Category Archives: Cultura

Tacho’s Sabado Playlist

Posted on April 29, 2023 | Comments Off on Tacho’s Sabado Playlist

New music has dropped these last couple of weeks. Good music. So, add it on to your playlists for the weekend. Enjoy!

Jay Perez – El Patron – The Voice is back with a new production backed by Freddie Records. Produced by Roland Revilla, the album’s sound and attitude takes you back to Jay’s career start after his departure from David Lee Garza y Los Musicales. Having already dropped two singles, Necesito Odiarte and La Rajita de Canela, fans were left ready to be in awe of the rest of the album, and one tune that will excite folks is Vino Maldito in which he is backed up by his old boss, DLG. No doubt, Jay’s work on two DLG albums left fans wanting more, but, alas, it was Jay’s turn to go solo and become part of the DLG alumni. Thankfully, they still collaborate, live and on tape. Other notable tunes include Anda y Ve, and a re-make of Me He Dado Cuenta. He also throws in a mariachi tune (Sirvame Otra, Cantinero) and If You Don’t Know Me By Now. It’s a consistently good work.

Los Texmaniacs f/ La Marisoul – Corazones and Canciones. I know I’ve been waiting for this collaboration for a while. The best Tex-Mex conjunto backing the best female vocalist (La Marisoul of La Santa Cecilia) has happened live a few times, but Smithsonian Folkways produced what is definitely Grammy-winning material with this album. Putting a string of classic hits on an album and done with The Texmaniacs’ unique stylings, which include strong bass lines, sweet accordian playing, and Max Baca’s pasaditas on the bajo sexto is just want we needed. Singles already released include Las Nubes, which adds Little Joe to the mix and Mucho Corazon which adds Texmaniacs drummer Lorenzo Martinez for a great duet. One tune that captures the best abilities on this production is Vamonos. But fans will also enjoy Gritenme, Piedras del Campo, Mal Hombre, and a Mujer verson of Before the Next Teardrop Falls. Check it out.

La Santa Cecilia – Cuatro Copas – Bohemia En La Finca Altozano – LSC dropped this production recorded live around a bonfire with only a few friends and special guests in attendance. Full of old songs that one enjoys with a good smooth tequila, La Santa Cecilia puts their signature sound on them. Songs like Cuatro Copas, Mi Tesoro/You’re Mine, and La Diferencia certainly show La Marisoul’s vocal chops. Other tunes, such as Almohada and Cuatro Copas (duet with Aida Cuevas), will just set ones memories off. La Santa Cecilia has a range in performance and in emotions and it really comes out.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, Cultura, DC Promo, Media, Reviews

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May 11, 2023: Texas Poet Laureate Celebration

Posted on April 24, 2023 | Comments Off on May 11, 2023: Texas Poet Laureate Celebration

Local poet and artist Lupe Mendez has been serving us as the Texas Poet Laureate over the last biennial and is about to end his service next month. Throughout his term, he has presented his own poetry, along with that of other poets from around the state of Texas. While others don’t do much with the ceremonial title, Lupe added some value to it, offering up the talents of various artists. He will have a final reading featuring various talents on May 11.

Congrats to Lupe. He will continue to serve us well, no doubt, but he has done well in what he set out to do as Texas Poet Laureate. Gracias, Lupe!

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, DC Promo, Education - K12, Harris County, Higher Education, Historia, History, Las Mujeres, Media

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Thoughts on Viernes – 03242023

Posted on March 24, 2023 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 03242023

HPOU Whines About Republican Judge

In the news yesterday was a story about a suspect caught on camera severely beating and robbing cash from a woman in the Chinatown area of Houston who then had his bond cut in half, while the news station got their hands on the suspect’s jailhouse phone conversation regarding this assault. ABC-13 identified the presiding judge who lowered the bond as Kristin Guiney of the 183rd, a republican recently elected by around a 2% margin. She was one of a couple of judges who was able to squeeze into the courtroom, thanks to the support of people like Mattress Mack, Crimestoppers, and the local cops union, who vilified “Democrat judges” for lowering bonds.

Now, HPOU is whining about bonds lowered by someone they supported in one way or another without telling us about that support. There’s a lot that can be said about judges lowering bonds, especially in cases that involve videotaped violence like this particular case, but if you want to change that, it’ll take more than just funding republinut judges because even they need to follow the rules regarding bonds. Want to change the rules? Well, you have enough bought and paid for republican Legislators and State Senators to do it. Instead, all the whining does is make the 2026 republinut primary a story and a boon for consultants.

Anyway, the hypocrisy is obvious. Just another reason why I’m not usually supportive of cop union-endorsed candidates.

COVID Emergency

The local COVID numbers are still up there at 7.3% positivity and 166% wastewater load, while the Biden administration is racing toward ending the COVID emergency. New cases are still in the hundreds, and people are still dying, but the Biden folks say it’s not an emergency because they know how to control it. Really?

Do we know when the next booster for those of us already boosted is coming? We’re waning and getting worried about where we stand, Prez! And what about another version of Evusheld, for those who are immunocompromised? With the COVID emergency ending, it would seem the urgency to help people avoid COVID is ending, too.

Anyway, mask-up if you’re at crowded event or area. Keep clean. If you’re insured, order your COVID tests! And if you’re acting the fool, stay away from me.

Little Joe Named a 2023 NEA National Heritage Fellow

We need to celebrate these designations while we still can. Little Joe Hernandez has been around for over 65 years, has recorded 70 albums, and at age 82 still has a healthy touring schedule, while taking the time to promote Chicano culture and progressive causes. So, that after all the years, Little Joe is honored by the nation with one of the highest honors of folk and traditional art, well it’s a Chingon deal! Click that link for his bio. Here’s his recent participation in a remake of Las Nubes, aka as the Chicano national anthem, featuring La Marisoul and Los Texmaniacs.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Elections, Harris County, Local Politica, Media, Republinuttiness

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2nd TEA Talk-at-Community Meeting Goes As Expected

Posted on March 23, 2023 | Comments Off on 2nd TEA Talk-at-Community Meeting Goes As Expected

Greg Abbott’s minion, Mike Morath at TEA, failed to show again at an HISD takeover community meeting, and Morath’s own minion (Alejandro Delgado) failed at running a meeting, again, as he attempted to show that powerpoint. Parents and teachers did show up again to ask questions for which they are not getting answers. When they didn’t get the answers, they took over the meeting.

The report from KHOU points out that Delgado states that over 200 questions have been collected and half are about the board of managers. Those at meetings do not seem to be asking about the board appointment process, so, my guess is that the questions are from the TEA online portal, where it’s safe for chaqueteros to ask. Also, 138 people have applied to be on the board of managers and TEA wants more applicants to justify their appointment process and outcome.

As Kuff points out, TEA’s meeting practices don’t give folks the warm and fuzzies to capture their hearts and minds, but I’m pretty sure that hasn’t been TEA’s intent this whole time. According to Campos, all of the loud noises from the people at the meetings aren’t going to change a thing about TEA’s takeover. But, hell, the lawsuits and the Lege didn’t work, so, what’s left? If this doesn’t turn into an actual and long-term people-led movement, instead of just a regular ol’ political campaign to win a seat with the least numbers possible, then nothing will change.

Anyway…

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Education - K12, Elections, Local Politica, Media, Texas Lege, Voting Rights

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TEA Takeover Meeting a Farce

Posted on March 22, 2023 | 1 comment

By the looks of it, the TEA Takeover public meetings are just for informational purposes; and by that, I mean, the information that TEA wants to provide.

Last night’s meeting at Westbury High School was planned to last one hour, was all about a PowerPoint presentation one can find on the TEA website, and an attempt to recruit community members for the “board of managers” Greg Abbott wants to create. The result: More chaos and more anger.

Houston community members were irate Tuesday night as state education officials tried to explain the process of taking over their school district. State officials did not take questions about the effects such a move could have on Houston Independent School District, which is the largest in Texas, but did try to recruit community members to replace the existing school board.

About seven minutes into the Texas Education Agency’s PowerPoint presentation on the impending HISD takeover, parents and community members erupted in shouts directed at TEA deputy commissioner Alejandro Delgado.

“We got questions,” attendees repeatedly yelled. “Y’all tryna take our community.”

Further, TEA commissioner Morath didn’t even bother to attend and Greg Abbott was somewhere else outside of Houston ISD borders talking about giving public money to private schools.

If this doesn’t tell you what kind of a farce this is, I don’t know what will. It is obvious that a hand-picked board, much less the TEA, will not be accountable to the people. Certainly, they do not want to have a conversation with the people as they passed out notecards for folks to write their questions those in charge could hand-pick to answer. One can only think this is how “board” meetings will be run.

Local activist TravisMcGee, whose children attend an HISD high school, said the meeting was “very disrespectful” to community members. People wanted to express their concerns and frustrations directly to TEA officials through a microphone on a podium regarding the board of managers change, rather than hear about the application process, he said.

“The board of managers is going to be a bunch of puppets,” McGee said. “Our school district ain’t perfect, but I doubt the state of Texas gonna do any better.”

Arnetta Murray, a Houston ISD teacher, said the TEA has not listened to the community about more pressing concerns. If they did, they would know the district has a bus driver shortage and teachers are stressed over standardized testing.

“I don’t care about no board of managers,” she said. “I care about our students and I care about the teachers.”

At this point, rolling over and allowing Greg Abbott’s takeover to happen is not an option, much less participating in the farce through the board of managers. At least, that’s how the people feel.

There are three more “talk-at the community” TEA meetings to reach 200,000 children, 30,000 employees, and millions of taxpayers. I hope DPS copters in Morath. The mouthpiece he sent seemed useless on the TV.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, Cultura, Education - K12, Elections, Harris County, Higher Education, Local Politica, Media, Texas Lege

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Thoughts on Viernes – 03172023

Posted on March 17, 2023 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 03172023

Clarifying The Undemocratic Takeover

So, when TEA takes over Houston ISD in June, they will replace all of the elected trustees and give power to a board of managers appointed by Mike Morath and Greg Abbott. That much we knew. A look at the TEA FAQs regarding Houston ISD gives us more details, such: Authority is removed, but trustees remain elected officials. Board elections continue and when a Board of Managers is removed, elected board members return. The timeline includes how elected trustees will be phased back in to power, which will be done in thirds after the board of managers meets the goals acceptable to TEA.

So, the part of democracy where those we elect do the actual work is placed on a ventilator, but the campaigning and political consultant fees continue? Can’t wait to see the campaign messaging: “I’ll do these things if Greg Abbott gives HISD back to us!”

Once I read the official correspondence from TEA to the Board of Trustees, I saw this:

While the Board of Managers is in place, my hope is that members of the Board of Trustees will choose to continue to be engaged by members of the Board of Managers in an advisory capacity, to help facilitate a seamless return for those local elected officials when the time comes.

So, it’s nothing statutory, but just an invite–maybe. Whatever cover of democracy TEA and Abbott are attempting is just that.

If you want official stuff, then, visit TEA’s page on the Houston takeover.

La Marisoul and Los Texmaniacs Drop Las Nubes

Little Joe y La Familia made the tune, Las Nubes, a theme song of the Chicano civil rights and farm worker movement. A somber tune about suffering and challenge ends up giving one hope for the future. It’s been recorded and re-recorded many times, each time with its own brand of sabor. La Santa Cecilia vocalist La Marisoul, Los Texmaniacs, and Little Joe, all Grammy winners, have come together to produce a conjunto version of the song, filled with soul and acordeon. I love it, especially as things seem to be going to crap in the world–politically, at least. There’s always hope, right? Check it out:

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Thoughts on the TEA Takeover of HISD

Posted on March 16, 2023 | 2 comments

It has been a year since I moved back into Houston ISD territory after living a block away just inside Alief ISD for a number of years. I was so upset that I moved in too late to have voted for my friend Holly Flynn Vilaseca in HISD District VI. As Greg Abbott begins his move to transition HISD into the Texas prison system (or something like that), the reality that elections matter hits people right in the face.

Political realities are the worst thing people can feel when bad decisions affect them, especially if they voted against their best interests or didn’t vote at all. And for almost 200K students, 30,000 staff, and millions of taxpayers, the fact that our democracy has been compromised by a power-hungry Greg Abbott should have us living in fear, yet, wanting to do something about it. So, I have a few thoughts about the TEA takeover that will happen in June.

  • The voters of HISD District VI had a hard-working trustee in Flynn Vilaseca. She was fighting for our kids, our teachers, and our democracy. Unfortunately, various powers preferred misinformation and a person whose idea of representation has been to sell-out HISD stakeholders, Kendall Baker, whose support of Greg Abbott’s idiocy was on TV news yesterday. Baker supports the TEA takeover and sacrificing his own political career to prove his loyalty to awful people. Baker is a right-wing zealot who has been supported by vultures, such as State Rep Mayes Middleton and local county commissioner and election denier Tom Ramsey. I hope the voters who were duped into voting for him realize what they did in voting for him. Removing him from the board is probably a good thing (as undemocratic as that may be), but knowing there are better-connected right-wing zealots who do not support public education out there and whom Abbott will appoint is unsettling. Kendall Baker was a great pawn for the right-wing zealots, though.
  • Watching the various news reports yesterday, I found that reporters set-off to find HISD parents to ask their opinion of Greg Abbott’s takeover of HISD. A few were somewhat informed, yet, surprised that it was going to happen. The concern was palpable. Others had the mentality that, “as long as something is done to make things better,” but with no knowledge of the politics and process and upheaval that Greg Abbott’s route would cause. And then there was that parent who wanted to feign knowledge, but was not at all paying attention. So, that there is a lack of information out there is not a surprise. And that parents need to be spoon-fed the information is also not a surprise, whether it’s done by trustees, administrators, or the political class in Houston. But it is TEA who will take advantage of the way things have always been done to keep people misinformed as only four (4) informational meetings have been scheduled to reach 200,000 students, 30,000 employees, and millions of taxpayers. Ignorance is bliss all-around, but while some hope no one says anything so that no one messes with the status quo or other agendas that may exist, the right-wing-nuts goes merrily along and actually does something to further their race to the bottom.
  • Kuff has a little bit more. He thinks people should apply to be on the board of managers to see if a few good minds can be placed, and I do see the logic. But there are bad things that will happen because of this unelected, undemocratic board and I’d hate for any of our good people be tainted by those decisions. I’d prefer some sort of movement to call out the decisions that are being made–a mass movement led by people and not the politicians who have that taint on them no matter which title they possess. I’d like to see those who fight hardest against Greg Abbott’s shenanigans be on the next board of trustees–once, HISD is paroled from Abbott’s prison system. At this point, I see anyone who has applied to be on the board as suspect. I hope that this takeover causes more good people to find the drive in themselves to serve–as thankless as this job may be. And also, redistrict HISD!

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Education - K12, Elections, Harris County, Local Politica, Media, Republinuttiness, Texas Lege, Thoughts on Viernes

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La Semana Pasada – The Week That Was

Posted on March 4, 2023 | Comments Off on La Semana Pasada – The Week That Was

Well, I had a blog slowdown this week for various reasons, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t paying attention to the latest attacks on democracy, public education, and humanity, in general. But also some good stuff.

The Possibly Inevitable HISD Takeover

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced at a council meeting that Greg Abbott and his minions were about to take over Houston ISD, as has been promised by them for a few years. Greg Abbott has never been a friend to democracy, nor to communities of color, so that this is about to happen (maybe) isn’t a surprise. If taken over by Abbott, the local school board would be replaced by unelected Abbott supporters whom the people have not vetted, and the reins given to some other executive not chosen by those we elected. Whether it does or doesn’t happen, the stress it has put into the families and taxpayers of the district is palpable.

Abbott and his minons blame poor performance at one school, which has since improved. The school district continues to improve, too. Also blamed is past relationship problems on the school board. Since then, voters have replaced school members through election. The political and administrative face of HISD has changed since Abbott and his minions began to whine about Houston ISD. We even lost a couple of good school board members in the process and gained some right-wingers who do the bidding for Abbott’s agenda. Will Abbott sacrifice their political careers to make his point?

The question is: Will it happen? Do Abbott and his minions want the blame for what is to come when they turn HISD into the crown jewel of the Texas prison system? Or at least run it in the same fashion? Since my rent pays for HISD taxes, I’m really concerned, now.

I Support Food Not Bombs

I’ve really had it with HPD and City Hall’s BS against people who are simply doing the right thing–feeding those who are hungry. This last Wednesday, HPD cited a volunteer of a group, Food Not Bombs, for holding what they consider an unauthorized feeding of people in need outside of the downtown library. The Mayor wants to make the library “family friendly,” by banning human beings who are houseless. A local law prohibits these kinds of activities in downtown, but they hadn’t cited anyone. After over a decade, the Mayor has decided to crack down on these good people.

The City offered an alternative location at HPDs parking lot, which is just outside of downtown. Seriously? We already have Greg Abbott wanting to turn HISD into a state-run prison, now the city wants to treat the homeless and hungry in a similar manner.

Thankfully, local civil rights lawyer Randy Kallinen is on the job defending against what is an unconstitutional and inhumane ordinance. But the City needs to stop this nonsense.

Dem Chair Candidates Making the Rounds

It’s good to see that Dem Chair candidates are going around campaigning, and not just to precinct chairs. On March 19, the County Executive Committee, made up of precinct chairs, will meet by Zoom to vote in a new leader for the Harris County Democratic Party. According to the Dem Party website, there are three announced candidates, including my friend, Silvia Mintz.

The link also provides the process by which a person will be elected: Nominees must be nominated from the floor by a precinct chair during the meeting. And 50% of the precinct chairs must be present for an election to happen. While the meeting will be conducted on Zoom, those precinct chairs without technology will be able to attend at HCDP’s HQ. And those interested in running can fill out an application on the HCDP website so that they may inform precinct chairs of their choices.

Of course, one wonders if floor nominations of those not providing information beforehand will be allowed. One never knows if surprises will be allowed.

For those who are not precinct chairs, this is a democracy and we should be able to contact our precinct chairs to suggest a nominee and why. That said, the vast majority of Democrats may not know who their precinct chair is. So, I filled out this form on the HCDP site requesting that information so that I can tell my precinct chair my preference. But this should be easier.

The Mavericks “In Time” Celebrates a Decade

If you’re a fan of The Mavericks, you will remember this amazing comeback album from this Americana band. If you’re a superfan, then this album is on your Mavericks Spotify playlist and on heavy rotation, still, after ten years. Well, they have released a 10th anniversary album of “In Time,” which includes a three added tunes, including a different version of Ven Hacia Mi (Come Unto Me). It’s got more Cubano and Conjunto flavorings, and it’s little bit more swingier than the originals. Give it a listen and enjoy!

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Democratic Stuff, History, Las Mujeres, Local Politica

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Tacho’s Sabado Playlist

Posted on February 25, 2023 | Comments Off on Tacho’s Sabado Playlist

A few new tunes have dropped this week and recently. Check ’em out.

El Tiempo f/ Juan P. Moreno – Quiereme. The first time I heard of Juan P., he was doing vocals and bajo sexto for Los Chamacos de Jaime de Anda on the Johnny Canales Show’s Sea World concert series. So, when he went solo, I kept following him because few had this ability to rock-out on a bajo while playing traditional conjunto music. No surprise when I heard that prolific Tex-Mex drummer Aaron Holler and producer Jullz Johnson got together with next-gen players, such as bajo player Stevie Ray Vavages, acordeonista Lalo Morales, and bassist Pete Gutierrez to record a new single with Moreno on vocals. This hard-core version re-lives some memories with some amazing musical abilities from all participating. I’m loving it.

Vargas – De La Garza – Don’t Let No One Get You Down. When David de la Garza isn’t busy touring with La Mafia, he is doing the local circuit as a soloist. And when Andy Vargas isn’t on the road with Santana, he comes down to Houston to work with de la Garza. Together, they have given us this new take on a WAR classic. The combination of smooth vocals and amazing musical abilities put this one on my radar. Give it a listen.

Mike Gonzalez & Iconiczz – Me Esta Doliendo Su Ausencia. Mike Gonzalez, the son of the late Tejano icon, Jimmy Gonzalez, dropped an album recently, and this tune caught my ear. I recall first hearing it by Arturo Montes y Ternura back in the 80s, but I’m really diggin’ this take. The entire album has the legacy sound of the Jimmy-led Mazz, while Alex Basulto provides the vocals. Our friends at Tejano Nation have more on the album.

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Tacho’s Playlist

Posted on February 18, 2023 | Comments Off on Tacho’s Playlist

There have been some good tunes dropping recently and you must listen and add them to your own playlists.

La Marisoul and Los Texmaniacs – Mucho Corazon. The Grammy-winning sensations have collaborated on an album of standards backed by Smithsonian Folkways. With the album dropping on April 7, this is the first single, with La Santa Cecilia’s La Marisoul and Lorenzo Martinez (previously a member (drums and vocals) of Los Texmaniacs) handling vocals and segundas, respectively. The rest of the album will include Little Joe y La Familia’s Las Nubes and other big hits. I haven’t heard a rendition this good since Jimmy Edward’s back in the day.

La Santa Cecilia f/ Aida Cuevas – Cuatro Copas. La Santa Cecilia’s newest project includes plenty of standards done in their own style. This Jose Alfredo Classic is given all the respect it deserves by these unique vocalists. Cuevas, with her strong vocals which have made her career as a ranchera singer, gives it all she’s got, and La Marisoul does what she does best. I’m blown away and really enjoyed this rendition. Again, I haven’t heard this good a take since Laura Canales and Snowball did theirs in the 70s.

Intocable – Yo Seguire. This one dropped on Valentine’s Day. This single will be part of their new production, which includes the production skills of Don Was (Rolling Stones and others). Great vocals and background voices power this tune, along with Intocable’s ensemble cast.

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