PIGSKIN PREVIEW Find out who’s BETTER in HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL and who’s BEST in a -PAGE SPECIAL 48 SECTION.

$1.50 SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 ■ CITY EDITION

95°/75° Mostly sunny What Quick Read SCOFFLAWS OWE happens TAX-FREE WEEKEND $15.8 CORPUS CHRISTI aft er the CONTINUES The state’s annual tax-free holiday runs storm? until midnight today. Items less than $100 ■ each are exempt from Plan lays out the 8.25 percent sales tax, including school who comes supplies, clothing, back and when backpacks and diapers . MILLION Go to Caller.com to post-hurricane see a full list of the ■ Uninsured motorists total a third of all fi nes due KATHERINE ROSENBERG tax-free items. [email protected] / 886-3778 SARA FOLEY MOST COMMON UNPAID FINES The biggest lessons emer- [email protected] / 886-3767 gency planners learned VIOLATION Number of from hurricanes Katrina Corpus Christi drivers Unpaid Fines DELINQUENT CASES and Ike is not what to do caught behind the wheel From a randomly selected to prepare for a storm, but without car insurance Failed to maintain financial responsibility 10,990 sample of 60 cases. what to do after as people aren’t slowed down by Failed to display driver’s license 3,792 return. the city’s enforcement Public intoxication/alcohol 3,558 That’s why area offi cials system, which gives ha- Speeding 3,513 43% On a payment plan are outlining who gets to bitual offenders little Expired registration 3,372 come back first, based on incentive to comply with Failure to appear 2,859 who is most needed to get the law. No valid inspection certificate 2,708 services up and running Police have the right to Violation of promise to appear 2,677 again. tow uninsured vehicles No driver’s license 2,633 28% Sent to a collection agency Likely by next year , but rarely do because Unsafe speed 932 some area residents will CONGRATS, there’s no space at the be assigned to one of four city impound lot. Driv- tiers for re-entry after a DEL MAR GRADS ers are fined, but those 10% Declared indigent, major disaster. The major- See a list of the more are the most common agreed to community service ity will be listed as general than 300 students who unpaid fines in the city, 12% Asked for extra time to population and will return graduated this summer based on a Caller-Times either prove they were once the area is deemed from Del Mar College. analysis of unpaid viola- innocent or indigent inhabitable, said Danielle tions since 1998 that were Hale, coordinator for the LOCAL, 8B 5% Voluntarily served jail released in response to a time to offset fines Nueces County Office of Texas Public Information Sources: Corpus Christi Emergency Management. Police Department; 2% Credit for time served in Act request. Corpus Christi Municipal prison on unrelated charges The fi rst group to return Court BUM PHILLIPS The city can issue a Of the sample, 12 percent had active will be police, firefighters VOTED THE BEST warrant for violators who warrants for their arrest. and medics. Second will be don’t resolve their tickets, health care workers. The The Oilers coach but data released by the third tier is utility workers remains associated city show that warrants needed to restore services, with the best days of are issued inconsistently UNINSURED VEHICLES followed by business and Houston pro football, and that when they are, property owners whose being voted coach of Percentage of uninsured vehicles by ZIP code those warrants don’t al- ■ stores are needed to sup- that city’s all-time pro 15-20% ways appear in the police ■ 21-25 port the community. football team by department’s system. “There’s been a lot of 37 ■ 26-30 Caller.com readers. Municipal court judges Nueces Bay heated debate because no 181 ■ 31-35 SPORTS, 1C give some of the drivers 78410 ■ 36-40 one wants to be told they time to pay their fines, 18% ■ 41-46 can’t come back,” Hale said. but some drivers receive 78402 “Ultimately the decision more tickets for con- 31% is based on what’s right, A DREAM SPREE 78409 tinuing to drive without 78401 and that is by determining FOR TV, GAMES insurance while on the 46% 78408 what’s safe.” 37% 45% payment plan. Corpus The plan only would It only took 12-year-old 78406 78405 Christi The city’s system al- 78404 Bay be enacted in the case of a Jacob Dylan Gonzalez 36% 36% lows this, to the point that 24% mandatory evacuation, and of Alice 27 minutes 78380 Saturday to spend 35 drivers in the city have 78416 she expects that would last 25 or more unpaid tick- 24% 26% 78411 a matter of days, not weeks. $2,000 on electronics 78417 19% ets for lack of insurance, SPID during his Make-A-Wish 29% Please see RE-ENTRY, 11A speeding and other traffi c 78419 Foundation shopping off enses. Each owes t hou- spree. 35% sands of dollars. EVERHART 78412 LOCAL, 1B “The problem is the WEBER 19%

AIRLINE habitual offenders still 78413 INDEX drive,” municipal court 16% WHAT administrator Rene Men- 78415 78414 TIER ARE BUSINESS 18A-19A diola said. “That’s very 24% STAPLES 15% LOTTERY 9C unfair to others.” YORKTOWN 78418 YOU? OBITUARIES 4B, 5B, 9B Driving without insur- 18% The four tiers apply to those who will be allowed TEXAS NEWS 5B-7B ance is the most common 78343 back while a mandatory WEATHER 21A unpaid fine, making up Laguna 17% Madre evacuation is in place, and more than a fifth of all in which order. 2 miles First tier Please see FINES, 11A Search and rescue — Police, fi re, medics, deployed military In a random sample of 60 Second tier YOU delinquent accounts, If police Immediate mass care and seven people impounded all assessment — Doctors, PICK’EM had warrants for their arrest vehicles in the nurses, hospital offi cials county that Third tier SIGN UP 23.5 related to the unpaid fines. Restoration of essential weren’t insured, FOR OUR NEW % services — Power, infra- H.S. FOOTBALL they would need structure, public works, PICK’EM CONTEST. 52,281 wastewater, water and utility repair spaces Fourth tier − more parking Business operators — spaces than the Those who sell essential 46,172 at Walt goods such as food and Disney World. other supplies General residents Across Nueces County, Once a mandatory evacu- ation is lifted, those who almost one in four do not fall into a tier also To subscribe: cars didn’t have liability 883-3800 will be able to return to the insurance as of June 7. area. Those with special needs who were evacuated will be returned when their needs can be met. DATA | SEARCH RATES OF UNINSURED VEHICLES IN YOUR COUNTY OR ZIP CODE CALLER-TIMES « Sunday, August 22, 2010 « 11A FROM THE COVER

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS Boats and debris litter Interstate 45 leading onto Galveston Island after Hurricane Ike in 2008. Coastal Bend offi cials want to establish a re-entry plan that would ensure that the area is safe and services are available when residents return after hurricanes or other disasters.

RE-ENTRY from 1A “We are taking the best ambulance workers — lessons and best advice make it unlikely that they Hale and other emer- from areas that have been will leave town during a gency responders started through it,” Hale said. “We storm anyway. working on a regional re- don’t want to keep people And until the second tier entry plan in 2006, the year away from their homes, but of health care workers are after Hurricane Katrina. we need to make sure there in place, it isn’t safe for oth- But they stepped up eff orts is running water, sewer ers to return, she said. after Hurricane Ike hit in and emergency health care “People may not under- 2008, and they saw what services. Those need to be stand why they are a certain went wrong in Galveston. operational before we can tier, but I tell them, people in “The Galveston expe- allow people back into the tier one and two — they’re rience left a lot of people aff ected area.” willing to die to make sure very unhappy,” said the The council now is try- others are safe,” Hale said. city’s mayor, Joe Jawor- ing to get municipalities in a “Are you willing to die to ski, who took office this 12-county region to sign off check on your assets?” May. “Even though there on the idea as well because The other two tiers also was supposed to be no one each mayor or county judge are necessary because coming back right after is able to act independently without water, electric and Ike, a lot of who you knew when issuing or canceling a sanitation and stores for played a part in whether mandatory evacuation . food and other supplies, you got in or not.” Coastal Bend Council residents would be relying Once people were there, of Government Homeland on government help, Hale the city didn’t have the ser- Security coordinator R.J. A home burns as waves from Hurricane Ike crash the shoreline in Galveston in 2008. The said. vices to support them or a Thomas is leading that Coastal Bend Council of Governments has used lessons from Galveston in developing a disas- But, she adds, it is unlike- way to get them to leave. eff ort . ter re-entry plan for the area. ly the city would have to go “The medical center was “It will be up to the mu- through all these steps. crippled and the waste- nicipality through a council sort of plan, Jaworski said, they’ll get pretty upset.” the Coastal Bend tiered “We’re in unchartered water treatment plan was resolution or vote,” he said. but it wasn’t followed very And if it is implemented, system understand those waters, we’re making a plan crippled, meaning you “We adopted it because it well. offi cials need to stand by it, challenges, but they feel an for something that hasn’t couldn’t flush toilets and allows everybody the op- “Texas is a property rights he said. obligation to keep residents occurred in 40 years,” Hale you couldn’t go to the hos- portunity to see how the re- state,” he said. “People don’t “If you’re going to keep from becoming a burden on said. pital,” Jaworski said. entry process works and to want to be kept away from people out, you’d better the government. “We’re not going to keep To avoid that, the Coastal have a plan in place so that their property. They under- stick to the list, otherwise That is the reason for the people from their homes if Bend Council of Govern- we’re all unifi ed in the juris- stand it’s not going to be par- word gets out that favorit- prioritization, she said. they were unaff ected,” Hale ments in July added a re- diction on how we address adise, but they just want to ism is at play,” he said. Many of the people in the said. “If the storm didn’t entry procedure to its catas- certain issues.” secure their eff ects. If they Hale and the other emer- first tier are those whose reach your house, you won’t trophe plan, Hale said. Galveston had the same aren’t allowed to do that gency planners proposing jobs — fi refi ghters, police, be kept away.”

FINES from 1A violations where penalties weren’t paid. Unpaid fi nes for driving without insur- ance total $5 million, or al- most a third of all that is due to the city. Across Nueces County, 23.5 percent of cars — al- most one in four — didn’t have current liability insur- ance as of June 7, according to a Texas Department of Insurance study. The actual rate of un- insured drivers could be higher. The Texas Depart- ment of Insurance, which conducts regular studies of rates, compares the ve- hicle registrations in each ZIP code with a database of all licensed car insurance companies’ customers to determine the number. The system doesn’t account for people who are behind on their vehicle registration or may have a car registered in another county or state. TODD YATES/CALLER-TIMES Rush hour traffi c moves along South Padre Island Drive . Drivers who are ticketed for not having insurance owe the city a collective $5 million, accounting for FULL IMPOUND LOT about one-third of the money owed for municipal tickets. That database is used in a statewide system called enforced. INCONSISTENT with their own computer tion and misdemeanor as- sentence someone to jail TexasSure, which police “Offi cers have been told WARRANTS system. sault tickets. The unpaid for non payment, but some offi cers can use to check if in the past to hold off on When police issue tick- Those with warrants fines total $15.8 million, people voluntarily go to jail proof-of-insurance cards (enforcing) that because ets, violators are given 30 include the most habitual but that’s not how much to resolve their debt. are valid and insurance we don’t have the room to days to pay or explain to a offender in the city data- the city can expect to re- In some cases the judg- policies paid. The computer store the vehicles,” he said. municipal court judge why base, a man with 56 viola- ceive even if all the debt- es give inmates credit for system launched in 2008 to “Our tow lot is full. We are they can’t. After 60 days, tions he didn’t pay, 15 of ors paid up, said Mendiola, their traffic fines for time combat drivers who sign up overloaded.” the municipal court turns which were for driving the court administrator. they serve on unrelated for insurance, get a policy Since January 2008, about over the information to a without insurance. His bill Between $3.6 million and charges. card to show offi cers if they 4 percent of the vehicles po- collection agency. was more than $18,000. He $4.4 million of those fi nes Judges can also decide are pulled over, and then lice towed were because of If violators default on was shot by a homeowner would go directly to the to lower someone’s fine cancel the policy without lack of insurance. their payments or never during a suspected bur- state. amount based on their dis- paying. Police plan to buy an ad- appear in court to resolve glary in December, three Many violators set up cretion. State law only al- The database is regularly ditional lot for impounded the ticket, the city can issue months after his last court a payment plan with the lows an uninsured driver’s updated to reflect current vehicles and will need to a warrant for their arrest. appearance. The warrant court. While making pay- fine to be lowered on the policy holders. Police also hire people to staff it, Riggs But that rule is applied in- for his arrest still is in the ments, new tickets are first offense, but a previ- can use it to verify if some- said. The current lot holds consistently, according to court’s system because added to their total bill. ous Caller-Times analysis one has an active policy. 575 cars. records the city provided to his family didn’t come to Some people on payment found that judges some- The system rolled out The department also the Caller-Times. the court and provide his plans have bills more times overlook that rule and soon after the City Coun- needs to give offi cers guide- In a random sample of 60 death certificate to clear than $10,000, represent- lower fi nes of repeat off end- cil approved an ordinance lines for when to tow unin- delinquent accounts, seven his name. ing dozens of traffic vio- ers anyway. in November 2007 that al- sured cars, Riggs said. people had warrants for Another top off ender has lations, including tick- Judges had a long-stand- lows police to impound ve- Riggs and other officers their arrest related to the 40 unpaid tickets that total ets for speeding, driving ing practice of lowering hicles immediately if driv- listed situations when un- unpaid fi nes. $12,857 , including eight without a license and in- fines based on someone’s ers don’t have insurance. insured drivers might not Those warrants don’t citations for not having surance and driving while ability to pay. The Texas Transportation have their car taken away, always show up in police insurance, five tickets for intoxicated. The City Council asked Code requires drivers to such as a young woman who computers, said Corpus expired registration and six Seven people in the the court to end that prac- hold liability insurance and is by herself late at night. Christi Police Cmdr. Mark citations for not appearing sample of 60 asked for ex- tice in July 2009. Afterward, mandates a fi ne of $175 to “It’s not going to be as Schauer, who has noticed a in court. She claimed she tensions or time to prove the municipal court pur- $350 the fi rst time someone easy as saying ‘We’re going systemwide problem with was indigent and unable to to the court that they may chased new software that is found driving without to tow everyone without in- the municipal court war- pay, and a judge sentenced be innocent of the charges automatically upgrades insurance. For the second surance,’” Riggs said. “It’s rants. her to community service, or need to be considered fi nes for uninsured driving offense or more, that fine up to an offi cer’s discretion. “Their computer system but she didn’t prove to the indigent. repeat off enses. upgrades to a minimum of We trust offi cers to do a lot isn’t locking in to ours,” he court that she met that re- But records from the city Judges still can lower $350 and up to $1,000. of things, and there is no said. “Some warrants show quirement. There’s also a indicate that some of them fines for other traffic and Corpus Christi police reason to think they can’t up, some don’t. I still don’t warrant for her arrest, ac- last appeared in court more misdemeanor citations. ticket people for driving be trusted with this.” understand why.” cording to municipal court than a year ago. In 2009 judges lowered 55 without insurance but rare- If police impounded all Schauer asks officers records. Some people who agree percent of the total dollar ly impound the vehicle. vehicles in the county that to double-check for mu- to pay default on their pay- amount of fines that went Police Chief Troy Riggs , weren’t insured, they would nicipal court warrants UNPAID FINES ments. The court also can before the court, a $7.5 mil- who took over the depart- need 52,281 spaces — more when fi ling paperwork at The city has 52,487 de- issue a warrant for their ar- lion reduction. ment 10 months ago, said he parking spaces than the the city detention center. linquent cases for all types rest in those situations. Fines are reduced because recently learned about the 4 6 , 172 at Wa lt Disney World That doesn’t help offi cers of city fi nes, such as traffi c The law doesn’t allow of innocence, plea deals and city ordinance that’s rarely in Orlando, Fla. when they’re on the streets violations, public intoxica- municipal court judges to inability to pay. DRUNKEN DRIVING ARRESTS Police attribute increase to their aggressive pursuit of cases. UP 45 PERCENT LOCAL, 1B

$1.50 SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2010 ■ CITY EDITION

93°/76° Thunderstorms Battling Quick Read The Blob a major

YOU PICK THE BEST COACH endeavor Some qualifi ed head ■ coaches paced the Now to track, sideline in Houston such as Bum Phillips stop, catch oil and Jerry Glanville. Who do you think deserves from BP spill to be honored? PAULINE ARRILLAGA SPORTS, 1C Associated Press

HOUMA, La. — Inside a sprawling command post in southern Louisiana, The Blob is everywhere. It stains the many maps tacked to white walls. Com- puter monitors beam satel- lite i mages of it fl oating in the Gulf of Mexico, a magenta mass that looks more like an HOPE SHARED island than the colossal oil slick that it is. It sometimes AT REUNION changes shape on these More than 300 former screens, or breaks off into child residents and bits and pieces, but The Blob workers gathered itself never vanishes. for the South Texas Coast Guard Capt. Roger Children’s Home Laferriere oversees this Ministries’ 2010 reunion. command center, coordi- They shared stories, Thousands of teenagers and and federal agencies to end gang nating the unprecedented tears, laughs and hugs. young adults in Corpus Christi violence . cleanup of oil off the Loui- siana coast. There are other LOCAL, 1B made the choice to join a gang. Their hope is to keep more posts like it in Mobile, Ala., It’s a decision that can make the youths from making the wrong and Miami, but none has diff erence between life and death, decision . more manpower, equip- ment — or more of The family or isolation, career or prison. “You have lives wasted,” said Blob, as Laferriere and his In the 1990s, a surge of gang- Capt. Todd Green, Corpus Christi staff have christened their related attacks and murders led to police gang task force leader. “I enemy — than this base inside what once was a BP community outrage, prayer vigils see it as very tragic. It makes you training facility for off shore and programs aimed at steering wonder what someone could have oil production. On any given day, some youths along the right path. been.” 40,000 people are working Violence temporarily subsided. This series examines the lives of TWO-MAN RACE The community moved on. three gang members. Eugene Gar- Please see OIL, 10A Several years ago a new threat cia is serving a 20-year sentence AT BRITISH OPEN ⌜ ⌝ emerged — prison gangs. for murder after returning gunfi re INSIDE Louis Oosthuizen ■ Gulf in limbo over whether shoots a 3-under 69 Their numbers have grown. They during a drive-by shooting in 1994. cap will hold. 10A Saturday for a four- rely on a network of street gangs His downfall, ironically, was part ■ Technology marches on, shot lead over Paul and control Corpus Christi’s drug of the reason close friend Mickey safety lags. 17A Casey and a chance to trade, police said. They kill their Zamora was able to pull herself out ■ Baby animals in oil spill win his fi rst major at face uncertain future. 20A St. Andrews, the home own members, their rivals and, of gang life. of golf. sometimes, innocent bystanders. The series starts today with Mike, SPORTS, 1C Corpus Christi police pledged a 16-year-old who is standing on the to end the problem. They edge between being a normal teen- PROTECT OUR launched a new gang task force ager or a gangster. Friends and fam- Mexico CHILDREN that plans to use diff erent tactics ily worry he’s already too far gone. and join forces with local, state — Sara Foley Before researching to- now ‘a lot day’s column, Leanne Libby couldn’t read about the like Iraq’ preschool- aged child starved to the ■ Car bombing brink of death. Previ- ously, the “starved-boy by drug cartel case” headlines alone were too much, she an eye-opener writes. PART ONE: GETTING IN LOCAL, 1B ALICIA A. CALDWELL AND ALEXANDRA OLSON Associated Press INDEX Few options, bleak future BUSINESS 16A-17A CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — LOTTERY 9C SARA FOLEY For the fi rst time, police have The first successful car OBITUARIES 6B-7B [email protected] / 886-3767 seen prison gangs bypassing old bombing by a drug cartel TEXAS NEWS 5B-6B, 8B rules about requisite prison time, brings a new dimension of WEATHER 19A sk Mike if he’s in a gang. Green said. They recruit new terror to a Mexican border He’ll say no. members from street gangs like region already shocked by A It’s easy to believe him the one Mike associates with. random street battles, bod- while he’s sitting at his relative’s Street gangs aren’t as wide- ies dangling from bridges house, across town from where spread as they were in the 1990s. and highway checkpoints he sleeps. Here, he’s far from the The gangs that caused public But what replaced them is mounted by heavily armed row of houses where gunfire is concern 20 years ago were mostly worse, police said. criminals. FOOTBALL frequent, far from the friends he youths on the streets fi ghting turf Prison gangs and their street The attack, seemingly SCHEDULES refuses to turn his back on. wars. Those street gangs have gang agents have more resources lifted from an al-Qaida He’s just a 16-year-old kid in developed into agents for prison and better planning. Police be- playbook, demonstrated Get the complete 2010 a gray T-shirt, jeans and tennis gangs, distributing guns and lieve their memberships have once again that the cartels schedules for more than shoes. Here, there are no tat- drugs, and operating as criminal grown and may continue to, as are a step ahead of both an 60 high school football toos, fl ashy colors or gangsters’ enterprises. gangsters from the 1990s are re- already guarded public and teams at Caller.com. smirks. “It was predictable,” said Cor- leased from prison. federal police, who recently But Mike, which is not his real pus Christi p olice gang task force “Once they are paroled and took over command from name, is walking the line between leader Capt. Todd Green . “They hit Corpus Christi, we expect to the military of the battle the life of a normal teenager and realized they could make money against traffickers in Ciu- that of a dangerous criminal. by organizing.” Please see GANG, 11A dad Juarez, a city across the border from El Paso . “It’s a lot like Iraq,” said TODAY: MONDAY: TUESDAY: Claudio Arjon, who owns a restaurant near the scene of Getting in: Teens join Getting caught: The Getting out: Leaving a the attack and was survey- To subscribe: gangs to escape, fi nd dangerous life leads to gang doesn’t automati- ing the damage from behind belonging prison or early death cally end the struggle police lines Saturday morn- 883-3800 ing. “Now, things are very diff erent. It’s very diff erent. It’s very ugly.” People in Ciudad Juarez

Please see DRUGS, 10A CALLER-TIMES « Sunday, July 18, 2010 « 11A GANG VIOLENCE

GANG TIMELINE

Arturo Bazan, 16, Sergio Leija, 17, is James Ramon, 18, D.J. Ramirez, 10, Andrew Serna, On July 4, Adrian Jesus Omar John Gabriel “Bo” In one of the first Clarryssa and Gerardo killed when the who wasn’t a fifth-grader, is 17, is stabbed Rios, 15, is shot Gonzalez and Fernandez, 24, is major signs of Silguero, 17, is Jimenez, 17, are car he is riding in involved with a killed in a while walking and killed while John Commisky, shot and killed prison gangs shot in the head shot and killed in is involved with gang and had just drive-by shooting home from a Ray driving his truck both 19, are shot outside the becoming violent, and chest during what police what police moved to Corpus while celebrating High School down South and killed while Tinseltown 16 80 shots are fired a drive-by on described as the describe as a Christi two weeks his sister’s basketball game. Padre Island sleeping in a movie theater. into a house on Sabinas Street city’s first “reverse prior, is shot and birthday on Serna, who Drive. On July 12, house on Mary Segrest Street, and died the gang-related drive-by.” Eugene killed while Greenway Drive. wasn’t involved Robert Lopez, 18, Street. killing 21-year-old following day. killings. “Robert” Lee taking out the Police later said with a gang, died and Alma Bazan, Danny Villarreal Police said she Garcia is arrested trash. gang members a week later from 15, die in a and injuring three was not the and later realized their his injuries. shooting thought children in the target. sentenced to 20 intended targets to be in retalia- house. years in prison left the house but tion for his death. for his death. shot anyway.

“How can they be expected to survive? The streets are all they know. That’s all they’ve seen. You have to start them at a young age. You have to show them there is more to life.” Sgt. Martin DeLeon, a member of Corpus Christi’s gang task force since its inception in 1992

GANG from 1A offi cially in the gang or not, said. “We have to break the adults and students wrote members and lack of other said Sgt. Martin DeLeon, a cycle. Our ultimate goal is him off as a screw-up, he options often keep them MORE ON see an upsurge in violence,” member of Corpus Christi’s to have a gang fi le with no said. in until death or jail force said James Sales, who pros- gang task force since its in- one in it.” “Right now, all I want to them out. CALLER.COM ecuted gang-related cases ception in 1992. Mike had the chance to do is fi nish high school,” he “How can they be expect- ■ Check an interactive map i n Nueces Cou nty from 1993 “I tell them, ‘Don’t worry stay away. said. ed to su r v ive? ” DeL eon sa id . to see if recent drive-by until last year. about what I think. Worry He was in the gifted and He’s been caught with “The streets are all they shootings were near you at With younger, less in- Caller.com/driveby about what your rival talented program in school. drugs at school multiple know. That’s all they’ve ■ Watch a slide show of doctrinated members, the thinks, ’” he said. “The part He loved playing baseball. times. His teachers and fam- seen. You have to start them historical gang stories and prison gangs changed. they don’t realize is that He loves his parents. ily disapprove. His friends at a young age. You have to photos narrated by two Once content to organize they’re drawing attention They split up in elementa- accept him. show them there is more to former gang members criminal enterprises qui- to themselves. When they ry school. By seventh grade, He has one teacher he life.” ■ Read a 1996 Caller-Times etly, they have adopted the go around with a gang, the the father he relied on to likes, one who treats him Young teenagers living in story about Mickey Zamora fl ash ier ways of street ga ngs rival sees them as a member coach his baseball team normally. He’s convinced risky neighborhoods need just after she left her gang by wearing colors, sporting of that gang.” was addicted to drugs. His the rest don’t care. to see people like them suc- ■ Read the Caller-Times obvious tattoos and carry- Corpus Christi police mom juggled multiple jobs Mike isn’t sure what he’ll ceeding, he said. stories about Eugene Gar- ing out violent criminal acts made curbing gang vio- to keep ahead of the bills. do after high school. His They need to understand cia’s arrest and conviction that sometimes victimize lence a priority this year “Back then, I didn’t have relatives see him slipping college and careers can be ■ Poll: Have gangs affected women and children. after offi cers noticed gangs nobody,” he said. “I just away. for them, too, Sales said. your life? “They’re breaking their re-emerging and becoming turned to my homies.” He used to spend birth- “We need, as a commu- own rules,” Sales said. more violent. His casual friendship days with one relative who nity, to open their eyes,” “These young guys don’t Police joined with local, with a dangerous set of celebrated with him when he said. “We need to take Mike gets quiet. care. They don’t have the state and federal officials. friends solidifi ed two years his parents didn’t have them on field trips to col- “Things would have been caution the older members They plan to start treat- ago, when he was a fresh- time. leges and tell them, ‘This is a lot diff erent,” he said. “I’d had. Whatever happens, ing every drive-by shoot- man in high school. This year, he stayed with for you, too. This isn’t just probably still be in baseball. happens.” ing scene as they would a That year, he was kicked his gangster friends instead for the kids on one side of I’d probably spend more Kids like Mike are their murder, complete with its off the baseball team for of coming over. town.’ We need to ingrain it time with my dad.” target recruits. own response team. They a fight that began when a His birthday cake sat in them.” He looks away, quiet Although Mike tells fami- constantly add to their da- teammate called his dad a there, waiting for him. M i ke i s n’t s u re wh at c ou ld again. ly members he’s not offi cial- tabase of more than 2,000 crackhead. When a class- Nothing his parents could have stopped him or what His thoughts are inter- ly a gang member, he wears documented gang members mate was killed by a stray say would pull him away would steer him away. rupted by the buzz of his the colors and goes to the from about 25 active prison drive-by bullet, he turned now, he said. The gang al- If his parents intervened cell phone. parties. Pictures show him and street gangs. to the gang. legiance is the hardest to early. If his parents were The gang calls. The mo- fl ashing gang signs. “We’re going to do ev- They were the depend- break. around. If his dad stayed off ment is gone. Even his best friends no erything in our power to able ones. Although gang members d r ugs. If he did n’t get i n t hat M i ke a nswers. “Hey ma n , longer believe his denials. disrupt these gangs’ power After he was caught with may realize the need to fi ght. I’ll meet up with you in a It may not matter if he’s structures and lives,” Green marijuana at school, the get out, the connection to If. If. If. little while.”

DRIVE-BY 1 Jan. 11, 2009 17 May 7, 2009 35 Sept. 30, 2009 54 Jan. 26, 2010 700 State Highway 4829 Kostoryz Road 1112 Sabinas St. Highway 286 and 286 at Baldwin Blvd. 18 May 25, 2009 36 Oct. 1, 2009 Morgan Ave. SHOOTINGS 2 Jan. 24, 2009 2500 Highway 181 4949 Waterfall St. 55 Feb. 4, 2010 1534 S. Staples St. 19 June 2, 2009 37 Oct. 1, 2009 2501 Nemec St. 3 Jan. 29, 2009 4030 Green Grove 3033 S. Port Ave. 56 Feb. 15, 2010 January 2009 - June 2010 2837 Austin St. Drive 38 Oct. 7, 2009 721 Quetzal St. 4 Jan. 31, 2009 20 June 3, 2009 1400 Arlington Drive 57 March 6, 2010 1524 Clare St. 3048 Reyna St. 39 Oct. 10, 2009 1706 Juanita St. 5 Feb. 15, 2009 21 June 20, 2009 4733 Sierra Blanca 58 March 7, 2010 3502 Saratoga Blvd. 300 Baker Drive Blvd. 8706 S. Padre Island 6 Feb. 22, 2009 22 June 21, 2009 40 Oct. 15, 2009 Drive 181 5602 S. Padre Island 2510 Terrace St. 329 Whitehall Drive 59 March 7, 2010 Drive 23 41 15th St. and 18 June 28, 2009 Nov. 12, 2009 7 March 8, 2009 4117 Ramsey St. 1400 Date St. Morris St. 3613 Crestbrook 60 24 July 1, 2009 42 Nov. 15, 2009 4, 3, 2010 Up River Court 3713 Bentwood Lane 4930 Bayou St. 2521 Quebec Drive 8 March 8, 2009 61 25 July 20, 2009 43 Nov. 15, 2009 April 4, 2010 37 655 Blevins St. and 3522 Cottonwood St. 51 1309 Calle San 3170 Buddy 43 Port Melbourne Drive Leopard Carlos Lawrence Drive 62 April 4, 2010 9 March 28, 2009 26 July 29, 2009 44 Nov. 16, 2009 4918 S. Padre Island 45 6014 Lipes Blvd. Kitchens St. and 1821 S. Padre Island Drive 21 27 10 March 29, 2009 Washington St. Drive 63 April 17, 2010 4338 Braggs Drive Agnes 32 27 Aug. 20, 2009 45 Dec. 6, 2009 821 Bloomington St. 44 59

Airport 11 April 10, 2009 Laredo St. and 1506 Comanche St. 64 April 18, 2010 Navigation 67 2518 Elizabeth St. S. Staples St. 35 161 Morgan 46 Dec. 7, 2009 4926 Jo Ann St. 282 54 12 28 65 20 2 April 12, 2009 Sept. 6, 2009 4710 Johnston Drive April 27, 2010 5606 Burton Lane 1314 Verbena St. 1510 Ramirez St. 1111 47 Dec. 13, 2009 1 313 57 222 13 April 16, 2009 29 Sept. 7, 2009 3700 Reynosa St. 66 April 30, 2010 26 499 ood 414 4414 Cherry St. 922 Shiels Drive 48 Island Blvd. and 37 Dec. 22, 2009 nw 3 14 April 18, 2009 30 Sept. 7, 2009 5000 Cosner Drive Ocean Drive 477 5502 Bonner Drive 4005 Bahama Drive 67 May 5, 2010 Greenwood 49 Dec. 22, 2009 Horne 38 Alameda 428 Hiawatha St. 63 15 April 18, 2009 31 Sept. 20, 2009 2917 David St. 2033 Airline Road 1649 16th St. 68 50 Dec. 28, 2009 May 9, 2010 8 4000 W. Vanderbilt 358 68 34 Ocean 16 May 3, 2009 32 Sept. 21, 2009 3955 S. Padre Island 333 52 1216 16th St. 117 Virginia Ave. Drive Drive 23 36 191 69 33 Sept. 23, 2009 51 Jan. 1, 2010 June 7, 2010 424 61 286 3994 Naples St. 1224 N. Staples St. 4321 Cherry St. 44 Staples 34 52 46 69 Sept. 28, 2009 Jan. 2, 2010 NOTE: Not all of the 55 drive-by shootings are 13 1526 Green Grove 3602 S. Alameda St. 17 Drive considered gang- Gollihar 53 Jan. 16, 2010 related. 48 4317 Lake Michigan 25 Drive INTERACTIVE MAP: 64 caller.com 24 Source: Saratoga 50 SPID 40 Corpus Christi Crosstown Police Department 30 66 Ayers 62 7 29

Airline Kostoryz Ennis Joslin 6 McArdleM 5 Weber 141 10 12 4 Oso Bay 15 Holly 58 EEverhart 39 56

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91°/75° Some sun, a t-storm No apparent fi x for many homes Quick Read ■ HISPANIC FIRMS Some occupied via /code-enforcement RISE IN TEXAS arrangement called JOIN THE DISCUSSION . As the number of HOW BAD IS THE PROBLEM in Hispanics has grown in contract-for-deed your neighborhood? View details Texas, so too has the about the data. number of Hispanic- SARA FOLEY [email protected] / 886-3767 HAVE A CODE ENFORCEMENT owned businesses, the COMPLAINT? Census Bureau reports. In Corpus Christi: 826-3030 Arturo Rodriguez wished for a In Nueces County: 767-7938 BUSINESS, 7C house of his own for most of his life. When he found someone who would sell him one, he willingly stepped off . Equity doesn’t accrue. Interest GET CRIME INFO into a trap. rates are high, a home inspection SENT TO YOU “I wanted a house,” he said. “My and appraisal aren’t conducted and credit was bad. This was all I could repairs are the responsibility of the Corpus Christi police aff ord. It was falling apart.” residents. will begin sending Rodriguez and hundreds of others Seven years ago, a storm damaged e-mails and texts to entered into a type of legal arrange- Rodriguez’s roof and water soaked those who are inter- ment called a contract-for-deed. through to his ceiling tiles. He even- MICHAEL ZAMORA/CALLER-TIMES ested in being updated House dwellers make payments, pay tually made repairs himself, spend- Arturo Rodriguez said he has spent more than $10,000 to repair his home on on crime trends. taxes and insurance on a house as if ing at least $10,000 . the Northside . Rodriguez is locked in a contract-for-deed agreement with LOCAL, 1B they own it, but they don’t receive the property owner, and must make all the repairs even though he doesn’t the property deed until it is paid Please see CODE, 5A have the deed. RED SNAPPER SEASON NEARS Federal fi s h e r i e s managers Kids design an- nounced Tuesday they will reopen red snapper season Oct. 1, columnist David Sikes Christian Trejo, 12, of Alamo Yule keepsakes writes. SPORTS, 1C Maira Guerra, 9, of Mathis LEARN ABOUT HOME REMEDIES Old-fashioned home remedies are winning new converts. HEALTH, 8B Javier Duran, 17, of Corpus Christi RACETRACKS BET ON SLOTS The companies behind a new joint venture that will own several Texas racetracks are betting lawmakers will allow slot machines at such facilities. TEXAS, 4B

Friday

Joe R. Martinez, 11, of Corpus TODD YATES/CALLER-TIMES Christi Christian Trejo, 12, watches as Rosie Botello, with Coastal Community Teachers Credit Union, unveils his Christmas card design during the Driscoll Children’s Hospital’s 2010 holiday card celebration Wednesday . During the event, six new cards were un- veiled for this year’s collection as well as a drawing for a dinner plate. ■ 7 youngsters’ works are chosen

MIKE BAIRD Driscoll Children’s Hos- submitted for the hospi- [email protected] / 886-3774 pital. tal’s 2010 holiday card “It feels good,” said the collection and 2011 cal- Lucas Chavez, 5, loves Bishop boy before strut- endar. Their images also Mikayla M. Soliz, 6, Rock to draw cars and trucks, ting into the hospital’s inspired gifts for sale in- of Ingleside he said. auditorium at 3 p.m. for cluding a sterling silver the bay But it was a reindeer the Celebrity Celebra- angel charm, a decorative GALLERY drawing made from his tion, honoring him and six cookie plate, a long-sleeve Reggaeton star foot and hand prints that other former patients. shirt and an apron. Daddy Yankee won him a place Wednes- Their drawings were Log on to see more photos. headlines Bayfest Lucas Chavez, 5, of Bishop day on the red carpet at selected from about 50 Please see DRISCOLL, 7A this weekend. Groups help Record precipitation INDEX BUSINESS 7C-8C COMICS 6B-7B as state may not go away yet CROSSWORD 7B ■ 6 more inches Matt Grantham said. “I LOTTERY 6C assesses wouldn’t be surprised if OBITUARIES 4B-5B would make 2010 we did.” WEATHER 11A ■ Teams to visit But he’s not predicting wettest in memory that, either. fl ood-stricken Grantham said the cur- KATHERINE ROSENBERG rent transition into the cli- Las Colonias today [email protected] / 886-3778 mate phenomenon La Niña TODD YATES/CALLER-TIMES suggests the remainder RHIANNON MEYERS Tiffany Palacios, 9, picks out a pair of pants Wednesday with Another 6 inches of rain of the year won’t be aver- VOTING [email protected] / 886-3694 help from Marta Gonzalez, Bay Area Fellowship outreach would make 2010 the wet- age. During La Niña, the ENDS TODAY director. The fellowship’s donation center, The Dream Closet, test year since meteorolo- sea surface temperature in Vote by noon today State teams will visit was assisting families devastated by recent fl ooding. gists started recording the the Pacifi c is cooler and it for players of the the flooded Las Colonias data 160 years ago. pushes the jet stream fur- subdivision today to as- gency Management. sured damage when deciding That’s just half the ther north, generally keep- week. sess the damage four days Most of the residents did whether to use state resourc- amount of rain that has ing stormy weather away after heavy rain fl ooded 180 not have flood insurance, es to help disaster victims or fallen since Friday and from the southern United To subscribe: homes. which wasn’t required be- to ask for help from FEMA, forecasters said it’s not States, meteorologists said. State teams will interview cause the neighborhood is Patterson said. out of the question that As a result things could 883-3800 residents about the extent of not part of the Federal Emer- As residents await word the city could break the dry out as early as next damage and whether they gency Management Agency’s on possible state or fed- record set in 1888. week and stay that way had flood insurance, said flood plain, Corpus Christi eral help, local groups have “If we had average rain- through the end of the Ben Patterson, recovery Fire Chief Richard Hooks stepped in. fall for the rest of the year, Grantham said. section administrator for said. The state takes into ac- year we would break that the Texas Division of Emer- count the amount of unin- Please see FLOOD, 9A record,” Meteorologist Please see WEATHER, 9A CALLER-TIMES « Thursday, September 23, 2010 « 5A FROM THE COVER

CODE from 1A Code enforcement

He already has paid for High weeds, dilapidated cleanups. Nueces County the house’s $50,000 sale buildings and illegally dumped Judge Loyd Neal said it’s one IF YOU HAVE price through his month- trash are more than just eye- of several priorities the coun- A CONTRACT- ly payments, but because sores. They are violations of ty has without the funding to of the high interest rate, city and state codes meant resolve, but he isn’t giving up FOR-DEED his deed won’t mature for to protect public health and on fi nding solutions that stay ■ Ask the seller for a deed that another eight years. By safety. within the county budget. makes you the legal owner of the that time, he could have They are among the most Over the past several property. You will have to sign a bought his house twice. frequent issues found by code months, the Caller-Times and promissory note and deed with the same interest rate, due dates and His monthly payments enforcement offi cers in Corpus Caller.com have examined the Christi and Nueces County. And issue using offi cial data, ride- late fees as the original contract. that were $470 now are ■ You can request, in writing, $620. they are among the most com- alongs with code enforcement mon complaints residents have offi cers and interviews with the amount owed at any time. The questionable sales about this area. government leaders and prop- ■ You can request the name and become a public concern Mayor Joe Adame is trying erty owners. address of the trustee for the when the houses are fall- to tackle the problem through The series concludes today contract conversion. ing apart, trash accumu- his city pride committee, but with stories about people who ■ You can cancel and rescind lates in yards and weeds he knows the problem can’t become stuck in rental prop- the contract at any time if the grow wild. The city has be solved in a few citywide erty traps. property is not properly platted. to follow a legal maze to ■ You should get an annual fi nd out who is account- statement summarizing amount able. Sept. 12: Sunday: paid and due. ■ It’s a problem that puz- Dilapidated buildings Illegal dumping You should receive the deed zles city leaders, plagues within 30 days of your fi nal neighborhoods and makes Sept. 16: Today: payment. a living for a small group Public nuisance Property rental traps Source: Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid of people — owners who have a convenient, legal exit from maintaining the Shepard tells a different with bad credit scores, pay many buyers abandon the property. story. Buyers should know him directly. Capriles signed homes when they can’t make Those who sell and rent what they’re getting into, he the contract thinking she was payments. He then tries to sell the houses say they’re giv- said. renting to own, she said. them again. ing people with bad credit “I tell them to check it out,” Shepard sa id the houses and low incomes an oppor- he said. “I say, ‘Take people were sold outright but sees Please see CODE, 7A tunity to own a home they over. Have an inspection. It’s wouldn’t have otherwise. as-is.” The contracts are legal, MICHAEL ZAMORA/CALLER-TIMES He told Capri les t hey cou ld and people should know Arturo Rodriguez goes over the paperwork showing the prop- leave the house behind soon what they’re getting into, erty taxes, insurance and other payments he has made on his after they moved in and Best Windows they said. home on the Northside. began complaining, he said. Despite legal reforms They didn’t. that allow those such The floor tilts in various an inspection. He’s made a living buying at the Best Price! as Rodriguez to modify directions. Soup cans roll “I try to fix it a little bit foreclosed and dilapidated contract-for-deeds to downhill from one side of the here and there,” she said. houses and selling them on their advantage, the local kitchen to the other. “It’s going to cost more than owner-financed contracts. agency that offers free Capriles said Shepard told I ever make. I’m pretty much Although he said he hasn’t Hurry! legal assistance to the her he was fi xing it up. Her stuck here. If a real good wind done a contract-for-deed in needy couldn’t convince contract says otherwise. The would come along, it would several years, he fi nances the $1500 anyone to fi le the paper- house was sold as-is, without be gone.” houses himself. Buyers, many Tax work. While homeowners can Credit r
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www.gatheringsonalameda.com 541 806 Councilman Kevin Kie- schnick, who represents a district t hat i ncludes ma ny rundown neighborhoods $69 SPECIAL 89.99 59.99 79.99 where renters entered SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL PURCHASE. . such agreements, asked INC INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS® CARDIGAN PURCHASE PURCHASE PURCHASE city offi cials to develop a CALVIN KLEIN ALFANI DRESS CALVIN KLEIN plan to tackle the problem. $39 SPECIAL DRESS REG. $89. BOMBER But the contract agree- PURCHASE REG. $128. Only at Macy’s. JACKET ments are legal, not always I.N.C INTERNATIONAL Cap-sleeve Faux-leather REG. $195. abused and diffi cult for the CONCEPTS® TOP sheath with knit trim. Faux-leather city to track. $59 SPECIAL dress. Polyurethane/ with cotton “These people are being For misses. polyester/rayon/ hood. nylon/spandex. Polyurethane. taken advantage of,” he PURCHASE. . INC INTERNATIONAL For misses. S-XXL. said. “This is predatory CONCEPTS®JEAN lending at its worst. There Only at Macy’s. are holes in these people’s All for misses & fl oors.” petites. Women’s The agreements aren’t prices slightly all scams, but many are, higher. said Darrell W. Cook, a Dallas-based real estate contract attorney. 49.99 29.99 SPECIAL “They can be legitimate, but they are the perfect SPECIAL PURCHASE DRESS SHIRTS REG. 59.50. way to get scammed,” he PURCHASE the Only at Macy’s. said. “You’re someone who BELTED DRESS hot list sale From Tommy Hilfiger can’t qualify. You think REG. $59. With bow detail & our Tasso Elba or it’s a lot better than leas- Donald J. Trump ing the property. It’s re- from BCX. FEATURING SPECIAL PURCHASES For juniors. Signature Collection ally not anything diff erent a special selection of the season’s newest looks at in modern stripes or from a buy-here, pay-here solid colors. auto lot. They’re assum- prices so hot, they won’t last long! ing you’re going to fail. It’s using their dream of a 19.99 29.99 white picket fence against EXTRA 2O% OFF SPECIAL them.” SPECIAL Jacqueline Capriles said PURCHASE when you use your Macy’s Card PURCHASE CALVIN KLEIN BRA NAUTICA she didn’t realize what Exclusions apply; see below. SPORTSHIRTS she was getting into when REG. $39. 365 convertible or, use your savings pass & take an extra REG. 49.50. she bought her Northside contour. Microstripes home last March. She 1O%-15% off or plaids. wa nted a n escape from ris- during our storewide sale! Cotton. S-XXL. ing rent at her Flour Bluff Exclusions apply; see pass. apartment. A friend rec- ommended her to Ralph Shepard , who with his wife 59.99 SPECIAL WOW! PASS $199 SPECIAL ow ns more t ha n 70 moder- PURCHASE EXTRA SAVINGS ON ALL SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL! PURCHASE ately priced houses on the ETIENNE AIGNER SEIKO Northside and central area REG. $88. (EXCEPT SPECIAL PURCHASES, SPECIALS & SUPER BUYS) REG. $475. of the city. Only at Macy’s. Chronograph Her agreement isn’t a Signature fabric % on a titanium contract-for-deed, but it is convertible bracelet. satchel. + WebID an owner-fi nanced house EXTRA 15 OFF 490560 that she believes is a rent- EXTRA 1O% OFF to-own agreement. ALL SALE & CLEARANCE “Stupid me, I signed that WATCHES, SHOES, COATS, SUITS, DRESSES, INTIMATES; MEN’S SUIT contract,” she said. “The 49.99 SPECIAL SEPARATES & SPORTCOATS; SELECT HOME ITEMS AND 54.99 SPECIAL house is basically falling PURCHASE ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICS PURCHASE apart.” YOUR CHOICE FLATS Excludes: special purchases, specials, super buys, furniture, mattresses, floor coverings, rugs, cosmetics/fragrances, fine & MEN’S Capriles’ 30-year con- REG. $69. fashion jewelry, men’s store electronics, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed STEVE MADDEN From left: Buttons depts., macys.com, services. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening BOOTS REG. $70. tract ties her to $650 a new Macy’s account. EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES. monthly payments for a from AK Anne Klein Must plain-toe with house that is appraised at or Muse from our contrast stitching or Dillon harness. $63,000. The interest rate Alfani. 6-10M. Valid 9/23-9/27/2010 is 12 percent, twice what many homeowners pay. MACY’S CARD/SAVINGS PASS DISCOUNT CANNOT BE USED ON SPECIAL PURCHASES When she moved her furniture into the front bedroom, an heirloom dresser started sinking through the floor. Her partner, Melissa Bolten , fell through a soft spot in

the bedroom floor. The 543543 walls started cracking. Enter the WebID in the search box at macys.com to order. She learned that holes in USE YOUR MACY’S CARD and take an extra 20% off a selection of sale & clearance apparel for him, her & kids, or, take an extra 15% off all sale & clearance shoes, coats, suits, dresses, intimates; suit separates & sportcoats the walls were covered for him and select home items; or, take an extra 10% off all sale & clearance watches and electronics & electrics. Excludes: specials, super buys, furniture, mattresses, fl oor coverings, rugs, men’s store electronics, cosmetics/ by a piece of stick-on tile. fragrances, fi ne & fashion jewelry, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed depts., special purchases, services. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit Every doorway is slanted. off er except opening a new Macy’s account. EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES. EXTRA SAVINGS VALID THROUGH 9/27/2010. The gap between the porch MACY’S CARD/SAVINGS PASS DISCOUNT DOESN’T APPLY TO SPECIAL PURCHASES. To order watches only, call 1-800-45-MACYS. REG. PRICES ARE OFFERING PRICES, AND SAVINGS MAY NOT BE BASED ON ACTUAL SALES. steps and the house fl oor is SALE PRICES IN EFFECT THROUGH 9/27/10. Special purchases available while supplies last. Watch photo may be enlarged or enhanced to show detail. Advertised items may not be available at your local Macy’s, and selections wide enough to stick a fi n- may vary. Prices and merchandise may differ at macys.com. Watches shown carry warranties; to obtain a manufacturer’s warranty before purchasing, visit a store or write to: Macy’s Warranty Dept., PO Box 1026 Maryland ger through. Heights, MO 63043, attn: Consumer Warranties. 6080361. For store locations & hours, log on to macys.com. CALLER-TIMES « Thursday, September 23, 2010 « 7A FROM THE COVER

CODE from 5A owner-occupied. Many land- responsible. lords there are what Kieschnick When houses fall into disre- He said the legal arrangements considers slumlords. They lock pair and violate city codes, it can with his buyers allow them to sell renters into 15-year, 20-year and be diffi cult for the city to deter- the house. In more than 15 years, 30-year contracts, off er no help mine who needs to pay. his name is attached to more than maintaining the houses and are T he s el ler i s l i ste d a s t he ow ner 175 sales registered in the Nueces diffi cult to pin down. on property tax records, but the County clerk’s system. He esti- Any enforcement action contract with the buyer says the mated about 20 to 25 people sold against the landlords could owner isn’t responsible for up- their houses. displace residents who have keep. The buyer could likewise “Trying to sell their house spent thousands on homes they say he doesn’t own the house be- doesn’t even enter into their thought they were buying. cause he doesn’t have the deed. mind,” he said. “They might owe It’s a dilemma that attorney Mayor Joe Adame, who owns a me three or four months of pay- Carlos Aguinaga, the regional di- commercial real estate fi rm, said ments. They just walk away.” rector of Texas Rio Grande Legal the landlords need to be held ac- That leaves Shepard with the Aid, faces often. The organiza- countable. He hopes to identify cleanup bill. tion, with offi ces in the Nueces major landowners who lease or “Sometimes, it will look like County Courthouse, off ers free sell problem properties and a bomb went off inside,” he MICHAEL ZAMORA/CALLER-TIMES legal assistance to people with reach out to them. said. “They leave all their dirty A level on the kitchen fl oor shows how slanted the foundation is in the home low incomes. He supports a buyout for clothes. They pick up and go. Melissa Bolton shares in Corpus Christi. People who have problems homes near the industrial corri- It turns into my responsibility with sellers in rent-to-own con- dor, a project that would pay res- again, and I deal with it.” Barry Wolfson, whose family “I won’t deny some of t he hous- tracts or with their landlords idents to abandon their homes, Shepard said he would like the company leases homes in Hill- es need some tender lov i ng ca re ,” have few options, he said. tear them down and convert the city to focus its enforcement on crest, said he thinks his rental he said. “Our renters are paying “I tell them, ‘We can go after area to green space. It could take tenants. houses fi ll a void for those who well below market. Some people the slumlord, but you’ll be out of years and require millions of “When they go after the land- can’t aff ord higher rent and don’t pay tithes to church. We’re even a house,’” he said. dollars. owner, those people realize they qualify for public assistance. His doing something better than that Those buyers who already have In the meantime, he’s also ask- can just move out,” he said. company rents homes and has by helping out the poorest sects scraped together enough money ing the city to study the prob- The city doesn’t have a grasp on never sold homes on contract- of society.” for deposits, payments and taxes lem. how widespread the problem is for-deed. In the Hillcrest area, which rarely can aff ord to move. “We need to fi nd them a way but is beginning to evaluate it one Several of Wolfson’s shotgun- is bordered by the Port of Cor- When the city tries to address out,” he said. “They’re in check- neighborhood at a time, begin- style houses have splintered sid- pus Christi, refi neries and other problems at those crumbling mate. They can’t move out and ning with the Hillcrest neighbor- ing, dirt driveways and rolled-on heavy industrial development, houses, it’s snagged in a legal can’t take care of the houses hood in Kieschnick’s district. roofs. only 18 percent of homes are maze trying to find out who is there.”

HOLIDAY KEEPSAKES Driscoll Children’s Christi TODAY’S Hospital 2010 Holiday Cost: $12 for pack of 18 Card Collection Calendars: $10 Apron: $29 Card images and artists: T-shirt: adult $22; BIG DEAL Angel — Maira Guerra , 9, of toddler $13 Mathis Sterling silver angel Gifts — Mikayla M. Soliz, 6, charm: $16 of Ingleside Cookie plate: $45 Don’t miss Nativity — Joe R. Martinez, Where to buy: Carousel 11, of Corpus Christi Gift Shop, Driscoll The Charlie Daniels Band, Reindeer — Lucas Chavez, Children’s Hospital, 3533 5, of Bishop S. Alameda St.; also will be Rosary — Javier Duran, 17, available online at www. The Toadies, Jack Ingram of Corpus Christi driscollchildrens.org Seashore — Christian Trejo, Information: 694-5011 or and more at Ziegfest 2010! 12, of Alamo 800-324-5683

Cookie plate design Source: Driscoll Children’s Hospital Asa Matis, 13, of Corpus Available September 23 starting at 9 a.m. - 24 hours only! DRISCOLL from 1A was the face of last year’s holiday cards and gifts 1 Admission for $12.50 ($30 value) “I cried when we got promotion and was seen on 544603 the call that Lucas’ draw- buses and billboards. This ing was chosen,” said his year his wreath, snowman, Available Online Only at mother, Melissa Chavez . star and candy cane col- Judges liked his drawing lage was chosen for a new halfoffdepot.com/corpuschristi so much it a lso was used on gift item — a cookie plate. the T-shirt. Christian Trejo , 12, of “It was the best seeing Alamo, drew a seashore what these kids created,” Christmas tree adorned said Kathy Towers, an art with starfi sh, jellyfi sh with teacher at Incarnate Word a purple sea creature on Academy, who helped top wearing a Santa hat. LETTIRMRKEX pick the winning draw- “I chose an octopus in- ings. “They’re all just pre- stead of a star,” Christian cious.” said Wednesday as he au- Proceeds from the holi- tographed a copy of his day items go to the Mar- drawing for a celebration sha K. Wilcox Scholar- visitor. Fall 2010 ship Foundation. Last year The Nativity scene that $18,000 in $1,000 scholar- Joe Martinez, 11, of Corpus ships was awarded to for- Christi created has a bright mer and present oncology yellow star illuminating patients, said Jan Cuellar, the barn. Is Your Skin holiday gifts committee It reminds his grand- co-chairwoman. mother of Joe’s fi ght against Lucas required urologic leukemia, she said. surgery as a toddler, but “Joe’s had ups and his problem was brief com- downs,” said Mary Ellen pared to other young art- Longoria, 62. “We main- Thirsty? ists chosen. tain belief in our dear Lord Asa Matis , 13, a frequent he’s going to pull through, hospital patient since age and he continues to light 7, has a brain disorder. He up our lives.” Introducing Hydrating Skincare Learn the secret to healthy, glowing skin when you visit our team of professional makeup artists at La Palmera, Thursday, September 23-Sunday, October 3. UGLY You’ll also get a makeup lesson and personalized face chart — our treat. BATHTUB? or COUNTERTOP? Call 361-991-7300 to reserve your appointment. Don’t Replace It – Refinish It! SAVE UP TO 75% OFF COST OF REPLACEMENT!

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$1.50 Sunday, November 7, 2010 n city edition

78°/56° Comfortable with sunshine Quick Read DA misses Republican wave FALL BACK FALL BACK FALL BACK District Attorney Anna n Theories abound for loss Jimenez (left) stands Did you remember Did you remember Did you remember with Justice Rose Vela to set your to set your to set your Sara Foley dates upset incumbent Demo- shortly after being clocks back clocks back clocks back [email protected] / 886-3767 crats in local, state and na- sworn in. Supporters 1 hour 1 hour 1 hour tional offices, Jimenez was the say Jimenez was today? today? today? Anna Jimenez showed all only Republican incumbent in a rising star in the signs of riding the Republican Nueces County to be tossed Republican Party wave when she stood among the out. who fell victim to a loca l pa r t y el ite at her swea ri ng- The reason depends on which dose of bad publicity, in ceremony eight months ago. side of the aisle explanations while opponents say Handpicked by Gov. Rick come from. she was a partisan A&M seeks Perry after local party leaders She’s either a rising star in the pick for a job she suggested she replace retiring Republican Party who fell vic- mismanaged during Ingleside land District Attorney Carlos Valdez, tim to a dose of bad publicity or her short term in While the Texas A&M the election was hers to lose. office. University System is As other Republican candi- Please see JIMENEZ, 11A todd yates/Caller-Times file finding tenants for the land that was formerly FALL FALL Naval Station Ingleside, BACK BACK FALL BACK it also has expressed Did you Did you Did you remember to interest in using some remember remember set your clocks back of the land. to set your to set your 1 hour today? Local, 1B clocks back clocks back From the cotton 1 hour 1 hour today? today? Santa’s coming already? Columnist Leanne Libby fields to Congress is surprised that jolly old St. Nicholas has scheduled a visit to La Palmera mall this week. Local, 1B

Cowboys look to rebound The Cowboys started poorly, and it’s getting worse. They look to turn around their season today against the Packers. Time: 7:15 p.m. TV: NBC Sports, 5C

Get them to the Greek Fest Hundreds show up Saturday at the 47th Greek Festival to enjoy plenty of food, drink and dance. The good news: It continues today. Local, 1B

Sex offenders stay off grid U.S. authorities who oversee 700,000 convicted sex offenders are challenged to locate the estimated 100,000 PHOTO KEY sex offenders who aren’t saying where 1. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz, his they are. daughter, Yvette, 11, and son, Solomon Jr., 5, listen to a Nation, 15A mariachi band on the steps of the 1 Capitol after Ortiz’s swearing-in 2 as a member of the House of index Representatives in January 1983. n Ortiz counts many triumphs 3 4 business 20A-21A 2. Ortiz and Dr. Hector P. Garcia in March 1983 Rick Spruill ing for the base despite federal of- lottery 11C 5 3. Ortiz at the Chamber of 6 [email protected] / 886-3667 ficials’ plans to derail the project. obituaries 8B-9B Commerce receives the news on In 1992, Naval Station Ingleside Texas news 7B-8B July 2, 1985, that the Corpus 7 8 Christi area would gain a new A jubilant Solomon P. Ortiz opened as a port for a fleet of mine- Weather 23A Navy base at Ingleside. flashed a thumbs-up sign to the hunting ships. crowd at the Chamber of Com- Twenty-five years after the origi- 4. Ortiz swears in his son to the homeport for the battleship USS Texas Legislature while Sen. Juan Wisconsin in 1985. merce as he heard the news through nal announcement, in April, Ortiz “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, 7. Maria Silvas dances with Ortiz the telephone receiver: A Navy base was solemn as he delivered an ad- holds the Bible. in the parking lot of Janie’s was coming to Ingleside. dress at Naval Station Ingleside’s 5. President Bill Clinton takes the Restaurant at a “bienvenidos” That was 1985, and the second- closing ceremony. stage with Ortiz and state Rep. barbecue in November 1983. term congressman had been cam- “Although I am happy to be here Holiday Abel Herrero during a rally at 8. Ortiz, keynote speaker during paigning to bring the base to the with you, I am not happy for this Lion’s Park in 2008. the closure ceremony for Naval 6. Ortiz announces the Navy’s Station Ingleside, is saluted by Corpus Christi area. occasion,” he said. help selection of Corpus Christi as the Navy personnel. For the next seven years, Ortiz Go to Rachel Denny and other leaders continued fight- Please see ORTIZ, 10A Clow’s blog for tips on how to take stress out of your holiday shopping. Margo Martinez has the Students give University of Hawaii on her shortlist time for others of colleges. By giv i ng back , t hese stu- sixth in her class. dents have earned some- She’s always the first to Service & Leadership Larissa Liska has a To subscribe: thing in return. lend a hand, a teacher said. Margo Martinez feels That sums up Larissa long list of volunteer proj- 2010 Caller-Times/Citgo 102.5 grade 883-3800 rewarded in helping oth- Liska, too. ects that make her relatives South Texas Distinguished average ers, young and old. She’s Larissa learned at a proud. Scholars in the Service and and plans to given up her time to volun- young age from her family Both have been named Leadership category. attend the teer throughout Falfurrias, the importance of service. University including the high school The 17-year-old at George Learn more about the winners and view other finalists in this category of Texas. where Margo is ranked West High School has a on Page 13A. CALLER-TIMES « Sunday, November 7, 2010 « 11A

from the cover Democrats left to ponder low turnout Democratic votersREPUBLICAN didn’t Tuesday’s Republican REPUBLICAN but it was something out n Voter apathy led to show up to vote.” takeover doesn’t signal a of our control,” said Stacey That led to TRENDa historic sea change among Nueces TREND Barrera, president of the sweep up and down the bal- County voters. Coastal Bend Young Demo- lot, with two stateStr aight-preprearty- ballot“It wasvoters a tremendous loss, Straight-party ballot voters crats. “We don’t believe in party’s major setbacks have been trending Republi- have been trending Republi- sentative seats goingcan into the Re last- sixno elections. question about that,” can in the last six elections. running campaigns with RHIANNON MEYERS made the Republican upset publicans for the Thisfirst chart time sh owsBell the said.percen- “That’s the way This chart shows the percen- money. We believe in run- [email protected] / 886-3694 Tuesday even more difficult and 14-term incumbenttage of U.S. straight-tick electionset voters are. It seems like tage of straight-ticket voters ning campaigns with heart to swallow. Rep. Solomon P. Ortizwho cast fall their- onlyballots two for years ago, the Re- who cast their ballots for and sweat and volunteers.” The odds were against “We’re freshly bleeding,” ing to political newcomereach major p artypublican. Party suffered a each major party. Harrison said she’s not Democrats going into Tues- Nueces County Democratic Blake Farenthold. The only tremendous loss.” worried about the future of day’s election. Chairwoman Rose Harri- Democrats to win 80contested% Instead,Democrat local Democrats 80% Democrat the local party. It’s possible More and more Nueces son said. races were district attorney blamedRepublican their losses on a Republican Tuesday’s upset is a sign County voters have been cast- Rocked back on their candidate Mark Skurka70 62 and sour national mood against 70 62 that area Democrats have ing Republican straight-party heels by Republicans’ his- Joe A. Gonzalez for county their party and Republi- grown complacent, and the ballots over the past decade, toric win in a traditional commissioner Precinct60 2. cans’ ability53 to motivate 60 53 party needs to work harder and Republicans were poised Democratic stronghold, The reasons behind the voters in the Coastal Bend to re-educate its base, she to sweep elections nation- Democrats are left scratch- low voter turnout40 among36 like never before. 40 36 said. She said she hoped ally, bolstered by a backlash ing their heads over why so the Democratic base remain “Anger and fear tradition- the Republican win would against incumbents. few Coastal Bend Demo- a mystery, Bell said. ally have45.5 been used to get 45.5 empower Democratic vot- 30 30 Still, Nueces County crats turned out to vote. “We really worked2000 Nuec 02 - 04 people06 08 to vote,10 particularly 2000 02 04 06 08 10 ers who stayed at home Democrats were confident “What did not happen, es County like neverSource: before Nueces County byClerk’s the Office other party, and anger Source: Nueces County Clerk’s Office this election to show up en of victory after the local was that everybody that — block walking, campaign- and fear were very, very masse at the next election. party ran its best get-out- used to be Democrat decid- ing, putting up billboards,” prevalent in the people that “A lot of people are mad the-vote campaign in years ed to be Republican,” said Harrison said. “You name did go out to vote,” Bell said. now that this happened,” in an area that has tradition- John Bell, former chairman it, we did it. Why a majority Instead of rethinking the ing strategies, party leaders she said. “We can’t just sit ally swung in favor of Dem- of the Nueces County Dem- of Democrats didn’t come local party’s policies, values said. around and let everyone ocrats, party representa- ocratic Party. “What hap- out, it’s unexplainable.” and issues, Democrats need “We may have lost races vote for us. I’m hoping they tives said. That confidence pened is that traditionally Still, Democrats say to rethink their campaign- statewide and nationwide, see this.”

JIMENEZ from 1A Jimenez timeline a partisan pick for a job she Jan. 28 mismanaged during her short Jimenez drafts a document laced with profanity and references term in office. Some people to children in a sex assault case. The document, which was never say she’s too motivated by filed in court, was later leaked to the media during Jimenez’s ten- party politics; others think ure. Jimenez said the document was a legal tactic, while several she’s simply not politically prosecutors in the office have said she wrote it as a joke. savvy. Feb. 10 An analysis of election re- District Attorney Carlos Valdez announces he will retire in March. sults shows one thing clearly: Republicans crossed party March 18 li nes to suppor t her opponent, Jimenez is sworn in during an informal ceremony hours after Gov. Mark Skurka. Even in heavily Rick Perry appoints her. Republican precincts, Skurka March 24 won the majority of votes. Jimenez formally sworn in. Jimenez said she’s unsure why. EXPLAINER TEXT: Straight-party ballot voters have been trending Republican in the last six elections. This chart April 1 “Voters wereshows given the per thiscentage of straight ticket voters who cast their ballots for each major party. Veteran prosecutor Gail Gleimer Loeb resigns rather than take a perception of me being this reassignment and pay cut. Loeb had nearly 20 years in the office. knee-jerk responding person who acted without thinking,” April 7 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 Nueces County commissioners officially approve Jimenez’s reor- she said. “I’m Rreallyepublican not that36 40 44 41 44.5 53 ganization of the office, with some criticism of her decisions. at all. All I wantedDemocr toat do was62 59 54 57 54 45.5 serve the community.” Michael Zamora/Caller-Times April 29 Jimenez andSour herce: supporters Nueces County Anna Clerk’s Jimenez Office makes her case for her party’s nomination in May during the Republican Party Prosecutor Sandra Eastwood is fired. Eastwood says Jimenez said Caller-Times reports put precinct meeting at the Nueces County Courthouse. As other Republican candidates upset blamed her for leaking the profanity-laced document to the media, her office under the micro- incumbent Democrats in local, state and national offices, Jimenez was the only Republican a claim she denied. scope and unfairly character- incumbent in Nueces County to be tossed out. Jimenez has said Eastwood’s dismissal was for several reasons. ized routine reorganization Eastwood’s personnel records released to the Caller-Times include and office politics. ­recommendations. ferent standard,” he said. policy that required employ- written accounts from prosecutors who said Eastwood told them To be sure, her short time “We felt an obligation to find “People treat women differ- ees other than the district at- she had a relationship with a sex offender and claims Eastwood as t he head of t he prosecutor ’s someone who had experience torney to automatically resign was the prosecutor on a case that ended in a costly mistrial. ently. It’s not right, but that’s office was filled with atten- in that office,” Pusley said. life.” if they ran for political office. April 30 tion-grabbing headlines. “Everyone we talked to rec- In retrospect, the changes “I didn’t think it was a cor- MaryAnn Uribe, the woman who leaked the profanity-laced docu- “In retrospect, if she had ommended her. We thought should have come slower, said rect constitutional policy,” ment, said Jimenez fired the wrong person. sat there in her office and she was the right person.” Steve Ray, a political consul- Skurka said. “I didn’t want to done absolutely nothing, she Perry’s appointment of tant who managed Jimenez’s file suit.” probably would have got re- J i m e n e z s u r p r i s e d h e r a s m u c h campaign. In August a grand jury in- May 7 elected,” said County Com- as anyone else, she said. dicted Adan Munoz, executive Eastwood files grievance saying she was wrongfully terminated. “Anna Jimenez is not a poli- missioner Mike Pusley, who “I’m just a normal girl that tician,” Ray said. “She prob- director of the Texas Com- May 8 supported her appointment was a public servant,” she ably made some changes that mission on Jail Standards, Jimenez has the attorney general’s office take on an investigation and campaign. “She tried to said. “I loved my job. There is she shouldn’t have made. I accusing him of improperly she started into allegations Eastwood had a relationship with a make things better.” not h i ng spectacu la r about me think she went in there and releasing records. sex offender that may have affected how the man’s cases were When Valdez announced that the governor would have ran it like a business. I think Sheriff Jim Kaelin, a Re- handled by another prosecutor. his retirement, it opened the chosen me.” that came back to haunt her.” publican, presented the case May 19 door to many who had been Two weeks after Perry In the upcoming weeks, to Jimenez, who took it to the Jimenez named Republican Party nominee by party precinct eyeing the job. Jimenez wasn’t named Jimenez as Valdez’s more of Jimenez’s decisions grand jury. chairs. initially one of them. replacement, her first chang- revisited her. Weeks before the indict- Other people wanted it for es rocked the office. Jimenez A document Jimenez ment, the jail commission’s May 25 her, though. demoted top assistants, reas- wrote Jan. 28 was leaked to chairwoman sent Kaelin a let- Longtime prosecutor Mark Skurka named Democratic Party nomi- When co-workers, judges signed several prosecutors media three weeks after the ter saying commissioners and nee by party precinct chairs. and others suggested she, a and placed new hires in lead- ­reorganization. an assistant attorney general June 3 child abuse prosecutor with ing roles. Jimenez said she prepared had reviewed the issue and Jimenez fires Skurka, citing a policy that requires the automatic fou r yea rs’ tenu re i n t he office, Among those demoted were the document as a legal tactic found Munoz had not violated resignation of any employees, other than district attorney, who apply, she decided perhaps it the two prosecutors who also only to be used in communi- the law. Jimenez has said she run for political office. was a sign. applied for her job, Loeb and cations with the defendant’s didn’t know about the letter “I prayed about it, and I Skurka. Loeb’s pay was cut 25 attorney. She never filed it in until after the indictment. July 16 thought about it,” Jimenez percent, and Skurka’s was cut court. The indictment was tossed Alma Villarreal is sentenced to 30 years in prison, and Vanessa said. “I believe that God 39 percent. But t he profa n ity-laced mo - out the next month. Zuniga is sentenced to 40 years in prison for nearly starving a puts things in front of me. I “It was a slap in the face tion discussed a child sexual By then, the damage to her 3-year-old boy to death. Jimenez led the prosecution of the case, thought, ‘Maybe this is a path after 19 years in office,” Loeb assault case crudely. public image was done. which also led to the conviction of Zuniga’s mother. I am supposed to take.’” said. “It was a bad idea, or she Skurka and Loeb said they Ray said he thinks some July 30 As she went to Austin for an was getting bad advice.” remember Jimenez laughing voters lost sight of Jimenez’s Noe Hernandez, 49, and Jason Hendershott, 30, convicted of mul- interview with the governor’s Loeb resigned rather about the memo and acted as good side. tiple life sentences for kidnapping and raping two girls. Jimenez office, the political novice was than take the demotion and if it was a joke. “It was clearly “This is a girl who was again led prosecution of the case. more in awe of seeing the Cap- launched the first public criti- inappropriate,” Skurka said. raised in Corpus Christi who itol than of her potential job. cism of Jimenez’s office. She, “When it leaked out, she was could have left here and done Aug. 20 Meanwhile, Skurka and her husband and stepchildren not truthful about it. She said, far better,” he said. “She want- Adan Munoz, Texas Commission on Jail Standards executive direc- another longtime prosecutor, later gave more than $13,000 ‘Oh no, I had to do this.’ Then ed to stay here because it’s her tor, is indicted after Jimenez presents case that he improperly Gail Gleimer Loeb, also were to Skurka’s campaign, ac- it became a question of who to hometown. She had a real released information to two local reporters related to an inmate’s vying for the job. cording to campaign finance sense in heart about helping suicide. believe. T here beca me a cred- Skurka even considered reports. ibility question.” victims of crime.” Aug. 31 switching to the Republican Jimenez tells a different Days after the document Some people, i ncludi ng for- Prosecutor Catherine Chopin resigns in a letter critical of Jime- ticket, something he said local story. Soon after she got the circulated, Jimenez fired mer District Attorney Grant nez that included an allegation that Jimenez instructed a new Republicans told him he’d job, she said, she felt the two another prosecutor, Sandra Jones, said Skurka’s win was misdemeanor prosecutor to offer pretrial diversion in a DWI case need to get the governor’s longtime prosecutors weren’t Eastwood. because of his name recog- because a state senator asked her to. appointment. As a longtime willing to cooperate with her Eastwood said she was ac- nition and achievements and Sept. 2 Democrat, he said he couldn’t authority. Skurka called in cused of leaking the docu- not related to any missteps by Jimenez says she is launching a criminal investigation into whether justify switching parties just to sick, and Loeb took vacation. ment, which she said she didn’t. Jimenez. Skurka had a well- Chopin improperly obtained information on the DWI case and get a job. During his interview “I wasn’t thinking about the Jimenez said she fired East- organized campaign, years in whether she then released it to the Caller-Times. in Austin, the first question he voters,” Jimenez said. “I was wood for other reasons. At the spotlight on high-profile Chopin says she didn’t do anything wrong and found the informa- answered was if he’d run as a thinking about what I was put the time, she didn’t explain cases and had run for judge tion by searching public records. The Caller-Times did the same. Democrat or a Republican. there to do by the governor. further, but paperwork re- twice before, both times los- Skurka didn’t lie. It wasn’t what was politically leased under a Texas Public ing in the Democratic prima- Sept. 29 “I don’t think I should have correct or astute. Maybe that Information Act request later ry runoffs. A judge throws out the indictment against Munoz, the jail stan- to switch parties to get this cost me.” revealed allegations East- Jimenez ran into problems dards director, saying some of the indictment’s wording was too job,” he sa id . “I was hopi ng t he Jimenez doesn’t regret the wood had a relationship with when her way of helping the vague. governor would look at purely changes, she said. a sex offender. public became a public spec- Weeks before the indictment, the jail commission’s chairwoman qualifications.” But both her supporters and “I think because (the Call- tacle, Loeb said. sent Sheriff Jim Kaelin a letter saying commissioners and an assis- Jimenez wasn’t the only detractors see the reorganiza- er-Times) has to look very “The district attorney’s of- tant attorney general had reviewed the issue and found Munoz had Republican to apply for the tion as her first slip-up. neutral, the community only fice is something people don’t not violated the law. Jimenez says she didn’t know about that letter appointment. James Sales left want to get involved in,” she until after the indictment. “I thin k she stumbled out of got half the story,” Jimenez the district attorney’s office so the gate,” Pusley said. “She’s said. “It wasn’t all the facts. said. “They want to feel safe Oct. 7 he could run for the seat. Local an excellent prosecutor. That’s what the community in their homes. They don’t Jimenez announces a new unit to prosecute domestic violence attorneys David Stith and Guy The politics part of it over- relies on. They didn’t under- want to hear what’s going on cases. Williams also applied. whelmed her.” stand that these were issues I there. They don’t want to hear Sales wouldn’t comment Sales, a Republican who couldn’t talk about. They are about the instability. They Oct. 22 on why he thinks Jimenez got supported Skurka, said he employment issues.” don’t want to hear about the More than a dozen errors on indictments, such as wrong tracking the nod from party leaders in- mistakes.” numbers or state identification numbers, have been reported to thought the move highlighted In the remaining months of the state in recent months. County Attorney Laura Garza Jimenez stead of him. Jimenez’s inexperience. her term, more prosecutors Jimenez wouldn’t undo issues an opinion to resolve a dispute between the district clerk But others say it’s because “A strong leader surrounds left the office. anything, she said. and the district attorney offices about which department was she fit a profile the local Re- himself or herself with the Because of Valdez’s late de- “I did the very best job I responsible for making corrections. The opinion states the district publican Party wanted. She’s most qualified people,” he parture from the office, it was could,” she said. “I had no idea attorney’s office is responsible. a young Hispanic Republican said. “It was imprudent and too late for candidates to file what to expect. I had never woman. showed her insecurity.” for party primary elections. run for office.” Tuesday “The speculation was be- Longtime attorney Rene Instead, local party precinct Her successor sees the job Skurka defeats Jimenez by about a 10 percent margin. cause she’s Hispanic,” Loeb Rodriguez, a Democrat who chairs picked their candidates differently. Thursday said. Republicans “are in- supported Jimenez, said her in May. “It’s not really about poli- Skurka and Jimenez meet to help ease the transition of leadership. creasing the party’s appeal. drive and leadership style Republicans picked tics,” Skurka said. “It’s about That just makes sense.” likely would not have been ­Jimenez. capability to do the job.” Pusley said Jimenez perceived as negatives if she After Skurka won the Dem- Compiled by Sara Foley and Mary Ann Cavazos was the most qualified were a man. ocratic Party’s nomination, Staff writer Mary Ann Cavazos and came with the highest “They held her up to a dif- Jimenez fired him, citing a contributed to this report Young players lead area’s top fi ve teams. SPORTS, 1C

75 CENTS TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010 ■ CITY EDITION

94°/77° Partly sunny Car stipends restored for city workers Quick Read ■ learned though an e-mail about one The council went through its se- $400, depending on their position. Item ‘never came thing that wasn’t cut. ries of budget hearings in June and That totals $21,100 per month and Car allowances were restored for July, but car allowances weren’t $253,200 per year. up’ in budget talks, City Council members, department discussed. On Aug. 5, more than two weeks directors and assistant directors . “It’s such a small amount of after the council approved the councilman says The council cut the expense from money,” said Councilman Larry El- budget, council members got an e- last fi scal year’s budget in January, izondo , who said he was surprised mail from City Secretary Armando SARA FOLEY when the city was halfway through to learn they were included in the Chapa, notifying them their $350 [email protected] / 886-3767 its fi scal year and needed to make budget. “It just never came up.” car allowances were restored. The cuts to avoid overspending. The The eight council members and council doesn’t see line item bud- HOOKS TO STAY Weeks after the City Council city’s $668 million budget began mayor receive $350 per month, gets for each department unless it passed a budget that trimmed Aug. 1 and included $16 million in along with 52 other city employ- WITH ASTROS spending in nearly every area, it cuts. ees who receive either $300 or Please see ALLOWANCES, 8A The Houston Astros and Corpus Christi Hooks announce a four-year extension to their contract Monday, making the Hooks the Nov. 2 D o u b l e - A a ffi liate of the Astros through the 2016 season. Laughs, tears, SPORTS, 1C bond LETTER BACKS DIRECTOR The Texas Commis- sion on Jail Standards new school year vote doesn’t believe its executive director ■ violated the law, ac- Christopher Saenz heads into pre-kindergarten $125M for cording to a letter sent BACK TO at Kennedy Elementary School in the West weeks before he was Oso Independent School District on Monday new middle, indicted in the release SCHOOL morning. Almost 50,000 public school students of information about an headed back to class Monday. high schools is inmate suicide. GEORGE GONGORA/SPECIAL TO THE CALLER-TIMES choice at polls LOCAL, 1B ELAINE MARSILIO DISHMAN ON [email protected] / 886-3794 ALL-TIME TEAM CCISD trustees will ask voters to approve a $125 mil- Cris Dishman, selected lion bond package to build a by Caller.com readers new high school and middle to the all-time Houston school on the Southside. pro football team, is teaching a younger ⌜ INSIDE ⌝ generation as a defen- ■ District wants assurances on sive assistant with the Communities in Schools. 1B San Diego Chargers. SPORTS, 1C The board passed a mea- sure Monday by a 6-0 vote to call a Nov. 2 bond elec- EASEMENTS tion. Trustee Willie Perez was absent. NEGLECTED A new high school would Hom- replace Carroll and is the best eowners short-term option to alleviate neglecting crowding at King and Carroll util- high schools, Superintendent ity ease- Scott Elliff has said. ments Carroll then would be need to used to house middle school students from Browne and stop, says South Park. one city worker; and a A new high school would retiree has harassing cost $80 million to $90 mil- phone calls from an RACHEL DENNY CLOW/CALLER-TIMES lion depending on its size. out-of-state collector Isaac Salazar, 3, lets out a wail as his father, Frank A new middle school would stopped. Salazar, tries to comfort him on the fi rst day of school at cost about $30 million to LOCAL, 1B Zavala Elementary School. “This year is going great,” said $40 million. That would re- his teacher Leticia Valentine. “Last year we had runners.” quire the district to ask vot- ers to approve a $125 million HYPING ■ New Zavala welcomes students; bond issue, which offi cials say could be done without HYBRIDS date nears for completion of Hicks a tax increase. President Barack Obama The earliest a high school has pledged to bring RHIANNON MEYERS move into the finished could open is fall 2014. The 1 million plug-in hybrid [email protected] / 886-3694 c a mpu s , l i ke ly by l ate S e p - district hasn’t built a new high electric vehicles to U.S. tember. There are signs of school since Moody High highways by 2015. While Zavala Elemen- the pending move, includ- School was built in 1967. tary School students ing stacks of cardboard Elliff has said the re- BUSINESS, 7C spent their fi rst day back boxes towering in class- placement high school op- at school Monday dis- room corners. tion would be cheaper than covering the comforts of The new Zavala El- building a sixth high school . INDEX a new campus, students ementary School, how- Officials came to the new BUSINESS 7C-8C at Lexington Elementary ever, was completed on GEORGE GONGORA/SPECIAL TO THE CALLER-TIMES proposal after reviewing COMICS 4B-5B School found constant time, allowing students to Veronica Munguia (left) tries to say goodbye to her daugh- long-term costs for a sixth CROSSWORD 5B reminders not to get too start the year in the new ter Isis Gomez while pre-kindergarten teacher Irma Sanchez high school and district cozy. school. tries to comfort her at Kennedy Elementary in the West Oso budget projections for the LOTTERY 5C Rain delayed construc- Hicks and Zavala el- Independent School District. next few years. OBITUARIES 3B, 6B tion on the new Hicks ementaries are part of Trustee Carol Scott asked WEATHER 7A Elementary School , forc- Corpus Christi ISD’s $192 to specify on the ballot that ing students to start the million bond package Traffi c fails to foul moods the bond would go toward school year at the aging and the district’s plans to construction, renovation, Lexington Elementary acquisition and equipment School until they can Please see SCHOOL, 5A as fi rst day of classes start of a high school and a mid- dle school. The original ELAINE MARSILIO Calallen Independent wording to appear on the GALLERY [email protected] / 886-3794 School District Superin- ballot didn’t specify what YOU tendent Artie Almendarez the bond was for. Trustees Some students cried, and West Oso Independent agreed in a 6-0 vote to amend PICK’EM some waved bye to their School District Assistant the wording. SIGN UP parents without a look back. Superintendent Mary Jane “I want to be clear with the FOR OUR NEW Some were excited to see Garza said many of their voters,” Scott said. H.S. FOOTBALL their friends and glad to campuses also saw typical PICK’EM CONTEST. start the school year Mon- first-day traffic. Both of- Please see BOND, 8A day, while others were sad fi cials said they visited all to see the summer end. school district campuses As nearly 50,000 public Monday and the day went BOND school students headed smoothly. back to class Monday, many Corpus Christi Indepen- ELECTION school district offi cials said dent School District Su- Voters will be asked to traffi c was the main issue. perintendent Scott Elliff , approve a $125 million TODD YATES/CALLER-TIMES Flour Bluff Independent who visited five campuses bond package for the Stella Olson-Torres, new Miller High School principal, Corpus Christi Independent To subscribe: School District had traf- Monday, said the fi rst day of gets a hug from student Brenda Fernandez, 16, as fi c congestion on Waldron classes went well except for School District to build a 883-3800 she walks the halls on the fi rst day of school Monday. Road and Hustlin Hornet air conditioning problems at new high school and middle See more photos online. Drive, but that’s typical some schools, including King school on the Southside. ALSO during the fi rst few days of High School. Staff worked to Election Day is Nov. 2. ■ See highlights from Zavala Elementary’s open house. school, said Flour Bluff ISD make adjustments and fix Early voting is from Oct. ■ Check out the fi rst day of school at Lexington Elementary . spokeswoman Lynn Kaylor. the problems, he said. 18-29. 8A » Tuesday, August 24, 2010 » CALLER-TIMES FROM THE COVER/TEXAS

DeLay: “I’ve been waiting Oil rig communication probed DeLay heads for fi ve years RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI vent the disaster was in- That’s when the Deepwater to go to AND HARRY R. WEBER spected on schedule. Details Horizon rig exploded, killing trial.” Associated Press about the so-called blowout 11 workers and subsequently preventer, which was sup- spewing 206 million gallons to Texas HOUSTON — Federal investi- posed to lock in place to pre- of oil into the Gulf. whether Priest will rule gators seeking the cause of the vent a spill in the case of an Two men who testified immediately on the ques- rig explosion that led to BP’s explosion, will be important Monday were key to the tions before the court this massive Gulf oil spill focused as investigators pull it from successful operation of the week. Monday on communication the seabed to analyze. complex deepwater rig. But courtroom In addition to claiming and chain of command, won- Testimony about the fran- Neil Cramond, who oversees that prosecutors behaved dering at times whether the tic moments after the spill, BP ’s ma ri ne operations i n t he ■ Federal probe ring to his pending state improperly and “wran- key players knew enough to when a distraught worker Gulf, acknowledged he rarely criminal case. gled an indictment” out handle an emergency. told the rig manager “she had contact with Paul John- ends with no “I’ve been waiting for of a grand jury in 2005 They also questioned just blew, she just blew,” will son, who managed the rig five years to go to trial,” — an accusation prosecu- whether a piece of failed also be key to understand- for owner Transocean Ltd., charges fi led DeLay told reporters. tors deny — defense law- equipment designed to pre- ing what happened April 20. which leased it to BP. “I’m ready to go to trial.” yers contend their clients KELLEY SHANNON DeLay said Texas pros- cannot get a fair trial in Associated Press ecutors have made no Democratic-leaning Tra- offer of a plea bargain. vis County because of the AUSTIN — Former House Prosecutors did not im- heavy interest in the case. majority leader Tom mediately return calls to They want the trial moved Comprehensive Pain DeLay will be back in a The Associated Press on elsewhere. Texas courtroom today Monday. DeGuerin said DeLay where he faces money Today, Senior Judge remains front-page news Management, P.A. laundering and con- Pat Priest will consider in Austin and that a local spiracy charges — days the remaining questions political cartoonist con- after learning that the in the case against DeLay, tinually derides DeLay. U.S. Justice Department John Colyandro and Jim He said DeLay has been ended its own investiga- Ellis before trial: Will portrayed as Darth Vader We are dedicated to providing you tion without filing any the case be moved from and the Wicked Witch of pain relief, utilizing the entire spectrum criminal charges against Austin? Should the defen- the West. him. dants be tried separately? “Austin is nothing if it’s of interventional pain management The Texas hearing And was there prosecu- not politically active, one brings DeLay and his two torial misconduct that of the most political atmo- techniques in a compassionate, caring co-defendants one step could get the whole case spheres in the country,” closer to a possible trial thrown out? DeGuerin said, noting and comfortable environment. on accusations that they DeLay, Colyandro and that numerous people and illegally funneled corpo- Ellis are accused by pros- organizations in the city rate money to help elect ecutors of illegally fun- speak out about the case. Medicare Treating all types of Painful Conditions such as: Republicans to the Texas neling $190,000 in cor- “They’re almost all anti- Blue Cross/ Legislature eight years porate money through Tom DeLay — he’s radio- t
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'JCSPNZBMHJB cause he said he would be era, giving them control court from Travis County Texas True Choice cleared, but a swift con- in 2003 and allowing the residents who say they be- Worker’s Comp clusion never came. He influential DeLay to en- lieve DeLay and his asso- 5734 Spohn Drive, 544581 resigned from the U.S. gineer a GOP redistrict- ciates can get a fair trial. by Referral House in 2006, but has ing map. If convicted, the defen- Corpus Christi remained in the limelight Democratic lawmakers dants could face five years and even did a stint on the fled the state to boycott to life in prison on the Texas 78414 television show “Dancing the redistricting votes, money laundering charge. (Located behind Christus Spohn South) With the Stars.” but Republican legisla- Conspiracy to commit “Tom DeLay never tors prevailed and Re- money laundering carries (361) 882-4452 should have been in- publican Gov. Rick Perry a possible two-year prison dicted,” DeLay’s attor- signed the plan into law. term. ney, Dick DeGuerin, said The defendants con- A previous charge alleg- Monday. “This was a po- tend they did nothing ing conspiracy to violate litical indictment, and it wrong in their dealings campaign finance laws Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine was because he had been with the Texans for a Re- was dismissed because the so effective as a Republi- publican Majority politi- law didn’t take effect until by the American Board of Anesthesiology can leader. But he didn’t cal committee and that after the alleged events. do anything wrong.” the charges were politi- Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine Last week, DeLay’s cally motivated by then- lawyers revealed the Travis County District U.S. Justice Department Attorney Ronnie Earle, informed them it was a Democrat. Since the ending a separate inves- 2005 indictments, Earle tigation into DeLay’s ties has been succeeded by to disgraced ex-lobbyist his top aide, Rosemary Jack Abramoff with- Lehmberg. out filing any criminal The money that went to charges against DeLay. Texas Republican candi- The former suburban dates from the RNC was Houston congressman collected lawfully from said he always knew that around the country, De- would be the outcome. Guerin said. He showed that same No trial date has been confidence when refer- set, and it’s not clear

BOND from 1A

Specifi c language on the on elementary school con- ballot limits the school struction because of the district to using the bond potential of school con- money on high school and solidations at that level, middle school projects, Scott said. CCISD’s San Antonio- The current bond elec- based bond attorney Bill tion proposing a high Avila told trustees. school also provides Talks of a Southside high more flexibility, officials school have been circulat- said. If projected South- ing for years and now offi - side growth continues by cials hope residents want- the time a replacement ing such a school will cast high school were to open, a vote on election day. the district could reopen In 2004, voters turned Carroll and have six high down a bond package for schools, Elliff has said. construction of a South- A new high school would side high school. aff ect all high school stu- In 2008, during the dis- dents because the district trict’s last bond election, would redraw high school the board decided to focus boundaries.

ALLOWANCES from 1A requests them, so members I don’t. I’m not a happy didn’t know the budget in- camper.” cluded car allowances for Assistant City Manager them and all city depart- Oscar Martinez said the ment directors and assis- city always intended to re- tant directors. store car allowances if the Elizondo pointed out budget could balance with that council members still them included. They are can elect to return their part of the agreement the car allowance, something city makes with employ- he and other council mem- ees when they’re hired, he bers did last year. added. City Manager Angel “It’s a commitment we’ve Escobar and the four as- made to staff ,” he said. “It sistant city managers are was a sacrifi ce when we c ut the only administrators it. It was never intended to whose car allowances be eliminated entirely.” weren’t restored, said Councilman Brent Eddie Houlihan , assistant Chesney said he doesn’t director of management object to the allowances and budget. for council members or Councilman Kevin Ki- city staff . eschnick said he thought “We drive all over town,” the allowances were gone he said. “I do think some for good. kind of reimbursement is “I’m really, really ir- appropriate. If someone ritated,” he said. “I’m at a is driving around on city serious point of distrust business, there should be at this point. I’m not trust- some form of reimburse- ing the information we’re ment for them. Probably getting anymore. We need paying mileage is more to know what’s going on. appropriate.” 544292