Mi vida issue 1

M i V i d aMagazine AUGUST 2014

FREEGRATIS

P&JElectric, Inc.

MI VIDA MAGAZINE AUGUST 2014

Stories of South Texans from South Texans

OILFIELDTOUGHFollowing the Eagle Ford Shale boom in South Texas

MI VIDA MAGAZINE

A publication of the Jim Hogg County Enterprise

304 E. Galbraith, Hebbronville, Texas 78361Copyright 1998 by The Jim

Hogg County Enterprise. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the express

permission of the publisher.

Entered as Second Class Matter at Hebbronville,

Texas under May 5, 1926, at the Post Office the Act of March 8, 1979, Second

Class Postage Paid at Hebbronville, Jim Hogg

County, Texas 78361.POSTMASTER: Send inquiries to Jim Hogg County

Enterprise304 E. Galbraith

P.O. Box 759Hebbronville, Texas 78361

Call (361) 460-9493 for information.

Base advertising rate is $6.00 per column inch. Volume and frequency

discounts available.Contact us by email at

[email protected] or at

[email protected]

Poncho Hernandez Jr.Juanita I. Hernandez

Publishers

MI VIDA MAGAZINE Page 2

It’s been nearly 30 years since I started my journey ... moving from one publication to another and enjoying the trip along the way. It’s been a wonderful experience, with the destinations providing fresh and interesting content written by friends, acquaintances, and professionals. That’s the best part of the journey. And while electronic devices have their merits, nothing is better than holding and reading a newspaper, tabloid, or magazine in your hands. So I guess Mi Vida Magazine is a natural extension of my life and the lives of those around me. Our commitment: to offer a range of features and articles with local, state and national content from acclaimed writers and reputable news sources. So sit back, enjoy, and welcome to our first edition.

The Editor

Welcome to our first edition ...

To Advertise:

Sylvia TangumaAdvertising Representative361-389-6612

Advertising Rates:Page size: 10.5” x 10.5” To Contact us:Column size: 9” x 6 Col.$6.00 per Column Inch1/4 page = $ 72.001/2 page = $144.00Full page = $288.00Color = $80.00

361-460-9493

On The Cover:San Diego’s Pete Guerra and Javier Barrera of P&J Electiric, Inc.

M i V i d aMagazine

Mi Vida Magazine Page 3

By Poncho Hernandez Jr.

When Pete Guerra and Javier Barrera saw an opportunity to start a business in the South Texas oil patch, the pair quickly gathered their tools, dusted their truck off, and set-up shop in their garage.

“We saw an opportunity and jumped right into it,” Guerra explained. “Fortunately, we met some good people along the way.”

That was back in 1997. Fast-forward 17 years later, when new drilling technology

for hydraulic fracturing has ensured Texas oil companies at least five more years of work, and the company is doing well, employing five secretaries and 200 employees throughout Texas and its adjoining states.

Guerra says the company’s ambitions are to grow to em-ploy more than 400 people, with work in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and other states.

“We may be a small company working for some of the biggest companies in America, but we’re also one of the big-gest electric minority owned and operated businesses in the state,” Guerra said.

Currently, the company operates offices in San Diego, Texas, the county seat of Duval County, and in Kenedy, a city in Karnes County.

Ten years ago, they built their San Diego office at the corner of 100 N. Julian Street. It was about that time that business started booming.

“We got a little following, not a lot, but enough to keep us busy,” Barrera said.

But it hasn’t always been easy.“We worked non-stop in the beginning - being flexible

enough to go wherever the work took us. We spent so much

time away from home that our wives had to come to where we were,” he said.

“It was rough going. Today, people know who we are in the industry, but back then, we put money in the piggy bank only to open it when we had to.”

Since then, P&J Electrical Inc., has opened a training and assessment center for the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), to provide quality training using standards developed and implemented by an in-house team of safety professions.

“It’s not just about training personnel, but educating and providing a better and safer future,” said Joey Farias, a NC-CER Master Trainer who came from Alice, Texas to work for the company.

“Safety has changed dramatically over the years. Our job is to make sure trainees are equipped to do their job safety,” he added.

More recently, P&J Electric, Inc. has moved into the

See P&J, Page 20

Company founded in small town garage now thrivingAs the oilfield industry transforms the South Texas landscape, small businesses are finally sharing the effects of the long-awaited boom

‘Today, people know who we are in the industry ... but back then, we put money in the piggy bank only to open it when we had to.’

Manufacturing

Hydro Excavation Services

In-house Supplies

Training Facilities

Mi Vida Magazine Page 4

Duval County Treasurer

Robert ElizondoMrs. Lupita Elizondo

StaffAnna Marie Gomez

Susie Ramos2014

279-7744

TEX-MEX CAFE210 N. BENAVIDES

SAN DIEGO, TEXAS 78384

OPEN: Monday - Friday7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Saturday8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

By Angelina GutierrezMi Vida Magazine

Casas de sillar are a prominent cultural feature of the South Texas landscape. Dating back to the 19th century, these stone houses were popular both on ranches and in budding communities. Their sturdier construction and utilization of local materials made them an invaluable asset. They provided insulation against the elements, staying cool in the severe sum-mer heat, and providing protection in the cold, wet winter months. They also offered protection from Indian raids and wild animals.

These casas were built out of limestone, a local commodity, and pine shipped from the Coastal Bend region. The blocks were cut by hand on site and mea-

sured approximately 1’ wide, 2’ long, and 8’’deep. They were then transported by cart to the construction site. Once the blocks were laid, a coat of lime was whitewashed over the exterior. This reinforced the exterior, while allowing the interior to remain more malleable, the better to withstand the drastic changes in temperature that are common in South Texas.

The floors could be constructed out of anything ranging from hard-packed earth to sandstone or pine. Common features included shutters, French-style doors, chimneys, and elaborately carved central

beams.The casa de sillar reflected the social structures

of the ranches. This type of architecture was used for the casa mayor and other important buildings built to withstand both the elements and time. However, these houses were also the most popular type of residence throughout South Texas in the 1800s. The degree of complexity varies from building to build-ing depending on access to resources and allotted construction time.

Limestone was used in the construction of homes, chapels, and schools. Many sillar structures can be found today at Randado, Las Cuevitas, and La Lomita. Some of the oldest homes still standing in Hebbronville, Zapata, and San Diego are 19th cen-tury casas de sillar.

Casas de sillar: A brief look at art and architecture in South TexasSome of the oldest homes still standing in San Diego, Hebbronville and Zapa-taare 19th century casas de sillar.


Open 7 Days A WeekBreakfast All Day

August: 2014 bizarre and unusual holidaysDATE:1. Raspberry Cream Pie Day2 Chinese Valentine's Day/Daughter's Day 2 National Ice Cream Sandwich Day2 National Mustard Day first Saturday3 Friendship Day - First Sunday in August3 International Forgiveness Day - First Sunday in August3 National Watermelon Day3 Sisters Day - First Sunday in August4 U.S. Coast Guard Day5 Work Like a Dog Day6 Wiggle Your Toes Day

7 National Lighthouse Day8 Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day 9 Book Lover's Day10 Lazy Day10 National S'mores Day11 Presidential Joke Day11 Son and Daughter Day12 Middle Child's Day13 Left Hander's Day14 National Creamsicle Day14/15 V-J Day - which date do you mark the end of WWII?15 Relaxation Day - now this one's for me!16 National Tell a Joke Day17 National Thriftshop Day18 Bad Poetry Day

19 Aviation Day20 National Radio Day21 Senior Citizen's Day22 Be an Angel Day22 National Tooth Fairy Day 23 Ride the Wind Day24 Vesuvius Day25 Kiss and Make Up Day26 National Dog Day26 Women's Equality Day27 Global Forgiveness Day27 Just Because Day28 Race Your Mouse Day -but we are not sure what kind of "mouse"29 More Herbs, Less Salt Day30 Frankenstein Day30 Toasted Marshmallow Day

The Laredo En-ergy Arena will come to life Saturday, Aug. 23 with the “Magical Music of Disney” per-formed by the Laredo Phil. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. concert.

Ten of Disney’s most popular films are represented in the concert with visual enhancement. Behind the orchestra will be a giant screen display-ing clips, photos and movie segments from the various films, Townsend said.

Tickets can be purchased through the Laredo Energy Arena or at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $15, $25, $35. For more infor-mation visit www.learena.com, www.laredophil.com or call (956) 236-7772.

Laredo Phil


SUDOKU SOLUTION

Local musicians win blues competition ....By Cynthia Gutierrez

Mi Vida Magazine

The Palacios Brothers, a well-known Hebbronville group with ties to Benavides (their father, Delio “Baby Red” Palacios is a graduate of Benavides High School - you can read about him here) have been recognized by the Austin Blues Society as the winners of the 2014 Heart of Texas Blues Challenge.

Sponsored by the Austin Blues Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to pre-serving the rich tradition of blues music in Austin, the

annual event brought together the best and the brightest blues musicians in the Austin area for four nights of competition at the Brass House Blues Tav-ern in Austin.

After surviving the prelimi-nary and semi-final rounds, the brothers performed last Thursday night before a panel of distinguished judges and were chosen as the winners of the Best Band category.

In addition to winning a cash prize, they also earned the privilege of representing the Austin region at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge to be held

next January in Memphis, Tennessee.

According to the sponsors, they will have “an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their music to recording industry representatives, music festival organizers, talent scouts and promoters.”

The brothers, Delio, Brian and Marcel Palacios, have earned a loyal following of fans in Austin, playing the circuit of Blues venues such as Antones, the Saxon Pub and Maggie Mae’s.

Many of their fans, along with their family. were on hand last week to cheer them on.

“We want to give all our love and thanks to everyone for their well wishes and sup-port this past week,” wrote the brothers on their Facebook

page, as they look forward to performing in Memphis, where they will proudly repre-sent not only Austin, but their hometown of Hebbronville.

While the Palacios Brothers make newspaper headlines for their musical tunes regularly, their daddy Delio “Baby Red” Palacios, of Be-navides, Texas, has had a few “hits” of his own.

Described as a boxer who had a superb career in both the ama-teur and professional ranks by the WPHF, Delio’s best year as an ama-teur was in 1980, when he fought his

way to the National Quarter Finals and captured the Western Olympics Trials Crown.

As an amateur, Delio’s record was 97-6. He turned pro in 1981 and his bouts were frequently televised on the ESPN, HSE, and Telemundo networks.

As a pro, his record was 30-4., and at one time he was ranked #10 in the world, according to the World

Boxing Organization. Other rankings he attained in-

cluded #8 in the North American Boxing Federation, #1 in the Texas Ratings, and #2 in the Mid-America Listings.

A devout family man, he and his wife, Veronica, have five children and currently reside in Hebbron-ville, Texas, where he operates a small business.

The Palacios Brothers - Brian, Marcel and Delio Palacios

Delio Palacios (left) in an archived photo and story by the WPHF

... and their daddy was a hit, too

THE NEW YORK STORE

Back to School Sale303 EAST GALBRAITH

HEBBRONVILLE, TEXAS

361- 527 - 3412


(StatePoint) Feeling under the weather? Many common ailments, as well as serious life-threatening conditions, are caused by what you are and aren’t putting into your body, say experts.

“Even if you stick to a well-balanced diet, you may not be getting sufficient nutrients,” says Dr. Michael A. Smith M.D., author of the new book and educational tool, “The Supplement Pyramid‚“ and host of Healthy Talk on www.RadioMD.com.

In fact, nearly all Ameri-cans have an inadequate intake of Vitamin E and nearly a third does not get enough Vitamin C according to government statistics.

“It doesn’t matter how many fruits and vegetables

you‚re eating if they’re grown in nutrient-poor soil,” says Smith. “The unfortunate truth is that the nutrient content of our soil -- and thus our crops -- has been steadily declining for decades.”

While organic produce may reduce your exposure to pesticides, it doesn’t neces-sarily mean it will be more nutrient-rich. So in addition to a healthy diet, what can you do to ensure you’re getting suf-ficient nutrition? Smith offers a few tips:

- Take an ideally dosed multi-vitamin/mineral. From Vitamin A to zinc, your body is dependent on these nutrients for optimal health. But not all multivitamins are the same. Skip the bare-bones variety that provide minimal doses of

some essential nutrients, and opt for a robust multivitamin that delivers ideal doses of a full spectrum of essentials.

- Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that your body can’t live without, supporting mental and cognitive health, decreasing cardiovascular disease risk, and lowering systemic inflammation. But because your body can’ t make them, you either have to get omega-3 fatty acids through your diet or supplementation.

- All of your cells need energy to function, particu-larly your heart and brain cells. You may have never heard of coenzyme Q10, but it plays a critical role in cellular en-ergy production. Look for this supplement in ubiquinol form, which is absorbed much better

by the body.- It doesn’ t matter how

healthy your diet is. If your gut is compromised, it can’t extract the protein, carbohy-drates, fats, vitamins and min-erals you need to survive.

Not only that, but about 70 percent of your immune sys-tem is actually located in your gut. Since so many factors diminish levels of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, it’s essential to replenish

their numbers with daily pro-biotic supplementation.

- When seeking out supple-ments, stick with a company that has an established track record of selling high-quality products and uses only pure, potent raw materials.

They should also include dosages of key ingredients high enough to impact your health. Find out if your supple-ments make the grade by doing your research.

For free tools to build your personal supplement regimen and for more information about Smith’s new book, visit www.MySupplementPyramid.com. or call 1-855-870-0687.

Don’ t assume a healthy diet is sufficient. Key supple-ments can improve the way you feel

GARZA FUNERAL HOMENestor Garza III Belinda U. Garza

4571 S. F.M. 1329 120 Sun AvenueSan Diego, Texas 78384 Freer, Texas 78357(361) 279-3311 (361) 394-6161

Pre-Arranagements & Monumentswww.garzafuneralhome.com

“Our family serving your family”

SOLUTION ON PAGE 18

Working to improve your diet!


P.O. Box 613Benavides, Texas 78341

Robert (Chachi) Garcia361-701-1947

Mauro P. GarciaFuneral Homes Inc.

www.mauropgarcia.com

MAURO P. GARCIA FUNERAL HOMES INC.

MAURO P. GARCIA FUNERAL HOMES INC.

BETTY LOU GARCIA

Funeral Director/Pre-need [email protected]

P.O. Box 856San Diego, Texas

Cell: 361-562-6830

Phone Fax (361) 279-3213 (361) 279-2824

(StatePoint) No matter where you live, you want to make the most of your available living and storage space.

This is especially true for residents in urban areas who typically have smaller living spaces. And urban living is on the rise. As of 2010, more than half of all people lived in an urban area, and by 2030 it is anticipated that six out of every 10 people will be living in a city, according to the World Health Organization.

But less space doesn’t mean that you have to go without, say experts.

“A few simple adjustments can help you maintain your comfort in a small home,” says Robin Wilson, celebrity interior designer with expertise in cre-

ating healthy spaces.There are plenty of ways to “open

up” your living spaces to create more room.

The Living RoomChoose furniture for a small living

room that is appropriate for the space. For example, avoid sofas with skirts and select couches which are raised off the floor to create a more open look.

A large, strategically placed mirror can also help create the illusion that your living room is actually much larger than it is. The same goes for lack of clutter. Be sure to keep a small space organized with a daily once-over.

StorageLiving simply can go a long way

toward making your home feel larger. Every season, go through your closet and toss aside items that are worn out, no longer fit, or are out of style.

Use creative storage solutions to make more space. For example, an ottoman that doubles as a trunk is a great place to store old photos and keepsakes. A bike rack that mounts to the wall can clear valuable floor space in your foyer.

The KitchenThe kitchen is often the heart of the

home, particularly if you like entertain-ing or love to cook. Unfortunately, kitchens can get overcrowded quickly by excessive gadgetry.

“If counter space is at a premium,

use highly functional appliances that have multiple uses,” says Wilson.

The BathroomGive the illusion of space by deco-

rating with pale or pastel colors on the walls and floor. Avoid using bolder colors, except on towels and ornamen-tal pieces

Throughout the HomeEnsure that you have lighting at

floor, table and eye level to help limit shadows. Another trick is to use a tall lamp to draw eyes upwards and add height to the room.

A small home is no excuse for feel-ing cramped. With a few interior design strategies in place, you can make even the smallest space feel larger in size.

Home improvement tips to make the most of small places


By Marcella GossMi Vida Magazine

History records that the earliest European to set foot in North America arrived by accident. Alva Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, a highly respected explorer, nobleman, soldier, and missionary of sorts, along with his small band of men, were literally blown into history by a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico in 1527. They staggered onto the beach of a small island now known as Galveston Island in present day Texas.

Having survived the storm with no more than their lives, they began to move inland, trading mesquite fruit and prickly pear with the tribes of Indians they encountered. They spoke of the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever they went.

De Vaca had sailed from Spain in the summer of 1527 in search of the seven lost cities of gold, which had been described in stories that were spread by word of mouth in Europe. He had been com-

missioned by the king of Spain to explore the New World and to draw maps of where he went and what he discovered, all the while to spread Christianity to any native peoples he encountered.

Historians disagree about the route that De Vaca took as he moved inland and made his way to Mexico City, but it is pretty certain that he and his men came through the area now known as Jim Hogg County. He also traveled up the Rio Grande to the Pecos River, trading with the various tribes of Indians. He once came upon a small tribe in which many people were sick with some strange illness. De Vaca was soon acclaimed as a healer, because when he placed his hands upon the sick, they said that their pain im-mediately disappeared.

He and his men did not belong to any one tribe of the region, and so they were welcomed wherever they went, and befriended the native peoples in the region, trading, healing, and speaking of Christ to all.

There are "gaps" in the story of De Vaca's trip

through the South Texas region, because he did not keep a diary or journal of his travels. He only began to write of his experiences after he returned to Spain, and therefore only recorded from memory. But it is safe to say that De Vaca paved the way for other Spanish explorers to enter and explore the New World.

Some of these other explorers that followed in De Vaca's path were Cortez, Mendoza, and De Leon. They all came in search of great wealth, and to explore the land and to spread Christianity, and to claim the land for Spain.

Even though they considered themselves to be missionaries, they were still soldiers. They were ag-gressive and violent in their dealings with the native tribes. History records that Cortez and his soldiers once came upon a tribe of Indians in present day New Mexico. The Indians were in the midst of a sacred ceremony when they saw the strangers coming,

See SPANISH, Page 17

Early Spanish explorers sought new land, renewed wealth

David D. TowlerAttorney at Law

Board Certified. Personal Injury Trial Law.Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Email: [email protected]

P.O. Box 569 TEL. (361) 279-3368410 E. Collins FAX: (361) 279-2543San Diego, Texas 78383 TOLL FREE 1-800-701-2299

Duval County Attorney Rocky Carrillo & Staff

Compliments of

Reminding you not to drink and drive

Ninfa, Tina, Venessa & David361-279-6232



Luchazie General Store & Restaurant opened its doors in September 2009. Luis and Gracie Pizzini have devoted many hours to their locally owned business. The initial concept was to offer the community a one stop shop with a convenience store and restaurant rolled into one. Since 2009, Luchazie’s has evolved into much more; Luchazie Catering, Luchazie Transport, and Luchazie Auto Sales. Mr. Pizzini has ventured into unchartered territory but never gets discouraged with the many road blocks that are encountered with the process of expansion and dreaming big.

Luchazie’s Restaurant operates seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They pride them-selves on the home-style cooking prepared fresh daily. Luchazie patrons will have a family friendly dining experience. You may ask, “What’s good to eat?” Well you can start the morning with the “Big Buck” breakfast taco. This is one huge taco to contend with and a favorite of many hunters. Let’s not forget the 1/2 lb angus burger, beef brisket, Ribeye steak, shrimp, fried catfish and hand battered chicken and steak strips! Staying true to their roots, the menu also includes carne guisada, enchiladas, tacos, menudo, cabrito guisado, to name a few. Luchazie Catering takes the delicious menu on the road. Catering to oilfield sites, weddings, family reunions, and other special events are welcomed.

Luchazie General Store offers a variety of goods which range from your traditional convenience store finds to speciality items. They are authorized dealers for GameGuard apparel, Gulf Coast coolers, Circle E Candles, and Moore Maker knives. Local ranches also have a selection of feeds for cows, horses, goats, poultry and wild game. Handbags, jewelry and home decor are also available.

Luchazie Auto Sales offers Pre-owned vehicles at affordable prices. Mr. Pizzini is planning on expanding the car lot within the next few months and have a full-times sales representative on staff.

Luchazie Transport extends the business beyond South Texas. The primary cargo items are oilfield equipment, oilfield parts and hazardous material. Luchazie holds operating authority for interstate transport equipped with six trucks and five gooseneck trailers. The ultimate goal is “Delivering prompt and reliable service!”


A history of the Corpus Christi, San Diego and Rio Grande Railroad

By Cynthia GutierrezMi Vida Magazine

We take so many things for granted just because they’ve always been there. Take, for example, the rail-road. The history of the establishment and construction of the CCSD & RG railroad started even before the com-munities that grew in the area. Uriah Lott was credited with promoting and building the CCSD&RG. He built over 1400 miles of track, ultimately con-necting Corpus Christi with Laredo, Kerrville with San Antonio, Waco with Aransas Pass, and Brownsville with Houston.

THE EARLY DAYS

When Lott arrived in the area in 1866 from New York, people traveled by stage or horseback and goods were transported by wagon or two-wheeled Mexican carts. In 1868, wagons moved 1,402,000 lbs. of wool and 85,713 lbs. of skins from Corpus Christi to Northern Mexico. It was slow and expensive. It was also dangerous. They were often attacked by bandidos or Indians.

As early as 1856, businessmen had attempted to connect Corpus Christi by rail to Northern Mexico, but were interrupted by the Civil War. In 1866, the Texas Legislature approved a char-ter for the building of this railroad, but the financing for this project was not yet available. In 1874, however, it was decided that a narrow gauge (3 foot) track would be less expensive than a standard gauge (4.8 foot) track and plans to run a railroad from Corpus

Christi, through San Diego, to a termi-nus at the Rio Grande River, Laredo, were dusted off. In December of 1874, Uriah Lott was voted as president of the CCSD&RG Railroad. The first thing Lott did was renew the charter for the proposed narrow gauge line. House Bill #714 was passed and signed into law by Governor Richard Coke on March 13, 1875. The charter required that the railroad company would construct a railroad line together with a telegraph line from Corpus Christi to San Diego with a branch to Laredo. The company was required to complete 50 miles within two years, and ten miles each year thereafter or the charter would be forfeited. It also required the company to establish a depot within .5 miles of any county seat along the route.

In exchange for establishing a train route, the state gave the railroad company 16 sections of public land for each mile of completed track. This land was sold by the company to investors to raise capital for the project.

Construction of the line started soon after the charter was signed into law. The first rail was laid in a ceremony at the location near the new depot. The first spike was gold plated. Not surpris-ingly, it was stolen later that evening. Lott purchased the first locomotive for $6,500 and had it placed on the first length of track. The first short train trip was made in December of 1876 with one locomotive and two flat cars. This first trip was eventful, attended by sev-eral prominent citizens, including the mayor of Corpus Christi. The trip out was successful, but on the way back the engine blew a plug, releasing the water and putting out the engine fire. The trip

back was powered by a team of horses. Daily excursions were offered after that for a 50 cent fare.

INDIAN ATTACKS

When the first ten miles of track were completed in March of 1877, Governor Hubbard approved the inspection of the line and authorized the transfer of the first 100,000 acres of public land to the company. Track laying continued westward another 15 miles to Banquete Creek, where the construction crew was attacked by In-dians, killing all but two of the workers. The construction of track continued westward in 15-mile increments all the way to Collins (later named Alice), Texas, working through obstacles such as the quarantine of the Corpus Christi harbor in 1878. By this time they had acquired more than 400,000 acres of public land. However, they were not able to sell the land certificates to fund the project, until Richard King and Mifflin Kenedy provided the financing in exchange for a controlling interest in the company. With this funding, Lott was able to push construction until

they reached San Diego, 53 miles west of Corpus Christi, in 1879. Unfortu-nately, due to the delays caused by the quarantine, the company did not fulfill the requirements of the charter. How-ever, the Texas Legislature granted them an extension in 1879.

The last leg of construction began in 1880 but was slowed down by the Galveston hurricane, which flooded the area and slowed the shipping of iron. The station beyond San Diego was Be-navides. By the end of 1880, the tracks reached Realitos, 90 miles west of Cor-pus Christi. By this time, the railroad had acquired almost 1 million acres of public land from the state, most of which ended up as part of the King Ranch in return for Richard King’s financing of the company. For a time, the company considered turning south toward Roma, but a cholera outbreak in Clay Davis (near Rio Grande City) forced them to reconsider, continuing on toward Laredo.

In 1880, Lott and his partners sold the CCSD&RG for 5 million dollars to the Palmer-Sullivan syndicate, which was nearing completion of a line from Mexico City north to Laredo. The last

It was a gold plated spike that marked the beginning of the Corpus Christi, San Diego and Rio Grande Railroad. Not surprisingly, it was stolen later that evening.

AN EARLY 20TH CENTURY PHOTO OF THE BENAVIDES DEPOT


The last timetable for CCSD&RG was issued on January 20, 1880. Ten days later, the Texas-Mexican Railway was incorporated. After the CCSD&RG was sold to the Palmer-Sullivan Syn-dicate, it became incorporated as the Texas Mexican Railroad on January 30, 1881 and actual operation was taken over on February 17, 1881.

The first order of business was construction and inspection of the last 40 miles of track, completed in Sep-

tember of 1881, to within three miles of Laredo; and the Tex-Mex received its first 400,000 acres of land. Through trains began to operate from Corpus Christi to Laredo, handling freight, passengers, and express matter, it took news four days to get from San Antonio to Laredo.

SEVEN LOCOMOTIVES

The first annual report of the Tex

Mex indicated that it employed 529 men and 1416 other laborers. No state land had yet been sold. At this time, the Tex Mex was operated by the Mexican National Railroad Company of Mexico. Palmer-Sullivan announced its intentions to expand, proposing con-nections totaling more than 1,000 miles of track. However, this ambitious project was never started. In 1882, the Tex Mex reported that it operated seven locomotives, six passenger cars, 44 boxcars, 95 flatcars, and 18 coal cars. In 1883, as the Tex-Mex

made its way to Laredo, land required for a townsite in this area was needed. Francisco P. Peña, operator of Peña Station on this route, refused to sell land to the railroad for a townsite. The company then approached J. R. Heb-bron, who arranged for the sale of land for the new townsite, near Peñitas. The old train station at Peñitas was then loaded onto a flatcar, moved west and was named Hebbronville.

By 1885, the San Antonio & Aran-sas Pass line crossed the Tex Mex at Alice, Texas, but it was a standard gauge line, so cattle pens, transfer tracks, and platforms had to be built there. This forced Tex Mex crews to double as cattle hands to load and un-load livestock because all animals and freight had to move from the narrow gauge cars to the standard cars.

Some of the more interesting products shipped in 1887 included: 11,771 lbs. chili; 1,658,699 lbs. sugar; 1,512,415 lbs. silver and lead ore; 2,460,857 lbs. bullion; and 12,697,671 lbs. of coal. Freight revenues gener-ated for 1887 amounted to $130,174. New offices and repair facilities were constructed in Laredo in 1890, creating the largest engine facilities west of the Mississippi River and were able to 40 engines at a time.

REVOLUTION

The Mexican Revolution of this period did not interrupt train move-ment, however, the new government confiscated and nationalized all rail-roads in Mexico and the Tex Mex was taken over by the National Railroad Company of Mexico (N de M), and sold $80,000,000 in bonds to finance future construction. The N de M then began preparations to convert the line to a standard gauge, 4’8.5.” During this extensive renovation, workmen and their families lived in section cars at the Laredo company shop and as the work continued, workers used the caboose to haul ties. They also took ad-vantage of the plentiful game, bringing down quail, deer, and the occasional javelina.

RECEIVERSHIP

From 1875 on, all Tex Mex engines were wood burning engines fueled by mesquite, until 1906 when they be-gan using coal. Extra tankers carried water for the engines. The water was supplied from tanks located along the route. These tanks also supplied water for the stock pens located at these sta-tions. Due to inadequate water supply and poor repair facilities, the cost of repair was very high and by 1914, N de M defaulted on its bond issue. The Tex Mex was placed in receivership and all N de M equipment operating in Texas was seized for assets. Over the following years, however, the Mexican government paid off the debt and got Tex Mex out of receivership.

By 1920, all new engines were equipped to use fuel oil. Repair facili-ties in Laredo continued to fall into

THE DEPOT AT CRESTONIO, LOCATED ON THE TEXAS-MEXICAN RAILWAY 20 MILES SOUTHWEST OF BENAVIDES

Through trains began to operate from Corpus Christi to Laredo - handling freight, passengers and express matter - it took news four days to get from San Antonio to Laredo.

AN EARLY 20TH CENTURY PHOTO SHOWS A GROUP OF MEN GATHERED AT AN UNKNOWN LOCATION IN EARLY BENAVIDES

See RAILROAD, Page 19


Q: We know it's not possible to rain cats and dogs, but sometimes you hear about frogs and other animals coming down from the sky. Is this possible?

A: It is, and it's happened many times throughout history, says Brent McRob-erts of Texas A&M University. "There are reports of it raining frogs, fishes and even snakes going back almost 2,000 years," McRoberts says. "In the past 300 years, many of these have been carefully documented and witnessed by hundreds of people. Most of these have involved frogs and fish, but others have seen such things as corn, snakes, flowers and other materials. In 1873, it was reported that parts of Kansas City were covered with frogs that had dropped from the sky. In 1997, a Japanese fishing vessel was sunk by one of several cows falling from the sky, in an almost unbelievable tale that was later verified by the Russian Air Force."

Q: What causes these things to fall from the sky?A: The most generally accepted answer is that small creatures, such as fish

or frogs, are sucked up high into the air by either very strong thunderstorms or tornadoes, McRoberts explains. "Over the ocean, a waterspout — a tornado that forms over water — can produce strong enough winds to carry small fish into the

WEATHER WHYS: Yes it can rain fish and frogs!Q: Is it true that lightning never strikes twice in the same spot?A: That's one of several big myths about lightning, says Brent McRoberts

of Texas A&M University. "Lightning often strikes the same location multiple times," he reports. "Just look at the Empire State Building, which gets hit by lightning nearly 100 times on average each year, often several times in the same day. The Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) in Chicago and Cape Canaveral in Florida also get hit by lightning dozens of times each year. In general, any tall structures, such as buildings or radio or TV transmission towers, are almost certainly going to be hit by lightning."

Q: What are some other lightning myths?A: Some people claim they are human "lightning rods" because they have been

hit several times, although no one has ever produced proof of this, McRoberts adds. "Another myth is that it's good to seek shelter under a tree during a storm. Again, they are tall objects and more likely to be hit. Some people believe that others struck by lightning shouldn't be touched because they will get shocked. This is totally untrue – people who have been hit need immediate help. Another myth – being inside a house means you won't get hit by lightning. Although your chances are greatly reduced by being inside, there are hundreds of cases of people being hit by lightning inside their homes, often while talking on the telephone. It's always a good idea to stay off the phone during a thunderstorm. It’s also true that carrying an umbrella increases your chances of being hit."

air. There are instances of some of these creatures being carried long distances because there was no water nearby. Maybe one of the strangest occurred in 1877 when The New York Times reported that several small alligators had fallen from the sky onto a South Carolina farm, and in August of 2001, the Wichita, Kansas, area experienced rain mixed with cornhusks, some of them 30 inches long."

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CARLOS J. MONTEMAYOR - TAX COLLECTOR

Aleida L. Luera - Motor Vehicle chief DeputyDiana Cubriel - Deputy Clerk

Sylvia Ann Espinosa - Tax Chief DeputyRosie P. Garcia - Deputy ClerkRachel R. Perez - Deputy ClerkVenessa Vasquez - Deputy Clerk

Rosie Flores - Delinquent Attorney’s Clerk

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If you would like an Ancestry Family History Booklet please submit a request with your current or past history of your family in order to make sure you are part of this family history before receiving one. It is 66 pages long with relatives as far back as year 1716 and it is FREE by mail only. Contact Armando Ramirez 713-962-3910, text, or email [email protected] Inquiries to:Ramirez/Garcia Ancestry Family Request, 2938 Mission Valley Drive, Missouri City, TX 77459

Listed below are some (but not all) rela-tives listed in booklet: Maximiliano Ramir-ez & San Juana Garcia; Arturo Ramirez & Gregoria Benavides; Ramiro Ramirez & Fidela Alaniz; Librado Ramirez & Fran-

cisca Sanchez; Olivia Ramirez & Ricardo Munoz Marroquin; Olivia Ramirez & Adan Castillo Martinez; Abel Ramirez & Rosa Esperanza Hernandez; Leonel Ramirez & Isabel Mendez; Leonel Ramirez & Maria Diamantina Saenz; Alberto G. Garcia & Manuela Trevino; Antonio Flores & Geno-vera Ramirez; Agustin Ramirez & Maria De La Luz Ybanez; Valentin Ramirez & Maria Garcia; Tomas Soliz Ramirez & Dora A. Almaraz; Rene Javier Ramirez & Jo Marie Hill; Tomas Ramirez Jr. & Maria De Jesus Garcia; Gregorio Ramirez & Hermogenes Guerra; Bruno Renato Ramirez & Aurora Goana; David Ramirez & Diana Angelica Martinez; Ysidro Al-maraz & Maria Maura Ramirez; Jose Cantu

Ramirez & Andrea San Miguel; Jose Cantu Ramirez & Maria Guadalupe Vela; Jose Zaragoza Garza & Ernestina Hortencia Garcia; Reyes Guerra Sr. & Isabel Garcia; Librado Garcia & Idolina Eva Sanchez; Reymundo Guerra & Raquel Garcia; Jesus Guerrero Sr. & Maria Elda Garcia; Jesus Maria Garcia & Viviana Sanchez; Alonzo Smith & Estela Garcia;Jorge Luis Ramirez & Josefina Cabrera; Mauro Ramirez & Leslee Ann Young; Hector Javier Ramirez & Patty R. Couch; Rodolfo Ramirez & Bernadina Salazar; Carlos Alberto Mo-rales & Laura Lynette Ramirez; Venansio Castillo & Norma Lydia Ramirez; Roberto Valentin Ramirez & Megan Patricia De-vereux; William George Bullock & Rose Mary Ramirez; Hector Javier Ramirez & Delfina Leticia Davis; Jorge A. Arredondo & Yvette Ramirez; Oscar Amador Mal-

donado Jr & Lisa Ramirez; Rodney Ray Castillo & Teresa Marie Ramirez; Eric Rene Ramirez & Suzanne Irene Laza; David Reagan Ramirez & Roberta Grisel Ramirez; Abelardo Alaniz & Selina Ramir-ez; Pablo Munoz & Amelia Ramirez; Wal-lace Gregory Gordon & Rebecca Ramirez; Kevin Baley Daniels & Dalia Ramirez; Arnoldo Ramirez & Lucia Salinas; Brian Alexander Adelman & Nora Liza Ramirez; Edward T. Garza Jr & Guadalupe Garcia; Marcos Garcia & Melissa Valdez; Jo Rikki Ramirez, Emmanuel Rene Ramirez, Yo-landa Garcia, Rene Mario Ramirez, Daniel Eden Ramirez, Arturo David Ramirez, Ma-ria Elda Ramirez, Gloria Diana Marroquin, Noemi Martinez, Stella Ramirez, Cynthia Ann Ramirez, Aurelia Marie Ramirez, Francesca Marie Ramirez, Pedro Rene Ramirez, Kevin Daniel Garcia.

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1. Eat quickly and greedily6. Store sign, abbr.9. Life saver13. Gastric woe14. Poetic “before”15. *Geometry tool16. Mood disorder somewhat opposite of depression17. Pitching stat18. Fill with optimism19. *Not needed for an oral test21. *Jeff Spicoli’s history teacher23. Blue feeling24. *Do it to term papers, pre-word processors25. Insane28. Adherent of Sikhism30. African snake whose bite can be fatal, pl.35. Lode deposits37. Change for a five39. Make a logical connection40. Plural of velum41. Customs, values and behaviors acceptable to a social group43. Astronaut’s insignia44. “Vide _____” or “see below”46. *Mrs. Krabappel’s naughty student47. Big ____ at 7-Eleven48. *Lunch period activity50. A secret look52. Casual attire53. Sports award55. Goose egg57. *Teacher who made “wha wha wha” sound60. *One for each class?63. Very, in music64. ___-Wan66. Enter a computer68. Sauvignon _____69. National University of Singapore70. It follows the strophe and antistrophe71. Electricity pathway72. “C’___ la vie!”73. Torn downDOWN1. *Math class total2. *Done after school play3. *High school breakout4. Secretariat’s controls5. Brawl6. Obedience school command7. *Short for reading, writing and arithmetic8. Squalid9. Waikiki dance10. Distinctive flair11. Retired, abbr.12. Iron ___15. Heat again20. “Pulling my leg,” e.g.22. Dashboard abbr.24. Health problem remediation25. *”Back to School” or “Blackboard Jungle,” e.g.26. “Gladiator” setting27. Dutch pottery city29. Door ____31. Chinese dynasty (1368-1644)32. An outstanding example of its kind33. Bridal path34. *Hogwarts’ potions professor36. Delhi wrap

38. Arid42. Dictation taker45. Lacking vigor or energy49. General Services Administration51. ______ whale54. Lying facedown56. Parkinson’s disease drug57. 1952 Olympics site58. Boris Godunov, for one59. Full house, e.g.60. Pugilist’s weapon61. Prima donnas’ problems62. Was a passenger63. *Early hit from Michael Jackson65. *Its business is picking up and dropping off67. Netherlands in the Olympics SOLUTION

August 5, 1861 - President Abraham Lincoln signs into law the first Federal income tax on incomes over $800. The tax was never actually put into effect.

August 26, 1883 - One of the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions in recorded history oc-curred on the Indonesian island of Krakatoa. Explosions were heard 2,000 miles away.

August 14, 1935 - President Roosevelt signed the Social Se-curity Act establishing the sys-tem which guarantees pensions to those who retire at age 65.

August 5, 1962 - Film star Marilyn Monroe dies at the age 36 from an alleged overdose of sleeping pills.

August 6, 1965 - The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

August 9, 1974 - Effective at noon, Richard M. Nixon re-signed the presidency as a result of the Watergate scandal. Nixon had appeared on television the night before and announced his decision to the American people. Facing possible impeachment by Congress, he became the only U.S. President ever to resign.

August 19, 1991 - Soviet hard-line Communists staged a coup, temporarily removing Mikhail Gorbachev from power. The coup failed within 72 hours and the Communist Party was soon banned with the Soviet Union itself disintegrating.

This month in History


with the sun shining off of the metal armor they wore and the shields and swords they carried with them. The tribal priest poured a line of cornmeal on the ground, and told the strangers not to cross the line. His warning was ignored and fighting quickly erupted. The Indians were soon overrun, and were forced at the point of a sword to swear allegiance to Christianity.

Over time South Texas as well as most of the land west of the Mississippi River was claimed by Spain. They continued settling the New World by sending missionaries and priests, who built missions through the area.

When we go to visit the Spanish missions that exist in Texas today, we see old stone buildings surrounded by modern skyscrapers, such as the Alamo in downtown San Antonio. And it's hard to imagine what the missions looked like when they were first built.

A mission was a small community of sorts, and

also somewhat of a military installation. It was sur-rounded by a wall, usually made of stone. Inside the walls were lookout posts, stores, vegetable gardens, quarters for military personnel, the church, which many times also served as a school for the children, and private residences for families. Horses, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, dairy cattle and beef cattle were penned in corrals.

The Spaniards had brought cattle with them from Europe, and the herds multiplied and were traded to the Indians, along with horses, which revolutionized the American Indian culture completely.

For maybe thousands of years, the Indian of North America was limited in his abilities to sustain life for himself and his family by the distance he could travel on foot. But when the horse came with the Spaniards from Europe, he was elevated to a state of mobility he had never had before.

He could travel far greater distances from his home, and therefore could hunt for game over a

much greater area. He could visit neighboring tribes, and trade with them. As a result, people who had never seen the ocean could adorn their cloth-ing with seashells, and people of different ways of life could interact with one another in a way never before possible.

Cattle were traded through the various tribes, and thus began the ranching culture. Regardless of what you see in a John Wayne movie, the first cowboys

were Spaniards. The cattle trade fostered the begin-ning of the ranch-ing industry as we know it today, here in South Texas and throughout North America.

The coming of more and more Eu-

ropeans and the further explorations and settlements of the western United States led to a demand for beef. It also led to land grants from the king of Spain, and the first American ranches were born.

The cattle on these grants or parcels of land had to be tended. They had to be moved from one location to another. Water had to be secured for them. The tending of these cattle gave birth to the vaquero, who gave birth to the present day ranching culture we have in South Texas today. The vaqueros invented their own tools; pieces of equipment needed to tend the cattle. They fashioned reins, ropes, whips, saddles, boots, and chaps out of leather.

People travel from all over the world today to Raymondville, Texas, to have master leather crafts-man and boot maker, Duarpe Rios, make a pair of boots for them. Rios' family ancestry traces back to the early day vaqueros, who had a need for durable, well made leather footwear to protect them while working cattle.

The vaquero designed his own costume, or uni-form, too. The hat, the trousers, the belt, the shirt he wore, were all of his own creation, evolving from his work on horseback and the climate of the region. When we walk into a saddle shop or western wear store in Kingsville, Laredo, or Raymondville today, we find many of the same basic items invented by the first Spaniard vaqueros.

Even though they may be mass produced in a factory today, they are made from the same basic materials, and their design has changed very little, if any, over the centuries.

If you were to talk to one of the vaqueros work-ing on a ranch today, and asked him what piece of equipment he could not possibly do without, he would undoubtedly name his rope, his saddle, his chaps, or his boots, that was invented hundreds of years ago by the vaqueros.

SPANISH - From Page 9

‘Regardless of what you see in a John Wayne movie, the first cowboys were Spaniards.’

Top Photo: The Alamo in a public domain illustra-tion. Bottom Photo: A 19th century warrior stands in front of a makeshift tee-pee in a re-enactment photo.


(StatePoint) With childhood obesity on the rise, making sure kids eat right and get plenty of exercise is vital.

Parents and caregivers can play a big role in children’s nutrition and health, teaching kids about healthy foods, being a good role model and making sure physical activity is incor-porated into each day.

August, which is Kids Eat Right Month, is a great time for families to focus on the importance of health-ful eating and active lifestyles. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is encouraging families to take the following steps:

- Shop Smart. To encourage a healthy lifestyle, get your children involved in selecting the food that will appear at the breakfast, lunch or dinner table.

- Cook Healthy. Involve your child in the cutting, mixing and preparation of meals. They will learn about food and may even be enticed to try new foods they helped prepare.

- Eat Right. Sit down together as a family to enjoy a wonderful meal and the opportunity to share the day’s ex-periences with one another. Research indicates that those families who eat

together have a stronger bond, and children have higher self-confidence and perform better in school.

- Healthy Habits. You can help kids form great, healthy habits by setting a good example. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, choose lower-sodium options, and make at least half the grains your family eats whole grains. For beverages, choose water over sugary drinks, and opt for fat-free or low-fat milk.

- Get Moving. Aside from being a great way to spend time together, regular physical activity is vital to strengthen muscle and bones, promote a healthy body weight, support learn-ing, develop social skills and build self-esteem. Kids are encouraged to be active for 60 minutes per day.

Getting kids to eat right can some-times be a challenge, particularly if they are picky eaters. But experts say that a conversation can help.

- Talk to your children. Learn the foods they like. Teach them about the foods they need for their growing bod-ies. Find ways together to make sure they have the knowledge and ability to eat healthy and tasty foods at every meal.

August is Kids Eat Right Month: Nutrition Tips For Families

disrepair and by 1939, it was inad-equate and inefficient. However, by that year, Tex Mex had begun the conversion to diesel engines and was the first Class I railroad in the nation to convert completely to an all diesel fleet, marking the beginning of the modern Tex Mex Railroad. It could now pull freight trains at speeds of up to 70 mph.

At one time, four round trip passenger trains ran daily between Robstown and Corpus Christi. Difficulties with the Laredo Inter-national Bridge, jointly owned by the Tex Mex and N de M, continued whenever heavy rains interrupted railway service. The bridge was last washed out in June of 1954 when a hurricane dumped heavy rain up river from Laredo causing a washout. The Rio Grande River crested at 62 feet, flooding the three center spans of the bridge. It took six months to repair, but since the Falcon Dam began operations in 1962, this problem has been cor-rected.

By 1982, the Mexican gov-ernment owned 96% interest in the company and auctioned it to Transportation Maritima Mexi-cana (TMM) for $31,000,000. and Mexrail took over the operations. In 1994, Kansas City Southern purchased a 49% interest in the Tex Mex. By 1997, the Tex Mex was running 12 trains a day, with an average of 75-110 cars each and results of the NAFTA agreement after 1994 dramatically boosted operations. Today the Tex Mex has a number of customers that they have served for over 100 years.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Information for this article from: Journal of Texas Shortline Railroads, Lester Haines Pub.


By Julia Castellano-Hoyt

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Frank Kormos remembers the dusty cem-eteries of rural North Texas where he helped lay to rest poverty-stricken se-niors during the Great Depression.

“Before Social Security, there were people starving and they hardly had any place to live,” said Kormos. “They didn’t have retirement. That just didn’t exist. And when these folks passed, we would just go and dig graves for them in humble country cemeteries.”

Raised on small farms, Kormos, now 99 and living in Dallas, is a retired automotive engine expert, as well as a veteran of the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. The long-time volunteer for AARP Texas started collecting Social Security a quarter-century ago. He sees the program as far more than a safety net for people to retire with dignity and security.

“It’s the best thing we ever did in this country,” he said. “Social Security is the greatest thing that could have ever happened.”

August 14 is the 79th anniversary of Social Security, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law to protect ordinary Americans “against the loss of a job and poverty-ridden old age.” In Texas today, 3.6 million, or one of seven residents, receive Social Security, including 88 percent of all Texans over the age of 65.

Texans earn their benefits through a lifetime of hard work. As a result, it insures families against the loss of income caused by retirement, disability, or death.

Like Frank Kormos, I also grew up in rural Texas. Raised in the small town of Poth, outside San Antonio, I had five brothers and two sisters whom my father supported until he died of lung cancer. After his death, our family members took jobs to support

ourselves. It was the survivor benefits offered to my mother by Social Security that kept us from being destitute.

But my plight is hardly unique. Each year, Social Security lifts 789,000 Texan retirees from poverty. Nearly 41 percent of Texas’ 65-plus population would fall into incomes below poverty if not for Social Security. As such, Social Security is an engine for Texas’ growing economy.

As a vast program often subject to debate over its long-term outlook, misunderstandings exist about Social Security, said AARP Texas volunteer Carla Penny of Austin who previously served on the national AARP Policy Council.

Penny said many younger workers, especially “Millennials” born after the 1980s, fear Social Security may not be available to them or future generations. But she and other experts insist that while steps eventually need to be taken to address the solvency of the program, Social Security is strong overall.

A new Social Security Trustees’ report finds that the combined Old Age, Survivor and Disability Insurance Trust Fund can pay full retirement, survivor and disability benefits for approxi-mately two more decades, and about 75 percent of benefits beyond that time for at least several generations more. In response to the July 28 report, AARP Executive Vice President Nancy Lea-Mond says what ought to happen now

is “an honest, open, national discussion about the value of Social Security and its importance to millions of retired workers, spouses, children, veterans, and persons with disabilities.”

Penny, of Austin, agrees, and she said there are probably a dozen or more ways Social Security could be strengthened. Delaying discussion in Washington, if not also action, she said, will likely only result in the need for more drastic remedies.

When it comes to the importance of Social Security, there’s strong advo-cacy in Houston from Ronnie McNab. He’s 50 and a new AARP member. He works part-time at a food pantry and is unable to keep longer hours due to health conditions following an accident that hospitalized him for six weeks with a coma and memory loss. He collects Social Security disability benefits.

“If I wasn’t on Social Security, no kidding, I would have to live out on the streets,” he said. “For me, it’s definitely necessary. I’m making it because Social Security is part of the mix.”

-----Julia Castellano-Hoyt is a volun-

teer with the AARP Texas Executive Council. She is retired from the City of San Antonio where she was the first Hispanic woman to serve as an assis-tant to the mayor and the first Hispanic social services administrator. She also worked as a teacher and served on the Bexar County Welfare Board. She also served in the military as a member of the Women’s Army Corps.

- - - - -

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, including more than 2.2 million Texans.

RAILROAD - From Page 13

At 79, Social Security still an engine for the economy“It’s the best thing we ever did in this country,” says Frank Kromos. “So-cial Security is the great-est thing that could have ever happened.”


P&J ELECTRIC INC.100 N. JULIANSAN DIEGO, TEXAS

hydro excavation service, a non-me-chanical, non-destructive process that uses pressurized water and industrial strength vacuum to simultaneously excavate and evacuate soil. Hydro excavation uses water to break up soil, which virtually eliminates any risk of underground utility damage.

“Its a safer, faster, more precise excavation that requires less backfill,

labor, restoration, and has less environ-mental impact than traditional excava-tion techniques.”

At its San Diego offices, the com-pany’s facility’s provide training for as little as two to as many as 20 trainees per session.

“We do work that a lot of other companies don’t do, including electric and instrumentation work,” Guerra

said. “The electrical work installs cash registers for gas and oil companies, which is how they buy and sell gas. The equipment is SCADA, (a system operating with coded signals over com-munication channels to provide control of remote equipment using [typically] one communication channel per remote station).

“There aren’t too many companies

that do this. This technology is updated every three to four years, so there is always new equipment/technology coming up to measure gas. That’s what keeps us going,” said Guerra.

“For now, we expect the boom to continue. We have not looked back, we’ve gone forward and expect another five years of drilling followed by years of maintenance,” he concluded.

P&J - From Page 3

361-279-2700 Fax: (361) 279-3189

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