Category Archives: Thoughts on Viernes

Houston Latinos on TV?

I’ve always said that Latinos must be the storytellers of our history. Too often, we want to rely on mainstream media to give us two minutes of their own interpretation and then we complain when they fall way too short. Well, when I heard a friend of mine was working on a TV show, I got excited. Last night, in front of a live audience at Paco Joe’s on the Gulf Freeway, auditions were held for a co-host of this new show and, let me tell you, Houston has some talent. The auditions continue next Thursday evening at Paco Joe’s, so come on out and support the creation of this new show. More details soon.

It was great meeting some of the VIP Judges who participated in the auditions, including the guys from ESPN Deportes and one of the founders of the local GLBT LULAC and all-around awesome guy Edward Sanchez. A new friend made was Chelsea Coffey, a local image consultant, fellow blogger, and the Executive Director of Mia’s Closet.

Mia’s Closet provides new and gently used clothing to Houston area girls in dire need of clothing, emotional support, and constructive planning for the future. Our events are designed to give them a boost in self-esteem and an opportunity to think about their personal futures via Mia’s Closet Boutique Shopping Days.

Last Day of Early Voting…Make it Count!

Today is the last day of early voting. It’s been a quiet Democratic Primary for lots of reasons, especially the fact that our usual early March vote turned into a later May vote (with a run-off in July). So, find an early voting location–any early voting location–and cast your vote TODAY.

And if you need help choosing a candidate, check out my slate.

Dewhurst and Cruz – Anti-Immigrant Zealots, Both of ‘em!

Looks like Cruz started it with his my dad is an immigrant so “I hate non-Cuban immigrants” ad, and now Dewhurst is pegging him as supporting “amnesty.” Nothing new, right? Hate is hate and it mostly comes from the Republican Party.

The GOP might have a shot a some Latino votes if they just kept the anti-Latino vitriol out. But if they want to rile up their basest base voters, then, it’s a must to hate on Latinos. Oh, well, right?

The Dome

When you have a beautiful stadium and facilities like Reliant and an old relic of the past right next door, it just doesn’t seem to match. At some point the Dome was an architectural marvel–the 8th wonder and all that.  But the question about raising taxes to spend 1/2 a billion dollars to make the dome “livable” for no one in particular needs to be answered with another question:  Do we need it?

I like the idea of the plaza, frankly.

Public Comment for Family Unity

Reform Immigration For America is asking for public comment on a proposal by the Obama Administration.

This rule change could prevent parents from missing a decade of their children’s lives, and spouses from facing years without the support of their partners. Now, we need your help to move this proposal forward.

Leave a public comment now to support the change in the rules that would help keep families together.

In order for this change to go into effect, we need major public support from activists like you, standing up for families separated by the 3 and 10-year bars. We will deliver your messages of support for the change to Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Taking a few minutes to write your comment today could make a difference for thousands of families.

Enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend. Remember the fallen and appreciate the rights we have–even when some try to limit them.

DREAM Activists Hold Rally at UHD

Over 150 activists ascended upon the University of Houston-Downtown on Thursday to demand the passing of the DREAM Act. Supported by UHD President William Flores and elected officials, such as State Rep. Armando Walle, and other community activists, the rally included comments by prospective beneficiaries of the Act.

Kudos to our friends at FIEL for organizing the rally and sending a strong message, especially as we go through the motions of early voting.

What Is Up With El Prez?

Just as I was getting excited over the action by FIEL and other activists on Thursday, word came that President Obama has nominated Gary Blankinship to serve as Marshal for the Southern District of Texas. Blankinship was the head of the local cops union who was quite vocal against Mayor Bill White’s position against cops becoming immigration officers. To see a bunch of Dems supporting this appointment is very disappointing, to say the least.

Tacos & Votes – Saturday!

Don’t forget about Tacos and Votes this Saturday at Noon at Bayland Park. We can complain about public policy and political appointments, but if you don’t vote, not only do you not matter, but you lose your license to complain. Everybody’s a taxpayer, but when a few decide who our leaders should be, you get lost in the shuffle. VOTE, and get a Taco while you’re at it.

Chicanos for Cargas

After reading the “e-mail war” between supporters of James Cargas and his opponent, I figured I would chime in. I’ve known Jim for over eight years–good organizer, loyal Democrat, and sharp as a tack on Democratic issues and policy. You would think that, in Houston, most Dems would be, right? But let me tell you when I figured out that Jim was the best candidate.

When a debate ensued regarding an HCDP resolution to support comprehensive immigration reform and not local cops enforcing immigration, it was James Cargas who responded in support, smacking down a local Dem celebrity who had railed against it as unnecessary. It was eloquent, it was practical, and it made sense. None of the other candidates have been anything near coherent on the issue of immigration. Knowing that Culberson will make Latinos and immigration an issue to rile up his right-wing base, it is really a no-brainer to have James Cargas on the November ballot as a true counter to the wing-nut on the ballot–on all issues, especially immigration reform.

Without reservation, The Medellin Family supports James Cargas.

Full Disclosure:  Jim hired me to consult and manage him for a couple of months, and not at some astronomical consulting fee. He paid me because a big chunk of my life was invested in someone in whom I believe. Ultimately, he got the Familia discount. As far as my Dem creds, I haven’t missed a Dem Primary-ever! I’m a Chicano (South Texas variety with an unapologetic La Raza Unida Party streak). Not that any of this should matter. I’ll give more reasons for supporting James Cargas next week.

In closing…VOTE!

Big Weekend

Congrats to all those who will be walking across the stage to receive that piece of paper that says, “This isn’t your actual diploma, but if we find you’ve paid all your bills, then you’ll get it later. This is all for show–get over it.”  A big congrats to my friend, the soon-to-be-declared by Rice U., Dr. Blake Ellis on this crowning academic achievement.

ACLU Calls for a Migra Probe

Thank you, ACLU! For the longest time there have been complaints about the Border Patrol along the Texas Border, but it seems to have escalated during these years of stepped up enforcement. And the ACLU wants these allegations of harrassment and abuse by the Migra investigated. We’re not just talking about the unneeded “routine” and annoying stops, we’re talking some serious stuff.

In Brownsville, at least four people with legitimate travel status complained of being detained at length, threatened, and in some cases intimidated into “confessing” – falsely – that they or family members were not citizens.

Allegations in the El Paso-New Mexico area include a traumatizing interrogation and pat-down of a woman who had traveled from Chihuahua, Mexico, to speak with investigators about an alleged sexual assault by a CBP officer. The woman was so shaken by her treatment at the Ysleta-Zaragoza port of entry, she said, that she dropped the case.

Border crossers in California and Arizona reported being subjected to obscenities, racial slurs and physical abuse that required medical treatment.

The complainants told of hours-long detention, in some cases while being handcuffed without food, water or the opportunity to use the restroom. They said they were eventually told they could be on their way.

DHS has little to no oversight of their own, which is surprising considering their own reports on Secure Communities and 287(g) tell us they are failed programs–numbers-wise. I guess they don’t want to really self-report on allegations of abuse, but just about the waste?

NDLON Hopes Obama Evolves on Immigration, Too

President Obama hasn’t hidden the fact that he is for comprehensive immigration reform or even the DREAM Act. But he has been in charge during this time of stepped-up enforcement which has led to waste (287 g) and abuse (DHS), yet has separated families and impacted our local economies. So, yeah, I sure hope he “evolves” in his enforcement position because CIR/DREAM is also a civil and human rights issue. But unlike his evolution toward supporting marriage equality, he needs to evolve toward changing actual policy in this regard.

I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that President Obama doesn’t want the states making policy for immigration, but doesn’t mind the states discriminating against marriage equality. But that’s for another post.

And on that note, have a good weekend! Stay dry. Go Blockwalk in between rainstorms, and make phone calls while inside from the rain.

Happy Meow’r, Anyone?

Best Cinco Event Award Goes To…

It’s not everyday one sees a pet adoption event with a holiday ring to it. What holiday? Well, Cinco de Meow.

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Houston’s BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions will reduce cat adoption prices to $5 from Friday, May 4 to Tuesday, May 15. This “Cinco de Meow” event allows Houstonians to adopt a new feline friend for a fraction of what it normally costs to adopt from BARC, with all the benefits of a full-price adoption.

Available cats range from only a few weeks old to seniors. The adoption fee covers services including spay/neuter, rabies vaccination, City licensing, microchip and much more.  BARC’s adoption package could cost up to $850 if purchased through certain breeders or veterinarians; the BARC adoption fee remains the best value and lowest price in the City of Houston.

For more info, go to their website.

VotoLatino’s Survey

I was just notified that the VotoLatino survey they put out is quite flawed. One has no choice but to answer this question:

Unless one of the answers to the favorite GOP candidate is “Ninguno de estos pendejos racistas,” then I ain’t answering it. So, I guess I’m disqualified from the sweepstakes. Oh, freakin’ well. 

The Ambulance Fee…

Looks like Houston City Council approved a $13 a mile fee for ambulance rides, which I posted about this week.  So, along with the base fee, the average price for a ride will increase by $71. The main reason is to ensure Medicaid reimbursements are collected–to the tune of $2.7 million. I’d like to figure out the actual math, but I already have a headache.

INBOX: From Congressman Sylvestre Reyes

On Saturday May 5, 2012, the United States Navy will christen and launch the dry cargo/ammunition ship the USNS Cesar Chavez, during a ceremony at the shipyard in San Diego. In their tradition of honoring legendary pioneers and explorers, the Navy’s newest ship recognizes Mexican-American civil rights activist and World War II veteran Cesar Chavez (1927-1993).

“I am extremely pleased that the Navy is honoring an important Hispanic American. Paying tribute to Cesar Chavez both as a sailor and as a civil rights leader is a fitting tribute to his service to our nation.  An advocate for social justice, Cesar Chavez dedicated his life to giving voice to those who couldn’t speak for themselves.  He was a tireless advocate for strong health care and for good-paying jobs so all people could share in the American dream,” noted Congressman Reyes.

Cesar Chavez volunteered for service in the United States Navy at age 17. He later referred to his time in the segregated military as the worst two years of his life, and he carried that experience, along with his childhood spent as the son of a migrant farm worker, with him as he began his lifelong quest to improve rights for farm workers and Mexican Americans. As a leader in the American labor movement, he co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers, and his slogan, “Si, se puede” continues to inspire new generations of activists who seek to better themselves and their communities.

Cinco de Mayo Parade on Sabado

LULAC will hold the 19th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade this Saturday in Downtown. Starting at 10AM at Minute Maid Park, the parade goes on for a couple of rides and has 100 or so floats. Should be colorful and fun.

Enjoy the Weekend!

As Tacos Go…

There’s a controversy about tacos in town and it has nothing to do with my favorite Mexican restaurant, Teotihuacan (the one on Cavalcade or the one on Airline). I’ll just say this, if they aren’t my mom’s (or mine), then it is difficult to find the best tortillas in town. And if they’re shipped in from Austin, well, that opens up a whole other question, like:  Why not a local tortilleria?

Note:  The editor has not eaten at controversial taco place, but does suggest Teotihuacan.

A Bad Press Release?

Looks like a bad press release caused a ruckus for METRO after it was announced TSA and METRO cops would be making random bag searches. I can’t say I liked the idea. Keeping an eye on people who must use public transportation to get from point A to point B (and sometimes C and D) just doesn’t sit right with me. According to the METRO CEO:

“It’s not done. It’s not our policy. It’s not going to be done,” Greanias said. “There was an error in the press release. It does not reflect any request made to the TSA. It doesn’t reflect anything that actually happened on the ground. This is a misunderstanding we caused.”

That’s a pretty big mistake.

Mayor Unofficially Endorses Hobby Expansion

Or something like that. DosCentavos supports the expansion, too. So, it’s nice to agree with the Mayor on something this week.

Music Break:  Los Texmaniacs w/ Rick Trevino (Live)

Why All the Fuss?

One line that caught my attention about City Council’s boo-hooing regarding the Hobby proposal was that they hadn’t been told in advance. Well, before the boo-hooing, I was told that the idea of Hobby becoming a second international airport for Houston was actually written into the Airport master plan back in 2002 (or ’03), so, a new idea it is not. I like the idea, though.

Latino Dems Hope to Re-Intro DREAM Act

And that’s the original DREAM Act, and not the nightmarish, no-citizenship-for-you!, version that Marco Rubio has been talking about.

Let’s face it, with a right-wing, anti-immigrant Republican majority in the House, DREAM faces an uphill battle. On the Senate side, reaching 60 votes would likewise be a challenge. Submitting the act for consideration, as the article states, will provide a forum for discussion right before the big election, though. And we all know how the Republicans like to discuss anything having to do with Latinos. They’ll either be completely against it, or they’ll start talking about the worth of a DREAMer–good enough to take a bullet, not good enough to earn citizenship.

Still, Cal Jillson’s comments ring true, and that is something Democrats and President Obama will surely face, but what is the alternative? And what about the chances of CIR? Of course, this is something DosCentavos has been saying since the “first year of the first term” came to an end.

Are You Going to Convention?

I’ll be working on some family activities this weekend, so I will not get to participate in my new SD convention. I will be attending the State Convention, but only as a blogger and observer…and attendee of any hospitality suites.

If you do go, have fun!

My 420 Funny

Back during my college days, about a few years into it, I was hanging out with a buddy of mine who enjoyed that wacky weed. Trying to stay “clean” in case I grew up to be an anti-drug D.A., he thought differently than I did about the wacky weed and he asked me a question that made sense:  ”How can you fight against something if you don’t know what it’s like?”

So much for that.

MUSIC BREAK:  Los Texmaniacs f/ Max Baca, Michael Guerra, Speedy Villanueva, and Chente Barrera

Random Thought…

I find it funny when politicians and political consultants don’t take blogs seriously…that’s at least until one of them says something bad about them, or against one of their policies, or…

Anyway…

A 7th Anniversary Changes…

Well, it’s April and it’s DosCentavos’ 7th Anniversary month. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been blogging for seven years, but it’s been a good seven years. I’ll be adding a few features, especially one which begins next week, which should be informative and fun. So, stay connected!

Another Reason Why I’ll Stay Out of Referendum Attempt

Like I said yesterday, I had my own reasons for being against the charitable meals ordinance that was passed by a majority of City Council. And I also said I could not and would not support any attempt at working with teabaggers to have a referendum on the ordinance in November. And here’s reason #1–Helena Brown. When I hear supposed progressives talk about working with bigots on this one referendum, it sickens me. These are the same people passing around an anti-Latino petition to have a racial profiling referendum on the 2012 ballot. I sure as hell don’t want to bolster their efforts. Think about it, gente.

I Don’t Appreciate A Sermon-by-Phone

I got a robocall yesterday from my friend Judge Steven Kirkland’s opponent. Actually, the first 25 seconds (it seemed like minutes) was a sermon from a preacher, then a happy easter from Kirkland’s opponent.

What? I’m Latino, so I must be religious? Or worse, bigoted against the LGBT community? Spare me the sermons. We have a good judge on the bench in Judge Steven Kirkland. We need to keep him!

The Hobby [Proposed] Expansion

I think it’s a good idea. When I lived in Kingwood, maybe I wouldn’t have cared, but now that I’m in the city and will probably use Hobby more for my flights, I like the idea of having another international terminal. Houston is as international as city as they come. Plus, I like the job prospects for the Hobby area, as mentioned by CM James Rodriguez. I think it should be considered…big time.

Voter Registration–Settled?

There was a story about the lawsuit Democrats were forced to file against Harris County because the Republicans were being obstructionist. Same old story, right?

Well, there are questions that still need to be answered. Like, when you register voters with an English-language application, the new voters are giving a detachable receipt as proof of their registration. If they register in any other language, including Spanish, there is no receipt to be had. What’s the deal with that?

I’m Outta Here!

I figured, why wait for April 2, I’ll use ToV to make my announcement:

I’m gone from Kingwood!

According to my voter registration record, I am now a Houstonian who will vote in CD-7, SD-13, HD-137, County Commish #3, and Houston District J, among other political subdivisions (although the County hasn’t updated the subdivisions on the site for the new VR cards, yet, but I’ve seen the re-map and I’m in these subdivisions).

After several years of threatening to move, the opportunity presented itself and I’ve sort of been sneaking my belongings out of the Livable Forest and into my humble abode in SW Houston. Trying to move while working a few projects has been tough, but it’s all worth it, right? Right?

I am sad that I am leaving my home of the last 10 years. I’ve made some wonderful friends for life, especially my family at Kingwood Area Democrats. Working campaigns in Kingwood and the area has given me some amazing experience at taking on the true red menace (Republicans). I’ve had the privilege of helping good, progressive Democrats like Charles Hixon for Commissioner, Joe Montemayor and Charlotte Coffelt for HD127, Wil Williams for City Council, and Gary Binderim for Congress, candidates who trusted me with message and ideas and allowed me to learn from mistakes and how to be bold when taking on Republicans. Some outside of the ‘burbs may have thought of these campaigns as futile, but we thought about them as very necessary. Funny how things change, though:  Ted Poe now represents some of those who thought of my campaigns as futile. Just sayin’…

SW Houston does have plenty of opportunities that I look forward to working, especially with good people like Mike Espinoza, Fidencio Leija and his team, and others. And I know that Greg Wythe, the most Latino non-Latino on the planet, is ready to welcome me with open arms, although I’m sure he doesn’t believe I’ve actually moved to his barrio. Maybe he’ll move up to Kingwood? Nah! It’s not Latino enough with me gone, right?

As far as DosCentavos.net is concerned, it’s going to get better! I’ve been planning a few changes, but the move got in the way of launching anything. So, now the work begins on the DC. Thankfully, I’ll be in the city limits, making it easier to attend all sorts of events and happenings. So, if you see me in the city, make sure you welcome me!

Oh well, I guess I won’t get to hear those words uttered whenever I attend an event in Houston:  ”Thanks for coming all the way from Kingwood.” It really never was THAT far.

Stay connected!

Happy Birthday, Cesar!

Saturday would have been Cesar E. Chavez’s 85th Birthday. What would he be thinking today? As we try to re-elect Barack Obama, yet we experience Trayvon Martin’s murder for all the reasons Obama is hated by the right, he’d probably say we have a lot more work to do. And so, we shall work.

Apologies for Lack of Blogging

No, I didn’t take Spring Break off, nor have I lost interest in blogging. I’m working on “my next thing” during these next couple of weeks. Maybe it can coincide with the April celebration of DosCentavos’ 7th Anniversary, but one thing is for sure:  I won’t announce it on April 1st because you just won’t believe it on that day. Anyway, I’m still alive, working on some awesome projects, and getting ready to launch into my next thing.

We Always Respected the Guy, but…

Congressman Al Green showed us what he’s made of this last week when he was among a group of folks arrested for protesting at the Sudanese Embassy in DC.

The arrest “was a small price to pay to save lives, even if it saves one life,” Green said.

The protest was aimed at Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir for preventing aid and food from reaching the Nuba Mountains, the border region between Sudan and breakaway region of South Sudan.

Thank you, Congressman.

Johnny Hernandez Returns to Houston

As I’ve mentioned, the legendary Johnny Hernandez was back in Houston on Friday at Doneraki’s-Gulfgate, and I was able to enjoy a few songs by the legend, backed up by guitarist Vick “Nash” Espinoza. Johnny is promoting the release of his latest CD, Gracias! Por Los Exitos, which I’ll review next week. Johnny hasn’t lost his touch and it was great to meet one of my more famous Facebook friends. I even got a pic with the guy.

March 19th:  State Rep. Carol Alvarado and Me at Meyerland Dems

If you’re not doing anything on Monday evening at around 6:30pm, come on over to Fadi’s in Meyerland to listen to State Rep. Carol Alvarado and myself give our takes on Latinos and voting. This will be an interesting talk, for sure. This will be another stop on the DosCentavos 7th Anniversary Tour, so, come on over and give us a listen!