For This Reason Alone, Staying Home Nov. 2nd Is Not An Option

Next Tuesday is Election Day, and one factor above all others will determine the outcome: WHO VOTES.

That’s why we're sharing this video called “Look Who Is Voting,” to remind you of some of the people who will be heading to the polls.

It's only 2 minutes long, and we promise you will be glad you watched it.

If you had any doubts about voting, this video should help get rid of them.

And if you have any friends or family who you think might not show up to vote, please send them the video to remind them why staying home is simply not an option.

Thanks and ¡adelante!

A Message To A Irresponsible Pet Owner

I would like to thank the red SUV driver that hit the Chihuahua in front of a group of playing children, leaving them traumatized and crying as you sped off.

Thank you for placing me in the position of having to lie assuring them this pet would be alright and I was taking her home to fix her up.

I want to thank the owner of this Chihuahua for placing me, a perfect stranger, in the position of comforting your pet till she took her last breath. All could have been avoided if you had only been a responsible pet owner.

Last but not least, thanks to COSA animal services for your quick response.(sarcasm) 
No, I’m not waiting 24-48 hours for you to come by and pick up this pet.

Lil Bit, yes I named her in the few momenst we were together, now lies snug as a bug near and beneath my baby red oak tree.  She now joins all my previous pets at the Rainbow Bridge and I will one day see her again under better circumstances.

San Antonio Police Department In Mourning Over Young Officers Death

Our sincerest condolences to the Sergio Antillon family, friends and co workers.  May God hold and console you during this time of sorrow.

Today, as the "roll was read up yonder" there was a sharp crisp new voice that barked "Here Sir!". Officer Sergio Antillon passed on today from injuries sustained in the line of duty when hit by a drunk driver, as he stopped on his way home in uniform to help a citizen involved in an accident. Please pray for his family for strength and God's loving hand to ease the grief. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13  (Contributed By Fellow Officer Bruce Wilson) 

"Final Call"

An Angel In The Sky Must Leave His Place Of Rest,

Gently Tucking His Wings Beneath His Armored Vest.

For Duty Has Called, There Is Much Work To Do

Little Did He Know, This One Is Dressed In Blue.

Arriving On The Scene, He Knows Just What To Say,

"Follow Me, Fallen Brother, I'll Show You The Way."

"Your Duty Has Ended, Your Work Is Now Through."

"Come Hang Your Hat Beside Mine, I'm A Cop, Too."

By: Eric

Andro Mendoza To Kick Off His Candidacy For San Antonio City Council District 5

As of last week and that I know of, Mr. Andro Mendoza will be the first up to the plate to challenge current City Council District 5 representative David Molina.  I'm looking forward to hearing more about the Mendoza platform regarding improvements and much needed attention to District 5 and I mean "all" of District 5, not just bits and pieces of it.  The people of District 5 are now aware that Councilman David Molina allows council staff run the district and is often unavailable for the tough questions and we want change.

So show us what you have Andro Mendoza!

Southside resident and current instructor Northwest Vista College, Andro Mendoza, 42 is a graduate of Luther Burbank High School, former student of Lowell Middle School, Graebner Elementary School.

As a High School graduate from Luther Burbank High School, Mendoza pursued a four-year term in the United States Navy, which further allowed him to earn the necessary money via the GI Bill to earn a Bachelors degree and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He then received a nomination to attend a Healthcare Executive Management Fellowship at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

With roots extending to the early settlement of San Antonio, Andro Mendoza’s family counts among its distinguished ancestors such historically important Tejanos as Jose Francisco Ruiz, a signer or the Texas Declaration of Independence, and Mayor of San Antonio during the Battle of the Alamo and Blas Maria Herrera, a soldier in the Texas Revolution. Artifacts and documents reflecting the family’s prominent place in Texas history, passed down through the generations include an 1836 letter from Jose Francisco Ruiz, an iron cross and iron key thought to have been used at San Fernando Cathedral donated to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and wood gates thought to be doors to the Alamo during the period of the Battle of the Alamo now on display at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.

It is the family lineage along with the desire to advance the interests of the residents of District 5 that motivates Mendoza to pursue public office.

Get It Right Sgt. Joslyn Johnson! It Was Rick Perry That Failed Your Husband and Texas

Rick Perry’s campaign ad featuring Houston police sergeant and widow, Joslyn Johnson stating Governor hopeful and former Mayor of Houston, Texas supports sanctuary cities, is false. Johnson’s husband, officer Rodney Johnson, was killed in the line of duty four years ago by an illegal immigrant who had been arrested and deported several times before the tragic incident.

A sanctuary city is a city that does not allow officers to ask about a suspect’s citizenship. Some will say this will protect illegal immigrants. If that’s the case, then we might as well call us for what we are, a “sanctuary nation."

The campaign ad only tells part of the story which is typical for the GOP. What Joslyn Johnson fails to mention is that former Mayor Bill White, did instruct jails to check the immigration status of those suspects who were arrested and many were turned over to ICE. I’m sure Mrs. Johnson was disappointed with the system she works with everyday that put this cop killer back on the streets and back into this country, but when it comes down to it, it was the judicial system on all levels, that failed.  Sgt. Johnson, your husband died under Gov. Rick Perry's watch and it was his lack of reinforcing our borders that failed your husband, you and Texas, not Bill White..but then again you know that don't you Sarge.

Sanctuary city' label resurfaces


By LISA FALKENBERG


The “Sanctuary Committee” at the Houston- based anti-illegal immigration organization Texans for Immigration Reform, was disbanded a couple of years ago.

Larry Youngblood, a computer consultant who used to sit on the panel aimed at drawing attention to Houston's alleged “sanctuary city” status, said it just “didn't seem to be making any headway.”

Gov. Rick Perry apparently is hoping to have better results.

His campaign has unearthed the tired, fuzzy “sanctuary city” label, often used against Houston and other large cities, in his attacks against Democratic gubernatorial opponent and former Houston Mayor Bill White.

It's an interesting strategy, especially since Perry's stone-casting has drawn attention to the state's own shortcomings in combating illegal immigration. It also reveals inconsistencies in the governor's position on immigration enforcement that suggest his stance is based more on (surprise!) politics than principle.
Indeed, people like Youngblood offer some of the same criticisms of Perry as they do of White and Houston.

“We do have a sanctuary governor, there's no getting around it,” Youngblood told me Wednesday.
Full Article

San Antonio Leadership Event With Bill White

Join Bill White at the Leadership for Texas Rally at La Villita on Saturday, Oct. 23rd at 4:00 pm! Free food, free beer and free margaritas! Live music by Brownout, Erica Gonzaba and Mariachi's.

La Villita (Maverick Plaza)
418 Villita St.
San Antonio, TX

Elected Officials Attending:

BILL WHITE, Candidate for Governor

Linda Chavez-Thompson, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor

Nico La Hood, Candidate for DA

Congressman Ciro Rodriguez

Congressman Charlie Gonzalez

Commissioner Tommy Adkisson

State Senator Leticia Van de Putte

State Senator Carlos Uresti

State Representative Ruth Jones-McClendon

State Representative Joaquin Castro

State Representative Mike Villarreal

State Representative Jose Menendez

Councilman Philip Cortez

Councilman Justin Rodriguez

Latinos Answer To Those Attempting To Suppress The Latino Vote

Cuéntame’s “Don’t Be a Cabrón, Vote” (Don’t Be a Douchebag, Vote) Campaign Launches Response to Front Group “Latinos for Reform” Attempt to Disenfranchise Latino Voters

Culver City, CA— Cuéntame, a project of Brave New Foundation engaging nearly 50,000 Latino voices on Facebook, hundreds of thousands via email, and even more on the ground, joins Latino leaders, organizations, and community members in condemning the political advertisement created by a conservative-funded effort to keep Latino voters from participating in the 2010 Midterm Election.

Cuéntame, has also raised the ante by producing a counter ad labeling the so-called “Latinos for Reform,” Cuéntame’s “Cabrón (Douchebag) of the week!”

Cuéntame’s video challenging “Latinos for Reform” and providing an alternative to their message can be viewed here: tinyurl.com/cabronoftheweek

The full campaign can be found at Facebook.com/Cuentame or at dontbeacabron.com

“No friend of the Latino community would ever tell us not to vote! We launched, “Don’t Be a Cabrón, Vote!” to challenge Latinos to get out and have their voices heard this November. There are a lot of issues at stake for the Latino community and if we don’t vote, we don’t matter.” Axel Caballero, Co-Creator of Cuéntame

Cuéntame is a national Latino organization and community representing nearly 50,000 voices on Cuentame’s facebook page www.facebook.com/cuentame and hundreds of thousands more via email and on the ground.

Latina Bloggers On The Rise

Latina bloggers can serve as powerful role models and agents of change for other Latina women. They have the platform, the voice, the attention, and the power to raise awareness on issues relevant to the lives of other Latinas.




Read More At The Link Below
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kety-esquivel/latina-bloggers-and-bloga_b_758290.html

For Listings Of Other Latina Bloggers Please Go To
http://www.blogsbylatinas.com/

PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON TO HEADLINE RALLY FOR CIRO RODRIGUEZ

From: Jacob Middleton
We just got the confirmation. Free and open to the public.


President Bill Clinton will speak at a rally in support of Ciro Rodriguez on Thursday, October 14th at the Palo Alto Performing Arts Center.
Doors open at 8:00 p.m.
The Performing Arts Center is located at 1400 W. Villaret Blvd., San Antonio Texas 78224

The event is open to the public but is first-come, first-served.

ONLY CREDENTIALED MEDIA WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE THEATER. MEDIA MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 6:30 P.M. for security sweep. Any media arriving later than 6:30 p.m. will not be allowed in.

San Antonio Texas For Bill White

Early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 18th and we have less than 3 weeks until Election Day. Every day more and more Texans, Republicans, Independents and Democrats alike, are giving Rick Perry the boot!

Please join us for an important meeting regarding GOTV (Get out the Vote!) on Friday, Oct. 15th at 6:00 p.m. We'll be discussing our strategies for getting out the vote in Bexar County. Dinner will be provided.

Get in it for Texas this Saturday, Oct. 16th and join us for a Block Walk with Bexar County Elected Officials! State Representative Mike Villerreal, State Representative Ruth Jones-McClendon and Commissioner Tommy Adkisson will be joining us. We're meeting at the Bill White Broadway Office at 10:00 a.m.

Bill White for Texas
3003 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 314-1096

Keep winning.
Bill White for Texas - San Antonio Team

The West Side Community of Prospect Hill National Night Out 2010.

The Advocates Social Services of San Antonio Texas



Yesterday afternoon, in the West Side community of Prospect Hill, from about 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, neighbors gathered at the Advocates Social Services Center, 1600 Buena Vista St for this years National Night Out event. Food and beverages were available as neighbors got acquainted and discussed issues concerning the community and its residents. Unfortunately, I missed seeing Congressman Charlie Gonzalez and TX House Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, yet delighted they attended the neighborhood event. However, I was disappointed that City Council Person for this district David Medina failed to show up. Disappointed, yet not surprised…something to remember and remind others of during the next election for District 5.


However, I was fortunate to have met Tina Torres who is running for Bexar County’s 288th Civil District Court. Longhorn Alumni!!! OK, on a more serious note, in the short time I had with Tina, it’s clear she hasn’t lost touch with community she’s volunteered her services for throughout her lifetime. Tina Torres will bring the knowledge and experience she’s acquired over her legal career to the 288th Civil District Court and I’m asking you to vote for her in Bexar County’s early voting or on November 2nd, 2010. The people of Bexar County deserve no less than Tina Torres and her experience.

Cihuapilli, Tina Torres and Jason Mata

On another bright side, at the event, there were activities for the kids and adults included free boxing lessons provided by the center and former Golden Glove boxers and mentors there to help. The lessons are available to the community year-round at the center. This small center is not federally funded or funded by big corporations. Most of the time, like many in this country today living from one paycheck to another, this community center survives from one donation to another.

So I’m asking those of you out there who may come across this blog and read this entry, if you would consider making a donation and no amount is too small. This center helps those in need and we never know when we may be on the receiving end of that assistance. For any and all donations, you can mail a check (tax deductible) to this non profit organization to :

The Advocates Social Services 1610 Buena Vista, San Antonio, Texas 78207-3801

If you have any questions about the center feel free to call Charlie and Jason Mata at (210) 212-7700 or (210) 535-4422 and they’ll be glad to talk to you.

"They're here and not out committing crimes. They're here and learning discipline," Jason Mata, co-chairman of the Prospect Hill Neighborhood Association

Photos Of  Former Golden Gloves Mentors Passing On A Positive Message To The Children And Young Adults Of Our Future.

To the Mata family, thank you so much for inviting me and I plan on being a regular as long as y'all will have me.

People of San Antonio and the Bexar County area, I only ask two things from you.

1. Donate what you can to the Advocates Social Services of San Antonio, Texas

2.  Vote for justice means voting for Tina Torres for Bexar County Judge of the 288th Civil District Court.

http://www.votetinatorres.com/

Patio Andaluz Reunion Concert

Patio Anda Luz Press Release:

District 5 Former Councilwoman Lourdes Galvan created several major projects. One of the projects is the creation of the Hispanic Veterans Monument to honor all veterans who served our country during war and peace.

The monument was designed and inspired by well known native San Antonio artiest Jesse Trevino. Mr. Trevino a disable Viet Nam veteran has created a beautiful tribute to all veterans. In keeping with the culture and diversity of the San Antonio Community, this tribute is named "La Ofrenda", which means the offering.

A committee was established with professional engineering and architectural firms, community leaders, military veteran organizations and city staff. This project was endorsed by former mayors, Lila Cockrell, Henry Cisneros, Ed Garza, Phil Hardberger and current Mayor Julian Castro.

The committee established a subcommittee to find ways to raise private funds. In 2008 and event was held to initial funds. The event is known as the Patio Andaluz Reunion Concert.

In the 60's Patio Andaluz was a place where teenagers from different high schools throughout the city came to dance and meet that special someone. Some of those teenagers who met at the Patio are still married today.

On those weekend nights bands like the Royal Jesters, Sonny and the Sunliners, Rudy and the Reno Bops, Little Henry and the Laveers and many others performed and their music was followed by the teens of that era.

The Royal Jesters were the house band for "El Patio. The Jesters are revered in the pantheon of Chicano

Rock 'n' Roll and recorded many San Antonio oldies songs that are still played today. Their recordings of Wisdom of a Fool, We Go Together and My Love My Love placed the Royal Jesters in-the rock and roll hall of fame. Later those hits let to mega success for the royal Jesters in the emerging Chicano music scene they struck a new chord with "Yo Soy Chicano", "Soy Feliz" and Me Voy Pa Houston"/ Successive recording contracts with Harlem Records, Bell Records and Tower Records spread their name and their three part harmony across the country.

In 1968 the original Royal Jesters band broke up never to play together again.

After 42 years of not performing together, the original band members have agreed on a

Royal Jesters Reunion to raise funds for the monument.

The reunion will take place at the Historic Plaza Guadalupe on October 16th in the West side of San Antonio. This much awaited performance will bring back many of the songs and memories that San Antonio teens of the 60s grew up with.

Many other artist and established musicians who played with the Royal Jesters will join them, including recording artists Jimmy Edwards, Joe Bravo, Joe Jama, Rudy T.Gonzalez and Little Henry Lee.

This culturally rich live historic event will be recorded, documented and preserved for future generations to learn from and cherish.

Empanada Delight! Try Only Eating One.

Seems that I’ve tried just about every empanada dough recipe around and it just never quite hit the right spot. Last week one of my Facebook friends happened to mention she whipped up a batch of empanadas and asked her for the recipe, so I tried it and BINGO, this is what I was looking for. Now it’s time to share with you.  Thanks Miranda!


Miranda Smith’s Empanada Dough Recipe:

This is the recipe I used- you can use any type of filing to your liking; picadillo or any other meat will work great- then, ENJOY!

Every empanada recipe starts with the dough. Here is a simple empanada dough made with flour, salt, water, egg, vinegar and shortening.


Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes


Empanada Dough
Ingredients:

•3 cups flour (plus a little more for kneading)
•1 teaspoon salt
•1/2 cup cold water
•1 egg
•1 egg white
•1 teaspoon vinegar
•3 tablespoons shortening

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, beat the water, egg, egg white and vinegar together. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the 3 cups of flour and salt.

3. Cut the shortening into the flour mix with a pastry blender or two butter knives. Make a well in the center of the flour mix and pour the liquid ingredients from the first bowl into the center.

4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients with a fork until it becomes stiff.

5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it just until all the flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth.

6. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but never more than 24 hours.

Tip: If you want to keep the dough longer than 24 hours, you can freeze it.

Egg Wash:

1 egg

1 tbsp. water

To Assemble:

Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Place a large spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash around the edge of half of each circle of dough, about 1/3-inch from the edge. Fold the dough over the filling so that the edges meet and using the tines of a fork, press the edges together.

Fry in oil for approx two minutes or until golden brown


Now a recipe for empanada filling. Searched around and these are the basic ingredients for a beef filling that turned out to be very tasty.

Ingredients:

•2 lbs ground beef
•2 small potatoes, diced into one inch cubes and boiled until soft
•1 onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
•5 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
•1/4 cup green olives, finely chopped
•2 hardboiled eggs, coarsely chopped
•1 cup beef broth
•1 teaspoon oil

Preparation:

Sauté the onions and garlic in the oil over medium heat for 1 minute. Put the ground beef in and begin to brown. When the beef is cooked through, add in the broth, green olives and bring to a simmer. Let the liquid reduce until it's almost gone. Fold in the eggs and potatoes and place by the spoonful into your prepared empanada dough and cook accordingly.

It’s an easy and delicious recipe. Try it, you won’t be disappointed.

Why Texas Should Not Re-Elect Gov. Rick Perry

Texas Gov. Rick Perry Facts and how Perry has hurt Texas

Education - Texas ranks 48 out of 50 when compared to other states. Perry turned down $830 million at a time when we are laying off teachers and closing schools.

Health - Perry, who claims to have the Christian voting block behind him, had the gall to mandate that 9,10, 11 year old girls had to get the HPV/VLP vaccine for sexually transmitted disease. Why? Merck, big pharmacutical, paid lots of money to a few people.

Security - Perry has done nothing to secure the border except distort the actual facts of his failures now that it's election time.

National Issues - Perry's stance on national issues is to secede from the union. He wasn't kidding, and think about it, that's irrational and an ignorant comment.

Incumbent Outrage - Being governor or any government official for 12 years or 2.5 terms is not healthy for our representation, particularly when he has the habit of appointing only cronies for their financial backing.

Lobby Activities - He has an open door to lobbyist friends, google: rick perry master stroke, read the article from the texas observer, this is how he conducts business. Couple that with his closed financial records by using a blind trust which has accumulated untold wealth while serving for a minimal state salary, that lacks transparency.

Lives like a millionaire while you suffer - living in a mansion with all the perks of flying around the world with a huge staff and security detail. That's not we need for a governor.

Reportedly works less than 10 hours a week - how many Texas voters have the luxury of only working one day a week?

Refuses to debate or take questions - No one should be elected, let alone be re-elected, if they refuse to answer to the public and voters. That's unchecked arrogance.

Private Property rights - Not even the Farm and Ranch community endorses him any longer after he betrayed them by trying to make a land grab with his tollway projects.

He's nothing more than the sound bite man, the scripted politician that has fooled far to many to vote for him in the past because he sometimes looks better than the person running against him. This isn't a contest of who has the best hair, leave that to the pretty boy contests. This is about the best leader, the hardest worker, the smartest worker, and who's more concerned about what's best for Texans.

It's time to elect someone who will listen to you, who will answer your questions, who will debate his opponents, and who demonstrates a clear rationale that will encourage us and will make Texas number 1, not no.48, in all categories.

 I've had enough of Perry's self serving nonsense.  I'm voting for Bill White.

Republicans Only Care About Saving Their Party, Not What Is Good For America

Republicans feed on fear ignorance and desperation. They want to create the ideal business environment here in the United States. You know the same environment that exist in third world countries. People, you better wake up. You want to fix this,  throw the trade barriers up and republicans out of office.


The country falters and the GOP sits on the bench getting splinters in their butts hoping Obama meets his "Waterloo" saying "just wait". So sadly un-American. It's party over country all the way.

San Antonio Texas: Joint Effort Coffee House Music Event

 

INNER CITY DEVELOPMENT is a nonprofit, community based organization that responds to emergency, educational, and recreational needs of the neighborhood on the near Westside of San Antonio in the vicinity of the Alazan-Apache Public Housing Project. It has been operating in this area, the economically poorest area of Bexar County, since 1968.

Mission:The mission of the organization is to lift the dignity of the individual. This is done by providing critical, supportive, basic life services and inspiring persons to participate in the betterment of their neighborhood through volunteerism. With the exception of one part-time administrative assistant, the organization is run by an all-volunteer staff and administration.

Facebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/innercitydevelopment

 

Get Fit Event In San Antonio Texas

Join San Antonio Texas's Mayor Castro at the Mayor's Fitness Council Event!

Saturday, Oct. 16th, 2010 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

Woodlawn Park  (Island House at the corner of Josephine Tobin and Cincinatti Ave.)

San Antonio, Texas 78201

Free music, fun and games!  Physical Activities and Healthy Eating habits for all ages!

Jealousy: A Cihuapilli Blogit

Words to live by: "I never get jealous when I see my ex with someone else, because my parents always taught me to give my used toys to the less fortunate."
-Leticia M.  Gonzalez

The lady makes sense, because in all aspects, jealousy gives us a terrible personal battle in our lives.  It sparks so many negative emotions..anger, revenge, falsehoods to mention a few.  So many bitter emotions that take up so much energy and time out of our precious time here one earth.   So we have to ask ourselves, "Is it , or that person really worth taking on the toll of this emotion we call jealousy and all it brings upon us?"  

One Million Strong Starts with One...YOU

One Million Strong Starts with One-YOU

The Love/Avon Army of Women, an initiative of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, thanks to a generous grant from the Avon Foundation for Women offers a revolutionary new opportunity for YOU to partner with research scientists to move breast cancer beyond a cure.  Read more and join the fight against Breast Cancer at http://www.armyofwomen.org/