weeks perch in just a few seconds Lots of small trout but the first and last hours so the finger mullet have been of the day have been good for keepers. Using producing trout, reds, flounder, small live pin perch under a cork is very good and some snook for us along all right now for reds and keeper trout. I’ve been the channels around Packery, keeping some rods rigged with popping corks, the Humble Channel, and along mauler style corks and plastics, bottom rigs the Intracoastal Canal. The King with small circle hooks for shrimp and small fin Ranch Shoreline is teaming with fish, free-lining rigs with just a hook and leader, trout. A drift with Gulp Plastics and of course soft plastics. You can imagine Many nice trout in the channels around the Humble under a popping cork will have that that can be a lot of rods and work to keep your cork under every other cast.

Channel. switching back and forth with different styles and presentations. This is what is working, mixed presentations in small pockets that are areas of gravely sand holding one to ten fish at a time. The effort is within a large sand pocket. worth it, we have been hooking up with some Throw your popping corks great redfish action as the Bull Reds are still along the shady side of going strong. The flounder are just starting to rocks in Baffin, and into move together and we have had some beautiful sandy holes inside the rock trout catches as well. This week the water levels formations. Spotting fish have come down a bit as we have had our first ambush spots will pay off of many small cold fronts flirt with us and sneak and when they do, piece us into fall. The water yesterday was nice and together a pattern that the cool and I could see five to six feet down into fish are following at that the water. I watched two big sheep head and a time. This will make you dozen perch feed along the side of the channel. a better fishermen all year, Everything is in plenty as of now and everything making each cast towards a wild is preparing for the hardships of winter to distinct location. come in the months to come. For us we are just With a boat load of people as busy preparing for some of the best fishing it’s a bit harder to pick of the year along with our unbelievable duck apart spots one by one, hunting. So if you are planning a visit from but some small details can family or friends in the next few months think help you get that group about joining together on the water and having a Big Reds going off on the rock! of friends and family on great adventure on the Laguna Madre’. some action. I believe in most conditions anchoring the boat sideways alerts top end predators to your presence. Anchor off of the front of the boat quietly and let plenty of rope out to secure the boat. Quietly and precisely cast out baits in

A 10

Island Moon

October 10, 2013