EP alumni get special invitation to Garza's play

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EPalumni.Com rerouted to New Site

You have been re-routed to this site from the EPalumni.Com while we try to repair the site after being hacked. We will be using this site until our original site is fully restored. R. Castillo

Chief of Police..Fired

Now that's some light has been shed on the reason for the firing of Eagle Pass Chief of Police, it turns out that there was no criminal activity associated with his dismissal. However, what it does disclose is that city staff reached so far back to incidents they allege were significant enough to terminate him. While it's not known if Castaneda serves at the will of the city manager, there appears to be little information as to whether the discrepancies being cited were addressed with him at the time they occurred or shortly thereafter. Additionally it is not known whether city administration offered him the opportunity to correct that which has now ended his longtime career. The precarious position that the city has placed themselves may be a determining factor if this matter reaches a court. But regardless on how future developments play out, Castaneda is likely to demand his right to confront his accusers. So, the drama continues.

Lets Do It Right..For Once

By Robert Castillo

Some would say that this is a sad day in the history of Maverick County while others rejoice in the fact that once and for all the corruption that prevailed is being exposed and those that are guilty will serve for their misdeeds.

There are numerous lessons to be learned by what has transpired and it would be a shame if our community failed to take advantage of what we have learned. One thing that we must recognize is that the County has mishandled the bidding of contracts with those that do business with the County. Some characterize the bidding process as chaotic, under-supervised and totally open for abuse.

The county is about to embark on a $3 million project which leads some to speculate whether the County will also mismanaged this contract. The question remains whether the $3 million is a accurate cost estimate for the construction of the landfill. The amount of this contract is significant enough that it should be adequately advertised so that the citizens of Maverick County can get the most for their money. The company hired should be able to stand up to scrutiny with guarantees that the project will be completed successfully.

The use of consultants should also be scrutinized to determine whether they are really necessary. There should also be a clear explanation as to the duties of such consultants and whether they are necessary for the completion of the project. There should also be a clear indication as to who is responsible and whether that responsibility falls on the landfill board or on Commissioners Court.

The community only hopes that the recent arrests are enough to discourage further criminal activity involving our tax money. Only time will tell.

Texas Judicial Commission suspends JP Cesar Perez

By Robert Castillo

EAGLE PASS - Justice of the Peace Cesar Perez' duties were suspended today by the Texas Judicial Commission in a letter sent to Maverick County Judge David Saucedo. The Judicial Commission also suspended his pay. 

The basis for his suspension came as a result of his recent arrest for allegedly engaging in organized criminal activity and theft by a public servant.

During research for this new story, it was determined that Perez has come to the attention of the Judicial Commission in a previous instance and received a Public Warning by the Judicial Commission. ( http://www.scjc.state.tx.us/pdf/actions/fy2011-pubsanc.pdf).

Judge Saucedo and Commissioner's Court will discuss this most recent development and decide how to proceed. 

Landfill Board accepts Chavez resignation

By Robert Castillo

EAGLE PASS - The Board of Directors of the Maverick County landfill accepted the much publicized resignation of Hector D. Chavez as Manager of the county landfill at Tuesday's regularly scheduled meeting at the County courthouse. Some were expecting information about Chavez resignation but none was given.

The Board also approved the initiation of plans to construct a second landfill cell. The Board had been told of the urgency to proceed after it was determined that the existing cell ( Cell 1) would soon reach full capacity. The Board also gave the go ahead for the hiring of a new landfill manager.

At this point, there is no additional information how the Board will proceed. Questions remain whether the position for landfill manager will be be published allowing interested persons to apply. Also unknown is whether bids will be taken from companies interested in being considered for the landfill construction project whose cost is expected to reach as much as $3 million.

Unable to perform

Much time has elapsed since my last post and plenty has happened since. As of today, we have two commissioners charged with crimes that may keep them from performing their duties as county commissioner.

One of them has been incarcerated since his arrest and has been unable to perform the duties of a Commissioner while the other is out on bond and for all practical purposes continues to carry out his duties.

Neither has been tried in a court of law therefore are considered innocent until proven guilty. Some have suggested that it will be difficult to replace the one on bond because he continues to perform his duties. The other one is a different story and that is because he was denied bond.

The urgency to do something seems to have dwindled and may remain the same for some time.

Fill Commissioner's Court Vacancy

There's a growing outcry for resolution to the problem of the vacancy in County Commissioners Court. Once occupied by Commissioner Rudy Heredia, it now sits vacant following his recent arrest. His court date has not been set in federal court and there is no indication that he will be released any time soon or allowed on bond prior to his trial.

Some feel that the County needs to make some forward movement towards remedying this vacancy situation. Some are hoping that somebody takes the initiative to determine how this can legally be done. Some others are annoyed by the fact that none of the County commissioners have stepped forward or have shown the initiative to deal with this situation. Quietly some hope that is placed on the agenda and seriously considered.

A City of One

Some would say that it is a sign of the times, I would call it what it really is – apathy. In a recent public notice seen on the Internet, I read that the City of Eagle Pass held the last of the required public meetings regarding the proposed tax increase.
What could be so sad about a tax increase meeting? What is sad is that only one.. yes one person attended the meeting. In a community of thousands only one stood up and voiced her opinion. While the article did not specify her position, either for or against, what is important or sadly important is that no one else did… no..no other taxpayer voiced their approval or opposition.

I understand that the proposed increase in tax revenue will be used for future pay raises and some community improvements. Yet I recall that in March of this year the City of Eagle Pass approved a pay raise after stating that the city was in a healthy financial position to grant the increase which was seen in their April paychecks. So what's the truth? Is the tax increase really justified or was the city mistaken in March when they describe the City's financial standing as sound.

I must mention that I appreciate pay increases primarily because they augment the local economy. Perhaps it's more about getting conflicting information.

It makes me wonder whether its really true that only one person appeared before the Council for the rate increase hearing. Will I be corrected in the coming minutes and find out that the City Council chamber was so full that citizens spilled out into the hallways?

Good luck Mr. Valenzuela

Daniel Valenzuela

It is truly unfortunate that our community has lost a very knowledgeable city manager in Daniel Valenzuela. Mr. Valenzuela was not known as one that joined the political inner circle of Maverick County. Mr. Valenzuela for the most part did his job quietly and as we know, very efficiently.

But what we must worry about now is who the city council will select in his absence. What we can expect is the immediate appointment of an interim city manager and we know who that person will be. If we could find someone like Mr. Valenzuela the city would be in a much better place.

What concerns me is that we are not currently in a climate of making sound decisions but find ourselves in the midst of a  political storm where everybody is vying for political advantage and maybe self-enrichment. I don't know how to convince the city Council to do the right thing and to distance themselves from the influence of the prevailing movement.

I sincerely hope that the Council places the interest of our city and its citizens as their priority and in so doing fine another person like Daniel Valenzuela.

Super-size It?

Me: Hello..I'll have a number 2 regular combo with mayo.

Sonic: It comes with mayo.

Me: Ok. and I'll have tater....
Sonic: Do you want fries or tater tots?
Me: Tater Tots.
Sonic: Do you want to super size that?

Me: No I just want the regular combo.
Sonic: Would you care for a large drink?
Me: No...I want a Dr. Pepper.
Sonic: What size did you want?
Me: Regular.
Sonic: A regular medium  or large?
Me: No. give me the one that comes with the regular combo..number 2.
Sonic: Ok...but do you want it in large or medium?

Me: Ok..listen..this is what I want. I want the number 2 regular combo with mayo, tator tots and a Dr. Pepper for the price you list as $7.57 plus tax.

Sonic: Are you sure you don't want it super-sized?
Me: Bye.

Entitlements have the entire country in debt

Eagle Pass Forum
By L Rod
April 29, 2012

So the purchase of a rodeo arena is critical government business right. We want our government wasting our tax dollars on a rodeo arena when they are already over $20 Million in debt.. Good job dumb asses. Rodeo arenas, baseball parks, splash pads, elderly centers, bus rides, migrant schools are truly not any benefit to the entire population and they create an ongoing burden of expense year after year. We are so far in debt from the previous idiots that the new idiots don't have a prayer, and the wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round....

Entitlements have the entire country in debt

The ITC center serves as office space for the planning department and I would guess it brings in $20 to $30K a year from events in the ball room, the only place in town to have a large event at. The ITC center is still a big red ink spot on the city books EVERY year and will continue to be. Is this a necessary evil? Would private investment dollars build a loser, no , only our idiot tax dollars can afford to subsidize the loss every year.

The golf course is a beer guzzling chicharron eating establishment that is run as a bar and has been kept in the shadows behind the Border Wall for good keeps by the drunkards that inhabit the place.

It is an embarrassment that it is a city owned property and is so far from being public friendly. A county commissioner is the manager now if that tells you anything. Bells, whistles and fireworks should be going off as this is a recipe for failure as our county commissioners court has proven to be the most inept group of citizens over the last decade.

Does the golf course turn a profit year in year out? Could it?
But the rodeo arena in all its dusty glory was a great decision by our fine political leaders to repay an old friend in need. I would guess that the payback on the arena would be close to .... NEVER.

The word politics is derived from "Poly" meaning many, and "tics" meaning blood sucking parasites, so it goes that those who are to smart to engage in politics are Punished by being governed by those who are dumber

Kids Cafe to get underway in Maverick County

EPalumni.Com by Robert Castillo April 19, 2012 EAGLE PASS - In a matter of days the Kids Cafe program will be ready to provide hot after-school meals to children in our community at the Seco Mines Community Center. David Lopez, the Community Center Director explained that they should be prepared to serve as many as possible but do have an age limit of 7 to 12 year olds. Parents will be expected to drop off their child and pick them up later. Lopez has worked with the youth for the past 10 years and previously worked as the Director of Eagle Pass Parks and Recreation. According to Lopez, they have a bulding contractor currently making some changes to the center in order to accomodate the food preparation for the Kids Cafe program . The remodeling work should be completed by the end of this month in preparation for the program. He also added that aside from the hot meal that the program provides, area volunteers from local high schools and colleges will continue to help with the after-school program of tutoring, help with homework and hands-on experience with computers. They are also providing board games. The Center is opened from 3:30pm to 7pm during the week. The Kids Cafe is a program sponsored by Maverick County, Texas A&M and the Laredo Food Bank. According to sources in child nutrition, "many children in low-income neighborhoods or rural communities do not receive well-balanced evening meals, either because their parents work late hours or they simply cannot afford good wholesome food. Children must receive proper nutrition in order to develop properly and perform well in school." "We are very excited about the Kids Cafe program and hope that we have a good turnout." said Lopez. " I will be doing the outreach hoping to inform as many as possible about the program"

30th Annual Lowrider Festival at Camargo Park

SouthSaToday.Com
by Robert Castillo
April 15, 2012 8pm

Centro Cultural Aztlan held another successful fundraising event at Camargo Park. The 30th Annual Lowrider Festival drew many to this family festival whose main attraction were the classic cars, lowriders and custom made bicycles.

The event provided entertainment with Ernie Garibay with his band, Cats Don't Sleep providing the music.

Food booths also provided food and drinks from 10am to 8pm.

More than forty categories were judged in competition for cash prizes and trophies.

Lock and Load Mentality

Sean Hannity continues to be a total idiot. This "Rush Limbaugh wannabe" has now characterized President's Obama message of condolences as a message of hatred. His comment adds to that of Robert Zimmerman, George Zimmerman's father, and Limbaugh that are doing everything to tie the President's only message about the killing of Trayvon Martin as an endorsement of statements made by the Black Panthers and extrapolating to place Obama shoulder to shoulder with Louis Farrakhan as well. The two conservative radio racist's comments are consequential in that they help raise the lock and load mentality of many who are being told to fear minorities.

Johnny Ruiz's theft case to be reset

EPalumni.Com
Feb 8, 2012
11:43am


EAGLE PASS - The theft trial for Johnny Ruiz accused of taking merchandise from a local Walmart store without paying will not take place tomorrow as previously scheduled.

The only proceeding that will take place tomorrow will be the filing of a motion for continuance by Ruiz's defense attorney. City prosecutor Heriberto Morales is not expected to object thus setting the case for a future date subject to the municipal judge's approval. It is likely that the case will be set for the month of March.

However, the court may hear pre-trial motions entered by the defense, one of which asked that prosecutor Morales be disqualified for possible conflict since he handles all the tickets issued by the law enforcement officials working for the local school district. Ruiz was the school districts Chief of Police at the time of the alleged theft.

Efforts to reach the defense attorney were not successful.

Pereda...its in the Judge's Court

The likelihood that Pereda will be fired has increased due to the most recent oversight. A recent incident adds to the county's dissatisfaction with Pereda. As reported, Pereda is being blamed for not informing the County that the TCEQ was requesting an insurance payment. The insurance payment was being requested by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for the continued operation of the County's landfill.

Its good business sense that if Pereda knew that the insurance was due that he should have alerted Commissioner's Court that they had a bill that needed to be paid.

On the other hand, the county also has a landfill Board of Directors that have some responsibility over compliance and operations, and yet they too apparently failed to notify the county. Should they too share some fault in not bringing this to the County's attention?

Its an understanding that our District Judges will have to concur with any final decision to fire Pereda.

Overall, if there is one thing that young people starting their careers should learn from this situation, its that if they ever get a job like Pereda's, they should embrace it enthusiastically and never take the position that I will do only what is required and nothing more.

Johnny Ruiz pleads not guilty

EAGLE PASS -- Johnny Ruiz, Eagle Pass Independent School District Chief of Police entered a plea of not guilty to a theft charge he faces in Eagle Pass Municipal Court on Friday.

The charge stems from Ruiz arrest after he allegedly took merchandise without paying from a local Wal-Mart store in Eagle Pass. Ruiz has stated that it was a misunderstanding and that he was not arrested. However, on the day of the incident, Ruiz was taken to the Eagle Pass Police Department and processed and given a citation for theft.

There was speculation that Ruiz would plea no contest but with his plea of not guilty, its now up to Wal-Mart and its security staff to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Ruiz in fact took mechanize without paying. The court appearance has been set for February 9 before Municipal Judge Francisco Martinez.

In the meantime, Ruiz remains suspended from his position as EPISD Chief of Police pending the court's outcome.

What happens in Texas stays in Texas

Almost three years ago I was pleased to hear presidential candidate Barack Obama talk about making government transparent and ending undue profiteering by people who do business with government. He also told us that he would hold all agencies taking federal funds responsible for maintaining transparency and launched the stimulus bill funds.

In short order we found out that what he wished failed to materialized. Obama was someone that appreciated the developing technology and expounded on the idea that all governmental entities would make use of automation to disclose fund dispersal and expenditures.

Three years later, his expectations remain unfulfilled as the majority of governmental entities refuse to disclose such information as Obama envisioned. Matter of fact, our State underutilizes equipment that it has at their disposal and instead sets up informational website that display mostly hierarchical data with virtually no vital information.

Its truly unfortunate that our State places so little importance in maximizing the use of the technology and is allow to continue without any improvement.

Have double dippers cause the county to create another program

One has to be careful when they form an opinion based on local news stories but if the latest news about the county is true, taxpayers should take notice of the latest development in county government.

In a previous story, we were informed that some residents were going to different locations and accepting free food that are made available from Laredo's Food Bank distribution center. Some were then allegedly selling the produce to the public, something that is not condone by the Food Bank.

In order to address the problem, the county has decided to designate another "department" which will contract a Director, an Assistant and two workers. It will be their job to distribute the food and prevent residents from re-selling what is given to them for free.

What has caught the ire of two of the commissioners is that $125,000 will be taken from their precinct's budget to help set up this new department. It seems that the justification for such action is that these two commissioners have not done enough for their precincts in the past. The question remains whether these two commissioners have underserved their constituents or have managed their budgets wisely.

Nonetheless, we should see whether the combined $250,000 taken from the two commissioners will be enough to finance this new department and cover the salaries of these four new employees.