by Legislative Media | Jan 11, 2010 | Politics
Lucy Canales (featured left) and Lilia Ledesma, partners with the Edinburg law office of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, met with Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, following a major presentation by Gov. Rick Perry in Edinburg on Tuesday, January 5. The three area leaders were part of a select group who met with the governor at the University of Texas-Pan American – a session which included discussions regarding the use of available state funds to help build a U.S. Veterans Affairs Hospital in the Valley. Both Perry, a Republican, and former Houston Mayor Bill White, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate who was visiting county leaders earlier that day at the Hidalgo County Courthouse, pledged support to push for the construction of a full-service VA Hospital for the four-county Rio Grande Valley. Hinojosa was the Senate sponsor of a constitutional amendment, overwhelmingly passed by Texas voters last November, which authorizes the use of state financial resources to pay for the construction and maintenance of VA Hospitals throughout the state. Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco, has proposed tapping into the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emerging Technology Fund in order to pay for the construction of a Valley VA Hospital. Additional details about the leadership roles and community participation by the Edinburg law office of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, which is part of a nationally recognized law firm, are available online at http://www.publicans.com/press_room.htm.
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Gov. Rick Perry was joined at the podium on Tuesday, January 5 at the University of Texas-Pan American by (from left) Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco, Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and UTPA’s President Dr. Robert S. Nelsen as he announced the awarding of a $3.25 million Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) Research Superiority Acquisition Award that will go toward helping the university hire top-notch researchers who will enhance the establishment of a world-class advanced manufacturing center. This monetary award is part of a larger pool of funding allocated by the state legislature this past year as part of the state’s efforts to invest in emerging technology and boost the economy with new jobs. The emerging technology funds will be matched by the university and private companies bringing the total UTPA investment to more than $9 million. The TETF awards, which were created to develop and diversify the Texas economy by expediting innovation and commercialization of research and bringing world-class researchers to the state, will go toward expanding the endeavors of UTPA’s Rapid Response Manufacturing Center (RRMC). The RRMC is a university center devoted to the research and talent development in rapid response manufacturing and has assisted more than 20 companies since April 2008. See stories later in this posting.
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Area businesses and their local employees will have the opportunity to network with other firms during the Corporate Super Bowl, sponsored by the McAllen Hispanic Chamber, which will be held on Wednesday, February 3 at the Flamingo Bowl, 3301 North 23rd in McAllen. Each team of five members will play two games, with the top six teams competing for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place team trophies. A Top Female and Male Bowler trophy will also be awarded. The $250 registration fee will get team members a company t-shirt, team picture, food, beverages and bowling shoes. “We encourage business owners to invest in a team or two and give your employees an opportunity to bond while representing your company," said Cynthia Moya Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer. Featured practicing for the Corporate Super Bowl are, from left: Ronnie Díaz; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki; Chuy Negrete; Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen; Dr. John Thomas; and Rick Rivas. For more information call the MHCC at 928-0060. Teams are still available.
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Emphasizing the importance of public education, state representative candidate Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, featured right, on Friday, January 9, promised to file legislation to seek a $5,000 across-the-board annual state pay raise for the state’s public school classroom teachers. The average teacher salary in Texas continues to rank in the bottom half in the nation, more than $5,000 below the national average, according to state legislative findings. Muñoz, a Palmview Municipal Court Judge who credits his teachers for helping him earn his dream of a college education and law degree, also said he would fight hard in the Texas Legislature to protect the pensions and health insurance protections for retired educators and their spouses. He added he would work on making higher education more accessible and affordable and would assist and support more parental involvement with their children’s education. "One of the first bills I would file as a state lawmaker would be legislation that would boost teacher salaries by $2,500 per year beginning September 1, 2011, and then adding another $2,500 annual pay raise for teachers beginning September 1, 2012," said Muñoz. "Everything that is good for a person is made possible by the education they receive, and that means we must invest in keeping and attracting the best teachers." Muñoz said that the best interests of retired teachers also would be high on his priorities when the Texas Legislature returns to work in Austin in mid-January 2011. Muñoz is shown here being interviewed by Victor Castillo, an anchor and reporter for the local Univision Channel 48 television station. See lead story 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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by Legislative Media | Oct 13, 2009 | Politics
Rep. Ismael “Kino” Flores, D-Palmview, joined members of the Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley during the Tuesday, October 6, regular meeting of the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court to continue rallying support for passage of Proposition 8. Proposition 8, which is one of 11 constitutional amendments set for a statewide vote on Tuesday, November 3, would be “a direct mandate to the state government that it will work with the feds in providing whatever it takes to bring a VA Hospital down here,” said Flores, featured here, middle row, second from right. Two days later, in a related development, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, wrote President Obama, reminding the president of Obama’s promise to help bring a VA Hospital to deep South Texas.”I was very pleased that, as a member of the Senate in 2008, you cosponsored the South Texas Veterans Access to Care Act, which I had introduced to bring desperately needed inpatient medical facilities to the Rio Grande Valley,” Cornyn noted to Obama. “The Federal Government still fails to fully recognize the efforts and sacrifices of these brave Americans in defense of our country, despite repeated requests to the VA for help and recent legislative efforts on this issue.” In addition to Flores, elected county leaders also showcased in this group portrait with area veterans include, back row, from left: Precinct 4 Commissioner Óscar L. Garza, Jr.; Precinct 3 Commissioner Joe M. Flores; County Judge Salinas; and Precinct 3 Héctor “Tito” Palacios. See story later in this posting.
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Tickets remain on sale for $90 per person through Friday, October 16, for the Museum of South Texas History’s ¡Fandango! – Saluting the Flags of Texas, which will be held on Saturday, October 24. ¡Fandango! is MOSTHistory’s annual FUNdraising event, filled with fast-paced auction fun, good food, and great company. Organizing this year’s event are Amy Johnson of McAllen and Shelley Richards of Edinburg. Among the committee members for ¡Fandango! are, from left: Josie Cappadona of Linn; Kathe Tavarez of McAllen; Amy Johnson of McAllen; Carola Chapa of San Manuel; and Patty Garza of Edinburg. More information is available by calling Lynne Beeching at 956/383-6911. See story later in this posting.
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Leaders with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce have announced that the local organization will be hosting a Winter Texan Welcome and Small Business Expo on Thursday, November 5. The local chamber recognizes that Winter Texans are vital to the city’s economy. Live music by “It’s Miller Time”, food, door prizes and drinks will be available to Winter Texans for only $3 per tickets, which may be purchased in advance through local RV parks and at the chamber headquarters. The Welcome will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Edinburg Activity Center, located on 123 West Palm Drive. Exhibitors are encouraged to sign up to hand out literature, coupons, discounts, and talk to Winter Texans one-on-one. For a $25 fee for chamber members, and $50 for future chamber members, local business owners would be provided a presence at the event, including an eight-foot table and two chairs, to promote their skills and services. More information on the event or reserving exhibition space is available by contacting the chamber at 956/383-4974 or at http://www.edinburg.com. Chamber staff members promoting the Winter Texan Welcome and Small Business Expo are, standing, from left: Evana Vleck, marketing director; Letty González, president; and Crystal Cavazos, tourism assistant. Seated are Imelda Rodríguez, tourism director, and Martín Rivas, membership director.
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Former Rep. Cullen R. Looney, D-Edinburg, a local attorney, and Estella Lane Treviño, a former justice of the peace and longtime executive director of the Edinburg Housing Authority, have been named Man and Woman of the Year by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. The announcement came on Saturday, October 3, during the local organization’s Annual Installation Banquet, held at the Social Steak House and Club. The event was also held to recognize Cynthia Bocanegra and Lee Castro as incoming chairwoman and outgoing chairman for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Sep 9, 2009 | Politics
A state constitutional amendment that is designed to bring a Veterans Administration Hospital to deep South Texas picked up a major endorsement on Tuesday, September 1, when Gov. Rick Perry, who was in Harlingen for a bill signing ceremony relating to a planned medical school for the Valley, enthusiastically revealed his support for Proposition 8. Proposition 8, which will be on the November 3 statewide ballot, is the result of legislation spearheaded by Valley veterans and successfully carried through the Texas Legislature last spring by Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores, D-Palmview, who was the author of the bill, and Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen. Hinojosa was the lead Senate sponsor of the legislation. Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, was also a sponsor of that measure. Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco, Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, and Rep. David Leibowitz, D-San Antonio, were co-authors of the Valley VA Hospital constitutional amendment. "Vote Aye!" Perry quickly declared, prompting cheers from a delegation of veterans who were part of a packed house of business and community leaders, medical students, and legislative leaders who gathered for the bill-signing ceremony. See lead story later in this posting.
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The Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC) on Tuesday, September 1 presented its Legislative Champion Award to Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, for his work during the 81st Texas Legislature to bring more doctors to South Texas and the Coastal Bend. Hinojosa authored the senate version of the legislation and carried the final bill (House Bill 2154) through the Senate. He was instrumental in the overwhelming 29-2 vote in the Senate to pass the physician loan repayment program. The program will be available to primary care physicians who agree to practice in underserved areas of the state and will assist in paying off student loans amassed during medical school training. Medical school graduates carry an average debt as high as $160,000 in student loans. See story later in this posting. Featured, from left, at the Community Action Corporation of South Texas, are: Dr. Vandana Kamat, a family practice physician from Alice; Sen. Hinojosa; Dr. Diana Franco Bill, the health director for the Community Action Corporation of South Texas in Alice; Director: Dr. Diana Franco Bill; and José Camacho, TACAC executive director. See story later in this posting.
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With the opening of the new University of Texas-Pan American Teaching Site on Thursday, August 26, access to advanced education will now be a few miles closer for many Rio Grande Valley residents, saving them travel time and costs. Initiated by UT-Pan American in partnership with the City of McAllen, the new 10,000-square-foot leased facility is located at 1800 South Main Street in the Main Place Shopping Center adjacent to the La Plaza Mall. A map showing the site’s location is available at http://www.utpa.edu/mcallen. This first fall semester features 12 graduate-level courses in the Colleges of Education, Business Administration, Arts and Humanities, and Science and Engineering. Additionally, English Language Institute classes and some continuing education courses in educational leadership and the Certified Public Manager program will also be offered. Students must be formally admitted to UTPA before enrolling in any of the following classes: History of Rhetoric, Composition & Literacy Studies; Writing Academic Discourse; Direct Readings US History; Organizational Leadership; Introduction to Educational Administration; Public School Law; Algebra I; Statistical Foundations; Introduction to Finance; and International Business Foundation; For more information about the UTPA McAllen Teaching Site, call 956/381-2071. Featured during the ribbon cutting ceremony on August 26 at the teaching site are, from left: McAllen City Commissioner Marcus Barrera; McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz; Dr. Charles A. Sorber, UTPA interim president; James D. Dannenbaum of Houston, member of the University of Texas System Board of Regents; Dr. Paul Sale, UTPA provost and vice president for academic affairs; and Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen.
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The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is celebrating their 10th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Student Art Contest. September 15 through October 15 is considered Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. To remind students of Hispanic Heritage, the MHCC sponsors an art contest open to all students in the middle and high schools in Willacy, Hidalgo, Cameron, Webb and Starr counties. The theme to the art contest is “Mi Cultura” or “My Culture”. Students are asked to submit a 16 x 20 size entry with any art medium being accepted. Trophies will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in both the Middle and Senior High School divisions at a special “Día de la Raza” reception to be held on October 14 sponsored by Combined Insurance. For more information, call the MHCC office at 928-0060. Featured, with some of last year’s entries, are, from left: Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer; Lisa Díaz, MHCC intern; Carol Schmitt, MHCC board member; and Ceci Peña, MHCC intern.
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Gloria Segovia-Zúñiga, Noelia Sánchez, and María T. Medina, featured from left, have recently completed all requirements for membership into the Academy of Boys & Girls Club Professionals at the Professional Level for the Management & Youth Development categories. Segovia-Zúñiga attained the Youth Development Professional Level, Sánchez achieved the Youth Development and Management Professional Levels, and Medina attained the Management Professional Level. The Academy of Boys & Girls Club Professionals is part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s strategic initiative, which helps clubs expand their youth development capacity, while recognizing the value of career and professional development. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Sep 1, 2009 | Politics
U.S. Marine Sgt. Freddy González’ legacy, an American war hero from Edinburg whose patriotism, courage, and sacrifice has been documented in national proclamations and publications, in the press and in books, is also featured here in a work of art produced by Colonel Charles Waterhouse, one of the country’s most renowned illustrators, whose work is often compared with those of other giants such as Norman Rockwell. A World War II veteran, Waterhouse answered the nation’s call to duty more than 26 years later during the Vietnam War. Instead of picking up a rifle, he picked up paintbrush, and wound up creating more than 470 magnificent illustrations depicting the heroism of U.S. Marines in Vietnam. In this drawing, Waterhouse depicts the final actions of González as the wounded American defends troops under his command after they were pinned down by the enemy during the Tet Offensive in Hue City, Vietnam. González was killed in action, and was later posthumously bestowed the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry and sacrifice. A special print edition of this image was given to his mother, Dolia González of Edinburg, when she was the guest of honor on the U.S.S. Alfredo González during a change-of-command ceremony earlier this summer. More information on the accomplished artist is available at http://www.waterhousemuseum.com. The U.S.S. Alfredo González maintains a web site at http://www.fightingfreddy66.blogspot.com. See related story, which is the top story in this edition, on former Valley journalist John Flores, who will be honored by the Marines for his own creative masterpiece, When the River Dreams: The Life of Marine Sergeant Freddy González.
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Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, shows off a carving board bearing the All-America City symbol of Edinburg given to him during his visit on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 to the University of Texas-Pan American. Kennedy, 77, part of an iconic American political family that included President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert Kennedy, passed away shortly before midnight on Tuesday, August 25, at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, following a 15-month long battle with brain cancer. In this portrait, Kennedy was in the three-time All-America City to rally advance support for Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, who along with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-New York, were seeking the March 4 primary nomination for president. During his campaign swing, city leaders presented him the gift, noting that the senator and the city both shared many traits, including the high standards required of communities which receive the coveted All-America City Award. Following news of his death, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, reflected on Kennedy’s strong support in the Valley. “He is, and will always be, held in the highest regard by Hispanics across the country. On his travels throughout the land, he always found a friendly audience within the Hispanic community, whose issues he championed,” Hinojosa said. “He visited our communities in deep South Texas on several occasions and he was our true friend.”
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Edinburg residents listened intently to Sen. Edward Kennedy during his appearance on February 20, 2008 at the University of Texas-Pan American during his campaign swing to advance the appearance a few days later on campus of Barack Obama, who was seeking the March 2008 Democratic Party nomination for president. “Last night, we lost a great American whose legacy will likely outlive us all,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen. Senator Edward M. Kennedy is an irreplaceable part of American politics; he led an extraordinary life defending the core principles of this country, creating equal opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds.” Kennedy was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, August 29, next to his fallen brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert Kennedy.
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Justice of the Peace Charlie Espinoza of Edinburg, featured right, was recently recognized by South Texas Health System leaders for his leadership role in the advancement of health care in the Valley. The Hidalgo County Precinct 4 elected official is shown here accepting the Community Leader Appreciation Award from Joe Rodríguez, STHS chief executive officer, during a presentation on July 9 at McAllen Medical Center. As a lifelong resident of Edinburg, Espinoza has served his Hidalgo County constituency as JP since 1995. During this time, he has assisted the health care community by providing mandatory inquests, and helping those with mental health and drug addictions receive behavioral health care. Espinoza has been recognized by his community for his leadership, serving in numerous organizations. In addition, Espinoza was Edinburg mayor pro-tem and city commissioner between 1990 and 1994. He has been actively involved in the Edinburg Bobcat Booster Club, Edinburg Crime Stoppers, Edinburg Jaycees, Edinburg Census Committee and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. He has also helped organize and produce Fiesta Custom Car and Truck Shows.
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Kohl’s Department Store, through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program, has donated $53,685 to the Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation. The donations were collected from Kohl’s stores located in the Rio Grande Valley and a check was presented to the Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation on Saturday, August 29. Kohl’s has gifted nearly $75,000 to the Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation since 2008. Kohl’s latest donation to the Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation was for their joint flu fighting project. The special check presentation was made during the August 29 Back to School Family Health Fair at Edinburg Children’s Hospital. Featured, from left: Heriberto Montes, Kohl’s assistant store manager; Le’Char García, Kohl’s store manager; Dan Castro, Kohl’s store manager; Phyllis Griggs, Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation board member; Janie Salinas, Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation board secretary; Dolly Villarreal, Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation board member; and Rubén Garza. See story later in this posting.
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UTPA’s Bucky the Bronc, STC President Shirley A. Reed, Interim UTPA President Charles A. Sorber, and STC’s Jerry the Jaguar celebrate another milestone in helping ease student transfers. On Tuesday, August 25, the University of Texas-Pan American and South Texas College met in McAllen to celebrate the completion of another phase of their Start Here, Finish There Student Transfer Success Action Plan. STC and UTPA representatives signed 11 agreements to ease transfer for students from STC to UTPA. The agreements span a variety of subject are as including anthropology, biology, communications, education, kinesiology, language and cultural studies, mathematics, Mexican American studies, history, philosophy, political science, psychology and social work. The focus of the agreements and plan is to ensure students have an easier time completing their degrees through a partnership between both higher education institutions. See story later in this posting.
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