County Debt

For the last five years, my county taxes have increased anywhere from $5 to $23 yearly.  These hikes are a result of property appraisal adjustments.  County officials reassure us constantly that they never raise their tax rates, and now they say the new bond issue will have no effect on our taxes.

Valdez said the bond package will not increase the tax burden for county residents.

Whatever.

The additional debt obligations could be paid for by allocating more funding from the county's existing tax dollars.  Higher property valuations county officials hope for this year could also help service additional debts.

Pues ya si no?!
I say yes to remodeling the Tex-Mex building, and no to a new tax office.  Amazon and iTunes have showed us that brick and mortar facilities are not that ideal any more.  If anything, a small outlet would do.

Veni Vidi Yaqui

Some best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knew this kid who's going with the girl who saw the first ever WBCA event say that George Washington was really liked by Hispanics.

George Washington might've been viewed as a rock star, but the fact that we celebrate him locally has more to do with imperialism and xenophobia.

Cool Saturday

Yesterday I attended the plant clinic/swap event hosted by the St. Peter's Historic Neighborhood Association and Keep Laredo Beautiful.  It was originally going to be held at the St. Peter's Plaza, but because the morning was overcast and there was a chance for rain, it was moved indoors.  The location pictured above is half a block from the plaza.

Lynne Nava of KLB went over some plants' characteristics.  She explained how she has, over the years, exchanged cuttings from her garden with neighbors, and they too have  returned the favor.  This method of community propagation is easier on your finances, and the relationships forged through this activity she compared to the roots of a plant that take time to mature.

At the end of the session, attendees were able to take with them cuttings from the featured plants.  There was a St. Peter's resident who took several samples from her garden, including savila, to share with everybody.  I only had one little offering.  I wonder who made off with it.

In talking to my mom later in the day, she told me about how she and my grandmother would exchange plant cuttings with "Docha," an old lady that used to live far out east on Del Mar Blvd.  I have vague memories of going out to her property.  My mom's aunts and one cousin also shared plants with us.  Of course, my mom also bought things at the old Gentry's on Meadow Ave.  Perhaps it's because of all those trips to the nursery and tending to plants that I still enjoy the ritual of gardening.  Something has to explain the fact that I was the only male at the event yesterday.

They Like Us

I don't know if the new Lacks commercial was done in response to the Sarah Walls rant, but the furniture outlet wants everybody to know that Laredo is good in their book.

Changes

Slowly I've been making some changes to the site this year.  I did away with the ads that used to appear after the first post, and the sidebar has lost some of its old residents.  As you can now see, I've added some tabs right under the masthead.  Once I transfer all the sites from the blogroll (sidebar) to the new blog tab, nothing will appear on LaSanbe's side. 

I'm still toying around with the idea of creating some new podcasts.  If I do, I'll set up an account with iTunes and leave my old podcasting host, Podbean, altogether.

Feel free to share any thoughts.

Remember The JC Martin House?

The old J.C. Martin house has undergone some remodeling in recent months.  You've probably driven by and noticed the new lighting, iron fencing, yard statues, and a still-under-construction retaining wall on the curb.  When all these additions first started, I figured somebody finally bought the famous landmark that once belonged to one of Laredo's biggest crooks, if not the biggest.  Eventually I learned that the owner was a person with access to a lot of money.  But more on that later.

I didn't really pay attention to the curb construction project until I read a comment on a Pro8news blog post.  The writer basically asked why there was no sidewalk included on the curb.  So I decided to go see for myself, and wouldn't you know it, the person was right.  Oh sure, a sidewalk could be factored in, but there would be no access to it from the corner.  Apart from that I wondered how a private citizen could remodel a section of the street that is supposed to belong to the city, i.e. us!

So I took my pictures, but as I was getting in my car, the owner of the house drove up and asked me what I needed.  And I said, yes, Mr. Javier Santos, how did the city allow this when I would probably be denied from undertaking anything like it on my curb?  And how are people supposed to walk here when there's no access to the curb?  He told me he got a permit for it, and that people don't walk around here so there was no need for pedestrian access.  According to him, the retaining wall is essential so as not to have any dirt fall on Clark Blvd.  And the trees were cut down so no branches fell on the street.  

I asked him for permission to take a picture of the permit on the fence.  But quite frankly, now that I think of it, I didn't need permission since the curb doesn't belong to him.  At least it shouldn't!  

Somebody gave him a permit for the construction of the wall.  But it doesn't look  like anybody is overseeing the project for needed specifications.  Where's the handicapped ramp access?  Forget that for a moment.  Where are the sidewalks for the Heights neighborhood?!  This is Clark -- one of the only roads where a person can access the far east of Laredo with the far west of Laredo.  The road has plenty of medians that could be dressed up; It could be turned into an actual feature for Laredo.  Instead it's being neglected, and the only parts that are getting attention nowadays are not up to code. 

There are plenty other questions I have about this -- questions that I hope get answered.  But in the meantime, all I can do is wonder.  I'll wonder how much money I would have to have to be able to do this.

Buddies

So what if a former Tamaulipas governor is being accused of taking money from cartels?  That doesn't necessarily mean that our representatives are also corrupt.

And documents in a criminal case in Texas allege that Yarrington, who worked hand in hand with his Texas counterparts during his career as state treasurer, governor, Mexican congressman and border mayor, was on the take from one of Mexico's most notorious drug cartels.

Still, if Mr. Yarrington is found guilty, the picture above is a perfect example of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer.

Thanks to the blog reader who gave me a heads up on this story.

Laredoans Taking Action

A lot of people complain about Laredo's shortfalls, but few actually take the initiative to do something to better the community.  Enter Donna Copeland-Magnon.  She, like so many of us, has noticed the trash problem that plagues every corner of our city.  So she's inviting anyone who wants to participate in helping her clean up District II to give her a call.

In talking to Mrs. Copeland-Magnon, she brought up the usual suspects that litter our city:  plastic bags, and furniture.  She even mentioned one company dumping paper products illegally behind a popular big box store in District II.  In cleaning up her area, she hopes to present a clean environment, not only for Laredoans, but for visitors alike.

Mrs. Magnon hopes to keep this endeavor at a grassroots level, because she believes most community projects eventually get co-opted by self-serving politicos.  One of her hopes is that other neighborhoods can follow her lead, and eventually, work in conjunction with each other to keep Laredo clean. 

Lynne Nava of Keep Laredo Beautiful will assist with this project.  Equipment will be provided for those who help out.  For more information, call Mrs. Magnon at :  956-763-3995.

LaSanbe applauds Ms. Magnon.  We need more people like her. 

The Third

Judge's son arrested in fleeing case

By César G. Rodriguez
LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Published: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 4:32 AM CST

The son of Municipal Court Judge Rosie Cuellar-Castillo is out on bond after police say he fled from an officer.

But defense attorneys representing Mario Aurelio Castillo III, 20, say they are looking forward to proving Castillo’s innocence once the case reaches the courts.
I don't take joy in anybody's kids getting busted by the law, but it's interesting when men who are carrying the proud family name get into trouble.  I don't necessarily mean having a connection to an elected official, but instead, being one in a line of supposed heirs to some sort of family legacy.  Having a roman numeral at the end of your name should mean something -- until that person gets into trouble and then the parents rethink their whole decision about passing the family name on to a delinquent. 

 

Perhaps it's karma telling people to be more humble. 

Thank Goodness For Judith Zaffirini

(AUSTIN) — Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, on Thursday (Feb. 16) received the Horizon Award from the Christian Life Commission, the policy agency of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, for her leadership in promoting access, affordability and excellence in higher education.
“As Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I am delighted to accept this award and to champion higher education opportunities for all,” Zaffirini said. "It's my pleasure to share Texas Baptists' goals of increasing high school graduation rates and ensuring that Texas students are college ready."

Press release via Zaffirini camp

Continuing of the subject of "promoting access, affordability and excellence in higher education," I offer this:

They Tell Us Fracking Is Safe

Hydraulic fracturing-related stories have been in the news lately.  Pro8news reported on the arrest of a man responsible for a sludge spill recently.  And last week the town of San Ygnacio spoke out against a proposed waste dump site.  The outcry against the site was influential enough to have TX Energy Services withdraw its application from consideration.

Letter sent in by blog reader

The public, myself included, has been concerned about the potential ill effects that hydraulic fracturing can have on the environment.  Members of the community have even gone before city officials to voice their worries.  But it seems like our efforts have been misguided.  There's actually nothing to worry about and all your suspicions can be eased thanks to a study conducted by the University of Texas Energy Institute.

The study proposes that hydraulic fracturing isn't so much responsible for water contamination, as are practices associated with it.  From the study:

In other words, "fracking" doesn't cause contamination of the environment; Instead it's the cement casings that fail.  And if water is being contaminated, it's because of chemical runoff from surface areas.

Oh, I see.

Mr. Keyrose, the shin splints you are experiencing are not from jogging three miles a day.  They're actually a result of the constant, alternating heel-to-toe motions you're executing over long distances every 24 hours.
And doctor, what about this study being funded by big oil?
No, no.  Big oil didn't contribute any money to this study.  They only contribute enormous amounts of money to the college. 
I see.  Thank you, doctor.

While we're on the topic of doctor's visits, here's another nice little nugget from the study.

But again, remember, these adverse health effects only exist if something were to go wrong.  (See previous excerpt)

I really don't see how supporters of horizontal hydraulic fracturing can point to this UT study to reassure us that the practice is safe when the only science the study includes is explaining how benzene is also found in second hand smoke.  The science hasn't even been done.

There's still much work to be done on everybody's part.  And critics of "fracking" shouldn't be discouraged by university personnel who put out studies based on semantics.  The media didn't create this alleged hysteria.  Look to the people of San Ygnacio and you'll see how fears aren't based in perception, but on reality. 

Did He Say Joey Or Chuy?

Laredo has gotten some press from national media outlets after one Sarah Walls went on and on about this town's shortcomings.  In response to that, Jack Strunk came to Laredo's defense.  So today Jack got a visit at his home in Kentucky from local dignitaries to present him with a key to the city.  They figure:  if this man can speak to Laredo's family-oriented image, the least we can do is deliver him several tokens of appreciation. 

But you don't have to be Jack Strunk to put the word out about Laredo.  No sir.  All you have to do is call in to a popular t.v. show, mention that Laredo is on the border, and let people draw their own conclusions about us and this city.  See video below.

I actually don't remember the show "Sister, Sister" but here's the link if you're curious.  And Tim Reid, aka Gordon "Venus Flytrap" Sims, I recall more fondly from "WKPR in Cincinnati."

The Bravo show is popular with the natives.  Here's another instance of a local calling in to ask a question.

Something's Off

Being a city that depends highly on food stamps while not having enough affordable housing may seem like an inconsistency, but you have to remember that Laredo is heavily Hispanic, yet we celebrate the colonial elite.

Antihistamine-Filled Weekend

Que Fregados blogged at length about the recent parade.  And Bordertown Blues wrote about possible licensing infractions taking place at said event.  This year I decided to venture out to San Bernardo to see the big parade in person.  But instead of camping out the day before, I payed a LaSanbe tenant for four comfy folding chairs for the Keyrose family. 

The only downsides were the windy conditions that kept blowing tree lint all over us, and the family in front of us who stood for the better part of the parade.  I'm thinking:  people, you have front row seats!  Why are you standing looking up the street to see what is coming up next?!  I didn't pay for these chairs to see your ugly mugs all day long.  Sit down!

As for all the pollen flying around that day, my eyes ended up looking like watery tomatoes.  It's the last time I go out for the parade. 

Parade Last Night

The natives went out last night to see their sons and daughters march under the lights.  The Youth Parade, which features younger groups, has the same route as Saturday's big event:  it goes down San Bernardo Ave. and then takes a right on Victoria.  We almost saw it live, but decided against it due to the weather's unpredictability.  Also, we were just tired and didn't want to go anywhere.

Thank goodness Public Access aired the parade.  The theme for the parade was Rock & Roll.  That's funny because we no longer have a rock station in Laredo.  But that didn't stop participants from dressing up in KISS costumes.  And for some reason, the Webb County contingent included an image of the Bordertown Drive-In on their float (around the 2:15 mark).  Big ups to them. 

Kudos also to the two ladies on emcee duties.

Just Like Ours

This sounds familiar.

“San Antonio Rose Live,” which had operated on weekends since Sept. 21, 2009, closed Sunday. The glitzy project — which included a $6 million renovation of the 1926 landmark at St. Mary's and East Commerce streets — was a dream for its creator Rick Drury, director of Drury Southwest.

The theater failed to attract an audience, and one concert promoter spoke to its limitations.

“We looked into it as a live music venue. It's a tough situation down there because of the parking. It's a beautiful theater and has tremendous potential. But with only 970 seats that means you have to sell it out all the time. It's cost prohibitive,” he added.

Parking seems to be a common complaint for anything downtown related.  But how is it that the Majestic Theater is still up and running?  The Majestic is a 2,000+ seat venue.  That helps to some extent but parking can't be used as an excuse. 

Laredo had its own downtown theaters long ago.  None of those spaces are used for entertainment today.

Tivoli Theater pic courtesy of blog reader

Political Opportunism

I really don't understand our leaders' fascination with Jaime Zapata.  I get that he served the community, died in the line of duty, and for that, should be honored, but does Raul Salinas have to turn this into a photo op?  Really, what business does our mayor, or any city staff member, have in going to an anniversary mass out of town? 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but a former Daiches student died while serving in the Middle East.  Where is his statue?  Where is his yearly press conference?

While We Wait For The Primary

Judge Salinas-Ender's post is a highly coveted position so it makes sense that one would use everything at his/her disposal to try to win a race.  And when attorneys are involved, it's only natural that legal challenges would arise.  Like I had commented before:  I may not have much to do with which candidates wins, and their success will probably not impact me much, but it's great to watch all the manuevering -- good and bad -- that goes on to run a campaign.

In other candidate news - a valley man, Robert "Bobby" Maldonado, put his hat in the ring for constable.

He's a Desert Storm veteran, a former state trooper, and likes to speed while driving around with $1 million in his car.  I hope people won't hold that last part against him.