LareDos Newspaper July 2011 by victor flores

Locally Owned

You know what happens when windmills collapse into the sea? A splash.” Bill Maher

july 2011

Est. 1994

Vol. XVII No. 7

64 PAGES

@lareDOSnews

LareDOS Newspaper

María Eugenia Guerra / LareDOS

A JOURNAL OF THE BORDERLANDS

Zapata County fills the comptroller’s coffers and carries environmental burden for Eagle Ford oil, gas exploration

Stories, commentary on pages 32 and 33

Why choose LCC this Fall? • • • • • • • • • •

Top-quality instruction Friendly, supportive staff Affordable tuition and fees Small class sizes Dynamic student life Scholarships & financial assistance Two convenient locations Flexible distance learning Transferable courses Programs that prepare you for in-demand careers

Carlos Limon LCC Art student

Enroll now for Fall classes! CLASSES BEGIN

August 29

Laredo Community College West End Washington Street • 5500 South Zapata Hwy. • Laredo, TX Ft. McIntosh956.721.5109

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South956.794.4110

www.laredo.edu WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

SEVEN GOOD REASONS TO CHOOSE DR. RAFATI’S

RADIOLOGY CLINIC OF LAREDO

£ Ó Î { x È

°ÊYou save time, money, and regrets. Call us for a price quote.

° No appointment necessary. Just walk in at your convenience.

°Ê Immediate results. You walk out with complete knowledge of your exam results ° You can always consult Dr. Rafati free of charge.

° Second opinion is always free of charge.

° Dr. Rafati has 35 years of experience, knowledge, and common sense. We saved thousands of patients the horror of unnecessary surgery.

°ÊThe last reason is very, very important. If your doctor tells you not to go to Dr. Rafati’s clinic, you should immediately go to see Dr. Rafati and at the same time you should look for a new doctor. Many doctors are mad at us because we put our patients �irst. Remember, you have the right of choice.

OUR PRICE LIST Our philosophy at Radiology Clinics of Laredo is to practice medicine in a manner that involves complete disclosure of our opinion and our charges. In this spirit, I decided to publish my fee schedule, and I urge others to follow suit. Δ MRI Δ CAT SCAN Δ MAMMOGRAMS Δ BONE DENSITY Δ SONOGRAMS

$400.00 $250.00 $125.00 $125.00 $150.00 TO $175.00 Δ STOMACH OR INTESTINE EXAMS $200.00 Δ SKULL AND SINUSES $ 90.00 Δ BONES $ 85.00 Δ CHEST X-RAYS $ 80.00 Δ DOPPLER EXAMS $150.00 These prices include the x-ray, the interpretation, and consultation with the patient on what his/her exam shows and what to do next.

RADIOLOGY CLINICS OF LAREDO 5401 Springﬁeld • (956) 718-0092

WWW. L A R E D O S NE W S . C O M

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

M ailbox L E etters to the

ditor

Dear Meg, It’s been a very unique experience for us in the community to see your deliberate practice that drives expert performance. Passion provides the motivation necessary to practice rigorously. According to professor Ericsson, top talents are able to practice long and hard and apply themselves more intensely than also-rans, precisely because they are doing something that they love. If you don’t love what you do then chances are good that you will never put in the time needed to master it. I see all of this in you, my friend, and will always remember that we worked to-

gether in your earlier years, and even back then you showed much talent and a desire to do something worth the time and effort. My thoughts, and may you have “God’s Speed” in everything you do. True leaders will have that special desire to succeed and accept that challenge under all the pressure in the world when they know that what they believe is right. Keep on trucking and keep the freedom of speech alive. Signed, Blas Castañeda

publisher

María Eugenia Guerra

Courtesy of LCC

meg@laredosnews.com Editor

Cristina Herrera

cherrera@laredosnews.com Writer

Read

Alexa Ura

alexazura@gmail.com

at www.laredosnews.com

Sales

María Eugenia Guerra

meg@laredosnews.com

Circulation, Billing & Subscriptions

Jorge Medina

circulation@laredosnews.com Layout/design

JM Design

design@laredosnews.com

Lewis makes petro-dollar gift to LCC

Contributors

Cordelia Barrera Bebe Fenstermaker Sissy Fenstermaker Denise Ferguson Neo Gutierrez Steve Harmon Beverly Herrera Jason Herrera Guillermo Alejandro Jimenez

Henri Khan Randy Koch Armando Lopez Alex Mendoza Lem Londos Railsback Sylvia Reash Roger Sanchez Jr. Steve Treviño Jr.

Laredo Community College President Dr. Juan L. Maldonado, right, thanks million-dollar donor Rod Lewis after participating in the ceremonial signing of the topping out for the Lewis Energy Group Academic Center on Monday, June 27 at LCC’s Fort McIntosh Campus. Looking on are Lewis’ wife, Kim Lewis, left, and LCC Board President Cynthia Mares. Lewis is a former student at LCC and is the CEO of Lewis Energy Group. The gift will go toward the purchase of equipment and furnishings for the three-story, 111,045 square-foot building.

ShuString Productions, Inc. www.laredosnews.com

1812 Houston Street Laredo Texas 78040 Tel: (956) 791-9950 Fax: (956) 791-4737 Copyright @ 2011 by LareDOS

Write a Letter to the Editor cherrera@laredosnews.com

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Mark Your Calendar August

Monthly Book Sale

When: Saturday, Aug. 6, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave. South Texas Food Bank Empty Bowls V

When: Thursday, Aug. 11, 6 p.m. Where: Laredo Energy Arena, 6700 Arena Blvd. More info: South Texas Food Bank fundraiser; will feature concert by Christopher Cross, framed and bowls artwork silent auction. South Texas All Star Bully Showdown

When: Saturday, Aug. 13, 8 a.m. Where: Laredo Energy Arena, 6700 Arena Blvd. More info: (956) 324-9800 or (956) 693-9161

4th Annual Batalla de Talento: La Voz de Laredo

When: Wednesday, Aug. 17, noon Where: Laredo Energy Arena, 6700 Arena Blvd.

2nd Annual Celebrity Chef Meet & Greet

When: Thursday, Aug. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: 107 Norman Drive More info: (956) 333-3922 Laredo Farmers Market

When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m.-noon. Where: Jarvis Plaza in downtown Laredo More info: jamboozie.org/index.php/ farmers-market UISD/LISD First day of Classes

When: Monday, Aug. 22 Where: All schools.

TAMIU’s first fall class day

When: Thursday, Aug. 25 Where: TAMIU campus.

5th Annual Pulling for Kinds Sporting Clay Tournament

When: Saturday, Aug. 27, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: South Texas Shooting Complex (Located on Hwy. 359, 9 miles east of the intersection of Loop 20 and Hwy. 359 toward Hebbronville. Complex is on south side). Description: Clay shooting tournament to benefit Voz de Niños in its mission and recruitment of community volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for the abused and neglected children of Webb County. LCC’s first fall class day

When: Monday, Aug. 29 Where: LCC Fort McIntosh and South campuses.

DOCTORS HOSPITAL HEALTH CENTER

NOW OPEN!

6801 McPherson Road – Suite 101 • Laboratory Services • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy

• Pre-Employment Physicals

• Immunizations (including school immunizations and ﬂu shots)

• Drug screening

• Pulmonary function tests

• Weight Loss and Wellness Center

• Breath alcohol testing

• EKG

• Workers’ compensation injury exams

• Hearing screenings

• X-ray

• Registered Dietician

• Weekly visits from Pediatric Cancer Specialists

Doctors Hospital Health Center 6801 McPherson, Suite 101 956-721-0200 www.IChooseDoctorsHospital.com Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Doctors Hospital Health Center or Doctors Hospital of Laredo. The center or hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

WWW. L A R E D O S NE W S . C O M

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

News

Laredo law enforcement proactive about border security, says DPS director

Alexa Ura/LareDOS

Wrapping up the legislative session

exas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steve McCraw thanked the Laredo law enforcement community for their work in securing the border at the Webb County Retired Law Enforcement Officers Forum held on July 7. “We must address the consequences of an unprotected border. I’m very proud of law enforcement community in Laredo for being vigilant of that,” McCraw said to current and retired officers present at the forum hosted by the office of Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar. An unidentified gentleman from Mexico addressed McCraw and said that after being kidnapped across the border, he urged law enforcement to protect citizens, not in spite of but because of increasing danger to citizens on both sides of the border. McCraw pointed out that the enemy was not Mexico itself but the cartels, whose changing threats on border safety have pushed law enforcement to be more dynamic both in the front lines along the border and in the

rest of the state. “It’s not usual but we can all be successful if we work together, share information, and support other law enforcement agencies like you do in Laredo,” McCraw said, applauding patrol officers especially. Councilman Johnny Rendon asked the directors for increased support to help keep drug money from going back to Mexico, while Police Chief Carlos Maldonado commended McCraw for DPS’ collaboration and partnership with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community. Also in attendance at the forum were state Rep. Richard Raymond (DLaredo), Mayor Raul Salinas, District Attorney Isidro “Chilo” Alaniz, and the chiefs of the Laredo Fire Department and Border Patrol. “We need to work together and continue to form great partnerships,” said Sheriff Cuellar, who also thanked police department retirees for helping set up the Eye of Laredo program, a smart phone application that allows citizens to report crime to police through pictures, text, and voice recordings. “We are one team against crime.” u

Alexa Ura/LareDOS

Rep. Richard Raymond is concerned about $4 billion in cuts to public education that were finalized at the end of the 82nd legislative session. Laredo’s school districts alone will lose over $65 million in state funding. “The projections are that we are going to have $10-12 million in the rainy day fund. We have the money. You don’t [make cuts] when you have the money sitting there,” he said.

By ALEXA URA LareDOS Staff

Working together for border security Texas Department of Public Safety director Steve McGraw commended local law enforcement for working together to ensure border security at the Webb County Retired Law Enforcement Officers Forum on July 7.

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WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

Cristina Herrera/LareDOS

The collector A junk gleaner makes his way down Iturbide Street with a load of discarded televisions, a couch, mattresses and cushions.

The best kept secret in Laredo

1, 2 and 3 bedroom ďŹ&#x201A;oorplans available. Prices starting at $725 Town houses and corporate suites also available For more information, please contact: www.carmelapts.com Carmel Apartments OfďŹ ce Hours 830 Fasken Blvd. Laredo, Texas M-F 8:30-5:30 956.753.6500, 956.753.6502 fax Sat. 10:00-5:00

Sit back, relax, and welcome home WWW. L A R E D O S NE W S . C O M

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Editor’s Desk

Dealing with post-college blues

By CRISTINA HERRERA LareDOS Staff

n May 2010, I had the luxury of not graduating after I had switched majors late in my college career. This allowed me to observe what happened to my friends, coworkers, and acquaintances after they graduated. What I saw did not make me feel excited about “embarking on a whole new journey,” as my alumni magazine put it. Many in my graduating class were schlepping through jobs that were way below their degree level, living with their parents unhappily, or avoiding the horrible economy and pursuing master’s degrees. My father asked me why I thought college graduates were having such a hard time finding employment, or finding employment that was to their level of expertise. Employers are first looking for more experienced candidates, I told him, because I surmise they don’t want to spend the time or money training an employee fresh out of college. In college, I was also told that copy editors

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were in higher demand than the rest of the journalism field. That was a total crock — I don’t think anybody in the journalism field is having a better time of finding a job. I cannot speak too much about other majors, but even my buddies in the engineering field spent months trying to find jobs. And engineering is one of those fields we were all a bit jealous of, simply because job-searching would come much easier. A feeling of failure eventually creeps up on grads as they submit resume after resume without responses. If they have moved back home and are struggling to find a job, that feeling becomes even worse. It’s a very odd transition to the point that you’re taking advantage of your parents’ money. In high school, you might have had a job or maybe you didn’t, but that was fine. Simply put, when you feel like you aren’t contributing, you start feeling worthless. Look up “postcollege blues” on Google and you’ll find probably find the phrase “I feel worthless” on most of the pages. I moved in with my parents after graduat-

ing at the right time, landing a job that most college students would only dream of. But after four and a half years of independence, the change was tough. Now you must be considerate of your other housemates, who also happen to be your parents. For me, I am able to take advantage of the stability of living with my parents while also doing a job that I like, and making my own money, too. But I was lucky. After the loose party atmosphere of college, you’re thrust into the staler “real world.” In college, you were encouraged to express your true self, while most desk jobs store you away as another number. I am friends with a lot of creative types who aren’t stuck in offices, but they are struggling even worse. With the corporate desk job, you have stability but no soul, and vice versa for the creative job. Add to that the soul-crushing depression that kicks in once you realize that you’ll have to start paying off your student loans somehow. This is when you give up your dreams — temporarily — and work the soulless

jobs. But see, we college students were never conditioned to “work our way up the ladder.” I can guarantee you that most of my classmates weren’t expecting that they’d be schlepping around as a UPS driver (no offense to UPS drivers) instead of pursuing their passion for photojournalism. My parents always told me I had it easy, and then they’d usually go off on some lecture about how they toiled in the field or walked 10 miles to school with the one pair of shoes they had. Then they’d take me out to Olive Garden. I’m not trying to hate on parents, but I think if they had spoiled us less and made us work more, maybe that would’ve helped make our expectations more realistic. I hope college grads out there will read this and feel better knowing they aren’t alone, at least. I hope parents start talking to their grads and making them feel supported — while not suffocating them to the point where they feel like they aren’t contributing. And I hope readers enjoy this issue of LareDOS, which I am so very grateful to work on. u

WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

Feature

Stories from Laredo’s GLBT community be at liberty to be completely open about their relationship and come out of their glass closet. They are hopeful for the younger generation of the Laredo GLBT community. They say there has been a change that will hopefully end the frame of mind that keeps being gay under wraps. “There is no such thing as a closet for most of them. How great is that?” Liv asked.

By ALEXA URA LareDOS Staff Editor’s note: Several of the sources in this story are using a different name to preserve their anonymity. Their names have been marked by an asterick (*). iv and Natalie* have been together for almost 31 years. They’ve recently celebrated their union with a 25th anniversary party. Natalie owns a small business in Laredo, and Liv is a health specialist. They attend church regularly, make contributions to charity, and “sincerely believe that they were destined to be soul mates.” They are also a same-sex couple — a lesbian couple or “partners,” as they refer to themselves. While there is no marriage license that will legally bind them or a church that will marry them, for now, they consider themselves formally committed to one another, have built their own household, and do not need a piece of paper to call it so. The couple, who say they live in a “glass closet,” has only disclosed their partnership and love for each other to family and close friends. The truth, however, is that what they identify as a “gay lifestyle” is simply a lifestyle that tens of thousands of other Americans also live by. Liv and Natalie are just two of the countless members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender (GLBT) population in Laredo. Their lifestyle and the challenges they have faced are reflected in GLBT individuals of all ages who grew up in Laredo or are members of the community. Liv and Natalie The couple is not originally from Laredo, but they were raised in South Texas, where they say that the social stigma attached to being gay can be very over whelming for a young person. “When you’re very young, you realize that you feel different from others. It doesn’t take long to figure out that this is a secret that is best kept,” Liv said. While embracing that “difference” for them was developed in separate time frames — Natalie recognizing the difference during childhood and Liv delaying it as long as possible — the couple said that their “’coming of age’ in the gay sense” occurred in Laredo where they were embraced by a large but quiet gay community. WWW. L A R E D O S NE W S . C O M

Alexa Ura/LareDOS

Coming out led to acceptance Wayne was so nervous about revealing that he was gay to his brother that he wrote it down and made him read it. His family has been nothing but supportive of him, he says. Coming out to their family and friends was a much lengthier process, however. They were both in their 40s and their families’ reaction turned out to be less stressful than what they had imagined. “Although it was a tense moment for us, the reaction was pretty much ‘It’s about time!’” Liv said. Liv and Natalie continue to live in their “glass closet” is because they do not want to expose themselves to any vulnerability in terms of job security, one of the biggest challenges they face. “Since I am self-employed without any fear of repercussions, it allows for openness,” Natalie said, adding, “Liv is an employee not protected by discrimination laws that involve sexual orientation.” They do have a few coworkers who have become friends and know about their partnership, but they keep others “at arm’s length,” so personal details are not a common topic of conversation. According to Liv and Natalie, it’s a strategy used by many GLBT individuals. While having to live under the radar is bothersome, Natalie said, it’s what is most practical for them. “Living in any kind of secrecy is stressful,” she said. “However, coming out to our family has made a huge difference and ev-

eryone else seemed so unimportant. We’ll be in a position eventually to exit the closet for good.” Leaving Texas would offer Liv and Natalie the opportunity to seek the 1,400 legal rights that seven other states now offer samesex couples through marriage or domestic partner benefits. While they hope that legalized gay marriage will one day be extended across the U.S., they say that Texas will probably be one of the last states to offer such civil rights to the GLBT community. The couple has in fact questioned whether to stay in Texas or not. “Life would be so much simpler in an environment that accepted us and offered us a chance to live our life openly with all the rights and privileges of heterosexual couples,” Natalie said. “We don’t want more rights; we only want those that are guaranteed by the constitution to all Americans,” Liv said. Liv and Natalie’s relationship used to be more of a “don’t ask, don’t tell” arrangement because of the social disapproval that usually distinguishes same-sex relationships in some society, but their comfort levels have changed just as their relationship has evolved. In fact, the couple said that they will soon

Wayne Wayne is a 19-year-old college student who just finished his first year at a university in central Texas. His wardrobe consists mainly of Converse All-Star shoes and printed T-shirts or plaid button-ups. He has a twin brother who he gets along with — most of the time — and who was also the first member of his family to know he was gay. Wayne came out to his twin brother a year after he first came out to his best friend. He was so nervous about revealing he was gay that he couldn’t even say it to his brother’s face. Wayne, who said he always expected the worst reactions upon his revelation, eventually wrote the words down and had his brother read them. He later told the rest of his family, who “took the news as if he had said the sky is blue.” Wayne said that he considers himself lucky because his family is very supportive. Wayne does have one regret about his coming out, though: He was never able to tell his father that he was gay. His father died when Wayne was 16, before he had come out to his family. “I know he and my mom talked about it, and he would have been just as loving as he always was,” he said. “But I still regret that I was never able to tell him myself. In elementary school, students began calling Wayne gay before he even knew what it was, but he says he was lucky that words were the only thing used against him and that he was never physically bullied. He knew that classmates would say things about his sexuality behind his back and that was followed by being called what he says is the ultimate hate word, “faggot.” “That was the first time I was ever insulted for being gay,” said Wayne, whose usual nonchalant tone changes drastically when speaking about being put down for being gay. “I hate that word.” Continued on page 50

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

News Brief

College students explore health professions through MIRA program

he Make It Real Academy (MIRA) program will provide Laredo-area college students interested in health professions an in-depth look through hands-on activities, field trips, and interviews with local health professionals. The program will be held at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) Regional Campus in Laredo. It will run from August 10 to 19 and will consist of 20 students who will learn why local health professionals decided to pursue education and how they paid for it. “This is a wonderful opportunity for college-level students to see firsthand what professionals in the allied health professions provide to the community,” said

program director Araceli Duran. “Many times students choose a career by reading about it, but MIRA will allow students the opportunity to experience them.” Students will also produce short videos about the different health professions, complete a self-assessment of their abilities and interests. They will shadow professionals in respiratory care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, clinical laboratory sciences, and other health-related fields through hospitals in the area. Selected participants will also receive a $200 stipend and will qualify to apply for assistance scholarships for any degree program offered by UTHSC’s School of Health Professions. — Alexa Ura

NATURAL GAS

A Commitment to the Long Term Texans know that investing in the future means a commitment to the long term. That’s why Texas is leading the nation in safe and responsible development of natural gas—development that is conducted in harmony with the environment to protect our water, land, and air. Here in South Texas, natural gas producers are working with our local community leaders to produce home-grown energy that creates jobs, spurs investment, and generates long-term economic benefits and energy security, all while protecting the environment.

Texas natural gas. It’s powering our future. Visit www.anga.us/Texas to learn more.

| L a r e DO S | JU LY 2011

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News

Landowners cashing in on Eagle Ford Shale

By ALEXA URA LareDOS Staff

ince drilling first began in the Eagle Ford Shale play in late 2008, a wave of riches brought on by the oil and gas-drilling boom has reached many area landowners. While some have lived their own rags-to-riches stories through royalty interests and selling land with doubledup property values, others are worried that long-term issues may affect what they pay in taxes on their land. The Eagle Ford Shale, 50 miles wide and 400 miles long, encompasses over 20 counties, including Webb County up to the area just north of Houston. New drilling technology such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, which have created environmental concerns, have allowed oil and gas companies to tap into formations that were previously out of reach. Ranchers drawing bountiful profits from oil and gas production now live more comfortably, and some have reinvested the boom money they’ve received into business ventures and/or expansion of their ranch operations. “Anybody with a lease can make money from oil and gas production, but making the most of it depends on how you manage it,” said Mario Chavez, solid waste management planner for the Middle Río Grande Development Council. “It’s a window of opportunity for a small community that has always struggled to maintain itself,” he said of Carrizo Springs and the surrounding rural areas. Mineral rights and land leases While many landowners with property in the Eagle Ford Shale play have experienced increased property values, owners of mineral rights and/or surface property have seen the most economic gain. Ranchers who own mineral rights have enjoyed hefty and sometimes unprecedented lease bonus money and royalties. Mineral rights entitle the owner to any minerals, including coal, gas, and oil that lay under the surface of a certain property. They also entitle the owner to royalties if he sells or leases the mineral rights to a company that has the resources to produce any of the minerals. Royalty owners, often through attorneys, freely negotiate lease bonuses, royalty percentage, and other production provisions with oil and gas production companies. “There has definitely been an increase in mineral income,” according to Martin Villarreal, chief appraiser of the Webb County ApWWW. L A R E D O S NE W S . C O M

praisal District. “Mineral rights values are being greatly affected because of the Eagle Ford Shale and companies are paying premium prices for leases of these rights.” The competition for acreage in the Eagle Ford Shale formation has affected all concessions to landowners in return for drilling rights. Lucky locations Other ranchers have profited from owning land at the epicenter of oil and gas production — even if they don’t own the mineral rights, and even at sites that are not part of the Eagle Ford Shale play. A rancher from the Zapata area, who asked that his name not be disclosed, recently sold his 360-acre ranch just off of Highway 83 North near Catarina. An oil and gas company working in the area offered him $3,500 an acre this year for land he purchased at $900 an acre in 2006. The rancher, who had made major improvements to the land, said that he was lucky that production pipelines in the area happened to gather at his ranch. “The process was very fast. They found the ranch on a map, called me one morning, and the next day they showed up with a contract, a notary, and 10 percent of the money,” he said. He negotiated to keep his irrigation system, but the rancher believes that he could have received more money from the company had he taken some time to negotiate through a lawyer. He said that most of the wealth pouring into the area is going to landowners who own the mineral rights to their property. Boom and bust worries While selling mineral rights and leasing property is allowing local ranchers to cash in on the spike in oil and gas production, other locals are left with increased taxes and worries that the drilling boom-andbust pattern will eventually result in oil and gas companies packing up and leaving South Texas. In that scenario, with no business to cover the bills, local businesses that expanded to accommodate the boom could be left holding tax statements that reflect boom-time property values. Bobby Ramirez, co-owner of the Catarina One-Stop convenience store, bought the 13 acres the store sits on in 1998. Its property value before the Eagle Ford Shale discovery was $250,000. This year, his land was appraised at $500,000. His business, which has always sur-

vived on oil field workers, has greatly benefitted from production in the Eagle Ford Shale, but Ramirez says that he is left to deal with the downside of the boom — in-

“Anybody with a lease can make money from oil and gas production, but making the most of it depends on how you manage it. It’s a window of opportunity for a small community that has always struggled to maintain itself. “ Mario Chavez, Middle Río Grande Development Council

creased property values and taxes. “The Eagle Ford Shale has made the wealthy ranchers in the area richer,” he said, also mentioning the possibility of water contamination from drilling operations. Years before the oil and gas boom took off, Ramirez leased land and mineral rights to a land agent who later sold the lease to Chesapeake Energy for more than seven times what he originally leased it for. “Everyone is looking at the economics of it and not thinking of the future,” he acknowledged. “It’s probably going to hurt some people who aren’t making money off of it through royalties or land leases.” Ramirez also rents RV lots and warehouse space to SM Energy Company and Chesapeake. Some oilfield prognosticators claim that production in the area will continue past 2020, while other analysts and internal industry emails obtained by The New York Times for a June 25 story note that production may not last as long as expected, espe-

cially when companies are struggling with well-head oil and gas prices that reportedly do not leave much margin for profit after production costs. In one email exchange between a geologist at Chesapeake Energy and a federal energy official, the company geologist said that most wells are barely breaking even at best. He noted that Chesapeake could make a lot of money off the wells when oil and gas prices rise at the well head. Acreage holdings are what matters until production can begin, he wrote. “In these shale gas plays no well is really economic right now,” he wrote. “They are all losing a little money or only making a little bit of money.” In another email exchange from February 2011, a PNC Wealth Management official said that shale gas “is being hyped much as dot. com investments were. He also writes that the industry will probably conceal production decline until it occurs on a widespread degree. “Decline rates are going to start to kick in soon… although I do not think it will become apparent to the public until after it has been happening for at least three to six months, owing to an inability to distinguish between well-decline and fielddecline,” he wrote. It is unknown exactly how long it will be until the production plateaus and heads south in a bust pattern. Oblivious to forecasts of its own decline, the Eagle Ford Shale play continues in boom mode. The rumble of 18-wheelers and the roar of rigs make their way through rural communities. While some remain skeptical about they play’s duration, there are still the benefits of more jobs and profits aplenty in land sales, lease agreements, exploration, and production. u

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Santa María Journal

By María Eugenia guerra

This land is the vessel that holds our family’s history

my great-great parents and my beloved grandmother María Dionicia raised sheep, goats, cattle, and horses, I feel my good he sun has begun its descent, luck to have a turn at the stewardship of which renders the late afternoon land that has been the vessel that holds our a few degrees cooler than it was family’s history. That I can spend time here an hour ago. I’ve saddled up the with my son and my granddaughters is a four-wheeler and I’ve left the ranch com- rich, ineluctable footnote to that story. pound for a cruise across the monte in the I’ve dallied, and the cloak of night has last golden light, the light of long shad- begun to settle across the brush. Once I get ows. back on the caliche road, I speed up a litAs I make my way down a north-to- tle, happy and energized to have had this south caliche road — Laredo behind me, fresh, introspective time on my own. As I Zapata ahead — I make mental lists. It’s drive across the bordo of the presa, I feel the what I do to orgatemperature change nize the work of this near water, and on place. With water as the home stretch I Lost in the beauty of this precious as it is, we feel the tender faplace where my greathave worked to get miliarity of this great parents and my beall the float valves in place. all the water tanks In the barnyard I loved grandmother María to work at optimum kill the little engine Dionicia raised sheep, so that they are welland hear the voices installed and housed of my granddaughgoats, cattle, and horses, I out of the reach of ter Emily and my feel my good luck to have a cattle. son on horseback That is what I in the sandy calleturn at the stewardship of think our work has jón. There is a softland that has been the vesbeen about for the ness to their voices last few days — PVC at nightfall that sel that holds our family’s elbows, tees, reducevokes memories of history. ers and Little Giant my own childhood floats. I am oblivious out here with my that two days later grandmother and as I drive to Austin, I will get the bad news my Tía Delia, their hushed voices directing that the submersible pump has stopped us to early bedtimes on quiet, starry nights running. long before telephones or TV satellites For the moment, however, I am on a came to the ranchlands. We fell asleep to a lark at day’s end, content with what’s been serenade of coyotes and awoke to the smell done. Thoughts of ranch work give way to of a mesquite fire, dewfall, and the cooing a re-cap about what went into this month’s of mourning doves. cover story. I think of Ray La Montagne’s My granddaughters are just back lament — “Trouble, trouble, trouble, trou- from a 10-day road trip with their parble been doggin’ my soul since the day I ents across West Texas and New Mexico. was born.” And I think of the refrain of We’ve been separated before, but I don’t Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush” and think I’ve ever been so sharply aware of how those words resonate more truly to- what their absence from me means or day than when they were written — “Look how much they are a part of my thoughts at Mother Nature on the run in the nine- and my life. teen seventies.” If I’d been told 10 or 15 years ago that As I drive farther into the brush, I feel two little girls would come along to have the power of the natural world and how such bearing on my life, I’d have scowled the look and smell of the landscape soothe at the notion. To my great and everlasting the rough edges of me trying to keep Lare- delight, the little pirate princesses have DOS on solid ground. stolen my heart, and willingly every day I Lost in the beauty of this place where pay the ransom. u By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Staff

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News

New director ushers in another transition for animal shelter

By CRISTINA HERRERA LareDOS Staff

reddie Flores is back at the Laredo Animal Shelter, resuming the position of executive director that he held three years ago — and he’s taking over what has been a constant work-inprogress. Flores, who started at the shelter as a kennelman in 2005, took over as executive director from Lori Brizius, who helped boost the shelter’s visibility in the media and the community during her 3-year tenure but was terminated in May a week after an owner’s dog was accidently euthanized (see sidebar for more details). Flores said he’s trying to make major changes to the way the shelter is run. “I’m trying to change the perception of the whole shelter,” Flores said. “If you go anywhere, you only get one chance to make a good impression. You don’t want to do business with a place that is cluttered or stinks.” In the sweltering Laredo summer, the transition has been rough for Flores: In June, the air conditioner system for the shelter broke down, and Flores was scrambling to provide air to the newly built Puppy Palace. Now that the air conditioner has been fixed and Flores is settling into his position once again, he said he’s concentrating on further improving the facilities and operation of the shelter. Finding the money One of the concerns in the sweltering heat of a Laredo summer is the misting system for the outdoor dog kennels, which Flores said only half works now. The outdoor kennels also need barriers between each to help prevent disease outbreaks in the entire shelter. Barriers like these would cost an estimated $18,000, a cost Flores called “prohibitive.” Kennels in the Cat Castle are lined up against the wall and in the middle of the room, rather than facing each other. Flores said the kennels will go back to being aligned against the walls, facing each other, to allow a path for people to walk through. Flores said fans providing air circulation “will evacuate a lot of the contaminated air” and help prevent disease. Flores is also planning to repair the frayed and rusted bottoms of the wire gates WWW. L A R E D O S NE W S . C O M

for some of the outside dog kennels. He has gotten an estimate of $2,400 for 12 gates, a hefty fee for a shelter that is over-populated and still underfunded despite increases in funding from the city in the last few years. Flores additionally said he is trying to get one of the grooming tubs repurposed with tile. The tub is currently made out of compressed wood that looks like tile, Flores said. He will also replace flooring that will make it easier to sanitize the room. That project comes with a $2,500 price tag. The animal shelter has experienced an increase in funding from the city and county, something that Flores and his predecessor Brizius agree is still not enough. The shelter takes in so many animals that it is a constant struggle to keep diseases in check. One way to combat that issue is a newly proposed adopting procedure. Before an animal is adopted out, Flores said it will be inoculated and given a two-week waiting period before it is put up for adoption. This will allow for diseases to manifest before the animal is adopted out, he said. “We’re trying to see if that’s going to work out, just because of our capacity restraints out there,” LAPS president Landis said. “It’s hard to do that when so many animals are being brought everyday.” Harsh realities Landis’ concerns stem from the high euthanization rate at the shelter. Former director Brizius said that when she started at the shelter, about 70 animals a day were being put down, and when she left, the number had been reduced to 30 a day. Brizius broke down in tears when she told of this year’s Easter weekend, when the staff had to perform a mass euthanization that killed over 70 animals in three days. She said she got orders from the board to euthanize every pregnant animal and every other animal in the cages that weekend. “I tried to explain to [the board] that these are adult dogs in these cages. You’re not going to be getting things like parvo and stuff, you’re going to be getting kennel cough, distemper — those are airborne disease. It doesn’t matter if they are 15 feet away from each other or 5 inches away from each other. So we have an obligation to save as many healthy animals as we can.” Brizius cited state law, which states that shelters cannot euthanize healthy animals

except for space concerns. She said the board was overly concern about infection control and space limitations, when she explained that infections were under control at the shelter. “And we have never gone over capacity at that shelter,” Brizius said. “We’ve come close, but never gone over since I’ve been there. If the SPCA or PETA got a hold of this, they would be livid.” Landis confirmed that the board gave orders to euthanize every other animal in the kennels after consulting with shelter professionals about preventing diseases spread by nose-to-nose contact. “Some of the vets suggested we euthanize the entire shelter, and we didn’t feel comfortable with that,” Landis said. These are the harsh realities the shelter faces, and the LAPS board and shelter’s staff often receive even harsher criticism for the euthanization rate. But all parties involved agree that Laredo is a city where animal diseases are rampant on streets full of strays and discarded animals. “Mahatma Gandhi said that civilization will be judged on how we treat our ani-

“Mahatma Gandhi said that civilization will be judged on how we treat our animals, and so far this civilization has done a dismal job.” Freddie Flores, animal shelter executive director mals, and so far this civilization has done a dismal job,” Flores said. Image changes The staff is also trying to fix up the overall image of the shelter. In early July, Flores commissioned two young artists to paint a mural on the Puppy Palace, the first major artwork of its kind at the shelter. For years, patrons have complained that the shelter’s image has been tarnished by mismanagement, unclean facilities, and a poor location. LAPS president Landis said the board has several other projects in the works to improve the shelter’s image and facilities. She said the city is helping pave more area for parking, along with providing funding for an on-site spay and neuter facility that will give Laredoans a cheaper alternative for spaying and neutering their pets. For now, the shelter is still a work in progress. u

Reporting on shelter revealed turmoil between staff, board By CRISTINA HERRERA LareDOS Staff

he Laredo Animal Shelter has been riddled with problems ever since I can remember: disease outbreaks, too many animals and not enough space, very little funding, poorly trained staff, and the list goes on. I never imagined how much mud-slinging and political fiascos could go on at an animal shelter, of all places, and I was pushed into a position where I had to figure out whom to believe. In one camp, you have former director Lori Brizius and ex-kennel manager Shannon Acevedo, both non-Laredoans who joined the shelter at about the same time. Acevedo was fired about a week before Brizius, and both were told that

they simply weren’t doing what the board wanted them to do. In the other camp is the Laredo Animal Protective Society board of directors. Brizius and Acevedo directed most of their criticism to the board when I sat down with them for nearly four hours and talked about their troubles. Then there’s Freddie Flores, the ex-director who was a spectator to the ongoing personnel fiasco when he was hired back as director. There was the lingering debate of whether he had been fired from the shelter or if he left of his own accord (Brizius says fired, but the board says he left on his own). Whatever the case, he’s back with plenty of interesting new ideas, and I’m curious to see how these ideas manifest. Continued on page 50

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Opinion

Turning the page on ‘the end of literacy’?

By ALEXA URA LareDOS Staff

ast month, I visited Escape Again bookstore for the very first time since it opened last year. Having spent the last few months in Austin, I was completely unaware that the bookstore even existed. The store was small but unique. Its walls were lined up with crowded turquoise bookshelves filled with titles of all genres. What I most liked about Escape Again was that most of the books were used and sold at half price. The bookstore even offered a trade-in program. When my editor informed me that Escape Again was going out of business and having a liquidation sale, I immediately thought of the owner Eddie Cardenas. Just a few weeks ago, he was telling me that he initially decided to open the bookstore instead of a bakery because he felt that it was what the community needed. While Laredo indeed has other sources for books (the public library, Books-

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a-Million, the BookNook at the Laredo Center for the Arts), I wonder if bookstores don’t survive in our community because locals aren’t even looking for a bookstore, as Mr. Cardenas said. According to Texas A&M’s Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning, Webb County is one of a few other counties in Texas that falls under the 40-100 percent illiterate adults category. The number is quite astonishing, especially when you wonder why these individuals were never taught or encouraged to learn how to read. My own love for literature first began in elementary school when the Accelerated Reader program pushed students to read books and take quizzes for points. Books were also constantly incorporated into the curriculum in my classes. By fifth grade, I had dug ditches looking for gold with Stanley Yelnats in Holes and had become part of the Harry Potter generation. Not only had I been fortunate enough to be encouraged to delve into the rich abyss of books, but I was also

granted the access to a world of literature through my school library. A Texas Education Agency report states that in the 2005-2006 school year, almost half of the Texas public school population was Hispanic and over 34 percent of these students were considered to have limited English proficiency (LEP). While most will probably agree that socioeconomic status is linked to the amount of illiteracy in Webb County (and many illiterate individuals in Texas may have arrived from other countries already as adults), we must be sure that both English proficient and LEP students are in fact taught to read and encouraged to do so. Is the problem that children are being overlooked and not taught how to properly read in Laredo schools? Or is it that the English language is not being enforced upon LEP students in school? I remember sitting in classes throughout middle and high school, listening to students who were asked to read out loud from one of our textbooks. Many times,

English proficient students had a difficult time getting through sentences or figuring out how to pronounce words that should be manageable. At the reading level at which the student should’ve been. The importance of literacy is also reflected in a national trend that linked higher reading levels to higher education degrees. The National Assessment of Adult Literacy, a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, found that 23 percent of students identified as “below basic” of average literacy rates finish high school. Only 2 percent of below-basic students become college graduates. The community must do much more for children’s literacy in Laredo and South Texas as our current students will one day be our educators, law enforcement officers, and leaders of the community. While bookstores going out of business may better reflect the economic atmosphere of Laredo, it is pertinent to provide access to dynamic reading material both in schools and out. u

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News & Commentary

Don’t hack me, bro: Scandal brings attention to state of today’s media By GUILLERMO ALEJANDRO JIMENEZ LareDOS Contributor

upert Murdoch’s media empire, News Corporation, is the best possible advertisement for the alternative press. There is no better example of the dangers of media consolidation than the communications behemoth constructed by Murdoch’s News Corp. The recent phone hacking scandal perpetrated by the staff of News Corp.’s News of the World daily has brought attention to a problem that has existed in media for several years. To readers who are yet unfamiliar with the big and heavy hack attack scandal as it has unfolded, here’s the short and skinny: The News of the World, one of the many News Corp. publications, was shut down recently after allegations that staff were illegally obtaining the cell phone voicemails of hun-

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dreds of unknowing individuals. The voicemails ranged from celebrities, like Hugh Grant, to politicians, competing journalists — even kidnapping and murder victims and their families, including perhaps victims of the 9/11 attacks. The scandal is far reaching, implicating not only staff of the newspaper, but also English politicians and police officials, accused of taking bribes to cover up the paper’s crimes. Inquires have been made, resignations submitted, arrests taken place, and now surely charges will be filed. As a result of the scandal, questions have been raised regarding the structure of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire and how it came to be so enormous in the first place. Even at a glance, his ownership of media is quite impressive. Parent company News Corp. reaches hundreds of millions of people through outlets in television, newspapers, book publishing, film, and social media. The

ownership list includes FOX Broadcasting Company, SKY (U.K.), National Geographic, The New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph (Australia), The Sun (U.K.), The Times and The Sunday Times (U.K.), HarperCollins Publishing, 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, and even MySpace and Hulu, just to name a few. Public outrage over the phone hacking scandal has caused some discussion in the press as to whether the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) should step in and break up the Murdoch media conglomerate. After all, it was through waivers repeatedly approved by the FCC that Murdoch was able to gain control of so many sources of news. Competing 24-hour cable news stations, CNN and MSNBC, have run nearly continuous coverage on the matter, while FOX News remains predictably quiet. The talking heads at CNN and MSNBC are quick to point out that News Corp., unable or unwilling to curb illegal activities at one of its many publications, has clearly become too big for it’s own good — and more importantly for the public’s good. The charges are stiff, and in the court of public opinion at least, Murdoch’s judgment looks grim. While rival news organizations are relishing in News Corp’s recent troubles, they unavoidably ignore the fact that they are part of the same larger problem. The environment in media which has allowed for News Corp.’s corruption is the same environment in which Time Warner’s CNN and General Electric’s MSNBC have flourished. Within the last few decades, we have witnessed a remarkable evolution of news media around the world. The marriage of media, corporate interest, and government has created a sort of “media-industrial complex”, and the connection between Big Media and Big Brother is one that deserves to be explored. This symbiotic relationship between media giants and the government is one that has been enjoyed by both parties for quite some time. In the absence of outright bribes, as alleged in the News of the World scandal, favors are exchanged, and no one’s back goes without scratching. And when it comes time for our government to move the public along on a difficult or divisive issue, such as war, Big Media is quick to beat the drums. This is made all the easier in recent times since former poli-

ticians, high ranking military officials, and Washington insiders — like George Stephanopoulos, David Gergen, Karl Rove, Oliver North, and so on — now appear to have retirement plans in place at one of the few major news networks. The problem is then compounded when only a few corporate interests control most of the major news outlets in our country. In fact, only five corporations, News Corp. (FOX, FOX News), Time Warner (CNN), General Electric (NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, Telemundo), The Walt Disney Company (ABC, History), and National Amusement (CBS and Viacom) control all of the major sources of information the public receives. New frontiers online have helped to level the playing field a bit in the news business, but traditional media still holds most of the public’s attention. The Fourth Branch of Government, as it was once known, meant to keep the balance of power and the free flow of information in check, is now as embedded in greed and power-lust as the rest of the branches. In search of ratings and the almighty dollar, the “news” today serves more to entertain than to inform. If there is any doubt, recall the number of times Casey Anthony or Anthony Weiner’s wiener has been discussed in mainstream media, compared to the number of inquiries into our current military operations in Libya, Syria, Yemen, or Pakistan. It is this greediness, at least in part, that leads unscrupulous reporters, like those of the News of the World, to hack the phones of grieving families, in search of that all elusive exclusive story. The silver lining in this egregious violation by News Corp. and the ensuing scandal is perhaps the newfound attention that media consolidation is and will be receiving. Usually, an FCC ruling will receive as much attention in the mainstream media as a new city works project: little to none. Perhaps the next time this unelected, unaccountable governmental body meet to make a decision on how we the people receive our information, more of the public will be paying attention. Within the current news climate, alternative sources of information are needed more than ever. The public not only deserves, but also requires information untainted by Washington influence and unfiltered through a corporate master. u WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

News

TAMIU group aims to spread awareness about Darfur arfur is a region in the Republic of Sudan, Africa, left in shambles after the end of the Darfur conflict, a six-year civil war that resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and displaced an estimated 3 million people. Though the war is now considered over for the most part — United Nations General Martin Agwai declared it so in August 2009, according to the BBC — the refugees of Darfur are left picking up the pieces of their lives. Across the Atlantic in a Texas A&M International University classroom in Billie F. Cowart Hall, a small group of students meet to explore how they can help the people of Darfur. One member lends another a copy of Darfur Now, a 2007 documentary that examined the genocide in the Darfur region. Documentary films such as Darfur Now and Sand and Sorrow inspired TAMIU student Edgar Gonzalez to start this local chapter of STAND, a self-described “student anti-genocide coalition.” “I guess the reason it’s so important to me is that it is a genocide and it seemed like something from the past to me. When I thought genocide, I thought Holocaust,” Gonzalez said at a STAND meeting. “I think, this is happening now, and I felt like there was a moral responsibility to do something about it.”

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hdptcar/Flickr

By CRISTINA HERRERA LareDOS Staff

Darfuri refugees receive food aid from the World Food Programme Gonzalez got word that TAMIU exchange student Cornelius Kipkorir had started a group of his own dedicated to advocating against genocide and aiding Darfur refugees. “I went to school with some of the people who were displaced from the Sudan. When this came up, I said, ‘Oh wow, this is a good initiative,’” Kipkorir said. “One of the things I believe is that education is the best thing you can ever give to someone. If they don’t have someone to look up to, then it’s a moral responsibility on us to maybe give a little bit of what we have or even generating that awareness that genocide is bad.” Kipkorir had teamed up with TAMIU instructor Barbara Baker, who attended a conference in February where she met famed human rights activist John Prendergast, author of The Enough Moment and co-founder of the Enough Project, which is dedicated to ending genocide and crimes against humanity.

”Meeting Mr. Prendergast was a great opportunity for me. I really decided I wanted to start the Darfur Dream Team here after that, and that’s when I connected with Cornelius [Kipkorir],” Baker said. Now, Gonzalez, Kipkorir, and Baker are ready to become an official TAMIU student organization before the fall semester, so they can start fundraising and engaging in other group activities. Gonzalez is currently the president of STAND. One of the projects Gonzalez said the group wants to undertake is a fundraiser to sell Chick-filA sandwiches. TAMIU students might also be able to look forward to a visit from Prendergast in the coming semesters, as STAND has applied for an $8,000 grant with the Laredo Gateway Rotary Club to bring the activist to Laredo. Continued on page 29

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Clinton Steeds/Flickr

News

Lengthy drought takes toll on Texas wildlife By KATE GALBRAITH The Texas Tribune

exas is now nine months into one of the worst droughts in recorded state history, and it shows no signs of abating. That’s bad news for city dwellers who must use ever less water for their lawns, but it’s worse for many wildlife and fish, which find their habitats drying up. The drought has made things “very difficult in lots of ways for wildlife,” said Kirby Brown, an official with the Texas Wildlife Association, a landowner and hunter group. Even if they can find water, the animals may have trouble getting enough food, as trees and plants suffer from the lack of moisture. In West Texas, one of the areas of the state worst hit by the drought, local newspapers have reported animals creeping into cities in search of bugs that reside on lawns, and other nourishment. Wild turkeys are in trouble, Brown said. So are quail, and deer. It’s fawning season for deer around the state, and they won’t get much to eat. “We’ll see very low fawn production,” Brown said. Deer hunters should also expect less spectacular antlers this year, when hunting season begins. “I suspect most of the folks that are hunting deer for trophies won’t be seeing those trophies,” Brown said. However, he added, hunting may be especially beneficial this year, to “take a few more mouths off the range.” Hunters will see the impact in September, when the Texas dove hunting season kicks off. Squirrel hunting in October will also be tough.

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Fish are in trouble, too. “We’re expecting we’re going to lose a lot of trout this season,” said Mark Dillow, president of Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited, the largest arm of a national anglers conservation group. Higher temperatures in the Guadalupe River, and less water flowing through it below Canyon Lake Dam, have hurt the fish, he said. His group asks anglers not to target trout in waters over 68 degrees; these days the water temperature is more like 75 degrees. Some fish will find cold-water springs that feed the river and survive, but plenty more will struggle. Trout Unlimited encourages catchand-release practices, but even that might tip an already stressed fish over the edge. Dillow said that he fished over the Fourth of July holiday last year but did not venture out this past weekend. Campgrounds and tubing venues and other river businesses are hurting, he said. One bright spot amid the terrible dryness may be the impact on feral hogs, which are such a nuisance that the Legislature voted this year to approve the “pork chopper” bill, allowing landowners to hunt them down by helicopter. “Anytime you have drought conditions like this, the young piglets and sows do suffer and they tend to go down, which most of us are very glad about, I’ve just got to tell you,” Brown said. “We will see a reduction in the pigs. The problem is the next time it rains, you’ve got a litter of seven, and eight should survive.” (This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at http://trib.it/ qIAnkG.) u

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News

UISD student featured in child labor documentary

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The Harvest/La Cosecha Zulema Lopez is featured on the film poster for The Harvest. While her schoolmates are on summer vacation, Lopez works up to 12-hour shifts on farms in Michigan under strenuous conditions. dents struggle to keep up with their education after having spent months away working on a farm. While the Office of Migrant Education intends to give migrant students access to year-round day care and schooling, most children are affected by the lack of consistent schooling. The documentary also portrays the hazardous conditions children are subject to, including pesticides, while working in 100-degree weather with unlimited hours and less than minimum wage pay. A National Migrant Resources Program study shows that migrant children have a higher chronic disease and death rate than other children. The Harvest premiered at the International Documentary Film Festival IDFA in Amsterdam in November 2010 and at the Guadalajara International Film Festival this past March. u

María Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

ulema Lopez is not your average student from Salvador Garcia Middle School. She is a migrant student who travels with her family to Michigan every summer to work in the fields. Lopez is also one of the individuals featured in The Harvest, a documentary about agricultural child labor in the United States. Directed by U. Roberto Romano and produced by television actress Eva Longoria, the film depicts the average day of children as young as 12 years of age working up to 12 hours a day in strenuous conditions. Romano attended UISD’s migrant program’s Family Science Festival at Ruiz Elementary on June 23, where he encouraged parents to spread awareness of educational migrant program options and opportunities to keep children in school to other migrant parents. “Welcome to the life of our farm worker children and their families,” Romano said. “And don’t be fooled by all the noise surrounding ‘illegal immigrants.’ Most of these children are American citizens.” Migrant students are students that move with their families as many as three times each school year. Along with their parents, who are usually farm workers, these students are forced to move depending on the picking of seasonal crops. Holding the U.S. accountable for providing the agriculture industry with “significantly more lenient labor laws,” the film documents the health and educational risks children farm workers face. The Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs found that half of the children who perform regular farm work never graduate from high school. Lopez, like many other migrant students across the country, is taken out of school before the end of the school year to assist her family at work. Often returning a quarter of the way into the new school year, most migrant stu-

Courtesy of Shine Global

By ALEXA URA LareDOS Staff

Why fix it when you can wait for an outage? San Ygnacio residents are worried that the AEP/CPL pole at Garza Avenue and State Highway 83 may lean itself onto the ground and cause power outages that would stop the operation of businesses and cause much discomfort to many of the elderly residents who live there. Though reportedly brought to the attention of the power company numerous times, there has been no effort to replace the pole or repair the line along Garza Avenue that hangs perilously close to the ground.

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

News & Commentary

Rep. Michele Bachmann’s most outrageous remarks Editor’s note: Recently, Fox News’ Chris Wallace asked Michele Bachmann if she was a flake. Below is a compendium of some of her more outlandish remarks. Judge for yourself. This article has been shortened from its original form. ometime this month, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) is expected to travel to Waterloo, Iowa to officially announce her presidential candidacy. Her odds, while firmly in Hail Mary territory, are still better than you might think: With Republicans less than thrilled with the primary field, Bachmann stands at least a fighter’s chance in socially conservative states like Iowa and South Carolina. Now in just her third term in Congress, Bachmann, the leader of the House tea party caucus, has earned a reputation as one of the lower chamber’s leading bombthrowers, lobbing overheated rhetoric at Democrats and needling establishment Republicans. Her Minnesota colleague, Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison once accused her of “psycho talk”; in an interview with Politico, a Pawlenty aide was just as blunt: “She’s a real pain in the ass.” Former state senator Dean Johnson, who was the Republican minority leader during Bachmann’s stint in St. Paul, has said, “I don’t think I ever served with anybody who I mistrusted more, from either side of the aisle.” Ouch. Bachmann also has a tendency to stretch the truth, or simply sidestep it altogether. Bill Adair, editor of PolitiFact, recently told Minnesota Public Radio that he has never researched a Bachmann quote and found it to be true (the only major politician for which that’s the case). Here’s an incomplete guide to Bachmann’s greatest hits:

2001: In a letter she co-wrote for the Minnesota-based Maple River Education Coalition, Bachmann warns that President Bush’s education policies are leading the nation down the path to communism: “Government is implementing policies that will lead to poverty, not prosperity, by adopting the failed ideas of a state-planned

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and managed economy similar to that of the former Soviet Union.” 2003: Bachmann, then a state senator, explains why she doesn’t agree with the theory of evolution: “Where do we say that a cell became a blade of grass, which became a starfish, which became a cat, which became a donkey, which became a human being? There’s a real lack of evidence from change from actual species to a different type of species. That’s where it’s difficult to prove.” Don’t even get her started on how a bill becomes a law. 2003: Bachmann sends out a Christmas Card advertising the availability of her youngest son, Lucas: “Chick magnate [sic] needs wife to put him through med school, clean house, pay bills and run his life. Must be willing to gamble against onslaught of socialized medicine diminishing return on investment.” 2004: With the country locked in a

Courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

By Tim Murphy MotherJones.com

Glenn, I have experienced that throughout my political career being labeled a kook. It just happened again in a big story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. But all we have to do is point to the treasury secretary on tape, on camera. This is not Michele Bachmann being a kook. This is our treasury secretary on tape and on camera.

Michele Bachmann speaking to Fox News’ Glenn Beck in 2009 about a “One World currency”

the conservative education group EdWatch: maybe the cancer will give her time to reflect on her sinful lifestyle: “Unfortunately she is now suffering from breast cancer, so keep her in your prayers. This may be an opportunity for her now to be open to some spiritual things, now that she is suffering with

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann speaks at the 2010 CPAC

heated debate over gay marriage, Bachmann finds parallels in the Old Testament: “We’re in a state of crisis where our nation is literally ripping apart at the seams right now, and lawlessness is occurring from one ocean to the other. And we’re seeing the fulfillment of the Book of Judges here in our own time, where every man doing that which is right in his own eyes—in other words, anarchy.” 2004: Songwriter Melissa Etheridge has breast cancer. That’s bad news. But there’s good news too, Bachmann tells

that physical disease. She is a lesbian.” In the same speech, she alleges that “almost all, if not all, individuals who have gone into the lifestyle have been abused at one time in their life, either by a male or by a female.” 2005: Bachmann explains her opposition to the state’s minimum wage as a form of job creation: “Literally, if we took away the minimum wage—if conceivably it was gone—we could potentially virtually wipe out unemployment completely because we would be able to offer jobs at whatever

level.” 2006: Campaigning for a seat in the House, Bachmann delivers a five-minute prayer for You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International, an anti-gay heavy metal ministry that promotes the gospel to public school students: “I thank you for how you are going to advance them from 260 schools a year, Lord, to 2,600 schools a year. Lord, we ask by faith that you would expand this ministry beyond anything the originators of this ministry could begin to think or imagine.” 2007: In an interview with the St. Cloud Times, Bachmann drops a bombshell: Iran is planning on turning all of Northwest Iraq into a secret terrorist training camp: “Iran is the troublemaker trying to tip over apple carts all over Baghdad right now because they want America to pull out. And you know why? It’s because they’ve already decided, that they’re going to territory, they’re- they’re going to partition Iraq and half of Iraq, the western northern portion of Iraq is going to be called, the United, uh, the, the uh, -oh, I’m sorry, I can’t remember the actual name of it now, but it’s going to be called, um, uh, the, the, uh, uh the Iraq State of Islam, something like that.” 2008: Just two weeks before election day, Bachmann calls for an investigation into the anti-American ambitions of Barack Obama and congressional Democrats: “What I would say is that the news media should do a penetrating expose and take a look. I wish they would. I wish the American media would take a great look at the views of the people in Congress and find out if they are pro-America or anti-America.” WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

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And so people are afraid. They’re afraid to speak back to government. They’re afraid to say anything.’ Is that what we want for our future? That takes us to gangster government at that point!” 2010: After House Democrats propose using a relatively standard parliamentary procedures to pass the Affordable Care Act, Bachmann calls for an investigation: “Well, yeah, and the other thing is treason media. Where is the mainstream media in all of this not telling this story? This is a compelling story. That the Speaker of the House would even consider having us pass a bill that no one votes on. That should laugh her out of the House and there should be people that are calling for impeachment off of something like this.” 2010: Ever vigilant of bureaucratic waste, Bachmann alleges that President Obama’s trip to India will be more expensive than the entire war in Afghanistan: “The president of the United States will be taking a trip over to India that is expected to cost the taxpayers $200 million a day. He’s taking 2,000 people with him. He will be renting out over 870 rooms in India. And these are five-star hotel rooms at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. This is the kind of over-the-top spending.” An exasperated White House spokesman later said the charges, which stemmed from an anonymous official in the west Indian state of Maharashtra, had “no basis in reality.” 2011: In a speech to New Hampshire tea partiers, Bachmann crafts an alternative history of the American Revolution: “What I love about New Hampshire and what we have in common is our extreme love for liberty. You’re the state where the shot was heard around the world in Lexington and Concord.” 2011: As the House GOP prepares to vote on a continuing resolution to fund the government, Bachmann urges her colleagues to hold the line: “This is our mice or men moment. We need to show whether we are mice or men.” The bill passes; we’re mice, apparently. 2011: Bachmann suggests an unlikely fix to the nation’s long-term deficit: “I think if we give Glenn Beck the numbers, he can solve this.” 2011: Seizing on an administration directive to promote energy-efficient light bulbs, Bachmann accuses the administration of banning light bulbs altogether: “I think Thomas Edison did a pretty patriotic thing for this country by inventing the light bulb and I think darn well you New Hampshirites, if you want to want to buy Thomas Edison’s wonderful invention you should be able to!” (To subscribe to free e-mail updates from Mother Jones, go to motherjones.com/newsletter.) u

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2009: Picking up on Sarah Palin’s debunked warning abut “death panels” in the Affordable Care Act, Bachmann declares: “If you are a grandmother with Parkinson’s or a child with cerebral palsy, watch out.” 2009: Bachmann goes on Glenn Beck’s Fox program to discuss the specter of “One World currency” and delivers what historians may later dub her “I am not a kook!” speech. “Glenn, I have experienced that throughout my political career being labeled a kook. It just happened again in a big story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. But all we have to do is point to the treasury secretary on tape, on camera. This is not Michele Bachmann being a kook. This is our treasury secretary on tape and on camera.” A visibly confused Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner had told Bachmann he was not aware of any plan to replace the dollar. 2009: As the nation (aided, perhaps, by Vice President Joe Biden) freaks out over Swine Flu, Bachmann implies—while stressing that she isn’t—that this whole thing might have been Obama’s doing: “I find it interesting that it was back in the 1970s that the swine flu broke out then under another Democrat president, Jimmy Carter. And I’m not blaming this on President Obama, I just think it’s an interesting coincidence.” 2009: Bachmann frets that Democrats’ cap-and-trade legislation, which proposed using the powers of the free market to create carbon exchanges, posed an existential threat to all Americans: “I want people in Minnesota armed and dangerous on this issue of the energy tax because we need to fight back. Thomas Jefferson told us ‘having a revolution every now and then is a good thing,’ and the people—we the people—are going to have to fight back hard if we’re not going to lose our country. And I think this has the potential of changing the dynamic of freedom forever in the United States.” 2009: Bachmann argues that abnormally large emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide can’t be regulated because if we did, birds would lose their natural habitat—air: “Life on planet Earth can’t even exist without carbon dioxide. So necessary is it to human life, to animal life, to plant life, to the oceans, to the vegetation that’s on the Earth, to the, to the fowl that—that flies in the air, we need to have carbon dioxide as part of the fundamental lifecycle of Earth.” 2010: Bachmann warns that critics of the Affordable Care Act will be denied coverage, based on their political beliefs. As evidence, she cites a conversation with a Japanese man who told her that in Japan, health care reform opponents are afraid to speak up: “’Well why is that,’ I asked. [He said], ‘Because they know that would get on a list and they wouldn’t get health care. They wouldn’t get in. They wouldn’t get seen.

Trash by Falcon Lake This trash, found right off Highway 83, makes a path down to Falcon Lake in Zapata. The pile is filled with plastic, old tire pieces, and other material likely hazardous to the lake and its ecosystem.

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

News

By CRISTINA HERRERA LareDOS Staff

udge Elma Salinas Ender, who presides over the 341st district court of Webb County, will leave the bench in December 2012 after a nearly 30-year career as district judge. Ender was only 30 years old in 1984 when she became a district judge. She was notable for being the first female judge in Texas and the youngest judge in the state at that time. After receiving her law degree in 1978, Ender worked at several law offices and taught business law at Laredo State University for a year. The judge has also been very active in the law community since she graduated, serving as president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association in the early 1980s and president of the Texas District Judge’s Association from 1995 to 1996, among many other achievements. We sat down with Judge Ender in her spacious office, surrounded by ceiling-high bookcases with family photos and law books, to look back at her career on the bench. Q: Have you always wanted a career in law? A: I actually formulated that in middle school. I read a novel, and it was about a female attorney, and it kind of interested me, and then my dad used to always call me “la abogada” [the lawyer], so I guess I must’ve always stated my position and argued it. Q: Why did you finally choose law? A: I guess most of the people that I thought were actually doing something were attorneys, mostly in the executive branch or legislative branch. I remember listening to John F. Kennedy when I was young, and he had sent in the National Guard to the University of Mississippi, and he gave a very moving speech. And I remember my father saying everybody had a right to an education, and I saw how important lawyers were. I grew up and there were a lot of things that were changing. It seemed that if you wanted anything to be accomplished, the legal field was the way to go. Q: How did you come upon this job?

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What does it take to become a district judge? A: Well, I actually probably was at the right place at the right time. I was very young — I had just turned 30 when I got appointed — but that year I was serving as president of the Young Lawyers Association, and we were asked by one of the sitting judges to assist in all the effort to build support in the community for the creation of a new district court, so we were doing that. One of the female attorneys was very interested in having a female serve, and she basically encouraged me to seek the appointment. Q: You were the first Mexican-American female judge in Texas. How did that feel? A: I was shocked, actually. It was brought to my attention by the governor’s office. I was also the youngest female ever appointed, but I was shocked, because after all, that was 1983. But I felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders because I didn’t want to fail. It wasn’t so much about me, it was about not having somebody else in Austin saying, ‘Well, we

gender or race? A: Not so much race since we’re in, well, Laredo, but perhaps there might have been some difficulties. On the other hand, when I was campaigning, I felt doors open. The men didn’t want to see the opportunities for their daughters be destroyed. It was really a very interesting time. And of course the women were very proud that there was a female on the bench, so I felt very welcomed. In many ways you might’ve thought those were barriers, but they were actually strengths. Q: How do you think the judicial system has changed during your years on the bench? A: We’ve seen the creation of two other courts since I’ve been on the bench, so that’s helped us distribute the cases. Our caseload has increased, and it’s kind of funny because we thought we’d see a drop like in some of the other cities because of tort reform, but because of our location, we have still so many cases having to do with commercial litigation, accidents, and

I think all of us kind of learn something everyday that redirects us and says, ‘Well, you know, I can do a little bit better.’ And I’m always one to take advantage of life’s lessons. Judge Elma Salinas Ender can’t appoint another person because look at what happened with Elma Salinas.’ So, I worked really hard. When I got appointed, there was no operating budget or capital budget. No planning had been done for the creation of the new court, so I actually had to locate a place and have the county rent it and supervise renovations, shut down my office, and prepare to run for office. Q: How long did it take to build it up? A: Actually in a few months, we dedicated it, and the whole court of appeals from San Antonio came down to reaffirm my oath. Q: Do you think you encountered any barriers or difficulties because of your

oil and gas. We expect oil and gas litigation to actually increase with all this other activity going on. So it’s kind of the economic activity in Webb County has kept us up, and also the criminal activity has increased. When I got on the bench, we used to be jealous if the other court got the murder case for the year, and now the number of violent crimes has increased. There are a lot more problems in our community that we have to face with additional growth in population. Q: What was one of the most challenging things you encountered? A: I think probably [finding] a balance between work and family and the community. Obviously wanting to be involved in

Courtesy of Elma Salinas Ender

District Judge Ender to retire after nearly 30 years on the bench

Judge Elma Salinas Ender

the community to affect positive change, but also trying to be there for your family. Q: How do you think you found that balance? A: Oh, I don’t think anybody ever finds the perfect balance. I think everybody tries very hard, and I have a very loving and understanding spouse, so I think that my family’s understanding and accepting of all this was one of the reasons I’ve been able to stay in office so long. Q: What decision or case do you think made the most impact, or stuck with you? A: I don’t know if I could really single out any of them, but it’s interesting because when I was younger, I used to like different type of movies, and now I like comedies and something light. I’ll be doing laundry and walk by my husband, and he’ll be watching Law & Order and I’m going, ‘Oh yeah, I had a case like that a few years ago,’ and I’ll walk off. But I don’t bring my work home, so I don’t talk about it at home really. I think a couple of times there were things that might’ve made an impression on me. I remember there was one child abuse case and my oldest daughter was 6 months old and this child was 6 months old. And just thinking that that could’ve possibly happened to a 6-month-old little girl and I had a little girl — it kind of made an impression on me. WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

Q: Going into campaign mode, did you have any experience doing it before, and how was it making the transition into politics? A: I absolutely had no experience in campaigning, but I was blessed. I had a wonderful support system and I had a number of friends who joined up and recruited others to form a political action committee named “The Committee to Keep Elma Salinas Ender Judge,” and they’ve been with me all these years. Q: What would you tell a young person who’s interested in having a career in law, and maybe becoming a judge one day?

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A: The advice I would give is that you have to basically work extremely hard to get the education and the experience that you need as well as really giving it 110 percent when you are out there campaigning. I know that when I ran for office, I knew I would be in this community for the rest of my life, and I ran a campaign that I would be proud of, in the sense that I didn’t want it to be a negative campaign. I wanted to be able to stand up straight, and whether I won or not, know that I had conducted myself in a manner that I would be proud of and that my family would be proud of. So, I worked really hard. Q: What do you plan to do after you retire? A: I’ve already been invited back [as a visiting judge] in January of 2013 and February of 2013. I don’t really have a firm exit plan. I think it was a huge decision not to run, because obviously I will have done this about half of my life. There’s going to be a transition period, but I really want to continue to have a visiting judge status, so that would mean I would have to have a limited law practice and maybe actually try to develop a mediation-arbitration practice. u

María Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

Q: Is there anything that you would go back and do differently? A: Probably, but I’m not one to dwell on the past. I think all of us can look back and say, ‘Wow, I wish I could’ve done this differently,’ but I’d like to think that instead I learn from that and hopefully won’t make the same mistake, or approach things in a different matter. I think all of us kind of learn something everyday that redirects us and says, ‘Well, you know, I can do a little bit better.’ And I’m always one to take advantage of life’s lessons.

Outside San Ygnacio’s best eatery Houstonites Alfonso and Sandy Varela enjoyed a day in San Ygnacio, including a great meal at Mar y Tierra. They are pictured with their meticulously cared for 1981 Buick Regal that has only 40,000 miles on the odometer.

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Feature

By LEM LONDOS RAILSBACK LareDOS Contributor

n the May issue of LareDOS, I described some of the changes that I had noticed over the last six decades during my recent trip to Las Vegas. Some of the changes were extraordinary — the Monorail, the Venetian, the Bellagio, and the Fremont Street Experience. Some were not extraordinary, like the expansion of the Circus Circus box, and some were just ordinary and not spectacular in any feature, like the Trump structure. In an even earlier issue, I had listed several of the changes from the last four decades that I had observed in San Francisco on my trip to that awesome city of diversity and sophistication. Back home, in a moment of reflection on the various changes that I have observed in several major cities, I realized that the same thing is happening to our own sister cities. I can still remember when the old Wooden Nickel Bar was outside the city limits. And so was the old drive-in theater; the sign for that great old movie center pictured a Polled Herford bull looking toward the highway with an airplane circling one of his horns. In those days, I frequented the Tumble Inn, which, over time, actually tumbled in. At the old Plaza Theatre, I saw several wonderful movies. The other downtown theater just down the street west of the Plaza offered movie classics in Spanish: comedy by Cantinflas or Tin Tan, songs by Antonio Aguilar, and the beauty of Lupe Velez. Those two theaters provided me a spe-

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cial opportunity. While I was at UT, I frequented the theater just across the street west from the campus that presented a plethora of foreign films. As I came to work in Laredo, I discovered the two downtown movie houses and continued my interest, with Mexican films as my specialty. Both structures are still standing, albeit modified enormously, but they don’t show movies anymore. I can remember when the International Bridge No. 1 had neither air conditioning nor fans outside to blow away the fumes of idling cars. There is no telling just how many Border Patrol and Customs agents of those days developed health problems because of the lack of ventilation. At the intersection of Nuevo Laredo’s Matamoros and Victoria streets, I can stand on the north east side and view the old Longoria Bank, then look south across the street at Marti’s, and then look to the southwest to view the Cadillac Bar. Marti’s facilities are for sale or for rent. The Cadillac Bar used to be the fine restaurant called the Winery, but for several years it has been the new home for the Cadillac Bar. The original Cadillac Bar, located down further a few blocks and to the left, introduced the Ramos Gin Fizz and Louisiana cooking to Nuevo Laredo many decades ago. Don Federico’s bank is currently being remodeled, apparently for uses other than banking; the building is “boarded up” and some outside features are being refinished. When my friend Steve Lillard — appointed to the Texas Good Neighbor Commission by Gov. Dolph Briscoe and, later, by Gov. Bill Clements — would come over from Zapata, we would go across and enjoy a light lunch and/or cof-

Courtesy of Lem Londos Railsback

Changes to Laredo, sister city remind us to preserve heritage

Immersed in culture Thousands of Nuevo Laredo shops have closed in the past few years, but this one has persisted in selling religious and folk items. fee with Mr. Longoria. I am still amazed at the large “Longoria 1929” building on the left of Guerrero Avenue a few blocks south. On my way back to this side last week, I noticed a new store that sells statues, carved walking canes, cast and painted “suns,” and artifacts from several different religions and cultures. Just north across the street from the first plaza at the eastern corner, the store was overflowing with decorative mementos for the home, den, or shrine. In contrast, one of my close acquaintances from the

other side told me that over 3,000 businesses have closed in Nuevo Laredo over the past few years. The recent relocation of major hospital facilities in Laredo is amazing. So is the construction of Bob Bullock Loop. Recently, a friend was driving me around north Laredo, and I was very surprised to notice so much change. Before our trip was over, we sort of stumbled into what appeared to be an electricity farm a few miles east of town. In summary, change is happening here, WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

too. And in tandem with the notion of change in the physical environment goes the notion of change in the human environment. In other words, many of the “oldsters” that really shaped and enriched our town have passed, some noticed by the media and some unnoticed. And so we finally arrive at the central purpose of this commentary: We need to remember those to whom we owe so much. I offer the example of a good and honest man who owned and managed the wonderful grocery store in my old neighborhood. Alfredo Santos established a grocery business in, I believe, Lampazos, Mexico. There is still a concrete bench in the park in front of the church there with “Alfredo Santos 1936” inscribed on its front. By that time, Mr. Santos had achieved a sizable business success. In time, he moved to Nuevo Laredo and established another, larger general store. His two sons worked in the store. One of them used to wear a pistol and escort Steve Lillard to his car whenever Steve and the father had negotiated a Swift-and-Company deal, and Steve was carrying a lot of cash. Eventually, Mr. Santos moved across the international boundary and established the Alfredo Santos Grocery that I knew. When Mr. Santos passed on, son Arnulfo took over the management of the store. Whenever customers addressed Arnulfo as “Alfredo,” Arnulfo would smile and keep working. He eventually served as a Webb County commissioner. The other brother, the little bodyguard for Steve, had earlier served as Webb County judge. Except for their families and close friends, these two honorable men are probably unknown by members of our last two generations. A written history of the whole family over the last three generations, particularly of the two brothers, could serve as models for school children. But who is to take the time to fully research and interview and interpret and summarize and write? After all, whenever a person dies, that person survives on earth only so long as that person’s relatives and friends remember that person. After all those family members and friends die without passing on a permanent statement of the person’s contributions, then that person ceases to exist as a member of the community. In other words, we need to preserve our heritage. So many contributions have been and are being made to make our general quality of life so much more comfortable, efficient, and inspiring. The least that we could do in order to properly pass on their legacies would be to document those legacies and by doing so, show appreciation WWW. L A R E D O S NE W S . C O M

for our builders/molders/enhancers of La Frontera. With all of the various research efforts funded nationally, I am amazed that so many of the contributors listed below have been left un-researched, undocumented, and, therefore, unnamed. Who organized and led the first labor strike in the Laredo area? Who was chiefly responsible for introducing bilingual education in Laredo before the federal effort was even envisioned? Who thought first and who did the most to effect the construction of Lake Casa Blanca? Who brought the first bus lines, passenger trains, and airlines to Laredo? How far reaching were the effects of Vidal Trevino’s institutionalization of the first magnet school in Laredo? Was it really the first? Who donated the land on which both Martin High School and Christen Middle School now sit? Which retired aviation engineer first offered the suggestion to “sell the ‘streets’ of Laredo” in order to get rid of the “alleys” that were never developed by the city and, therefore, were never generating any taxes? (Former Mayor Aldo Tatangelo’s “selling the Streets of Laredo” brought in much-needed revenue to the city — or did it?) Who was the immigrant engineer who invented a special device to pump water from the Río Grande and onto our longago agricultural fields? (Laredo had its “big farms” long before the Valley had its own because the engineer lived in Laredo and tried his invention here first.) Who was the progressive newspaper publisher in Laredo during the preWWII days? And so on and so on. I would hope that some governmental, civic, educational, and/or college entity would sponsor the collection of relevant information about so many of the individuals and groups who have made life more comfortable, more rational, more efficient, more enjoyable, and more significant for us on the border. Further, I would hope that such collected information would be appropriately processed and minted into readily readable materials that our school children could consume. I suspect that if our young folk could realize the richness of those long-ago efforts, the sacrifices, and the gifts that have made their lives so blessed, they would not expect life to be so “free.” They might even learn some respect for all those old contributors. They might even learn some respect for their own elders, especially their parents. u LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

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María Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

News

Bruni campaign announcement Louis H. Bruni, former Webb County judge and Laredo City Council member, formally announced his candidacy for county commissioner Precinct 1. He greeted supporters and members of the media at the July 8 kickoff event at Mariscos el Pescador on Zapata Highway.

Clean, abundant water; more law enforcement; more jobs

By ALEXA URA LareDOS Staff

ormer Webb County Judge Louis H. Bruni officially launched his campaign for County Commissioner of Precinct 1. One of Bruni’s main concerns is a secondary water source for Laredo, he announced. “We cannot depend on the Río Grande as our only water supply,” Bruni said to more than 50 constituents that attended a press conference July 5 at Mariscos El Pescador on Zapata Highway. “We must secure a secondary source of water.” Bruni, who credited his team with the creation of the Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer while he was county judge, said that inWWW. L A R E D O S NE W S . C O M

dustry would leave Laredo if the city runs out of water. Economic development is dependent on a city with an ample supply of water, he said. According to Bruni, the aquifer was producing 600 gallons of “pure artesian” water a minute. An asset that is as precious as coal and oil, he said that clean water is pertinent to a successful city. “Co-mingling” aquifer water into the city’s water supply is his resolution to allocating a secondary water source for the city. He plans to rekindle the plan, that was already in motion when he left the county judge’s office. “When I left, I had seven more drilling sites and the funding to do it, but they abandoned [the plan] because of a lack of

foresight,” Bruni said. He will face incumbent Commissioner Frank Sciaraffa in county elections next year. Sciaraffa has held the position for two terms. Bruni, who also served as City Councilman of District 2 for two terms, said there was currently a lack of open-door policy and that he wanted to reinstate transparency in Precinct 1. “I am here to serve, not to serve myself,” he said promising that, if elected, he would separate half of his pay as commissioner into a fund dedicated to help constituents in need. Followed by a cheer from constituents, Bruni said he plans to represent and work for the “disenfranchised” citizens of south

Laredo. Coming from a long history of public servants is something that pushes him, he said, and he hopes to uphold this tradition and create leadership amongst commissioners. City Council member Mike Garza and former Vehicles for Hire Committee member Rosie Centeno were also present at the campaign launch. Bruni said that he also wants to address job creation concerns in the business sector in order to provide stability to south Laredo and Precinct 1. Funding for law enforcement is also a concern for the commissioner candidate. He said he wants to secure proper equipment, the best technology, and latest vehicles for local officers. u LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

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Continued from page 17 “If we get that, it’ll allow for a visit from him, and we should know in August or September,” Baker said. “So we’re kind of setting up the framework right now.” The STAND group is also focusing on the Darfur Dream Team project, a collaborative effort between the Enough Project and other prominent human rights groups. The Dream Team project has brought organizations and professional basketball players together to work on the Sister Schools Program, “an initiative linking American middle schools, high schools, and universities with schools in 12 Darfuri refugee camps in eastern Chad,” according to the official website for the project. Baker hopes that TAMIU students will eventually be able to talk to Darfuri refugees via webcast, but is unsure if the technology to do that could be set up overseas. “So it might be the old-fashioned way, writing letters and such,” she said. Gonzalez hopes that the group will bring greater awareness about Darfur and genocide to TAMIU students and all Laredoans. He said one of the main long-term goals for the group was to get people to care about the issue.

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“I feel like it’s neglected and many have become desensitized to a lot of the problems in the world,” he said. “You’ll tell people that women are getting raped, individuals are being torched, and people are getting killed because of their tribe, and it doesn’t seem to get a rise out of them; they don’t get angry about it. Sometimes anger can be good, it can help you do things for a good cause” Gonzalez also envisions all 6,853 students of TAMIU sending letters to their congressmen, urging them to take action for Darfur refugees. “I think just if the politicians of the U.S. see that enough people care about this, then they will be inclined to do something about it,” he said. Gonzalez also criticized the media for not paying enough attention to the conflict in Darfur, which is one of the reasons he is reaching out to local media. Kipkorir said powerful countries such as the U.S. and China seem to ignore the Darfur conflict for one simple reason: “It’s oil — everyone tries to stay a certain distance away from it to stay on the good side for oil. It’s all politics,” Kipkorir said. For more information about the club or to join the group’s mailing list, e-mail Edgar Gonzalez at edgargonzalez@dusty.tamiu.edu. u

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Feature

La Posada Hotel celebrates its 50th anniversary By ALEXA URA LareDOS Staff

cross from San Agustín Plaza, the historic La Posada Hotel holds its rightful place as Laredo’s premier hostelry. Renown for the quality of its service and five-star accomodations, the storied hotel celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The hotel’s footprint at 1000 Zaragoza St. consists of five buildings, four of which are designated historic structures — the 1916 Laredo High School building, the Bruni Home-Laredo Telephone Exchange Building, the Bartolomé García House-Capitol of the Republic of the Río Grande building, the old Ursuline House, and the 1961 hotel structure. The hotel’s San Agustín Ballroom occupies what was once the 19th century convent of the Sisters of the Divine Providence. From its romantic, villa-like balconies to its scenic courtyard views, the hotel reflects strong architectural ties to Spanish heritage and to Texan and Mexican cultures. The hotel that Tom Herring opened in 1961 was a complete reconfiguration of the high school, the building’s original Italianate facade transformed into a façade of Spanish Colonial Revival style. All that is left of the original school is the sandstone keystone located by the pool. Just as the old building was transformed, so was Herring’s life when he decided to leave behind his father’s business — Herring-Price Lumber Company — to become a hotelier. According to Adriana Herring, daughter-in-law of the hotel’s founder, it was a sacrifice that was well worth it in the end. She said the hotel was her father-in-law’s “life and passion” and he was loyal to all his employees whom he saw as family, Herring said. Her father-in-law saw the hotel’s staff as family, and attributed much of the hotel’s success to them, she said. “He would

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always say ‘these people work with me, not for me.’ It was not your typical hotel management style.” In 1994, Barbara Fasken purchased the hotel from the Herring family — a decision that Tim Herring, the son of the hotel’s founder, said proved beneficial to the sustainability of the downtown landmark. “The Faskens appreciated history,” said Herring. “So it seemed fitting. They’ve done a great job, and we have no regrets.”

Fasken, a member of the World War II female civilian Air Corps, continued to pilot airplanes through her late years. She was known for her love of Laredo and wanted a piece of Mexico on this side of the border, according to Jesus Najar, South Texas Community Outreach Coordinator for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Under Fasken’s fastidious direction, the hotel was transformed once more with a massive renovation, that along with infrastructure improvements brought light, WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

color, and elegance into the outdated guest rooms and the hotel’s public spaces. Owned by the Fasken family’s Palafox Hospitality Ltd., La Posada underwent a $17 million renovation in 2006 that upgraded every aspect of the hotel. According to the hotel’s marketing director Enrique Lobo, “No expense was spared.” He said the renovators were mindful of keeping the hotel’s historical integrity intact while upgrading infrastructure and the aesthetics of every individual sleeping room, and installing state-of-theart technology throughout the hotel. The hotel offers its guests two legendary restaurants just a few steps from their rooms. The two-story Tack Room Steak House at the corner of Zaragoza Street and Flores Avenue is a shaded short walk from the hotel’s Zaragoza Street entrance. Located in what was once the Bruni Home, which dates back to the 1800s and which once housed the Telephone Exchange Building, the structure dates back to the

the 1800s and was once the home of prominent rancher and Laredo mayor Bartolomé García. The museum is considered a historic house exhibit and features displays recreating an authentic 1830s home in Laredo. Throughout the hotel’s history, it has played host to notable public figures, including the Dalai Lama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, George W. Bush, and Ted Kennedy, as well as actors like Kirk Douglas and Jack Nicholson. Singers Ricky Martin, Rihanna, and the band Aerosmith have also stayed at La Posada. The hotel’s symbol — a Spanish doubloon that bears the image of King Philip V — represents security, trust, beauty, and value — ideals that the hotel management strives to uphold. An image of the coin is seen as an inlaid image in the Italian marble floor in the hotel’s lobby. La Posada Hotel takes its role seriously as a corporate citizen of Laredo, sponsoring various historic community events, in-

1800s. Like the Tack Room, the Zaragoza Grill just west of the lobby offers impeccable service and good food, the hallmark of both of La Posada’s restaurants and holiday buffets staged in the Tesoro Club. The Bartolomé García HouseCapitol of the Republic of the Río Grande building, a Mexican vernacular structure of sandstone block, now serves as the Museum of the Republic of the Río Grande. According to the Webb County Heritage Foundation archives, the building was constructed in

cluding WBCA festivities. “La Posada is an integral part of Laredo’s rich history and it will continue to be a pillar of the future of downtown and the community as a whole,” said Hector “Tito” Garcia, general manager of the hotel. The hotel is also the official hotel sponsor of Jamboozie and is also the host of the 16 de Septiembre Celebration organized by the Mexican Consulate. The Fasken family’s Prairie Foundation annually makes generous awards to Laredo nonprofits. Hospitality meets history at La Posada Hotel, allowing countless guests over five decades to experience the rich history of Laredo. “I’m sure the hotel will continue to be a central social meeting place in town for years to come,” said Herring. “My father always hoped that La Posada would always be the cornerstone of hospitality in Laredo.” u

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Zapata County fills the comp environmental burden for Ea By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Staff

Blocked gateway at Moss dump

The angry effort to detain me affirmed the value of my work By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Staff

here are defining moments in your life as a journalist that affirm what you hold most important about your job. It’s about truth-telling and the value of it to you and those who read what you write, and it’s always about the First Amendment and freedom of expression — the right to write and tell stories as you see them. Mayor Raul Salinas’ censorship of LareDOS in June 2007 and its assault on my Constitutionally guaranteed rights — and those of all journalists — was one such defining moment. In one single thoughtless gesture that put political vanity before the rights we all hold dear, he ordered LareDOS removed from the Laredo International Airport, and in doing so, he decided what I could say and what you could read. If you need a refresher on censorship in action, go to the YouTube segment on our website courtesy of airport surveillance cameras. (www. laredosnews.com) Enough said of an event that affixed for me for all time the value of what we do as chroniclers of stories and purveyors of news. On June 28 I drove into a place on State Highway 16 in Zapata County

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called Embark Environmental. I didn’t see a “No Trespassing” sign and no one came from the nearby buildings to question me. I drove on, awed by the unfolding filthy, black environmental debacle of huge proportions — oil field sludge and waste one-story high, pools of oil seeping into the ground, the sludge mixed in with pieces of the plastic liners that had once held the sludge at some other oilfield site and whatever refuse had been added to the mix. It was a toxic wasteland, a heartbreaking vision of ranchland put to its worst use; an environmental assault to surrounding landowners, ecosystems, wildlife, water sources, and the air. I snapped all the photos I could before an angry man showed up in a truck that blocked my ability to back up and get out. He demanded my camera and “film.” He wanted my drivers license. He was livid and ordered me to the office, one of the buildings near the entrance of the 80-acres of pits that have the permission of the underfunded, understaffed Texas Railroad Commission to perpetrate this kind of eco-horror. I snapped a couple of more photos as the angry man peeled out, and I drove slowly out of his sight around a mound of greasy, contaminated earth. Continued on page 38

ZAPATA — While the small rural communities of the 24 counties of the Eagle Ford Shale enjoy unprecedented economic growth 150 miles north on Highway 83, and while a few Zapata waste haulers are cashing in on the volume of Eagle Ford Shale oilfield waste, toxic dumpsites in Zapata County thrive like lethal dark blights on the ranch land along Highway 16. Astonishing Google Earth aerials of the J. L. Moss Investments, Inc./Embark Environmental facility 15 miles east of Zapata detail a shocking view of black, oily earth — 82.53 acres to be exact — that will likely have no reclamation value, so deep runs its 15-year accumulation of oilfield waste from Zapata County’s own gas exploration booms in better times past, and more recently that of the Eagle Ford Shale. At ground level, the J.L. Moss dumpsite, which has held a Texas Railroad Commission (RCC) land treatment permit to accept waste since December 20, 1996, there are hills and mounds of oil-drenched black earth, and pools of water mixed with oil and diesel. In every direction. This is no dump of colorful random plastics discarded by humans; this is a black hole of petro waste a story high and many cubic yards deep, the dumpsite for all things that went into the process of pulling oil or gas from the earth, tons and many thousands of cubic yards of heavy, lethal oil- and hydrocarbon-laced sludge and waste. The recognizable forms of wooden pallets, plastic bottles, sheets of plastic, and buckets were in the mix, inert muddied objects suspended in a toxic brew that grows by the hour with every arrival of opentopped 18-wheelers hauling waste from wells drilled in the Eagle Ford Shale. Per the two RRC permits for the facility, this blackened landscape accepts the “au-

The irony is not lost on this writer that at a facility so egregiously filthy and toxic, a state agency would make note of dangers to birds when the far greater concern is the assault to every living thing in proximity of the dump, humans and wildlife alike, that depend on clean air and clean water.

thorized waste, the non-reclaimable oil base drilling fluids and associated cuttings; nonreclaimable, non-hazardous bottoms from crude oil production/separation facilities; soil contaminated with crude oil; non-hazardous, non-injectable waste material from produced water collecting pits.” These were the “water base drilling fluid and associated cuttings (max. chlorides = 6,000 mg/l).” The vast tonnage and cubic yards of drilling waste are spread out with earthmoving equipment, raked, aerated, and then covered with soil, giving license to the chemicals and liquids in the mud to leach into the soil and make their way into the water table, allowable — incredibly — on a drought-ravaged landscape where every drop of water counts. Shocking beyond the look of the dead soil of this place is the idea that it could be legal, permissible within the framework of regulatory agencies and Texas law written

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ptroller’s coffers and carries agle Ford oil, gas exploration and enacted to protect water, soil, land, and Texans. Zapata County rancher José Oscar Dodier Jr., whose gate is six miles from the Moss site and the nearby U.S. Liquids disposal,

Some of us recently learned at a Safe Fracking Town Hall meeting that it is considered anathema to criticize an industry that is pouring such wealth into rural parts of Texas and providing much-needed employment. Is there not a way that this industry that benefits so greatly from the vast riches it is pulling from the earth could return the favor and handle its waste without environmental and health consequences?

said he respects the right of any landowners to do as they please with private property, but he objects to activities that “affect the quality of the environment of the neighbor’s land and or water quality.” Dodier said that air and water quality have long been the charge of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and that of the RRC when oil and gas are involved. “The nature of these agencies has al-

lowed for certain transgressions to exist. Any waste disposal operation should be held to compliance of any and all regulations that are in place. The RRC and TCEQ excuses for non vigilance vary from insufficient personnel to administer compliance and extreme bureaucratic procedures to allow for enforcement of any kind. There is little evidence of fines being administered due to failure to comply. “These issues became evident during the Texas Legislature’s Sunset Commission Review of both agencies this past year. Major changes were suggested by Sunset, including changing the name of the RRC to the Texas Oil and Gas Commission. All RRC changes died after being introduced as House and Senate bills. Consensus could not be reached in the House version for the RRC. The oil and gas lobby probably can take credit for that. I do not know the final results of TCEQ’s Sunset Review,” Dodier said, asking and answering his own question. “What does all this mean? Business as usual and dumping at these waste disposal sites will continue for the next 10 to 12 years.” At the Moss site it is the pervasive odor of the powerful chemical brew of BETX, volatile organic chemical compounds and hydrocarbons found in oil and diesel — Benzene, Ethylbenzene, Toluene, and Xylene — that are an airborne kick to the head. It is something neighboring ranchers have complained about to the RRC. “Over the last six years we have told the Railroad Commission about the smell that is especially noxious when there is a strong east wind,” said Dr. Hildegardo Flores, whose ranch is two miles from the Moss facility. The ranch of his sister Aminta Gutierrez shares a fence with the Moss facility’s pits. “It is heartbreaking to see the disposal site destroy the land it sits on and to experience the adverse effects of the operation,” Flores said, adding that the dumping of Pemex oil field waste in the past at the Moss facility was of concern to him “because some areas of Mexico are rich in rare-earth metals such as cadmium, mercury, and magnesium. All of these are known carcinogens that pollute the groundwater that our ranching operations depend on.” Continued on next page

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Looking over the fence on Highway 16

Daylong chase ends at hell-like wasteland

By CRISTINA HERRERA LareDOS Staff

irst, I saw the black peaks that were barely noticeable as Meg Guerra and I drove down State Highway 16, a busy road for big oilfield trucks that ends in Zapata. Then, as I approached the wire fence, I started to see what was so cleverly hidden behind the elevated ground and brush: a hell-like wasteland of black goop mixed with some commonplace trash that had either been carried into the onyx field by the wind, or maybe dumped there along with the oil field waste. As I scanned what looked like hell on Earth, my nostrils burned from the pungent odor. Imagine the smell of a mechanic’s shop times 10 mixed with some burnt smell I couldn’t place. As I took in the smell, worried about what this was doing to my lungs, I remembered that Meg had told me that people lived on this property. I’d ask them only one question: Why? This is where we ended up after a day of waiting for hours in a car like a couple of detectives so we could follow an Embark Environmental dump truck from the Eagle Ford Shale to its destination. Meg had a hunch that these sludge trucks were dumping just outside of Zapata, amid well-tended ranches with ornate gateways. This was also the same dumpsite at which she had been detained the day before by two upset

With the gift of oil or gas may come environmental problems such as tainted water or a loss of a valuable water source. At a time when ranchers are facing devastating drought that threatens to ruin their livelihoods, oil and gas companies prosper without concern for any impact they have.

Embark employees, so for Meg, she was sort of pushing her luck. Stubborn determination kept us at the Highway 83 North roadside waiting for an Embark Environmental truck that we could tail to Zapata County. There was a sense of excitement I got from discovering the roundabout route some Embark Environmental truck drivers use to get from Dimmit County to the dump in Zapata County. I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt — maybe the company has legitimate reasons for going from Carrizo Springs to Highway 359, to Mirando City, down a farm road where we saw Embark truck after Embark truck, and finally to Highway 16. It definitely wasn’t the most direct or cost-effective route if the company was trying to save gas, so our suspicions seemed valid. Continued on page 37

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Continued from page 33 He said that the waste of the Eagle Ford Shale in such proximity to him and others who live nearby is also of great concern, as much for the contaminants in the sludge poured directly onto the land of the Moss pits as for the increased consumption of water from the Zapata County Rural Water District. “The water district’s field supervisor apprised us at our last meeting of the spikes in water usage by these dump facilities. As more trucks arrive with waste loads from the Eagle Ford Shale, both at the Moss facility and the U.S. Liquids site nearby, more water is being used to wash out the trailers,” Flores said. “If it is frack mud from the Eagle Ford Shale, there is all the more reason for alarm.” He continued, “This is family land, land grant land. We’ve taken such great care with it, even remediating some areas to become water and food sources for birds, deer, and other wildlife. Many generations of us have worked this land to raise cattle and to dryland farm, planting everything from cotton to watermelon, to wheat and corn.” Flores said that the RRC’s actions and inactions are also cause for alarm. “In March 2011 the RRC threatened the owners of the Moss pit with shutting it down because the operators have not addressed violations brought to their attention in December 2005. 2005?” Flores said incredulously. He made reference to a March 16 letter sent to the Moss operation from Meredith Greager of the RRC’s Environmental Permits and Support Technical Permitting division. In the letter she asks for information relevant to renewing the facility’s permit. She notes that the Moss site application has been protested and that a hearing has been requested, but that a hearing will be scheduled only once the operator’s application was administratively complete. The first item the Greager letter stipulated is that the RRC or its contractor would have access to the on-site material to backfill the pit in the event that the commission closed the facility. The RRC had requested such documentation on December 2, 2005 and found that a December 29, 2005 response from Moss did not satisfy criteria asked for. In addition to asking for a restrictive covenant — a covenant imposing a restriction on the use of land for the purpose of preserving the enjoyment or value of adjoining land — Greager’s letter makes reference to an August 27, 2010 inspection conducted by RRC personnel from the Corpus Christi District office. The report resulting from that inspection noted that the site had no warning device to alert waste haulers that the pit reached the maximum level allowed by the permit. It also noted a freeboard violation of less than 2 feet in height when fluid levels in the pit were 5 to 6

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feet above ground level. The report cited the Moss facility for a layer of oil an eighth-inch thick on fluid surfaces in the pit, a violation of Statewide Rule 22 for the protection of birds. The irony is not lost on this writer that at a facility so egregiously filthy and toxic, a state agency would make note of dangers to birds when the far greater concern is the assault to every living thing in proximity of the dump, humans and wildlife alike, that depend on clean air and water. The RRC’s original land treatment permit

Camino Agave, who are hauling water base mud, reserve pit mud/water, sand, oil base associated cuttings, mud/oil base and drilling fluids, and oil contaminated water of less than 3,000 parts per million. The waste comes from more than 12 different counties including nearby LaSalle, Dimmit, Webb, Maverick, and Duval. Of interest is the circuitous route some Embark drivers take to get their dump loads to the Moss site. The trucks of Embark Environmental — the name itself a hideous

(LT-0168) to J. L. Moss Investments in December 1996 was for a term of three years for four “cells.” An application for a fifth cell was made in September 1997 and later accepted. The permit has been renewed multiple times since then. J. L. Moss Investments also holds and operates a disposal pit (PO10932) permit, which is a drilling fluid disposal pit. It, too, was opened in December 1996, and the permit for it has been renewed multiple times. A 10-year lease agreement executed in 1999 for the tract between J. L. Moss Investments and landowner José Luis Bustamante stipulated a rent of $4,500 per month, a $6,000 fee semiannually, and an option to extend the lease for an additional five-year period. According to documents obtained from the RRC, generators of oilfield waste that use

contradiction considering their toxic cargo — come out of the Eagle Ford Shale on Highway 83 North to Interstate 35, and then they travel on Highway 83 South to Highway 359. At Mirando City they take a right and travel south on State Road 649 until they reach State Highway 16. The truck we followed was on the interstate for the shortest amount of time possible. The driver skipped the end of I-35 where a spill occurred on June 7, and then took the Scott Street exit to travel the streets of Matamoros/Chihuahua to Highway 83 South, and then to Loop 20 and onto Highway 359. All along the route, the open trailer discarded large oilfield souvenirs — pieces of black plastic that flew loose from the muddy cargo and larger pieces that tore off what remained

the State Highway 16 Moss facility during the first half of 2010 included Anadarko, Lewis Petroleum, Forest Oil, Chesapeake, El Paso, Rosetta Resources, XTO Energy, and Devon Energy, among others. High volume waste haulers to the facility include Mo-Vac, Basic Energy, Texas Energy, Border Lease, and

of the cheap plastic that was supposed to line and cover the load. Dodier, who once testified before the RRC in protest against the U. S. Liquids permit across the road from the Moss site, said, “I felt that Highway 16 was not up to standards for such heavy truck traffic. The RRC notified

me that Texas 16 would be upgraded immediately. My testimony included photographs taken by professional photographer Richard Geissler that illustrated the danger that existed when 18-wheelers met up with school buses. The roadway was too narrow and did not have a shoulder. I did not protest the actual building of the disposal sites because my opinion was that the drilling waste was all over the county. I felt that if the waste was stored at a site with all the pollution prevention infrastructure, then the Zapata County environment would be better protected,” Dodier continued. As to waste left on ranch land, he said that Zapata mineral right owners and landowners are partially to blame for agreeing to leases that allow drilling waste to remain on their ranches. “Companies like Chesapeake are to blame as well,” he said. “They hired a local individual to lure local mineral rights owners into signing monster leases. The waste disposal sites also started taking in drilling waste from other counties. The U. S. Liquids site received another RRC permit allowing the waste to be stacked above the berms built to contain the waste.” Where to squarely place the blame? Is it with the Bustamante family that leases the 80 acres to the Moss facility? Is it with the operator of the Moss facility simply maximizing the productivity of a facility that is rarely monitored by the Texas Railroad Commission? Or is it with the understaffed state regulatory agencies, who in the face of budgetary cutbacks and the furious volume of drilling, fracking, and production in the Eagle Ford Shale, provide little oversight? Some of us recently learned at a Safe Fracking Town Hall meeting that it is considered anathema to criticize an industry that is pouring such wealth into rural parts of Texas and providing much-needed employment. Is there not a way that this industry that benefits so greatly from the vast riches it is pulling from the earth could return the favor and handle its waste without environmental and health consequences? According to Dodier, Zapata County’s low population makes its political value to state and federal elected officials non-existent, making Zapata County fertile ground for waste disposal sites. “Landowners must be tougher with oil and gas companies and realize that an oil and gas lease does not transfer the land. The companies are tenants that must adhere to lease provisions. These outfits must be held accountable when they pollute. The state of Texas should realize that though Zapata County does not deliver chingos of votes, we have over decades delivered chingos de feria in oil an gas revenues to the comptroller.” True as that is, it doesn’t seem to buy Zapata County an iota of environmental protection. u WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

Jason Herrera/LareDOS

Grand opening of the Zapata County Museum of History Saturday, July 9, 2011

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Zapata County makes history with opening of state-of-the-art museum By CRISTINA HERRERA LareDOS Staff

apata’s rich and varied history, which dates back to the Spanish colonization of America, will be a little easier to preserve with the grand opening of the Zapata County Museum of History on Saturday, July 9. “This museum begins to tell the story of those virtues that have sustained our county and after today, we will have a place where we can honor our shared history, a place where we can remind ourselves of our shared virtues, and a place where we can find our shared purpose,” said Zapata County Judge Joe Rathmell, who spoke at the opening ceremony. The ceremony and ribbon cutting were followed by preview tours for the visitors, who came out in droves to see the new museum. Inside the museum, visitors got a sneak

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preview of the interactive exhibits, which tell the story of Zapata’s early geological formation, the native plant and animal life, and the people who settled the area. A large wooden derrick highlights the role that the oil and gas industry played in Zapata’s economy and way of life. Museum board president Dr. Hildegardo Flores said the Zapata museum was unique despite being modeled after museums in other cities. “The Zapata museum has been modeled after many of the Smithsonian museums of Washington, D.C.,” Flores said. “It’s highly interactive, and it’s completely bilingual, which makes it unique in the whole state, and perhaps in the whole country.” Flores said that the small museum would add and rotate artifacts, many of them donated by local families, so that visitors will discover something new every time they come back. The museum also contains a gift shop near the front, which

sells T-shirts, mugs, photo prints, and more Zapata artifacts. The rest of the museum’s board comprises of ranchers, lifetime educators, and private business interests who joined together to bring a museum to Zapata that would best represent the town’s history. Museum board member Avon Hatfield said a group of high school students had visited the museum in late June. “They couldn’t believe what they saw,” Hatfield said. “We gave them a quick tour, and now they want to come back because they didn’t get a chance to look at everything.” Hatfield said the museum does not officially have a curator yet, though she says it needs one and that Flores is acting as the curator for the time being. Flores had put in multiple requests to the Zapata County Commissioners Court for a curator, including a proposal to make realtor Amparo Montes-Gutierrez curator, but the court never ap-

proved a curator position. Montes-Gutierrez is now the museum administrator, but Hatfield said she thinks the country will eventually grant money for a curator position. For now, the board members are happy to see the culmination of nearly five years of planning, funding, and construction. Hatfield said there probably isn’t a museum similar to the Zapata County Museum of History in the area south of San Antonio down to Zapata. “We worked on this so faithfully for four years, and today is a dream come true,” she said. “And to see so many people to come out and support it, I stand amazed. We’re just thrilled.” The Zapata County Museum of History is located at 805 Main St., North U.S. Highway 83. The museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekend group tours by appointment only. Call (956) 765-8983 for more information, or go to zapatamuseum.org. u

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The boomtown essence of the Eagle Ford Shale play unfolded before us while we waited at a Highway 83 truck stop near Catarina. Oil field trucks of every function converged here — open-bed dump trucks carrying sludge or caliche, flat-bed trailers moving parts of rigs and heavy equipment, vacuum trucks, water trucks, and diesel delivery trucks. Some trucks idled and some flew past us, seemingly spared the measure of the speed limit. Even with their large loads, some drove at inordinately high speeds. They tailgated in caravans, and some of the open bed dump trucks traveled without a cover over their load. Behind the Embark truck we followed to the dumpsite in Zapata, a large piece of ragged, black plastic flapped in the wind from the trailer, tearing off as the wind whipped it about. The black plastic tore off in pieces the entire route from Laredo to the Embark dumping site on Highway 16. I was worried for drivers behind the truck, and indeed I watched as one piece almost stuck to a driver’s windshield. All the while I was reminded of the movie Giant, one of James Dean’s three

R EA

films during his short career, where his character Jett, a poor ranch hand looking for his fortune, discovers oil. A movie made long before the needy, perverse American romance with oil, Giant seemed like an innocent preview of how oil could change land and people. With the gift of oil or gas revenues may come environmental problems such as tainted water or the complete loss of a valuable water source. At a time when ranchers are facing devastating drought that threatens to ruin their livelihoods, some oil and gas companies prosper without concern for any impact they have. But business is business. In the short term, the riches are many, but in the petroleum industry bust often follows boom, and it’s in the bust time that the accounting gets done for what was gained and what was lost. As we drove from Carrizo Springs to Mirando City and onto Highway 16, we passed towns that once boomed when oil and gas came into town, and now they were ghost towns; the tin on their roofs rusting and decrepit, boarded-up convenience stores showing gas prices from a different era. These towns were an eerie reminder of what happens when the wells dry up. u

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Continued from page 33

Tire garden This pile of tires in a Zapata neighborhood will turn into a mosquito hatchery after the next heavy rain.

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Doctors Hospital Is Proud to Welcome

DAVID R. BENAVIDES, MD Obstetrician/Gynecologist

David R. Benavides, MD, is an obstetrician/ gynecologist who completed his residency at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He received his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston School of Medicine. Dr. Benavides provides annual and comprehensive gynecology exams as well as care for normal and high-risk pregnancies. He also specializes in infertility evaluation and treatment and family planning, and offers NovaSure® to control heavy menstrual bleeding.

Outside his office, he demanded my drivers license again, and though I would not put it in his hands, I showed it to him and he took down my name and number. Once more he angrily demanded my camera, which was no longer in sight, the photo card tucked into my companion’s sock. He spoke on the phone with another angry man. Unable to reach my son or the newspaper’s attorney, I called my son’s law office. The angry man ordered the gateway blocked with two trucks, one his and one with a Camino Agave logo on the door. We were not able to leave the filthy toxic site. We were held against our will, “false imprisonment” as it is called in legal-ese. I told him there would be consequence for keeping me in a place I wanted to leave. He said he would not allow me to leave until a Zapata County Sheriff’s deputy arrived to take the complaint for trespass. I called the Sheriff’s office to be sure a deputy had been dispatched and told the officer I spoke with that I was sequestered on the property against my will. As I waited, I couldn’t help but notice that a family lived on the property in a nearby trailer. The prevailing stench and a yard filled with bright plastic toys made me wonder how you could raise children in proximity of 80 acres of diesel and chemical soaked sludge. The angry man handed me one of his phones, and a nastier man named Pruneda threatened me and ordered me to give up the camera. He asked me why I was on his property. I questioned whether he was the true owner, and he said, “I lease it, and that is like being the owner. What were you doing on my property?” I told him I had taken photographs of what seemed to be a really bad environmental situation that could contaminate ground water. He said, “What do you care? You don’t drink this water.”

I tossed the still yakking phone onto the tailgate of the angry man’s truck that blockaded my exit. I told him that I would wait outside the gate for the deputy to arrive if he would move the trucks. Unexpectedly, both trucks were moved, and we drove out and waited for the deputy, a polite and professional young man from San Ygancio. He interviewed the angry man inside the compound and then talked to me. I could tell he would rather not arrest me, a grandmother who had just asked after his mother. One of the most important things he said as an observer on the roadside outside the toxic pits was, “This land will never be good again.” Three more deputies arrived in two vehicles, and there was more talk with the employee of the facility while we waited on the side of the highway. I made my preference known for wanting this taxing episode to end. When I asked if they could get on with citing me or fining, I was told that if it was determined that I had trespassed, it was an arrestable offense. “Photo with numbers under my chin?” I asked. I was allowed to leave, being told that the decision to issue an arrest warrant hinged on charges being filed and the subsequent determination of Zapata County Attorney Alfonso Figueroa and Justice of the Peace Juana María Gutierrez. As I drove off, lightheaded from all those hours near the toxic pits, I had the sense that what I had seen was something dangerous, reportable, and of consequence to public health. I had seen something the operators of the place would rather have kept unseen behind the berms along the fence line of the highway frontage. That I had met so great and angry an effort to detain me, to take my camera, and to keep me from doing what I do, drove home the point that my work as a journalist has meaning and bearing on my life and the lives of others. u

Now Accepting New Patients Dr. David R. Benavides’ office is located at 6930 Springfield Avenue, Suite 1, Laredo. For an appointment, call

956-728-8999. Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday evening clinic until 7 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. – Noon Accepting Medicaid, Medicare and all Insurances

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10700 McPherson Rd., Laredo, TX 78045 (956) 523-2000 www.doctorshosplaredo.com Dr. Benavides is an independent practitioner who is not an employee or agent of Doctors Hospital of Laredo. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

Oil and sludge at the Moss dumpside in Zapata County WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

Feature

Alex Lopez to study at NY Conservatory for Dramatic Arts

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Staff

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The Wiz

Fiddler on the roof

Courtesy photos

s he prepares to leave Laredo to study at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (NYCDA), 2011 Nixon High School graduate Alex Lopez — an actor on the local stage since the age of six — slowed down a moment to talk about his goals in theater, his lifelong romance with drama, and preparations for the upcoming one-man show, “Paint the Town Red, an evening with Alex Lopez,” an August 19 fundraiser at the Laredo Civic Center. “Drama has been the overriding theme of my life. Audiences and their applause and laughter have encouraged me. To make them laugh, to bring them out of their world and into mine, I can’t get enough of knowing that I gave them something,” Lopez said Lopez, who is the son of Sisi and Armando X. Lopez and the brother of acting talents Mara and Armando M., interviewed and auditioned before a NYCDA recruiter in Austin in April. He performed monologues of the Roman slave Pseudolus from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and selections from The Elephant Man’s Joseph Merrick. Live theater performance has been at the core of Lopez’s career goals from his earliest performance as the Munchkin coroner — the character who pronounces the Wicked Witch of the East as “really most sincerely dead” — in the 2001 Laredo International Theater’s (LITE) production of the Wizard of Oz. Every year since then he has not missed an opportunity to act, both on the local stage and at Texas State University’s Theater Camp. In all, he has played 28 roles between 2001 and the present. Among his most memorable performances are the king in The King and I in 2004, the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz in 2005, the genie in Disney’s Aladdin in 2006, the lion in The Wiz in 2009, Max in The Sound of Music in 2010, and Rooster in the recent production of Annie. Lopez said that watching a live performance of the touring Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theater in San Antonio when he was 7, and again at Bass Hall in Austin when he was 8, were pivotal in defining his love of live theater. “In Austin I got to speak to the actor who played the Phantom, and he told me, ‘Never stop singing.’ That has stuck with me all these years.” He credits Rosalinda Gonzalez, the director of Los Pepitos pre-school, as “the first woman to put me on the stage” on the occasion of the school’s Christmas play. Lopez calls Vernon Carroll, the drama instructor at the Vidal M. Treviño magnet school, his mentor. “He pushed me and made

me rise to the role. He gave me structure and formed me,” he said. Family support, too, he said, has been at the heart of his desire to pursue a career in acting. “They believe in me. My parents and grandparents have never missed a performance. My parents were always on the front row, my dad taking photos. Both of my grandmothers were especially supportive of me and my cousins Goyo and Bela who are also actors,” Lopez said, adding, “Their support gave me confidence and nurtured the sense that I had a right to be who I am. No one has made me hide who I really am. That means the world to me.” Lopez is speaking of the art of performance as well as being gay. “Being gay is part of who I am, but not all of who I am. I was picked on occasionally, but for the most part my friends and comrades knew I was gay and respected me. I was prom king, something that most gay teens in America would never be nominated for. I was blessed with loving friends and teachers. A lot of straight guys who were my friends told me they

Annie used to hate gays, but now they saw them as human beings,” he said. “I was put on this earth for a different reason. I want to be a voice to fight for the things that need to be fought for — for children who are abused or discriminated against, for gay and lesbian rights, for the right to be who you are,” Lopez said. He recalled that after the performance of The Elephant Man, an audience member told him, “You make me feel beautiful. You are beautiful.” Among the actors he most admires are Nathan Lane, Carol Channing, Patty Lupone, Barbara Streisand and Meryl Streep. “Streep can do a monologue with her eyes. I find that amazing, “ he said. He has a vision of himself on Broadway. “That’s my goal. Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame could become a musical, and I would like that role.” Lopez said the NYCDA’s first-year curriculum teaches voice-over, an introduction to

film, television acting, and commercial acting. “At the end of the year, I’ll audition again to go into the theatre study year,” he said. He leaves Laredo August 23. His upcoming one-man show is a “thank you and a farewell.” Lopez said, “Laredo has been so good to me. I’ll miss my friends.” Lopez’s prayer before a performance invokes screen legend Bette Davis and La Virgen de Guadalupe. “I sit down, look in the mirror, look at my costume, and when my cue is five seconds away and the air full of Aquanet hair spray, I’m on — no longer myself. I’m conscious of it. I give myself up,” he said. (Paint the Town Red will include show tunes, original monologues, and guest appearances by fellow actors Linda Reyes, Stephanie Solis Schnyder, Hector Rios, and Bekki Balli. Tickets to the event are $25 and can be purchased in advance by calling (956) 251-5607.) u LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Jason A. Herrera/LareDOS

Testing out the playground

Cristina Herrera/LareDOS

Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a child checks out the new playground donated by the Next Generation Rotary Club in cooperation with Councilman Charlie San Miguel and the City of Laredo. The club raised money, formed partnerships, and physically built the playground over several weekends.

A different kind of museum While the tours were finishing up at the newly opened Zapata County Museum of History, we noticed this Frontier Ranch Museum down the street, which unfortunately wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t open that day.

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Opinion

The end of privacy: airports, TSA, and the border By GUILLERMO ALEJANDRO JIMENEZ LareDOS Contributor

t had been a familiar scene at an airport for quite some time now. Answer a set of security questions, submit our bags to a search, pass through a metal detector, and off we go to our scheduled destination. It’s the sort of security that has been cannon fodder for stand-up comedians for decades. Within the last few years, however, this scene has changed significantly – and now, nobody’s laughing. Reacting to recent threats of terrorism, namely “shoe bomber” Richard Reid and “underwear bomber” Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have applied more stringent security measures at airports nationwide. After the shoe bomber, passengers were asked to take off their shoes. After the underwear bomber, passengers were asked to take off their… Well, not quite.

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Through the use of Advanced Imaging Technologies (AIT), body-scanning equipment has made it possible for TSA to see through the clothing of their passengers, down to the skin, without the added inconvenience or embarrassment of actually disrobing. The images produced by these AIT machines are so detailed, depicting every bump and curve on the human body; that they amount to a virtual strip search after each scan. Should passengers trigger an alarm, or opt out of the body scanner altogether, they will then be feltup — or patted-down, as TSA calls it, for any dangerous materials. The use of full body scanners and patdowns by the TSA has met with mixed emotions. There have been hundreds of instances in the media within the last two years of travelers across the country claiming abuse at the hands of the TSA. However, overall, it seems like most Americans have found a way to rationalize away those awkward feelings that may creep in when being scanned or patted down. Something about it may not seem right,

but with thoughts of possible danger on their minds, they remind themselves that it’s just the way things have to be. At Laredo International Airport, most travelers seem to share that same strange cognitive dissonance. When asked about their experiences with airport security, many used words like “too much,” “excessive,” and “invasive” in one breath, and then “necessary” or “required” in another. Camille from Arizona perhaps sums it up best. “I don’t really like the body scanners, or being patted down that much, but […] you’ve just got to deal with it.” With regard to the body scanners specifically, Susan from California remarked, “I don’t know. It’s kind of different. I try not to think about it too much, because it’s something you have to do anyway. So […] either go through with it, deal with it, or don’t fly.” When asked about the possibility of the images from the body scanners being stored on the machine, she went on to say, “I would hope that they wouldn’t, but you know, what do you do? You have to travel.” Most people traveling through the airport seemed similarly unsure when it came to the issue of privacy. Though they recognize advanced security measures as an invasion of their privacy, most seem willing to freely give up that right for the sake of feeling safe. In this way, the heightened security policy, while intended as measures for the greater good and safety of all, may be having severe consequences. By protecting against the threat of terror, Homeland Security and the TSA may be creating a more threatening America: One in which civil liberties, like the right to privacy and those protected by our ever-fading Fourth Amendment, are becoming things of the past. “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” — Fourth Amendment, U.S. Constitution As newly imagined threats of terror materialize every day — shoe bombs, underwear bombs, and now “belly bombs” — yesterday’s “unreasonable” is becoming today’s desperately necessary. The American public, by and large, has accepted the loss of privacy as a necessary

evil in the war on terror. And this dilemma extends far beyond airport lobbies and terminals. The same rationale that is used to increase security at the expense of privacy at airports is also used to increase surveillance of the public more generally in other aspects of daily life — telecommunications, cell phones, emails, etc. Whatever your opinions might be about the legitimacy of terror threats as reported by Homeland Security, it has become apparent that when it comes to fear-based public policy, the American people have bought-in, wholesale. And in this sense, Laredo is no exception. At the risk of over-generalizing, Laredoans do not appear much at all concerned about the loss of privacy with respect to increases in security. It’s not that Laredoans aren’t aware or do not care about their rights — we are, and we do. But with regard to submitting for searches and screenings — we’ve had a lot of practice. Whether it’s “going across,” traveling to and from Mexico, or driving north toward San Antonio or east towards Freer, the vast majority of Laredoans have answered questions from federal agents and faced the possibility of search and seizure repeatedly throughout their lives. Until fairly recently in Nuevo Laredo, a large number of Laredoans experienced it on a daily basis, and some still do. As you travel further up north, the word “checkpoint” has a very negative connotation. But in Laredo, a checkpoint is as ordinary as checking the mail. The strangeness of this fact is something that for some may not be easily recognizable. It takes a moment of objectivity to realize how conditioned we’ve become. While Laredo and other border towns may be unique case studies in the security-versus-privacy debate, the underlying idea of long-term subconscious conditioning can be applied to the country as a whole. As we move in the direction toward stronger security and more surveillance, and agencies such as the TSA assume more authority nationwide, the consequences to our civil liberties may not be immediately recognized, identified, or understood. It may not be until many years later, when we’ve conceded much more of our autonomy than we ever thought we would, that we can well look back — objectively, from the outside in, and realize how we all bore witness to the end of privacy. u

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Opinion

Good customer service is a two-way deal

By CRISTINA HERRERA LareDOS Staff

ou know the restaurant patron who calls out the waiter on poor service and refuses to leave a large tip because of it? What about the girl who holds up the line because the cashier charged her incorrectly — by a dollar? Yep, that’s me. I am a stickler for good customer service, and Laredo is unfortunately notorious for crappy customer care. I was reminded of this when I asked a newcomer to Laredo what he thought of the town. “It’s nice. The service here, however, is terrible.” Not a good sign when the City of Laredo is attempting to boost tourism. I talked to family, friends, and a few acquaintances and asked them if they had the same problem when they brought nonLaredoans to the Gateway City, and all the answers were the same: I liked this and this, but the service was especially terrible. This notion has been echoed in local etiquette columns, letters to editors, and so on, so I didn’t feel like it was just my observation by the time I started writing this column. This matter is very pressing nowadays as the city attempts to catch tourist dollars that smaller towns like Zapata are catching instead. Now that the import/export transportation has slowed down and some business has gone to cities like McAllen and Del Rio, and now that the drug war rages across the border for who-knows-how-long, Laredo is left build-

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ing baseball stadiums and golf courses to attract out-of-town interests. And part of the struggle should include boosting pride in customer service. Never is it clearer that Laredo possesses terrible customer service then when I visit cities like Austin, San Antonio, and even Houston, which I generally regard as a cold and impersonal city. I visited San Antonio near the end of June with my brother. We had decided to take a vacation to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the San Antonio Zoo, so naturally we encountered several retail and restaurant employees during out trip. Every encounter we had was positive. Waiters paid attention to us. Zoo employees were actually cheery — gasp! A restaurant hostess actually asked if we were having a good day. After the weekend was over, I commented on how good it felt to be able to expect good service and receive it in San Antonio, and my brother agreed wholeheartedly. Originally I was going to write strictly about the bad customer service in this city, but in the process I realized that customer service is actually a two-way deal, a notion that goes against “the customers is always right” mantra that persists in traditional ways of doing business. TV advertisements have moved more toward emphasizing the “everything is about me” customer, which seems to be a trend made stronger by the pull of social networking sites with self-indulgent profiles and status updates. Which leads me to my next point. Rude customers complement bad service. A perfect example of this is tipping.

A friend of mine from Laredo used to tip $1 per party member at restaurants, which is absolutely ridiculous when you consider that the agreed tipping rate now is between 15 and 20 percent. He doesn’t do it anymore — around me, at least — after I scolded him for it. I explained that it was inconsiderate to the waitress, who had done a very good job considering she was serving a big table. One of the hardest lessons to explain to people is compassion. Why should we care about the wait staff? Well, in a purely selfish way, this improper treatment of the people who serve us is partly why we suffer through bad waiters, cashiers, and customer service representatives. But showing compassion to people often creates a satisfied feeling for those who do compassionate deeds, not to mention people generally like you better for being a compassionate person. It’s already hard enough teaching compassion for refugees suffering in Darfur; imagine trying to get somebody to care about the wait staff at your local family restaurant. We have to remember that waiters also give little care when they feel like a tiny cog in a corporate machine. Your staff at Family Restaurant #3475 isn’t getting paid well, but you can be sure that the higher-ups are becoming fat off the profits. And even that may not be so nowadays. The restaurant business is such a fickle investment. When economies go sour, people eat out less, which especially hurts local restaurants that cannot compete with chains’ “2 meals for $20” deals. Meanwhile, you’ve got employees who look at all this and remind themselves that this is only

a temporary job. We are in a city that likes to eat out, as I mentioned in my Editor’s Desk about obesity. Eating out has become a pastime itself, yet customers have very little regard for the wait staff. As I learned during an About Work session in which I interviewed an Applebee’s employee, wait staffs in Laredo have some of the hardest jobs in the city. They get paid very little, they work very long hours of hard labor, and they work in a city that is almost as notorious for its poor tipping as its bad customer service. So when I receive good service, I take into account the extra effort the waiter is putting into making my experience comfortable. I try to put myself in their shoes; basically, I am attempting to be more compassionate about the people who serve me. No, they won’t all be decent, hardworking citizens, but a lot of them are. In exchange, I ask for simple things. Perhaps a cheerier demeanor when I’m greeted instead of a blasé attitude. We all have to put on bright faces when we feel the total opposite inside. My mother always told me that being nice to people was a great way to make yourself feel better, and I’ve often found this to be true (again, this goes back to compassion). And I ask customers who have gotten so used to bad customer service that they just grin and bear it to start boycotting stores that treat us like crap. As a customer, you have more power than you think. If you take anything away from this column, let it be this: If a store’s staff does not care enough to treat me well when I treat them cordially, they clearly don’t want to keep my business. u

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Texas A&M International University

CNN names TAMIU as one of nation’s most affordable universities aredo’s hometown university has something all students and their parents can relate to — low cost. A national listing focused on College Affordability and Transparency indicates that TAMIU is among the nation’s lowest net priced public, four-year or above universities. CNN Money.com reviewed the data and listed TAMIU as one of its 10 most affordable colleges on its web site. Compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), part of the U.S. Department of Education, and using the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the listing cites TAMIU’s net price of $4,594 per semester as well below the national average of $10,747. TAMIU is one of seven Texas four-year institutions included in the 68-member listing. In light of its low cost, TAMIU is ranked 23rd on the listing. TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck said the finding affirms the University’s commitment to making higher education affordable and accessible. “Despite the challenges of our economy and reduced state funding, we maintain our commitment to our students and providing an excellent education at an affordable and accessible price,” Keck said. To view listings for colleges and universities with highest and lowest tuition rates, go to collegecost.ed.gov/catc/Default. aspx. Higher education advocates say the listings are helpful to prospective students and their parents. For more information on fall registration, contact the Office of the University Registrar at registrar@tamiu.edu or call (956) 326-2250. University summer office hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays. TAMIU-LCC ink accord Some ink, paper and shared concerns for student success have yielded an agreement between Laredo Community College (LCC) and TAMIU to enable LCC students to enjoy simultaneous joint admission to TAMIU. Officials appropriately gathered Thursday at TAMIU’s University Success Center to sign a Memorandum of Understanding WWW. L A R E D O S NE W S . C O M

Courtesy Photo

Minita Ramirez, TAMIU vice president for Student Success at (956) 326-2240 or Dr. Vincent Solis, LCC vice president for Student Services, at (956) 764-5950.

By Steve Harmon LareDOS Contributor

Future leaders A group of Texas A&M International University students was selected to participate in the second offering of the Latino Leadership Institute at the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, MA. TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck is pictured with the six students who attended the weeklong conference. From left to right bottom, Connie Berenice Lerma, Marcos Dimas and Dr. Keck. Top, left to right, Carlos Pacheco, Joel Jurado, Laura Mendez, and Miriam Abrego. that guides a joint admissions program between the two schools. TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck said the accord signals a new day for the institutions’ shared commitment and vision for higher education in Laredo. “This codifies our shared commitment to higher education here, entitling qualified students to joint admission to both LCC and TAMIU. Students can alternate enrollment between institutions or co-enroll as they choose. Once a student meets TAMIU’s entrance requirements at LCC, they will become eligible for joint admission. In these times of economic challenges, this further underscores our joint desire to keep higher education accessible and affordable, “ Keck said. LCC president Dr. Juan Maldonado concurred, noting that the agreement also lays a mutual foundation for the creation of extensive articulation agreements in a broad range of majors. “This agreement can lead to a variety of strategic agreements that will be made available to LCC and TAMIU students. It is truly exciting to engage in a win-win situation where students from TAMIU and LCC will be the benefactors of a joint admissions program that will benefit the two institutions and the students who join the program,” Maldonado said. “This agreement exemplifies the com-

mitment and vision that LCC and TAMIU share to make higher education as seamless as possible in our respective service areas,” said Dr. Pablo Arenaz, TAMIU provost and vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Dianna Miller, LCC vice president for instruction, said the agreement also allows the transfer of course credits from TAMIU to LCC to satisfy degree requirements for the associate’s degree. “This agreement will offer students a valuable benefit in their pursuit of a higher education by allowing them to get a solid foundation at LCC to earn an associate’s degree before or after advancing to TAMIU by reverse course transfer after meeting all course requirements,” Dr. Miller said. The agreement also indicates that TAMIU will provide LCC with information on LCC transfer students to help identify students who meet qualifications for an associate degree, and will continue to maintain and staff an admissions office at LCC’s Fort McIntosh campus for TAMIU degree planning assistance. The agreement indicates that LCC will ensure that students are in compliance with Texas Success Initiative (TSI requirements) and provide TAMIU with an electronic file of all enrolled students’ directory information to facilitate the transfer process. For additional information, contact Dr.

Second Harvard Latino Leadership Initiative Program With the Latino community expecting to double in size over the next 40 years, the Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI) was developed by the Center for Public Leadership (CPL) at the Harvard Kennedy School to support the rising generation of Latino leaders. Six students from TAMIU were chosen in a highly selective application process to take part in the week-long second collaborative LLI class in Cambridge, MA. Miriam Abrego, Marcos Dimas, Joel Alexis Jurado, Connie Berenice Lerma, Laura Mendez, and Carlos Pacheco joined other rising seniors from Loyola Marymount University-Los Angeles, University of California-Merced, the University of Houston, the University of Massachusetts-Boston, the University of Texas-Pan American and Miami Dade College in the LLI class. The TAMIU students participated in classroom sessions on negotiation, organizing, public narrative, emotional intelligence, and public speaking. The CPL hosted the first LLI class, which included six TAMIU students, in June 2010. TAMIU students met with recognized Latino members of government, nonprofit and business sectors. Andy Zelleke and Marshall Ganz of the Harvard Kennedy School, David Carrasco of the Harvard Divinity School and Bob Bies of Georgetown University were among the leading faculty teaching LLI classes. Throughout the academic year, LLI participants will continue their leadership development through regular teleconferences hosted by the CPL. In addition, students from the seven participating universities will work in partnership to design a community service project to be implemented in collaboration with faculty and administration at their home campuses and local communities. For additional information, please contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at (956) 326-2180, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu, or visit offices in Killam Library 268. u

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Serving Sentences By randy koch Randy Koch earned his MFA at the University of Wyoming and teaches writing at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

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| L a r e DO S | JU LY 2011

iMagine that

ven though I’ve never owned an iPod or an iMac, I know full well that these and Apple’s line of other popular products and services — iPhone, iPad, iTunes, and now iCloud — have made the company a world leader in new technology. And while the “i” originally referred to “Internet” and access to the World Wide Web, Apple says it also signifies the “individual” for whom these devices are designed. However, as we marvel at the power and portability of this new technology, it’s easy to lose sight of how these devices often produce a Web of our own spinning, one that perpetually returns us to “i,” a net that works not toward meaningful interaction with others but to isolation, tunnel vision, and ignorance of anyone but ourselves. Okay, ourselves and Paris Hilton. The problem is that most of us, whether we admit it or not, are self centered. Consequently, paying attention not to ourselves but to the outside world, a skill vital for writers, is difficult enough without the added distraction of trying to remember different passwords to protect our online identity, twittering our 140-character opinions and personal news flashes, updating our status on Facebook, sifting through endless streams of spim and spam, and downloading apps so we can buy gluten-free food or document our Jehovah’s Witness field service. The online world constantly reflects us back at ourselves and deters us from paying attention to the physical world or anything that doesn’t directly affect or reflect us. Click an ad or sign an online petition, and watch how subsequent pop-up ads and spam emails offer us more of the same, more of what we already have or do or are. We and they are tracking us, not for the most interesting parts of ourselves but primarily for our superficial selves, our consumer selves, the selves we don’t write about and others probably don’t want to read about. This technological interference just compounds the challenge of thinking imaginatively and observing the unexpected because we also suffer from “inattentional blindness,” a common condition that causes people not to see what’s right in front of them even though they’re looking at it, according to Union College psychology professor Chris Chabris. A recent NPR report described how Dr. Chabris examined the case of Boston police officer Kenneth Conley,

who claimed repeatedly not to have seen his fellow officers beat a black plainclothes policeman whom they mistook for a suspect though Conley ran right past the incident. He was eventually convicted of obstruction of justice and perjury and sentenced to nearly 3 years in prison. However, Dr. Chabris later simulated the situation and found that it’s possible and even likely that Officer Conley told the truth and, despite his proximity, didn’t see the beating because his attention was directed elsewhere. Since we’re typically surrounded by less obvious situations than police officers pummeling a man on the ground, how much more likely, then, is it that “inattentional blindness” (not to mention inattentional deafness) will cause us to also miss much of what happens around us even if we’re not distracted by a cell phone or iPod? My point is simply this: as smaller and more powerful technology targets us more accurately, entices us to download more with greater ease, tells us with increasing specificity where to go and how to get there, and fits more programs and apps in smaller and smarter cell phones, we see less of the world and more of ourselves. Couple this with our own self-absorption, and it’s clear why this fascination with technology discourages the attentiveness necessary for good, original, imaginative thinking and writing. Imagination offers endless possibilities, but we’ll only recognize them if our minds are free to wander, if our subconscious is undistracted, and if we spend more time in the natural world inhabited by living things and people who interact with each other than in virtual worlds. As students walk across the Bloomsburg University campus or run the bike path along Fishing Creek near my house, they’re plugged into their iPods or transfixed by a text message or hypnotized by a conversation on their cell phone. In a technologically-induced trance, they move past other self-involved students, unaware of the catbirds mewing in the underbrush or blind to the blossoming chicory. They’re oblivious to the smell of smashed mulberries underfoot and fail to notice the thumping of a nearby jackhammer. They might as well be on a treadmill in a sensory-depravation tank. They are inside themselves. They iMagine only themselves. u WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

Laredo Community College

LCC offers many ways to find your future

By ROGER SANCHEZ JR. and STEVE TREVINO JR. LareDOS Contributor

t’s time to fall back at Laredo Community College. LCC offers many options to find your future, with more than 120 degree and certificate programs, and growing. New program arms cyberspace One of the newest degree programs starting this fall aims to put a stop to hacking, malware, identity theft, and other technology crimes that can damage a person’s financial history or cripple a company’s network (parallelism). To address this emerging global threat, LCC will launch a two-year degree in Network and Cyber Security Technology this fall. For several years now, LCC’s CT department has offered an associate degree in network technology. But because technology has continued to evolve, the college is expanding the instruction to add cyber security courses for those who want to update their computer networking skills. No similar program is available within a 150-mile radius of Laredo. Students also can elect to complete a new, one-year certificate in Personal Computer Network Technology to obtain fundamental computer skills for an early point into the job market. For more information on the LCC Network and Cybersecurity Technology Program, contact the LCC Computer Technology Department at (956) 721-5317. ‘SABOR’ adds spice to life Another new program is adding spice to LCC’s fall course offerings. Be it for personal enrichment or for a new career, adults are invited to enroll in LCC’s new culinary arts Program — SABOR, or Selección de Alimentos para el Bienestar para Obras Reales — recognized as the only one of its kind in the area. The new SABOR program is a 28-hour credit, one-year certificate in culinary arts. The classes, which begin in the fall semester and conclude in the spring, will include several hands-on training sessions at kitchens in Embassy Suites and Doctors Hospital of Laredo. Both school districts currently offer inWWW. L A R E D O S NE W S . C O M

troductory courses in culinary arts to high school students. Those wishing to pursue a culinary arts education track after high school can do so at LCC, and receive up to three classes credited towards the oneyear certificate. During the first semester, several introductory classes will be offered, including sanitation and safety, introduction to the hospitality industry, and best practices in the kitchen. The second semester will focus on hands-on training at LCC’s partner sites, covering food preparation, international cuisine, management and food production and service, and professional cooking and meal service, among other things. Scholarship opportunities are available and are on a first-come, first-served basis. The SABOR scholarship application deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 10. Most of the program’s classes are during the evening hours and will take place at LCC’s Fort McIntosh Campus. SABOR is made possible by a three-year, $300,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact LCC’s Continuing Education Department at (956) 721-5374. Careers for oil, gas boom Individuals in Laredo and surrounding communities wishing to improve their skills or to seek a career change can do so this fall as Laredo Community College offers its new and innovative Oil and Gas Industry Specialization Program. The program, which began in early spring, offers the technical training program to help Laredo and surrounding communities meet the demands for the oil and gas industry. The program currently offers two types of certificates: a one-semester, 15-credit hour Specialist 1 certificate, and a one-year, 30-credit hour Specialist 2 certificate. Students who took part in last spring’s one-semester certificate have the opportunity to continue the program in the fall for the one-year certificate, as well. Once a week, students will apply what they have learned in the classroom for hands-on training at various oil and gas fields. Preparation for oil and gas occupations, include drilling rig hands and operators, pump line system operators and gaugers, instrument technicians, well services per-

sonnel, control room operators, and roustabouts, among others. Local entry salaries vary from $20,675 to $40,530 per year. The new training program is helping to meet the demand for trained personnel needed at the Eagle Ford shale play in Webb County and neighboring counties, including Dimmit, La Salle, and McMullen. The Eagle Ford Shale play is a shale rock formation in South Texas that is said to contain one of the nation’s biggest oil and gas fields. For more information on the LCC Oil and Gas Industry Specialization Program, contact the LCC Industrial Technology Department at (956) 721-5171. Register now! Advising and registration for the fall 2011 semester at LCC’s Fort McIntosh and South Campuses is under way. Anyone interested in taking fall classes can check out the available course listings by visiting the

Important Fall Registration Dates • Now through Aug. 26 Advising • Now through Aug. 28 PASPort (online) registration • Aug. 10 Payment deadline for those registered April 11-Aug. 10 • Aug. 23-25 Advising and regular registration • Aug. 25 Payment deadline for those registered Aug. 11-25

college website at laredo.edu and clicking on the PASPort icon. For further assistance, call the LCC Student Success Center at the Fort McIntosh Campus at (956) 721-5135 or at the South Campus at (956) 794-4135. u

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Notes from LaLa Land By dr. neo gutierrez

Dr. Neo Gutierrez is a Ph.D. in Dance and Fine Arts, Meritorious Award in Laredo Fine Arts recipient 2009 from Webb Co. Heritage Foundation, Laredo Sr. Int’l 2008, Laredo MHS Tiger Legend 2002, and Sr. Int’l de Beverly Hills, 1997. Contact neodance@aol.com.

he first time I learned of Type A and Type B personality was in Dr. I. I. Nelson’s educational psychology class when I was a teacher trainee at UT-Austin over 50 years ago. Most recently the topic came to mind when comparing Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rep. Anthony Weiner’s public behavior. To recap: The A/B personality theory first became known in the ‘50s. Type A is that of the high-strung individual, in comparison to Type B, which explains the easy-going person. Originally, the theory was that the type you are could raise or lower chances of developing coronary heart disease, but who knows? So, what are the characteristics of both types? Type A people are multi-taskers, tightly wound, time-conscious, preoccupied, impatient, highly competitive,

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Are you a Type A or Type B personality? controlling, business-like, aggressive, and ambitious. Delays and ambivalence irk them. Type B persons, on the other hand, stand in perfect contrast to Type A’s. They are lacking a sense of urgency; they are easy-going, relaxed, and generally patient. A Type A might think of a Type B as being non-involved and apathetic. And, of course, there’s a Type AB personality, for those who cannot be listed exclusively in either category. If you want to take a test to find out which type you are, Google the topic. I came out as a Type A, of course. But grab on to your seats. Now with the Arnold/Weiner cases recently in the news, psychologists are blaming their behavior on the fact that they posses the Type T personality. I had never heard of Type T (the “T” stands for “thrill.”). As it turns out, the main characteristics in-

clude a need to express power, a love of conquest, and narcissism, which is excessive self-love. Public officials are good targets for Type T because of necessary risk-taking, which doesn’t have to be a problem until the characteristic spills over. Type T individuals accomplished many of our country’s successes. So, it can be a desirable quality, until it spills over into negative behavior, such as drug use, sexual affairs and/or crime, or a combination thereof. Larry Flynt, publisher of Hustler Magazine, a “free speech” advocate, has made Weiner an offer. Flynt writes, “After having learned of your sudden and compelled resignation from your Congressional post, I would like to make you an offer of employment at Flynt Management Group, LLC in our Internet group. As a Congressman, you are known for your intensity and perseverance. I believe that this attitude, combined with your service in the House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce, will make you a valuable asset to this corporation.” Larry Flynt’s high-rise building is 12 blocks from my home. He lives on the top floor, and in the back of the building there’s a beautiful larger-than-life bronze statue of John Wayne on a bucking horse. On the lighter side: Did you see Laredoan Suzy Mayo’s grandson Nick Mayo sing and dance during the televised Tony Awards? He was in the first two opening production numbers — what a performer. And some Laredo music memorabilia — Carlos Landin, singer with Los Rondels, is now on the Smithsonian website. Via e-mail, Carlos explained, “The Rondels started around 1961, when Sammy Ibarra, original leader of the Rondels went on to write ‘Lo Mucho Que Te Quiero.’ I came in around 1962 and became

the lead singer. We added brass instruments to the band and played locally until 1966, when we started to tour all over the U.S. We recorded six LPs and 30-some 45s. The rest is history. “I was inducted into the [Tejano Music Awards] Hall of Fame in 2002 at the Alamodome, and I was also inducted to the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame in 2004. Then in 2009 I was inducted into the Smithsonian, for my contributions to the Chicano music of the ‘60s.” Here’s a note on Mexican actress Carmen Salinas, relative of Laredo’s mayor. She got a huge write-up with photo in Los Angeles’ newspaper La Opinión. Originally from Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico, at 77 years of age she has spent 50 years in the movies, theater, and television shows in Mexico. She says she’s endured in show business because she’s always been herself. She may currently be seen in El triunfo del amor on Spanish television in the evenings. And Jennifer Lopez and Pepe Aguilar will be immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with their own stars engrained onto the sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard. J-Lo, actress-dancer-singer, and Pepe, famous for his regional Mexican music, are the two Latinos heading the new list that recognizes professionals in movie, television, and radio. They were selected from a list of hundreds of nominations, according to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Jennifer Aniston and Vin Diesel will also receive sidewalk stars this year. Television star Mariska Hargitay, daughter of Texan Jayne Mansfield, is also on the list. Mansfield attended UT-Austin one semester while I was a student there. And I once had lunch with Mariska’s dad, bodybuilder Mickey, at a Thanksgiving dinner at the Peter Lupus home. And on that note, as Norma Adamo says: TAN TAN! u

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Arts & Culture

The last farewell: a soldier who never returned home Editor’s note: A false name, Manuel Santiago, is used in place of the subject’s actual name to respect his family’s privacy. Santiago’s thoughts and actions are fictitious since it is difficult to verify them, but his thoughts and actions are based on accounts from the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division, which fought in Normandy. n June 6, 1944. Manuel Santiago from Rhode Island stood with other members of the 4th Infantry Division, and prayed for God to help him. Manuel had never been a very religious man, but during these times he knew that he was in need of divine intervention. The rays of the rising sun, peaking through the thin clouds, outlined his amphibious landing craft as it approached the beaches of Normandy. His division had been assigned to land on Utah Beach at approximately 0700 hours. His mind wandered to images of his brother and sister, whom he had raised after the early death of their parents. At that time, he had been the oldest and solely responsible for them. His sister, Sara, would be 19 next month, and his brother 17. If he could only find a way to tell them how much he missed them. A powerful wave pounded the craft, jolting him back to reality and forcing him to focus on the situation at hand. Soon his division would be landing and, hopefully, they would not meet heavy resistance from Hitler’s troops. Finally, the ramp was lowered, and Manuel forged ahead, wading into the icy salt water. It was difficult trudging through the waistdeep water and the wet sand while, at the same time, attempting to keep his rifle dry. After a long, exhausting day of intense fighting, the 4th Division, along with other units, eventually procured a foothold in France. Manuel felt luck was on his side since he was still alive. He had seen many of his comrades dead or wounded in the water and on the beach. Tragically, Manuel Santiago would eventually meet his maker on July 13, 1944. The 4th Infantry had overtaken Cherbourg on June 25 and had then proceeded to Périers on its way to Paris. Manuel was hit by enemy gunfire not

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U.S. War Department / National Archives

By SYLVIA J. REASH LareDOS Contributor

Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division wade ashore at Victor sector, Utah Beach, on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Amphibious tanks are lined up at the water’s edge. far from Périers and died after sustain- flowers had been placed on some of the ing serious wounds. He was interred in headstones either by visitors, relatives, a temporary grave. After the Normandy or by the French people who still, to this invasion, the liberation of France, and day, place flowers on the gravesites. the end of the war, he, along with other By chance, I came upon Manuel Santiafellow soldiers, was formally laid to rest go’s headstone and decided to photograph with honors at the Normandy American it. It would serve as a memoir of my visit to Cemetery and Memorial at Coleville sur- this solemn and heart-wrenching memoMer, France. His family back in Rhode Is- rial to so many young deaths. After returnland never got the opportunity to know ing from my remarkable trip to Normandy, how much he missed them or to bid him France, I felt a strong inclination to leave farewell. a message on the Sixty-two years Internet concerning It seemed unbelievable later, in 2006, I the photo. Howevgazed upon the er, I never expected that these and other sandy tranquil beaches a reply since I asshores in Normandy, with of the Utah and sumed that no one their serene, azure blue Omaha offensives. who even rememIt seemed unbelievbered Manuel Sanwaters, could have been able that these and tiago or his death the sites of more than other sandy shores would still be alive. 10,000 Allied casualties. in Normandy, with Two years later, their serene, azure to my surprise, I blue waters, could received an e-mail have been the sites of more than 10,000 from a lady from Rhode Island. Manuel Allied casualties. As I wandered around Santiago was her husband’s uncle. As I the 9,000 or more gravesites close to continued reading, I was touched by her Omaha Beach, I was amazed at the sheer words, “Manuel was the older brother beauty of the American Cemetery. The of my mother-in-law, and he had raised bright white crosses and Stars of David her from a young age till he went off to were a stark contrast to the emerald- war. She was a teenager at the time that green, impeccably manicured lawn sur- he was killed in France. She is now gorounding each grave. Brightly colored ing on 81 years old.” The lady asked me

to please send the photograph through e-mail since her mother-in-law would never be able to see his graveside herself. She continued, “He meant the world to her, and she never had the chance to say good-bye to him.” After I had sent them the photo, I received another missive that impacted me even more than the first. “Words can’t explain how much this means to us as a family. This is a generous thing you have done and hope many blessings are bestowed on you for your good deeds.” I will never forget this amazing and touching experience since I never could have predicted that my lone photograph, taken two years ago, would have produced such endearing and lasting emotions. Since then, I have once again returned to the American Cemetery in Normandy and have taken many more photos of soldiers’ headstones. Today, posted on the Internet, are several other messages pertaining to these pictures, placed there in the hope that I could once more help some soldiers’ relatives find closure. I would feel deeply honored if one day other families would contact me and I could send them a photo of their loved one’s final resting place. Perhaps, they could truly find comfort by finally being able to bid their father, brother, or uncle his last and final farewell. u LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

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Maverick Ranch Notes

Vegetable garden under siege; Sister Spitooey back in the house

By bebe & sissy fenstermaker

he vegetable garden is under siege, and the humans are losing. This morning all the yellow crookneck squash in one area have holes in their leaf stems not from a squash bug but chewed by the big-eared hopper that had the nerve to show itself while I was watering. It nibbled off all the pretty little Provence pumpkins, squashes big and small plus their blooms and all the green tomatoes were stripped off the plants. The first mortality was a nice eggplant that was coming right along, then the ends of the watermelon plants, then the squashes. We caged the watermelon and now it has exploded with growth pointing up the damage from nibbling tendrils. As a neighbor said, “Lovely plants but no fruit!” What a year. I have set up the Have-a-heart Trap. A garden, vegetable or flower, enhanced by fluttering bird and butterfly wings is prettier that way, more alive. The birds are doing good work among our vegetables, encouraged along by the hanging bird waterer. This morning an eastern phoebe and a white-eyed vireo worked the garden right alongside me. I don’t see many grasshoppers or katydids thanks to them. Sadly, there won’t be any need to beat the ripe tomato eaters under the circumstances. In the yard I keep water and birdseed available at all times, but white-wing doves are coming in droves, crowding out painted buntings and lesser goldfinches. I hate the dove explosions when I go outside — their guilt from hogging the food. Rock squirrels have been getting chicken eggs, three out of four some days, but trap-

ping has lowered their numbers. Down the ranch road they go, and now I have to put out water and food where I let them go. It seems crazy, but so is the drought situation. Birding is exceptional down at the bull pasture. Water, chicken scratch, and birdseed bring in songbirds, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, and a nice doe. A pretty mesquite tree shades all this and stays in bloom, thrilling the bees. Lingering there is a pleasant evening ritual while I fill the water trough for Romeo Yates and his heifer friend, Mustang Sally. We did get an inch of rain about two and a half weeks ago, which uplifted us all, plant and animal. Only now are we returning to days of no clouds, blue weather high overhead, and caliche dust. I don’t want to even think about how the rest of the summer will go. A happy note: wretched post-feral feline Sister Spittooey is back in the house. It took a little thinking and a lot of sheer luck. Her attitude seemed to be softening somewhat as she began coming into the yard and looking toward the screen porch. What came from the porch was unexpected as Mother, Brother, and Cousin Buzz all set up howls of anger. They no longer recognized her! She seemed hungry, probably having run out of little critters. I started feeding her on the walk just outside the porch, hoping to warm her up for trapping. Trapping didn’t work, but one morning she did come for breakfast, ignoring the curses of the porch crowd. On a whim, I opened the bedroom screen door then went on to other morning things, forgetting about it. As I sat down to my break-

fast she started yowling — this coming from inside the bedroom. Quickly and silently I slipped outside and around to the bedroom door and slammed it shut. She was in. It took two weeks for her close relatives to simmer down. For awhile she thought dog Ruby and I were fairly special because we knew who she was. We were the only ones who spoke to her and called her by name. She fell out of the window into a world she didn’t know, survived by her wits for five weeks, and then suddenly got back to a place she knew. It must have been an otherworld experience.

Bebe Fenstermaker

I would like to complain about being in the grip of the drought, however most of the state could do the same. I’m sort of mesmerized by the soft powder we’re walking through, even though if I wanted to dig a hole in the ground, I’d need a jackhammer. Wildlife is desperate for water and something to eat. Just recently I lost three guineas to coyotes. They came in swiftly and quietly one afternoon. I no longer have my oldest and favorite one-plus-two from last summer’s batch of chicks. Bebe and I had helped to regain use of one of two’s legs. I’m left with the clabber-headed guinea cock and his girlfriend. Wow. Usually I am warned when coyotes are in the neighborhood by their howling. Not so this time.

Needless to say, the remaining birds and I have a whole new schedule, and routine is not part of it. The white wing doves come flocking in to my poor platform feeder. Sometimes five or six try feeding at once, but because of the imbalance created, they spend their time trying to keep their balance. Other winged creatures, wasps, yellow jackets, mud dobbers, and bees spend much of their time at the various water sources I have put out. The wasps and yellow jackets stand on the water’s surface to drink while the rest ease themselves down the side of the reservoir to get to the water. The black and white cat trying to take up residence at the ranch abandoned that thought and is now trying his luck here at Fromme’s. There is caterwauling from time to time between him and L.T. that the rest of us are doing our best to ignore. I suppose they’ll work it out eventually. One good piece of news reaching us about the Scenic Loop Boerne Stage Alliance: Our bill in the state Legislature became law. State Rep. Lyle Larson and his staff guided our bill successfully through the House and state Sen. Jeff Wentworth helped us get through some last-minute jitters while moving our bill through the Senate. We are most appreciative of their help and support.

Sissy Fenstermaker

Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 7 p.m. Laredo Medical Center, Tower B, Meeting Room 2

call 723-1707

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LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Continued from page 9 Listening to Wayne talk about being gay, you’d never think that he ever felt challenged about openly living a gay lifestyle, but he says that college has been a “freeing experience” for him and has become a place where he knows he can be himself. Wayne, who is majoring in deaf education, goes to school in a city that is known for its acceptance and pride of the GLBT community, but he has still faced prejudice against gays there. One day while walking down the street holding hands with a boy he was dating at the time, someone yelled, “faggot,” from the backseat of a passing car —an action that said was hurtful to him because it wasn’t from someone that knew who he was, but rather from a stranger who expressed a negative demeanor about all gays. Wayne has not had a difficult time making friends and dating while at school but he still feels that he could never be as open about his sexuality in Laredo. Marissa Marissa* is originally from California. The 23-year-old first moved to Laredo during the difficult transition from elementary from page 13 I’ve beenContinued covering the shelter since May, when fallout from the dog that was accidently euthanized by a kennelman seemingly led to Brizius’ termination. Brizius gave me her side of the story several times: She was there when the dog’s owner came in and claimed the dog, but wasn’t at the shelter over the weekend, when the dog was actually euthanized. Brizius said the shelter has a strict labeling policy to prevent accidental euthanization, and that this wasn’t the first time it had happened. But the kennelmen, she said, have posed a problem since she arrived at the shelter. Acevedo showed me photos — which regrettably we were not able to include in this issue by press time — of the poor conditions not addressed by “lazy” kennelmen. One dog had puppies on a Sunday while she was sitting on a blanket. Acevedo told the kennelman in charge to remember to change the blanket, but by Thursday, the blanket was still there. She showed me the large black stain the dog was sitting on with her puppies that Thursday. It was horrifying, and Acevedo had hundreds of pictures that served as irrefutable proof that employees were being extremely careless at the shelter. There is clearly mismanagement going

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to middle school. Living in a completely new community with a very different environment than her former home along the West Coast, the move was especially difficult for Marissa, who was coming out of the closet at the same time. She said that she didn’t become comfortable with herself until high school when she finally told her friends that she was gay, but matters still weren’t as easy as she thought they would be. Marissa seemed to have gained thicker skin from the incident and came off as very indifferent when speaking about it. She says that coming out helped her discover who her real friends were and has helped her to better accept herself. Assertiveness also seems to be a characteristic of Marissa, who wears her multiple piercings and flat-bill baseball caps very casually. As part of the wait staff at a local restaurant, she recently approached a customer to take her order. The customer gave her a “look over” and quickly got up and moved to another section in the restaurant. “That was the first time anything like that had ever happened to me,” said Marissa, who doesn’t consider her impression to be very feminine and sometimes wears men’s clothing. “I’ve never had to on at the shelter when it comes to kennelmen, and a firmer hold on employees would help prevent future accidents and improve conditions for the animals. Brizius said her kennelmen would tell her they had cleaned a spot, but when she’d go back to check, it was never cleaned. The kennelmen would give her excuses — “You never told me to do that,” “No, that wasn’t my job, that was the other kennelman’s job,” or “Sorry, you never told me that” were common excuses, she said. And they never had to give legitmate excuses because they didn’t fear losing their jobs, she said. Brizius and Acevedo vented about the kennelmen for a sizable amount of our conversation, and then I thought about board president Alejandra Landis. She told me the employees complained a lot about Brizius and Acevedo, and led me to believe that this was part of the reason they were fired. But if Brizius and Acevedo truly were getting on to the kennelmen for lackluster job performances, then maybe, I thought, maybe their complaints were retaliation for having to actually do their job. But of course, this is something I cannot fully substantiate. It will have to remain another “maybe” in this saga. When Brizius left, she said the ken-

deal with a big confrontation, but I get occasional stares because of my appearance.” Marissa went to school in College Station a couple of years ago and said it was an experience she found difficult because of the conservative views of the town. Having lived in California before moving to Laredo, she also notes big differences in communal GLBT acceptance from one state to the other. Not familiar enough to be proud Living out of the Laredo community has definitely proven to be a much different environment for many GLBT individuals. For others, the prospect of living elsewhere comes with certain benefits. In the end, though, most of these individuals reached the consensus that Laredo is not as close-minded or judgmental as most may think, but rather that the community is not as openly proud of GLBT individuals. Wayne, who thinks that Laredo is not any less supportive of its GLBT community than other cities, says that support and pride for such individuals are simply less visible. “I feel that as more people become aware that love is love and that my relationship with another man is, for the most part, no nelman who had accidently euthanized the dog in May was still not fired. That was another major issue for Brizius — that the board did not allow her to actually manage the shelter. This included the hiring and firing of employees. She gave the example of one employee who was tardy “like 30 of his 45 days, and he lived right across the street.” Brizius wanted to fire him, but the board told her she could not make that decision. According to Brizius, there are bylaws that state explicitly what her job entails and the way the board should operate, but that the board does not always follow those bylaws. These bylaws also include procedures for firing and hiring employees, and Acevedo and Brizius suspect the board has not been following these procedures, either. Brizius said the board is the root of many problems. She was told to fire Acevedo because she was not doing the work the way the board wanted, but Brizius said the board had told them the complete opposite three months before, when they allegedly praised Brizius and Acevedo for their good work. When it came to firing Acevedo, she couldn’t really give a reason why. She also said the decision to fire herself was made before the dog was euth-

different from theirs, they will learn that there is no such thing as a gay relationship or gay marriage,” Wayne said. “They are just plain relationships and marriages between two people who love each other.” While Marissa doesn’t seem to be very faced by Laredo’s “quiet judgments and disapproval” of the GLBT community, Marissa is aware of the difference acceptance levels toward individuals that lead the same lifestyle as her. Liv and Natalie no longer take into consideration the speculation of others regarding their sexual orientation, but recognize that homosexuality is a difficult subject for many. “It’s a very foreign, uncomfortable, and scary subject to most people because they have little exposure to it,” Liv said. “The best thing we can do to change that is to let them ‘see’ us. Once the unfamiliar becomes familiar, we’re all more comfortable and reasonable.” “We’re part of this great community. We’re the neighbors that bring you soup when you’re ill, the taxpayers that contribute to your children’s education, employees that work tirelessly for your business, and the friends that sympathize when you have a dilemma,” Natalie said. “We just happen to be gay, too.” u anized, but that the board unfairly used her as a scapegoat and led the media to believe things that were not true or put into proper context. Brizius’ friends and family have told her to seek a lawyer to look into the matter of her firing, which seems like the logical choice if the board is not following its own guidelines. In the end, I feel bad for Brizius and Acevedo. Sure, it’s easy to say that of course they are going to vent against their employers after being fired, and I can’t really say whether all the accusations against the board are true or not. But I have drawn the conclusion that Brizius and Acevedo really do care for the animals, as members of the board probably do, too, and as Freddie Flores does. However, its easy to get caught up in power grabs; it’s easy to fall into a trap where you are making decisions based on how the shelter or board of directors will look in the press rather than what’s good for the animals; and it’s easy to blame everything on somebody else. And then, there are the animals, who don’t care about any of that, but suffer for it. u

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The Mendoza Line By alex mendoza

Native Laredoan Dr. Alex Mendoza received his PhD from Texas Tech University and has written books and articles on various historical topics from war and memory to barrios and distance running. He can be reached at mxela@hotmail.com.

Luis Sepulveda and the cultural climate of the barbershop one Laredoan, the pages filled with detailed notes written in blue ink. At first, Sepulveda lived his uncle in San Antonio before venturing off on his own and sharing a rented room downtown. After months of hard work and study, Sepulveda graduated in February 1936. The following year, he and several other graduates piled into a car to take the state exam in Austin, a date meticulously recorded in his notebook, and

Courtesy of Grace Sepulveda

uis Sepulveda, a barber in Laredo for more than 50 years, provides a glimpse into a declining trade that once had a great impact in Laredo and its political and social history. Sepulveda, who ran his own shop next to his home on 510 Callaghan St. for most of his life, was once approached by one of Laredo’s political minions after he cut the hair of a supposed rival, questioning the barber’s political allegiance. Undaunted, Sepulveda informed his interrogator that he was free to cut anyone’s hair as long as they respected the rules of his shop. For political acolytes to have approached Sepulveda in the late 20th century should not have been out of the ordinary. The barbershop was once a hub of political and social information, catering to men of all classes, particularly the well-to-do. In fact, the cultural climate of the early to mid 20th century and its connections, politics, and economics all made a visit to a barber not just a bimonthly routine, but a ritual that shaped social and political connections. In Laredo, that proved true as the dominance of the trade shop was seen in the fact that four barbershops surrounded City Hall in 1900, according to city records. Even those without access to politics had their own shops, three barbershops standing close to the “Mexican shanties,” in western Laredo. Sepulveda arrived to the profession during this heyday of the American barbershop, graduating from San Antonio’s Lewis Barber College in 1936. Prior to that, Sepulveda came to the Gateway City at the age of 10 in 1921, from the Lampazos in Nuevo León. Attending Central Elementary School to the fifth grade, Sepulveda — like many other children of poor means—had to work to support the family. It was not until he reached adulthood that he chose his own path. Yet, there were still challenges ahead, namely the $125 tuition payment. Sepulveda’s sisters came to the rescue, providing him with the necessary funds. In 1935, he left Laredo for the Alamo City to work hard and learn the trade. A hundred years ago, the barber’s vocation was far more complicated than modern day observers would believe. The student text by Arthur B. Moler, The Standardized Barbers’ Manual (1911), maintained that barbers were like “the surgeon and the dentist,” a profession to be taken seriously. Moler, who founded the first American barber’s school, thus included comprehensive lessons on chemistry, muscular anatomy, and the human body’s gland systems. The rigorous curriculum did not daunt Sepulveda, who kept meticulous notes in a small 7” x 9” notebook. The notebook, since preserved by his daughter, Grace, provides a broad view into the rigors of barber’s college for WWW. L A R E D O S NE W S . C O M

earned his license. He returned to work at the Laredo Air Force Base for a few years before opening his own shop on Callaghan on August 12, 1940. At this time, the predominantly residential area might not have seemed conducive to a barber shop, but Sepulveda had a good eye for the clientele traffic created by the

presence of a church half a block away (Guadalupe) and a number of other businesses within walking distance (a bottling factory and a handful of auto repair shops, to name a few). Sure enough, through time Sepulveda had built his customer base. A barber’s clientele remains steadfast and faithful to the person who cut their hair, waiting hours and traveling long distances for a simple haircut. In fact, by Sepulveda’s later years, he had patrons coming in from as far as Encinal for their haircuts. In the days prior to World War II, Sepulveda charged 15 cents for a haircut, a price that would rise exponentially to more than $3 by the mid 1980s. Nevertheless, he was frugal and diligent; building his own home and installing its electrical and plumbing fixtures alongside his wife, Dolores, whom he met while buying oranges one day and married in 1941. Together, the couple raised five children at their home on Callaghan Street, sending them to private school, a remarkable accomplishment for a single income household. Adamant about hard work and prudence, Sepulveda and his wife instilled a valuable ethic on their kids, teaching them to contribute to the world around them. During the 1970s, for instance, Dolores joined the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), a national program to fight poverty. Luis, on the other hand, gave back to his profession, helping found the Laredo Barber’s Association, during the 1950s, and serving as its secretary for many years. By the time Luis Sepulveda reached his 70s, he had moved into what he called “semi retirement.” His wife died in 1983, but he still kept his shop open till 6 p.m. on weekdays in case anyone wanted a haircut after they got off of work. Two newspapers, the Laredo Times and the Laredo News ran separate features on the longtime Laredo barber as he reached the milestones of plying his trade for 40 and 50 years. These articles, also preserved by his daughter Grace provide a window into an era that is now all but gone. Sepulveda himself recognized the approaching twilight of his profession when he noted that fashion and social norms made men grow their hair long and thus require fewer barbers. Throughout the 20th century, the intimacy between barber-client offered a unique opportunity how Laredo men — or American men, for that matter — could work and socialize, exchange ideas and information, and provide social banter through the prism of an important community and social institution, the barbershop. The profession is disappearing, however. Just as Luis noted in 1986, fashion and cultural norms are making the barbershop obsolete. Through the diligence of Grace Sepulveda, Luis’s work is not lost. His love and affection for his clients and his profession, evident in the newspaper clippings and other mementos in her possession, provide a valuable service to anyone caring to look at a neglected aspect of Laredo’s past. u LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

The Mystery Customer

MC takes a look at •Circulars service outside of Laredo •Wedding Invitations

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Zapata is one of those places for me. The restaurant is famous for its delicious chicken fried steak — still hot and satisfying after all these years. On this occasion I got the chicken fried steak with cheese and white gravy, an interesting and savory combination that somehow works. The last time I visited the restaurant, I was still in elementary school, and imagine my surprise when the food was still delicious during this trip. El Paraiso has great staying power, and if the restaurant has bent to cheaper ingredients in the past years, I can’t taste them. Unfortunately I cannot rave about the service. It was lackluster before and it’s lackluster now, but that’s not the main reason for visiting El Paraiso. The pink-on-pink décor is also lackluster, my companions noted, but boy does the food make up for all of it. Sames Honda 6105 San Dario Ave. On the Fourth of July, customer service representative Monica Perez provided super

service when the MC dropped off her Honda and when she picked it up the next day. She was not only polite and cordial, but she was well informed on the last maintenance check on the vehicle. In the black hole of customer service across Laredo, she is a standout and someone solid to include as a role model in a get-real, get-it-right seminar on customer service. Petland North Creek Shopping Center 7901-B San Dario Ave. Customer service, someone at the ready to direct you to what you are looking for, makes the marked difference between Petland and Petco. At Petco, you might have to walk the depth of the big box store to find anyone to talk to. Not so at Petland. The inventory at Petco is larger and perhaps more varied, but the service at Petland is much more friendly. You will no doubt have a conversation with an animal lover at Petland. Montana Mike’s Steakhouse

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oysters and sauces were yummy and so was the lunch special of golden tilefish and bok choy over noodles. The service was impeccable and the relaxed setting very pleasant. Travel Centers of America IH-35 Exit 13 Joe from Travel Centers of America was a godsend and a good Samaritan on Saturday, July 9 just south of Encinal. While he was providing road service to a South Texas Transport 18-wheeler, he was kind enough to look at the MC’s tire and to allow the MC to air up her spare. El Paraiso 1904 N. U.S. Highway 83 Zapata, Texas, 78076 You know how certain places evoke memories of your childhood? El Paraiso in

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2445 San Isidro Parkway A good steak does not always make up for lackluster service. It seemed that every server at Montana Mike’s was sporting a blasé attitude, which made our dining experience just as uninteresting. I felt this attitude from our arrival. When we entered the restaurant, no host/hostess said “Hello” or asked how many were in our party. I went up, gave them our name, and they didn’t even tell us what our wait time would be. Not exactly the greatest first impression. I really have no complaints about the food at this steakhouse. The appetizer was fine, the steak was good, and the desserts were decent — leaving me to concentrate on the service. Our waiter seemed like a ghost. He was there, but he did not engage us or try to be nice in any fashion. He simply brought us our food, and failed to check on us to see if we needed more drinks. If you’re a real stickler for good service, Montana Mike’s is not your venue. u

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Movie Review

Snapshots of God’s garden: Malik’s Tree of Life

By CORDELIA BARRERA LareDOS Contributor

errence Malick’s new film, The Tree of Life, is true to the ancient concept of the same name. A motif, a metaphor, and a mystical belief that alludes to the interconnectedness of all life on the planet, the concept of a tree of life has roots in science, philosophy, religion, and folklore. Similarly, Malick’s film teems with ruminations that only belief systems and worldviews can contain. A highly experimental and impressionistic film, The Tree of Life is bold and evocative of an era long past. It’s also perplexing and uncanny. This is a film that speaks volumes, but only if one is patient and ruminative. The Tree of Life, with its metaphysical inquiries and existential ruminations, visually and narratively evokes Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). Both are ambitious films of epic proportions that require patience and defy easy classification. Like 2001, Tree of Life sets out to visually translate the complex creation—and possible death— of the universe. The film’s characters are necessary only as they provide a human gauge to monumental events. They are, in fact, incidental to the storyline. The film begins with a quote from the Book of Job. God asks: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” The image that comes into view — which is repeated at various intervals throughout the film — is a flame, a quivering light that flashes and then fades to suggest the fluidity — and the fragility of all life. The Tree of Life, which revolves around a suburban family in the 1950s, is a study of everyday life, inspired by Malick’s childhood in Waco, Texas. The film follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack (played as an adult by Sean Penn), through the in-

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nocence of his childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he attempts to reconcile a complex relationship with his authoritarian, borderline abusive father (Brad Pitt). Jack is the eldest of three brothers. In an early scene, we learn that Jack’s brother died at the age of 19, and much of the film is structured around Jack’s memories as an adolescent in his father’s home. Although the older Jack finds himself a lost soul in a modern world of antiseptic architecture and steel blues, his memories are warm, sepiatoned and in soft focus. There is not much of a plot in The Tree of Life. Although we follow the lives of the O’Brien family, the film is comprised of moments, images, and often dizzying or bizarre snapshots of bygone eras and visions. Like memories, the visuals incorporate the emotional residue of events, longings, and wishes. In The Tree of Life, we enter the world of reminiscences where memories become tinged with wide angles and odd juxtapositions. There is the family whose life we watch unfold and unfurl, but in the space and time of the film, they are merely backdrop to the greater spiritual questions that fuel the heart of The Tree of Life. Often, the point of view shifts to suggest that what we see is through the eyes of God. This is a film neither easily digested nor summarized. Whispered voiceovers by various characters — Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien and grown son Jack — are creative devices that link the film’s otherwise fragmented, non-linear narrative. Given the narrative jumps between the past, present, and future, as well as a cut to a long sequence of spectacular visual images dramatizing the formation of the universe, whispered words—“Mother,” “Father,” “Grace,” “Nature” — meld disparate time periods. The result is a visual rumination, an impressionistic metaphysical inquiry into humanity’s place in the grand scheme of things. The film proceeds like a series of waves that bathes

the audience not in cool waters but in urgent pronouncements both microscopic and grand. Beautiful yet complicated, poetic and postmodern, the nonlinear narrative and series of galactic explosions, roiling nebulae, and creatures from the Paleozoic through the Cenozoic and beyond in The Tree of Life will undoubtedly bewilder some viewers. The score, however — mostly classical music that includes Bedřich Smetana’s The Moldau and works by Brahms, Mahler, Bach, and Holst — serves as a thematic register for many of the more evocative scenes. As such, even if the film’s storyline remains clouded for some viewers, the grandeur and splendor of The Tree of Life persists to stir the heart — and perhaps the soul — of those willing to look, listen, and indulge in the enigmatic beauty of Malick’s lovingly constructed vision. u

LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Feature

D.C. adventures: Having a drink at the White House love Washington, D.C. If I could afford to live there, I would. Although I just don’t think that I could give up my wonderful, antique, and well-built home; my location and neighborhood; and the Laredo friends that I have made and known — some for nearly 40 years, I might settle for a situation in which I could live there for one month per year and in Laredo for the other 11 months each year. While I was consulting in the District during the 1960s, I usually stayed with friends if I needed to stay overnight. When I needed a hotel, I usually stayed at a downtown Hilton or the one huge downtown grand hotel that looked across to the Capitol. I don’t remember the name, but I do remember the beautiful décor, the hugeness of the building, the deluxe furniture and furnishings, and the enormous prices. I remember my frequenting a restaurant and bar with friends in which J. Edgar Hoover and his friend Clyde Tolson often had supper. Many congressmen and lobbyists frequented that bar. Its name was the first name of the original owner (Harvey’s?) I also remember how good, nutritious, and price-reasonable the food was in the Sam Rayburn S.O.B. (Senate Office Building) cafeteria. I learned through direct experience in D.C. the real meaning of a word that I had known for most of my life, and that reminded me of another direct-experiential learning. In the 1980s, I visited Roi Tan — the largest of the Honduras’ 59 Islas de la Bahia — and Guanaja, the second largest. In that climate, I experienced 115-degree weather… in the shade. Therefore, I learned both the meaning of and the reason for a “siesta.” When I was studying Spanish in fifth grade, I learned that a siesta was a light lunch and a nap from early noon to early afternoon. In those islands, I learned that from about 11:30 a.m. until about 3:30 p.m, a person, especially a visitor from the north, can “get knocked down” by the sun and suffer a heatstroke. So, I finally understood the real reason for partaking of a light lunch and a nap or other light activity during those hours. In D.C., I finally understood the phrase “sweltering heat.” Since I have lived in Laredo for nearly four decades, I am used to “the heat,” but I am not used

| L a r e DO S | JU LY 2011

Courtesy of Lem Londos Railsback

By LEM LONDOS RAILBACK LareDOS Contributor

A drink at the White House Contributor Lem Londos Railsback takes a break to cool off in front of the White House in Washington, D.C. to the heat and humidity of Washington, D.C., in the summertime. After all, the Potomac River is just down the street, the Chesapeake Bay is just up the road, and the Atlantic Ocean determines the humidity for the entire East Coast temperature. On the second day of my recent trip, I walked around the northwest section, down to the Federal Triangle, to two of the Smithsonian Institutes, and over to the Reflecting Pool. By 5 p.m., however, I was so famished that I broke one of my long-standing rules. I always try to get to my destinations by walking or by using the Metro or the local bus system. On this particular day, I finally used a taxi to return to my dwellings. Before I went in, of course, I visited one of the food markets and purchased several bottles of water, two Cokes, and something called “Gatorade Power Mix.” After chugging them all in my room, I began to feel fully alive again. Some things are learned accidentally — that is, without planning to learn that particular thing. Such an event occurred when I walked downtown to the mall to re-visit the Reflecting Pool. Since the 1960s, I have made my way over to the Lincoln Memorial and sat and looked across the Reflecting Pool to the Washington Monument. On each of those sittings, I have tried to imagine the hugeness, the energy, and the crowd that lis-

tened to Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech about racial inequality in America, his opposition to the Vietnam War, and his plea for his listeners to muster their “soul force” instead of physical force to achieve their goals. On this recent trip, I walked over to the side of the Reflecting Pool and found that some sort of construction was occurring: That whole side of the pool was cordoned off, and the pool was dry. So I made my way over to the Washington Monument. As I was following one of the trails toward the monument, I stopped and begin to study and, once again, appreciate the tall construction. While I was still appreciating, a group of over a dozen adults appeared with a talking guide. Apparently, I had stopped at a particular “talking point” for a formal tour of the area. According to that guide, construction on the Washington Monument started before the Civil War, and then stopped because of the war. After the war, construction was begun again; however, the quarry from which the first stone had been taken had gone out of business, and the new stone had to be purchased from a different quarry. As a result, from about one-third of its height to its top, the monument casts a different coloring from that of the original stone. According to that guide, upon its completion,

the monument was the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere and, except for the cathedral of Cologne, France, the tallest in the world. Then, shortly thereafter, the Eiffel Tower took the title. Then, other title-holders sprang up. The Washington Monument, however, remains the world’s tallest edifice of only brick and mortar—absolutely, no rebar. I had planned to ride the elevator to the top someday, but with this new information, I am not sure. As the guide moved the group on down the trail, I began admiring the breadth of knowledge that the guide was providing to his crowd. However, when I got home, I decided to check out the Washington Monument on the electronic web: Historic details of the different colorings appeared on one of the sites. I still admired the guide for his breadth of information that he was sharing, but, as a retired teacher, I believed that he should have given credit to his sources. After all, he himself was not old enough to have direct knowledge of the change of quarries; therefore, he had to have read the explanation from some text. In my opinion, he should have provided due credit for his sources. Washington, D.C. offers a smorgasbord of opportunities for learning, discovering, sharing, and enjoying. Political leaders of the world — artists, economic specialists, health care scientists, educators, and other giants — travel to the Capitol to pursue their respective missions. And the 600,000-plus residents of the Federal District live within a giant forest of massive federal buildings, private hotels, corporation headquarters facilities, and other amazing edifices. Both tourists and residents can visit the grounds of the spacious Smithsonian Garden of Sculpture and enjoy a lunch at the eatery, visit the other seven institutes, or just journey through the bustling streets with stores, eateries, and side-shops galore. On my recent trip, I visited the Museum of Air and Space, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of American History, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Art Museum — both the West Building, in which I viewed the large display of French Impressionists, and the East Building with its small French paintings and modernist displays. In the Museum of Natural History, I viewed the largest wooly mammoth that I have ever seen. WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

I also saw a 36-foot-long giant squid — also dead, along with a bunch of other “water creatures” on the second floor. I viewed the preserved bodies of a lot of animals that I had not known even existed. Apparently, many of them came from the far depths of the ocean. In my LareDOS article for April, “East coast offers many national treasures,” I mentioned the original “Stars and Strips” flag. Lt. Col. Armistead, who was an ancestor of my sister’s deceased husband, was the commander of Fort McHenry (in Baltimore) during the British assault on the fort. Armistead had repelled the British intruders on land and had sustained 25 hours of continuous bombardment from the British ships at Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812. I had first seen that enormous flag several decades ago as it hung vertically on a wall with a small identifying plaque. On my recent trip, I happily discovered that the Museum of American History has moved the large garrison flag with 15 stars and stripes that Lt. Colonel Armistead had commissioned Mary Young Pickersgill to sew. I learned that Mary, her 13-yearold daughter, two nieces, and a young indentured African-American servant had worked several months on the garrison flag and a smaller “storm flag.” Today’s

Museum of American History has moved the large cloth onto a horizontal display, tacked it to a linen backing, protected it from visitors with a large glass-and-metal box, and enhanced its status as a major display. As one enters the “hallway” into the display, one can view paintings and read descriptions of the British attack on Fort McHenry, a briefing on Armistead, and an explanation of how the colonel had commissioned the flag to be sewn. In the next frame, a well-written chronology delineates events of the morning. Francis Scott Key saw the flag flying above the fort and knew that the Americans were still in control of the fort. A rationale follows for the “15 stars and 15 stripes flag.” Then, a history of the flag after the battle unfolds. Then, just as one follows the corner to the left and moves into the darkened main room of the exhibit, one gazes downward at the glassand-metal-cased ! “Armistead flag,” the original “Stars and Stripes” flag. ! Even though I had already seen the ! ago, I was still struck flag several decades by its size. As I !gazed on the many holes and rips in the flag ! that the British bombs had torn, I began to imagine the fierce! ness of the bombardment and the states ! inhabitant in the Fort of mind of each during those two ! days. I began to think

of Lt. Col. Armistead. A tinge of pride began to creep in as I realize that I was kin — if only by marriage — to such a brave and staunch soldier. As I moved through the hall away from the flag, I saw scissors and needles like the ones that Mary and her helpers had used, pictures of Mary, and other interesting sidelights. I presented my paper “A University Is Not a Business—Part II” at the OmniShoreham Hotel, a very old and famous hotel in northwest Washington at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Calvert Street. I was told that the Philippine government-in-exile during World War II was located in this hotel. At least one small O.S.S. scientific gathering occurred there. Also, as I understood the host who was explaining the hotel’s history to me, FDR threw his inaugural party at the hotel; Truman and other senators played poker in one of the suites; Joe DiMaggio stayed at the hotel whenever he was in town, as did the Beatles; and The Mamas and The Papas performed in the lounge during the mid-1960s. Finally, President Clinton’s playing of his saxophone during a sit-in with a band was nationally televised from this hotel. As I completed my presentation and goodbyes to colleagues, I went across the street and upstairs to a McDonald’s.

The Big Breakfast was wonderful, and the coffee was cheaper than that at the Laredo Mac. After breakfast, I went back to downtown and over to have a drink by the White House and to photograph three furry visitors on the White House grounds. The drink was the small, nearly frozen plastic bottle of water that I had purchased from one of the beverage stands on the street for $2, and the three visitors were actually three small brown squirrels just inside the fence, working for their lunch. As a female visitor came close to the fence, the squirrels would stand on their hind legs, nod with their heads, and hold their paws up. As the visitor would pitch a pinch of biscuit to the squirrels, the squirrels would spring to the biscuit and devour it. Then, they would rise up once again, with paws outstretched and looking directly at the visitor. I was surprised at how much bread the visitor had brought. I suspected that she must be a native who fed the little furry things on a regular basis. Then, the squirrels’ fast and energetic working for their food finally reminded me that I had not eaten lunch. So I walked back several blocks to the Potbelly and had one of the very best beef-and-cheeses sandwiches that I have ever eaten. u

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LareDOS | JU LY 2011 |

Seguro Que Sí By Henri Kahn

Contact Henri D. Kahn with your insurance questions at (956) 725-3936, or by fax at (956) 791-0627, or by email at hkahn@ kahnins.com

The power of public opinion

tional moments of court proceedings. I find it interesting that other than advertising tribunal antics concerning a famous or infamous public figure, the selection process to determine which case to publicize nationally seems to be mediaclassified material. TV reality programs that bring out atypical aspects of gender-based small social clusters, and even include all sorts of quaint groups, are responsible for the aweinspiring entertainment trends that have developed and fostered the ridiculous court of public opinion. Personally I will continue to spend most of my leisure time exercising, tending to the garden, reading all sorts of books, and watching sports on TV from time to time. Pray for political agreements that benefit our beloved country and rain, rain, rain. Adios for now. u

‘Through the Looking Glass’ LCC student Carlos Limón stands next to “Hueco Mundo,” or “Hollow World,” one of the pieces from his collection “Through the Looking Glass,” which was on exhibit at LCC’s Year Library at the Fort McIntosh campus through July 14.

| L a r e DO S | JU LY 2011

By BEVERLY HERRERA

President, The Food for Thought Foundation

Cristina Herrera/LareDOS

now ye that by the power of suggestion, hypnotic repetition, and acts of irresponsible reporting by all the media, the edicts in the court of public opinion proclaim that persons on trial in a highly publicized court of law procedure are guilty until proven innocent, because if they weren’t at least somewhat guilty they wouldn’t be on trial, or innocent, because their behavior in court just doesn’t seem to be that of a person capable of such a crime? Mob rule mentality is exacerbated by the continual provocation of any mildly sordid suggestion of impropriety that the media feeds to the mostly nescient sector of our population. All the major TV broadcast companies, hundreds of radio stations, and newspapers indulge and cater to public opinion by featuring and emphasizing the most emo-

The Food for Thought Foundation

Still time for summer reading, helping others

ay Asher, author of Thirteen Reasons Why (Penguin, 2007), had a talk and signing session at the main branch of the Laredo Public Library in June. He came because of the work of the Teen Advisory Board. He talked about writing, suicide, being rejected as a person and an author, and being persistent. Thanks to everyone at the library who brought him here. It was a nice way to start the summer. He is an author who is being noticed in the literary world because young readers pick up his book, read it, and start talking. Because of that the Young Adult Library Services (YALSA), has selected as the 2011 spokesperson for Teen Read Week. YALSA wants to get teens reading for the fun of it, not just for school, and Asher’s book does that. He’s also coming out with a new book, co-written with Carolyn Mackler and called The Future of Us. If you haven’t read a book this summer, there’s still time. It doesn’t have to be a heavy educational tome; it can be about anything. Some people are rereading the Harry Potter books as the last film debuted this month. If you’re tired of hearing about Harry Potter, you might like a graphic novel by Stefan Petrucha and Rick Parker, called Harry Potty and the Deathly Boring (Papercutz, 2010). It looks at Harry Potter the same way Mad Magazine looks at everything, but is geared toward middle school readers. Another good book for young readers is Wendy Mass’s 11 Birthdays (Scholastic, 2009), which is about best friends who have celebrated their shared birthday until they have a fight. This book won the 2011 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award. A group of 4-8 grade students in Vermont chooses this award each year. A similar high school group in Vermont chose Graceling (Harcourt, 2008), Kristin Cashore’s debut fantasy novel, as the sixth winner of the Green Mountain Book Award. The hero is a young girl who discovers her own strength as fights the talent she has had since the age of 8 — the ability to kill a man with her bare hands. She learns to use her talent for good against the corrupt king. For readers who want a nonfiction book, Jaycee Lee Dugard has come out with her story, A Stolen Life: A Memoir (Simon and Schuster, 2011), about her 18 years as a kidnap victim. She was kidnapped at the age of 11 and had two children with her male captor. The book is a graphic account of all

she endured. She explains the emotional and physical abuse she endured from her captors, husband and wife Phillip and Nancy Garrido, and how she has recovered with the help of her family and friends. The book has quickly become the number one seller on Amazon. If you have a little one at home, check out some books at the library. A good picture book is Giraffes Can’t Dance (Orchard, 2001), written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees. It’s a wonderful book for 5 to 6 year-olds about having big dreams and believing in yourself. If you want to do something, look around for volunteer work. Many organizations can use your help. Go to their web sites to find out what you can do to help. The South Texas Food Bank — southtexasfoodbank.org — credits more than 20,000 volunteer hours per year for helping get the food to the needy on a daily basis. Whether you would like to help as an individual or as part of a group, your assistance will make a difference. Another hard working group, Habitat for Humanity — habitatlaredo.org — welcomes your help. Their website states that they are “always in need of eager, willing volunteers to join us at our worksites, help us out in the office, or support our programs in many other special ways. Because of this, there is something for everyone. From the young to the old, no matter what walk of life you came from.” That sounds like there is no excuse for not helping this group. If it’s still too hot for you to move food around or help build a house, consider becoming a tutor with the Laredo chapter of the Literacy Volunteers of America, lvalaredo.org. Or give them some of your books that you have already read so they can share them with new readers. Look around. Your church, school, community and neighbors can all use a helping hand. Help with a youth group. Join student council members who are getting their schools ready for fall. Look for an organization whose goals closely match yours. Offer to cut the grass for a neighbor who is in need. You’ll feel good about yourself and have something to write about when you go back to school and the teacher assigns you that essay on “What You Did on Summer Vacation.” u

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News Brief

icole N. Recto, a seventh grader at Mary Help of Christians School, joined a select group of students representing their schools, communities, and country as People to People Student Leaders. She participated in the People to People Leadership Summit at Harvard University in Boston from June 28 to July 7. People to People Student Leaders complete an academically rigorous program focused on leadership development and global awareness. Recto was nominated and accepted for the honor based on outstanding scholastic merit, civic involvement, and leadership potential. The People to People Leadership Summits bring together outstanding student leaders from around the globe

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to focus on leadership, teambuilding, community service, college admissions, and professional aspirations. Students learn how to effectively make a difference in their communities, develop skills to help them lead tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world, and build their college resumes, with the chance to earn academic or service-learning credit. Participants also gain insights to guide their educational and professional careers, and benefit from a strong focus on college admissions. Through workshops, presentations, excursions, and discussions, student leaders attain a clear advantage as they pursue their selected fields of interest. Students will have the opportunity to meet with admissions officers and gain valuable advice for navigating the college application process. In some locations,

students will be able to tour several area universities. The 2011 People to People Leadership Summits convened at Columbia University, George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, and the University of California, Los Angeles. The program is coordinated by People to People Ambassador programs to fulfill the vision President Dwight D. Eisenhower had for fostering world citizenship when he founded People to People International during his presidency in 1956. For additional information please visit peopletopeople.com/leadership. Nicole Recto is the daughter of Drs. Gesenia and Allan Recto. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; LareDOS Staff

Courtesy photo

Local student completes People to People program at Harvard

Nicole N. Recto

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Arts & Culture

The resident tour guide: Writer shows beauty of Laredo to visitors he recent concerns about the reputation of Laredo in connection with nearby international violence harkens back to my own introduction to the city in 2005. On the day I took my first airplane trip ever from Wisconsin to visit our family already happily ensconced in Laredo, I walked through Laredo International Airport holding my bags close to hand and observing the natives for menacing glares. But there were no Laredoans lurking in corners ready to knock me to the floor. Instead, any eye contact that occurred was accompanied by a welcoming smile. Whew! My early concerns were activated by Nuevo Laredo news forwarded from relatives who lived in Florida, not by any statistical numbers or people from Laredo itself. Another favorable impression occurred when the auto rental agency gave us a simple map of the city, and we found the layout to our destinations (which did not include downtown or new developments) to be user friendly. This summer, five and a half years after our move to Laredo, we decided to invite two of my cousins, both native Rhode Islanders, to Laredo. One has lived in Sonoma, Calif., for over 40 years. The other is a life-long Rhode Islander. The two women visit each other in alternate years, and I have joined the California visits since my first flying venture in 2005. I was very interested to observe the reactions of my cousins as guests of Laredo. In my monthly letters to the two, I have not mentioned border violence. In any case, they jumped at the chance to visit Texas for the first time. Maybe they checked Internet crime statistics. It is my own recollection that there seemed to be about two murders per week in Providence, R.I., in the years prior to my departure. Statistics indicate that the murder rate in Laredo is considerably less than that of Providence, and certainly less than that of another former habitat of mine, the city of Houston. Even so, the loss of just one soul is morally outrageous. In order to impress the ladies with the educational component of Laredo, I took them on an early morning walking tour of Texas A&M International University, including a visit to the new Helen Richter Watson Gallery. I experienced the frustrations of a tour guide when my elder cousin requested frequent rests along the path. My consternation was due to the fact that she has been waxing prosaic about her endurance on the treadmill and in the pool of the gym that

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she frequently attends. My husband, the eldest of our group, who does not watch his diet or engage in exercise, can easily walk one lap around the campus in the morning. My cousin’s possible reaction to Texas morning temperatures seemed to indicate that I should jettison plans to utilize the nice walking paths of Laredo. However, my scheme for later that morning was to introduce them to a combination of southern hospitality and Mexican-American warmth via the owners of El Metate Restaurant, Conchita and Fidencio Martinez. My cousins gratefully took advantage of the Mexican cuisine and ambience, along with the congenial conversation provided by our hosts. On Sunday, I advised my visitors that I was taking them to our church, Christ Church Episcopal, not necessarily to spread the word of the Lord, but to experience the lure of South Laredo. They absolutely loved the courtyard adjacent to the church with its flowering trees and plants and nearby chirping birds. As was my reaction in 2005, they were entranced with the beautiful music provided by Dr. Fritz Gechter, pianist and Dr. Ray Keck, organist, and lauded Reverend Paul Frey’s sermon. That day happened to be Pot Luck Sunday, so they got to meet more of the friendly people of Laredo and taste their wonderful homemade international cooking. Aside from those parishioners, my younger cousin, who recently lost her husband, easily encountered Laredoans who would hold her hands and pray with her throughout the extent of our local journey. Of course, the piece de resistance that day was the opportunity to go swimming in June (while high temperatures in Rhode Island and northern California were still 60 degrees). My younger cousin said, “I can see why you feel so safe here,” as she observed the clusters of Border Patrol agents also relaxing by the apartment complex pool. My considerate cousin actually remembered to thank each and every one of the officers that she met in Laredo, whereas my older cousin relished the daily pool experience. Another opportunity for an exercise-orientated experience occurred when I was given permission to take them to my Silver Sneakers class

at a local gym. I correctly predicted that they would experience no unreasonable physical stress in that setting. Having started our immersion into the city of Laredo, we thought we could not allow ourselves to let our guests leave Texas without a trip to San Antonio. Unfortunately, the visit to the Alamo did not go well. My elder cousin mistakenly took interior photos and was offended when a guard remon-

The TXGenWeb Project

By DENISE FERGUSON LareDOS Contributor

strated her. So we continued on to “River Walk,” but the walk in search of a boat ramp created a challenge on a hot day. Eventually, we found the All American Burger restaurant, which provided good refreshment and the cowboy ambience sought by non-Texans. After that, our guests torpedoed the opportunity to take a boat down the river. They were done with their tour of San Antonio. My husband later asked me, “Who tours San Antonio in an hour?” I responded, “I guess we do when we drive two and a half hours to get a Dunkin’ Donut.” Who knew that San Antonio would be voted number two? To substantiate that evaluation, the next tour proved to be the pinnacle of the trip. Although I always get lost when I attempt to visit downtown Laredo due to the oneway streets that all go the same way, along with detours and barricaded roads, we finally arrived at La Posada’s Tack Room. The food was good, as expected. I think my guests were a little disconcerted to see the plentitude of guns that were being worn by law enforcement personnel indoors at noontime (along with the possible implications). Most Rhode Islanders are not into guns. But we very much appreciated the courtesy of the staff, who actually walked us out of the restaurant to point out the lo-

cation of the Republic of Río Grande Museum along with river and bridge viewing locations. We were impressed with the work and dedication that has gone into the museum exhibits. Our only complaint was that we recognized some of the antique furniture as being similar to that having been used by ourselves back in the day. We did make it across the street to view the St. Augustine Cathedral. I was thrilled that it was open at noon as I had not previously been inside. My cousins and I were completely spellbound by the beauty of the interior. If I asked the duo which place they would revisit a second time, I think they would choose the cathedral. Since the Center for the Arts presented too much of a walk on that hot day, we drove past the historic buildings and homes along Houston and Victoria streets. We also visited the Fort McIntosh sector of Laredo Community College. My cousins were duly impressed that Laredo has two large community college campuses in addition to our fine university. They totally admired the ongoing new LCC educational building construction. Unfortunately, a visit to the souvenir shops along San Bernardo Avenue tanked quite like the San Antonio flop. Toward the end of their vacation, we offered a few new tour options. Instead, my cousins said they wanted to visit the mall and go to a movie, which is about the last activity I would search out in a new city. But we did, indeed, visit the Mall del Norte, and that visit received an enthusiastic thumbs-up from our tourists. Later, they were quite smitten with the H-E-B brand marketing experience as well. Of the fast food restaurants unavailable in their areas, Whataburger, Little Caesar’s, and Chick-fil-A turned out to be their favorites during their visit. So what did they think of Laredo aside from the constant sun and opportunity to go swimming 8 months per year? They announced that they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves and added, “Laredo is a very welcoming city!” u WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

Traditionally Modern Cooking

An easy Alfredo you can make at home By JASON HERRERA LareDOS Contributor Editor’s note: This is the first article in a new column called Traditionally Modern Cooking, in which former Laredoan Jason Herrera, a college sophomore and cooking enthusiast, presents tips, tricks, and recipes he’s gathered during his 10 years in the kitchen. started cooking at age 8 because I was an ultra picky child who wouldn’t eat anything I deemed unsuitable based on smell, look, and feel. I learned to cook by observing others. I started off imitating the styles of TV chefs. I’d read my mother’s 1973 version of Betty Crocker’s Cookbook and emulated the wholesome allscratch meals listed. The first entrees I attempted were over-spiced and under/overcooked. Nothing I made truly tasted good until I became more experienced and the number of good, if not great, tasting meals began to outnumber the bad. Cooking became more natural to me, and the imitations I began with blended into my own style. Like most kids today, was raised on margarine and semi-instant food. I decided to rebel against my food upbringings and started using butter and whole milk in moderation. I refuse to use any “whipped topping” other than whipped cream. About 80 percent of what I cook is from scratch. Realistically, I know most people aren’t the snob I’ve become about food. As a college student with no summer job, I have time to cook most of my food from scratch. But once college begins and I get a job, I’m going to have to swallow my pride, snub my inner snob, and reduce the amount I cook from scratch. My goal is to get readers to start cooking a few more things from scratch. A roasted chicken bought at the big chain supermarket is made into a meal when I include homemade rolls or a homemade pie. I do not nor can I expect everything in a meal to be homemade, but if one or two things are, the meal is much more memorable. Ten years after I first started cooking, I want to share with you what I’ve learned about food. Italian food is my favorite. The only place in Laredo that serves Italian that I enjoy is Olive Garden, one of my favorite restaurants in Laredo, despite being heavily Americanized. Olive Garden’s Alfredo sauce is great, but it’s not remarkable. I’ve had similar tasting sauces at other restaurants in Oklahoma City — where I attend college — and a couple better in Austin.

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Homemade Alfredo Sauce This is my time-tested recipe for homemade, authentic Alfredo sauce: - 2 cups of heavy cream - 4 tablespoons of butter - 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese What makes fresh Alfredo sauce so great is the harmony between the cream’s soft flavor and the parmesan’s almost harsh taste. Pasta tossed with butter and cheese has been around for years. Alfredo sauce is a rich variant of the thousands of butter/ cheese sauces originating in Italy. A basic Alfredo sauce has only three ingredients: whole cream, parmesan cheese, and butter. Garlic, herbs and chicken broth add depth to basic Alfredo. When it comes to pasta, I’m a wellinformed amateur. There are a few basic types of pasta: tube, long, and short. Penne is a short, tubular pasta. Spaghetti is a long tube pasta. Fettucine is a long, non-tubular pasta and farfalle (bow tie) is a short,

non-tubular. My favorite type of pasta to use with Alfredo sauce is a short pasta. Long pastas like fettucine, the pasta most heavily paired with Alfredo, don’t hold the sauce well and are messy. I recommend penne and farfalle as Alfredo’s partners. These pastas hold the sauce well, and their light and almost springy texture add nice contrast to the rich Alfredo. Regardless of the pasta you choose, salting the pasta water is crucial. Pasta has a subtle flavor most people forget about if the pasta is seasoned right. If you use saltless water to cook pasta, you’ll find the dish tasting off. I find salting the water to taste a little less salty than seawater works perfectly. Take care of your pasta water —

some of it will be used in the sauce. The trick to silky strands of pasta is simple. Once the pasta is two minutes away from being done, to taste, remove about a cup of pasta water from the pot. Add the pasta and about a fourth of a cup of the water to whatever sauce you are using. Cook on high until the water’s cooked out. Cook all of the ingredients until thickened, about five minutes. Tailor this basic sauce to your personal preferences by using half and half, adding a half-cup of chicken broth, adding spices and garlic, and using margarine. When cooking, do things that feel natural to you. That way, you are comfortable with what you are serving. The only ingredient you cannot make Alfredo sauce without is the cheese. Pre-grated parmesan comes with cellulose, which is an anti-caking agent that prevents the cheese from melting and thickening the sauce properly. Melt butter on medium heat in a skillet. Add garlic and milk. Cook for five minutes. Add cream, parmesan, garlic, and seasonings. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a roiling boil. Add pasta and cook for five to six minutes while stirring the sauce frequently. Remove a cup of pasta water and drain the pasta. Add pasta and about a 1/2 cup water to the skillet with sauce. Toss and cook on high until the water is cooked out and the pasta is done. If the pasta is still undercooked, add a few tablespoons of pasta water and cook out until the pasta is perfect. u

Jason’s Penne Alfredo

2 cups of heavy cream 2 tablespoons milk 4 tablespoons butter 1 cup freshly grated parmesan Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 cloves of garlic, smashed with a knife - A dash of Italian seasoning/fresh rosemary - 1 pound of pasta

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Overlooking the train tracks

At the end of Corpus Christi Street, a piece of land overlooking the railroad tracks has been turned into a dump. A sign warning against illegal dumping sits right next to this site

Trash scattered near the railroad tracks

Cristina Herrera/LareDOS

Lots of recyclable materials are dumped here as well

The mess is a danger to anybody who walks on this ground

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Feature

Center for the Arts/LITE present Broadway smash RENT n the rich summer tradition of bringing edgy, lyrical, and visually daunting adult fare to Laredo theater audiences, the Laredo Institute for Theatrical Education (LITE Productions, Inc.) in coordination with the Laredo Center for the Arts will present the Tony Award-winning production of RENT during a twoweek run in early August. Director Danny Villarreal, who along with the LITE crew brought the uproarious Cabaret in the summer of 2009 and the elegant Side Man last August, now shares with Laredoans his version of RENT, the coming-of-age tale of New York Bohemians living through the ravages of AIDS. Conceived of and written by Jonathon Larsen, who passed away before the musical’s off-Broadway opening in 1996, the show is an updated version of Puccini’s La Boheme. The musical tells the rich and interwoven stories of an unforgettable cast of characters in rock-opera form. Villarreal, musical director Hacel Arias, vocal director Christina Guajardo, and choreographer Sessie Zapata are ready to unleash a troupe of actors to the Laredo scene that will generate a buzz for months to come. At a recent rehearsal, the cast showcased some of the show’s signature melodies before going into a full rehearsal. While there are many showstoppers in the production, the “Seasons of Love” number took life on this evening while cameras snapped away. The entire cast congregates for this song that captures the youthful hope of characters who seek to live life to the fullest while the ravages of poverty and disease attack the world

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Courtesy photo

By ARMANDO LOPEZ LareDOS Contributor

Cast of LITE’s RENT around them. The actors here are young, passionate and talented, with stage veterans Ricky Holguin (Roger) and M. Roberto “Chibbi” Orduña (Tom Collins) bringing their formidable talents to the production. Hector Rios (Mark), Jason Barrera (Benjamin Coffin III), Briana Morales (Joanne Jefferson), Mark Garner (Angel Dumott Schunard), Fernanda Price (Mimi Marquez), and Sessie Zapata (Maureen Johnson) are the main characters around which this tale revolves. The rest of the company is comprised of

earnest young performers who bring their angelic voices to the Laredo Center for the Arts. They are Brenda Camacho, Homer Gonzalez, Julio Garza, Katia Vega, Maegan Vazquez, Michael Hernandez, Silke Jasso, and Alex Vargas. The RENT band is comprised of Andy Cantu on piano, Jonathan Arias on guitar, Israel Cruz on guitar, Daniel Arambula on bass, and George “Fight-Win” Meza on drums. Show dates for the production are August 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, and 14. Showtime for the

August 6, 7, 12, and 13 shows is 8 p.m. Matinees on August 8 and 14 are at 3 p.m. Tables for the event are at $200 for six patrons. Individual tickets are $15.00. Proceeds from this year’s production go to eligible high school graduates who have participated in previous LITE shows. To purchase tickets or tables please contact Gabriel Castillo at the Laredo Center for the Arts at (956) 725-1715. For more show information visit the LITE Productions website at www.liteproductions.org. u

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The Anonymous Teacher

LAREDO MAIN STREET:

Working to Revitalize Downtown Laredo Arts & Entertainment District: Allowing for sidewalk cafes, weekend markets, and outdoor selling.

Façade Improvement Grant: Allowing for 50%

matching funds for store front, window, awning and building façade improvements.

New Business Incentives: Incentives to entice new

business investment into the historic downtown area.

2010 Small Business Summit: Support and networking as well as entrepreneurial workshops.

14th Annual Jamboozie Festival: Street festival

encompassing 12 blocks and 6 musical stages and various street performers, food vendors, and arts and crafts.

El Centro de Laredo Farmers Market: Held every third Saturday of the month, shoppers who visit the market often stay downtown and continue shopping in nearby stores. Rhythms on the Rio: Festival featuring Salsa music and

food and beverage vendors under the stars at El Portal.

National Recognition for Laredo Main Street: Exposure for our city on a national scale and acknowledgement from National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Preserve America City Designation: Benefits of

designation include White House recognition, eligibility to apply for Preserve America Grants, a Preserve America Community road sign, inclusion in national and regional press releases, and official notification of designation to state tourism offices and visitors bureaus.

956.523.8817 P.O. BOX 634 Laredo Texas 78042

Sandra Rocha-Taylor / Executive Director

laredo.mainstreet@att.net

www.LaredoMainStreet.org 62

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Educator cheating a result of high-stakes standardized testing

ducation in the U.S. is in trouble. A system that rewards those who keep quiet or who participate in questionable acts while punishing those who speak out is not worth saving. As teacher organizations keep saying, most educators are good. What is disturbing, though, is the increase in educator cheating. The recent scandal in Atlanta Public School system is the largest, but not the first and not the last. It boils down to high-stakes standardized testing being placed above increased learning. And it is going on in virtually every state that uses standardized testing as the primary evaluator of a school’s effectiveness. But the situation in Atlanta, and similar ones in other states, have shown how easy it is to become a bad educator. School districts have routinely denied wrongs, using privacy or a paternalistic attitude to “shield” teachers and students. Standardized testing and the huge rewards attached to high scores have become the steroids of cheating. Houston ISD made national news in 2005 when they were accused of widespread cheating. After extensive investigations, six teachers were fired, three administrators demoted and three others received formal reprimands. When a teacher had earlier tried to report the cheating to administrators, they ignored her. It took making the national news for the district to do something other than deny. The same thing happened in Atlanta, just on a larger scale. Cheating in Atlanta, according a Georgia governor’s committee report released July 13, has been going on since at least 2001 and there were “clear and significant warnings of cheating on CRCT (Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests) as early as December 2005/ January 2006, but they were ignored.” The superintendent, Dr. Beverly Hall, rewarded principals and teachers of the schools accused of cheating. “Fear of termination and public ridicule in faculty and principals meetings drove numerous educators to cross ethical lines,” the report said. Dr. Hall received the U. S. Superintendent of the Year Award in 2009 in recognition of her success in increasing the Atlanta Public Schools’ test scores. She also got tens of thousands of dollars in bonuses based on the reported CRCT results. She retired last month, just before the report was released. Her parting shot came through her lawyer and stated that she knew nothing and she was not involved. The report disagrees.

The governor’s committee placed the blame on “Dr. Hall and her top staff.” The report alleges that teachers were often pressured into meeting “targets” of achievement. Teachers interviewed during the investigation said targets were often set at unreasonable levels. Dr. Hall replaced 90 percent of the principals during her tenure. Principals learned to meet targets by any means necessary. They placed teachers on professional development plans (PDP), and publicly humiliated or threatened them with termination if they did not meet their ever-increasing targets. The report found example after example of educators who were terminated after trying to report irregularities. Now Atlanta Public Schools faces the possibility of having to repay thousands it received from the federal government in bonuses for high scores on the standardized tests. Superintendent candidates have withdrawn their applications because of the scandal. Moreover, the embarrassment does not stop in Atlanta. Four newly hired superintendents in Kentucky and one in Texas have been placed on leave because the Georgia governor’s report implicated them. They were part of Dr. Hall’s “top staff.” In a culture that punishes whistleblowers and rewards “team players,” it’s no wonder educators cheat. The problem is this atmosphere creates no winners. And the biggest losers are the students. Teachers are the last defense in the battle to save our educational system. When a teacher gives in, he gives every teacher in the nation a bad reputation. Stories like the one about cheating in 80 percent of Atlanta Public Schools give the public a free shot at all of us. It is hard to stand up to pressure from administrators who advocate the wrong action. It is harder to fear for your job if you turn in educators who are cheating. I have been told that I would not have a job anymore after I refused to cover up wrongdoing. It is the worst feeling in the world — until you get caught cheating. A lawyer provided by a teacher organization (whichever organization you feel comfortable with), documentation, and determination will help you keep your job if you don’t give up and give in. There are no excuses for cheaters. Fear should never cause us to cross those ethical lines, but there might be fewer cheaters if top administrators listened to whistleblowers and quit covering up “bad news” by threatening or ignoring the person. u WWW.LAREDOSNEWS.COM

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