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Volume 16 Number 2 A Bi-Cultural Publication February, 2021 Inside This Issue People in the News

Pensamientos

Remembering Juan Cornejo

Toma Mi Corazon

En palabras hay poder

Recordando a An Interview with Chencho Flores Ofelia Maldonado Zapata Page 2 La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021

Flores, longtime Raiders player and coach, is going into the Pro Football People in the News Hall of Fame. That’s a huge deal. They make bronze statues of people hon- ored. His biography and his Wikipedia Bertha Rendo Delgado, community Armando Manzanero, one of Latin entry, already jammed with superla- activist from East Austin was selected America’s most influential and prolific tives, will now include the word “leg- to serve as Minister President of the songwriters, died on December 28, ac- end.” Austin Brown Berets Chapter. cording to CNN. He was 85, and had Flores, who turns 84 in March and been hospitalized earlier in the month will celebrate his 60th wedding anni- In a statement on FACEBook, she said, after testing positive for COVID-19. “I would like to take a moment to versary with his wife, Barbara, the Mark Madrid Joining same month, the induction will be the Honor my parents, In 1979 a year I was His family told Mexican newspaper El SBA in Washington, D.C. born into the Chicano Movement to final layer of frosting on his career Universal that he was set to be extu- cake. Thousands of men play, coach, my East Side Chicana Activist (mom) bated in the coming days, after his lung Mark Madrid, the CEO of the Latino and administrate in the National Foot- Alice Rendon de Austin & health had improved, but he then died Business Action Network (LBAN), Chicano Brown Beret (father) Mar- ball League. Only a fraction of those by cardiac arrest. Manzanero had writ- has been named associate administra- tin Delgado de San Antonio Texas. are deemed special enough to be on Isabel Lopez Appointed ten over 600 songs in his lifetime, ac- tor for the Office of Entrepreneurial It is in my blood. I grew up in a the wall of the sacred building on cording to the Mexican Society of Au- Development at the Small Business COO of Latino Chicano Movement in a Chicano fam- George Halas Drive in Canton, Ohio. thors and Composers, which he Administration (SBA). Healthcare Forum ily in a Chicano Community called the served as president of until his death. East Side of Austin Texas. Flores is thrilled, excited, over- The Latino HealthCare Forum is The announcement was made by whelmed. Yet even if he were the kind happy to announce the appointment of LBAN Chairman Victor Arias Jr. I was Blessed to have the Best prede- His songs have been performed by of person to react with backflips — its new Chief Operating Officer during the sixth annual State of Latino cessor you can have & that’s my God- icons of Latin music like Luis Miguel, which he is not — he will remain joy- (COO), Isabel Lopez. Entrepreneurship Forum. Madrid father Co- Founder Prime Minister along with singers including Frank ously restrained, if such an emotional will report directly to Isabel Guzman, of the Brown Berets Chicano Activ- Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Dionne contradiction is even possible. See, it’s president’s choice to be Isabel has collaborated with the orga- ist Paul Hernandez. I am Blessed to Warwick, and Andrea Bocelli. He was not quite a done deal. And his hopes SBA administrator and he’s expected nization for almost nine years and has have so many Chicano Brown Beret integral to Luis Miguel’s iconic Ro- and expectations have been stomped to depart LBAN on Feb. 11. officially worked for six years. She has Mentors like Chicana Susana mance album series, writing many of on before. proven to be an invaluable member of Almanza, Gilbert Rivera & Ramon the songs and serving as music direc- our team and we wish her the best of Previously, Mark served as Presi- B Maldonado Sr., Tio Pete Martinez, tor across the projects. Last August, he received a phone call luck in this new position. dent/CEO of the Greater Austin His- my Hero my Welo Edward Rendon from Hall of Fame president David panic Chamber of Commerce. Prior Sr., My father my mother!! He also recorded music of his own, Baker. A committee had chosen Flores to serving in nonprofit executive roles, Jill Ramirez , President of the Latino and won a Latin Grammy for his du- as the “top finalist” for 2021 selection, Madrid enjoyed a flourishing career Healthcare Forum stated “Estamos Thank you to Our Leader Brown Be- ets album Duetos. Baker told him. Flores would be in- in banking that began on Wall Street contentos de anunciar el ret Chicano Alfred Rangel aka ducted in a newly designated coach- in 1995 with J.P. Morgan. nombramiento de nuestra nueva (Basco) my Advisor for your hard work ing category. As the “top finalist,” his Directora de Operaciones, Isabel for your loyalty for your dedication & selection was virtually assured. Baker Lopez, ella ha colaborado con nuestra According to his Linkedin’s profile, for you always believing in me & didn’t say exactly that, but his organización por casi nueve años y ha celebratory tone and the fact that the Mark holds a BBA from The Univer- knowing me since I was a child to carry trabajado oficialmente desde hace seis call was filmed and posted to the sity of Texas at Austin McCombs on this torch!!! My mission is to años. Isabel ha demostrado ser un internet inferred as much. School of Business, where he gradu- archive my elders, to educate about our miembro invaluable de nuestro equipo ated with Honors and earned the des- History our cultura , our movement & y le deseamos mucha suerte en esta ignation as an Endowed Presidential set the tone for future generations! Flores’ selection will become official nueva posición”. Scholar. Mark also graduated Cum Chicano & Chicana Power Que Viva the day before the Super Bowl on Feb. Laude with a Master in Nonprofit La Raza!!” 7, when the class of 2021 is chosen Administration from the University for the annual August ceremony in of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Canton. There are 48 voting members, Business. by BILL DWYREJ and Flores needs to be named on 80 percent of the ballots, or 38.4 people. “Mark has been a longtime champion Former Raiders coach Tom Nobody seems sure about how he gets on scaling small Latino owned busi- Flores, a two-time Super that .4 if he needs it, but all involved nesses. We look forward to working Bowl winner, is finally in this process are clear: The “top fi- with Mark in his new role to effectively headed to the Pro Football nalist” is as good as in. The main vot- generate a greater impact for our Hall of Fame. (He’s told.) ing body seldom strays from the se- USHCC members who need support lection committee’s “top finalist.” growing jobs for our future economy As he approaches the moment that he dependent on the success of our Latino has long coveted, Tom Flores uses a entrepreneurs”, says Ramiro Bertha Rendon Delgado nice, tidy phrase that captures both his Cavazos, President of the United New Minister with Brown Amarmando Manzanero approach to life and his even-handed States Hispanic Chamber of Com- Berets in Austin, Texas Passes Away in Mexico perspective on all things: “This will merce. be a nice ending to my journey.” PRODUCTION La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021 Page 3 PRODUCTION Editor & Publisher EditorAlfredo & SantosPublisher c/s Alfredo Santos c/s Pensamientos EDITORIAL Managing Editors Bienvenidos otra vez a La she would have a chance. congratulatory phones AssociateYleana SantosEditors Voz Newspaper. After all, she was legally DianaKaitlyn Santos Theiss afterwards. Primeramente, we would blind and did not have a lot ContributingGraphics Writers like to call to your attention of financial resources In a recent conversation she AliciaJuan Perez-Hodge Gallo a number of our stories in behind her. told of having called a Elizabeth Lopez this issue. number of the schools that Distribution But what she did have was are in District 2. At one El Team First is the article on page 4 more than thirty (30) years school where she stated on Distribution about what the University of working as a community the phone that she was Tom Herrera Contributing Writers of California is doing to Anna Valdez activist with a group called Ofelia Maldonado help farm workers. A lot of SergioWayne Porras Austin Interfaith. (Now Zapata, the principal asked Hector Tijerina people say that farm known as Central Texas who she was. She had to Alfredo R. Santos c/s Marisa Cano workers are essential Interfaith) explain she was the new Editor and Publisher Email Address: workers, but that is all. Here school board trustee for the [email protected] is an example of an Ofelia and her small team area. (Pos excuse me!) is part of what inspired José institution that is actually of volunteers knocked on Angle Gutiérrez to doing something to help doors and worked at passing The other story we wish to conceive and organize seven PUBLISHER’S La Voz de Austin is a monthly during this time of COVID. out leaflets everywhere they call to your attention is on years later what would publication.STATEMENT The editorial and could. They also took Page 6. It is about the become La Raza Unida Labusiness Voz is address a monthly is P.O.publi- Box Our second story which we advantage of the long lines passing of Juan Cornejo, Party. And it was La Raza 19457 Austin, Texas 78760. cation covering Bexar, wish to call to your attention that had formed at the former Mayor of Unida Party that shook The telephone number is Caldwell, Comal, is the interview we did with numerous polling locations Crystal City, Texas. Juan the political establishment Guadalupe,(512) 944-4123. Hays The William use, re- the new Austin and talked to everyone they was 90 years old and a which feared what might andproduction Travis Counties.or distribution The of Independent School could from seven in the member of a group known editorialany or part and of business this publication ad- happen if Mexican District Trustee Ofelia morning until 7 in the dressis strongly is P.O. encouraged. Box 19457 But do as Los Cinco. They were Americans were to in fact Austin,call and Texas let us know78760. what The you Maldonado Zapata. evening during early voting. the ones who, in 1963, stood turn out to vote and create are using. Letters to the edi- telephone number is (512) When she announced her And it paid off! She took up and ran for public office other Crystal Cities tor are most welcome. 944-4123. The use, repro- candidacy for school board, 60% of the vote on during the time of the poll around the country. duction or distribution of any not many people thought November 3rd, and then took tax. Their collective victory or part of this publication is strongly encouraged. But do call and let us know what you are using. Letters to the editor are most welcome.

Por cualquier pregunta, llamanos: (512) 944-4123 Paid Political Announcement by the Candidate Page 4 La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021 UC Davis Launches $3 Million Project to Improve Farmworker COVID Safety Team is Working With Agricultural Industry and Community Groups By Diane Nelson on January 27, 2021 in Human & Animal Health

California’s 800,000 farmworkers have been hit hard by COVID-19, the disease that has infected more than 25 million people and killed more than 420,000 in the United States. Farmworkers are especially vulnerable to the airborne virus that causes COVID-19 because they often live, work and carpool in close quarters with other people. As essential employees, farmworkers have stayed on the job during the pandemic to plant, process and harvest the nation’s food.

Agricultural safety experts and communicators at the University of California, Davis, have launched the COVID-19 Statewide Agriculture and Farmworker Education Program to reverse that trend. Funded by a $3 million contract with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the project provides workers, growers, farm labor contractors, commu- nity groups and others the training and safety information they need to reduce farmworkers’ risk of contracting COVID-19.

The COVID-19 project is led by experts at the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, who are collaborating with the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communications Team, a network of community-based organiza- tions, and agricultural industry groups.

Holy Family “Our team will work directly with community organizations who are trusted by farmworkers and Catholic Church have already been assisting them throughout this COVID crisis,” said Heather Riden, program di- An inclusive & rector at the Western Center for Agricultural compassionate Health and Safety. “Our goal is to amplify their efforts and help them build capacity as they con- CATHOLIC community tinue to provide critical COVID safety informa- Rev. Dr. Jayme Mathias tion to their communities.” M.A., M.B.A., M.Div., M.S., Ph.D. The team is also working closely with farmers and Senior Pastor others in the agriculture industry as they navigate state COVID-19 workplace safety standards, es- tablish protocols and provide employees the tools 9:00 a.m. Dialogue on Scripture & Spirituality they need to stay safe on the job. “As employers 10:00 a.m. English Mariachi Mass across the state implement that new COVID-19 10:45 a.m. Breakfast & Mariachi Emergency Temporary Standards, we want to be a resource for them so they can take all the necessary steps to ensure a safe work environment,” said Riden. 12:00 p.m. Spanish Mariachi Mass 8613 Lava Hill Road, 78744 The program will be especially active in areas of high agricultural employment, such as the Central Valley, the Imperial Valley, Napa Valley and fertile regions along California’s south From Highway 183 South, turn right on the first road after and central coastlines. Free trainings and other events are already underway. You can learn FM 812. Look for the sign “Mass.” more and register for upcoming presentations on the UC Davis Western Center for Agricul- tural Health and Safety website. The center also offers extensive COVID resources and infor- For more information: (512) 826-0280 mation in multiple languages on its COVID-19 Resources page. Welcome Home! La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021 Page 5 Newspaper Publisher Gregorio HAYS COUNTY Texas State University Gutierrez Passes Away from COVID Judge forms Tejano, in San Angelo, Texas indigenous council Professor Releases The publisher Gregorio of Gutiérrez es el Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra has formed the Council for the Indig- New Book CONEXION, fundador / CEO / enous and Tejano Community to fa- a community presidente de Dr. Melissa A. Martinez and Dr. cilitate the community’s desire to ad- based newspa- Conexión Sylvia Mendez-Morse are the dress undertold and untold indigenous authors of anew book titled: per in San Hispana- and Tejano stories. Angelo, Texas Periódico “Latinas Leading Schools.” This collective labor of love that passed away Bilingüe. Al crecer The council's mission is to preserve proved to be so much more than recently from en México, a la the history, traditions and rich culture a book project; was a journey COVID. edad de 12 años of indigenous and Tejano people of filled with mentorship, commu- Gregorio comenzó a Hays County through oral histories, nity building and support. Con- Gutierrez, was trabajar. Gregorio, art and culture. It will work closely tributors include: born and raised in Mexico and be- with the distinguished Indigenous Cul- cuando era niño tuvo una gran visión Dr. Fabiola Bagula tures Institute to help accomplish the gan working at the age of 12. que se extendió más allá de su pueblo. Dr. Maria Gabriel mission. Esa visión lo llevó a los Estados Dr. Tatiana Joseph He came to the United States in 1984 Unidos en 1984, estableciéndose en Dr. Rebeca Burciaga Becerra has appointed Gina Alba- and moved to San Angelo in 1986. San Angelo en 1986, en 1990 se casó Dr. Ana Tavares Rogers as chair and Irma Gaitan as Dr. Mónica Byrne-Jiménez He married his wife Araceli con su actual esposa y compañera de vice chair. Both have previously served Dr. Wellinthon García Gutierrez in 1990, who is also his negocios, Araceli Gutiérrez. En el on the Hays County Historical Com- Dr. Elizabeth Gil business partner. He officially be- 2000 se convirtió en ciudadano de los mission. came a U.S. Citizen in 2000 and cre- Estados Unidos. Dr. Sandra Quiñones Rosado Dr. Anne Marie FitzGerald ated Conexión Hispana shortly af- Other members include Becerra; This book is available (Soon to be) Dr. Christina Díaz ter. Su experiencia laboral varía desde Maria Rocha, director of the Indig- through Amazon and other Dr. Tatiana Morales-Owens trabajar como farmacéutico hasta enous Cultures Institute; and Frank Dr. Sandra L. Harris book distributors. he publication quickly grew and Arredondo, a fifth generation Hays T trabajar en agencias federales de Dr. Sonia Rodriguez generated more publications which comunicaciones y estaciones de radio. County resident and former mayor of San Marcos. include, Conexión San Angelo, Trabajó localmente en la estación de As the first scholarly book of its kind, this edited volume brings together educa- tional leadership scholars and practitioners from across the country whose re- Conexión Del Rio, Conexión a la Radio en español KSJT y en 1992 creó Hays County residents who would search focuses on the unique contributions and struggles that Latinas across the Salud, Conexión Cristiana, and Art para KLST-TV un programa piloto like to participate in the council’s mis- face while leading in schools and districts. The impetus for this book is to ac- & Culture Connection. titulado “Simplemente Latino”. sion can call 512-393-2205 or email knowledge, explore, theorize, and expand our understanding of how Latinas’ [email protected] or success as school and district leaders is informed by such gifts, including their [email protected]. prioritizing of familia and communidad, relationship building, reciprocity, and advocacy, in the face of such challenges. Thus, this volume covers four topical areas: 1) Testimonies and reflections from the field/Testimonios y reflexiones del campo, 2) Leading in relationship, comadrismo, with and for community/ Southwest Texas Liderazgo en relación, comadrismo, con y para la omunidad, 3) School commu- nity leaders(hip)/Lider(azgo) escolar y comunitario 4) Learning from the expe- Oral History Center riences of others/Aprendiendo de las experiencias de otras. www.oralhistoryswt.org Take a look and listen to the Middle Rio Grande region of Texas through Oral History.

Alfredo Santos c/s (512) 944-4123 Page 6 La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021 57 Years Ago Juan Cornejo and Friends Decided It Was Time To Step Up, and Step Up They Did!

Before La Raza Unida Party made its debut in Elected were Juan Cornejo, J. Mario Crystal City, Texas in 1970, there was Los Hernandez, Manuel R. Maldonado, Antonio Cinco in 1963. They were five Mexican Ameri- G. Cardenas and Reynaldo Mendoza. Accord- cans who believed they had the right to run for ing to one of the newspaper clippings, the elec- positions on the Crystal City City Coucnil. tion of Los Cinco swept out a group that had They began a campaign to get out the vote and been in power for 38 years. for the first time in the city’s history, they all won Mr Cornejo said there was no big plan for tak- elective office. José Angel Gutierrez, then a ing over the city council. He said that Mo Fal- young 19 year old, participated in this campaign con was the guy to organized everything along and it would serve as an experience he would with PASSO (Political Association of Spanish remember several years later when he launched La Raza Unida Party during the years of the Speaking Organizations). He said that Falcon Chicano Movement. came by his house one day and said they had a slate of candidates but needed one more to com- The victory back in 1963 by Los Cinco resulted plete the ticket. Mr. Cornejo said that when they in one of them being chosen as Mayor of Crys- asked him, he said sure, put my name down. tal City. His name was Juan Cornejo. During our visit, Mr. Cornejo broke out his In 2013, La Voz Newspapers went to Crystal photo albums and and we turned on the tape City to visit Mr. Cornejo on the 60th anniver- recorder to capture his thoughts and views about sary of his electoral win. He received us in his all that has transpired over the years. Among small home and we visited for about an hour. He his more salient thoughts were how fast events ABOVE: Mr. Cornejo in the 1950s when he was shared photos from his life and we spoke of those were taking place back in 1963. He of course in the service. He would later become an assis- times of many years ago. tant business agent for Teamsters Local 657 at mentioned the assassination of President the California Packing Company in Crystal City. Today we report that Mr. Juan Cornejo passed Kennedy but also the Civil away on January XX 2021. He was 91 years old. Rights Movement. He also spoke about the first What Mr. Cornejo did back in 1963 was both time he met Dr. Martin daring and dangerous. Back then Mexican Luther King in Los Ange- Americans who dared to challenge the Anglo es- tablishment risked their lives and livihoods. But les, California. On the right Mr. Cornejo and his allies knew the time had is a photo of Mr. Cornejo come to stand up and be counted. with Dr. King. Also in the photo is Tom Bradley (tall- The population of Crystal City, Texas was about est one in the photo) who 8,000. (85% Mexican American) There were zero would later go on to become Mexican Americans on the council. The same thing for the schoool board and the county com- the Mayor of . missioners. But the winds of social change were blowing from the African American communty’s struggle in the south and people all over, includ- Juan Cornejo ing Mexican Americans in South Texas were be- May 20th, 1930 ginning to ask why not? January 20, 2021 Los Cinco stunned the local power structure when they took the majority of the votes cast on April 2nd, 1963. (The electoral ballot on the right shows how voters would scratch out the names of the candidates they did not want. La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021 Page 7 Slavery in Texas, Mexico and the U.S.

How did slavery evolve in Mexico, Texas, and the U.S. in the early 1800s? In honor of Black History Month, "The Alamo Addresses: Slavery in Texas, Mexico, and the U.S. from 1820 - 1846 – An Interactive Discussion,” will allow participants to learn more about how slavery factored into the time period before and after the Texas Revolution.

Carey Latimore, Ph.D., associate professor of history at Trinity University and author of the Alamo’s report on Civil Rights in San Antonio: WWII to 1960s, will discuss how slavery was changing in Mexico, Texas, and the U.S during the early 19th century. Hosted by Texas Representative Babara Gervin- Hawkins, this event will feature an interactive Q&A session with virtual partici- pants in real-time.

This event will be a free virtual, online-only event via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Spots for live participants will be limited, so book your spot today. Viewers will be able to submit questions directly to Latimore during the Q&A portion of the program. Reserve your free tickets here before they are gone! The full presentation will be available for viewing on the Official Alamo YouTube page following the event. Black History Month Page 8 La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021 LA PEÑA GALLERY ANNUAL FUNDRAISER: Toma Mi Corazón XXIX La Peña's 29th Annual Fundraiser Gallery Exhibition: February 1-22 • Auction Website Virtual Silent Auction: Saturday, February 13, 12-6 p.m.

La Peña's annual signature event features a virtual silent auction (32auctions.com/Toma29) of beautifully decorated hearts and unique art pieces created by artists, youth and community members. In addition to the virtual silent auction, the public may view the exhibition in person. We strongly recommend visiting La Peña from February 1-12 to view all items before the auction begins as gallery capacity is limited. by Joe Holton by J.P. Gutierrez Bidding takes place online, Saturday, February 13 from 12-6 p.m. There will be no in-person bidding at this year's event. Here's how to get started: To participate in the auction (bid, view activity, add items to your watchlist), you must create an account here.

After you create your account on 32auctions.com, check your email for a verification email from 32auctions. If it is not in your Inbox, check your Spam folder. You will need to verify your 32auctions account in order to participate in the auction. by Rudy Cuellar by Susan Van Haitsma

Once your've verified your account, you may add items to your watchlist by clicking the grey heart icon, turning it pink. You do not have to create an account to VIEW auction items, but you must create an account to BID on or follow activity of auction items.

Purchases may be collected at La Peña (227 Congress Ave.; corner of 3rd and Congress) during the days/times below. A valid photo ID and 32auc- tions receipt are required in order to collect auction purchases. by Carlos Lowry by Santa Yanez Saturday, February 13, 6-8 p.m. More than 100 hearts created by local artists and community members. Sunday, February 14, 12-5 p.m. Bid Online Now! Monday-Friday, February 15-19, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at 32auctions.com/Toma29 Saturday, February 20, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. You may view the hearts online or in-person. www.lapena-austin.org (January227 Congress28, 1940 Avenue, Austin, TX 78701 NovemberGALLERY 11, HOURS:2020) MON-FRI 8AM-5PM; SAT -AM-3PM Page 9 Page 10 La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021

Ofelia Maldonado Zapata ran for the position An Interview with of school board trustee in and Dr. Nora Comstock de District 2 in Austin, Texas. Hoyos. I had a group of people There were 3 other who were working the phones. I AISD School Board candidates running on also had some retired teachers La Voz: Let me ask you this November 3rd, .2020, and it who were helping me. This was Ofelia: Yes. So it’s not that I up as a concern. Even the surveys question, when did you decided support charter schools, I of other stakeholders came back, was assumed that would be my core group. you were going to run? endorsed a school. It is going to mental health showed up as the a run-off election. But to La Voz: Were there any debates be a charter school. It hasn’t been number one concern. So when everyone’s surprise, Ofelia or candidate forums that you Ofelia: Well, when Father built. Garcia presented our proposal to won the 4 way contest with participated in during the Jayme announced that he was the district. 62% of the vote. A campaign? not going to run again for his La Voz: Ok. community activist for more school board seat, a lot of La Voz: Who is Garcia? than 30 years with a group Ofelia: Yes. There were many community people approached Ofelia: It is going to be for high called Austin Interfaith, forums and they were very me about running. Joe Lee school dropouts. It’s a Ofelia: The principal of Eastside called me, Vincent Tobar Ofelia, who is legally blind, challenging for me because I still population that nobody is Memorial High School. He told called and even Ken (Zarifis) helping. They are already like us that Tracy Spinner said we pulled off an upset. What really didn’t know how to do Zoom. But what was even from Education Austin called history to AISD. And the reason could not do that. follows is an interview La harder was that I am a and I said to myself that, “I was I learned about it is because I was Voz Newspapers community organizer and this never ever going to run for any in a social justice ministry La Voz: Do what? conducted right after her (campaigning) is ministry work political seat.” So when they all meeting and it was everything I victory. for me. In the candidate forums called, I said I would pray about was working for at Eastside Ofelia: Could not move forward I had to answer a lot of questions it. The idea of running for public Memorial. It was going to have on this Panther Health and that was exhausting. But office had never crossed my a wholistic approach to Initiative. La Voz: I was surprised by how thank God I had an amazing mind, but I said, I will pray about education, it was going to include well you did because I don’t campaign manager who helped it. health and wellness at the outset, La Voz: And who is Tracy remember seeing a lot of signs. me out. (Jordan Russell) The because if our kids are not Spinner? But when the numbers came, I other things I didn’t really like La Voz: Then what happened? mentally healthy or healthy said, Wow! So my first question during the campaign was having period, they are not going to have Ofelia: She is the Director of to you is, were you surprised? to talk about myself. That is just Ofelia: Well, I was in a strategy a successful educational Comprehensive Health not me. I would get asked, why meeting with all these education experience. We had a project Services for AISD. We asked Ofelia: I wasn’t surprised. What do feel that you are . . . Or why activists and they were throwing called, The Panther surprised me was the number of do you think you are better . . . . out all these ideas and telling me Health and Wellness people who came out to vote. Por favor, I really didn’t like why I was the best candidate and Initiative. 2020 was Everyone was saying, there is those kinds of questions. when the topic of charter schools going to be the going to be a run-off. We didn’t came up, that’s when everything implementation year. want a run-off. My team was La Voz: As the campaign came to a halt because I shared Last May we had Dr. physically tired. We didn’t want unfolded over time, did having to that I had endorsed a charter Silvec from the UT Med a run-off, not if we can help it. answer those kinds of questions school, Learn 4 Life. And they School, who was become easier? were really angry about it. working with us. La Voz: Now you mentioned Altogether we had 25 your team. Who was on your Ofelia: Yes, because at first I was La Voz: Let me see if I amazing health care team? trying to answer everyone’s understand, people were calling partners and we had questionnaire individually and you and encouraging you to been meeting for three Ofelia: My team was my then I finally realized that some consider running for school years. The student campaign manager, Jordan, my of the questions were the same board. And you were reluctant at surveys that were husband, Jim Zapata, Dora ones. So we realized we can just first and then when you revealed conducted showed that I am a community organizer and this Lugo, Maria Emerson, use the same answers for the that you supported charter mental health was the (campaigning) is ministry work for Rebecca Hernandez, my son, same questions. schools they reacted? item that kept coming me. La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021 Page 11

Ofelia Maldonado Zapata La Voz: With regard to media. What did you do? are upset with me. This is about the kids. Ofelia: Well, we had 30 signs. Trustee - District 2 We didn’t do any radio. And of La Voz: You have been a 30 year course no TV. her, is this because the district Ofelia: This would be Ken supporting a charter school, they member of Central Texas does not have the resources? And Zarifs and Vincent Tobar. got cold feet and backed out? Interfaith. When you hit the La Voz: Did you have she said oh no, we can’t be held They were very pissed. I even got campaign trail, did this endorsements? accountable to serve every a call later from Jayme Ofelia: Yes. So at that time I was organization come alive and help student. (Mathias) telling me to go really upset at how upset they got you? Did you get a lot phones Ofelia: Zero endorsements! public and say that I made a because all these things that they that you hadn’t from in a while? La Voz: What happened next? mistake. mentioned about successful and Zero endorsements because of the charter issue. They all went effective ideas were in education, Ofelia: No, not really. I had to to endorse Gonzalez because he Ofelia: I went to superintendent La Voz: That you made a it didn’t matter anymore. The build my campaign from scratch. was a professor, and he comes Dr. Paul Cruz and he had his mistake about what? fact that I was supporting a We had to go out and talk to a lot from a family of teachers. I don’t chief of staff look at it and they charter became the nasty word. of people. Over the years the have a degree. I don’t have those didn’t get anything done. So Ofelia: About endorsing that So then I said, you know what, residents in the district have credentials. I am just a when I heard about this new school. And so I said well no, I I’m not doing it anymore. changed. In fact, I decided to use community person. All the charter school, Learn 4 Life, don’t regret it. And if I go public, my maiden name of money went behind him. So the that is going to be built in the I will repeat it because it’s about La Voz: Doing what anymore? Maldonado, because I felt campaign came down to the Rundberg area, it was everything the kids. It’s not about me. It’s some might know me that way. difference between “organized we had been working on. I even about educating all children. Ofelia: Running for school So I campaigned as Ofelia people” vs. “organized money.” wanted it for Dove Springs. So There is a lot of brokenness out board. Maldonado Zapata. I also And it showed that when people when I was meeting with activists there. I just couldn’t comprehend found that a lot of the people we want something bad enough and about me running for AISD the resistance to support an La Voz: And then? were talking to would tell me that you can convince them that their school board and I told them I effort like this. they couldn’t vote. Yo no puedo voice is important and they can had written a letter of support for Ofelia: It was July and I had votar. And I would remind them help bring about that change, it this charter school, they were La Voz: Ok, so going back to the gotten sick with Covid. I was that if they had a 19 or 20 year makes a difference. pissed. campaign. When you were being home and then one morning I family member who could vote asked to consider running and woke up and I heard a voice say, or maybe grandchildren who La Voz: I agree. La Voz: Now who specifically people found out you were “start campaign.” I called out to were of voting age, they could are you talking about? my husband and asked him, “Did help by getting them to vote. Ofelia: After the polls closed at you say They would say yes, I can do that. something?” He 7:00pm, we came back and rested for a bit. We were said, “No.” So I La Voz: Did you find the long exhausted. It must have been said well I am lines at the voting locations around 9:00m when Jordan, going to go back worked in your favor? and start a my campaign manager, said there are some numbers coming campaign. I am Ofelia: Oh yes. During early in over the TV. And I said alright, going to run after voting my team and I would go let’s get everybody in the dining all” And he said. early in the morning to work the room. So Jordan read out the “OK.” So I felt that long lines. In fact, we worked numbers. It was 11% for was my answer those lines all day. We constantly Anderson, 28% for Gonzales, and so I called my out there talking. I found that a and 60% for me and I was like friend Ruby and lot of people were in line to vote WOW! At first, it didn’t sink in. told her, “You because of the presidential And then shortly afterward, know what, this is election. And of course on I said, you know what, I’m not I don’t have those credentials. not about them. I election we had all the polling doing it anymore. I am just a community person. don’t care if they places covered. Continued on Page 14 Page 12 La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021 Comisión De Calidad Ambiental del Estado de Texas

SOLICITUD. La ciudad de Clute, futuro; identificar el nombre 108 East Main Street, Clute, Texas y la dirección de un miembro 77531, ha solicitado a la Comisión del grupo que sería afectado de Calidad Ambiental del Estado adversamente por la planta o de Texas (TCEQ) para renovar el la actividad propuesta; Permiso No. WQ0010044001 proveer la información (EPA I.D. No. TX 0034436) del indicada anteriormente con Sistema de Eliminación de respecto a la ubicación del Descargas de Contaminantes de AVISO DE RECIBO DE LA SOLICITUD Y miembro afectado y su Texas (TPDES) para autorizar la EL INTENTO DE OBTENER UN PERMISO PARA distancia de la planta o descarga de aguas residuales LA CALIDAD DEL AGUA RENOVACIÓN actividad propuesta; explicar tratadas en un volumen que no cómo y porqué el miembro sobrepasa un flujo promedio PERMISO NO. WQ0010044001 sería afectado; y explicar diario de 4,000,000 galones por cómo los intereses que el día. La planta de tratamiento de conducirá una revisión técnica de audiencia administrativa de lo un procedimiento legal similar a grupo desea proteger son aguas residuales domésticas está la solicitud. Después de completar contencioso. un procedimiento legal civil en un pertinentes al propósito del ubicada 1411 Mockingbird Lane, la revisión técnica, el Director tribunal de distrito del estado. grupo. en la ciudad deRichwood, en Ejecutivo puede preparar un OPORTUNIDAD DE UNA Condado de Brazoria, Texas 77531. borrador del permiso y emitirá una AUDIENCIA PARA SOLICITAR UNA Después del cierre de todos los Decisión Preliminar sobre la ADMINISTRATIVA DE LO AUDIENCIA DE CASO períodos de comentarios y de La ruta de descarga es desde el sitio solicitud. El aviso de la CONTENCIOSO. Después del IMPUGNADO, USTED DEBE petición que aplican, el Director de la planta hasta una zanja de solicitud y la decisión plazo para presentar comentarios INCLUIR EN SU SOLICITUD Ejecutivo enviará la solicitud y drenaje; de ahí a Flag Lake preliminar serán publicados públicos, el Director Ejecutivo LOS SIGUIENTES DATOS: su cualquier petición para Drainage Canal; de ahí a East y enviado a los que están en considerará todos los comentarios nombre, dirección, y número reconsideración o para una Union Bayou; de ahí al Canal la lista de correo de las apropiados y preparará una de teléfono; el nombre del audiencia de caso impugnado a los Intracostero; de ahí a Old Brazos personas a lo largo del respuesta a todo los comentarios solicitante y número del Comisionados de la TCEQ para su River Canal Tidal. TCEQ recibió condado que desean recibir públicos esenciales, pertinentes, o permiso; la ubicación y consideración durante una esta solicitud el 8 de octubre de los avisos y los que están en significativos. A menos que la distancia de su propiedad/ reunión programada de la 2020. La solicitud para el permiso la lista de correo que desean solicitud haya sido referida actividad con respecto a la Comisión. está disponible para leerla y recibir avisos de esta directamente a una audiencia instalación; una descripción copiarla en Clute City Hall, 108 solicitud. El aviso dará la administrativa de lo específica de la forma cómo La Comisión sólo puede conceder East Main Street, Clute, Texas. fecha límite para someter contencioso, la respuesta a usted sería afectado una solicitud de una audiencia de Este enlace a un mapa electrónico comentarios públicos. los comentarios y la decisión adversamente por el sitio de caso impugnado sobre los temas de la ubicación general del sitio o del Director Ejecutivo sobre una manera no común al que el solicitante haya presentado de la instalación es proporcionado COMENTARIO PUBLICO / la solicitud serán enviados público en general; una lista en sus comentarios oportunos que como una cortesía y no es parte de REUNION PUBLICA. Usted por correo a todos los que de todas las cuestiones de no fueron retirados la solicitud o del aviso. Para la puede presentar comentarios presentaron un comentario hecho en disputa que usted posteriormente. Si se concede ubicación exacta, consulte la públicos o pedir una reunión público y a las personas que presente durante el período una audiencia, el tema de la solicitud. https:// pública sobre esta solicitud. están en la lista para recibir de comentarios; y la audiencia estará limitado a tceq.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ El propósito de una reunión avisos sobre esta solicitud. Si declaración “[Yo/nosotros] cuestiones de hecho en webappviewer/ disputa o cuestiones mixtas index.html?id=db5bac44afbc4 pública es dar la oportunidad de se reciben comentarios, el solicito/solicitamos una 68bbddd360f8168250f presentar comentarios o hacer aviso también proveerá audiencia de caso de hecho y de derecho &marker=-preguntas acerca de la solicitud. La instrucciones para pedir una impugnado”. Si presenta la relacionadas a intereses 95.389899%2C29.015514&level=12 TCEQ realiza una reunión pública reconsideración de la petición para una audiencia pertinentes y materiales de si el Director Ejecutivo determina decisión del Director de caso impugnado de parte calidad del agua que se hayan AVISO ADICIONAL. El que hay un grado de interés Ejecutivo y para pedir una de un grupo o asociación, presentado durante el Director Ejecutivo de la TCEQ ha público suficiente en la solicitud o audiencia administrativa de debe identificar una persona período de comentarios. Si determinado que la solicitud si un legislador local lo pide. Una lo contencioso. Una audiencia que representa al grupo para ciertos criterios se cumplen, esadministrativamente completa y reunión pública no es una administrativa de lo contencioso es recibir correspondencia en el la TCEQ puede actuar sobre La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021 Page 13 Comisión De Calidad Ambiental del Estado PERMISO NO. WQ0010044001 una solicitud para renovar un para esta aplicación, que se permiso sin proveer una proporciona en la parte superior oportunidad de una de este aviso. audiencia administrativa de CONTACTOS E lo contencioso. INFORMACIÓN A LA AGENCIA. Todos los LISTA DE CORREO. Si somete comentarios públicos y solicitudes comentarios públicos, un pedido deben ser presentadas para una audiencia administrativa electrónicamente vía http:// de lo contencioso o una www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/ reconsideración de la decisión del eComment/o por escrito dirigidos Director Ejecutivo, la Oficina del a la Comisión de Texas de Calidad Secretario Principal enviará por Ambiental, Oficial de la Secretaría correo los avisos públicos en (Office of Chief Clerk), MC-105, relación con la solicitud. Ademas, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas puede pedir que la TCEQ ponga su 78711-3087. Tenga en cuenta que nombre en una or mas de las listas cualquier información personal correos siguientes (1) la lista de que usted proporcione, incluyendo correo permanente para recibir los su nombre, número de teléfono, avisos de el solicitante indicado dirección de correo electrónico y por nombre y número del permiso dirección física pasarán a formar específico y/o (2) la lista de correo parte del registro público de la de todas las solicitudes en un Agencia. Para obtener más condado especifico. Si desea que se información acerca de esta agrega su nombre en una de las solicitud de permiso o el proceso listas designe cual lista(s) y envia de permisos, llame al programa de por correo su pedido a la Oficina educación pública de la TCEQ, del Secretario Principal de la gratis, al 1-800-687-4040. Si TCEQ. desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. INFORMACIÓN DISPONIBLE EN EL También se puede obtener INTERNET Para obtener más información adicional de la ciudad información sobre el estado de la de Clute a la dirección indicada solicitud, visite la base de datos arriba o llamando a Ms. Cathy integrada de los Comisionados en Dominguez, Brazos River www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Authority, (254) 761-3176 Busque en la base de datos utilizando el número de permiso Fecha de emisión 29 enero, 2021. Page 14 La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021 Continuation of the Ofelia Word Power Maldonado Zapata Interview Jayme Mathias called and said, “Congratulations new trustee!” And I was like En las palabras wait a minute, “Is it over? Is the count over?” And he said, “There is no way they care going to catch up to you.” And everyone in the room kind of cheered after that. Now earlier you asked if I was surprised by the turnout. Why were you surprised? hay poder La Voz: Well, as a newspaper person you try and have a feel for what is going on. No one can ever argue in the name Nadie puede averiguar en el nombre And quite frankly, I didn’t hear people talking about Ofelia Maldonado Zapata. of education, that it is better to know de la educación que es mejor saber I didn’t hear people talking about school board races. It was all about the less than it is to know more. Being menos que saber más. Siendo bilingüe presidential race. I didn’t even hear people talk about state representative races. bilingual or trilingual or multilingual o trilingüe es parte de ser educado en The down ballot candidates didn’t get a lot of chatter. So when the numbers finally is about being educated in the 21st el siglo 21. Esperamos traer cada mes came in, I was like everyone else, shocked. “Look at what Ofelia Zapata did! Mira! century. We look forward to bring- a nuestros lectores de La Voz una lista ing our readers various word lists I felt the same way about Vanessa Fuentes. She was running against David de palabras en español con sus in each issue of La Voz. Chincanchan, Casey Ramos and Alex Strenger . And David had a lot of equivalentes en inglés. endorsements and the inside track. And so entre tu y ella, Boom! The news La noticia Ofelia: Her campaign people were very helpful. I had a lady working the polling place at Langford and one of Vanessa’s team asked her for some of my fliers to People Getting Tired de que la gente se cansa pass out and I thought that was really nice. The same thing happened with Mrs. Lugo who was working the polls over at Dove Springs. I don’t know Vanessa. I The Same Old Stories de las mismas viejas historias haven’t met her. But I think we are going to work good together. The Same Old Threats las mismas viejas amenazas La Voz: Has Superintendent Elizalde called to congratulate you? The Same Old People los mismos ancianos Ofelia: Yes. She called the next day but I missed her call. Yes, This Disease sí, esta enfermedad La Voz: Well, I want to tell you that we look forward to following your tenure on the school board and sharing what is going on with our readers. Thank you for taking Is Still Here and Has todavía está aquí y the time to visit with us. Not Gone Away no se ha ido Ofelia: Thank you for taking this time to interview me. I am very excited and want to thank all those who supported me. I look forward to working with everyone on Things Are Never las cosas nunca behalf of all the students in the district. Going to be the Same van a ser las mismas

Election Results from the November 3rd, 2020 Friendships are Being amistades se están Austin Independent School District School Board Trustee Constest in District 2 Redefined Everyday redefiniendo todos los días

Election Vote Early Some Friendships Are algunas amistades están CANDIDATES Total Vote % Day by Mail Voting John Mckiernan-Gonzalez 6,766 28.04% 641 655 5,470 Starting to Fade empezando a desvanecerse Ofelia Maldonado Zapata 14,607 60.53% 1,516 1,162 11,929 Adolphus "Andy" Anderson 2,760 11.44% 330 309 2,121 How Will We Come ¿Cómo vamos a venir

Total Votes Cast 24,133 100.00% 2,487 2,126 19,520 To Treat One Another a tratarnos unos a otros la próxima Contest Totals 34,265 3,661 2,627 27,977 The Next Time We Meet la próxima vez que nos encontremos SOURCE: Travis County Clerk - Election Department La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021 Page 15

TRAVIS COUNTY WANTS TO DO BUSINESS WITH YOU Travis County Purchasing Office is located at 700 Lavaca Street, Suite 800, Austin, Texas, 78701 Ph: (512) 854-9700 or Fax: (512) 854- 9185. Please visit our web page at https://www.traviscountytx.gov/ purchasing BONNIE S. FLOYD, MBA, CPPO, CPPB COUNTY PURCHASING AGENT

¿Tiene alguna pregunta o necesita más ayuda? ¡Estamos para Servirle! Oficina de Compras/Adquisiciones de la Ciudad de Austin Registro de Vendedores/Proveedores en 512-974=2018 [email protected] www.austintexas.gov/department/purchasing Para más información tocante el Programa de Compras y Adquisiciones de Negocios de Minorías y Mujeres de la Ciudad de Austin, y del proceso de certificación, por favor contactar al Departamento de Recursos de Empresas Pequeñas & Minoritarias en 512-974- 7600357 o viste www.austintexas.gov/smbr. La Voz Newspaper - February, 2021

Chencho Flores June 2nd, 1929 January 10th, 2021