by Legislative Media | Jul 14, 2009 | Politics
Dr. Blandina “Bambi” Cárdenas, second from right, is congratulated by members of The North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI) leadership team, who recently honored her with their first Leadership Award. Featured, from left: Leticia Flores, Office of the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism; Carlos Margo of South Texas College; Dr. Miguel A. González, The University of Texas-Pan American College of Science and Engineering; Bonnie González of WorkFORCE Solutions; Blas Castañeda of Laredo Community College; President Cárdenas; Keith Patridge, McAllen Economic Development Corporation; and Wanda Garza, STC and NAAMREI. Other members of the NAAMREI leadership who were present for the Sunday, June 7 ceremony, but not included in this shot, were: Pat Townsend Jr., Mission Economic Development Authority and Greater McAllen Alliance; Dr. Charles Sorber of UTPA; Angie González of Texas State Technical College in Harlingen; Héctor Quintanilla, The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College; and Dr. John Lloyd of UTPA’s Rapid Response Manufacturing Center. See story later in this posting.
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Gov. Rick Perry, featured second from left during a June 26 swing through the Valley, on Friday, July 10 emphasized accomplishments made during the 81st legislative session that provide resources and assist law enforcement officials in protecting Texans. The governor is touting House Bill 2086, an omnibus gang bill that provides state and local law enforcement agencies with additional tools to combat the threat of transnational gangs. These resources include electronic monitoring of criminal gang members who have two or more convictions; penalties for engaging in organized crime activity in gang free zones; and enhanced surveillance capabilities, among others. Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, are shown here, second and third from right, respectively, during Perry’s visit to Peñitas. Letty Garza, KRGV-TV anchorwoman, was leading the group with the Pledge of Allegiance. See story on the governor’s anti-gang legislation later in this posting.
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South Texas College and Texas A&M University Kingsville leaders on Friday, July 10, celebrated the signing of an agreement to ease student transfer between the institutions. Seated are TAMUK President Steven Tallant and STC President Shirley A. Reed. Standing from left are: Mike F. Desiderio, TAMUK Chair for Education; Margaretha Bischoff, STC Division Dean of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; Marilyn J Bartlett, TAMUK Dean of the College of Education; and Juan Mejia, STC Vice President for Academic Affairs. Not featured, but also present at the event, are Ali Esmaeili, STC Dean for Bachelor Programs and University Relations, and William Serrata, STC Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Jul 7, 2009 | Politics
Gerry Pate, featured left, the managing general partner with Hidalgo County Road Builders (HCRB), will address the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority in Edinburg on Thursday, July 9, with an update regarding financing options for construction of the planned $645 million Hidalgo County Loop. HCRB, a private coalition which includes several major firms from the area, on February 28, 2008, negotiated a $46.3 million contract to provide pre-construction services in preparation for the building of major portions of the loop, which is needed to shuttle heavy commercial truck traffic coming to and from the region. Pate’s presentation will be presented before the RMA Board of Directors beginning at 5:30 p.m. inside the International Room at the University of Texas-Pan American. Pate, Mario Jorge, P.E., the district engineer in Pharr for the Texas Department of Transportation, and Tracy Hill, project principal for PBS&J, the engineering firm hired to lead the environmental assessment of the loop, are shown here during the RMA’s Tuesday, June 16 meeting at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
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Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, proudly displays a trophy bestowed upon him by the Boys and Girls Club of McAllen for his work during the legislative session in securing $3 million for Texas AIM, the Texas Academic Innovation and Mentoring Program, which allows the Boys and Girls Club statewide to help improve the graduation rates of minority students. The McAllen chapter, which received $160,000 of that amount, is one of 30 sites statewide which will share in the $3 million state fund. Hinojosa was surrounded by some of the McAllen student members of the McAllen Boys and Girls Club during the ceremony, held at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, June 17.
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Breaking ground for a new citrus center in South Texas signals the next chapter in the book of 60 years of research excellence, said Dr. Michael D. McKinney, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. McKinney and others, including Rep. Armando Martinez, D-Weslaco, and Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staple, are featured here ceremoniously turned spades of soil on June 23 to kick off the construction of new research facilities for the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center at Weslaco. “We break ground today for new facilities at the birthplace of the Star Ruby and Ruby Red, dark red grapefruit varieties that are grown and enjoyed all over the world,” McKinney said. Staples said the center would attract experts and researchers from afar. “This center, with its continued research, will be an anchor for the citrus industry,” he said. “It will attract people from all over the world to learn here, to train here. It will continue to place Weslaco as a big, bright spot on the map.” See story later in this posting.
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Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, featured second from right, along with other Edinburg elected and community leaders, met on Thursday, June 25 during a ceremony to rename the main administration building of the Edinburg Housing Authority in memory of former Mayor Alfonso "Al" René Ramírez, who passed away on April 22. The groundbreaking mayor, who served from 1963 to 1967, was the first Mexican American mayor of Edinburg. He was credited with helping desegregate public swimming pool in the community, among other achievements. Ramírez also served on the Edinburg Housing Authority board of directors. "The community came together to dedicate this building to Mayor Ramírez, who was remembered by family and friends as a transformational and inspirational leader," Peña said. "Whether it was in his military service or civic service as Edinburg’s first Hispanic mayor or the inspiration he transferred to multitudes, Mayor Ramírez will long be remembered." Other family members and leaders who participated in the event included: Carmen González, Edinburg school board trustee; Dan Ramírez, a son of former Mayor Ramírez; Estella Treviño, executive director, Edinburg Housing Authority; Robert Ramírez, a son of former Mayor Ramírez; Ciro Treviño, Edinburg school board trustee and a member of the Edinburg Housing Authority board of directors; Rudy Ramírez, a member of the Edinburg Housing Authority Board of Directors; and Beverly Ashley-Fridie. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Jun 30, 2009 | Politics
Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco, featured front row, first on left, played key roles in major legislation that benefitted South Texas, including carrying measures to promote and protect the Valley’s $200 million citrus industry. On Tuesday, June 23, Martínez helped welcome the latest state prize to Weslaco and his legislative district with the groundbreaking of the $9.5 million, 25,000 square foot Citrus Center, a state-of-the-art Texas A&M System research facility. The mid-Valley lawmaker is seen here earlier this spring, when he helped welcome constituents to the House of Representatives. Front row, from left: Rep. Martinez; Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen; Dr. Steven Tallant, president of Texas A&M – Kingsville; Rep. Tara Ríos Ybarra, D-South Padre Island, and Rep. Yvonne Gutiérrez Toureilles, D-Alice. Back row, from left: Dr. Allen Rasmussen, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at Texas A&M–Kingsville; Dr. John da Graca, Deputy Center Director, Texas A&M University- Kingsville Citrus Center; Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg; Jimmie Steidinger, a member of the Texas A&M–Kingsville Citrus Center Advisory Committee; and Speaker of the House Joe Strauss. R-San Antonio. See lead story later in this posting.
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Texas A&M University – Kingsville’s Citrus Center in Weslaco has served the Rio Grande Valley citrus industry for 60 years, providing new varieties of fruit, new ways to manage pests and disease and new students eager to learn. Now the faculty, staff and students at the Citrus Center are getting something new — a 25,000 square foot building. The new complex will have a total price tag of $9.5 million once furnishings and equipment are added. Texas political leaders along with officials with The Texas A&M University System and Texas A&M – Kingsville gathered Tuesday, June 23, to break ground on a $7.2 million building designed help researchers continue the work they have started and continue to serve the $200 million Valley citrus industry. See story later in this posting.
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Gov. Rick Perry, sporting an arm sling from a biking accident earlier this month, on Friday, June 26, visited the Rio Grande Valley to tout Texas’ strong economic climate, which continues to attract companies and jobs to the state. The governor spoke at the opening of the Walmart Peñitas Supercenter, which brought 300 new jobs to a city with 3,500 residents in the Rio Grande Valley. Additionally the Supercenter will work with local suppliers, supporting even more jobs for Texans. Featured inside the retail giant’s latest crown jewel are, from left: Joe Montalvo, the store manager; Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, whose legislative district includes Peñitas; Gov. Perry; and Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, whose legislative district also includes Peñitas. See story later in this posting.
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Dr. Charles A. Sorber (left), the interim president of The University of Texas–Pan American, and McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the university and the city on Friday, June 26 to officially establish the UTPA McAllen Teaching Site, which will offer graduate level courses starting this fall. The UTPA McAllen Teaching Site, which is currently undergoing renovation, is located at 1800 South Main Street along the eastbound frontage of U.S. Expressway 83, in the Main Place Shopping Center adjacent to La Plaza Mall. Deputy City Secretary Perla Zamora (center) provided both South Texas leaders with copies of the contract for their respective signatures during the event, which was held at McAllen City Hall. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Jun 23, 2009 | Politics
Every year, Texas Monthly publishes much-anticipated reviews of some of the state’s best medical, legal, and community leaders, based on a strict and independent research process that identifies Texans who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Dr. Larry Balli, one of the area’s most influential dentists, has long enjoyed a stellar reputation in Edinburg. Late last year, he was bestowed the coveted honor of "Super Dentist" by Texas Monthly, a major statewide magazine with a national following. Now comes news that his professional and civic contributions to the region have earned him praise from Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Legislature, which have approved a legislative resolution publicly recognizing him for his efforts in the Lone Star State. See lead story later in this posting.
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As the veto period came to a close on Sunday, June 21, Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured here during a McAllen Chamber of Commerce legislative update on Wednesday, June 17, announced final approval of 59 measures that he authored or sponsored. Hinojosa’s legislative package includes bills on transportation, natural resources, criminal justice, infrastructure, and health care issues, benefitting South Texas and the entire state. See story later in this posting.
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SOCIALIFE News Magazine, the five-year-old creation of South Texas entrepreneur Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, featured here with Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, has been honored by the Texas House of Representatives for its vital role of promoting a positive image of the Rio Grande Valley and by helping charitable organizations in the state and nation. The honor, contained in House Resolution 2283 filed by Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, was unanimously approved by House of Representatives on May 25. See story later in this posting.
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The laboratories at McAllen Heart Hospital and McAllen Medical Center were accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) after site inspections on April 1 and May 1. Both laboratories received complimentary remarks by CAP inspectors on the quality of patient testing, documentation and organization. The laboratories also received exemplary marks on their standard of laboratory practices. Featured here are some of the employees of McAllen Medical Center and McAllen Heart Hospital who are instrumental to the quality of care and services the laboratories provide. From left, first row: Dr. Feliberto Cavazos, pathologist; Sobie Treviño, system assistant director; Grace Garza, system lab director; and Robert Tamez, hospital administrator. Second row, from left: Dr. José Luis Valencia, pathologist; Norma Rodríguez; and Lester Alvarado. Third row, from left: Denisha Niño; Aida Galván; Diana Villarreal; Janice Milford; and Jennifer Ríos. Four row, from left: Elisa Díaz; Mylene Trasmonte; Becky Flores; and Sylvia Aguinaga. Fifth row, from left: Virgil Zuñiga; Robert Hockaday; Alejo Romero; Andy Romero; and Aydee García. See story later in this posting.
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Hundreds of future South Texas College graduates, such as these featuring during this spring’s commencement exercise, will benefit from a major grant, to be dispersed over the next three years, for expanded development education programs. On Monday, June 22, STC leaders announced that the college has been named as one of 15 national recipients – and only four in Texas – of a new grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and MDC, Inc. Together the groups are giving $16.5 million to community colleges across the nation, $743,000 of which will come directly to South Texas College. “At STC we are so happy to receive the funds because it will help us institute a change to the respective course contents in our developmental programs to create learning connections for students among the three developmental education disciplines through contextualization of the curriculum,” said Dr. Ali Esmaeili, dean of developmental studies for STC. “We plan to implement a robust case management student support framework to ensure a consistent and reliable contact experience for all of our developmental students.” See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Jun 15, 2009 | Politics
Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores, D-Palmview, flanked by leaders of local veterans’ groups, on Thursday, June 11, explained why he took on powerful legislative enemies in order to get his bill passed that will provide up to a 100 percent home property tax break for thousands of disabled veterans. "We veterans, we don’t leave anyone behind, and I wasn’t about to leave these veterans behind," Flores said during a press conference organized by the Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley. The group chose the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission as the site for the news event, noting that Flores had also been the principal architect in bringing the state veterans cemetery to the Valley. Despite behind-the-scenes legislative opposition to his measure, Flores, a U.S. Army veteran, outmaneuvered his political rivals and passed the veterans’ home tax break. Flores praised Texas veterans groups for playing a key role in the measure’s hard-fought success. See lead story later in this posting.
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Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured first on right, was rated as one of the best state lawmakers in Texas by Capitol Inside, a non-partisan web site news service has been a big hit with Republicans, Democrats and diehard independents as well since making its debut online in January 2003. At the conclusion of each legislative session, several political publications and websites name best and worst performers based on their service to their districts and the state. This year, Capitol Inside and political strategists Ted Delisi and Harold Cook compiled top ten lists, each naming Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, as one of Texas’ top ten legislators. Capitol Inside referred to Hinojosa as a veteran legislator that "just keeps getting better." The Delisi/Cook list noted Hinojosa’s ability to secure funding for District 20 projects, including highway infrastructure, and millions of dollars for health care delivery services. From left, during a recent visit to the Capitol, are Hidalgo County Treasurer Norma G. García, Hidalgo County District Clerk Laura Hinojosa (no relation to the senator), Hidalgo County County Clerk Arturo Guajardo, Jr., and Hinojosa. See story on the Capitol Inside ranking later in this posting.
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South Texas firefighters were among the dozens of area groups which visited state lawmakers at the Capitol during the recently-concluded five month regular session. On Wednesday, April 1, a Valley delegation brought their issues to Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville. Featured with Lucio, in his office, are, from left: Manuel Vargas, McAllen; Raul R. Zúñiga, Jr., San Benito; Javier Gutiérrez, McAllen; Lucio; Ramón Martínez, San Benito; Jesús Tijerina, San Benito; and Ernest Abrego, Harlingen. Later in this posting, Lucio writes about several key measures approved by the Legislature that will benefit another key constituency – military veterans.
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The Convention Committee of the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is finalizing plans for the 34th annual Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) Convention, which this year will be held at the McAllen Convention Center from July 29 through August 1. The theme to the convention is “Growing Hispanic Business, for a Stronger Texas Economy”. Featured, front row, from left: Sam Guzmán, TAMACC president; Froy Garza with Congressman Henry Cuellar’s office; and Salomon Torres with Congressman Ruben Hinojosa’s office. Back row, from left: Rick Carrera, University of Texas-Pan American Small Business Development Center; Dr. John Thomas, MHCC board of directors; Mark Winchester, UTPA’s Director of the Rio South Texas Regional Procurement Technical Assistance Center; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, MHCC Pres/CEO; Letty Flores with Gov. Rick Perry’s office; Margie Treviño, Southern Minority Supplier Development Council; and María Juárez, UTPA Director of the Small Business Development Center. See story later in this posting.
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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce will host a Power Punch @ Lunch on Wednesday, June 24 at the Depot, located at 602 W. University Drive, sponsored by Doctors Hospital at Renaissance (DHR). The business community of Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley are invited to attend the free networking luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Persons who attend are being asked to bring their business cards to distribute during the chamber’s most notable social-networking luncheon, which includes food, door prizes and fun. Area residents interested in attending should RSVP by calling 956/383-4974. Featured, from left: Joanna Álvarez, DHR Assistant Director for Marketing; McAllen City Commissioner Jim Darling, who serves as DHR’s legal counsel; Mario Lizcano, DHR Director for Marketing; Marissa Castañeda, DHR’s Chief Operations Officer; and Frank Lara, Membership Director, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.
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by Legislative Media | Jun 8, 2009 | Politics
The nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit appears to have caused some confusion among members of the media and news consumers, according to the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. That organization is encouraging news organizations to avoid any confusion over Sotomayor’s ethnic background. Her Puerto Rican parents are not immigrants, as some journalists have reported, since island-born residents are U.S. citizens, conferred by an act of Congress in 1917. "People who move to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico are no more immigrants than those who move from Nebraska to New York," said Iván Román, NAHJ’s executive director. "Her nomination to replace Justice David H. Souter represents the possibility of the first Latino sitting on the nation’s highest court. As the debate over her qualifications develops, NAHJ would encourage the highest form of discourse." Sotomayor, 54, is featured here on May 26 with President Obama and Vice President Biden following her nomination by the president to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Congressman Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, featured here, third from right, during an unrelated photograph with constituents and then-President Bush, on officially launched the Congressional Media Fairness Caucus (MFC) to counter what he says is media bias. The purpose of the MFC is not to censor or condemn, but to encourage the media to adhere to the highest standards of reporting and to provide the American people with the facts, balanced stories and fair coverage of the news, Smith contended. A study by the nonpartisan Center for Media and Public Affairs found that network news programs gave President Obama more than three times the coverage that they gave former President George W. Bush early in his presidency, Smith noted. See related story later in this posting.
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Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, featured here, front row, second from left, with fellow members who first came into the Texas Legislature with him about six-and-a-half years ago, on Friday, June 5, declared that legislation authorizing the establishment of a medical school in the Rio Grande Valley was his and the region’s number one legislative priority. "The Rio Grande Valley has been long underserved in access to healthcare and health care providers," said Peña. "The establishment of a medical school and health science center will not only serve to bridge that gap but it has the power to transform our economy. I applaud Sen. Eddie Lucio for his leadership, our legislative delegation and community and business leaders for all their efforts. While we can relish this achievement we have a lot of important work ahead to ensure that the facility is fully funded and world-class." See story later in this posting.
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The employees of South Texas College have been recognized by the United Way of South Texas for being the most charitable among all staffs at state agencies across the Rio Grande Valley, including outperforming other major universities and state offices. STC employees pledged more than $40,000 through the 2008 State Employees Charitable Campaign (SECC), administered by the United Way of South Texas. The college merited the SECC Lone Star Award for its effort. Featured, representing STC and UWST, are, from left, front: Gloria Ann Hernández, community relations public sector campaign for UWST; Thelma Garza, UWST president; and Diana Peña, vice president of Finance and Administrative Services for STC. Back row, from left: Dr. Shirley A. Reed, president of STC; Jeff Heavin, instructor, STC Human Resources Specialist Program; and Shirley Ingram, Director of Human Resources for STC. See story later in this posting.
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