This grass roots publication is the life source for a community that is not easily afforded viable access to diverse and accessible media. San Antonio and the surrounding counties have become accustomed to relevant news brought to them in both English and Spanish since 1913.
Yvette Tello Publisher y.tello@laprensatexas.com
Ramon Chapa Jr. Community Liaison r.chapa@laprensatexas.com
Roxanne Eguia
Editor In Chief r.eguia@laprensatexas.com
Nicodemus Gonzalez
Graphic Designer
Dr. Ricardo Romo Contributor info@laprensatexas.com
José I. Franco Editor Español
Maria Cisneros Sales Representative
La Prensa Texas, Inc., is a Texas nonprofit Corporation. We are under new management and not affiliated with La Prensa Foundation, Inc.; La Prensa Publications, Inc.; La Familia Duran;Duran Duran Inc.; or any of the Tino Duran family companies. We are not responsible for, nor will we be liable for the acts, omissions or debts of La Prensa Foundation, Inc.; La Prensa Publications, Inc.; or any of the Tino Duran family companies.
La Prensa Texas San Antonio is published once a week by La Prensa Texas Inc. San Antonio, Texas (210) 686-0600. Subscription price in the U.S.A. $125 per year (52 issues). The opinions expressed in the editorials of this publication represent the positions and ideology of this newspaper; the opinions expressed by writers and guest columnists are not necessarily the opinions of the management staff or ownership of this newspaper; the contents of which they are solely and exclusively responsible for. Letters from our readers are welcome and will be published, subject to space availability so long as they are signed and have a proper return address. All letters will be reviewed and edited for offensive language, libel, slander, defamation, proper grammar, spelling, and accuracy, according to our style. La Prensa Texas Inc. is not responsible for advertisements that may be deceitful or fraudulent, and does not guarantee in any way the products or services offered, of which only the advertiser is responsible. All Rights Reserved. Published and printed in the United States of America.
Let’s Talk About It
Parents with Grown Children Who No Longer Speak to You: What Led to the Estrangement?
By Yvette Tello
Parenting is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in life, but what happens when the relationship you worked so hard to nurture dissolves into silence? Many parents of grown children find themselves facing estrangement, often left wondering what went wrong. The pain of not hearing from your child, watching holidays go by without their presence, or not knowing how their lives are unfolding can be heartbreaking. But what led to this separation? Should you have done something differently, or is this distance actually what's best for both sides? Let’s talk about it…
Lisa Denise TraspeñaSchexnayder: “This is the first time that I’m voicing myself. Last year in December, I kicked my son, his girlfriend and his friend out of my house that they were renting. Mind you ,they weren’t being charged what I should have charged. We moved from the house so they can have somewhere to live but with the understanding that he(my son) would treat and take care of the house like it’s his. Long story short…. I still had my personal items in the garage so I went one Sunday afternoon to get what I needed only to find my front door broken, and to find out they were growing herbal stuff in the house
which I do not agree with. No matter what type of drugs it is, I will not tolerate it. So I threw them out and he has not talked to me since. It breaks my heart but I did what I did because I do not agree with the lifestyle he wants so he can do it elsewhere and not in my house. Maybe one day he will grow up( he’s 25) and realize that he was wrong.”
Chris R. Pelayo: “I've heard of families becoming estranged because they support Donald Trump. The TDS crowd seems to be the ones doing the estranging. I support Trump but I've not viewed those who don't as bad or deplorable. I'm absolutely certain he's the best choice and that she is absolutely not, but I'm ok with friends & loved ones who choose differently than I do. I think they're certainly misguided, misinformed, or just plain wrong but I'm not gonna let it wreck my relationship with friends & family. But I have had some that want little to do with me because I'm "one of those people". lol.”
Ramon Chapa Jr.: “The ex turns them against you. That's the reason, you dump them or divorce them. Now you are happy. The ex knows your children make you happy so they get revenge by turning them against you. At that point, all you can do is pray for them.”
Raymond Castellano: “Key word is "grown", they made their own decision, just respect it.”
Benjamin Godina: “Peace over stress.”
Jazmin D Zuñiga: “No one belongs to anyone, especially the people we birth... we are free to do whatever we want! I am capable of letting anyone walk out of my life if they don't want to be in it!! Self-Love & self- respect should always be on our minds... if you can't respect and you want to leave, bye bye. I keep my children in my prayers daily and that's all I can do. I have nothing but love for them & anyone who walks away, life is just that, love, learn, live and let live! Everyone comes into our life to teach us something, make the best of it and don't allow yourself to be bitter or to point fingers.”
Rick Carter: “Alcohol destroys families, friendships, your bones, your immunity, causes legal and emotional problems, leads to terminal dementia (as in our family), Oh, and your liver.. it's the last thing to go. If alcohol is destroying your family... Just Stop.”
Fred Potter: “I divorced their mother and remarried a year later.”
Courtesy of samuseum.org
This fall, SAMA will host the first retrospective exhibition of the influential Chicana artist and cultural critic Amalia Mesa-Bains, who pioneered the genre of altar-installation. Presenting work from the entirety of her career for the first time, Amalia Mesa-Bains: Archaeology of Memory features over forty works in a wide range of media and celebrates Mesa-Bains’s important contributions to the field of contemporary art.
For over forty-five years, Mesa-Bains has innovated sacred forms such as altares (home altars), ofrendas (offerings to the dead), descansos (roadside resting places), and capillas (home yard shrines) to recover cultural memory and position Chicana art into the broader field of contemporary American art.
Her major series of four multimedia installations, titled Venus Envy, spans varied cultures and historical periods to celebrate and reframe the narratives of heroic, archetypal, mythic, and ancestral women including Cihuateotl (“Divine Woman” in Mixtec (Aztec) tradition), the Virgin of Guadalupe, and the artist’s grandmother, Mariana Escobedo Mesa. Armoires, libraries, laboratories, gardens, and landscapes become sites for Mesa-Bains to examine the construction of spaces and the cultural memories embedded in them, exploring themes such as life, death, family, migration, womanhood, healing, and resiliency.
About the Cover Artist: Amalia Mesa-Bains
The exhibition is curated by María Esther Fernández, Artistic Director, the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum, and Laura E. Pérez, Professor of Chicanx, Latinx and Ethnic Studies and Chair of Latinx Research Center, UC Berkeley, and is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue.
Amalia Mesa-Bains: Archaeology of Memory is organized by the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive in collaboration with the Latinx Research Center (LRC) at UC Berkeley. The exhibition is made possible by generous lead support from the Henry Luce Foundation and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
In San Antonio, Amalia Mesa-Bains: Archaeology of Memory is generously supported by The Brown Foundation. Additional funding comes from the John R. & Greli N. Less Charitable Trust, the Marcia and Otto Koehler Foundation, and Chave and Bill Gonzaba. The Museum is thankful to all SAMA members for their support of the exhibition.
The exhibition is curated by María Esther Fernández, Artistic Director, The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum, and Laura E. Pérez, Professor of Chicanx, Latinx and Ethnic Studies and Chair of Latinx Research Center, UC Berkeley. Curatorial responsibility at San Antonio Museum of Art has been undertaken by Lana S. Meador.
Read more about the Artist on page 10.
My Penguin Friend: A Heartwarming Tale of Friendship and Adventure Hits Screens This October!!
By Natasha Gonzales
Get ready to waddle your way to digital platforms this October 1, because "My Penguin Friend" is about to steal your heart! This Lionsgate release tells the enchanting true story of DinDim the Penguin, whose unlikely friendship with a fisherman takes center stage in a journey filled with adventure, laughter, and a sprinkle of magic.
Directed by David Schurmann, known for his knack for family-friendly films, "My Penguin Friend" is set to captivate audiences
of all ages. The film features an incredible cast, including the legendary Jean Reno (you know him from "Léon: The Professional"), the talented Adriana Barraza (Oscarnominated for "Babel"), along with rising stars Alexia Moyano and Nicolás Francella. It’s a lineup that promises unforgettable performances and plenty of heart.
The story unfolds when a little lost penguin finds himself in dire straits after a devastating oil spill. Enter our hero, a heartbroken
fisherman whose life is transformed when he rescues DinDim. Their bond grows stronger with each passing day, proving that friendship knows no boundaries—not even the vast ocean!
Audiences will be treated to a visual feast as the film showcases stunning coastal landscapes and the adorable antics of our feathery friend. Prepare for moments that will have you laughing out loud one minute and reaching for tissues the next. Whether they’re navigating the rough seas
or sharing tender moments on the shore, DinDim and the fisherman remind us all that sometimes, the most extraordinary friendships come from the unlikeliest of places.
Steven P. Wegner, producer of family favorites like "The Garfield Movies" and "Dolphin Tale 2," adds his special touch to the film, ensuring that "My Penguin Friend" is not just a story, but an experience that resonates with audiences everywhere.
So mark your calendars and get ready to stream "My
Penguin Friend" on Digital and On Demand. Whether you're a child or just a child at heart, this charming tale of resilience, hope, and companionship is sure to make a splash in your living room.
Grab your popcorn, gather the family, and prepare for an adventure that celebrates the bonds of friendship— and perhaps a newfound appreciation for our aquatic friends! Don’t miss out on this delightful tale that proves love can come in all shapes and sizes, even if it waddles!
Ramiro Cavazos: Champion of Latino Business and Economic Equality
By Louis R. Escareño
In an era where diversity and inclusion are more crucial than ever, Ramiro Cavazos stands as a beacon of leadership for the Latino business community. As the President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) in Washington D.C., Cavazos has emerged as a powerful advocate for Hispanic entrepreneurs, dedicated to combating discrimination and bias in both private and public sector contracting.
A Legacy of Leadership
Cavazos's journey to becoming one of the most influential voices in Hispanic business began in San Antonio, Texas. As the former President and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC), he honed his skills in economic development and advocacy, leading to the SAHCC receiving recognition as a 5-star accredited chamber—the highest designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
His unique background, which encompasses roles in city management, banking, and global public affairs, equips him exceptionally well for his current position. This diverse experience allows him to approach challenges from various perspectives, making him
a formidable advocate for Latino business interests.
Addressing Economic Discrimination
Under Cavazos's leadership, the USHCC has been at the forefront of addressing the economic discrimination faced by Hispanic-owned businesses. Despite Latinos representing 19-20% of the U.S. population and contributing approximately $2.8 trillion to the economy, Fortune 500 companies procure only 2% of their goods and services from Hispanic-owned businesses. Even more alarming is the fact that a mere 1.7% of federal government contracts are awarded to these vital enterprises.
"That's not fair," Cavazos states emphatically. "Latinos represent one of every 5 U.S. residents. Fortune 500 companies sell us their products and employ our people, but they don't do business with us. That's where we see economic discrimination in this country."
Advocacy in the Age of AI
As artificial intelligence emerges as a transformative force in the business world, Cavazos and the USHCC are leading the charge to ensure that Latino businesses are not left behind. At the USHCC Legislative Summit 2024,
Cavazos highlighted the unique opportunities and challenges that AI presents for the Latino community.
While AI technologies offer potential for economic empowerment and educational advancement, they also raise concerns about job displacement and algorithmic bias. Cavazos underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts involving the tech industry, policymakers, and community leaders to navigate these complexities and maximize positive outcomes for the Latino community.
Cavazos states, "AI can be a powerful tool for Latino small businesses, but we need to ensure that these businesses have access to the technology and training required to thrive in this new landscape. Without equitable access, we risk widening the economic gap, rather than closing it."
The Power of Latino Entrepreneurship
The significance of Cavazos's work becomes even more apparent when we consider the latest data from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Hispanic-owned businesses now number around 5 million, contributing approximately $800 billion to the American economy annually. This represents a remarkable potential for growth and impact, particularly if coupled with the right policies and support systems.
As Ramiro Cavazos continues to champion the cause of Latino
entrepreneurs, he reminds us that fostering an inclusive economy isn't just a goal, but a necessity. By advocating for equitable opportunities for Hispanic businesses, he not only uplifts a vital segment of the American workforce but also reinforces the message that diversity is essential for the health and prosperity of the entire economy.
Louis R. Escareño is an attorney in private practice in San Antonio, Texas and is on the Board of Directors of La Prensa Texas.
Public Notice
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mix Beverage Permit by ADC GROUP EVENT MANAGEMENT LLC dba
ADC Catering & Events to be located at 10106 Desert Sands St, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas 78216. Texas, managing members of said corporation are Ana Maria Alvarado, James Alvarado, Jerry Perez, & Gina A. Salazar, Nidia Morgan Delecoeuillerie
DN Tanks is preparing a bid for San Antonio Water System involving the construction of a precast, wire-wound prestressed concrete storage tank and related site work, etc. Solicitation of participation by Small, Minority and Women’s Business’s (SMWB’s) is a requirement of this project.
Accordingly, DN Tanks is soliciting quotations under the following categories:
If you would like to view the Plans and Specification for the San Antonio tanks project please contact me at dileen.younis@dntanks.com or (972) 823-3342.
Pesado Construction Company seeks F/T BIM Engineer Surveyor for their San Antonio, TX, location. Duties: Provide surveying services utilizing drawings software (AutoCad, CivilCad 3D), machine control design, 3D BIM to plan out and design the underground excavation required. Solve field problems of topographic geopositioning in the different projects of the company to be as accurate as possible to optimize performance and cost. Development of point clouds for 'as-builts' with the use of robotic total station GPS and drone to help in creating 3D CAD and 3D BIM models. Travel req. - South Central Texas, through Austin and surrounding counties as necessary to visit projects. A U.S. Bachelor’s Degree or a Foreign Equivalent Degree as a Mining Engineer + 36 mos. exp. Interested applicants please submit resumes to John Shane Hutson at pesadoconstructioncompany@gmail.com
Por Franco
Los Spurs de San Antonio, en su nuevo centro de rendimiento Victory Capital Performance Center, tuvieron su Exitosa presentación ante los medios locales. Nacional e internacional. El cuál tuvo un costo de 500 millones de dólares ubicado en el exclusivo y moderno sector del 1 Spurs Way área de La Cantera. Spurs, tiene 5 trofeos Larry O'Brien NBA conquistados en las temporadas de 1999, 2003. 2005, 2007 y 2014. Los cuales junto con los alusivos anillos sé exhiben en el estadio Frost Bank Center Plaza Level.
Las conferencias de prensa las abrió el timonel Gregg Popovich,
Los Spurs Y Su Exitosa Media Day 2024-25
quién ha guiado a San Antonio ha esos cinco campeonatos en el mejor baloncesto del mundo. La gerencia general de Spurs Sports and Entertainment [SS&E], recientemente no ha dado paso atrás por no haber estado presente en postemporada en las últimas tres campañas. Sino todo lo contrario, con Pop, al frente del equipo donde firma también cómo presidente, no ha escatimado por fichar nuevos valores y basquetbolistas Veteranos, tal es el caso del escolta tirador Chris Paul [CP3]. Ha quién en Las Vegas lo invito a unirse a la franquicia Silver and Black. CP3, tomó gran desicion aceptando la invitación, venir a
San Antonio pará oficialmente aceptar vestirse la Jersey Silver and Black con su número 3, el cual le fue cedido por el guardia Keldon Johnson, quién respetuosamente optó por darle ese honor y él en cambió decretó qué en su playera estamparan el 0. Los Spurs, por consiguiente, no sólo se han reforzado en su lineup. Con gran visión empresarial recientemente, aceptaron al inversionista Paul Viera, fundador de la firma EARNEST Partners, para aumentar la expansión de sus acciones en el equipo. Ésta transacción fue apoyada por The NBA Board of Governors.
Con ambos refuerzos Los Spurs, esperan retomar el vuelo
en la Conferencia del Oeste, y clasificarse a la postemporada. Lo cuál es una meta qué tanto CP3, y sus compañeros Keldon Johnson y Devin Vassell, expresaron durante Media Day. Pop, fue claro indicando que Paul. Estará jugando con Spurs, siendo el mismo, sin cambios en su plan de juego. Lo cuál CP3, coincidió. Añadiendo qué con un plantel joven, él seguirá apoyando a cada uno de sus compañeros. Y a la vez ejecutando sus habilidades sobre la duela. Lo cuál por 19 temporadas lo ha ubicado entre los mejores escoltas de la NBA y el baloncesto olímpico dónde ha obtenido dos Medallas de oro en las olimpíadas del 2008 Beijing y
2012 Londres.
En la NBA Paul con Suns disputo la gran final contra Bucks, ganando los dos primeros partidos y cediendo cuatro consecutivos. Keldon Johnson, emocionado enfatizó seguir recibiendo bendiciones. Por ser parte de una gran franquicia [Spurs de San Antonio].
Bajo la dirección del timonel Gregg Popovich. " San Antonio me ha dado la energía suficiente para seguir adelante y ahora en la próxima temporada. Nuestro objetivo es retornar a los playoffs". En las fotos aparecen, Keldon Johnson ante los medios. Popovich y CP3. [Fotos de Franco].
Why you need dental insurance in retirement.
Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1
As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. If you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.
Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.
The best way to avoid large dental bills is preventive care. Experts recommend checkups twice a year.
Previous dental work can wear out.
Your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2
Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.
Unexpected bills, like $190 for a filling, or $1,213 for a crown3 can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
DENTAL Insurance
Atención Propietarios de Pequeños Negocios y Emprendedores
Explora la renovación de nuestro centro de recursos empresariales en persona o en línea, donde encontrarás recursos y servicios de navegación diseñados para dueños de pequeños negocios y emprendedores.
“Best Mole in San Antonio”
Centro Cultural Aztlan’s 16th Annual Mole Fest
By Centro Cultural Aztlan
Centro Cultural Aztlan’s 16th Annual Mole Fest - “a taste of culture, art, and cuisine” - will be held at the organization’s Galeria Expresión in the Deco District of San Antonio on October 17, 2024.
At the 16th Annual Mole Fest, local chefs, individual community members, and restaurants will have the opportunity to compete for bragging rights and the title of “Best Mole in San Antonio.” Winners will be selected by popular vote.
Live music, new works of art by over 30 local artists, and a wide variety of mole recipes available for tasting will create an atmosphere of celebration and cultural pride. Attire for the event will be “Dark chocolate and decadent.”
Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce of pre-Columbian origin, which comes in a variety of colors and flavors, and can require dozens of ingredients to prepare - including ground spices, chilies, chocolate, and much more. A mole prepared from scratch can easily require a full day of preparation.
Mole is an important part of Mexican and Mexican-American culture, often prepared for celebrations like weddings, anniversaries, and quinceañeras. Many families have passed down their mole recipes for generations.
Centro Cultural Aztlan was founded in 1977, and has been serving our community for 42 years with their mission of preserving, developing and promoting Chicano and Latino art and culture. All proceeds for this event go back into the operational costs of the organization in order to continue providing quality programming to the citizenry of San Antonio.
Visionary Concepts of Amalia Mesa-Bains at San Antonio Museum of Art
By Dr. Ricardo Romo
The San Antonio Museum of Art retrospective, Amalia Mesa-Bains: Archaeology of Memory, is impressive and a triumph for the museum. This exciting exhibit can be seen in the museum’s large Cowden Gallery from September 20, 2024 through January 12, 2025.
Four decades ago MesaBains introduced the concept of ofrendas [home altars] as a way to retrieve and preserve cultural memory. Ofrendas have been a part of Mexican culture since the 15th-century Spanish colonial years. Over the last 175 years [post U.S.-Mexican War period], Mexican Americans have blended the Indigenous and pre-Spanish colonial ofrendas with modern versions to continue the practice of honoring family, community, and significant Latino/a historical figures such as the Virgen de Guadalupe, Cesar Chavez, and Dolores Huerta.
A native of Northern California, Amalia Mesa-Bains received a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University in 1966. In the early 1980s, she earned a Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. During her early years as an artist, she taught bilingual and ESL classes in the San Francisco School District. She installed her first altar for a Day of the Dead exhibit titled “Five Woman Altar” at San Francisco’s Galeria de la Raza in 1975. During her teaching years, she prepared ofrendas of Frida and Diego [1977] and Homage to Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz [1981] two important exhibits illustrating her devotion to feminist subjects.
Art historian Emma Perez, the author of Chicana Art: The Politics of Spiritual and Aesthetic Altarities, notes that from the 1980s to the present, Mesa-Bains “has used dress and ‘domesticana’ to explore the spaces of women’s gendered, and transgressive, social and cultural activities in her altarbased installations.” In nearly 50 years of creating art, MesaBains has gained fame for her installations, but her career also includes exhibit curator, author,
visual artist, and educator.
Mesa-Bains is recognized as one of the founders of the Chicano Art Movement. She is among the first Chicana artists to create altars and related installations and was among the first Latinas collected by the Smithsonian. Her “Ofrenda for Dolores Del Rio” installed at the Mexican Museum in San Francisco in 1984 and revised [1991] was collected by the Smithsonian American Art Museum as part of the exhibition Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art. Mesa-Bains is a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship (commonly known as a “genius grant”), the only Chicana visual artist to be recognized with this prestigious award.
“The collection of wondrous objects in the Mesa-Bains’ installations,” notes art scholar
Tomas Ybarra-Frausto, “transmit knowledge and learning together with the spirit of enchantment.”
Ybarra-Frausto’s book Amalia Mesa-Bains: Rituals of Memory, Migration, and Cultural Space is a superb introduction to her work.
Ybarra-Frausto suggests “The artist’s lived mestiza experience is an essential element of her artistic practice.”
Ybarra-Frausto credits Mesa-Bains with uncovering and reclaiming “women-centered knowledge systems, artistic practices, and forms of expressive culture that have sustained group identity, historical memory, and solidarity with feminist struggles worldwide.”
As an artist, Mesa-Bains has evolved over forty years of creative activity. Her start as an artist in the late 1960s and early 1970s coincided with the early years of
the worldwide peace movement and international calls for social justice. She recalls that her “practice formed within a model of justice, cultural reclamation, and community commitment, while my family history and the history of my community have provided me with purpose and direction.”
Like the Renaissance artists of the 15th century, Mesa-Bains brings wide-ranging knowledge to her creative work. Her treatment of universal themes of life, death, family, migration, womanhood, healing, and resiliency found in her installations reveals her training as
an artist, educator, psychologist, cultural interpreter, curator, and activist. Her understanding of Mexican and Mexican-American culture is also formed by years of study of five centuries of Indigenous, Mestizo, and Black experiences in the Americas.
Mesa-Bains is a stellar storyteller, and the objects and imagery she employs are retrieved from many sources, including personal mementos, historical accounts, ancestral memories, spiritual rendition, folk traditions, domestic spaces, and art history. In her treatment of womanhood,
Amalia Mesa-Bains, “Mariana with Mesoamerican Figures. ”Courtesy of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Photo by Ricardo Romo.
Amalia Mesa-Bains, The Library of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Courtesy of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Photo by Ricardo Romo.
San Antonio Museum of Art.
Photo by Ricardo Romo.
UCLA’s Wright Gallery [1990]. Mesa-Bains constructed nine installations devoted to Dolores Del Rio. Writing in Arte Latino: Treasures from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Jonathan Yorba commented: ‘Dolores Del Rio gave Chicanas an alternative to the Anglo-American standard of beauty.”
Over the last two decades, Mesa-Bains has broadened her interpretations of an ofrenda and expanded on her installations to include sculpture, furniture, and print collages. In her homage to Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, she utilizes a replica of a 17th-century desk with books and objects to illustrate her devotion to scholarship. Sor Juana was born in Mexican City and joined a Catholic religious order as a teen. Scholars note that she began her life as a nun in 1667 so that she could study at will. Sor Juana was self-taught and spent her entire life as a nun assembling a library of over 4,000 books, one of the largest private collections of the colonial period. She became an acclaimed writer of the SpanishAmerican colonial period writing plays and poetry. Sor Juana is considered the first published feminist in Latin America.
Emma Perez notes “deskas-altar here figures the predicament, sacrifice, and heroic accomplishment of brilliant women like Sor Juana under the patriarchal, religious, and social institutions of seventeen century colonial Mexico.” The ‘altar-as-desk’ Perez suggests, “speaks to how cultures are ‘written’ or constructed through the gendering of religious practice and experience.”
Mesa-Bains presents us with cultural heroes including Dolores Del Rio, Frida Kahlo, and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Her presentation of Frida Kahlo in the late seventies is among the first by an American artist, and she is credited with introducing Frida to a wider audience outside of Mexico.
Mesa-Bains especially admired Dolores Del Rio, the popular Mexican movie star of the 1940s and 1950s. Harriett and I saw the wonderful installations of Mesa-Bains’ Dolores Del Rio at the Mexican Museum in San Francisco [1983] and at the exhibition CARA: Chicano Art Resistance and Affirmation at
The work of Mesa-Bains “is a feast for the eyes” commented SAMA curator Lana Meador. Meador expects the San Antonio community will relate especially to objects and imagery in the exhibit drawn from folk traditions, art history, domestic spaces, spiritual practices, ancestral history, and personal mementos. MesaBains also excavates untold and underrecognized narratives. Her major series of four multimedia installations titled Venus Envy, spans distinct cultures and historical periods to celebrate heroic, archetypal, mythic, and ancestral women.
The exhibit concludes with two powerful mixed-media installations: The Circle of Ancestors and a sculpture of the Rio Grande flowing from the mountains of New Mexico through
Texas. The Circle of Ancestors is an arrangement of seven chairs, each chair an altar to a rebellious woman. Among those recognized are her mother and grandmother, Chicana artist Judy Baca, and Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz. Migration across the US-Mexico border has persisted as one of the most
pressing issues of our times. MesaBains used hand-blown glass globes to represent the rushing Rio Grande. She placed the names of border towns in Mexico on one side and the United States border towns on the other side of the sculptured rocks.
Amalia Mesa-Bains, “Circle of Ancestors.” Courtesy of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Photo by Ricardo Romo.
Amalia Mesa-Bains, “What the River Gave to Me.” Courtesy of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Photo by Ricardo Romo.
Amalia Mesa-Bains. Courtesy of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Photo by Ricardo Romo.
Amalia Mesa-Bains, “First Holy Communion, Moments Before the End.” Courtesy of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Photo by Ricardo Romo.
Amalia Mesa-Bains, “The Curandera’s Botanica.” Courtesy of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Photo by Ricardo Romo.
Remembering Tino Duran
By J. gilberto Quezada
I am sure that you already know the history of La Prensa, but I would like to share with you some of my own recollections of La Prensa, a historic and award-winning weekly bilingual newspaper, that had a long and interesting historical heritage that goes back to February 13, 1913, when Ignacio Lozano Sr., a prominent exile from Mexico during the Mexican Revolution, started it in San Antonio, Texas. It became the leading Spanish language newspaper in San Antonio, in South Texas, and even at the international level. La Prensa gave a much needed voice for the Hispanic community. Over the years, the ownership changed hands, and at times, it had periods of inactivity. In 1989, Florentino "Tino" Duran and his wife, Amelia, restarted La Prensa to its full glory and prestige it always had since the beginning when they took over as owners and publishers. The format changed from Spanish language only to a bilingual format.
Tino stated the mission statement of La Prensa: "Our vision is to be of service to the San Antonio community by providing informative, inspirational, and positive news to the Hispanic community in both English and Spanish. We also hope to continue the tradition of the Hispanic culture by encouraging readers young and old to continue speaking, reading and writing in both languages."
When Tino Duran found out that Dr. Félix D. Almaraz, Jr., and I had just published award-winning books and that we had been invited by Laura Bush to participate in the Texas Book Festival in Austin, he immediately contacted us and wanted for us to come to his office in downtown San Antonio and have a photograph taken for his newspaper. Dr. Almaráz's book was entitled, Knight Without Armor: Carlos Eduardo Castañeda, 18961958, and mine was, Border Boss: Manuel B. Bravo and Zapata County, and both were published by Texas A&M University Press. The Texas Book Festival took place on November 10-12, 2000.
It was a pleasure and an honor for me to have known Tino Duran all these years. We worked together on many worthwhile projects for the community and for the students of San Antonio. In the following photograph that was taken at the plush and opulent Plaza Club at the penthouse of the Frost National Bank, I am standing at the lectern addressing a large group of movers and shakers from the San Antonio business community. From the large signs in front of our place at the head table, I had the privilege of seating next to Tino Duran. I thoroughly enjoyed his companionship and had a delightful time.
The last time I saw Tino Duran was on October 10, 2013, at Texas A&M University in San Antonio. I was already retired from
the South San Antonio Independent School District and I had received an invitation from Stefanie Wittenback, University Librarian of the Archives and Special Collections, to attend a special reception honoring Tino Duran and Dr. Lionel Patenaude. The former had donated his archives of La Prensa, and the latter's son, Dale Patenaude, had donated his father's extensive collection of 900 books. Coincidentally, I knew Dr. Patenaude personally when I worked for him in the History Department at St. Mary's University in the early 1970s. He was now deceased.
In 2014, Tino Duran was inducted into the Texas Newspaper Hall of Fame. Two years later, Tino announced his retirement, and his daughter took over the operations of La Prensa. Lamentably, on Sunday, June 25, 2017, he passed away from Alzheimer's disease. May he rest in peace.
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Cynthia Gneco, M.D.
1533 Austin Hwy, Ste 103
San Antonio, TX 78218
1933 Fredericksburg Rd, Ste 101
San Antonio, TX 78201
Jose Quiles-Diaz, M.D.
9355 Culebra Rd, Ste 101
San Antonio, TX 78251
2305 SW Military Dr
San Antonio, TX 78224
By Louis R. Escareño
A Missed Opportunity: San Antonio's Struggle with Inclusive Growth
In a significant moment that now resonates profoundly, former San Antonio City Councilmember Maria Berriozabal recounted her last discussion with esteemed voting rights advocate Willie Velasquez. Velasquez emphasized that the next phase of political empowerment for the Latino community must focus on holding elected leaders accountable. This insight is particularly relevant today as San Antonio evaluates candidates for mayor and city council in 2025, especially in light of the recent City Council decision to block an innovative affordable housing project in an affluent area of the city.
This decision not only forfeits $20 million in potential tax credits but also undermines efforts to address San Antonio's longstanding issues of housing segregation and inequality. As ExpressNews columnist Elaine Ayala aptly stated, "At some point, we, as a growing city, an economically segregated city and a low-income city, need to figure out how to grow smarter." The Editorial Board echoed this sentiment, labeling the decision as "foolish" and a "missed opportunity."
The proposed project, Vista Park, aimed to provide 84 affordable housing units,
alongside a pre-K facility and resources for financial literacy, workforce development, and health and wellness. Despite broad community support, the project was halted due to a state law requiring a threequarter supermajority vote when a certain percentage of neighboring residents express opposition. In this instance, just 30 individuals living within 200 feet of the site voiced their disapproval, leading four council members to vote against the project, effectively terminating it.
Dr. Patton Dodd from the H.E. Butt Foundation, in his commentary for the San Antonio Report, illuminated the pressing housing challenges our city faces: "San Antonio has over 95,000 cost-burdened households and a significant shortage of affordable homes. With over 40% of local families struggling to make ends meet, we remain one of the poorest cities in the country."
Dr. Dodd underscores that while San Antonio has made strides with its Strategic Housing Implementation Plan and recently passed housing bonds, these positive efforts are rendered futile if a small group can obstruct projects that align with the community's needs.
The timing of this decision is especially concerning given the findings of a June 2024 Brookings Institute study, which discusses how mid-
sized cities like San Antonio can foster more equitable communities. The study, "How business leaders and civic partners in small and midsized U.S. cities can advance racial equity and inclusive economic growth," reveals several insights that cast the Council's decision in an even more disappointing light:
1. **Ground Zero for Inclusive Growth:** The study positions small and mid-sized cities as critical players in achieving inclusive economic growth. However, it acknowledges that legacies of structural racism and segregation continue to hinder their potential.
2. **Geography of Opportunity:** Housing discrimination and residential segregation have created unequal landscapes where access to quality education, jobs, healthcare, and essential services is dictated by one's neighborhood. By blocking affordable housing in affluent areas, the Council perpetuates this cycle of inequality.
3. **Economic Costs of Segregation:** The economic ramifications of racial segregation and exclusion are staggering—researchers estimate that closing racial disparities could have generated over $25 trillion in additional economic value for the U.S. economy over the past three decades.
4. **Influence of Local Policies:** Local policies surrounding housing and development significantly affect inclusive growth. The Council's decision directly alters the "rules of the road" that govern economic opportunity in San Antonio.
5. **Cross-Sector Collaboration:** Successful advancement of racial equity and inclusion hinges on partnerships between government, businesses, and community organizations. The Council's decision contradicts the collaborative approach advocated by the Brookings study.
As San Antonio stands at a critical juncture—with discussions about a proposed new baseball stadium and the upcoming mayoral election—it is essential to engage in a citywide dialogue about inclusive growth and equitable development. We must ask ourselves: Are we genuinely committed to creating a San Antonio that serves all its residents?
The Brookings study offers a roadmap for fostering inclusive economic growth by enhancing collaborative efforts, establishing clear action calls for inclusion, identifying system gaps, and channeling resources effectively. While San Antonio has the potential
to lead in this area, the City Council's recent decision underscores the distance we still need to cover.
As Dr. Dodd aptly concludes, compassion is paramount. We must cultivate a deeper understanding of the housing challenges facing our neighbors and commit to creating opportunities for all families in San Antonio.
As we move forward, let us heed Willie Velasquez's call for accountability. We must demand that our elected officials prioritize decisions that benefit every San Antonian, not just a privileged few. The forthcoming discussions about the baseball stadium and the mayoral race present ideal opportunities to refocus our city's priorities on inclusive growth and equitable development.
San Antonio is at a crossroads. We can either continue down the path of segregation and inequality or embrace the challenge of building a truly inclusive city. The choice is ours. Let us honor our city's rich legacy of civil rights advocacy by making decisions that uplift all San Antonians.
Louis R. Escareño is an attorney in private practice in San Antonio Texas and a member of the Board of Directors of La Prensa Texas.
Yankees Vs. Tuzos En Final Masters 50+
Por Sendero Deportivo
El Bicampeón Yankees de Luis Velázquez, en esta ocasión de gran final del playoff en categoría Masters 50+ no tendrá de rival al subcampeón Astros de Jack López.
Su rival en turno será Tuzos de Luis Ríos, que en el tercer partido de su serie a ganar 2 de 3 encuentros eliminó a los Astros con pizarra de 20 a 5 carreras.
La victoria fue para el lanzador abridor Carlos Cerda con salvamento del Caballo, Alejandro Castro, quién en el cierre del noveno episodio poncho a los tres bateadores rivales.
Por Astros perdió Alfredo Obregón, relevado por el zurdo Greg Carrera y el derecho Joey Farias, quién sé dio el lujo de ponchar dos veces al extraordinario campo cortó Óscar Márquez, quién con su tremendo bateó les causó mucho daño anotando con jonron de campo y en espectaculares acciones. Cómo se aprecia en la secuencia tomada por Franco. Anotando la carrera
12 pará ubicar la pizarra 12 a 5 en la apertura del séptimo episodio. Dónde anotó sobre su compañero Panchito Medina quien barrido anotó la 11va carrera.
Ésta fue una espectacular acción aplaudida por la porra de Tuzos encabezada por Chayo en las gradas.
Linda Garza, compiladora y comentarista interina, al final felicito a los Astros y Tuzos.
Por igual a los otros 4 equipos participantes en la temporada dedicada al lanzador derecho regiompntano Hilario Álvarez de Tuzos.
Quién agradeció éste nombramiento que según él todavía no lo merecía. Álvarez, un beisbolista quién cambió su profesión de ingeniería por el béisbol regional internacional independiente, dijo no sentir remordimiento.
Porque el rey de los deportes cambió su vida. Qué lo llevó a ser propietario de su negocio Skylight Co. Dónde comparte créditos con su estimada Familia y empleados.
Su elección pará lanzar la primera bola, fue realizada por el scout Frank Torres. Quién ha la vez, convocó a Hilario Álvarez pará aceptar ser el Padrino en la temporada Masters 50+ , 2024. Álvarez, compartió la ceremonia con sus buenos amigos el coach Tomás Muñoz y el beisbolista paisano Castulo Jiménez. Lo cuál fue muy aplaudido en el campo 2 del estadio Potranco Baseball Field.
"Contra Yankees la serie va a ser bien peleada. Ambos estamos al
parejo. Qué gané el mejor" dijo Ríos. Jack López, afirmó sé jugó gran partido Astros puso la pizarra 3-0 al comienzo del partido. Por ambos lados sé bateó bien. Nuestros errores los Tuzos aprovecharon y ésa fue la clave. Estaremos listos pará la siguiente temporada.
Los Yankees con marca invicta de 15-0 temporada regular y 2-0 en postemporada, irán por la tercera corona. Siempre y cuando Tuzos sé lo permitan.
Su primer partido de serie ha ganar 2 de 3 encuentros será éste domingo 6 de octubre a las 11am. De acuerdo al presidente Simón Sánchez. En las fotos aparecen Márquez en doble acción llegando al plato y anotando sobre su compañero Panchito Medina. El Caballo, Alejandro Castro, relevista de Tuzos quién cerró el noveno episodio ponchando a tres rivales de Astros. [Fotos de Franco].
Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office
Raises Courage Flag in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Por Sendero Deportivo
Bexar County Tax AssessorCollector Albert Uresti stood before Bexar County Citizens, Tax AssessorCollector Employees, County Departments, and County and City Elected Officials this week for flag raising ceremonies of the Courage Flag in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“We are proud to once again lead the charge against breast cancer by kicking-off a whole month of events tailored to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. We stand together with our citizens, coworkers, mothers, daughters, sisters, and spouses that have been affected,” said Albert Uresti, Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector.
The Pink Courage Flag will be displayed at all four Tax Office locations for the month of October as a reminder to have an exam done, to support those fighting cancer, and to encourage those searching for a cure.
“I look forward to the day when there is a cure for all cancers, and breast cancer will no longer threaten the lives of so many women. Until that day, we are here to make sure that no one battles alone,” said Albert Uresti.
LPT at Comal County Fair
By Ramon Chapa. Jr.
LPT took a trip to the Comal County Fair and Carnival! What Fun!
