by Legislative Media | Jun 28, 2010 | Politics
Texas Transportation Commission officials, joined by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez, Hidalgo County Commissioner Héctor “Tito” Palacios, and other local transportation leaders, on Thursday, June 24, announced $78.5 million in pass-through funds for two major Hidalgo County transportation projects that will connect NAFTA truck traffic from the five ports to area industrial zones and to U.S. Highway 281. The funds are leveraging an estimated $400 million in local revenue that will be used toward building major components of the proposed Trade Corridor Connector (TCC) and the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC). “My colleagues in the Texas Legislature and I are proud of the progress we’ve made in securing critical funding for building the physical infrastructure in South Texas," said Hinojosa. "We need to sustain that progress, especially during difficult budget times, so that industry and commerce can continue to thrive in this fast-growing region." Featured following the funding action by the Transportation Commission are, from left: Jacinto Garza, P.E.; Michael G. Cano, a member of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) board of directors; Dennis Burleson, chairman of the Hidalgo County RMA board of directors; Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez; Hidalgo County Commissioner Héctor “Tito” Palacios; and Godrey Garza, executive director for the Hidalgo County RMA. See lead story in this posting.
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McAllen attorney Gary Gurwitz, featured left in this file photo, on Wednesday, June 23, was selected by his colleagues to serve as chairman of the South Texas College Board of Trustees, setting into play the political leadership structure which soon will have to deal with yet-undisclosed expansion plans for the two-county community college system – and how to pay for it. Gurwitz, flanked by Mike Allen, who he succeeded as chairman, immediately had to deal with other money issues during the trustees’ special meeting, held at the Pecan Campus in McAllen. The STC governing board approved pay raises, effective September 1, ranging from three percent to five percent, for all STC employees, and authorized a five percent cut in its current budget, the result of a mandated $1.5 million drop in state revenues. See story later in this posting.
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National, state and local leaders on Thursday, June 24, gathered at South Texas College’s Technology Campus in McAllen to celebrate the regional launch of the English for Manufacturing and the Skilled Trades Initiative. The initiative training consists of an interactive, technology-based curriculum derived from the proven and innovative language learning program, Sed de Saber. The program ensures efficient and functional acquisition of workplace communication skills, such as understanding directions and important health and safety measures, using proper manufacturing vocabulary, and reading and interpreting administrative forms. Featured, front from left: Jennifer McNelly, senior vice president for The Manufacturing Institute; Andrés Alcantar, commissioner representing the public for the Texas Workforce Commission; and Blas Castañeda, chief external affairs and economic development officer for Laredo Community College. Featured from left, back row: Rose Benavidez, vice-chair of the STC Board of Trustees; Rafael Vargas, account manager for Sed de Saber; Wanda Garza, executive officer, the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative; and Keith Patridge, CEO for the McAllen Economic Development Corporation. See story later in this posting.
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Have competitive employees? Want to promote your company while giving your employees an opportunity to bond and have a good time? Sign up for the annual McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Summer Corporate Olympics, scheduled for Friday, August 6 at the La Vista Park. The $500 entry fee will cover 30 employees, friends or relatives with an Olympic company t-shirt, food and beverages. The Summer Corporate Olympics has games for both individuals and for team competition. A limit of 14 teams is allowed. Featured making preparations for the Summer Corporate Olympics and representing the games in the upcoming event, are, front row, from left: Jeanette Noone, Tug-of-War; Dianela Morantes, Volleyball Tournament; Rudy Cordova, Spinning Bat; and Julio García with the Tug-of-War. Back row, from left: Blake Kelley; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki with the Sack Race; Rick Cavazos with the Shot Put and the Horseshoe Toss; and Mireya Lozano and Hilda Solis with the 3-Legged Sack Race. For more information call the MHCC office at 928-0060.
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Prospective contestants for the Miss Edinburg Pageant, which will be held on August 14, have until Wednesday, June 30 to submit their applications for the event, says Minerva Olivarez, Director for the Miss Edinburg Pageant, who is featured left. Letty González, president with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, is featured right during the pageant update. Contestants for Miss Edinburg Teen should be between 14 and 16 years of age, while contestants for Miss Edinburg should be between 17 and 20 years of age. All candidates must be Edinburg residents. Winners will receive scholarships in the Teen and Miss divisions, be awarded a crystal crown, roses, banner and other awards. Winners will have the opportunity to represent the City of Edinburg at various functions such as socials, luncheons and ribbon cuttings. “We are so excited about the upcoming pageant and look forward to meeting all interested applicants. Miss Edinburg and Miss Edinburg Teen will be highlighted throughout the city of Edinburg. This will be a great honor to receive. We welcome you all,” said Olivarez. More information is available by calling Olivarez at 956/929-0510 or via e-mail at: [email protected] .
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by Legislative Media | Mar 22, 2010 | Politics
Jesús G. Montoya, an honor student at Edinburg High School, has received this year’s Texas Armed Services Scholarship. Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, made the announcement on Thursday, March 18, honoring Montoya during a presentation at the senator’s office. Montoya’s academic résumé shows an exceptional record of performance in the classroom. Top ten percent in his graduating class at Edinburg High School, Jesus earned 27 hours of credit while concurrently enrolled at the University of Texas-Pan American and South Texas College. Montoya earned a flawless 4.0 grade point average while enrolled at the two schools. Featured, from left: Sen. Hinojosa, Jesús G. Montoya, and R. Rick Margo, a recruiter for Texas A&M. See story later in this posting.
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A “Reading Revolution” awaits the Rio Grande Valley community March 22-27 when they attend this year’s FESTIBA (Festival of International Books and Arts) now in it fifth year at The University of Texas-Pan American. A celebration of the arts, humanities and the culture of the Valley, the festival has also become a showcase for activities to promote literacy and a love of reading, particularly by children. A festival highlight will be a special appearance by actress Eva Longoria Parker, who plays the role of Gabrielle Solis on ABC’s popular series, Desperate Housewives. Longoria Parker grew up in Corpus Christi and graduated from Texas A&M- Kingsville with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology. She will address spectators at 7 p.m. on the main stage in the UTPA Fieldhouse Parking Lot F. “She (Longoria Parker) is going to bring an element to FEBTIBA that we’ve never had. She is an amazing role model for our students, so they can see the sky is the limit,” said Dr. Dahlia Guerra, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. Featured participating in March 11 press conference to announce the 2010 FESTIBA schedule of events are, from left: Hidalgo County District Clerk Laura Hinojosa, who also serves as president of the South Texas Literacy Coalition; Letty Leija, director, Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library in Edinburg; Dr. Steven Schneider, director of New Programs and Special Projects, UTPA College of Arts and Humanities; Carol Rasco, president and CEO, Reading is Fundamental; Dr. Dahlia Guerra and her brother, Edinburg Mayor Richard García; and Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, UTPA president. See story later in this posting.
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Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, on Thursday, March 11, introduced Raúl Yzaguirre, featured left, a native of San Juan, to the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Yzaguirre, a well respected and influential activist for Hispanic causes, was nominated by President Barack Obama for the ambassadorship. Yzaguirre chose Hinojosa to speak on his behalf before the committee. “I am very proud to call Raúl my friend and mentor. Whenever I have turned to him for advice, he has always given me wise counsel," said Hinojosa. "I know he will take his experience, his wisdom, his love for people and his passion for education and opportunity to the people of the Dominican Republic." See story later in this posting.
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For the first time, the Museum of South Texas History’s Heritage Ranch Gala will be held in Cameron County, courtesy of Virgil and Carolyn Swanberg, who will be opening their Pair-O-Dice Ranch for the major event. The Heritage Ranch Gala will take place on Saturday, March 27, at the ranch, which lies south of the Arroyo Colorado, which is an ancient distributary channel of the Rio Grande River. The Pair-O-Dice Ranch teems with native and exotic wildlife, surrounded by 65,000 acres of federal wildlife refuge land, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts, especially bird watchers. Featured preparing for the major event are, from left: Committee member Melissa Lackey; Gala Co-Chairman Josie Cappadona; Carola Chapa; Carmen Yzaguirre; Gala Chairman Patsy De los Santos; and Alice Keller. See story later in this posting.
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The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Women’s Issues Committee is busy organizing the 1st Annual “Women’s Empowerment Conference” scheduled for Thursday, June 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference will empower women in various ways. Workshops will focus on such things as: The Essence of a True Leader; Career Success; Entrepreneurship; Health; Personal Image; etc. Keynote speakers from throughout the country will sit on the panels. An international Style Show will also entertain the ladies during their Luncheon. For sponsorship and ticket information on the conference call the MHCC office at 928-0060. Organizers of the conference are featured, seated, from left: Diana González; Connie Hernández, Vice Chair of Women’s Issues; and Edna Posada, Vice Chair of Public Relations. Standing, from left: Illiana Hinojosa; Debbie Coronado; Adelita Muñoz; Vice Chair of Education; Betty Garza; Irene Smith; and Jeanette Noone.
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The Most Reverend Daniel E.Flores, Bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville, on Monday, March 15, met with leaders of the Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley on the need for a full-fledged Veterans Affairs Hospital for the Valley. Emilio de los Santos, director of the Hidalgo County Veterans Services, explained the need to the bishop and gave reasons why thousands of South Texas veterans desperately need a VA hospital. De los Santos mentioned that the expansion presently being planned at the Harlingen and McAllen VA clinics were a step in the right direction but that it stopped short of providing full hospital services. Even though many veterans are not going to San Antonio, there are still many who must still make the burdensome trip. De los Santos estimated that that the VA was spending from between $1 million and $1.5 million per month on contracted care. The veterans told the Bishop that it would be more cost effective to just open a VA hospital instead. See story later in this posting.
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The Women’s Bar Section of the Hidalgo County Bar Association in cooperation with the Hidalgo County Bar Association, South Texas College, The University of Texas at Brownsville, and Texas law schools hosted the first ever Rio Grande Valley Legal Job Fair in Edinburg. The Rio Grande Valley Legal Job Fair was held at Edwards Abstract and Title Co. On Friday, March 5, candidates from the nine Texas law schools in Texas were represented during the job fair as Valley law firms interviewed potential attorney and paralegal candidates for their firms. See story later in this posting. Representatives of the University of Houston Law Center teamed up with the Women’s Bar Section of the Hidalgo County Bar Association to sponsor the Rio Grande Valley Legal Job Fair in Edinburg. Featured, from left: Rhonda V. Beassie, University of Houston Law Center; Elva Jackson Garza, Vice President/Marketing Manager for Edwards Abstract and Title Co.; Allison H. Regan, The University of Houston Law Center, and Marissa Sandoval with Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton, L.L.P. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Mar 9, 2010 | Politics
Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured right, has announced dates for the 2010 Texas Hurricane Conference, sponsored by the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The conference, scheduled for May 17-20 in McAllen, will offer attendees a variety of resources to prepare and coordinate responses to catastrophic storms. Conference invitees will include representatives from the emergency management community, first responders, and law enforcement agencies from coastal communities and inland sheltering communities. Featured with the South Texas senator in this photograph during a separate event is Raúl Óscar Gómez, one of the principal news correspondents for Noticias 40, the Telemundo affiliate in the Rio Grande Valley. See story later in this posting
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Farouk Shami, a classic symbol of the American Success Story, on Tuesday, March 2, praised the people of Texas for making and keeping the Lone Star State “the standard of excellence, the hope for the future for America, and the envy of the world.” Shami, who came to the United States 44 years ago with $71 in his pocket and became a successful Houston businessman and philanthropist, exploded onto the political scene late last year with his vision for Texas and as a major candidate for governor. His pledge to create 100,000 new jobs in Texas or resign as governor, his plans to make Texas a world-class leader in solar power and wind power, his promise to not take campaign contributions from wealthy special interest groups, and his vow to “declare war on poverty” in the state have established great expectations from millions of Texans. He said he fully expects his ideas to become reality because they are based on solid economic strategies, 21st century technology and science, high ethical standards, and compassionate democratic ideals. Above all, Shami said it is the people of Texas who are going to help see those plans come to fruition. “I knew Texas is great, but after campaigning throughout the state and meeting thousands of people from all walks of life, I am humbled by the ideas and achievements of countless fellow Texans,” said Shami. “That’s why, although I wasn’t born in Texas, I got here at fast as I could. The people of Texas are amazing.” Shami is featured here in El Paso during the 2010 National Latino Congreso Convention held in January in El Paso with Hidalgo County and Texas Democratic leaders. From left: Nelva Sosa-Slagle; Juan Maldonado; Farouk Shami; Alan Fizman; Giovanna De León; and Lydia Camarillo, vice president for the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project. See story later in this posting.
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Texas Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White, the former mayor of Houston – who took 60 percent of the vote in Hidalgo County on Tuesday, March 2 on his way to a statewide nomination victory – is calling on all Democrats to rally around him and the rest of the party ticket in its November election battles against Gov. Rick Perry and Perry’s fellow Republican nominees for other statewide offices. “Today Texans sent a message to the entrenched interests in Austin: Texans are ready for a new governor,” White said at his victory celebration that evening in Houston. “We invite those who supported other candidates to join our team, which consists of citizens from all backgrounds and both parties. We are committed to honest, competent, decentralized and accountable government. We believe that more unites than divides Texans,” White said. The former Houston mayor is featured here, on Tuesday, January 5, campaigning before staff members of the Hidalgo County District Clerk’s Office in the Hidalgo County Courthouse. See story on White’s victory remarks later in this posting.
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Gov. Rick Perry, featured here on Tuesday, January 5 at the University of Texas-Pan American, is reportedly ventured out from the traditional outlets used to appeal to voters in his successful re-election bid, according to WiredPRNews.com. As reported by the Dallas Morning News, Perry utilized social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter to garner campaign support and reach voters. Perry was quoted by the Dallas Morning News as stating of his technological based campaign efforts, “It’s one of the most diverse, one of the most focused, and one of the most effective in Texas history.” Perry’s rivals in the recently-concluded Republican Party primary race – Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, and Debra Medina – also noticeably utilized social media in their campaigns. Mari Woodlief, president of Dallas-based Allyn Media is further quoted in the report as stating of the trends in modern political campaigns: “Campaigns are evolving just like people and technology… you have to go where the people are, and more and more that’s become the Internet.” Featured with Perry during the Republican governor’s visit to the local university, where he announced several million dollar grants, were, from left, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and UTPA President Robert Nelsen.
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Nearly 200 family members, friends, faculty, staff and students came together Friday, February 19, at the University of Texas-Pan American to celebrate the opening of the “Pillars of Success” exhibition, which features the photos and the success stories of five distinguished alumni that will be on display in the university’s Visitors Center for the next two years. Dr. John Edwards, vice president for Enrollment and Student Services, said the Visitors Center has housed 11 exhibits since it opened in 2002 and has had more than 200,000 visitors, including thousands of Rio Grande Valley students. “We keep this display up for a period of two years because we want our visitors and students to know what this university is producing – outstanding graduates,” he said. “These Pillars of Success stand as role models for paths we want our students to follow.” See story later in this posting.
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In just its third year of operation, South Texas College’s Mid-Valley Campus Child Development Center in Weslaco has earned accreditation from the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC). STC’s center is the only child care facility in the Rio Grande Valley to have earned this prestigious accreditation. The center works to expand its college-going culture to include even its littlest graduates, featured in this photograph. See story later in this posting.
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Bless Me Ultima is the newest play being presented by the Pharr Literacy Project and Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Texas Theatre in Pharr, premiering March 26 at 7:30 pm. The play is based on Rudolfo Anaya’s best selling novel of the same title. With 22 local actors rehearsing the play since February, it promises to be a spectacular show. Bless Me Ultima is a coming of age story about a young boy’s loss of innocence and approach to maturity. But it also deals with tradition, and education, faith and doubt, and good and evil. The play with adult and children actors is set in post world war 2 in the mountains of beautiful New Mexico. Pedro García is the director and Elva Michal is the producer. Among some of the actors are Armandina Sesin as Ultima/La Grande, Alex Gelman as the author, and young Alejandro Arango as Antonio. Performances will be held at the Historic Texas Theatre, 115 E. Park Street in Pharr, on: March 26 at 7:30 p.m.; March 28 at 2:30 p.m.; April 9 & 10 at 7:30 p.m.; and April 11 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are only $6 and are currently on sale by calling The Pharr Literacy Project & Cultural Arts Center at 956/783-7746. Featured, from left, during a recent rehearsal in the Pharr Literacy Project Building, are: Víctor Alanis, Allyson Champion, Lizzie Cuellar and Alejandro Arango .
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Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, and Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-San Benito, attended a hard hat tour of the Representative Jim Solis and Colonel H William “Bill” Card Jr. Outpatient Clinic on Wednesday, February 24. That newly-named outpatient clinic, which is operated by the South Texas Health Care System in Harlingen, was named in the two men’s honor in recognition of their many contributions to Harlingen. The name change was authorized by legislation by the Lucios which was approved by the Texas Legislature last spring. Featured, from left: Rep. Lucio, III; Bill Card; Sonia Hernández-Keeble, the director of the Rio Grande State Center, which operates the Harlingen clinic; and Sen. Lucio.
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by Legislative Media | Nov 30, 2009 | Politics
The Rio Grande Council, Boy Scouts of America, in late November recognized Dr. Shirley Reed, president of South Texas College, and the STC Board of Trustees at its annual dinner. The event celebrated the contributions of the leadership of STC to making the Rio Grande Valley a better place to live and work. Fr. Antonio “T.J.” Martínez, an Eagle Scout and Jesuit priest, was the guest speaker for the occasion. He touched on the importance of service and making a lasting impact on the lives of others. Reed was honored alongside STC Board Chair Mike Allen; Board Vice Chair Gary Gurwitz; and board members Roy De León; Dr. Alejo Salinas Jr., Óscar Longoria Jr., and Jesse Villarreal. “What a tremendous honor to be recognized by such a venerable institution standing for the best attributes of community caring and service,” said Reed. “But this award belongs to the real heroes at STC – our students. They are the ones making the courageous decision to put other obligations aside to secure a higher education, thus a chance at a brighter, more fulfilling future. They are the ones making an impact, changing families and showing others that anything is possible. This award belongs to them.” Under Reed’s and the board of trustees’ leadership, STC has grown to offer more than 100 degree and certificate program options from its five state-of-the-art campuses to more than 27,000 students. Their vision has allowed STC to become a thriving intellectual and community center, hosting art lectures, business luncheons, congressional briefings, scout meetings, visiting authors, and many other events enriching the lives of community members. Featured, from left, are: Dr. Uvaldo Cantú, Jr., president of the Rio Grande Council Boy Scouts; Fr. Antonio “T.J.” Martinez; President Reed; Gary Gurwitz, vice-chair of the STC Board of Trustees; and Ernesto Carballo with the Rio Grande Council Boy Scouts.
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Many Starr County residents came out to South Texas College’s Starr County Campus on the evening of Thursday, November 19, 2009 for a special event – the swearing in of Rose Benavidez (featured left) to represent the constituents of the county on STC’s Board of Trustees. Surrounded by family, friends and community supporters, Benavidez was sworn in by Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. Business associates and supporters helped mark the occasion by congratulating Benavidez on choosing to serve in public office. “When I drove into Rio Grande City for the event this afternoon and I saw all of the growth, it floored me,” said Bonnie González, chief executive officer of Workforce Solutions. “Every time I see it, it floors me. The opportunity that exists here is phenomenal and Rose has played a large part in helping to bring about that growth and opportunity. Starr County and South Texas College are very fortunate to have her on their side.” Administering the oath of office to Benavidez is Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Oct 20, 2009 | Politics
Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, receives two Senate proclamations from his colleague, Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, establishing a scholarship in his honor at the University of Texas-Pan American and honoring the longtime state lawmaker for his many contributions to his constituents and all Texans. The presentations, including a proclamation from the McAllen City Commission, were made on Thursday, October 15, at La Quinta Mazatlán in McAllen as part of an appreciation event hosted on his behalf by the McAllen City Commission, the McAllen Public Utilities Board, the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. See story later in this posting entitled Best of the Texas Legislature – 2009.
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Former Rep. Roberto Gutiérrez, D-McAllen, featured right, is congratulated by Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, on Thursday, October 15, for Gutiérrez’ role in 2001 in passing legislation that allows the University of Texas-Pan American to establish the Starr County Upper-Level Center in Rio Grande City. Earlier that day, Gutiérrez, along with other area legislators and city and county officials, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the planned facility. When complete, this structure will provide students in the western Rio Grande Valley with a state-of-the-art educational center. The new building will have approximately 21,000 square feet of computer labs, classrooms, office space, math and science labs, smart or technology-enhanced classrooms and a resource center. UTPA’s temporary center in Rio Grande City consists of four portable buildings with a total area of approximately 2,000 square feet. See story later in this posting.
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The Wells Fargo Foundation recently donated $5,000 to South Texas College’s Valley Scholars Program to provide scholarships for deserving students. “STC is a vital part of the Rio Grande Valley community, offering students a solid foundation upon which to build their careers and lives,” said Alma Ortega Johnson, president for the Upper Rio Grande Valley Division of Wells Fargo. “We are proud to increase our support of the program and look forward to seeing the program flourish and grow, especially as more and more families recognize the importance and value of a college education.” Featured, from left: Roberto Gutiérrez, STC fundraising associate; Anahid Petrosian, STC assistant to the vice president for academic affairs; Alma Ortega Johnson, president for the Upper Rio Grande Valley Division of Wells Fargo; and Marie Olivarez, STC Valley Scholars Program coordinator. See story later in this posting.
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The University of Texas System Board of Regents on Monday, October 12, named Dr. Robert S. Nelsen as the sole finalist for the presidency of The University of Texas – Pan American. The board announced Nelsen, currently the associate vice president for academic affairs at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, after considering recommendations of an advisory committee that reviewed nominations and applications for the position. "The search advisory committee worked diligently to find these exceptional candidates, all of whom possess impressive credentials and experience in administration at leading universities," said Regent Janiece Longoria, a Houston lawyer who is formerly from Pharr. "We are confident Dr. Nelsen has the mix of skills that will make him the right fit to push UT Pan American to the next level of excellence.” Under state law, university governing boards must name finalists for a presidency at least 21 days before making an appointment. In a related development, Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Palmview, a Democratic state representative candidate for House District 36, has pledged to work closely with Dr. Robert S. Nelson, to protect and promote the legislative interests of one of South Texas’ largest public higher education systems. "I have some big plans in store in the Texas Legislature for UT-Pan American, South Texas College, and Texas A&M," said Muñoz. "The bottom line is that I won’t be satisfied until the Valley has all of the resources, from undergraduate degrees to law and medical degrees, now available to the people who live in Austin and San Antonio." See lead story later in this posting.
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