by Legislative Media | Nov 23, 2007 | Politics |
The newest members of Edinburg’s Tejano Walk of Fame, which honors the titans of the music genre, were joined by the Edinburg City Council on Thursday, November 15, for a portrait during a ceremony, hosted by The Social Club, commemorating the legendary musicians’ contributions to the Hispanic culture. Featured, from left, are: City Councilmember Noe Garza; inductees Emilio and Genaro Aguilar of Los Aguilares of San Antonio; inductee Gilberto Pérez of Mercedes; Mayor Joe Ochoa; inductee Gilberto López of Edinburg; inductee Paulino Bernal of McAllen; and inductee Freddy Martínez of Corpus Christi. “Edinburg, the Tejano Capital of the Valley, continues to promote the Tejano Walk of Fame, which brings international attention, not only to our diverse cultural riches, but also our shared history and sound music to the city,” said Ochoa. “These great artists surely characterize our culture and heritage through their outstanding musical contributions.”
See lead story later in this posting.
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Freddy Martínez of Corpus Christi, featured left, proudly displays the marble plaque bearing a star with his name that will become part of the Tejano Walk of Fame in Edinburg. Martínez, featured here with Mayor Joe Ochoa during the Tejano Walk of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, November 15, is an internationally-renowned musician and producer whose many achievements earned him the honor from the three-time All-America City. Profiles on him, and the other four inductees, are featured following the lead story in this posting.
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Dr. Noel Oliveira, M.D. an internal medicine specialist who also plays with the group, Renaissance Rockers, plays guitar with vocalist Little Joe booming out a song during the scholarship fund raising concert that was held in conjunction with the Tejano Walk of Fame on Thursday, November 15. The event, which honors legendary talents of the Tejano music genre, is also designed to raise scholarship funds for music majors at the University of Texas-Pan American. See lead story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Nov 15, 2007 | Politics |
Hidalgo County Treasurer Norma G. García, featured second from left, has been named Texas County Treasurer for 2007 by her colleagues with the County Treasurers Association of Texas – the first time since 1971 that a local county treasurer has earned that prestigious honor. “Once again, Hidalgo County is recognized for outstanding leadership and performance in public service,” said García. “It is especially important for the public to have full confidence that their hard-earned tax funds are being taken care of at the highest standards and principles, which produce the most beneficial consequences to those whom I serve.” Featured with her during the award ceremony held in mid-October were: Kleberg County Treasurer Priscilla A. Cantú; García; Zapata County Treasurer Romeo Salinas; and Taylor County Treasurer Lesa Crosswhite, who also serves as CTAT president. See story later in this posting.
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Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, focused on his legislative efforts on behalf of the youth in his district during his Thursday, November 8 campaign kick-off, held at the ECHO in Edinburg. Peña, who was born in Austin but grew up in Edinburg, reminded voters from the key Delta Area portion of his House District 40 of his deep roots in those communities. “My grandfather would never imagine what has happened to this community,” Peña fondly recalled his paternal grandfather, Baltazar Peña, who migrated from Mexico to the Edcouch-Elsa region. “Who would have imagined that we would move so quickly to have the sort of growth that we have here? That was done because of the dreams that they had, the dreams of a better future, the dreams of educating our kids. So, that has always been my commitment, as it is yours, that we invest in our kids.” Featured with Peña are, from left, back row: his wife, Mónica; daughter-in-law, Clarissa; granddaughter Addison; son Aaron Peña; daughter Adrienne Peña Garza; and in the front row: son Anthony; and granddaughter Chelsea Peña. The Edinburg lawmaker is facing a challenge from Eddie Sáenz, a civil engineer also from Edinburg, in the March 4, 2008 Democratic Party primary. See story later in this posting.
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Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, whose House District 41 includes southwest Edinburg, on Thursday, November 8, helped welcome dignitaries to the campaign kick-off for her colleague, Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg. Gonzáles, along with Rep. Armando “Mando” Martínez, D-Weslaco, and Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, showed up at Peña’s event, even though Peña is facing a challenge from a fellow Democrat – Eddie Sáenz of Edinburg. Gonzáles will be having her own campaign kick-off on Tuesday, November 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the International Museum of Arts and Science, located at 1900 Nolana Avenue in McAllen. Gonzáles’ campaign kick-off, which is being underwritten by her law firm, Kittleman, Thomas & Gonzáles, LLP, is free and open to the public. For more information, residents may call her campaign at 212-8950. Gonzáles is facing at least one opponent so far – fellow McAllen lawyer Javier Villalobos, who is seeking the Republican Party nomination. Both parties will hold their primary elections on March 4, 2008.
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by Legislative Media | Nov 8, 2007 | Politics |
The University of Texas-Pan American Wellness and Recreation Sports Complex (WRSC), which was voted on, inspired by, and built for students, was officially dedicated Tuesday, October 30 during a ceremony commemorating the $26 million facility. The goal of the 156,000-square-foot facility, located on the corner of Sugar Road and Schunior Street, is to promote recreation, health, fitness, and interaction among the UTPA community. Featured, from left, during the Student Health Center ribbon cutting, are: Rick Gray, Student Health Services director; Dr. David Prior, UT System executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Dr. UTPA president Blandina Cárdenas; Rep. Aaron Peña, Jr., D-Edinburg; Dr. John Edwards, vice president for Enrollment and Student Services; and Dr. Jerry Price, associate vice president and dean of students. See story later in this posting.
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A little-known state law passed by the Texas Legislature last spring could have a big impact on the length of the terms of Edinburg’s seven school board trustees, but only if the local board acts before the end of this year. Currently, each school board trustee in Edinburg serves a term whose length is for three years. The Edinburg school board, featured in this portrait, has three meetings left this year in which to decide whether to increase the length of their elected terms. Featured, first row, from left: Secretary Ciro Treviño; President Carmen González; and Vice President Omar Palacios. Standing, from left: David Torres; Robert Peña, Jr.; Jaime Chavana; and Greg García. See story later in this posting.
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The Hispanic National Bar Association recently selected Honorable Gina M. Benavides of Texas’ 13th Court of Appeals as their Latina Judge of the Year. Benavides is featured here receiving the award on Friday, October 5, 2007 at the HNBA’s 2007 Annual Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This isn’t the first time the Corpus Christi native has been recognized for her achievements in the courtroom. Benavides was named by Texas Monthly as a Super Lawyer in 2003 and 2004, a distinction bestowed upon her by her peers as being one of the best lawyers in the State of Texas. Less than 10 percent of all lawyers in Texas earn this distinction. The 13th Court of Appeals sits both in Edinburg and Corpus Christi. Benavides hears cases in both courts assigned at random. See story later in this posting.
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Judge Leslie H. Southwick, a native of Edinburg, was recently confirmed by the United States Senate as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. That court hears appeals from federal trial courts in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Southwick was confirmed by the Senate on October 24, 2007. He was sworn in on October 30. Southwick is the son of the late Dr. Lloyd M. Southwick, an Edinburg physician, and of the late Ruth Tarpley Southwick Flanagan, whose family first came to the Valley in 1922. His stepfather, the late James M. Flanagan, was a native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania who retired to McAllen in the 1960’s. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Oct 31, 2007 | Politics |
Eddie Sáenz of Edinburg addresses several hundred voters on Thursday, October 25, during his campaign kick-off for state representative, House District 40, which includes all but southwest Edinburg, La Joya and Sullivan City in western Hidalgo County, Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa, and San Carlos in eastern Hidalgo County, and northern Hidalgo County. Sáenz, a Democrat, is portraying incumbent Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, as loyal to the Republican Party, criticizing Peña for helping keep a Republican in power as Texas Speaker of the House. “Our great state senators and South Texas representatives need a partner working with them in Austin. We need to elect a Speaker who is for everyone,” Sáenz said. “That is why I am committing to stand with the Democratic Caucus, and support a Democrat for Speaker that we can all stand behind.” See story later in this posting.
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Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) President Chris McGill and CLEAT Political Director Charley Wilkison presented Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, featured right, with the Senator of the Year 2007 award at CLEATS 31st annual convention held October 6 in Brownsville. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Lucio pushed for an increase of $369.4 million in funds for the incarceration and treatment of adult felons. He also helped secure $108 million for border security operations, including funding for local law enforcement surge operations, joint operation and intelligence centers, a border security operation center, additional Department of Public Safety troopers and more aviation support. See story later in this posting.
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A portion of the program cover for the November 15 Tejano Walk of Fame scholarship fundraiser provides a colorful preview for the event, to be hosted by The Social Club, an upscale restaurant located at 205 Conquest Boulevard in Edinburg. Hundreds of fans of the latest inductees of the Tejano Walk of Fame will be able to see their favorite musicians – at no charge – during the public portion of the popular event, which will be held outside The Social Club from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. See story later in this posting.
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An exhibit titled “Pillars of Success” featuring the photos and success stories of five distinguished alumni of The University of Texas-Pan American opened at the University’s Visitors Center on October 11. Pictured from left are new UTPA “Pillars of Success” honorees Arturo E. Guerra Jr., Roberto Pulido, Dr. Marla M. Guerra, and Lucious “Luke” Jackson Jr. Not pictured is Major General William F. Garrison, who was unable to attend the Pillars exhibit opening. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Oct 23, 2007 | Politics |
District Judge Susan Criss of Galveston, a Democratic Party candidate for Texas Supreme Court, says a series of laws passed by the Texas Legislature in the 1980s help free Texas farm workers from “slavery.” She credited her father, former Rep. Lloyd Criss, D-Galveston, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and former Rep. Alex Moreno, Jr., D-Edinburg, among others, for what she says was “landmark civil rights” legislation in Texas. See related story.
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Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured with constituents in this file photo, is urging voters to support Proposition 15, a state constitutional amendment that would, with statewide voter approval, authorize a $3 billion, 10-year initiative “to make Texas into one of the nation’s leading center for cutting-edge research.” Hinojosa, a co-sponsor of Proposition 15, said Texans “have a chance to take a giant step toward curing a deadly disease that sooner or later touches every Texan’s life. More than 87,000 of our friends and loved ones will be diagnosed with some form of cancer this year, and 36,000 will succumb to it.” Proposition 15 is on the November 6 election ballot. Early voting is currently ongoing.
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Tejano music superstar Roberto Pulido of Edinburg, a member of the private Tejano Walk of Fame Committee, on Tuesday, October 16, announced to the Edinburg City Council that the Tejano Walk of Fame ceremony, which honors legends of the music genre, will be held once again in the three-time All-America City. The date is Thursday, November 15, beginning at 6 p.m. at The Social Club, a restaurant located at 205 Conquest Boulevard. Sponsorship fees and ticket prices will soon be announced by the group, which also includes Dr.Dahlia Guerra, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Texas-Pan American, featured here behind Pulido. The event raises scholarships for music majors at the university. Scheduled to be inducted this year are performers Paulino Bernal y Conjunto Bernal of McAllen; Gilberto Pérez y sus Compadres of Mercedes; Emilio Gerardo y Los Aguilares of San Antonio; Gilberto López y su Conjunto of Edinburg; and Freddy Martínez of Corpus Christi. The concert will include performances by Little Joe y La Familia, Roberto Pulido; his son, Bobby Pulido; the Renaissance Rockers; The UTPA Mariachi; and René Sandoval. More information on sponsorships and tickets may be obtained by calling 316-4700. See story later in this posting.
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Gilberto López of Edinburg, surrounded by some of his family, reacts with appreciation on Tuesday, October 16, to a city proclamation honoring the legendary member and renowned accordionist of Los Dos Gilbertos, an Edinburg-based Tejano music group. López is one of five Tejano music professionals who are going to be inducted into Edinburg’s Tejano Walk of Fame on Thursday, November 15 during an elaborate ceremony to hosted by The Social Club in Edinburg. “In 1971, Gilberto López united with Gilberto García, another accordion player, and together they became known as Los Dos Gilbertos,” said Mayor Joe Ochoa. “Los Dos Gilbertos gained popularity with their accordion duets in South Texas, Chicago, Michigan, California, and other parts of the United States and Mexico.” López was honored by the mayor and city council “for his dedication to conjunto music, and his many contributions to the Hispanic culture of the city of Edinburg.”
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by Legislative Media | Oct 17, 2007 | Politics |
Robert and Janet Vackar, featured third and fifth from left, are cheered by employees and well-wishers, including Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas, III (next to Mrs. Vackar) on Tuesday, October 9, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of their car dealership group’s latest addition, Fiesta Chevrolet, located at the intersection of the U.S. North Expressway 281 frontage road and Trenton Road. The new dealership is the latest economic boom in east Edinburg that is being influenced by the Edinburg City Council and its jobs-creation arm, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. See story later in this posting.
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Edinburg Mayor Joe Ochoa and Mayor Pro Tem Alma Garza on Saturday, October 13, helped welcome Lacks furniture store back into the three-time All-America City during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in front of the 46,000-square-foot showroom, located in the Fairhaven Subdivision, near the intersection of Canton Road and the U.S. Expressway 281 frontage road. “We have been out of Edinburg since November 2004, and we hated to leave Edinburg – it is a very special city,” said Lee Aaronson, president and chief executive officer of Lacks. “Our business has been in the Valley since 1935, and we had been in Edinburg for most of those years. But at one point, we realized that the store in Edinburg wasn’t as nice as the City of Edinburg, and we had to get another location that would be the kind of store that would befit this beautiful city. We hope that we have brought that to you at this point.” Featured in this photograph are, front row, from left: Garza; Ochoa; Aaronson; Ramón Martínez, store manager; Jackie Moffitt, who designs the layout of the furniture displays; Kris Karr, advertising director; and Cassandra Leal, Miss Edinburg 2008. Second row, from left, are Laura Flores, sales consultant; Michelle Richards, sales consultant; Charles Justis, financial officer; and Al Moffitt, general manager for the 11 Lacks stores and clearance center. See story later in this posting.
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Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, has announced his campaign kick-off, which is free and open to the public, for Thursday, November 8, at the ECHO Hotel, 1903 S. Closner Boulevard in Edinburg. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Peña, chairman of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, is seeking his fourth two-year term as the representative for House District 40, which includes all but southwest Edinburg, La Joya and Sullivan City in western Hidalgo County, Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa, and San Carlos in eastern Hidalgo County, and northern Hidalgo County. Peña, an Edinburg attorney, is featuring in his campaign his slogan, “The experience to lead, the power to succeed.” He is facing Eddie Sáenz, an Edinburg civil engineer, for the March 4 Democratic Party primary nomination. There are no other announced candidates in that race so far.
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On Thursday, October 25, Winning Mortgage Solutions will host “The ABC’s of Mortgage”, a free home buyers seminar to the general public. Mortgage lending will be explained and experienced loan officers will be on-hand to answer any questions immediately following the presentations. The free seminar will take place at the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, 602 West University from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Please contact Cynthia Bocanegra, featured here, at 956/341-8538 for additional information.
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South Texas College’s A Night with the Stars event recently celebrated 10 years of academic excellence and honored former Valley Scholars scholarship recipients. From left, front, are Valley Scholar graduates Mario Segura; Christopher O. Park; Shalimar Madrigal; Judith Hernández; Cynthia E. López; Constance A. Salinas; Kyndra Nicole Gatton; and José Tomás Calzadias Jr. Back row, from left, are: Dr. Mike Metke, event presenter; Dr. Ramiro Casso, M.D., event presenter; STC president Dr. Shirley A. Reed; Anahid Petrosian, STC Assistant to the Vice President for Instructional Services; Juan E. Mejia, STC Vice President for Instructional Services; Juan E. Mejia; Marie E. Olivárez, STC Valley Scholars Coordinator; and Dr. Dana Cantú, event presenter. Not featured in this portrait shot are Mary De León, event presenter, and Valley Scholars scholarship recipients Amir Esmaeili and José Luis Caraveo. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Oct 9, 2007 | Politics |
Javier Villalobos of McAllen, who is seeking the House District 41 state representative seat currently held by Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, points to more than 300 friends who showed up on Thursday, October 4 in McAllen for a fundraiser to help power his campaign. “The winds of change are coming,” Villalobos told his supporters. “I think people are interested, and they do want to help. We were hoping to raise about $20,000 or $25,000, but we were able to raise $61,400.” See story later in this posting.
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Ramiro Garza, Jr., executive director for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, gestures to a screen containing economic and demographic information about the city during a Thursday, October 4 commercial real estate roundtable hosted by the EEDC at the Edinburg Depot. Leticia Reyes, EEDC project manager featured left, also participate in the presentation. See story later in this posting.
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Sebastian J. Izaguirre, son of José and Mayra Izaguirre from Edinburg, was the first baby born at the newly-opened, $67 million Women’s Hospital at Renaissance. The baby was delivered at 3:14 p.m. on Monday, October 1, weighing seven pounds and measuring 20.5 inches. “This modern state-of-the-art facility is the Valley’s only hospital dedicated exclusively to women’s healthcare needs,” says Marissa Castañeda, DHR Chief Operations Officer. “We are elated to join with over 45 obstetric and gynecological physicians in providing the highest quality care to women in South Texas.” In recognition of being the first baby born at The Women’s Hospital at Renaissance, Baby Izaguirre received a $10,000 savings bond from Lone Star National Bank and Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. HEB Food Stores was present during the formal presentation to the community and will be providing a supply of diapers and wipes for the first year to the Izaguirre family. The Women’s Hospital at Renaissance is scheduled to deliver 8,000 babies in its first year of operation and will revolutionize women’s healthcare in our region. For more information please call the Women’s Hospital at Renaissance at (956) 688-4000.
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by Legislative Media | Oct 3, 2007 | Politics |
Only the appearance in Edinburg of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, the highest ranking elected woman in American history, could take attention away from the grand opening of the latest treasure in the city’s economy – the $67 million Women’s Hospital at Renaissance. Pelosi, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, helped draw hundreds of area residents, hospital leaders, and other political figures to the Thursday, September 27 ribbon-cutting event at the 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art medical complex, located in southwest Edinburg at 5502 South McColl. Featured during the ribbon-cutting, from left, were: Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen; Rep. Ismael “Kino” Flores, D-Palmview; Dr. Carlos J. Cárdenas, chairman of the board of Doctors Hospital at Renaissance; Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes; Pelosi; Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg; Pharr Mayor Leo “Polo” Palacios; and Edinburg Mayor Joe Ochoa. See story later in this posting.
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U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, featured second from right, poses for a portrait taken on Thursday, September 27, with Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, along with Blanca Cárdenas, McAllen Chamber of Commerce, and Marissa Castañeda, Chief Operations Officer for Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. Pelosi, the first woman Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, was in Edinburg that morning to help celebrate the grand opening of the $67 million Women’s Hospital at Renaissance. Pelosi is the first U.S. Speaker of the House in office to visit the three-time All-America City. See story later in this posting.
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Memorial Funeral Home, located at 208 E. Canton Road, has been selected as the Small Feature Business of the Month by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. Leon and Velma de León, shown fourth and third from the right, “are small business owners who believe in making a contribution in the communities they serve,” said Elva Jackson Garza, vice-chair of membership for the local chamber. “Not only do they support the various programs and events sponsored by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, but they take it to the next level by actively participating personally.” Featured in this portrait, from left, are: Melissa Rodríguez, representing the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; David Rubio; Paula Ysquierdo; Martín Ortíz; Verónica Moreno, funeral director; Leon De León, owner/funeral director; Velma De León, owner/funeral director; Lee Castro, funeral director and vice-chair of tourism for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; and Illiana Aldrete.
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by Legislative Media | Sep 26, 2007 | Politics |
U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, will be in Edinburg on Thursday, September 27, first to address students in South Texas at the University of Texas-Pan American, then to participate in the grand opening ceremony for the Women’s Hospital at Renaissance. See story later in this posting.
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A new state law that could eventually lead to the construction of a light rail train system that would transport passengers from Brownsville to Rio Grande City is still on track, said Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez, D-Weslaco, the author of the legislation. House Bill 2510 creates a mechanism to allow Hidalgo County and any of the other 13 Texas counties that border Mexico to create Commuter Rail Districts. Under HB 2510, each border county will have the opportunity to organize and create a commuter rail board to determine the feasibility of establishing a commuter rail system within their respective county. The legislation, which was sponsored by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, was endorsed by Gov. Rick Perry, shown here recently signing the measure into law. In attendance at the bill signing ceremony, held in Austin last month, were Hidalgo County Judge J. D. Salinas III (standing, back row, second from left), his wife Janie (standing, first row, first from left) and their two children, Nicholas and Samantha. Also present with Martinez (featured standing, second from right) for the ceremony were Veronica de la Fuente, who is Hidalgo County ‘s governmental director, and Jerry Haddican, General Counselor for Hinojosa.
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STC President Shirley A. Reed addresses the college’s faculty, staff and administration at Professional Development Day, laying a roadmap for the college’s future. The community college system, created by the Legislature in 1993 through a law carried by Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, and then-Rep. Roberto Gutiérrez, D-McAllen, is now approaching a 20,000 student enrollment. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Sep 19, 2007 | Politics |
Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, shows off his hat in recognition of the cowboy/vaquero culture that is deeply rooted among many families in his legislative district, which stretches from McAllen/Edinburg/Mission through Corpus Christi. “This is for the people,” Hinojosa told several hundred supporters in McAllen, as he tipped his hat in their honor, during his campaign kick-off, held Thursday, September 13, at the Holidome. See story later in this posting.
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The construction of the first private student housing development to serve the University of Texas-Pan American will give the local economy an estimated $18 million shot in the arm, and send yet another message that both the university and city are growing by leaps and bounds, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has announced. The complex, to be called The Veranda Place, is being built on North Sugar Road.
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Steven J. Escobar, a 1987 Edinburg High School graduate, has sparked Bobcat pride for alma mater and for his hometown with his recent Emmy® Award for Outstanding Picture Editing for Reality Programming at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences 2006-2007 Creative Arts Primetime Emmys in Los Angeles. See story later in this posting.
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