County Hays County Travis County Free Gratis Volume 7 Number 10 LaLaLa VVVozozoz A Bilingual Publication October, 2012 www.lavoznewspapers.com (512) 944-4123

Inside This Issue The Brown Machine

Commentary on the Cesar Chavez Memorial by Richard Ybarra

Dr. David Montejano to Visit Austin, Texas

Hispanics Running for Elective Office in Travis County

Texas Book Festival

Project MALES at UT Austin

Proposition # 3 Commentary by Tom Herrera ¿Y yo, por qué? Page 2 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 People in the News

a United States Citizen. Garibay, Eli Santiago, who had previously who with her sister Julieta, were held the position urged the fire de- the founders of the University partment to continue its public Leadership Initiative at UT Aus- education efforts with someone tin from where they both gradu- who was bilingual and had a good ated. understanding of the community. The fire department followed his Reflecting on her journey thus advice with the selection of Marion Monserrat stated, “Twenty years Sanchez. Fidencio Duran in ago, my mom, sister and I came to the US. Our journey has had Poet Juan Manuel Residency in Sanchez , who is originally from many challenging obstacles and Venezuela began her career as an Perez Wins New Mexico uncertainties. I am honor to finally Austin broadcast personality for Patsy Torres Takes Another Award become a US citizen. I pledge to Austin based artist Fidencio radio station KELG. She later vote on every election, to be the Her Own Advice Duran is spending the next 3 started a public relations com- The National Space Society Of voice of dreamers, immigrants months in Santa Fe, New Mexico pany in 1989 called Estilio Com- and Earns a Ph.D North Texas just announced the and my community. I have at the Santa Fe Art Institute as an munications and has won many 2012 Space Poetry Contest marched, rallied, protested, block Patsy Torres is one of the most Artist in Residence. Duran, who awards over the years. Winners and SAPA’s 2011-2012 works full time as an artist has a walked etc, Today one of my important and influential Tejano Poet Laureate, Juan Manuel dreams is becoming a reality. entertainers of our time. She has growing following who support his Last year she earned her bach- Perez, came away with an Thank you to all the people that performed for live audiences of work around the country. One of elors degree in English from Honorable Mention for his haiku have helped me in my journey to more than 100,000 people, and his specialties is painting murals. Huston-Tillotson University and is set, “Martian Miscellaneous: Tri- become a US citizen. A special has appeared on national currently working on a Master of Ku No. 2.” thank you to my husband television for millions of viewers. A native of Lockhart, Texas, Science degree in Organizational Duran graduated from The Univer- Gilberto, my sister Julieta and my The contest winners were Leadership from St. Edward’s One of her messages has sity of Texas at Austin with a BFA mom. I can’t wait to vote for Barack announced at this year’s Fen Con University. always been about the in 1984 and holds the distinction Obama!” Congratulations to XI in Dallas, Texas in September. importance of education. In of being the only artist to receive Monserrat! The theme of this contest was Sanchez says, “My focus for my December of last year she earned all three of the Dallas Museum’s “Mars: The Next Frontier, next phase in life will be to make a Ph.D from the University of the Awards to Artists. You can visit his Exploration and Settlement Of the AFD a more diverse environ- Incarnate Word in San Antonio, vast amount work on his Space.” http://www.nssofnt.org/ ment, to decrease fire accidents Texas. Facebook page. through education and to foster 2012/09/23/congratulations-to- the-winners-of-the-poetry- partnerships in the community. I Torres said, that the University contest/ met my team last week, and I am had contracted her to perform for so happy to be working with such a series of concerts but said they dedicated men and women.” could only pay her with tuition credits. So she took them up on the offer and that is how she earned her doctorate.

With her studies behind her she Marion Sanchez has developed a new 1 hour Accepts Position musical program for Hispanic Garibay Becomes with the Austin Fire parents called “La Fuerza Department Positiva en Concierto” that a US Citizen addresses family issues of Marion Sanchez was recently Austin activist and Education communication, support, and Austin Vice-President, named the Outreach Coordinator understanding. Monserrat Garibay has a become for the Austin Fire Department. PRODUCTION La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Page 3 PRODUCTION Editor & Publisher AlfredoEditor & SantosPublisher c/s The End of the Brown Machine? Editorial Alfredo Santos c/s Pues está llegando el dia de in Austin, Texas is now moving for the 12 endorsements that Managing Editors la votación. And once again the into its third month. We have Associate Editor Father Jayme has racked up. Yleana Santos voters will have before them the already seen this breakfast Open Kaitlyn Theiss question of geographic round table’s usefulness in the On the Importance representation. On several number of new people it has of One Vote ManagingGraphics Editor occasions when the question attracted. Believe it or not, each Yleana Santos has been put up for a vote, the week there are people in Austin Juan Gallo At the Austin Tejano voters who turn out, have said who finally realize that they have Democrat candidate forum in no. See page 20 for a little got to get involved in the affairs DistributionMarketing early October, the organization’s background statistics on this of the community if they expect Tom Herrera members (at least those who El Team issue and read Tom Herrera’s to see change. showed up) got to vote in the editorial about why it continued AISD Place 2 race. The ContributingContributing Writers Writers to be an important issue. While the Raza Round Table endorsement rule required that Alfredo R. Santos c/s Tom Herrera is but one of many meetings in order to receive the Editor & Publisher James Rodriguez Cambiando de tema taking place around the city on Wayne endorsement of the Austin Layla Fry any given Saturday, its regular Hector Tijerina Tejano Democrats, a time and location provides an The Brown Machine. The Marisa Cano candidate needed to get 60% of opportunity for anyone who Brown Machine is the the votes cast in the race in wants to jump in feet first como nickname given to those PUBLISHER’S question. Mexican American activists who PUBLISHER’S quien dice. STATEMENT were among the first to get STATEMENT Cambiando de tema A total of 34 people cast elected to public office starting ballots in the Place 2 race. Sam in 1970. La VozVoz de Newspapers Austin is a monthly is a Guzman received 14 votes and With the political scene upon publication.monthly publication The editorial covering and Father Jayme received 20 us, the most interesting contest These pioneering individuals Comal, Guadalupe, Hays votes. When you do the math, business address is P.O. Box this election season is the were the ones who organized and Travis Counties. The edi- you learn that 20 out 34 votes 19457 Austin, Texas 78760. As you have already noticed, Austin Independent School the community and turned out represents only .588 or 58% of Thetorial telephone and business number address is (512) we put Big Bird on the cover of District election for Place 2. This the vote. But over the years, the the vote – not enough for the ATD 944-4123.is P.O. Box The 19457 use, reproduc-Austin, this month’s issue of La Voz is the seat currently held by long Mexican American community endorsement. One more vote tionTexas or 78760. distribution The telephone of any or because he was brought up time community activist Sam has spread out all over the city. would have produced the 60% partnumber of isthis (512) publication 944-4123. is during the Presidential Debate Guzman. He is being There is no longer the kinds of needed for the endorsement. ethnic concentrations who can stronglyThe use, reproductionencouraged. or But dis- do earlier this month. Mitt challenged by the Reverend Dr. Lesson learned - every vote tribution of any or part of this Romney stated that PBS and Jayme Mathias, the Senior block vote anymore. call and let us know what you counts! arepublication using. Letters is strongly to the editoren- thus Big Bird might be put on Pastor at Holy Family Catholic the chopping block in order to Church. Today the Brown Machine is arecouraged. most welcome. But do call and What is significant about this save money and reduce the US need of a tune up or maybe even let us know what you are vote is that the old notion that budget deficit. The pundits have Guzman, who seems an overhaul. Earlier this year, using. Letters to the editor for Hispanics to received fair and had a field day with Romney’s perturbed that he would have a Travis County Constable are most welcome. adequate representation, they injection of Big Bird into the challenger in this election, stated Maria Canchola gave the need to be represented by other political debate. And we thought a few weeks ago at a meeting Brown Machine a terrible Hispanics.Over the last 40 it was only appropriate that we of several Democratic clubs that public spanking when she years, Latinos have learned that Por cualquier give Big Bird a chance to ask the “gloves would be coming off.” defeated Ernest Pedraza in the good representation in a public pregunta, the question, and why me? ¿Y in the contest between him and primary. office is more a function of an yo, por qué? Father Jayme. So far, those of llamanos: honest, plain speaking us who have been attending On November 6th, 2012, we candidate and not his skin color. Cambiando de tema endorsement meetings and will find out if Father Mathias 944-4123 other forums, have been waiting and his supporters are the ones The other thing we are seeing The Raza Round Table and watching to see when the who will finally pull the plug on from this AISD Place 2 contest which meets every Saturday at “gloves are going to come off.” the Brown Machine in Austin, 795-2818 between Guzman and Mathias Mexitas Mexican Restaurant So far, no se mira nada except Texas. is the slow disappearance of Page 4 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Dr. David Montejano to Visit Austin, Texas in October

Dr. David Montejano, Professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies at the University of California-Berkeley will Quality Vision Eyewear be visiting in Austin, Texas during the month of October. In addition to partici- 2 pairs of Marco, lentes y Eye Exam pating in the Texas Book Festival, he Eyeglasses transición will make a special appearance at the para visión Raza Round Table on October 27th, sencilla $35. 2012 at 10:00am. The Raza Round $89 $99 Table is held at Mexitas Mexican Res- taurant, 1109 North IH 35 in Austin, Hablamos Español Su amigo el oftalmólogo Texas. Valentino Luna, 2800 S. (IH-35) salida en Oltorf con gusto lo atenderá Dr. Montejano, who previously taught Mon - Fri 8:30am until 5:30pm at The University of Texas at Austin, Saturday from 10am until 3:00pm 462-0001 is a native of San Antonio, Texas and attended UT Austin as an undergradu- ate before moving on to Yale University where he earned three more degrees in- Holy Family cluding a Ph.D in Sociology in 1982.

Catholic Church His current book, Quixote’s An inclusive & Soldiers:A Local History of the Chicano Movement, 1966-1981 tells compassionate the story of how the Chicano Movement CATHOLIC community evolved in San Antonio, Texas. An ab- stract from the publisher states: “In the Rev. Dr. Jayme Mathias mid-sixties, San Antonio was a segre- M.A., M.B.A., M.Div., M.S., Ph.D. gated city governed by an entrenched Other publications Senior Pastor Anglo social and business elite. The Mexican American barrios of the West Anglos and Mexicans in the and South sides were characterized by Making of Texas, 1836–1986 9:00 a.m. Dialogue on Scripture & Spirituality substandard housing and experienced 10:00 a.m. English Mariachi Mass seasonal flooding. Gang warfare broke (Austin: University of Texas out regularly. Then the striking farm work- 10:45 a.m. Breakfast & Mariachi Press, 1987; 11th printing, 2007) 12:00 p.m. Spanish Mariachi Mass ers of South Texas marched through the City and set off a social movement that 8613 Lava Hill Road, 78744 transformed the barrios and ultimately Edited: Chicano Politics and From Highway 183 South, turn right on the first road after brought down the old Anglo oligarchy. In FM 812. Look for the sign “Mass.” Quixote’s Soldiers, David Montejano Society in the Late Twentieth uses a unique blend of history and soci- For more information: (512) 826-0280 ology to present a thick description of Century (Austin: University of Welcome Home! this social movement.” Texas Press, 1999) La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Page 5 LALA PAZ,PAZ, HisHis PeacePeace AA RememberanceRememberance

As news spread last week that Were Cesar to be President Obama was coming to Kern with us on this day, by Richard Ybarra County, California. to name Cesar I believe his Chavez’s gravesite and home a national message would monument, the e-mail messages started environmental include, “I bring you pouring in. Questions arose as to what activists greetings from the is this place called La Paz? Just where mixed with farm workers is it? Is it in Keene? Hollywood movement— hard stars to pick Govea, Peter Velasco, Phillip Vera working women, Actually, it is both, but mostly, it’s the his brain and Cruz, Larry Itliong, Andy Imutan, men and children place Cesar Chavez founded as the brainstorm Julio and Fina Hernandez; his priests who put the food on Farm Workers Union headquarters and about social and bishops Father Victor Salandini the tables of where I had the privilege of sharing many change. and Monsignor George Higgins. There everyone in our hours with him. Fresh out of college, I Here, it must will be a silent shout out for his deceased country and around the world, who often was his personal assistant, traveling be noted that his wife, Helen, was a personal biographer, Jacques Levy, who don’t have enough to feed their own at press secretary, speech writer, humorist, world class cook and served them all. penned the definitive biography of Cesar, home.” dog training intern, son-in-law and friend. “Cesar Chavez: Autobiography of La I was honored to walk the grounds of La As we honor Cesar’s humanity, On this day, we will remember the farm Causa.” Paz hundreds of times with Cesar, the courage, vow of poverty, and brilliance workers who took on his cause when definitive groundskeeper and tour guide An excerpt from Cesar’s burial service that brought him from the sands of there was no hope for a better tomorrow in- residence. poem says it thusly: “La Paz, his peace, Yuma, Arizona to a self-contained and the rabbis, ministers, nuns, priests and bishops who made his cause their the croaking sounds, how smooth the I can’t think of a greater honor to complex for social, labor and political own. The thousands of $5.00 a week waters flow - his children, his friends, he bestow upon this person who many of school of thought and action, there will volunteers, legions of students, loved, he taught, to be good people is us referred to as “The Chief,” “The Old be many visions of what was and what professors and teachers across the what he sought. Boycott and Huelga, Man” and “Brother Cesar.” It also honors is yet to be accomplished. country who walked boycott picket lines, two special loves, he treated as his the many people who were part of his Beyond the proud moments for his wife the AFL-CIO and UAW members and doves, that saintly smile, always the extra life and legacy, whose lives were Helen, his children, grandchildren, great leaders who bet on him with their dollars mile. As though he somehow knew, that impacted by a journey that brought him grand children and his extended family, and worked with him every step of the day the eagle flew.” It is no small tribute to his place of peace, Nuestra Senora will be thoughts of Cesar fully in his way and the legions of Latinos inspired to know that all this focus on a desolate Reina de la Paz, or simply, La Paz. element. He walked and traveled across by his emphasis on the importance of mountain spot came about because California, the U.S., Canada, Europe education. Helen granted Cesar’s wish of burying For a few brief moments the world, and Mexico where he spoke with the him in a rose garden with his German through the lens of our nation’s 44th most common as well as the most This day will also honor those who shepherds, Boycott and Huelga - a President, Barack Obama, will converge powerful. were so important to Cesar’s life and are lasting vision. - Dedicated to his and commemorate the grounds, no longer with us: his parents Librado grandchildren and great grandchildren memories and significance of this 200- La Paz was a place like no other for and Juana, brothers Manuel and like Rex, who represent the future and acre complex, located 28 miles Cesar. There, he hosted among other Richard, and daughter, Linda Lu; the his legacy... southeast of Bakersfield in the luminaries, Kennedy family members, Filipino brothers from Agbayani Village Tehachapi Mountain foothills. This Coretta Scott King, Andrew Young, and Filipino Hall, his great friends former Kern County Tuberculosis Anthony Quinn and thousands of farm Bobby Kennedy, Bill Soltero, John Richard Ybarra is Regional Director of Sanitarium was purchased in 1970 by workers who came to his farm worker Maher, Dorothy Day, Anthony Quinn, the Braille Institute of America, San the National Farm Workers Service weekend retreats to learn about courage, Bill Kircher, Dennis McDermott, Paul Diego Center and a part time resident Center through the generosity of conviction and contracts. He held long Hall, Walter Reuther, Jerry Wurf; his of Tehachapi. He spent four years as Edward Lewis, a producer of, among conversations about educating humanity movement martyrs Nan Freeman, Juan Cesar Chavez’ personal assistant, other well-known films, “Spartacus” and with influential writers in the world of De La Cruz, Naji Daifullah, Ruffino traveling press secretary, speech writer, “Missing.” Because of Lewis, Cesar education, Brazilian Paulo Freire and Contreras and Rene Lopez; his head of security, humorist and dog was able to move his family to La Paz in Ivan Illich. It was here that American colleagues Mack Lyons, Jessica training intern. A long time friend of Cesar 1971. Indian Movement leaders and Chavez, he is a son-in-law. Page 6 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Election Weeks Away, Austin Community College Analyzes Non-Voters

With election day just weeks away, Austin Community College’s Center for Public Policy and Political Studies (CPPPS) has released a report identifying and analyzing Texans who chose not to vote in the 2008 general election. “By looking at voter data from the most recent presidential election, we have a better sense of factors that may be at play this time around – and an understanding of what groups the candidates should be courting at this stage,” says Peck Young, CPPPS director. In 2008, about 17 percent of Texas registered voters did not cast a ballot. Among those individuals, approximately 34 percent were Hispanic; 5 percent were African-American; and 61 percent were white/ other ethnicities.

The report reveals:

· Poor and undereducated voters are more likely to not vote.

· Hispanic voters in Texas consistently turn out in lower numbers, proportionally to their number of registered voters, than African-American and white voters.

· Among Hispanics, both young people and middle-aged voters who are the primary breadwinners in their families are less likely to vote.

· Non-voters disproportionally come from groups that tend to favor Democrats, but there are exceptions.

Dr. Michael A. Chavez, Optometrist · Gender and time as a registered voter are not significant predictors of whether Optometric Glaucoma Specialist an individual casts a ballot. Hablamos Español “While Texas is not a swing state, this report may have implications on a broader scale 1144 Airport Blvd Ste 235 in terms of the presidential race – and it clearly has important information for state and local candidates,” says Young. “The ethnic composition of a county or district significantly Mon - Fri: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM influences turnout. Candidates need to reach out to the population that didn’t vote in Sat: By Appointment only 2008 – those votes could be the ones that swing the outcome of this election.” (512) 928-5808 The principal author of the report is Blake Farrar, adjunct assistant professor of government at ACC. To view the complete report, visit the CPPPS webpage. “¿El apartamento todavía estará disponible al vernos en persona?” acemos un buen salario y tenemos buen crédito e historial de alquiler. Estamos capacitados ¿así que por qué nos rechazan Hpor un apartamento en el vecindario? La ORIENTACIÓN SEXUAL está protegida por la ley. La Ley federal de Vivienda Justa prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de raza, color, religión, origen nacional, sexo, estado civil o discapacidad. La Ciudad de Austin ordenanza de vivienda protege a una persona de la discriminación por motivos también de la edad, la orientación sexual, identidad de género, estado civil, y su condición de estudiante. Si usted cree que ha sido discriminado, llame a AUSTIN TENANTS’ COUNCIL al 512.474.1961. 512.474.1961 z AUSTIN TENANTS’ COUNCIL z housing-rights.org El trabajo que facilita la base para esta publicación fue apoyada por fondas de una concesión por el Departmento de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD en ingles). Los resultados y substancia del trabajo estan dedicado al público. El escritor y publicador estaran solamente responsibles por la exactitude de las declaraciónes y interpretacion en esta SXEOLFDFLyQ7DOHVLQWHUSUHWDFLRQHVQRQHFHVDULDPHQWHUHÁHMDQODVYLVWDVGHOJRELHUQRIHGHUDO La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Page 7 Hispanics Running for Elective Office in the November General Election in Travis County

Candidate Age Office Party Education Year of Occupation

Seeking Incumbent Affiliation Graduation 1. Elsa Alcala 44 Court of Criminal Appeals Yes Republican B.A. Texas A&I University 1986 Judge J.D. University of Texas 1989

2. Adan Ballesteros 55 County Constable Yes Democrat B.A. University of Texas 1978 Constable Precinct # 2

3. Carlos H. Barrera 54 Judge County Yes Democrat B.S Georgetown University 1979 Judge Court at Law # 8 J.D. University of Texas 1983

4. Christine Brister 51 AISD School Board Yes N/A Reagan High School 1980 Human Resources District 3 Attended Austin Community College Texas Board of Architectural

5. Raul Roy Camacho 44 Travis County Constable No Libertarian Attending Ashford University Businessman

6. Maria Canchola 66 County Constable Yes Democrat Attended University of Texas Constable Precinct # 4 Precinct # 4

7. Jim Santiago Coronado 54 District Judge Yes Democrat B.A. University of Texas 1975 Judge 427 Judicial District J.D. University of Texas 1978

8. Ted Cruz 42 U.S. Senate No Republican B.A. Princeton University 1992 Attorney at Law J.D. Harvard University 1995

9. David Escamilla 54 County Attorney Yes Democrat B.A. University of Texas 1979 County Attorney Travis County J.D. University of Texas 1982 Travis County

10. Andy Fernandez 30 State Representative No Libertarian District 46

11. Sam Guzman 65 AISD School Board Trustee Yes N/A B.A. Texas Tech University 1973 Businessman Place 2

12. Al Herrera 55 Travis County Constable No Republican Advanced Peace Officer Williamson County Precinct # 2 Certification Constable’s Office

13. Regina Hinojosa 38 AISD School Board Trustee No N/A B.A. University of Texas 1996 Attorney at Law Place 8 J.D. George Washington 1999

14. Carlos Lopez 52 Travis County Constable No Democrat Master Peace Officer License Chief Deputy Constable Precinct # 5 Precinct # 5

15. Jaime O. Perez 57 Railroad Commissioner No Libertarian B.A. Bradeis University 1976 School Teacher

16. Eddie Rodriguez 41 State Representative Yes Democrat B.A. University of Texas 1995 State Representative District # 51 J.D. University of Texas 2008

17. Gisela D. Triana 45 District Judge Yes Democrat B.A. Univ. of Texas San An 1985 Judge 200 Judicial District J.D. University of Texas 1988

18. Mike Varela 41 County Constable No Republican Various Peace Officer Lieutenant Precinct # 3 Certifications Precinct # 2 Page 8 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Texas Book Festival

The Texas Book Festival celebrates authors and their contributions to the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination.

The Texas Book Festival was established in 1995 by First Lady Laura Bush, a former librarian Hipolito Acosta and an ardent advocate of literacy. Mrs. Bush created a task force to plan the book festival to honor Texas authors, promote the joys of reading and serve to benefit the state’s public libraries. The first Living under an assumed identity Festival took place at the Capitol in November 1996; the Festival has quickly evolved into one of the and risking his life premier literary events in the country, annually hosting over 200 Texas and nationally known authors. were all in a day’s work for Hipolito More than 40,000 visitors participate annually in a weekend of author readings and presentations, Acosta, special panel discussions, book signings, and musical entertainment at the State Capitol in Austin. agent for the U.S. Border Patrol. Acosta’s investigations are Gustavo Arellano Nora de Hoyos legendary to both law enforcement and the As Arellano suggests, there’s a crime cartels he helped neutralize. His need to have authentic Mexican food Comstock stories read like chapters from a page- that does not lose its American- different stories, 12 turning crime novel, but The Shadow ness. But, as he also explains, 12 different points of views, one Catcher: A U.S. Agent Infiltrates Mexico’s authenticity is a thorny concept. After goal: to highlight Las Deadly Crime Cartels is more than a front- attending a fundraiser for the Latino Comadres Para Las seat ride through the criminal underworld Journalists of California where Americas, an organization along the U.S./Mexico border. food critic Jonathan Gold criticized “that could feel like a home the supposed “authenticity” of Chef hough he worked regularly in high- for women, who like me, T Rick Bayless, an online debate stakes undercover operations infiltrating wanted to connect with other like-minded Latinas,” ensued about what constitutes Mexico’s murderous immigrant explains Nora de Hoyos Comstock, Las authentic , smuggling rings and drug cartels, this Comadres’ founder. prompting Arellano to write heartbreaking exposé goes beyond There is almost a reverence when you USA. sensational headlines and medals of think about the simple yet fundamental In Count on Me: Tales of Sisterhoods and Fierce Friendships, edited by Adriana Lopez, 12 honor to divulge what an agent endures in foundation of a taco: the tortilla — an Arellano’s ¡Ask a Mexican! renowned and best-selling Latino authors relate order to ensure that U.S.law is enforced. understated element that has transcended column has a circulation of more how this international organization and their own borderlines as well as traveled into space. than two million in 38 markets (and he El Paso Times writes that Acosta’s personal comadres have been a stepping stone, T Mexican food has long intrigued this counting). He has received the tactics “will undoubtedly attract critics,” but something to fall back on or just an enjoyable country, with its almost exotic looks and President’s Award from the Los that few can “dispute that (his actions) took experience. “Comadre” is a Spanish term that spicy flavors. In Taco USA: How Mexican Angeles Press Club, an Impact courage.” Acosta was a special agent for “encompasses some of the most complex and Food Conquered America, Gustavo Award from the National Hispanic the Border Patrol for two years, followed important relationships that exist between Arellano depicts the flavorful history of Media Coalition, and a 2008 Latino by long careers in the U.S. departments of women. Comadres are best friends, confidants, Mexican food in the USA, from cocoa beans Spirit Award from the California Justice and Homeland Security. He has co-workers, advisors, neighbors, and godmothers and chili to the ever-present and State legislature. Arellano has won numerous awards for merit and to one’s children,” explains Comstock. . The arching history begins in appeared on the Today Show, service to the United States and Mexico City, with the appearance of la Nightline, NPR’s Talk of the Nation, Reyna Grande, author of The Distance Between Philippines. Virgen de Guadalupe and is told from a and The Colbert Report. Us: A Memoir reveals her unlikely relationship with proprietary point of view. La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Page 9 Texas Book Festival

Diana, an English professor who gave her is the author of How to Undress a Cop and Gilbert Garcia hope and a refuge. Esmeralda Santiago, winner of the PEN Texas Literary Award in author of Conquistadora, narrates her Poetry. She has edited Windows into My In 1976, while upbringing in Puerto Rico and the unwitting World: Latino Youth Write Their Lives, running against influence her mother and her comadres winner of a 2008 Skipping Stones Honor President Gerald had as the muses and inspirations for Award, and several of her poems have Ford for the Kami Garcia Santiago’s work and life. Luis Alberto been awarded special commendation. She Republican In Beautiful Urrea’s chapter, entitled “Compadres,” lives and works in Houston. nomination for Redemption, begins with “Love is the color of president, Ronald the stunning hopelessness when it catches fire.” He Junot Diaz Reagan was on the verge of disappearing from finale to the entices us with a story of the ongoings politics forever. Then, with his campaign on the Beautiful around his comadre’s house perched on Yunior’s got a whole verge of collapse, Reagan shockingly won every Creaturesseries a hilltop in Tijuana. There are nine more mess of problems available delegate in the 1976 Texas primary. by Margaret stories to discover, full of wit, humor, and he has to deal with, Stohl and Kami Garcia, Ethan and Gilbert Garcia’s captivating new book, bitter-sweetness. For those who like to but the most Lena must once again work together Reagan’s Comeback: Four Weeks in Texas That cook, there is a nice surprise at the end. persistent one to rewrite their fate. Ethan has spent Changed American Politics Forever, tells the Comstock is the National and seems to be the most of his life longing to escape the forgotten yet dramatic story of the Texas International Founder, President, and CEO vexing question of stiflingly small Southern town of Republican presidential primary that laid the of Las Comadres Para Las Americas, an women. Certainly they are vital to him, and Gatlin. He never thought he would groundwork for Reagan’s victorious presidential international organization that has been he doggedly pursues love without cease, meet the girl of his dreams, Lena, campaign four years later. Garcia’s book is the bringing together thousands of Latina but he just can’t seem to hold onto who has unveiled a secretive, first to focus exclusively on the 1976 Texas women for more than a decade to support relationships. powerful, and cursed side of what primary. and advise one another. used to be a boring town. Ethan never This Is How You Lose Her, Junot Díaz’s expected that his longings would be poignant new story collection, catalogs the Garcia sums up the groundbreaking realized and he would be forced to Sarah Cortez relationships, both good and bad, of Yunior, importance of Reagan’s shocking victory: “Texas leave behind everyone and a formerly poor man of Dominican descent put Reagan in perfect position for 1980 because “Gosh, I loved the everything he ever cared about. So, who’s managed to become a professor at it enabled him to carry his ’76 campaign all the colors./ each facet a when Ethan awakes after the chilling Harvard. Inevitably, as the title suggests, way to the convention, build a national grassroots story/ called forth/ events of the Eighteenth Moon, he he manages to destroy each one. Still, base, and essentially mold the party platform in from light.” So writes has only one goal: to find a way to despite the fact that he often fails to learn his own conservative image.” Containing Sarah Cortez in her return to Lena and the ones he loves. much from his mistakes, he stays the interviews and never-before-heard stories multi-genre memoir straight from the mouths of Republican insiders, course because he asserts that “the half- Back in Gatlin, Lenais making her Walking Home: Reagan’s Comeback tells a surprising story that life of love is forever.” own bargains for Ethan’s return, Growing Up Hispanic will interest readers of all political parties. vowing to do whatever it takes - even in Houston, a collection of short stories and Life, as he knows it, simply cannot go on if that means trusting old enemies poetry inspired by the beauty of a stained- without that force propelling it, even if it The Dallas Morning News called Garcia’s book or risking the lives of the family and glass window. Each work illuminates the means his own destruction. Díaz won both “Excellent” and The San Antonio Express News friends Ethan left to protect. Garcia legacy of three generations of Cortez’s the National Book Critics Circle Award and praised Garcia’s “superb reporting and clear and lives in Los Angeles, California, with Tejano heritage, pieced together with her the Pulitzer Prize for his debut novel, The lively writing.” Garcia has written for The San her family. Beautiful Redemption is scintillating and inquisitive memories to Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. He Antonio Current, and The San Antonio Express the fourth and final book in the form a stunning mosaic. She ruminates is the recipient of a PEN/Malamud Award News. Currently, Garcia writes about politics for Beautiful Creatures series, following on the virtue of color and recounts the warm and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and the online alternative newspaper Plaza de Armas. Beautiful Creatures, Beautiful glow of impending motherhood in a currently teaches at MIT. Garcia has been awarded six Press Club Awards. seamless fusion of the two genres. Cortez Reagan’s Comeback is his first book. Darkness, and Beautiful Chaos. Page 10 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Texas Book Festival

distance between us and our parents,” she is not all that it’s cracked up to be. The by a small man with dark yellow skin and said. At the age of nine, Reyna found herself number one reason, drum-roll please ... thin, stringy hair emerges from her closing that distance and entering - illegally Choke is a cautionary tale that can happen backpack. He introduces himself as Rafa, but finally - “El Otro Lado” with the father in any school with any set of friends. a mummy from Guanajuato. Amusing she had not seen since the age of two. Her hijinks ensue as the girls try to hide Rafa aspirations where soon deflated when the Presenting a very dark and thought from their teacher, classmates, and family. Reyna Grande realism of her father’s alcoholism hit her. provoking topic through Windy’s eyes, And when Rafa realizes that it’s almost the She found solace in the Latina voices she Diana López has managed to capture the Day of the Dead, or El Dia de los Muertos, mmigration is I read. mindset of a middle school student and he longs to return home. never a straight all the dilemmas that are now engendered forward story, Grande writes to tell her own story in The by a devastating game. López is a former The girls are forced to reveal their secret especially when the Distance Between Us, but the beauty of her middle school teacher who came by the and seek help from an adult. How can they immigration is book is that her struggle is reflected in the topic of choking after witnessing a couple get Rafa home in time for the annual illegal. In The hands of the reader. She is the first in her of students come into class with bloodshot celebration honoring deceased loved Distance Between family to graduate from college and also eyes. She assumed they were high on a ones? James Luna’s A Mummy in Her Us: A Memoir, Reyna Grande recounts her received her M.F.A in creative writing. drug, never imagining they were actually Backpack/Una Momia en su mochila is hard childhood in Mexico and her hopes Grande’s previous works have been playing a very dangerous “game.” published in a bilingual “flip” format. Young of a better life in “El Otro Lado.” award-winning novels: Across a Hundred readers ages 8 to 12 will savor this Mountains and Dancing with Butterflies. She is the winner of the 2004 Alfredo entertaining story about mummies, eing left behind for “El Otro Lado” first B She now resides in Los Angeles. Cisneros del Moral Award and the 2012 friendship, and responsibility. Luna is an by her father and then by her mother, William Allen White Award. López elementary school teacher and is also the Grande was raised alongside her two older currently lives in Houston, teaching at the author of a bilingual picture book for siblings by her Abuela Evila, her fraternal Diana López University of Houston-Victoria and working children, The Runaway Piggy/El cochinito grandmother. “‘I can be sure that my with CentroVictoria. She appeared at the fugitivo (2010), which won the Tejas Star daughter’s children are really my The top five reasons 2009 Festival for her middle school book Book Award, which Luna will be receiving grandchildren, but one can’t trust why Diana López’s Confetti Girl. at the Festival this year. He lives and works daughters-in-law,” Abuela Evila often said Choke is a must- in Riverside, California. to Grande and her siblings. “Who knows read; Number five: James Luna what your mother was doing when no one “Breath sisters are Domingo Martinez was looking?” just like blood Flor enjoyed her brothers.” Number two-week trip to Set amongst Life with Abuela Evila wasn’t what happy four: it’s a tale set in a San Antonio Mexico, though sweltering heat, wild childhood memories are made of; eight- backyard, where the McDonald’s she’s glad to be back dogs and year-old Mago, seven-year-old Carlos, and billboards say things like “Me Encanta.” at school. One day, rattlesnakes, and four-year-old Reyna often had to go without Number three: Windy is a GP (general as she’s pulling her pesticides raining the fundamental necessities such as food, public) eight grader who desperately wants homework out of her down from planes water, and basic hygiene. The money her to join the in-crowd. She gets the chance backpack, she’s shocked to feel a cold overhead, Domingo parents were sending for their upbringing when new student, Nina, introduces her to hand clutching hers. Martinez’s memories come alive with was being pocketed by the one who was the enticing, dangerous world of choking poetic wit in his memoir The Boy Kings of supposed to take care of them. Never had and the benefits that come with being a hinking that the pesky boys in her class T Texas, the gritty and beautiful account of Reyna felt so desolate and alone. breath sister. Number two: through different are playing a trick on her, she turns around his childhood in a barrio in South Texas. circumstances that at times are life to look into her pack. She’s stunned to see One day Mago traced a line between two defining moments, Windy figures out what two yellow eyes blinking inside. Flor and In the world of his childhood, piglets were dots on a map; one dot was Iguala and the it means to truly be a friend and that being her best friend Lupita stare in raised as pets to be slaughtered for other was Los Angeles: “This is the in the in-crowd with their fabulous scarves astonishment as a cowboy hat, followed Christmas dinner, and his grandmother’s La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Page 11 Texas Book Festival

Catholic faith was rivaled only by her realistic situations, revealing a loving the recipes, variations, substitutions on reliance on the family witch-doctor, La sisterhood that sticks together through recipes, and stories about the people Señora. His complex family is revealed in everything, even discovering a dead body behind the food. Learn how to make blood feuds and rivalries, and in Martinez’s or dealing with the abandonment of their Mexican ice creams, any kind of taco enduring desire to escape from his uneasy father. imaginable, salsas, and much more. Rich, spot wedged in-between the white and earthy photos by Penny de los Santos chocolate/A Chocolate Brown Balloon is a Author Guadalupe Garcia McCall was Hispanic worlds, on the border of the Rio further connect the reader to this flavorful wistful story about a family trip to find all born in Mexico and moved to Texas at a Grande. culture. the colors of the rainbow – in balloons! But young age. She has a Bachelor of Arts in when Pedro asks for a chocolate brown But within his stories of grim hardship Theatre Arts and English from Sul Ross Ortega was born in Mexico City, the balloon, his family worries that they won’t and struggles, he also reveals great State University. McCall’s debut YA novel, oldest of eight children, and grew up in its be able to find one. Will Pedro get the strength, the passionate fortitude that Under the Mesquite, won the Pura Belpré worst slums. From a young age, he sold balloon of his dreams? imbues his family, and himself. The Award and her poems for adults have been homemade at the mercado, enthralling memoir received a Pushcart published in more than 20 literary journals. herded goats on the mountainside, and Pedro’s grandfather Chiton goes on a Prize nomination, and was described by She teaches English at a junior high sold fresh fruit juices and food prepared quest to bake the perfect bread in El pan Kirkus as “a finely detailed, sentimental school and lives with her husband and by his aunt in the busy streets of Mexico perfecto/The Perfect Bread. His efforts go family scrapbook inscribed with love.” His three sons. City. At age 17, Ortega left Mexico for terribly wrong, but Chiton has the optimism work has appeared in Epiphany and The Houston, where he worked as a Hugo Ortega to never give up until he gets it right. In New Republic, and he read an adaptation dishwasher and busboy at Backstreet Café Bobby y el balón de fútbol/Bobby and the of his excerpt “The Mimis” on This American to learn the fundamentals of the restaurant What is the most Soccer Ball, Margarita heads to her soccer Life in 2011. Martinez has worked as a business. In 2012 Ortega was a James popular thing that game, where dogs aren’t allowed. When journalist and designer in Texas and Beard award finalist for Best Chef: links Mexican culture the family dog Bobby sneaks onto the Seattle, where he has lived for 20 years. Southwest. to its past and its soccer field, hilarity ensues. people? The food. Guadalupe Adriana Pacheco Chef Hugo Ortega, And finally, in Elefantes al recate/ Garcia McCall with his brother Chef Adriana Pacheco’s Elephants to the Rescue, the family takes Ruben Ortega, share Heritage Language a magical trip to a coffee plantation. Amidst When the body of a the food that they love and cook from their series is a collection fog and a fantastic landscape, the family dead man drifts into heart in their recipe book Hugo Ortega’s of bilingual members are separated from one another, the swimming hole Street Food of Mexico. where Odilia and her children’s books for and only Grandma Lupita’s mysterious ages 5-8 and is great elephant figurines can help them find their sisters are playing, it And this book, filled with rich, traditional for young speakers way back. launches them into recipes from actual comerciantes (Mexican of Spanish and English alike. Each story, an adventure unlike street-merchants), provides an insight into featuring Pedro, Margarita, and their family In addition to playful illustrations by Mike anything they could have expected. this food that is cooked by the people, for and friends, is accompanied by an audio Phi, the books are rich in cultural elements the people. Recipes of more well-known CD to help children practice their accents. that will further enhance kids’ – and maybe They embark on a hero’s journey to return classics like Chicken Flautas and even parents’! – learning. Pacheco is a the dead man to his family in Mexico. They and regional Chileatole (spicy Different vocabulary themes are doctoral student of Hispanic American must outsmart a witch, a warlock, a coven corn porridge) and Guajolotas (Tamal- embedded in every book. In Un regalo Literature at the University of Texas at of half-human barn owls, and bloodthirsty stuffed sandwiches) are detailed for the misterioso/A Mysterious Present, Pedro Austin. She has taught Spanish as a chupacabras, all with the occasional aid adventurous chef or the novice cook. of goddesses and ghosts. A magical hears frightening noises coming from the second language for most of her Mexican-American young adult novel that’s Recipes come complete with tips on how backyard the night before his birthday. What professional life. More information on the a retelling of The Odyssey, Summer of the and where to buy ingredients (fresh or pre- could the noise be? A monster? A ghost? Heritage Language series can be found at Mariposas combines fanciful magic with made for time saving), the traditions behind Or is it his present? Un globo café www.heritagelanguage.com Page 12 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012

Mission Manantial de Salud — the Dove Springs Health Network — is dedicated to This project is suppor promoting wellbeing in the Dove Springs community of Austin, Texas, through County Health & Human Services Department healthy lifestyles and positive environments. (through a Community coordinated by the University of Jill Ramirez - Program Director Public Health, Jill Ramirez is the Director of Austin’s new PromoSalud state-certified School for Community Health Workers. (As part of the City of Austin’s Community Latino Healthcare Forum. Transformation Grant, her students from Dove Springs have created a For more information contact Jill Ramirez network of more than 60 residents to communicate about ways to build a healthier community. at: [email protected] La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Page 13

oject is supported by the Austin/Travis County Health & Human Services Department ough a Community Transformation Grant) and coordinated by the University of Texas School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus, and the Latino Healthcare Forum. For more information contact Jill Ramirez at: [email protected] Page 14 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Texas Book Festival

Filled with love, heartbreak, humor, and conflicts that resonate with today’s youth. Conquistadora “a Puerto Rican Gone With unexpected twists, Ocotillo Dreams Dancing With the Devil is best for children the Wind featuring a hard-as-nails heroine delivers on a subject that has recently aged eight and up. Saldaña is the author … Santiago makes Caribbean history resurfaced. Palacio grew up in South of A Good Long Way, The Whole Sky Full come alive through characters as human Central Los Angeles and holds two of Stars, The Jumping Tree and Finding as they are iconic.” Santiago is the author degrees in Comparative Literature. She is Our Way: Stories. He lives in Lubbock, of the memoirs When I Was Puerto Rican, Melinda Palacio a 2007 PEN Center USA Emerging Voices where he teaches in the College of Almost a Woman, which she adapted into Fellow and 2009 poetry alum of the Squaw Education at TexasTech University. a Peabody Award-winning film for PBS’ There’s another Valley Community of Writers. Ocotillo Masterpiece Theatre, and The Turkish stark contrast Dreams won the 2012 PEN Oakland Esmeralda Santiago Lover; the novel America’s Dream; and a between San Josephine Miles Award. She now lives in children’s book, A Doll for Navidades. Her Francisco and Santa Barbara and New Orleans. Esmeralda work has appeared in The New York Times, Chandler, Arizona Santiago’s The Boston Globe, and House & Garden, other than the René Saldaña Jr. enthralling novel among other publications, and on NPR’s weather. One is Conquistadora is a All Things Considered and Morning In Dancing With Isola’s now, while the other is her past and sensual and riveting Edition. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Devil and Other future. historical novel set in she lives in New York. Tales from Beyond/ the sugar In Melinda Palacio’s Ocotillo Dreams, Bailando con El plantations of 19th century Puerto Rico. As Isola leaves the comfort of San Francisco Diablo Y Otros Juan Pablo Villalobos a young girl growing up in Spain, Ana to enter the dry heat of the Arizona desert Cuentos Del Más Larragoity Cubillas is powerfully drawn to to sort through her deceased mother’s Allá, a collection of Puerto Rico by the diaries of an ancestor Tochtli lives in a belongings. Hoping to find answers, Isola stories based on Mexican-American lore, who traveled there with Ponce de León. palace. He loves is met with not only the complex memory author and educator René Saldaña Jr. hats, samurai, of her mother but issues that she didn’t spins age-old tales with a contemporary In handsome twin brothers Ramón and guillotines, and care to think about. After having a startling twist. Inocente – both in love with Ana – she finds dictionaries. But what encounter with a migrant worker named a way to get there. Marrying Ramón at 18, he wants more than auro and Miguel run for their lives with Cruz, the relationship that is just set in L she travels across the ocean to a remote anything right now is La Llorona’s cold breath on their necks motion is destined to end in turmoil. She sugar plantation the brothers have a new pet for his private zoo: a pygmy after being caught smoking cigarettes is a literary professor and he’s just trying inherited on the island. Ana faces the hippopotamus from Liberia. down by the river. And when Louie’s leg to make it day by day. dangers of the untamed countryside even swells up after he cuts his toe playing with as she relishes the challenge of running Tochtli is a child whose father is a drug Is Isola really like her mother and willing a knife, he can’t help but wonder if his Hacienda los Gemelos. baron on the verge of taking over a cartel, to risk everything for illegal immigrants she mom’s warning could be true. Are his guts and Tochtli is growing up in a luxury hideout just met? Can she really trust those who really going to spill out of his wound But when the Civil War breaks out in the that he shares with hit men, dealers, and claim to know her mother? Set amidst the because he cut himself doing something United States, Ana finds her livelihood, and the odd corrupt politician or two. Down the infamous immigration sweeps in Arizona stupid? perhaps even her life, threatened by the Rabbit Hole is a masterful and darkly- in the late Nineties, Ocotillo Dreams very people on whose backs her wealth comic first novel from author Juan Pablo et in the author’s native South Texas, humanizes the illegal immigration S has been built: the hacienda’s slaves, Villalobos. The book is the chronicle of a these are the stories parents have told their controversy. It resonates with the political whose richly drawn stories unfold delirious journey to grant one child’s wish. children for generations to discourage bad turmoil taking place nationwide. In her alongside her own. And when at last Ana The Daily Telegraph calls Down the Rabbit behavior and encourage kids to stay close debut novel, Palacio weaves illegal falls for a man who may be her destiny, Hole “a pint-size novel about innocence, to home. But Saldaña breathes new life immigration into a story of finding your true she will sacrifice nearly everything to keep beastliness and a child learning the lingo into these traditional tales with purpose. hold of the land that has become her true in a drug wonderland. Funny, convincing, contemporary settings, issues, and home. Publishers Weekly calls appalling, it’s a punch-packer for one so La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Page 15 Texas Book Festival

small.” Villalobos was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1973. He now lives in Madrid, Ralph Yznaga Gwendolyn Zepeda Spain, and has two Mexican-Brazilian- Living in a place David is a kid who Italian-Catalan children. Down the Rabbit with a history as rich is more concerned Hole is his first novel and is being as Texas’, you never with eating junk food, translated into seven languages Thomas Kreneck know when sitting in front of his Ray Villareal something amazing TV, and “leveling up” Thomas H. may have happened in his Bunnybots Kreneck’s Del Things aren’t just around the 3000 videogame than Pueblo: A History of going well for Jesse corner. playing outdoors with his friends. When he Houston’s Hispanic Baron. He’s the beats one game he just starts up a new Community is much worst player on the The pecan tree down the road could have one. more than the football team, his ex- been the site of an enormous battle, or straightforward girlfriend is dating the perhaps peace treaties were signed under It looks like David will never put down the history you might assume; it reveals the quarterback, and his the shade of a local majestic oak. Ralph candy bars, chips, and controller, until one intimate stories of the people who not only skinny body will never live up to the Yznaga illustrates this exactly with Living day his video game isn’t working anymore. founded Houston’s Hispanic community standards of his professional wrestler Witness: Historic Trees of Texas. The With colorful illustrations by Pablo but laid the foundation and ground work father. trees Yznaga photographs for the book are Torrecilla, Gwendolyn Zepeda’s Level Up/ for the Hispanic community to come. noted for their longevity, location, and Paso De Nivel is a bilingual story about So when he meets Tristan “TJ” Masters, historical importance, such as the learning how to drop the bad habits and When Spanish settlers took to what is a new wrestler who likes to live life on the thousand-year-old Goose Island Oak or instead “level up” in life. This book is perfect now Texas, they focused on San Antonio, edge, Jesse has to choose between the Century Tree on the Texas A&M for ages six and up. Laredo, and El Paso, foregoing Houston. dangerous fun and doing what’s right. campus rumored to gift passersby with It wasn’t until the 1880’s when there was Soon, Jesse finds himself lashing out in lifelong partnerships. Zepeda also has a new adult novel out an evident presence of the Mexican anger, alienating his friends, and getting this year, Better With You Here. If you ask community in the city. Fast forward a into dodgy situations, such as going across There’s even mention of the Borden Oak her, Natasha Davila will tell you there’s hundred years, into the “Decade of the the border to buy steroids. Body Slammed!, in Galveston that survived the aftermath of nothing more important to her than her Hispanics” and you will have traversed Ray Villareal’s newest novel, explores the the infamous 1900 hurricane only through kids. She’ll do anything for her son and through stories such as the rise of gritty issues facing teenage boys in a way the intervention of a local, who washed its daughter – even play nice with her ex- widowed business woman Mama Ninfa, that is relevant and entertaining. roots with fresh water until the salty soil husband. Only now she’s facing a problem who opened her restaurant to keep her equalized. Snappy blurbs on each she never expected: her ex is re-marrying family afloat and later became a Houston is 2006 novel, My Father, the Angel of H individual tree and location are and suing for full custody. She could fall to icon. Death, was named to the New York Public accompanied by brief driving directions for pieces … or she could call on her friends. Library’s 2007 Books for the Teen Age. the curious history buff, and each tree is Zepeda’s Better With You Here: A Novel Kreneck also includes more than 50 Villareal has written several young adult treated as a work of art in its own right explores what true friendship is really all photographs that capture the essence of novels, as well as written and directed through Yznaga’s personal, illustrative about. Her blog GwenWorld.com and her being Hispanic in Houston, from a Rice children’s plays. He received a Masters of photography. These trees have weathered first book To The Last Man I Slept With Institute graduate to Houston’s first Liberal Arts degree from Southern storms, insect life, and the threat of human and All the Jerks Like Him have been casualty in WWII: “In 1942, the city was Methodist University and lives in Dallas industry, and are captured here for future mentioned in the NY Post and Seattle reminded starkly of its Mexican American with his wife and children. generations. Post. She is also the author of three participation when Joe Padilla, Houston’s children’s books,Growing Up With first casualty, was buried with full military Yznaga is a photographer and an /Los tamales de Ana (a Tejas Star honors by the American Legion.” advertising and public relations Book Award recipient), Sunflowers/Girasols, professional living in Austin. and I Kick the Ball/Pateo el balón. Continued on Page 19 Page 16 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012

The Austin Tejano Democrats endorsed the following candidates at their AISD/ACC Candidate Forum.

AISD Place 2 - no endorsement AISD Place 3 - Anne E. Teich AISD Place 5 - Amber Elenz AISD At-Large - Gina Hinojosa ... ACC Place 7 - Barbara Mink ACC Place 8 - Betty Hwang Learning About ‘A Mexican Sound’ ACC Place 9 - Allen Kaplan by Gina Vergel Thank you to the candidates that attended and thanks to Carlos B Lopez Just when you thought you knew everything about Mexican music, a filmmaker comes & Yolanda Pedraza for helping run our forum. along with a new documentary to dispel that notion. Roy Germano, the Brooklyn, N.Y.-based filmmaker behind the award-winning VOTE: November 6, 2012 for documentary, The Other Side of Immigration, is back with a second film, A Mexican Sound/Un Son Mexicano. The documentary centres on a Mexican style of music called son huasteco. Son huasteco is a traditional Mexican musical style originating in the 6 state area of Northeastern Mexico called La Huasteca. Dating back to the end of the 19th century, A n n Te i h the sound is influenced by Spanish and indigenous cultures. Son huasteco is typically played by a trio huasteco composed of a guitarra quinta huapanguera (a five course, Candidate For AISD eight stringed guitar-like instrument), a jarana huasteca (a stringed instrument related to the jarana) and a violin. Singers often use the falsetto register. Board of Trustees, District 3 Like he did when making The Other Side of Immigration, Germano is using the online “KeepingExperience the Public in Public Education” funding platform, Kickstarter, to assist with the financing of the project. You can read a Q & A with him on their site here. (Germano even recommends son huasteco artists for t'PSNFS"*4%NJEEMFTDIPPMUFBDIFS newbies to start off with.) I met Germano when he visited Fordham University in 2011 t"*4%TVCTUJUVUF (he often gives talks at colleges and universities in addition to media appearances). So, Community Leadership this time, I had to ask, how did he go from tackling such a controversial topic, immigration t/"$" and the reasons Mexicans risk so much to leave their country, to such a joyous aspect t%PXOUPXO$MVTUFSPG$POHSFHBUJPOT of life in Mexico? BOE4PDJBM4FSWJDF"HFODJFT t'PVOEBUJPOGPSUIF)PNFMFTT Germano says he feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore Mexico t3FMJHJPVT$PBMJUJPOUP"TTJTUUIF)PNFMFTT from so many different angles in his career as a researcher and filmmaker. “For my t)BCJUBU'BJUI$PVODJM second film, I wanted to introduce viewers a side of Mexico that I think is really beautiful t/PSUI"VTUJO$PBMJUJPOPG/FJHICPSIPPET and unique,” he says. “I think people who see ‘A Mexican Sound’ will fall in love with son t/PSUI"VTUJO$PNNVOJUZ4DIPPM"MMJBODF huasteco, the beautiful dance that accompanies it, and the breathtaking region of the country where it’s played.” 1BJEQPMJUJDBMBECZ"OO5FJDI $BOEJEBUF %JTUSJDU -BOJFS7FSUJDBM5FBN "*4%#PBSEPG5SVTUFFT Although the film is nearly complete, there isn’t a release date just yet. Germano’s next “Keeping the Public in Public Education” step is to submit it for inclusion in film festivals and says we should expect it to premier sometime next year. La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Page 17 Project MALES Continues to Grow at UT

ABOVE: 2012-2013 Project MALES mentors after their training workshop.

by Charles (Zach) Sustaita fake a concern for these young Communities in Schools of program helped coordinate the strengths and weaknesses, the people, it doesn’t impact in any Central Texas, Project MALES is first training workshop of the year. groups were encouraged to share For many young people today, way their current situation. But dedicated to developing Among the specific trainings the their understandings of their growing up is said to be a bigger there is one initiative that is trying. productive young people with mentors received were the strengths. challenge than in previous It is called Project MALES. It is useful life skills. With the help of importance of listening, body decades. For some, both parents based in the Division of Diversity CIS, UT student mentors use the language, and effective “We have very promising and are busy working and don’t get & Community Engagement at 5 Rs: Respect, Responsibility, communication skills necessary dedicated students who, through home until late. For others, there The University of Texas at Relationships, Role Modeling, for successful mentor-mentee a successful training workshop, is no parent present, only a Austin. and Reaching Out of the X-Y Zone relationships. will be great role models for the relative who has reluctantly Program in their interaction with students of Travis and Lanier agreed to take them in. Founded by Dr. Victor B. Saenz, high school mentees. Charles Lu, a Ph.D. candidate High School,” said Dr. Saenz. an Assistant Professor in the in the department of Educational “Our goal is to help these mentors According to some activists in School of Education, Project This year, there are 30 new Leadership and Development develop their relationships with Austin, Texas, there are literally MALES is the mentoring program mentors and 10 continuing and volunteer for Project MALES, their mentees. We are here to hundreds of homeless students that pairs University of Texas Student Fellows participating in stepped in to help the mentors serve the community, and we are attending AISD schools. They live undergraduate students with high the project. On September 15th, understand their personality traits committed to addressing the in abandon cars, in friend’s school students at Lanier and Robert Bachicha, Cecilio through an assessment, growing challenge facing Latino garages or in shelters. Travis High Schools. Balderrama, and Paul Lopez, commonly known as the Bird Test. males in education.” For more coordinators of the XY-Zone with After a rousing exercise that information: http://ddce.utexas.edu/ While it is easy to have pity or Through a partnership with Communities in Schools introduced the mentors to their projectmales/ Page 18 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 PUBLIC NOTICE Word Power Career and Technical Education Program Effectiveness Monitoring (Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs) En las palabras The East Austin College Prep Academy offers career and technical education programs. Admission to these programs is based on interest and aptitude, age appropriateness and class space availability. It is the policy of The East Austin College Prep Academy not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities as required by hay poder Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of No one can ever argue in the name Nadie puede averiguar en el nombre de la 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. It is the policy of The East of education, that it is better to know educación que es mejor saber menos que Austin College Prep Academy not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, less than it is to know more. Being saber más. Siendo bilingüe o trilingüe es handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, bilingual or trilingual or multilingual parte de ser educado en el siglo 21. as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as is about being educated in the 21st Esperamos traer cada mes a nuestros amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The East Austin College century. We look forward to bring- lectores de La Voz una lista de palabras Prep Academy will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to ing our readers various word lists in en español con sus equivalentes en admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. For information about your each issue of La Voz. inglés. rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator/Section 504 Coordinator, Laurel Parton, at 6002 Jain Lane, Austin, TX 78721, 512.287.5000 Student Estudiante

Notificación Publica de No Discriminación en Programas Vocacionales School Escuela

The East Austin College Prep Academy ofrece programas vocacionales. La admissión a estos Study Estudiar programas se basa en interés y la disponibilidad de aptitud, edad y clase adecuación del espacio. Es norma de East Austin College Prep Academy no discriminar por motives de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, en sus programs, servicios o actividades vocacionales, tal como lo Subtract Resta requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda. Es norma de East Austin College Prep Academy no discriminar por motives de raza, Add Suma color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento o edad, en sus procedimientos de empleo, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Multiple Multiplicar Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, la ley de Discriminación por Edad, de 1975, según enmienda, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda. East Austin College Prep Academy tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no Divide Dividir sea un obstáculo para la admissión y participación en todos los programs educativos y vocacionales. Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos de quejas, comuníquese con el Coordinador Ruler Reglar del Título IX/Sección 504, Laurel Parton, at 6002 Jain Lane, Austin, TX 78721, 512.287.5000. Teacher Maestra

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Urgent Urgente La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Page 19

Texas Book Festival Raza Round Table Student Story in Spanish Houston is now composed of Hispanics that come from various cultural backgrounds (not just Mexico, as one would assume). in Austin, Texas Every Saturday at 10:00am at Mexitas Mexican Restaurant Kreneck is the associate director for special collections and archives 1109 I-H 35 in Austin, Texas, community activists gather for a at the Mary and Jeff Bell Library and Joe B. Frantz Lecturer in Public weekly platica and information sharing session. The event is open History at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He is also the author to the public and everyone is invited. of Mexican American Odyssey: Felix Tijerina, Entrepreneur and Civic Leader, 1905-1965, published in 2001 by Texas A&M University For more information about the Raza Round Table contact Press. Kreneck has appeared at the Festival before in 2001 for his book Collecting Texas: Essays on Texana Collectors and the Creation Alfredo R. Santos c/s at (512) 944-4123 of Research Libraries. Page 20 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 A Brief History of Election History on Previous Plans to Amend the City Charter with Respect to Single Member Districts

Year Ordinance City Number of Ballots Percent For Against Outcome Population Registered Cast Who Voted Voters

April 7, 1973 Proposition 1 Amend City Charter 290,300 151,368 63,478 41.93% 22,180 38,441 Lost

April 1, 1978 Proposition 1 Amend City Charter N/A 128,038 25,545 19.95% 6,976 18,106 Lost

January 19, 1985 Proposition 5 Amend City Charter 417,033 302,383 87,931 29.08% 34,382 44,892 Lost

May 7, 1988 Proposition 1 464,118 275,435 63,841 23.00% 25,457 34,398 Lost Amend City Charter

May 7, 1994 Proposition 1 508,336 326,996 85,028 26.00% 37,395 40,371 Lost Amend City Charter

May 4, 2002 Proposition 3 680,889 473,828 42,431 9.00% 16,249 22,456 Lost Amend City Charter SOURCE: City of Austin, Election History, 1840 to present La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Page 21 PROPOSITION 3 Real Change: Not the Illusion of Change by Tom Herrera while giving power groups actually decided what candidates the were acceptable. It was actually a way to have Currently our city leaders live in four zip codes. impression “minority candidates” that were not considered to This is not Representative Government! This is that the be troublesome, disagreeable, or “radical not inclusive representation! Why shouldn’t leaders citizens are activists.” So ethnic or candidates of color could be allowed to emerge from say Postal Zip Codes given true look forward to campaign funding as long as they 78702, 78704, 78721, 78741, 78751, 78745 or representation. were compliant. 78744? The fact is that by having 3 The Citizens Districting 10-1 Plan was developed at-large seats PROP 3 – THE OPPORTUNITY by citizens from all over the city and later over you still get 30,000 signatures were collected on a petition in the same The 10-1 Plan gives an opportunity for leaders support of this more representative plan. We will unequal from different communities to emerge much like have an opportunity to vote (YES) on City of Austin representation they have in nearby San Antoino which changed Charter Proposition (3) which states: for the current Tom Herrera to a district plan in 1977. This prevented organized money agendas in general to define politics (in San Shall the city charter be amended to provide for interests because it takes more money to win in a Antonio) as they had done in the past. th the election of council members from geographical, city of 800,00 than it does to win in a district 1/10 single-member districts, with the mayor to be that size. The idea is that a council member would live in elected at large, and to provide for an independent the District from which they are elected. The redistricting commission. Look for television advertising and expensive candidates would be familiar with strengths and mail-outs endorsing the “Distraction Plan.” It is really needs of the areas from which they are elected. The DISTRACTION another form of an illusion but it is not really Southeast Austin (Zip Code 78744) certainly has inclusion in a true representative plan as required young emerging leaders. The needs of a respective Those who want to continue the status quo (not by the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This act was a district would be similar among ethnic groups so make changes) have come up with a plan to prevent landmark piece of legislation in the U.S.A. that the needs of each community and the needs of real change. It is a pacifier or illusion of allowing outlawed discriminatory voting practices. It was the community at-large would be determined by the citizens to have a representative City signed into law by non other than President Lyndon members elected by district plus a mayor elected Government. It is called the 8-2-1 Plan. What it B. Johnson (a native central Texan) on August 6, at-large. does is allow for 2 members of city council to be 1965. elected at large which in effect dilutes the voices Proposition 3, would bring equal representation of those council members who represent the 8 THE EARLIER ILLUSION and it would certainly be in compliance legally and instead of 10 districts. This is known as Proposition I spirit with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. We owe 4 and we should vote NO because this is the An earlier attempt to run an end around the Voting our civil rights and right to vote to a large number response of big developers and the insider Rights Act was the “Gentlemen’s Agreement.” It was of courageous individuals both living and dead. interests. It was put on the ballot by the Austin City a mostly Anglo business group that came up with We also owe much gratitude to many organizations Council in executive session after it was forced to this plan which n effect said that the powerful and their outspoken members both past and put Proposition 3 on the ballot because of the business interests would not fund white or Anglo present. more than 30,000 signatures on a petition. candidates in City Council Places 5 and 6 in order to set aside one place for a black or African- I urge you to get registered (if you have not The “insiders” 8-2-1 is designed to continue to American councilperson and one place for a Latino already done so) and then be sure to vote YES on protect as much of the present system as possible or Hispanic councilperson. The fact was that the PROPOSITION # 3 and NO on PROPOSITION # 4. Page 22 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012 Page 23

A Smart Choice for Texans Too many families feel like they’ve been out there on the their own after the recession. Their anxieties about retirement, their children’s education and advancing in their own careers are real. This sluggish economy has hit us all hard. I know first hand what it is like to get taken advantage of by banks and working hard every day to keep my business doors open and growing. There are people across Texas still looking for that next job, or pour- ing all their efforts into their small businesses, or hoping that the promise of Social Security and Medicare will be there when they need it. That is not right, we deserve better. As a 6th generation Texan, my love for Texas runs deep. Growing up in South Texas among communities rich and diverse in culture that one can only find in Texas; what happens to you, to our communities “I am running for Congress because for years and our economy matters to me. That is why voting for me is a vote the voices of too many Texans have been pushed aside in Washington.” to get Texas and your community back on track.

Empower Serve Protect Education, Jobs, Healthcare. The People First. Life and Liberty. Keep Government Out of Our Private Lives. “We will get to work right away to fund edu- “Government should broadly support the cation, invest in infrastructure: roads, bridges, needs of the constituents and the American “Protect the Civil Liberties, promote the protec- renewable energy, water, rural development people, not the interests of the rich few (1%).” tion Human Rights to all people in every coun- and urban renewal for long-tern solution for try. Empower the Civil Liberties of the People!” lasting jobs in America!”

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Paid for by Candace Duval campaign. La Voz Newspaper - October, 2012