RGV Life

Legislative Hot Seat at UTPA on January 24, 2012

2012-01-20T15:02:00.000-06:00

Job Opportunities at Costco in Pharr, Texas

2011-12-28T11:02:00.001-06:00

The Costco in Pharr, Texas is looking to hire a few good people for their new store. Get 2012 off to a good start.

Fundraiser for Ramiro Garza for Congress

2011-12-21T12:36:00.004-06:00

Tejano Christmas Dance Benefitting the Pharr Police Department

2011-12-20T06:13:00.000-06:00

1st Annual Mexico Artisan Christmas Fair Dec 16th - 18th

2011-12-11T20:40:00.001-06:00

Preview of the New McAllen Public Library

2011-12-08T14:28:00.001-06:00

I had an opportunity to tour the new McAllen Public Library prior to the grand opening this weekend. They have done an incredible job. I'll share some details later, thought I'd share some photos for now. Back later to share details about the new library.

UPDATE:

The grand opening is this Saturday, December 10th. There will be free tours and giveaways. Lucky winners can walk away with an iPad, Nook, or Kindle; you definitely don't want to miss the grand opening.

I definitely want to point out that there will be WiFi everywhere on the premises. You simply need to provide your email address for access. Other features include...well books, obviously, and e-books, computer common areas, meeting spaces, a cafe, a teen room, a 180 seat auditorium, and other features you expect from a library, like study rooms.

The new library covers 123,000 square feet, making it the largest single-story library in the entire United States. The library was converted from an old Wal-Mart building. Despite it appearing to be a "ready structure", the project required a great deal of reengineering. As a testament to the skill of the designers, many of the improvements to harden the building are in plain sight; but not obvious. The new library is built to withstand hurricane winds; but there are no plans to make it a shelter. As it is, people will practically live there already.

The library will officially open on Satuday December 10 at 10 a.m. Festivities will end at 6 p.m. Visit http://www.mcallenlibrary.net and http://www.facebook.com/mcallenlibrary for more information.

Give a Little Something, Get a Little Something With Smashburger

2011-12-04T22:15:00.001-06:00

This Holiday season, give something you know others will want to use, a $25 Smashburger gift card. For your thoughtfulness, you get $5 back in Smashbucks for your next purchase. Seriously, that sweater you are thinking of giving? Put it back. We have two weeks of winter in South Texas. On the other hand, we have 365.25 days of hunger each year. That special somebody is going to eat one of those days. You can't go wrong with a $25 Smashburger gift card.

Let's not forget that you get $5 in Smashbucks back with your thoughtful purchase. You're probably thinking, "oh, great, what am I going to do with $5 in Smashbucks?" Well, Mr. or Ms. Sarcastic, you can try the limited-time only Cinnamon Spice Shake, made with real Häagen-Dazs ice cream. This special shake will only be available until December 31st or while supplies last.

Where else do YOU get rewarded for giving an awesome gift by getting something awesome in return? It doesn't happen, except when you step through the magical doors of Smashburger. Stop by 1020 W Nolana in McAllen, Texas to get a little something for your friends and a little something for you. Make this the year when everybody wins. With Smashburger gift cards, you can't lose.

Don't wait too long; the longer you wait, the more likely you'll panic and buy a lighted Christmas Tree necktie. Don't be that guy.

2011-11-16T17:49:00.001-06:00

Sunset Near Lions Park in Mission, Texas

Experimenting with Google+ Page

2011-11-07T20:33:00.000-06:00

Google recently opened up pages for business. As a sort of "business", we are experimenting with a page for this blog. The use for the page is not certain yet; but, you will be advised on its future. In the meantime, please add RGV Life's Google+ Page using the button below.

RGV Life

on Google+

Photos from Hargill Annual Cook Off 2011

2011-11-05T20:32:00.000-05:00

COSTCO Groundbreaking Set for November 8th

2011-11-03T12:15:00.003-05:00

Pharr Chamber Members and Community Associates:

You are cordially invited to join the City of Pharr and the Pharr Chamber of Commerce in welcoming COSTCO, at a Groundbreaking Event on Tuesday, November 8th at 12:00 Noon, at their development site located on the corner intersection of Kelly and Jackson Road in Pharr.

For more information regarding this event, or to RSVP, please call the Chamber at (956) 787-1481 or email frontdesk@pharrchamber.com.

Pics from Texas Butterfly Festival 2011

2011-10-23T04:48:00.000-05:00

For more information about the Texas Butterfly Festival, visit http://www.naba.org

A Visit With the Hispanic Tea Party

2011-10-12T00:03:00.001-05:00

Thursday night, I made the effort to attend the Hispanic Tea Party meeting in Edinburg. They rent the meeting space at Abundant Grace Community Church. I have spoken with Reverend Armando Vera, the group's leader, in the past. I was curious to see who else attends the Hispanic Tea Party meetings. I'm glad I made it; the organization is completely different from what you would imagine. In fact, attending a Hispanic Tea Party meeting is very uplifting.

First, you should know that the way the regular Tea Party is portrayed in the media is a complete mischaracterization of what actually happens at the meetings. When Rev. Vera launched the Hispanic Tea Party, the organization was also mischaracterized in the news. The only consolation they received was from the McAllen Tea Party with a "welcome to the club."

From my observation, the Hispanic Tea Party is composed of people who understand the heart and culture of Hispanics. The group has a heavy representation of pastors from different Christian denominations who are motivated to educate and lift their congregations out of poverty. They believe that teaching other Hispanics to be good citizens, coupled with their naturally conservative values, will help them prosper.

Reverend Vera, and I understand some of the other Pastors, initially considered the Tea Party a racist organization that would be hostile and completely opposed to their own goals. However, Rev. Vera decided that he should visit a McAllen Tea Party meeting to find out what they were about, having been invited. After attending a meeting, he found that not only were the McAllen Tea Party's values aligned with Hispanic values, which are naturally conservative, they were also completely different from what he had read and seen in the news.

The other Pastors have also experienced the same revelation. They felt somewhat betrayed by the Democrats and the press who purposely misled them into thinking that Republicans were akin to the devil. After realizing that the Tea Party's values were in line with their own, they were motivated to create a similar movement for Hispanics.

The obvious question here is, why a separate Hispanic Tea Party? Why not just join the McAllen Tea Party?

The answer is language. The best analogy I have is the cultural challenges of deaf people. People with hearing learn a great deal about culture, customs, and daily life simply by passively listening. You may not be a part of a conversation; but you can still listen in and absorb some knowledge in the process. Deaf people are not a part of many such conversations because they cannot passively listen to people around them. There is the added challenge that most of us are incapable of communicating with them except through rudimentary gestures.

The same problem applies to Hispanics, in a sense. The very party with which Hispanics have so much in common is very bad at reaching out to them and speaking to them in their language. This is a serious problem for Republicans who at times can seem hostile towards immigrants.

I'm not going to equate the Tea Party to Republicans. Being involved in politics, I know very well that they are not one and the same. Even so, both are misguided in their insistence that anything worth doing should be done in English. There was a lady at the McAllen Tea Party who called out Rev. Vera for speaking Spanish and having somebody translate for him. I wanted to knock her on the head. That's precisely the problem; conservatives do not have the missionary mentality when it comes to politics.

If you're going to be that much of a purist, forget English. You need to talk American! Given that nobody has made an attempt to create an American language, we must rely on foreign languages, like English and, increasingly, Spanish to communicate.

Going back to the main point, Hispanics are in that situation where the only source of information they get is politically biased. Imagine that the only communication you have is American Sign Language, and the only people talking to you are people who depend on Government money. What kind of information do you think you would get? Do you think it would be unbiased?

This is the reason why Rev. Vera, other Pastors, and prominent Hispanics decided to create a separate Hispanic Tea Party. They can translate the conservative news and movement to a naturally conservative audience that wants this information, but is being deprived.

The Hispanic Tea Party wants to elevate Hispanics to live the American dream. To do that, they take it upon themselves to teach other Hispanics what it means to be an American. They teach the perils of living off of entitlement programs. They teach of the necessity to become educated and self-reliant.

The main distinction is that other movements begin with politics as the main driving force, which fuels the fellowship. The Hispanic Tea Part seems to be the reverse; they foster fellowship, which culminates in political action. They aim to change lives first.

In my personal observation, many conservatives complain about how immigrants should learn to be American, learn the language, and assimilate. That's as far as things go. They'll complain; but they won't make the effort to bridge the gap between recent immigrant to full-fledged citizen. They are really not helpful in acclimating recent immigrants. They expect recent immigrants who are still learning the language and culture to have a Ph.D. in Americanism overnight.

Reverend Vera and other Hispanic Tea Party members recognized that in that gap from when somebody enters the country and when their family becomes assimilated into the culture, conservatives have allowed liberal ideas to seduce Hispanics and, in the process, become slaves to ideals that have more style than substance.

Let me also point out that Democrats invest heavily in Hispanic outreach, hoping that here will be some great turnout amongst Hispanics at the polls. Somehow, the surge in Hispanic votes never materializes for the party despite their heavy investments.

Republicans have been too complacent in accepting that Hispanic votes will trend Democrat, which has not happened. It doesn't occur to the Republican Party that the reason why Democrats are not able to affect Hispanic turnout is because their message does not resonate, even though they go the extra mile to speak to them in their language.

The Hispanic Tea Party recognizes that being Hispanic is cultural; but it is rooted in the language. Hispanic is not a race; it is a language. Amongst Hispanics, there are people of all colors. There are light skinned, dark skinned, and even Asian Hispanics.

Just as English culture has a strong influence on American culture, which is limited to the United States and Canada; Spanish culture has a strong influence on Hispanic countries. If conservatives were willing to reach across the language barrier, they would find one of the strongest conservative voting blocks.

It is no accident that Hispanics have a bunch of children; abortion is mostly not an option.

It is no accident that Hispanics come here legally and illegally taking backbreaking jobs; they believe in earning a living.

Conservatives are missing the boat in reaching out to a natural constituency that has thus far resisted efforts by Democrats to seduce them into turning out in significant numbers. The Hispanic Tea Party is a movement that should be watched closely. This is not a ragtag group of disgruntled taxpayers; this is a group of recognized community leaders.

Smashburger RGV Feeds the Hungry, Besides You, October 27, 2011

2011-10-11T23:32:00.000-05:00

Smashburger in McAllen, Texas is doing something really nice on October 27. Anybody who brings in five canned goods on that day will receive a free kids meal certificate. If you bring in ten items, you get two certificates, and so on.

You might be thinking, "well, five canned goods would cost about the same as a kids meal." Sure, except that you would have had to buy the canned goods to donate to the Food Bank RGV (you WERE going to donate anyway, right?); and you would also have had to buy your child a meal. Doing it your way, you would have donated and walked away empty-handed. Smashburger is rewarding your kindness. Let's not forget the most important aspect, teaching your young ones to be charitable.

Since you were going to donate to the Food Bank RGV anyway, Smashburger is stepping up to thank you for your generosity through their own generosity. Their goal is to collect 500 pounds of food for the Food Bank RGV. Of course, they won't be angry if they collect more than that. Bring it.

Be sure to mark you calendar and show up at 1020 Nolana in McAllen, Texas on October 27, 2011 with your food donation. Donations can include canned soup, pasta, cereal, oatmeal, beans, bags of rice, and other non-perishables.

While you are there don't forget to try the Windy City Smashburger and save your registration code to win a free trip to Chicago. The limited-time burger will cease being sold in McAllen on October 31. So, you can try the new burger, donate to the hungry, feed your hungry kid, and maybe even win a free trip to Chicago with $1000 to spend.

What more incentive can you want? Don't be greedy. Get out there on October 27th.

Rep. Rene Oliveira 2012 Campaign Kick-Off

2011-10-06T10:25:00.001-05:00

JUST A REMINDER MY FRIENDS:

Don't forget to join me tomorrow evening as I kick-off my Campaign for
State Representative. Hope to see you there.

thank you,
Rene

T.C. Betancourt Announced His Intention Not to Run Against Representative Gonzalez Should They be Paired in the Same District

2011-10-05T09:12:00.001-05:00

PRESS RELEASE

October 5, 2011

T.C. Betancourt Announced His Intention Not to Run Against
Representative Gonzalez Should They be Paired in the Same District

Democrat will continue to be a candidate for State Representative

(Edinburg, Texas) – Democratic candidate for State Representative
T.C. Betancourt announced today that if he is paired with State
Representative Veronica Gonzales in district 41, it is not his
intention to run against her for the March 2012 election. He went on
to say, "As I analyze the current turmoil with the state house
district maps, I find it imperative that I take this time to determine
our strategy for the potential changes. It is important to me that the
democratic party find some sense of stability through these trying
times."

The Justice Department declared recently that the voting map for House
district 41, among others, does not meet federal anti-discrimination
provisions. In a court filing it as state that the district boundaries
redrawn to reflect changes in census data do not meet stipulations
under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that prevents minority
discrimination in the electoral process.

Betancourt stated, "I want to be clear that I will continue to be a
candidate for the State House of Representatives. At the onset of our
campaign we were very clear that we were running for an open seat
against Republican Representative Aaron Pena. Should this continue to
be the case after the new lines are drawn, I assure you that I will
continue to run. It is my sincere desire to serve the people and if
afforded the situation to not be paired with Representative Gonzalez,
then I will continue seeking the legislative office." He stated that
he is proud of Representative Gonzalez's accomplishments during a
tough session and how well she was still able to represent us and get
critical funding for our area.

Mr. Betancourt continues to believe that Mr. Pena's district, if the
lines stay the same, needs a fresh start and believes that it is time
to focus on caring for people. He stated the Republicans this last
session cost South Texas billions of dollars in critical funding over
the next several years. "I intend to work hard to create good-paying
jobs, affordable healthcare and offer more people the ability to
access the education they want. These are the opportunities and
benefits that I have provided our employees and families in Hidalgo
County for the past decade. I can be trusted to fight for the people
of South Texas," he said.

Mr. Betancourt and his wife Ana started Elite Rehab Services six years
ago, a regional outpatient therapy clinic specializing in occupational
and speech services. In addition, they provide their clients with
nutritional and social services. They service pediatric and adult
clients throughout the South Texas area and San Antonio. He is also
involved in the operation of Betancourt & Co., a local-area produce
company.

Media contact: Brian Godinez at 956.655.4655 or brian@gogogodinez.com

# # #

Brian Godinez / Godinez Communications
300 South 8th Street / McAllen, TX 78501
tel: 956.655.4655 / Fax: 956.661-0401
email: brian@gogogodinez.com

web: gogogodinez.com

Would You Like a Windy City Smashburger? How about a trip to the windy city?

2011-10-04T07:54:00.000-05:00

Smashburger recently launched the Windy City Smashburger for a limited time. The Windy City Smashburger consists of layers of melted cheddar cheese, haystack onions, lettuce, tomato, and Gulden's spicy mustard on a pretzel bun. Normally, you can only get the Windy City Smashburger in the Chicago area; but, you can get a taste here in McAllen until October 30.

It's hard to improve on the mouth-watering burgers; but, to make things even better, Smashburger is GIVING AWAY a free trip to Chicago and $1000 cash to spend while you are there. How's that for you?

All you need to enter is to obviously visit the local Smashburger at 1020 Nolana in McAllen. You'll receive a validation code that you can enter at http://smashburger.com/chicago until October 30. The winning entry will receive a trip for two including hotel and airfare, plus the cash.

When you buy a lottery ticket, all you get is a piece of printed paper if your numbers don't win. When you enter the Smashburger Windy City promotion, at least you get a Smashburger to satisfy your hunger. You win no matter what.

Don't miss out on this chance to get out of the RGV to witness what Fall looks like where there are real seasons. Good luck! Oh, and take a jacket.

Press release.

Hidalgo County Offers You a Clean Slate

2011-09-29T07:54:00.000-05:00

Hidalgo County is offering people who owe outstanding fines to Justice of the Peace courts a clean slate by making a payment on their collection website. Anybody who owes money to the JP courts is not able to renew their license or use other services unless the fine is paid.

Rather than pile on to people who may be having trouble making payments, Hidalgo County is offering this easy to use payment option to give people the opportunity to wipe the slate clean in terms of late payments.

Hidalgo County reports that they have roughly $35 million in unpaid fines still outstanding. This is an effort to both help the public and make it easier to collect on these receivables.

Chili's in Sharyland to Donate Net Profits to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital

2011-09-25T22:40:00.000-05:00

For immediate release
Contact: Rob Neagle 956-984-9000 or robneagle@yahoo.com

Have a Presidente Margarita, save a life...

Chili's Grill & Bar invites the community to join them on September 26th when 100% of the day's profits will be donated to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

(Mission, TX) - Chili's Sharyland at 2419 East Expressway 83 in Mission will donate all of their net profits on September 26th to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to further help them in their fight to find a cure for pediatric cancer and other diseases.

"We are proud and honored to be able to help this great cause," said Rob Neagle, Managing Partner at our hometown Chili's. "I hope the entire community will join us on the 26th and show their support for the brave kids at St. Jude!"

Chili's Grill and Bar is a longtime supporter of St. Jude. The popular restaurant brand continues to work towards a 10-year commitment to raise $50 million for the hospital. The annual Create-A-Pepper campaign invites guests to design a custom pepper logo and make an individual donation to St. Jude.

"Where else can you go have a fresh hand-shaken Presidente Margarita, or some fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs and save a child's life while doing so?" said Neagle.

Chili's Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili's offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites at more than 1,500 locations in 31 countries and two territories. Brinker's wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili's® Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy®. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill®.

RGV Blues Festival Tonight

2011-09-24T07:35:00.000-05:00

First Choice Power Helping Food Bank RGV

2011-09-23T22:34:00.003-05:00

During the entire month of September, First Choice Power will track canned food donations made at the three chambers from Sept.1 to Sept. 30. The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley will post an update on its website on Sept. 16. First Choice Power will award the chamber who collects the most cans with a $250 donation to keep or donate to the charity of its choice and will make a $250 donation to food bank in honor of that winning chamber. All Donations will count toward First Choice Power's goal to provide 1 million meals to Texans in need.

First Choice Power also will donate a meal to the Texas Food Bank Network for each person who:

Drops off a donation at the First Choice Power Mission Local Office, 2423 E. Expressway 83, Suite 400, Mission,TX (956) 424-0068
Retweets the company's #HungerAction/#FoodFirst message on Twitter in September
Comments on any Hunger Action Month blog posts on the company's blog, The Current
Posts a comment on First Choice Power's Facebook posts related to Hunger Action Month

Scenes from the Annual Food Bank RGV Empty Bowls (2011)

2011-09-22T20:55:00.000-05:00

9/22/11

Sergio Muñoz Jr. Announced Reelection Campaign for Texas House of Representatives

2011-09-18T16:38:00.001-05:00

PRESS RELEASE

September 15, 2011

Sergio Muñoz Jr. Announces Reelection Campaign for Texas House of Representatives

South Texas Democrat to run a second term for District 36 House Seat with continued support from local area leaders and the community

MISSION, TEXAS – Today, Texas State Representative Sergio Muñoz Jr. announced that he would seek reelection to the District 36 House seat to which he was first elected in 2010.

Commenting on his reelection campaign, Representative Muñoz said, "This session was very challenging, but even with the session being as difficult as it was, we were able to produce some effective legislation for South Texas. I appreciate the knowledge I gained and wish to return and do more. I am committed to public service and the people of District 36."

Representative Muñoz, a local attorney and community servant, had an extraordinary inaugural session in the legislature that included the passage of major bills and amendments bearing his name. He was honored by his Democratic colleagues for his legislative achievements and earned the inaugural House Democratic Leader's Award, an award given to the House Democratic freshman who best symbolizes the principles and values of the Texas House Democratic Caucus.

During the five-month legislative session, and special session, Muñoz authored, coauthored, sponsored and cosponsored an array of bills and amendments – including measures approved by the full House which honored major achievements by constituents in his House District 36, including HCR 56 which welcomed home our veterans and honored their service. Among them, measures that: restored $630,000 in funding for Bachelor's of Applied Technology Degree programs at South Texas College; reduce high school dropout rates; increased penalties to punish human traffickers; increased funding for law enforcement to investigate predators who use the internet to prey on young people and children; protect private property rights; continue the telecommunications discount for public schools and colleges, nonprofit hospitals, and public libraries throughout Texas; and fought vigorously against the budget cuts made to education, health and human services, and other vital programs to Texas and South Texas.

Mr. Muñoz will continue to focus on his vision for the people of District 36 during the next legislative session, "I want to continue to work for the people of District 36 to address the issues and maximize our resources for the betterment of deep South Texas. Now is the time to unite amongst one another to find solutions to the challenges we face. Let me continue to be your voice in Austin. We all need to work together cooperatively, both locally and in Austin, to produce the desired results we all want for our families and businesses. I won't give up."

Representative Muñoz believes that we need to have a balanced approach as we tackle the issues and look towards providing a better future for our communities and families.

Mr. Muñoz was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. He is the son of Sergio Muñoz Sr., and Connie Muñoz. He and his sister Marla graduated from Mission High School. He went on to graduate with a business administration degree from the University of Texas in Austin, and is a graduate of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, magna cum laude. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Hidalgo County Bar Association.

Media contact: Brian Godinez at 956.655.4655 or brian@gogogodinez.com

# # #

--
Shaine Mata
956-205-0706
Site: http://www.shainemata.com

See my Ratepoint Profile:
http://www.ratepoint.com/profile/19277

Event: Dog Days of Summer Are Over at Mission Sports Complex

2011-09-14T21:46:00.001-05:00

Celebrate "man's best friend" this weekend at the Mission Sports Complex. The event will include a dog parade, Muttsquerade, dog competitions (including cutest and ugliest dog), Pet/Owner look-alike, Spazziest Dog, Waggiest Tail, and more.

The event includes vendors, music and lots of fun. This is a great family event.

Register today at http://services.missionchamber.com/Events/details/dog-days-of-summer-are-over

For sponsorship or vendor information

Lindslee Brunson at 789-6345

Smashburger in McAllen Adds New Items to the Menu

2011-09-14T21:27:00.002-05:00

Smashbuger in McAllen, Texas has announced new additions to their menu. Some are temporary and some are permanent additions.

Smashburger Does Vegetarian

Starting September 28, the Smashburger menu will include the Black Bean Burger, which is a vegetarian, made from scratch patty, smashed, seared, and seasoned on the grill like their traditional burgers. Order a side of veggie fries and it's like heaven.

Other Additions

Other items are being added to the Smashburger menu, which you ought to check out.

Texas Dog - 100% Angus beef hot dog with pepper jack cheese, guacamole, jalapeños, chipotle sauce, tomatoes, and onions.
Chili Cheese Fries - fries topped with chili, cheddar cheese, onions, and jalapeños.
Fried Jalapeños - with a side of buttermilk ranch dressing.
Permanent shake flavors: Oreo, Butterfinger, and Nutter Butter. All made with authentic Häagen Dazs ice cream.

For a Limited Time Only

When they say a limited time only, it means get your rump over to Smashburger ASAP. You don't want to miss these new items, you may never get a chance to try them again. The items will be available from September 26 to October 31st. It sounds like a long time; but, you'll forget. Do it now. Wait, do it September 26; put it on your calendar.

Windy City Smashburger - Sit down for this one. Layers of melted cheddar cheese, haystack onions, lettuce, tomato, and Gulden's spicy mustard on a pretzel bun.
Banana shake - Yes, a banana shake Simple, delicions, and people keep asking for it. Made with Häagen Dazs as well.

Not just any burger, Smashburger.

Here's the press release.