SOUTH TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) hours of operation at the import lots from Brownsville to Del Rio Port of Entry will remain the same and Mexico Customs (Aduana Mexico ) has agreed to adopt U.S. hours of operation when the U.S. converts to daylight savings time on March 14.   

The U.S. officially changes to daylight savings time on March 14 while Mexico changes over to daylight savings time on April 4.   

In an effort to eliminate any confusion or potential loss in productivity, Aduana Mexico has agreed to adjust their hours of operation to coincide with U.S. hours of operation at all South Texas commercial cargo processing facilities during that three-week period.

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

 The Catholic Daughters of America recently posted the winners of a nationwide essay and art contest held in February, in which all Catholic schools were invited to participate. Students from St. Peter’s Memorial School were the top winners in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades in their division.

 In Division II, St. Peter’s students dominated the top spots in both art and essay.

In the art contest:

6th Grade: 1^st Place-Rebekah Morales; 2^nd Place-Carla Gonzalez; and 3^rd Place-Alejandra Chavez.
7th Grade: 1^st Place-Juan Mojica III; 2nd Place-Jorge A. Guerrero; and 3rd Place-Brenda Villarreal.
8th Grade: 1^st Place-Rosa Amelia Lugo; 2^nd Place-Iradia A. Elizondo; 3^rd Place-Jonathan D. Garcia.
 
In the essay contest:
6th Grade: 1^st Place-Carla Gonzalez; 2nd Place-Rebekah Morales.
7th Grade: 1^st Place-Mariana Johnson; 2^nd Place-Miguel Hugo Alfaro; 3^rd Place-Marco Gutierrez.
8th Grade: 1^st Place-Jennifer Sauvignet; 2nd Place-Leslie Maldonado; 3^rd Place-Zachary Sanchez.
 
In the 8^th grade art contest, Lugo’s entry will be forwarded on to the state competition, as will Johnson’s in the 7^th grade essay contest.  The topics for the contest were “The Joys of God Surround Us” or “The Joys Life Brings Through Others.”

 “I am so proud of all of my students who worked so hard to represent the topics in their entries,” said Jessica Lynn Estevis, the students’ English teacher.

 Dr. Linda Marie Garcia Mitchell, principal for St. Peter’s Memorial School was ecstatic that the students were recognized for their work; especially as it relates to demonstrating the faith and education they have learned at St. Peter’s. 

 “It is important that our students enter these contests, especially those with a Catholic-theme, because by encouraging them to participate, they learn to express their creativity and knowledge outside of the classroom setting that will help to give them confidence to continue to do so throughout their academic careers,” Mitchell said.

 Just four months after the first 100 tree planting event, District VI Council Member Gene Belmares is inviting the community to come out once again and help him plant another 100 trees at North Central Park on Saturday, March 20, 2009, starting at 8:00 a.m.

 “This will truly be a great tree-hugging experience,” stated Belmares.

 The next 100 trees that will be planted will also be trees whose foliage will change color in the fall, creating a true “New York Central Park” feel to the hundreds of walkers, runners, bikers and everyone in between who takes advantage of the park’s approximate 2.7 miles of pathway.  However, in order to plant 100 trees, Belmares needs the assistance of volunteers willing to help make Laredo even more beautiful.  Any Laredo citizen age 12 and over is invited to sign up.  Simply contact the City of Laredo Environmental Services Department at 794-1650 for more information. Or, for registration and liability forms contact Keep Laredo Beautiful via e-mail at keeplaredobeautiful@gmail.com to sign up oneself, family, school, church or place of business.

 Volunteers will start bright and early on that day; however, breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided, courtesy of the District VI Advisory Board and countless sponsors.  All safety tips, such as appropriate work shoes and clothing should be strictly followed.  Equipment and tools will be handled by City staff and other responsible individuals; however, there will be plenty of other clean-up and beautification side projects that even someone who doesn’t possess a green thumb can help out. 

 In 2004, Council Member Belmares and then Webb County Commissioner Felix Velasquez, Precinct III, came together to announce not just an inter-local agreement for the creation of the park, but also, a promise to create a park that would be a park unlike any ever seen before in Laredo, one that would highlight the natural landscape of the environment, as well as provide amenities that would appeal to children, adults and everyone in between.

 North Central Park boasts both passive and active recreation space, including fitness trails, facilities for sports activities, and a unique nature conservancy area, as well as playground equipment for the young, or young at heart.  The development highlights the natural water features of the area, including the babbling brook feeding a nice-sized pond.

 The park will be a continual work in progress that is currently at 210 acres with an additional 25 acres and connectivity coming in the future.  Efforts by the City of Laredo to acquire the land began in 2002.  While some of the acreage was donated to the City of Laredo, the rest was acquired with bond monies sold in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.  In 2004, Webb County also provided $625,000 for the purchase of property, as well.  Additional federal earmarks from Congressman Henry Cuellar will also improve the park amenities, as well.

 Future amenities of the park will include an additional 1.4 mile of trails and improvements, park benches, additional lighting, exercise station, playground, shades, drinking fountains, restrooms, landscape irrigation and a nature area for bird watching.  Other features include basketball courts, a baseball complex, tennis courts, and an amphitheater. The project will also focus on Green Space restoration and the Manadas Creek Regional Detention Pond.  Total estimated cost for North Central Park is $12.5 million, not including the potential federal earmarks.

Courtesy Joe Baeza, 

On March 3, 2010 at approximately 7:30 pm a call came into the dispatch center regarding a man exposing himself by the Ryan Elementary School.  At this time in the evening the area is saturated with citizens exercising around the track surrounding the school.  A description was given of a man and a vehicle in the area.  Police located the man and when approached he fled authorities by driving away.  The car eventually stopped at Mier and Milmo where the man exited his vehicle and fled on foot into the surrounding residences jumping from property to property climbing over fences.  The ensuing officers caught the man and placed him under arrest.   The man was charged with Indecent Exposure and Evading Arrest using a Motor Vehicle. 

Police conducted a post arrest inventory of the vehicle before it was towed away.  During the inventory Police found a plastic bag with women’s underwear in it.  The undergarments were logged into evidence.  Police will process the garments to see if there is any possible connection to any other potential criminal activity.

Courtesy Maru De La Paz,

 Laredo, Texas (Webb County) -  On Monday, March 1^st, 2010, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Webb County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a grocery store located at Penitas subdivision in Webb County, regarding an attempted aggravated robbery. The caller, who was identified as the owner, reported that an armed subject walked in the store demanding money from the register while pointing a riffle at him.  Sheriff’s Deputies responded immediately. Upon arrival and further questioning, the store owner told Deputies that he defended himself by getting into a struggle and overpowering the thief by taking away the weapon.

 The weapon recovered by the owner was identified as a Savage 24 V Series D, Caliber 30-30 (Winchester Riffle).  A witness at the grocery store was able to give a description of the thief to Sheriff’s Deputies.

On March 10, 2010, after several days of Investigation, Sheriff’s investigators detained and arrested the thief at a downtown location. The thief who was identified as Alberto Pacheco Jr., 22,  was charged with aggravated Robbery, Felony 1, and was remanded to the Webb County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

“After a diligent and detailed investigation, our Investigators came to the successful  culmination of this case by recovering a riffle and putting a thief behind bars.  I am very proud of their work and commitment to the citizens of Webb County”.  Sheriff Martin Cuellar stated.

Free, family fun festival will feature games, activities, food and fun

Courtesy Xochitl Mora, 

Laredo, TX—March 10, 2010—The iconic, traditional diamond shape, flying carefree in the wind is evocative of a simpler, carefree childhood.   It is also one of the most easy, entertaining and affordable ways for a family to have fun together.  The bright colors and soaring heights create memories that can last a lifetime for a child.  That’s why the Second Annual Spring Break Kite Festival is perfect for Laredo kids, and their families, to have a fun, and free, good time.

 On Wednesday, March 17, 2020, District VI Council Member Gene Belmares, along with Keep Laredo Beautiful and the City of Laredo Parks & Leisure Services Department will host the kite festival from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at North Central Park.  Participants and spectators can find parking at the park’s parking lot, located at 10202 International Boulevard. 

 “In today’s economy, it’s time to go back to the time-honored, affordable family entertainment, where families enjoyed spending time with each other outdoors, interacting and creating special family traditions,” said Council Member Gene Belmares.  “This kite festival involves all these elements, and will be held in a beautiful, clean, community outdoor green space that we can all enjoy during Spring Break right here in Laredo, without having to travel anywhere, but just down the street,” he added. 

 The kite festival is open to kids of all ages, including those who are kids at heart.  There is no registration or entrance fee to the festival.  Just show up with a kite and start flying!  Even if you don’t have a kite, come on out.  A limited number of kites will be given out for free, along with healthy snacks while supplies last, thanks to the generous support of sponsors AEP Texas, AT&T, HEB, Cricket Wireless, and CenterPoint Energy.  Border Media is the event’s official media sponsor. 

 In fact, festival organizers have gone out of their way to ensure that the day is truly a family-friendly outing.  Aside from the kite flying, there will be plenty of other games and activities, including face-painting, hay rides, games, wildflower seed planting, a jumping castle, music and fun to run around and just have a relaxing afternoon.  And everything is free!

 For those who are serious about kite-flying; however, take notice of the following kite contest information.  Starting promptly at 4:00 p.m., kite judging will begin, and prizes will be given for the best homemade kite in the following age categories:  5-10; 11-13; 14-17; and over 18.  Celebrity judges will make the determination of all entrants.  All are welcome to enter.

 Of course, running around flying a kite does work up an appetite, so bring a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and refreshments (no alcohol will be allowed) and enjoy the lazy, picnic atmosphere.  Snacks will also be sold; benefitting the Parks Youth Committee. Just don’t forget to throw your trash and recyclables in the many Willie and Billie Botes that will be out there.  The Sister Cities Youth Committee will be out and about, acting as the day’s litter patrol, reminding participants to keep the park, and the Laredo environment, clean.

 Other organizations who will have a presence at the event will be Customs & Border Protection; Constable Rudy Rodriguez; Sheriff Martin Cuellar; Laredo Fire Department, and the Laredo Police Department Bike Patrol.

 “I look forward to seeing kids from all over Laredo enjoying themselves in this wonderful activity of flying kites,” Belmares concluded.

Courtesy Xochitl Mora, 

The City of Laredo delegation in Washington spent the day advocating for congressional earmarks for Laredo and to request that Laredo’s congressional leaders reinforce the City of Laredo’s requests of the various federal agencies for additional federal funding.

 Mayor Raul G. Salinas, Congressman Henry Cuellar and City Manager Carlos Villarreal lead an almost two-hour meeting of the delegation and the Congressman’s staff.  Every item on the City of Laredo’s agenda was discussed and plans were formulated to follow up on each of Laredo’s pending funding applications. 

 “We are so fortunate to have a leader such as Henry Cuellar representing us in Congress,” Mayor Salinas stated. 

 City Manager Carlos Villarreal agreed, saying “He brings an intelligence and personal integrity to the process that is so refreshing.” 

The delegation spent the afternoon meeting with Senator John Cornyn and Texas members of the House of Representatives that represent border communities.  Senator Cornyn listened attentively as Mayor Salinas, City Manager Villarreal, and Police Chief Carlos Maldonado articulated their rising concerns of potential spillover of violence from Mexico.

 The City of Laredo’s messages in each of the meetings with were clear and consistent throughout the week:  The federal government must fund border safety, health and transportation needs, since these investments serve all Americans, not just those who live on the border.

We are having a Steak Plate Sale Saturday April 10th 2010 at  O’reillys Auto Parts corner of Guadalupe and Tilden for Little Ruth Dalila Martinez 10 years of age whom has been stricken with Leukemia.  The Plate Sale will run from 11:00 a.m. thru 3:00 p.m. The Plates are going for $5. All monies will go towards  medical assistance for the little lady. Thanks for your participation.

 Contact Information:

Rosa Levens

(956) 251-1550

 National Report Highlights Independent Voting Record on Key Votes

Washington, DC – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) is one of the leading centrist members of Congress according to an in-depth report released by National Journal, a leading source of non-partisan reporting on nationwide politics and policy. The report analyzed how all 535 members of the House and Senate voted on key economic, social and foreign-policy issues during 2009.

Based on 92 key votes in the House, National Journal ranked Congressman Cuellar the most centrist member of the Texas congressional delegation. 

“My philosophy is simple: put politics aside, and put common sense and the business of the people first,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I vote the values of my district.  They expect me to represent what is best for every family—not just the Democratic families or Republican families.  I’m an independent voice and my voting record reflects that.” 

National Journal ranked Congressman Cuellar as one of “The Centrists”, a group of members at the ideological center of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. As number 216 of 435 members in the House, National Journal placed Congressman Cuellar at center of the House.

The annual report, released by the non-partisan weekly periodical National Journal, evaluates voting records based on a ratings system used since 1981. A panel of National Journal editors and reporters compiled a list of 92 key congressional votes of 2009 and categorized each bill in one of three ways: economic, social and foreign policy.

Members were then ranked from one to 435, depending on how they voted among liberals and conservatives on each category of votes. According to National Journal, Congressman Cuellar votes at the ideological center of the House.

“I vote from the center, because I have an independent approach,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I’m focused on what is good for the taxpayers in the 28^th District and if we had more people governing from the center, we could get a lot more done for the country.”  

As a fiscal-conservative, Congressman Cuellar is a member of the 54 member Blue Dog Coalition and the only member of the group from Texas. The coalition introduced in January, a 15 step plan for fiscal reform in Washington. In 2010, Congressman Cuellar helped pass Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) spending rules for Congress, as a way to rein in the nation’s deficits by balancing the nation’s budget. He also founded the bipartisan Pro Trade Caucus in Congress as a way to promote bipartisan initiatives to level the nation’s trade deficits and create more jobs.

 On March 15, 2010, A Plus Plumbing Contractor Inc. will be installing a water tap for underground fire protection service to the life sciences building at Martin High School. Starting at 8:00 a.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m., the north sidewalk, which runs east to west, will be closed at Salinas Avenue up to Convent Avenue.  

 Motorists are urged to please drive with extreme caution and observe all traffic control and detour signs for their safety as well for the safety of construction crews in the work area.